When it’s time to wear your bulky sweaters and delicate cardigans, you might notice that they’re looking stretched out or they have bumps on the shoulders. These things are due to gravity pulling the thick fibers as the sweater hangs on the hanger, causing the fibers to stretch and press against one another. To prevent stretching, hanger bumps, and wrinkles, you can hang your sweaters by folding them around the hanger or over the bar of the hanger.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Hanging to Prevent Stretching

1. Fold the sweater in half vertically, with both arms facing the same direction. Hold the sweater up by the shoulders and fold it down the center. Make sure the arms of the sweater are lined up, and then lay the sweater onto a flat surface.^[1]
   
   • To reduce wrinkles, you can smooth the sweater with your hands after you fold it.
   • This method can be used for both cardigans and pullovers.
2. Place the hanger on top of the sweater with the hook under the armpit. Lay the hanger down on the folded sweater. Then, move the hanger so that the hook of the hanger is situated in the open space between the sleeves and the torso of the sweater. Depending on which way you placed your sweater, this might be on the left or the right side.^[2]
   
   • The open part of the hook can be facing upwards or downwards, as long as the hook part of the hanger is in the right place.
3. Fold the sleeves over the shoulder of the hanger. You can fold them both together at the same time, or do them one at a time to make them easier to maneuver. Make sure the sleeves are as close to the hook as possible when they’re folded.^[3]
   
   • If you’re using a hanger with a bottom bar, you can tuck the sleeves through the hanger and under the bar once you fold them over the shoulder. This will help keep the sleeves in place while you hang the rest of the sweater.
4. Wrap the body over the other shoulder of the hanger. Hold the torso of the sweater, and fold it over the other shoulder of the hanger so that it lays over top of the sleeves. This will create a sort of triangular shape, with the sweater wrapped around the hanger.^[4]
   
   • You can also tuck the torso of the sweater under the bottom bar of the hanger if it has one to help keep the sweater on the hanger.
5. Hang the sweater in your closet. Lift the hanger by the hook, and carefully transfer the sweater to the closet. When you hang it up, make sure the sleeves and torso of the sweater are still in place and not scrunched up.^[5]
   
   • If you’re using a plastic or wooden hanger, be aware that the sweater might slip off of the hanger, especially if the sleeves and torso aren’t tucked into the bottom bar of the hanger.
   • To prevent slippage, you can use a felt-coated or velvet-coated hanger which will hold the sweater in place.

[Edit]Preventing Hanger Bumps and Wrinkles

1. Lay the sweater face-down and place a piece of tissue paper along the back. Place the sweater on a flat surface, and use your hand to smooth any wrinkles along the back of the sweater. Remember to cut or fold the tissue paper so that it fits on the back of the sweater with no overhang.^[6]
   
   • The tissue paper keeps the fibers of the sweater from molding to the hanger, which causes bumps and hanger marks. Additionally the paper prevents the fibers from catching on each other and bunching, which can cause wrinkles.
   • The tissue paper should touch just below the collar and reach all the way to the bottom hem of the sweater.
2. Fold the sleeves in on the paper so they're crossing over each other. Take one sleeve and place it across the back of the sweater so that the cuff touches the opposite side of the sweater. Do the same with the other sleeve, forming an “X” on the back of the sweater with the sleeves.^[7]
   
   • Be sure to smooth the sleeves as well to keep them from creasing when you hang the sweater.
3. Place the hanger upside down at the bottom hem of the sweater. Use a hanger that has a bar across the bottom connecting the two sides. Position it so that the bar is on top of the bottom hem of the sweater, with the hook facing away from the sweater.^[8]
   
   • Make sure the tissue paper is also under the bar, as this will also be folded and hung up with the sweater to keep the fibers from rubbing against each other and molding to the hanger.
4. Pull the bottom of the sweater through the hanger, stopping in the middle. Grasp the bottom hem and work it through the middle of the hanger, under the bar. Make sure the sleeves move through the hanger, and then position the hanger in the middle of the sweater, with the hook on the front side of the sweater.^[9]
   
   • Once the bottom hems and the sleeves are through the hanger, it may be easier to slide the hanger up to the center of the sweater, rather than pulling it through. Test both techniques to see which one works best for you.
5. Fold the sweater in half over the bar and hang it in your closet. Lift the bottom hem of the sweater and the sleeves, and fold them over the bar to rest on the top half of the sweater. Then, lift the hanger by the hook and carefully place it in your closet.^[10]
   
   • Make sure the sweater doesn’t become wrinkled when you put it in the closet.

[Edit]Tips

• Avoid hanging your sweaters by the shoulders like you would a regular shirt. This can cause shoulder dents in the fabric which are quite difficult to remove.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

The world can sometimes seem like an unfriendly, threatening place. But by recognizing acts of kindness and doing something kind for someone else, you can kick-start a chain reaction of generosity and thoughtful behavior, brightening the mood of friends, neighbors, and strangers alike. Paying it forward in this way will feel good and make someone else feel good, too.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Starting a Chain Reaction

1. Use pay it forward cards to tell people what you’re doing. A pay it forward card is a small card that explains the idea behind paying it forward and encourages recipients to continue the process. Download pay it forward cards from the web and print them out. When paying it forward, leave a pay it forward card behind to ensure that the person who benefits from your kindness understands your motivation and pays it forward in their own way.^[1]
   
2. Pay for the person behind you in a drive-through lane. When you arrive at the drive-through window to pay for your order, tell the cashier that you’d like to pay for the order behind yours as well. You can use this trick at fast food restaurants, coffee shops, and any other franchise that offers a drive-through option.^[2]
   
   • You can also do this when driving through a toll booth if the toll rate is the same for all automobiles.
3. Leave quarters at the laundromat. Choose an unused washer or dryer at the laundromat and place 2 or 3 low stacks of coins on it, totaling about $3 USD (the average price of using the washer or dryer). This generous act is easiest if you do your laundry at the laundromat, since you can just leave the coins there next time you do the wash. But even if you don’t do your laundry at the laundromat, you could stop by just to leave the quarters for some lucky person.^[3]
   
4. Give someone a dollar by pretending they dropped it. Choose one random person from a crowd and approach them from behind. Tap them on the shoulder and when they turn around, give them a dollar. Say, “Here, I think you dropped this.” If they protest, insist that you saw it fall from their pocket.
   
5. Top up expired parking meters. Walk down the street and look for expired parking meters. Drop a few coins in the meter to help out a random person who has accidentally overstayed their allotted time.^[4]
   
6. Wash your neighbor’s car if you’re out washing your own. Since you’re going to the trouble of gathering a pail of water, soap, and sponges or rags anyhow, it’s easy to go a step further and help your neighbor out at the same time. Be sure to ask them before you get started, though－some people are particular about who touches or washes their automobile.^[5]
   
   • Similarly, if you’re out raking your yard or mowing the grass, do the same for your neighbor. Again, be sure to ask before getting started.
7. Clean up your neighborhood. Walk around your block and pick up any cans or trash that might be littering your streets. This will beautify the neighborhood  not only for you, but for your whole community. If you want some help or companionship while you clean up, invite your neighbors and friends to join you.^[6]
   
8. Listen to someone’s story or problem. Lots of people feel isolated and alone. If you know that someone－a student, an elderly neighbor, or a friend going through a divorce－needs someone to lean on and talk to, be that person. Often, these situations arise on their own, but you could be proactive and let the person you’re concerned for know that you’re always there if they want to talk.^[7]
   
   • Many hospices and nursing homes have programs that match volunteers to people who have few or no visitors. Contact nursing homes and hospices in your area and ask if they offer such a program.
9. Compliment someone sincerely when they deserve praise. For instance, if you see someone who has a really unique or sophisticated style, say “Wow, you’re really well-dressed. I wish I was so stylish!” Or, if you see a parent with a young child who waits patiently with them in line, compliment the parent on their superior child-rearing skills. Say, for instance, “Your child is so well-behaved. You must be an excellent parent!”^[8]
   
   • There are countless ways to compliment others. Keep an eye out for opportunities to do so throughout the day.
10. Publish positive reviews about businesses you like online. Lots of people only bother to review businesses online when they have negative experiences. Pay it forward and help restore balance to the world of online reviews by writing a glowing review for your favorite comic book store, restaurant, carpentry shop, or auto repair center.^[9]
    

[Edit]Doing Larger Deeds

1. Give an umbrella to someone who doesn’t have one when it’s raining. If it starts raining and you see someone stuck beneath the eaves of a shop because they were not expecting the storm, duck inside a convenience store and purchase an umbrella for them, if possible (and one for you, if necessary). Give them the umbrella so they can go on their way.^[10]
   
2. Ask for donations instead of gifts on birthdays and holidays. When your birthday or holidays draw near, your friends and family might start asking you what you want. Ask them to make a charitable contribution to an organization of their choice (or of your choice) instead of getting you a gift.^[11]
   
3. Become a mentor to a child. There are many ways to become a mentor. For instance, if you’re a strong reader and writer, you could help out a young person who you know needs help writing an essay for school. If you know a teen neighbor needs help finding a job but their parents are too busy, you could teach them how to browse classifieds, develop a resume, and dress properly for an interview.^[12]
   
4. Offer your professional services for free. If you have a valuable skill set, you could put your abilities to work as a volunteer with an organization. For instance, if you’re a lawyer, you might offer to help out at a nonprofit that needs help with a legal matter. If you’re an electrician, you might be able to help fix electrical problems at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen.^[13]
   
5. Drive a stranger home. If you see someone waiting at the bus stop or trying in vain to hail a taxi, pull over and offer them a ride to their destination. The stranger is even more likely to appreciate and accept your offer if the weather is poor.
   
6. Host a music festival and donate the proceeds to charity. Contact local music venues and ask if they would be willing to host an event for a charity. Once you’ve secured a venue, contact some local musicians and ask if they would be interested in performing in a charity concert. Once you have three or four bands or musicians available, advertise the event on social media and in local papers. Donate the ticket sales to a worthy charity.
   
   • Encourage musicians and music venues to participate in your event by reminding them that while they won’t make money directly from ticket sales of the event, they will get positive exposure.
   • Music venues, additionally, will earn money from the sale of food and drinks during the concert, while musicians can sell their records and other merchandise.
7. Make a charitable donation. Identify charities that match your interests, then research each to ensure they are legitimate. Check each organization’s website for a clear mission statement and lists of its programs, board of directors, and accomplishments. Find out how you can make a donation by checking the organization’s website.^[14]
   
   • The easiest way will probably be to use a credit card, PayPal, or another digital payment service.
   • Many charities also accept checks or money orders.
   • If you can’t find information online about how to make a donation, call the charity’s offices directly and inquire about how to do so.
   • Use a third-party site like CharityWatch or GuideStar to identify charities and nonprofits that are legitimate.

[Edit]Making Generosity a Habit

1. Increase the number of compliments you give each day. Count how many compliments you receive on a given day and try to double that amount the following day.^[15]
   
2. Reward generosity in others. Suppose you see someone do something nice for someone else. Reward that person’s generosity and kindness by doing something thoughtful for them.
   
   • For instance, suppose you’re working at a restaurant and a customer spills a glass of water. If another customer helps the first one clean up the mess, you could reward their generosity by discounting their bill. Check with a manager or supervisor before doing this.
   • You could also reward someone’s kindness by helping them out. For instance, you could offer to carry a heavy burden for them or even just hold the door open for them.
3. Volunteer with local community organizations. Volunteers are the lifeblood of any charity or nonprofit organization. Designate at least one day each month (for instance, the first day of the month) to volunteer with a local soup kitchen, homeless shelter, or other community organization in your area.
   
4. Give away your old clothes or goods. If you have clothing that you don’t wear, old books you don’t read, or other goods that are still serviceable but are only collecting dust at home, find a way to donate them to a loving home. You could take them to your nearest thrift store, for instance, or post them for free on a digital marketplace like Craigslist. Take advantage of donation bins for books, clothes, or shoes if you live near one.^[16]
   
   • Old towels or blankets are often welcome at animal shelters.
   • Books are also always welcome at your local library.
5. Ask elderly neighbors if they require help with anything. Older folks often have trouble moving furniture around or cleaning out high, hard-to-reach shelves. Let your elderly neighbors know that if they need help with anything, you’re available to lend a hand.^[17]
   

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Practice Random Acts of Kindness
• Thank Someone
• Help Change the World
• Be Nice
• Take Action to End World Hunger
• Be a World Citizen
• Be a Good Person

[Edit]References

Decorating on a budget is a creative exercise that can be rewarding and fun. Spend a little money to change the basics in your home or office, such as your curtains, cushions, lights, and accessories. Where possible, do as much DIY work as you can to save money. Quality furniture makes a room feel homely and classy, so keep an eye out for sales and bargains or consider refurbishing your existing furniture. Add colour and personality to your walls with home-made art, feature walls, and personal photographs. Enjoy the decorating journey!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Changing the Basics

1. Replace the curtains and lampshades if they look tired. These items are generally inexpensive, but can make a big difference to the way that a room feels. Consider purchasing matching curtains and lampshades to give the room a sense of cohesiveness. Purchase the items new or look in second-hand shops for a bargain.^[1]
   
   • If you’re a confident sewer, consider making your own curtains to save money.
   • This is a great way to quickly freshen up an office, lounge, or bedroom.
   • Paint or cover up your lampshades for a new look for less money.
2. Remove clutter from surfaces to make the space look fresh. Minimalism is a classy and popular look that is easy to achieve. Re-home as many items as you can from all your surfaces, such as desks, countertops, tables, and shelves. Leave only a few of your favourite items on each surface. Decluttering is a great way to bring more attention to the items that you love.^[2]
   
   • For example, remove everything from your office desk except for your pen jar, a photo-frame, and a vase of flowers to create a clean and fresh look.
   • Try taking items off of your coffee table and only include items that look nice or that are functional.
3. Add beautiful pillows or throws to bring colour to the room. This is an inexpensive and effective way to brighten up almost any space. Choose pillows or throws that match your colour-scheme and are made from fabric that you love. Place these items on your bed, lounge-suite, office chair, or ottoman. If you are decorating your entire home, consider purchasing matching pillows for both your lounge and your bedroom.^[3]
   
   • Purchase pillows or throws from a homeware store or make your own.
   • Buy pillow covers or fabric to cover existing pillows for a fraction of the cost of new ones.
4. Purchase new accessories to cheaply modernise the space. Household and office accessories tend to be inexpensive and can quickly change the look of your space. Consider adding new accessories, such as placemats, door handles, light-fittings, tapware, tablecloths, vases, and coasters.^[4]
   
   • If your budget is particularly limited, simply decorate one room at a time. This will give you a sense of completion as you finish each room.
   • Get a few houseplants to improve the quality of the air in your home and add fresh looking décor touches.
5. Add extra lamps or lights to give the room a fresh atmosphere. Lights are a wonderful way to change the way the room looks and feels. Bring a new standing lamp into the room, add a hanging light, pick a new desk lamp, or simply replace a bulb with a high-wattage option to brighten the space.^[5]
   
   • Avoid tampering with electrical wires in your home or office, as this can lead to electrocution. If you want to install new lights into your wall, hire an electrician to do the job safely.
   • String lights are also a nice way to add mood lighting to an area.
6. Use DIY skills where possible to refurbish cheaply. Hiring trades-people is often one of the biggest expenses when re-decorating. If you have a few decorating skills and the necessary tools, try completing the tasks yourself. Consider building your own deck, laying wallpaper, installing vinyl or hardwood flooring, or painting the exterior of your home.^[6]
   
   • This can often save you 100’s if not 1000’s of dollars.
   • Search online for DIY tutorials for almost any type of project. Ask professionals at a hardware store for tips as well.

[Edit]Finding Bargain Furniture

1. Search second-hand stores and auctions for a bargain. Nice furniture helps to set the tone for the entire room, so it is worth searching for great items. This is an easy way to find quality pieces of furniture at a good price. Make sure to hunt around for furniture that is made from quality materials, as it pointless buying items that will quickly wear out or break. Opt for solid wood instead of laminate coatings and real leather instead of leather look-alikes.^[7]
   
   • Keep an eye out in your local paper for garage sales.
   • Search online for auction sites, such as Craigslist, eBay, and Gumtree. These sites often have furniture for sale.
   • Check to see if people in your area are selling items. If they are, you may be able to negotiate a great price on something that you can pick up right in your neighborhood.
2. Refurbish your existing furniture to cheaply upgrade its look. This is a great option if you are looking to spend very little and have some DIY skills. Sand the varnish off your wooden furniture and re-stain it or paint it. If the furniture has fabric, reupholster it or purchase new cushions. This will help to give it a fresh new look.^[8]
   
   • Sanding wooden tables and desks and painting them white is a popular decorating trend.
   • Search online for DIY tutorials to help you complete your refurbishments.
3. Buy unvarnished furniture and then stain it yourself to save money. Many furniture warehouses and stores will sell furniture that doesn’t have a top coat of stain or varnish on for a cheaper price than what you would pay on the store floor. Ask the manufacturer what kind of stain or varnish they recommend to use on the furniture. Apply the stain with even brush strokes and apply at least 2 coats.^[9]
   
   • This furniture is often higher quality than display models, as scratches can’t be hidden by varnish.
   • Desks and tables are easy items to stain yourself.
   • The display piece in furniture stores is often an unfinished piece that you can buy for less.
4. Keep an eye out for bargains to get quality items at a good price. Head to the stores during the big annual sales, such as Easter, Boxing Day, New Years, and Black Friday. Large furniture stores will often slash their prices by up to 75% during these sales. Also, keep an eye out for closing down and birthday sales for extra deals throughout the year. If you are willing to be patient, this is a great way to find furniture that you love that is within your budget.^[10]
   
   • Search online for sales in your area to quickly check the local deals.

[Edit]Decorating the Walls

1. Decorate the walls with your own photographs to add personality. This is a great way to personalise your home and add colour to your walls at a very low cost. Frame your photos or print them onto a canvas. This can generally be done for less than $50. Search online for a photo printing service or contact your local printing shop.^[11]
   
   • For a modern and fun look, use sticky-tak to stick polaroids or small photographs onto your walls. Assemble them in a square, rectangle, or heart shape.
   • If you have a large wall, consider placing a few photos next to each other to make the wall look less bare.
   • Try printing stock photos from websites and framing them for an inexpensive way to add pictures and art to your home.
2. Upcycle old items into wall hangings to give a vintage look. This is a great way to reduce your waste and also create beautiful decorations. Try turning old planks of wood into floating wall shelves. Alternatively, make origami creations out of an old piece of paper and hang them on the wall. Another option is to use chipped plates to make a piece of mosaic artwork.^[12]
   
   • Be creative and express your own personal style!
3. Paint 1 wall an accent colour to change the atmosphere of the room. Painting is an incredibly inexpensive way to quickly and dramatically change the look of any room. Choose a colour that complements the existing wall colour and looks nice with your furniture.^[13]
   
   • White walls and a deep-blue feature wall are a beautiful combination. Light-grey walls and a pale-pink feature wall is another calming and pretty combination.
   • Hold different coloured paint cards up to your existing walls to help determine which colours will look good together.
   • Stencil 1 wall or cover 1 wall in wallpaper to create an accent wall.
4. Display your own art to showcase your unique style. Art makes your home feel extra homely and makes the space feel more interesting. Consider painting a picture, framing a completed puzzle, doing some embroidery, or simply hanging a piece of fabric that you love.^[14]
   
   • If you don’t feel confident making your own art, consider asking a friend or family member to design you a piece.
   • Hang your art on the walls or lean it on a desk or mantelpiece.
5. Purchase cheap artwork from thrift stores. This is a wonderful way to add artwork to your walls without breaking the bank. Keep an eye out at different thrift stores for art that you like. If you spot a piece that you like that has a bad frame, consider re-framing it, as this much cheaper than buying new art.^[15]
   
   • If there are no thrift stores in your area, search for online thrift stores.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Decorate a Studio Apartment

[Edit]Tips

• Create a budget before you start decorating so that you can prioritise what you are going to spend money on.
• Develop a clear idea of what you are going for before you go out to buy items. This will help to keep you on track.

[Edit]References

Dry air can have a big impact on your nasal passages, your skin, and even the wood fixtures in your home. Luckily, it's simple to add extra humidity to the air, even if you don't have a humidifier!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using a Humidifier

1. Select a humidifier for your room size. There are a number of humidifiers available. To humidify your room, the most important thing is getting one that is an appropriate capacity for the room in which you want it. Look on the box to check the square footage or square meter rating for the humidifier. Invest in a model that most closely matches your room’s size.^[1]
   
   • A humidifier’s size rating might not exactly match your room, but you want to buy the closest size possible. For example, if your room is 500 square feet, opt for a humidifier that covers up to 600 square feet. Going too small could leave your room too dry.^[2]
   • Generally, a compact humidifier or tabletop humidifier will work in most bedrooms, while a tower humidifier will work in an office, living room, or other shared spaces.
2. Assemble your humidifier. Every humidifier has slightly different directions for assembly, so take a look at your model’s manual first. Typically, you will need to connect your reservoir to the base, add the filter, and add any additional components such as wheels.^[3]
   
   • Typically, you won't need any tools to assemble your humidifier, but this could vary from model to model.
   • Be sure to keep the humidifier on a flat surface when you're using it, and monitor the humidity in the room so you'll know when to turn it off.^[4]
3. Fill your humidifier. Once your humidifier is assembled, you will need to fill the reservoir before turning it on. Fill it up to the designated fill line with clean, fresh water. Then, turn the unit on and set it to your desired humidity level.^[5]
   
   • Some people choose to use distilled or demineralized water in their humidifier, rather than tap water, to help keep it cleaner longer.^[6]
   • Replace the water each time you use your humidifier.^[7]
4. Clean your humidifier regularly. The exact frequency at which you should clean your humidifier depends on a number of things, including the size of the unit and how often you use it. Look over the manufacturer recommendations regarding cleaning.^[8] Wash out the reservoir with soap and warm water frequently, and change the filter as recommended in the model instructions.^[9]
   
   • As a general rule, do a light cleaning every week, and deep-clean and sanitize your humidifier about once a month.^[10]

[Edit]Getting Rid of the Causes of Dry Air

1. Turn down the thermostat. Heating the room when it’s cold zaps moisture out of the air. Turn the heat down by three to five degrees and layer up in sweaters and blankets to help conserve some of the air’s natural moisture.^[11]
   
2. Seal up your doors and windows. Leaks around doors and windows can pull both warm air and moisture out of your home. Recaulk your windows, or add weather stripping around your windows and doors to seal up leaks.^[12]
   
   • Weather stripping typically has an adhesive backing and can easily be applied simply by pressing it around door and window frames.
3. Minimize your use of heated appliances. Your dryer and your oven both dry out the air in the room around them. So do appliances like space heaters. Take a look at your room and see if there are any heated appliances that could be sucking out the moisture. If you find any, aim to use them less.^[13]
   
   • If an oven is the problem, consider trying something like meal prep where you only have to use it once or twice a week.
   • If a dryer is the problem, try line-drying your clothes, or tumble drying on a no-heat setting.
   • Avoid using small beauty tools like hair dryers and flat irons in the room you’re trying to humidify.

[Edit]Adding Moisturizing Elements

1. Cook with boiling water. When you do cook, try to make dishes that use boiling water. Pasta, rice, and potatoes are all good options. When you boil water, some of it will evaporate into the air, adding moisture to the surrounding areas.^[14]
   
2. Leave the bathroom door open when you shower. If your room is attached to or located near the bathroom, try leaving the door open when you shower. The steam from your shower will permeate throughout the room and add some water to dry air.^[15]
   
3. Place bowls of water throughout the room. Adding bowls of water around a room works kind of like a humidifier, but at a slower speed. Place a few bowls of water around the perimeter of the room you want to humidify and leave them there to allow the moisture to evaporate into the air.^[16]
   
   • If you have a radiator, you could place a ceramic or glass bowl of water on top to heat up the water and speed up the evaporation process. Placing the bowls in direct sunlight can also help.
4. Add houseplants to the area. Plants release moisture through a process called transpiration, which can help bring some moisture back into your room.^[17] Boston ferns, in particular, are recommended for their air moisturizing and purifying properties. Plant a few houseplants and keep them in a cluster in your room to get the greatest benefit.^[18]
   
5. Dampen your curtains. Use a spray bottle to mist your curtains with fresh water. Then, open your curtains enough to let light come through. The sunlight will help evaporate the water, which will add moisture into the area around the windows and in the room.^[19]
   

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Many laundry room appliances use a substantial amount of water. Older models of washing machine, for example, can require as many as 50 gallons of water per washing cycle.^[1] This can add considerable cost to your water bill, but beyond the expense, in arid climates where water conservation is a concern, saving water in the laundry room might be a necessity. Cut down on water usage by optimizing your clothes washing, then all you need to do is implement some water waste prevention techniques.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Optimizing Your Clothes Washing

1. Upgrade your washing machine. When the time comes to replace your washing machine, buy a model with energy and water-saving features. In fact, newer models of washing machines are generally designed to use less water and electricity.^[2]
   
   • Some models have special water-saving modes to conserve water.^[3]
   • Some washer have a cold water mode which uses a new technology to clean well using only cold water.^[4]
2. Prioritize front-load models when buying a washing machine. Top-load models of washing machine generally use much more water than front-load models. Due to improved design, front-load washing machines can save you a considerable amount of water in the laundry room with every load.^[5]
   
3. Pre-treat difficult stains before washing them. Some stains may require special pre-treating techniques, but you can pre-treat most stains by saturating the stain with a stain remover. After that, rub the stain remover into the stain with your finger.
   
   • For especially bad stains, you might need to rub the stain remover gently with a toothbrush. Brushing too hard could cause the color in the fabric to lift.^[6]
   • Stain remover can be found in the laundry section of most grocery stores, general retailers, and drug stores.
   • Pre-treating will ensure your stains come out in the first wash cycle, which will save you from wasting water re-washing clothes.^[7]
4. Wash full loads of laundry whenever possible. Full loads of laundry maximize the water used in the washing process. By faithfully washing full loads of laundry, you could end up saving as much as 10,534 gallons of water per year.^[8]
   
   • Newer models of washing machine may have special settings that allow the amount of water used to be adjusted, allowing you to save water by matching load size with water amount.
5. Skip additional rinse cycles. Your washer may have the option for a secondary and unnecessary rinse cycle. In many cases, this is signified by the words "Extra Rinse."^[9] Turn off this feature to save your household a load of water with each complete wash cycle.
   
   • The "Extra Rinse" cycle helps to remove detergent more thoroughly from your clothing. However, people with sensitive skin can suffer skin irritation if the Extra Rinse is skipped.
   • If you have sensitive skin but still want to save water, consider using gentle, all-natural, chemical free detergents. These are gentler on the skin, and might not cause irritation when skipping the Extra Rinse cycle.^[10]

[Edit]Preventing Water Waste

1. Check for and repair leaks regularly. Over time, the fittings and connectors on your pipes can come loose. Loose plumbing may allow water to drip through, which over time can create quite a bit of waste. If you see any drips or puddles in your laundry room, address them immediately. In many cases, tightening the connections with a wrench may solve your problem, though other leak fixing techniques may be required.
   
   • Leaky plumbing, beyond contributing to water waste, can also cause significant damage to the infrastructure of your home and to your possessions as well.
   • Hoses connected to your washing machine can be jostled loose sometimes, especially if you've cleaned recently. Check and re-fasten these on your washer.^[11]
2. Use basins and buckets when cleaning. When cleaning fruit, food, around the home, cloth items, and so on, you may be tempted do so with a steady stream of water straight from the faucet. While this is often most convenient, it can result in unnecessary waste.
   
   • Add a conservative estimate of the water you need to a basin or bucket. Use this to clean, and, if necessary, add more water to the bucket little by little.^[12]
3. Direct greywater drainage to plants and trees. The term "greywater" refers to the mostly reusable water that is the byproduct of washing in sinks, tubs, washing machines, and so on. This water should not have come into contact with feces.^[13] It can be a useful form of irrigation around your lawn, and can help you cut down on your sprinkler usage.^[14]
   
   • You can hire a plumber to redirect your greywater drainage directly to your lawn or garden.

[Edit]References

It can be really tough if you've got a crush on a friend. Sometimes things get awkward and you might feel like your friendship has gotten off track. But if you really value this relationship, it's worth putting in some work to repair it. The main thing is to be willing to stay open to letting your friendship develop. Keep reading for lots of ways you can start enjoying your friendship again!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Reach out in a meaningful way.

1. Don’t just send a text that says “hi.” If you really want to fix your friendship, make sure to indicate that to your friend. Give them a call to let them know that you’ve been thinking about them and ask how they are doing. Or you can send a text if that feels right. Just make sure you let them know why you’re reaching out.^[1]
   
   • You could say, “Hi, how are you? I wondered if you wanted to hang out and talk soon. Is that cool with you?”
   • If they aren’t ready to work on the friendship yet, give them space. You can reach out again later.

[Edit]Make sure you want to be friends with them.

1. You need to be willing to accept being just friends in order for it to work. Ask yourself if you are emotionally ready to be friends with someone who doesn't feel the same way about you. Will you be upset if they mention someone new? Will you be tempted to try to flirt with your crush? If so, you might not be ready to jump back into the friendship yet. That's okay! Take time to process your feelings and make sure you're ready.^[2]
   
   • Let your friend know that you get where they are coming from. This will let them know that you really do want to repair the friendship.
   • You might tell them that you are taking time to process your feelings and figuring out the best way for you to handle your emotions. You can add that you're also trying to better understand their perspective.

[Edit]Discuss what went wrong.

1. Acknowledging the problem is the best way to start solving it. To truly mend your relationship, be honest about what needs to change. It’s best if you can meet face to face for this conversation, so pick a time and a place where you both feel comfortable. Break the ice by telling them that you want to have an open conversation.^[3]
   
   • Maybe the friendship went awry because your crush started to spend time with someone they’re dating. You could try saying something like, “I feel like we’ve drifted apart since Sam came into your life. I get that, but I want you to know that I’d really like us to get back to the way we were.”
   • Or, for example, maybe your friend just stopped hanging out with you and you're not sure why. That can feel hurtful, but maybe they are dealing with something that you don't know about. Try saying, "Hey, you haven't been responding to my texts lately. Is everything okay? Let me know how you're doing."
   • Your friend might have a different perspective on the issue, so make sure you’re willing to listen to their side, too.

[Edit]Offer a genuine apology.

1. If you messed up, be the first to say sorry. It can be hard to apologize, especially when there are deep feelings involved. But if you were in the wrong, own it. This will let your friend know that you’re really committed to working on your relationship.^[4]
   
   • For example, maybe you got upset when your friend started dating someone new. Say something like, “I’m really sorry that I wasn’t more supportive of you. I pulled away because I felt awkward. I know that probably hurt, and I’d really like us to work on rebuilding our friendship.”
   • Only say sorry if you mean it. Don’t apologize for something that you didn’t do.

[Edit]Be willing to forgive if you’re feeling hurt.

1. Get ready to move on from the past in order to rebuild your relationship. Forgiveness is just as important as apologizing. It can be really tough to get over it if your crush accidentally crushed your feelings. But if this friendship is important to you, you need to be willing to move on. If they offer you an apology, receive it with an open mind.^[5]
   
   • This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to forgive right away. Just be open to the possibility of healing. Let your friend know that you’re still hurt, but you do want to mend the friendship.
   • This doesn't mean that you have to forget what happened. You can be willing to forgive but see a need to set new boundaries going forward.

[Edit]Tell your crush how you feel about your relationship.

1. Honesty shows that you’re serious about fixing the friendship. To move forward, you’ll need to communicate openly with your friend.^[6] Ask if you can talk to them, and try to have an open, face-to-face conversation. This can be tough, especially if you’re still feeling raw. Be patient with yourself, but commit to being honest moving forward. Let your friend know how you feel and what you need from them.^[7]
   
   • It’s okay to let them know that you have a crush on them (if they didn’t already know). Just explain that you are comfortable being just friends.
   • If you’re upset about something, share that with them. Honesty is an important part of a real friendship.

[Edit]Be willing to listen to their feelings.

1. Being a good listener shows you’re committed to making this work. Friendship is a two-way street, so remember that it’s not all about you. Your crush might have some things they want to share with you, so listen to them with an open mind. Let them initiate conversations and take the lead sometimes.^[8]
   
   • Make eye contact when they talk and nod your head at times to show that you are really listening. Ask follow-up questions if you’re not sure what they mean or if you need them to elaborate.
   • You can even say something like, “We haven't hung out much lately. Did I do something to bother you?”

[Edit]Keep your behavior friendly, not flirty.

1. Treat them like you would treat any other friend. While it might be hard, resist the urge to flirt. That might mean no physical touch, like a hand on their leg or arm when they are talking. Try not to toss your hair, giggle, or go overboard with compliments. Those are traditional signs of flirting, so it's best to avoid them.^[9]
   
   • If they are flirting with you, nicely ask them to stop. Say, "If we really want to keep this friendship going, we've got to stop flirting. I hope you understand."

[Edit]Set appropriate boundaries.

1. Limit the amount of time you spend together to create a little distance. If you are crushing on someone, your instinct might be to try to spend as much time around them as possible. But if you are trying to mend your relationship, it might be a good idea to take a step back. Cut back on the amount of time you used to spend with each other while your relationship heals.^[10]
   
   • This might sound hard, but try not to stress. You're not cutting them out of your life, you're just taking a breath.
   • If you used to meet up once a week, try scaling back to once every other week.
   • Maybe you used to text every single day. Try only hitting them up a couple times a week while you work things out.

[Edit]Try not to get jealous if they date someone else.

1. Let your friend know that it’s okay if they start a new relationship. This might be the toughest part, but it’s super important. If you really want to be friends with this person, they need to be able to trust that you won’t ditch them if they start dating. You don’t have to listen to every detail of their crush, but you should be able to let them know that you’re cool with their choice to date.^[11]
   
   • You can tell them, “I get that you might start dating someone. I just want to let you know that’s not going to impact our friendship.”
   • If you don't want to hear about their relationship, or you're not ready to be introduced to their new partner, it's totally okay to say that. Those are perfectly fine boundaries to set.
   • If this feels too tough to you, you might not be ready to have a real friendship with this person. That is okay! Take some time to focus on yourself.

[Edit]Plan something fun to do together.

1. Do an activity that you used to enjoy with each other to reconnect. After you’ve had the necessary tough talks, you deserve to have some fun! Ask your friend if they want to hang out and relax with you. Try doing something that you used to love doing together to remind yourselves how great your friendship really is.^[12]
   
   • Maybe you used to love going to movies together. Ask your friend if they’re up for a double-feature and offer to buy the popcorn.
   • If music was something that you shared, ask them if they want to go check out a live show.

[Edit]Work on your friendship by putting in regular effort.

1. Put effort into this relationship to help it grow. Friendships take work, just like any other relationship. It might take some time for you two to get back to a great place. That’s okay. Be patient and keep trying to connect with your friend.^[13]
   
   • Make it a point to check in with your friend and ask them how they are doing. You might want to do this once a week, or maybe even every couple of weeks. Do what feels right for you.
   • Set aside time to spend with them on a regular basis. This is a personal decision, but make sure to not let several weeks or even months go by without hanging out. That could create distance, and that probably won't help fix the friendship.

[Edit]Tips

• It’s okay if this is an emotional journey for you. Lean on your other friends for support.
• Make sure this is a friendship that you truly want to commit to. If the person doesn't add anything positive to your life (like fun or support), it might be time to let the relationship fade.

[Edit]References

Decorative vases for your flowers can be expensive and fragile. Fortunately, making your own vases is easy! For one option. all you need are a pair of scissors and an empty plastic bottle. Cut the top off the bottle and make strips around the border. Then fold those strips into a decorative design. For another option, decorate the vase with paint and stickers. This is a great activity for kids. Making a vase out of used plastic bottles is a fun and environmentally-friendly activity that allows you to decorate your home with bouquets of beautiful flowers.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Folding the Bottle into a Design

1. Cut the top off any size plastic bottle just below where it curves inward. Most plastic bottles curve inward about a third of the way up, making a triangle for the cap to go on top of. Find where the bottle starts curving and place the tip of a utility knife just below that. Then cut around the bottle in a straight line until you come back to the starting point and the top of the bottle detaches.^[1]
   
   • Try to keep the cut as level as possible, but don’t worry if you curve a little bit. You can even out the line in the next step.
   • If you need a smaller vase, you can also cut the bottle at the lower point.
   • Be very careful cutting the bottle. Keep your fingers away from the blade and always cut away from your body.
2. Even out the top of the cut with scissors. Make the top of the cut as even as possible. Use scissors and smooth out any uneven spots by snipping them off. Work around the bottle perimeter until the edge is even.^[2]
   
   • The edges don’t have to be perfectly even. Just avoid any large bulges or curves that are out of line with the rest of the border.
3. Cut strips down and apart around the bottle. Take scissors and cut a straight line down from the top of the bottle. Then move the scissors from that line and make an identical cut. Continue working in that same pattern until the whole bottle perimeter is divided into plastic strips.^[3]
   
   
   • Make sure the bottoms of these strips are even with each other, or the folds won’t be even later on.
4. Fold the strips outward to open the bottle up. Work around the bottle perimeter and fold each strip out. Then turn the bottle upside down and press it down on a table or similar flat surface. Hold it down for a minute so the strips flatten.^[4]
   
   
   • When you’re done, the strips should be nearly flat as they extend from the bottle.
5. Loop a strip over the strip next to it. Pick any strip around the bottle. Grab it by the tip and fold it to the right, over the strip immediately next to it. Aim to insert the strip into the space on the right side of the adjacent strip.^[5]
   
   
   • You can start going to the left as well, but once you pick a direction you have to stick with it to work around the whole bottle.
6. Tuck that strip underneath the next strip. Continue folding the plastic until you reach the strip next to the one you folded it over. Fold it underneath this strip so it rests in place.^[6]
   
   
   • The strip may not stay put immediately. Tuck it in tightly so it stays secure. As you work around the bottle, you’ll get used to the correct motion to make the strips stay in place.
   • Depending on how far you cut the bottle down, each strip may cover 3 strips instead of 2. This is okay. Tuck the plastic under the third strip as well.
7. Work in that same pattern around the whole bottle. Repeat the same motion of folding each strip over the one directly next to it and under the one next to that. Continue until all the strips around the bottle perimeter are folded and tucked.^[7]
   
   
   • Make sure no strips pop out while you’re working. Go back and tuck them back in if any come loose.
   • Check that the folds are all even with each other. Make sure the folds are all roughly the same length and shape. If any are loose or out of shape, pull them out and tuck them back in so they’re consistent with the rest of the folds.
8. Fill the bottle with water and flowers. With your vase complete, you can now fill it up. Pour water in about halfway up the bottle. Then insert the flowers and pick a nice, visible location to show off your handiwork.^[8]
   
   • If you have a large bouquet, then place a few rocks at the bottom of the bottle so it doesn’t tip over.
   • If you have many flowers, then continue this project with multiple bottles to create a nice flower display.

[Edit]Decorating the Bottle

1. Cut the top of the bottle off. Find the spot near the top of the bottle where it starts to curve inward. Take a utility knife and pierce the plastic with the knife tip. Cut around the bottle until the top detaches.^[9]
   
   • Be very careful when cutting the bottle. Keep your fingers away from the blade.
   • If you don't have a utility knife, you could also use scissors. Press one tip through the plastic. Then snip around the bottle to cut off the top.
2. Draw a design along the edge of the bottle with a marker. Pick a pattern that you'd like for the top of your vase. An easy choice is a series of semicircular lines for a rounded top. Take a permanent marker and draw a semicircle that touches the top edge of the bottle, about the size of a quarter. Repeat this shape along the whole edge until you work all the way around.^[10]
   
   
   • You can make other designs too, but be careful about making them complicated. Remember, you still have to cut the design out.
   • If you don't want a design along the top of the vase and prefer it to be straight, then skip this step.
3. Trim along the line to make the design on the bottle. Take scissors and cut out the shapes. Trim along the lines you drew to cut the design into the top of the bottle.^[11]
   
   
   • Check that the bottle edges are smooth when you're done. Round out any uneven spots with more trimming if you have to.
4. Paint the bottle a color of your choosing. The best paints for painting on plastic are acrylic or spray paint. Choose one of these types and pick a color for your vase. If you want, you can also use multiple colors on the vase. Alternatively, leave some sections clear and paint in others for a nice effect. You have lots of options for painting your vase.^[12]
   
   
   • If you spray paint, make sure to do it in an open area and cover anything that could get paint on it.
   • The bottle may need 2 coats of paint. Apply the first coat and let it dry. If you can still see the plastic through the paint, then add another coat.
5. Place rhinestones or stickers around the bottle for extra decoration. If you want more decoration, these are great options. Apply hot glue to rhinestones and stick them around the bottle. You can also use decorative stickers for a simpler approach.^[13]
   
   • This is a great activity for kids. Give them a pack of stickers and let them decorate the vase however they want. Since it's plastic, you don't have to worry about them breaking it.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Folding the Bottle into a Design

• Plastic bottle
• Scissors
• Utility knife

[Edit]Decorating the Bottle

• Plastic bottle
• Scissors
• Utility knife
• Permanent marker
• Acrylic or spray paint
• Hot glue
• Rhinestones
• Stickers

[Edit]Tips

• If you don’t care about the design, you could also just cut off the top of the plastic bottle and use it as a vase without cutting it into strips and folding them. This saves most of the work.
• You don't need flowers to make your vase look decorative. Try filling it with colored marbles instead for a different style.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Marble a Bottle
• Make Decorative Bottles for the Kitchen
• Make a Shrimp out of a Plastic Straw
• Prepare Plastic Bags for Knitting or Crochet
• Recycle Plastic Bottles

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

If the company or organization you work with has asked you to think of cloud-based ways to keep your co-workers connected, you might think of Microsoft Teams. To set up a Team, you have to have administrative privileges with your Microsoft 365 account. This wikiHow article will teach you how to create a Microsoft Team.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Creating a Microsoft Team on Your Computer

1. Open Microsoft Teams. You'll find this application in your Start menu or in the Applications folder in Finder.
   
   • You can also use the web app at https://teams.microsoft.com.
2. Click . It's next to an icon of a group of people in the vertical menu on the left side of the application window.
   
3. Click . It's at the bottom of the panel that appears when you click Teams.
   
4. Click . You'll see this in the top right corner of your screen next to a search bar.
   
5. Click . This is usually the first option in the menu.
   
   • If you already have a Microsoft 365 group, like from that SharePoint presentation, click Create from… instead. You have to have admin privileges in that group to be able to make a Team from it.
6. Set the Team's privacy level by clicking or . If you want to limit content and the conversation to select people, choose Private; however, if you want anyone from the community or organization to be able to join, choose Public.
   
   • You can only see the Org-wide option if you're a global admin on the Microsoft 365 account, and choosing this will automatically invite all employees of the organization to the Team.
7. Enter a name and description for the Team. You'll want to explain the purpose of the Microsoft Team since that's what most people will see.
   
8. Click . The Team will be created and you'll be able to manage it from the Teams tab.^[1]
   
   • You can invite Team members immediately after adding the group when you're prompted, or you can go to Teams > three-dot menu icon > Add member.^[2]

[Edit]Creating a Microsoft Team using the Mobile App

1. Open Microsoft Teams. You'll find this app icon that looks like two purple profile icons on a white background on one of your Home screens, in the app drawer, or by searching.
   
   • The Android and iOS apps work identically.
2. Tap the tab. This is in the lower part of your screen.
   
3. Tap . This three-dot menu icon is in the top right corner of your screen.
   
4. Tap "+ Create new team". It's usually the second option in the menu.
   
5. Enter a name and description for the Team. You'll want to explain the purpose of the Microsoft Team since that's what most people will see.
   
6. Set the privacy of the Team. Choose Private if you want to limit content and the conversation to select people; choose Public if you want anyone from your organization to be able to join.
   
   • Toggle Discoverable if you want to include or hide your group from search results.
7. Tap the checkmark . You'll see this checkmark in the top right corner of your screen. Tap this when you're done creating the Team so you can manage it and add members.
   
   • You can add members immediately after creating the group, or you can go to Teams > Teams > three-dot menu icon > Manage Teams > Invite.^[3]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Dyed pasta is great to use in countless craft projects, and it’s also excellent for small children engaging in sensory play. Best of all, it’s so easy to make at home. All you need is rubbing alcohol, freezer bags, food coloring, and the dried pasta shapes of your choice. You can also make edible colored pasta, which is even easier and requires no alcohol or vinegar!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Dyeing Pasta for Crafts

1. Select a variety of dried pasta shapes. Feel free to mix and match pasta shapes as much as you'd like. Having a variety of shapes is a great idea if you’re dyeing the pasta for sensory play. If you’re dyeing pasta for crafting, consider your project and use whatever shapes make sense to complete your vision.
   
   • For example, tube pasta like ziti works great if you’re making beaded jewelry.^[1]
   • Bowtie, elbow macaroni, rotini, and penne are excellent for sensory play activities.^[2]
2. Divide the pasta into large, sealable freezer bags. Each bag will be for a different dye color, so if you’re planning to make 3 colors, fill 3 separate freezer bags with pasta. Make the plastic baggies fairly full, with 1-2 cups (100-200 grams) of dried pasta in each one.^[3]
   
   
   • Be sure to leave about of headspace so you can move the pasta around and distribute the food coloring.
   • Freezer bags are ideal because they seal tightly and are heavy-duty. If you only have regular baggies, though, you can use them.
3. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of rubbing alcohol to your first bag of pasta. Measure out the rubbing alcohol and dump it over the pasta in the baggie. The ratio is approximately of rubbing alcohol for every 1-2 cups (100-200 grams) of dried pasta. It’s best to work with one bag at a time and complete the process before moving on to the next bag/color.^[4]
   
   
   • If possible, use isopropyl alcohol with 70% concentration. Higher concentrations may cause stickiness and be harder to blend.
   • You can substitute distilled white vinegar if you don’t want to use alcohol. Use 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of white vinegar.^[5]
4. Add 10 drops of food coloring to the first bag of pasta. If you want vibrant results, use a little more food coloring. If you’re going for pastel pasta, use a little less than 10 drops. You can use any color you want and even experiment with mixing colors to create new ones.^[6]
   
   
   • For example, mixing blue and red food coloring will result in purple dye.
   • You can also use liquid watercolors instead of food coloring for this project, if you prefer. The results may be more vibrant.^[7]
5. Seal the freezer bag tightly and give it a good shake. Shake vigorously and massage the pasta with your hands so that the alcohol and food coloring are both distributed evenly throughout the bag. If the color isn’t coating the pasta adequately, feel free to add a little more food coloring or alcohol to the baggie.^[8]
   
   
   • Make sure the baggie is completely sealed before you start shaking to avoid making a mess!
6. Keep the bag sealed and lay it out flat on a baking sheet. If you’re worried about leakage, line your baking sheet with aluminum foil before you start placing the bags on it. You’ll need enough baking sheets to lay all of your baggies out flat without stacking them.
   
7. Follow the same process to create your other colors. Add 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of rubbing alcohol to the next bag and add the food coloring of your choice. Shake and massage the contents thoroughly and lay the baggie out flat next to the first one. Do the same for your remaining baggies.^[9]
   
   
8. Let the freezer bags lay flat for overnight. The longer you let the baggies sit, the more vibrant the colored pasta will be. Flip them over a few times during this time period to make sure the pasta soaks up the dye evenly.^[10]
   
   • Every time you flip the bags, take note of the vibrancy. You can stop soaking the pasta whenever it reaches your desired hue.
9. Scatter the pasta on a flat surface and let it dry for 12 hours. Line a flat surface with newspaper or aluminum foil to avoid staining your surface. Dump the pasta from the freezer bags directly onto the newspaper. Scatter the pasta evenly in a single layer.^[11]
   
   • Avoid mixing colors at the point—keep a little space between each color.
10. Use the dyed pasta or store it in an airtight container for future use. Your colored pasta is ready to use the next day! If you aren’t using the pasta right away, store it in an airtight container to preserve the color. The dyed pasta will be safe to use for crafts and sensory play indefinitely.
    
    • Be sure to keep the storage container somewhere dry and cool to keep the pasta in good shape.^[12]

[Edit]Dyeing Edible Pasta

1. Boil of dried pasta according to the directions. You can use any pasta shape you like for this! Bring a pot of water to boil, submerge your pasta, and follow the package directions to cook the noodles. Be sure to cook them completely, just as you normally would.^[13]
   
   • Note that of noodles will make 4 servings of colored pasta. You can adjust the amounts if you need to make more or less.
   • Make the noodles al dente if you plan to warm them back up after dyeing them.
2. Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them with cool water. Place a colander in your sink and pour the hot noodles and cooking water into it. Let the water drain away, then immediately rinse the noodles with cool water to halt the cooking process.^[14]
   
   
   • Let the noodles sit in the colander and continue draining as you prepare the food coloring.
3. Add water and food coloring to resealable freezer bags for each color you want to make. Use 20 drops of food dye and of water in each bag. Food coloring usually comes in shades of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple. You can choose any colors you want! Each freezer bag will create a different color, so if you want 4 different pasta colors, you’ll need 4 separate freezer bags.^[15]
   
   
   • If you want to make pastel noodles, use 10 drops of food coloring instead of 20.^[16]
   • You can also mix your own colors. For example, mix yellow and blue together to make your own green shade. Red and blue will make purple, and red and yellow will make orange.
4. Divide the cooked pasta evenly into the freezer bags. You don’t have to be exact, but try to use about the same amount of pasta for each freezer bag. If you want one color to dominate the finished pasta, just add more pasta to the bag with that food coloring in it.^[17]
   
   
5. Seal the freezer bags and massage the contents with your hands. Be sure the zipper closure is sealed tightly before you get started to avoid making a mess! Then, gently massage the noodles with your hands to evenly distribute the dye mixture in each bag.^[18]
   
   
6. Let the bags sit undisturbed for 1 minute. Lay the bags flat on their sides and give them about 60 seconds to soak up the food coloring. If you’re worried about spillage, cover your work surface with newspaper or parchment paper first.^[19]
   
   • You can experiment with letting the noodles soak longer than 1 minute, but they likely won't get that much more vibrant.
7. Transfer the pasta back to the colander and rinse it with cool water. Work with 1 color at a time. Unseal the bag and dump the noodles back into the colander. Rinse off the noodles with cool water to get rid of any extra food coloring and put them back in the original pot you cooked them in.^[20]
   
   
   • Do the same for the rest of the colors.
8. Toss the colored pasta in the pot to combine the pasta and serve it. Using forks or tongs, move the colored pasta around in the pot so the different colored noodles mix together evenly, giving you a rainbow effect. You can then serve the pasta immediately with any sauce you like!^[21]
   
   • The pasta shouldn't be totally cold after rinsing it quickly with cool water, but if you want the noodles to be hotter, toss them in a pot of boiling water for 60 seconds.^[22]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

[Edit]Dyeing Pasta for Crafts

• Dried pasta
• Rubbing alcohol or vinegar
• Large freezer bags
• Food coloring or liquid watercolors
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum Foil
• Newspaper
• Airtight storage containers

[Edit]Dyeing Edible Pasta

• Dried pasta
• Large pot
• Food coloring
• Large freezer bags
• Colander
• Newspaper
• Tongs

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Jeans and boots are a classic, timeless combination that anyone can rock. When styling ankle boots, make sure to cuff your jeans above the boots or tuck them in for a seamless, monochromatic look. Style mid-height boots like biker boots and UGGs with fitted jeans to balance out your silhouette. Wear taller boots, such as riding boots and thigh-high boots, with skinny jeans for a seamless tucked effect.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Styling Ankle Boots

1. Choose ankle boots that end above your ankle. This is the thinnest part of your leg, which you want to show off to keep your silhouette proportionate. If the boots cut you off any higher than a couple of inches above your ankle, they can make you look shorter and stockier.^[1]
   
2. Cuff tapered jeans above a pair of ankle boots to show them off. To cuff your jeans, fold them up about , then roll them once more. This should create a little space between your hem and the boots, letting you showcase your boots and creating a proportionate silhouette.^[2]
   
   • If you don’t like the rolled hem look, you can roll them inwardly or opt for a cropped pair instead.
   • To balance out a pair of baggier pants, such as boyfriend jeans, use the cuffed method and throw on a pair of heeled ankle boots for a little extra height.
3. Wear black skinny jeans and black ankle boots for a monochromatic look. This creates a seamless silhouette that makes your legs appear longer and leaner. Make sure to choose a pair of fitted black pants that hug your legs and disappear into the boots. A little heel on the boots also enhances the leg-lengthening effect.^[3]
   
   • For example, you could wear a chunky black and white striped sweater, a pair of black skinny jeans, and black leather ankle boots.
4. Pair Chelsea boots with distressed straight-leg denim for a casual outfit. The smooth, fitted silhouette of the Chelsea boots contrast nicely with loose, distressed denim. Go for a pair of boots with a low heel to keep the outfit relaxed and casual, and pull up the cuffs of the jeans to show the tops of the boots.
   
   • Add a white T-shirt and bomber jacket for a relaxed daytime outfit.
   • You could also style a more sophisticated version of this look with a slouchy blazer and button-down shirt.

[Edit]Wearing Mid-Height Boots

1. Put biker boots with dark wash skinny jeans for a casual, edgy look. The smooth, fitted jeans pair well with the chunky boots, and the dark wash adds a sleek, seamless effect. Tuck the hems of your skinny jeans into the slouchy tops of the biker boots and finish the look with a simple, classic top.^[4]
   
   • For example, you could dress the look up slightly with a loose black knit turtleneck and a faux fur vest.
   • You could also dress down the outfit by pairing it with a plain black or grey T-shirt and an open button-down shirt.
2. Wear combat boots with cropped fitted jeans for the perfect weekend outfit. Choose a pair of jeans that end above the top of your boots to separate the pieces. Opt for a pair of heeled combat boots if you need a little extra height to balance out your silhouette.^[5]
   
   • Balance out the combat boots’ edge with a more colorful, polished top, such as a black-and-white gingham button-down shirt beneath a yellow sweater.^[6]
   • You could also continue the edgy theme with a black distressed long-sleeve shirt and a leather moto jacket.
3. Pair UGGs with medium wash skinny jeans for a warm, comfy look. The close-fitting denim will balance out the thicker, wider footwear and maintain your silhouette. Choose from an array of styles and colors, such as camel, black, cinnamon, blush pink, or gray.^[7]
   
   • For a preppy look, choose a pair of mid-calf, cinnamon-colored UGGs, then add a cream sweater and a patterned blanket scarf.
   • If you’re not sure about UGGs, you can always make the look more subtle and seamless by choosing a pair of black UGGs and black distressed skinny jeans. Add a white henley and a gray longline coat to make the look a little more polished, but still comfortable.
4. Scrunch slim-fit jeans over a pair of dress boots for a hipster touch. “Stack” or scrunch your slim-fit jeans above a pair of ankle or mid-calf boots for a look that's effortless without being sloppy. To scrunch your jeans, pull the hems up and let them naturally rest around the top of the boot. You can also tuck part of the hem into the boot to keep them scrunched up.^[8]
   
   • Stiffer, 100-percent cotton blends will best be able to hold a scrunch.
   • You could wear a pair of black dress boots with black slim-fit jeans, a tan T-shirt, and a distressed denim jacket for a more casual look.
   • You could also dress up the look with some dark brown dress boots, medium wash slim-fit jeans, a brown knit long-sleeved shirt, and a camel longline coat.

[Edit]Creating Outfits with Tall Boots

1. Wear skinny jeans with tall boots to avoid bunching. Rather than straight leg or wide leg styles that bunch up around the ankle, skinny jeans will easily tuck into boots. To keep your skinny jeans in place all day, tuck the cuffs of the jeans into the tops of your socks.
   
   • This is especially important when your boots are fitted as well.
2. Pair thigh-high boots with super skinny jeans for a seamless effect. Thigh high heeled boots are an easy way to create a long, glamorous silhouette. Because the fitted skinny jeans and fitted boots transition seamlessly, they make your legs look longer and leaner. This look is perfect for a date or girls’ night.
   
   • For example, you could wear a pair of medium-wash skinny jeans and some gray suede thigh-high boots with a lightweight black turtleneck.
3. Choose a pair of riding boots to give skinny jeans a classic, preppy look. The equestrian influence of the boots will elevate a pair of jeans, creating a timeless, sophisticated outfit. Go for some boots in a classic color, such as tan, black, or brown. Wear clean, non-distressed jeans with your riding boots to keep the look polished.
   
   • For example, you could wear a burgundy silk top, a black blazer, a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans, and some brown leather riding boots for a classy, autumnal outfit.^[9]

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Decoupage is an easy craft technique that uses a special glue to affix paper or fabric to a hard surface. Decoupaging a jar is an enjoyable way to add interest to a plain glass jar. This project has many possibilities, as both the style of the jar and the added decoupage images can vary. From kitchen drinking glasses to bathroom supply jars, gift jars, and display jars, this article will help you to learn the basics of decoupage.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Preparing the Jar

1. Choose a glass jar that has sufficient surface space for images. If you are a beginner to decoupaging jars, it is best to start with a jar with a larger surface. Once you have the experience, you can downsize to smaller jars later. A large jam jar or mason jar is a great start because they are big and easy to hold.^[1]
   
   • Another thing to consider is the appeal of the jar. A basic mason jar may be too plain or not interesting enough to you. If the jar has a unique shape, this can heighten the appeal of the end look once the project is completed.
2. Wash the jar in warm, soapy water. Begin by removing any labels attached to the jar, along with the leftover adhesive left behind. If the adhesive proves stubborn, use a rubbing oil to assist, such as orange oil or eucalyptus oil. Glass jars also tend to get a lot of fingerprints on the outside. Wash the surface of the jar you chose with a cloth, mild soap, and warm water.^[2]
   
   • If soap and water are not enough, use some rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to wipe the surface of the glass. This will remove any additional grease or grime on the jar.
3. Allow the jar to dry fully before using it. Make sure the glass is dry before you begin your project. Also check that all adhesive has been removed, along with any unpleasant odors. If you have an older glass jar with remaining odors, either wash again or use an odor removal technique such as soaking with vinegar or washing out with baking soda.^[3]
   
   • If you’re using a drinking glass, place a piece of tape around the top of the glass to avoid your lips coming in contact with leftover glue.^[4]

[Edit]Selecting and Cutting the Images

1. Decide what image(s) you would like to use on your jar. Think of what images you would like to put on your jar. The choice of image is completely up to you, and you can choose a variety of materials, such as wrapping paper, fabric, wallpaper, or even ribbons.^[5]
   
   • If you’re having trouble selecting an image, consider the end use intended for the jar as a guide. For example, if the jar is to contain candy, find images with pieces of candy or other tasty treats.
   • If you want to do an autumn theme, you can get real or fake fall leaves to adhere to your jar.^[6]
2. Cut the images to fit the jar. If you printed out an image on paper, use scissors to cut around the image so that it fits on your jar. You may want to measure the image you’re cutting to make sure it will fit the jar.^[7]
   
   • If you’re using fabric, make sure to use fabric scissors to cut it.
3. Use a craft or cutting knife to trim away any excess paper. If you printed an image with intricate details, such as a flower, you can use a small cutting knife to trim away any excess paper. Before cutting, place the image on a cutting mat to protect your work surface. Then use the craft knife and press it against the image to slowly cut around the edges.^[8]
   
4. Arrange the images on the jar to your liking. Before you begin decoupaging, place your images on the jar, so you get an idea of how you would like to arrange them. They can be in any placement you prefer, and can even overlap.^[9]
   
   • If you need to, make small marks with a light maker to clarify the exact positioning of the imaging on the jar. You can use a pen suited to glass if you need to make placement markers on the jar.

[Edit]Applying Images to the Jar

1. Prepare the work surface by laying down paper. Lay out a sheet of grease-proof paper, like parchment paper, on your table or workspace. This protects the surface from glue residue. Parchment paper provides a good surface because it won’t stick to the glue you put on your jar.
   
   • Avoid newspaper when covering your workspace. It will stick to your mason jar and ruin your project.
2. Decide on a decoupage medium, or glue, to adhere your images to the jar. There are a variety of mediums to choose from at a craft store. Some popular decoupage glues, such as Mod Podge and Collage Pauge, are made especially for decoupaging. When purchasing your glue, consider the type of finish you want. You can get gloss for a shiny finish, or matte for a flat finish.^[10][11]
   
   • You can also make your own decoupage glue with water and basic white craft glue. Pour 1-part water and 1-part glue in a paper cup and mix it with a craft stick. Make sure to stir it well and use it quickly before it dries.^[12]
3. Paint a thin layer of decoupage glue on the jar. Dip your sponge brush in the decoupage glue, and carefully paint a thin layer on your glass jar. If you are only putting the image on one section of the jar, just paint that section. If you are putting images around the entire jar, cover it with glue. Make sure to completely cover the areas your pictures will touch.
   
   • If the images are small, or you’re layering them, put the decoupage glue on the back of the image. To do this, lay the image face down on the grease-proof paper. Use the sponge brush to evenly apply the decoupage glue to the back.
   • The layer needs to be thin, otherwise the pictures might get too wet and tear.^[13]
4. Place the images onto the jar. Once you have put all the glue you need on the jar or the back of the pictures, you can place them on the surface. If you made marks on your jar earlier, use these to guide your placement. Otherwise, add the images wherever you’d like. Use your fingers to gently push down and smooth out any wrinkles.^[14]
   
   • If you made a mistake with your positioning on the jar, use tweezers to remove or adjust the image. This will help to avoid sticky fingers.
   • Repeat for any additional images being added. If you decided to overlap any images, do so with care to ensure that the images look neat and appropriately placed.
5. Allow the decoupage glue to dry. Before moving forward with the next steps, wait for the decoupage glue dry completely. This may take an hour or more, depending on the thickness of the paper you used to cover the jar.^[15]
   
   • Small air bubbles may form while the glue is drying. If this happens, use a safety pin or utility knife to pop them. Then use your fingers to smooth it out.
6. Apply 2 to 3 layers of the decoupage glue on the jar to seal the images. Once the glue has dried, use the sponge brush to apply a layer of the decoupage glue directly on top your images. Allow this layer to dry for two hours, and then add another one. Keep adding coats of the glue until the edges of your pictures are smooth.^[16]
   
   • Make sure you allow the glue to dry for at least two hours before adding another coat.
   • The decoupage glue will appear cloudy when first added, but it will dry clear.
7. Wait for your jar to dry before you use it. It is important to wait until your jar is completely dry before touching it. You don’t want to mess up all the work you just did. To play it safe, let it dry overnight. The next day, it should be completely safe to pick up without messing up the pictures.^[17]
   

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Decoupage image(s), either paper or fabric
• Decoupage glue or finish (or use thin, white craft glue)
• Sponge brush (1-inch/2.5cm width)
• Craft knife
• Scissors (and fabric scissors if needed)
• Cutting mat
• Tweezers
• Marker pen suitable for glass surfaces
• Freezer paper (aka grease-proof paper)
• Water-based varnish (optional)

[Edit]References

Writer’s block is frustrating, but it’s an extremely common problem; even the best writers suffer from it on occasion. You may be a bit of a perfectionist who’s worried about making a mistake, or you may be struggling to find something to write about. Whatever the reason, there are plenty of tricks, tips, and habits you can use to shake your writer’s block and get back into the right headspace to get some writing done.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Putting Yourself in a Mood to Write

1. Cut out any distractions and shut your phone off to stay focused. Turn your phone on silent and keep it in your pocket, backpack, or an entirely different room. Close your windows if there are any distracting noises coming in from outside, take your writing tools or laptop to a quiet area, and stay off of social media to focus on what you’re doing.^[1]
   
   • Some sounds may be helpful. White noise, calm music, or a spinning fan may be helpful for you if you tend to get a little antsy in complete silence.
2. Read something else for 10-15 minutes to get in a writing mood. Pick up a book or you love or pull a poem or short story up online if you’re writing at a coffee shop. Spend a few minutes reading a great writer’s work to get yourself in a literary mood. Reading is an important part of developing strong writing skills and exposing yourself to interesting writing is a phenomenal way to prep yourself for a productive writing session.^[2]
   
   • Shorter pieces of writing and bits of novels you’ve read before are better for this than larger texts you aren’t familiar with. If you get wrapped up in what you’re reading, you may not get any writing done!
3. Try turning on (or turning off) some music to find what works for you. Some people have an easier time writing if there’s background music, while other people get stuck if they’re listening to something. Try switching it up by either playing some music in the background or turning the music off to see if this helps.^[3]
   
   • If you do listen to music, don’t choose music that you absolutely love or you may end up focusing on a song you love instead of your writing. Even if you’re a metalhead or hardcore hip-hop fan, it’s probably better to listen to some ambient, classical, or instrumental music.
4. Sit quietly for a few minutes to see if something pops up. Try sitting in silence for 3-5 minutes. Relax your muscles, don’t listen to anything, and try to stop actively thinking. Just let your mind wander. For a lot of writers, the urge to write strikes when you’re slightly bored. Sitting quietly for a while can invite these random sparks of imagination or trigger you to start writing.^[4]
   
5. Write in a different location to give yourself a change of scenery. If you normally write in your office, try heading to a local coffee shop or park. If you normally write at a coffee shop or park, try writing at home. Switch up your scenery to put yourself in a new headspace. For some people, getting out of a routine by changing their setting is deeply helpful when it comes to getting in the mood to write.^[5]
   
   • You can also go to a museum, write while you’re standing up at a counter, sit down on your front porch, or sit down at an outdoor café and write.
6. Grab a cup of coffee or tea to get in the mood to write. Brewing a cup of coffee or tea is a great way to start on a positive note. Either make or buy yourself a cup and sit down with your warm drink to get ready to write. A small boost of caffeine is a great way to get your mind focused and put you in the mood for some composition.^[6]
   
   • If you’re a little hungry, an apple or a yogurt will really help you feel better as you sit down to do some writing.
   • Be careful about drinking coffee or tea when you’re tired. The immediate boost may help you push through for 1-2 pages, but you’re bound to crash after a short period of productivity.

[Edit]Finding Something to Write About

1. Carry a notebook and jot your ideas down as they come to you. Get a small, pocket-sized notebook and carry it with you wherever you go. Whenever you get an idea, think of a neat sentence or image, or come across a word that really intrigues you, open your notebook and write it down. You can also use this notebook to map stories out or develop character ideas. When it comes time to write, you’ll have a plethora of notes and ideas to draw from.^[7]
   
   • You can use your phone to do this if you’d like, but you’re more likely to actually make a habit out of this if you use old-school paper and pen since you’re already used to pulling your phone out and may get distracted.
2. Spend 10-15 minutes freewriting to spark your imagination. Open your word document or notebook and take a deep breath. Then, start writing. Just write whatever immediately comes to mind. You can write about your day, how you’re feeling, or something that’s been on your mind lately. Tell a random story or write about how frustrating writer’s block is. It doesn’t really matter—the aim here is to get into the mechanical act of writing to jumpstart the muscles in your mind that make writing easier.^[8]
   
   • For some people, freewriting isn’t particularly helpful. If this doesn’t spark an idea, don’t worry about it. Some people get kind of cagey when they don’t have time to think about what they’re writing ahead of time.
3. Use a writing prompt to give yourself something to write about. Go online and pull up a list of writing prompts. Pick one that speaks to you and use it to jumpstart a new writing project. Even if you don’t intend to publish, edit, or finish the exercise, the act of pursuing a new idea will help you get back into the right headspace.^[9]
   
4. Force your way through the block to see if it dissipates. Sometimes, you can just fight through the writer’s block by forcing yourself to write. Write a sentence out in your mind, then force your fingers to type or write the words you’re imagining. Eventually, you’ll find yourself forgetting about the writer’s block and just end up focusing on the words as you type or write them. This can be kind of hard to do if you’re writing creatively, but it will occasionally help you get on the right track.^[10]
   
   • If you’re just sitting there dreading the prospect of writing a paper, just come with a first sentence—even if it isn’t good. Write this first sentence out and then see if your fingers keep typing. If they don’t, think through the second sentence.
   • This is a particularly helpful if you’re trying to complete a school assignment or you’re writing for work or something like that.
   • This isn’t the right solution for everyone. If you can’t force yourself to write things out, try another approach.
5. Skip the grammar mistakes once you’re in the zone and fix them later. Once you find yourself in the groove and you’re writing fluidly, ignore any potential mistakes you may be making. Just focus on getting your thoughts and ideas down on paper. If you get hyper-fixated on writing perfectly, you’re only going to slow yourself down. You can revise and edit at the end of the writing session or before you start the next day.^[11]
   
   • When you do proofread, read your work out loud to catch any mistakes. It’s much easier to find problems with your writing if you can hear what your text sounds like out loud.

[Edit]Taking a Break

1. Do a little physical exercise to minimize stress and focus your mind. If you get stuck, take 10-15 minutes off to go take a jog, lift some weights, do some pushups, or get some yoga in. Doing something physical gets your whole body moving and helps you clear your mind by focusing on your body. When you go back to writing, you’ll find it easier to “reset” yourself and start over like you were never struggling in the first place.^[12]
   
   • Taking a break is mandatory when you’re writing for a long period of time to begin with, but you may need to take a break if you can’t shake the writer’s block at all. If you find yourself struggling to get started or get past the first page, it’s time to take a break.
2. Paint, draw, or engage in another creative activity to reset. It takes different creative approaches to paint, draw, sing, dance, and write. If it’s hard to find the right words or you’re struggling to come up with a great idea, do some other creative exercise for a while. Draw something, dance to some music, or pull out some modelling clay. This will help you realign your creative energy and it will make writing much easier.^[13]
   
   • If you don’t think you’re a particularly artistic person, don’t worry about that. Just draw something—even if it’s not great! The mere act of doing it is what’s important here and nobody is judging your art.
3. Go outside and take a walk to get some fresh air. Throw your shoes on, grab a coat if you need one, and just go for a walk. Take a solid 15-30 minutes to just stroll around your block, pass through a nearby park, or do some people-watching on a major street nearby. When you return, you may find it much easier to get some writing done.^[14]
   
   • This is a great excuse to take the dog for a walk or pick up a snack at your local corner store.
4. Clean your home or office to improve the energy in your writing space. If your space is messy, it may be interfering with your focus. Take a few minutes to throw any trash out, rearrange your desk space, and pick any clothes up off of the ground. A clean desk makes for a clear mind!^[15]
   
   • If your desk space is clean, do some laundry, clean the dishes, or sweep the floor. Do something to cleanse your home and you’ll feel much better about getting some writing done.

[Edit]Developing a Routine

1. Spend at least 30 minutes writing every day to make it a habit. You’ll discover that it’s a lot harder to get stuck when you’re writing if you do it every day. Like anything else, writing gets easier with practice. Set a goal for yourself to write for at least 30 minutes every day to get into the habit of putting words on the page.^[16]
   
   • If you’re one of those writers that writes like 10 pages in one sitting and then doesn’t write for a few weeks, stop! Binge-writing is hard to maintain and you’re taking long breaks because you keep burning out. If you can develop a consistent writing routine, your output will improve dramatically.
2. Write at the same time every day, even if you’re unmotivated. Writing at the same time every day makes it easier to get into the headspace to write. If you know you’re going to write at 8:00 PM every day, you’ll be subconsciously prepared when it comes time to sit down and do it. This may be hard to do at first, but just force yourself to do it. If you stick with it, it’ll eventually become easier to get your thoughts down on paper.^[17]
   
   • The general consensus is that it’s much easier to write early in the morning. However, if you find a different time works better for you or you have a schedule that doesn’t make it easy to write in the morning, pick another time.
3. Don’t be hard on yourself if you end up skipping a day. Things happen. Feel free to take a day off if you have something really important to do, you get held up at work, or someone needs your help. Try not to be too hard on yourself. If you put too much pressure on yourself to write every day, you’re not going to look forward to actually doing it.^[18]
   
   • Just don’t get in the habit of taking multiple days off in a row. The more consistent your writing schedule is, the less likely you’ll be to run into writer’s block.
4. Create a reward for meeting your routine every 7 days or so. Set a short-term goal to write every day for 7-14 days. If you meet this goal, buy yourself something nice, treat yourself to an ice cream, or take a night off to play video games longer than you normally do. Whatever you choose, give yourself something small to look forward to in order to stay motivated and focused on your goal.^[19]
   

[Edit]Tips

• Allow yourself to write bad first drafts. The writing process takes some time and you can always go back and fix anything you aren’t happy with.^[20]
• Get a comfortable chair! If your back gets sore or you aren’t comfortable when you’re writing, you aren’t going to stick with it.

[Edit]References

Stainless steel is an excellent choice for cookware, kitchen appliances, sinks, fixtures, and other items around the house and workplace. The material is durable, has an attractive modern look, and is great for resisting stains and other damage. However, stainless steel isn't bullet-proof, and it can get scratched. But whereas nicks, dents, and deep grooves will require part replacements or help from a professional, you can actually fix minor scratches on your own.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Buffing Light Scratches

1. Determine the direction of the grain. The most important part of repairing stainless steel is rubbing in the same direction as the grain. Look very closely at the steel and determine which direction the surface seems to be running in. This is the grain.
   
   • Working against the grain can actually make the scratches worse. That’s why it’s so important to know the direction of the grain before you begin.
   • The grain will generally run either from side to side (horizontally), or up and down (vertically).
2. Choose a non-abrasive compound or cleaner. There are a few compounds and cleaners that can be used to fill and smooth very light and minor scratches on the surface of stainless steel. Products you can try include:^[1]
   
   • Bar Keeper's Friend
   • Perfect-It Rubbing Compound
   • Revere Stainless Steel and Copper Cleaner
   • Whitening toothpaste
3. Mix powdered compounds with water. Some compounds and cleaners come in a powdered form, and these must be made into a paste before you can apply them to the steel. Mix a tablespoon (14 g) of powder with a few drops of water. Stir to combine, and add a few more drops of water until you have a smooth paste.
   
   • The consistency you're looking for is that of toothpaste.^[2]
4. Rub the compound into the scratch. Pour a few drops of cleaner onto a clean microfiber cloth. For the paste, spoon about a quarter of the paste onto a cloth. Working in the same direction as the metal’s grain, rub the compound gently into the scratch. Because the compound isn't abrasive, you can rub back and forth over the scratch.
   
   • Continue rubbing, adding more compound as needed, until the scratch has been buffed away.^[3]
5. Wipe off excess compound. Soak a clean microfiber cloth with water. Wring out all the excess so the cloth is barely damp. Wipe the surface of the steel with the cloth to remove excess compound and shine the surface.^[4]
   
6. Dry and examine the surface. Wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any leftover dampness. Examine the surface of the stainless steel to assess whether the treatment was effective.
   
   • Repeat the buffing process again if the scratch improved but is still slightly visible.
   • If the scratch is still quite visible, you may have to take more drastic steps, such as sanding the entire surface.

[Edit]Sanding Down Deeper Scratches

1. Choose a sanding product. Slightly deeper scratches on the surface of stainless steel will require more work than light and fine scratches. You have three basic sanding products you can choose from, and they include:
   
   • Course (maroon) and fine (gray) scouring pads^[5]
   • 400- and 600-grit sandpaper
   • Scratch removal kit^[6]
2. Wet the sanding product. Scratch removal kits come with a lubricant or polishing compound. Apply a few drops of this to the coarsest pad.^[7] For sandpaper, soak the 400-grit sandpaper in a bowl full of water for a few minutes. For scouring pads, use a spray bottle filled with water and apply a few spritzes of water to the surface of the pad.^[8]
   
   • The liquid or compound acts as a lubricant, and helps the sanding product move over the surface of the metal.
3. Rub the surface with the coarser pad or paper. Following the grain of the metal, rub the sanding product over the surface of the stainless steel in a single direction. Apply gentle but even pressure to the sandpaper or scour pad. Use long, even strokes.^[9]
   
   • It’s important to work in a single direction because rubbing back and forth over the surface can create small abrasions on the metal.
   • To ensure you're applying even pressure, wrap the pad or sandpaper around a wooden block before you begin.
   • To find the grain, look closely at the metal and see if the surface is running horizontally or vertically. This is the grain of the metal.
4. Sand the entire surface. Rub the entire surface of the stainless steel in this way. You can't just sand the scratched area, or the sanded section will look visibly different from the rest of the metal. The sanding process is actually re-surfacing the metal, so you have to sand it all.^[10]
   
   • Continue sanding until the scratch has been sanded down and is mostly gone.
   • Depending on the size of the area you're sanding, this could take 15 minutes or more.
5. Repeat the sanding process with the finer pad or paper. When you finish sanding with the coarser pad, switch to the finer one. Apply polishing compound, soak the 600-grit sandpaper, or apply water to the gray scouring pad. Sand the entire surface using long, even strokes and gentle, even pressure.^[11]
   
   • Continue sanding until the scratch has disappeared.

[Edit]Cleaning and Polishing the Steel

1. Wipe the surface to remove dust. With a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down the surface that you just sanded. This will remove sanding and metal dust, as well as leftover polishing compound or water.^[12]
   
   • Even when you're cleaning, it’s important to rub and buff in the direction of the grain. Look closely at the metal to determine what direction the surfaces runs in, and make sure you rub and clean in that same direction.
2. Clean the entire surface with vinegar. Transfer some vinegar to a spray bottle. Spray the surface of the metal with several sprays of vinegar. Use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe the metal.
   
   • The vinegar will clean the surface of the metal and remove all traces of other compounds and cleaners.
   • Do not use bleach, oven cleaner, abrasive cleaners, or abrasive pads when cleaning stainless steel.^[13]
3. Polish the steel. When the stainless steel is clean and dry, apply a few drops of oil to a clean microfiber cloth. You can use mineral oil, vegetable oil, or even olive oil. Rub the cloth against the steel, in the direction of the grain, to polish the metal.^[14]
   
   • Add more oil as necessary. Continue rubbing until the entire surface has been polished.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Non-abrasive compound
• Water
• Microfiber cloths
• Sandpaper
• Abrasive pads
• Spray bottle
• Vinegar
• Oil

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Buy an Electric Skillet

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Have you ever gone for a tasty bowl of vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce, only to discover that your teenager ate the last of the caramel sauce...on a hamburger? Kids will eat anything, but take heart: making your own caramel sauce from scratch is a lot easier—and a lot tastier than you might think. Even better, it takes practically no time at all. All you need is some sugar, butter, and cream to make your own caramel sauce at home!

[Edit]Ingredients

[Edit]Wet Caramel

• 1 1/4 cup (300 ml) sugar
• 4 oz. (112 g) butter
• 3/4 cup (175 ml) cream, room-temperature or warmed
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) water (wet method only)

[Edit]Cream Based Caramel Sauce

Makes approximately 2.5 cups:

• 100g unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Dry Caramel Preparation

1. Gather your ingredients. The cream and the butter should be measured out, sitting next to the pan and ready to be added. Making caramel sauce is a fast process; if you are wasting time looking for ingredients when your sugar is burning, you're not going to end up with caramel sauce you'll want to eat.
   
2. Combine the butter and sugar. On medium-low heat, add the butter and sugar to a heavy-bottomed, 2- or 3-quart saucepan.
   
   
   • Do not stir the sugar and butter as it dissolves. If you need to, swirl the mixture gently to combine the ingredients, but not much. You want the caramelization to start from the bottom and let it work its way up.
3. Heat the mixture. Leave the sugar and butter mixture on medium-low for 5 to 8 minutes. Keep an eye on the caramel sauce. Swirl the mixture if necessary to prevent burning, but do not stir.
   
   
   • If you find that you end up burning some of the sugar before the rest of it is melted, the next time you attempt your caramel sauce, add a half cup of water to the sugar at the beginning of the process. This is called a "wet" caramel sauce. (See below.)
   • The wet caramel sauce recipe will help the sugar to cook more evenly, although it will take longer to cook—the water will need to evaporate before the sugar will begin to caramelize.
4. Check the color. After 5 to 8 minutes, the mixture should turn a light brown. You should still see small bunches of sugar crystals which have not yet crystallized.
   
   
   • If sugar crystals start forming on the sides of the pan, use a brush to wipe them back down into the mixture.
5. Keep the sauce on medium-low. Continue cooking until the remaining crystals caramelize and bubbles start to form. The color should be deep auburn. This could take two minutes, or it could take another five.
   
   • This is the time to really guard against burning. You don't want to leave the sauce unattended at this point.
   • If you're worried about the sauce burning, you can turn the heat down to low. It's better to take a little longer cooking than to hurry the process and burn the caramel.
   • Keep resisting the urge to stir. Swirl if you need to, but don't stir yet!
6. Remove the pan from the burner. After all the sugar crystals have caramelized, take the pot off the burner, and mix in the cream a little at a time. Now is the time when you can finally use a whisk to stir.
   
   
   • Mix in the cream in small batches and stir vigorously. The mixture will foam up and grow in volume.
   • As you mix in the rest of the cream, the sauce will turn a darker color. The sauce will keep on bubbling as the cream gets incorporated into the sugar and butter.
7. Strain the mixture. Pour the caramel into a heat-resistant bowl or jar, through a strainer. Any uncaramelized crystals left will not make it into the final mixture.
   
   
8. Let the sauce sit to cool to room temperature. Except, of course, the caramel that you put on your ice cream!
   
   • Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Warm it up before serving.

[Edit]Wet Caramel Preparation

1. Gather your ingredients. The cream and the butter should be measured out, sitting next to the pan and ready to be added. Making caramel sauce is a fast process; if you are wasting time looking for ingredients when your sugar is burning, you're not going to end up with caramel sauce you'll want to eat.
   
2. In a 2- to 3-quart saucepan, combine sugar and water. Turn heat on high and wait for mixture to start boiling, stirring constantly.^[1]
   
   
   • When the mixture comes to a boil, turn the heat down to medium-low, and stop stirring completely.
   • Allow mixture to boil undisturbed until it turns a deep amber. It should look like the color of dark beer.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat. Mix in the butter into the sauce, then slowly and carefully pour the cream into the caramel, stirring regularly. Careful: the sauce will bubble up furiously!^[2]
   
   
   • Scrape the thick parts that settle on the bottom. If lumps develop, put the pan on the heat again, and stir until the lumps dissolve.
4. Get it to a nice, viscous consistency. The mixture should be uniform after cooling slightly and stirring.
   
   
   • Strain into a heat-resistant bowl or jar and wait until caramel sauce is cool enough to serve.

[Edit]Cream Based Caramel Sauce

1. Place the butter into a heavy-based saucepan. Heat gently (low heat).^[3]
   
   
2. Add the sugar and cream. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves.^[4]
   
   
3. Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes over low heat. Stir constantly; this prevents the sugar from crystallizing.
   
   
4. Remove once the sauce has just thickened.
   
   
   
5. Add the vanilla extract. Stir through.
   
   
6. Serve. This sauce can be used warm or cold.
   
   • If you need to store, this sauce will keep for up to 7 days if covered and refrigerated.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Wait until all of the sugar is melted, then add the butter straight away.^[5] Alternatively, let it brown just 10-15 seconds after all sugar has melted to intensify the flavor.
• Caramel sauce also works great on fruits. Combine grilled peaches or pears with caramel sauce, or pack a little extra caramel into bananas foster.
• Caramel sauce, once cooled, makes a great addition to vanilla or chocolate ice cream.
• Add 1 tablespoon or so of cocoa powder if you like chocolate. This also decreases the taste of burn if you have slightly burnt it.
• Dip or spread the caramel sauce on apples. Decorate them, and let them cool in the fridge for candied apples.
• Occasionally, if your cream is very cold, it will cause the caramelized sugar to seize up. To prevent this, you may wish to heat the cream up beforehand.
• If you have no cream, milk will work although the caramel sauce will be much runnier.
• Although the caramel sauce will be runnier when warm, if you find that yours is too thick, add some more cream during the cooking process.
• Whisk in a touch (about half a tablespoon) of vanilla after the cream for flavor. You could also add flavoring oils for variety. Raspberry, lemon, and orange, for example, are tasty in the right recipe.

[Edit]Warnings

• Be extra careful whilst you are cooking the sugar: once the sugar has melted, it has a much higher temperature than boiling water—and it's very sticky.
• Use pot holders when handling the jar filled with hot caramel sauce, as it will burn you.
• Be sure to pour the hot caramel sauce into a thick Pyrex glass or jar. Do not use a normal glass jar or one that has not been made for temperature changes, as the high temperature of the caramel sauce would likely crack it.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Caramelize Sugar
• Make Caramel

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

You sent in an application and you landed an interview—nice work! Here comes the nerve-wracking part: heading into the job interview. With a little preparation, you can make a great first impression with your potential employer without a ton of extra stress.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Interview Help

[Edit]Background Knowledge

1. Familiarize yourself with the job posting you applied for. Take a look at the job posting and glance over the qualifications and the skills needed. Try to remember these during your interview so you can highlight how your job history and skills fit in with the job opening.^[1]
   
   • For example, the job posting might say you need excellent time management skills and close attention to detail. When you get to the interview, you can talk about how you’ve used those skills in the past.
2. Research the company and its history. Head over to the company website and learn a little more about what they do. Spend some time looking at their past projects, their mission statement, and their history so you can discuss these factors in your interview as needed.^[2]
   
   • Referencing past projects or asking questions about future ones is a great way to show that you care about this job and the company.
3. Learn more about the company culture on social media. If the company has a blog or a social media page, spend a few minutes scrolling through it to find out what their company is like a little more. They may talk about work-life balance, fun projects, or even employee accomplishments.^[3]
   
   • If the company doesn’t have a blog or a social media page, that’s fine too. Just spend time looking through their website.
4. Look over your resumé and your own qualifications. Your interviewer will probably have a copy of your resumé in front of them when they start asking questions. Make sure you can talk about specific projects or job duties and how they relate to the job you’re applying for.^[4]
   
   • You should pay special attention to your “skills” or “qualifications” section since that’s where you get to talk about why you’re a good fit for the job.

[Edit]Common Interview Questions

1. Practice answering interview questions with a friend. It might sound silly, but holding a mock interview can be super helpful in the days before your real one. Ask your friend to sit down with you and ask some questions that your interviewer might ask.^[5]
   
   • If a friend or a loved one isn’t available, look up some common interview questions and practice answering them in a mirror.
2. Have an explanation for any gaps on your resumé. If you were unemployed for any length of time, your interviewer may ask about it. Try to come up with some skills or qualities you gained during your time off to make up for the lack of job experience. For example:^[6]
   
   • If you were caring for a sick loved one, you can talk about how it helped you gain perspective on the world.
   • If you were traveling, you can talk about how you experience diverse cultures and how you’d use those experiences in the workplace.
3. Play up your strengths. During the interview, you might be asked about what you do well. Try to come up with 2 to 3 examples of skills you’ve used in the workplace that you could transfer to your new job. For example, you could say:^[7]
   
   • “At my last job, I was in charge of our weekly team meetings. I used my skills as a leader and as a team player to make sure everyone felt involved and like they had a say in what was going on.”
   • “My previous role as a customer service rep taught me a lot about communication and the importance of attentive listening.”
4. Explain why you want to work for the company. Your interviewer might ask you what made you apply for the position that you did. You can talk about the company culture, the job position, or your educational background. Try something like:^[8]
   
   • “When I saw the listing for an accountant at your company, I was intrigued. I heard about how well your company treats its employees, and I’m interested in the projects that you do.”
   • “My background is in biology, and I’ve always been interested in animals. When the position for a zookeeper opened up, I knew I had to jump on it.”
5. Talk about how your skills apply to the job. This is another way you can talk about your strengths, but you can make them specific to the job description. Use real examples of things you did in previous workplaces to talk about why you’d be a good fit.^[9]
   
   • You might say, “As a general contractor, I learned a lot about the inner workings of the construction field. Since I have so many years of experience, I know that I could run a construction team efficiently.”
   • Or, “When I was a waiter, I learned how to multitask and use my time wisely. I think that I can transfer those skills into a managerial position easily, especially since I know how to run the front of the house.”
6. Think of 2 to 3 questions to ask your interviewer. At the end of the interview, your interviewer will probably ask if you have any questions for them about the job or the company. You can use the company website and your background knowledge to ask a few questions like:^[10]
   
   • What does a typical work day look like?
   • What are the most immediate projects that need to be addressed?
   • What are the biggest challenges that someone in this position would face?
   • Can you show me examples of projects I’d be working on?

[Edit]The Day of the Interview

1. Dress in professional clothing. As a rule of thumb, you should dress up slightly more than you would on a typical workday.^[11] Casual offices might only require business casual attire, while more professional ones may need fully professional clothing.^[12]
   
   • It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed.
   • You can learn about the dress code / typical attire by checking out pictures on the company’s website or social media pages.
2. Get there at least 5 minutes early. Showing up on time makes a good first impression, so try not to be late. Get to your interview 5 to 10 minutes beforehand so you don’t inconvenience the interviewer by showing up way too early.^[13]
   
   • Make your travel arrangements well ahead of the day of the interview. Showing up on time can mean the difference between getting the job and not getting the job.
3. Bring 3 to 4 copies of your resumé to share with your interviewers. Your interviewers will probably have your resumé printed out already, but it’s nice to show that you’re prepared. Bring a few copies of your resumé to share with your interviewers if they need one.^[14]
   
   • You can also use one of the copies as a guide as you talk through your job experience and qualifications.
   • If you submitted work samples, you may want to bring a few copies of those as well.
4. Shake the interviewer’s hand and introduce yourself. First impressions are key here. Grasp your interviewer’s hand firmly and tell them your name before you start.^[15]
   
   • If you have a couple interviewers, you don’t need to shake everyone’s hand. Just introduce yourself to the group.

[Edit]Tips

• If you’re nervous, take a few deep breaths before heading into the interview.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Prepare for a Technical Writing Interview
• Find a Talent
• Ask for a Job Interview
• Sell Yourself in Any Job Interview

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Your relationship may have started out strong, but over time relationships require work to keep them going. One of the best things you can do to improve your relationship with your girlfriend is to work on communication skills. Learning how to communicate better with your partner will help you both open up to one another and feel closer to each other, no matter what stage your relationship is in.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Becoming a Better Listener

1. Ask questions.^[1] Asking questions is one of the best ways to improve conversation with your partner. You should ask each other questions every day about how work went, how you both are feeling, and other day-to-day "updates" about one another's lives. You should also ask questions to clarify something that was said, or to dig deeper and get your partner to open up more.^[2]
   
   • Use prodding questions. Start out with larger, more general topics, and work your way down to more specific revelations.
   • You might start by asking your girlfriend how her day was, then ask about an incident that was unpleasant or a happy moment at work.
   • Once your girlfriend starts to talk about the specifics of her day, you can try applying the things she says to other conversations you've had. For example, you might ask, "That's happened before, hasn't it?" or "Wow, I can't believe that happened after _____ told you something different last week."
   • Ask your girlfriend how she feels about the events she describes. Let her know you care, and offer her your support.
2. Rephrase to reflect. A big problem in relationship communication is one partner not feeling heard or understood. Rephrasing what your girlfriend just said in your own words shows that you are listening to and processing everything she's saying. It can also be a useful way to help mentally ground yourself in the conversation if you find that your thoughts are racing and you're having a hard time focusing on what's being said.^[3]
   
   • Use a natural conversational tone. If your partner interprets your rephrasing as mocking, the conversation can go bad very quickly.
   • Try to limit your use of rephrasing. If done too often it can be distracting or irritating.
   • Put your girlfriend's words into your own words when you rephrase them. This shows that you're processing everything she says, and not simply repeating it word for word.
   • You might try using a transitional phrase to begin your rephrasing. For example, try saying something like, "So what you're saying is..." or "I think I understand where you're coming from. You're saying ________. Is that right?"
3. Look for nonverbal signals. Body language often speaks just as loudly as words. The way that you and your girlfriend position yourselves during the conversation can send signals that may be unintentional, or may reflect your subconscious mood. Try not to read too obsessively into your partner's body language, but if it seems like there is a problem, try asking her if she's upset and let her know that you noticed her body language.^[4]
   
   • If your girlfriend crosses her arms, she may be feeling defensive, distant, or emotionally closed off from you.
   • Avoiding eye contact may indicate a lack of interest in what you're saying, shame over something that was said or done, or feeling distracted or uncommunicative.
   • Turning the body away during a conversation may suggest that your partner feels disinterested, frustrated, or emotionally closed off.
   • A loud, aggressive tone might indicate that the conversation has escalated or is about to escalate, and emotions are running high. Your girlfriend may also feel that you're not hearing her or understanding her.
   • Some body language positions are incidental, so don't "accuse" your girlfriend of secretly being upset or closed off. Ask in a caring way by saying something like, "I noticed your body language seems to suggest that you're upset, but your words are contradicting that. Is something on your mind?"

[Edit]Speaking to Your Girlfriend

1. Be open and honest.^[5] Being honest means not lying to or misleading your girlfriend, which should be easy enough. But being open requires you to make yourself vulnerable on some level, which many people struggle with. If being open and honest doesn't come naturally to you, you'll need to work on it with your partner for the sake of your relationship.^[6]
   
   • Open, honest communication is the foundation of a strong relationship. If you cannot be open and honest with one another, you will inevitably encounter problems down the line.
   • Tell your girlfriend the full truth. Don't hold back or withhold your feelings, because she may be upset if she finds out about it.
   • If you're struggling with being open, let your partner know about the problem and try to explain the reasons why. If she knows you struggle with it, she can be extra supportive, and may learn to ask you prompting questions or request elaborations.
2. Reflect before you speak.^[7] Many people are in such a hurry to get all their thoughts/feelings out in the open that they fail to pause and reflect on what's being said. This is true of both speaking your mind in general, as well as speaking in response to something your girlfriend has said.^[8]
   
   • Think carefully about what it is you want to say before you speak.
   • Be aware of what you're feeling when you talk to your girlfriend.
   • Speak as clearly and directly as possible.
   • If you're responding to something your partner said, give her a second to make sure she's finished talking. Then take a brief second to process what she's said and think about how to best articulate your response.
3. Communicate respectfully. You should always strive to be as respectful as possible in every conversation you have with your girlfriend. Respect may be an obvious requirement for many people, but it's important to be aware of your words, your tone, the subtext of your conversation, and your body language to always convey mutual respect for one another.^[9]
   
   • Take responsibility for what you say and do during a conversation, even if it escalates to an argument.
   • You should both fully express your thoughts and feelings, but you need to do so respectfully.
   • Validate your partner's feelings. Try to understand why your girlfriend feels the way she does, and at the very least respect the fact that she feels that way.^[10]
   • Convey a respectful posture. Don't slouch, avoid eye contact, or do other tasks while listening to your girlfriend. Face her and give her your full attention.
   • Be respectful in any responses you give. Don't interrupt your girlfriend, and never say that she's wrong to feel a certain way.
   • If there's any kind of misunderstanding between you, don't get mad or upset. Instead, you should calmly ask questions and try to get your girlfriend to clarify what she means.
4. Focus on "I" statements.^[11] When emotions rise, especially during a fight or after you've been hurt somehow, it's easy to slip into declarative statements (such as "You are a liar and you hurt my feelings."). But psychologists agree that using "I" statements are far more effective and cause less tension. Using an "I" statement simply means framing your hurt feelings as a way that you feel, rather than as an accusation or an absolute about your partner.^[12] A good "I" statement should include the following components:
   
   • A statement of emotion ("I feel _____")
   • A fair and unemotional description of the behavior causing you to feel the way you feel ("I feel _____ when you ______")
   • An explanation of why the behavior or conditions at hand cause you to feel the way you do ("I feel ____ when you _____, because it _________")
5. Don't rush things. If you haven't been dating for a long time, or if you are new to sharing your feelings in general, it's best to take things slowly. You should still work on communicating with one another every day, but you and your partner should have a frank conversation about how comfortable you are with divulging your personal thoughts/feelings, and what kind of time frame you might need to get to that point.^[13]
   
   • Don't rush into deep, troubling, or difficult conversations. Let them come naturally when you're both ready to talk about such things.
   • Don't rush your partner, and don't let her rush you.
   • Go by what you are both comfortable with, and know that any effort at improving communication will help strengthen your relationship.
6. Use self-disclosure statements. Self-disclosure statements can be very useful in a relationship, especially if you're new to sharing your feelings or talking about deeply personal things. They're a way for you to reveal yourself incrementally but candidly to your partner, with the assumption that she will talk about herself as well.^[14] Try building off of the following self-disclosing cues to get started:
   
   • I am a person who _____.
   • One thing I wish people knew about me is _______.
   • When I try to express intimate feelings, _____________.

[Edit]Working on Communication Skills Together

1. Try out different communication styles. There are many different ways of communicating, and there are no absolute right or wrong methods. However, some methods can be more productive than others for some people, and it may take some experimentation to find a style of communication that works best for both of you.^[15]
   
   • Try being expressive. Let your partner know how you feel, and ask her how she feels.
   • Use task- or fact-oriented communication. Some people are more comfortable conveying facts instead of emotions, like saying, "I feel like I'm not making enough money at my job" instead of saying, "I'm sad and I'm worried about my finances."
   • Be assertive. Assertive communication involves the clear and direct communication of your feelings, opinions, and needs, without infringing on the rights of your partner.
   • Avoid passive communication. This communication style involves a failure to assert yourself or express your thoughts/feelings/needs, and can be very damaging to the relationship.^[16]
   • Minimize emotion before talking about important things. Take a few minutes to calm down before discussing anything significant so that your emotions do not direct the conversation, but make sure you do acknowledge the way you and your partner feel.^[17]
2. Focus on small talk. Small talk is tremendously helpful in any relationship, and it helps build a day-to-day level of communication within your relationship. You can reminisce or laugh about shared experiences, talk about what you each did that day, ask about plans for the weekend, or simply share observations that you find interesting or funny.^[18]
   
   • Small talk about your day-to-day lives helps you and your girlfriend get closer and know each other more intimately.
   • Ask your girlfriend to elaborate and give more details.
   • Make sure that your follow-up questions convey a genuine interest in what your girlfriend says and do not come across as suspicious or distrustful.
3. Make time for communication. Many people with busy lives or different schedules find that the lines of communication get strained in a relationship. This can easily be remedied, though, if both partners make time for communication. Even if you have very hectic lives, it's important that you make some time for open, honest communication, the same way you make time for meals, sleep, or your daily commute.^[19]
   
   • If having a rigid schedule helps you both maintain your day-to-day lives, try scheduling alone time. Set aside some alone time at least once every week to keep a healthy, open line of communication.
   • Try to limit interruptions when you're talking with your girlfriend. Turn off the TV or radio, and silence/put away your cellphones so you won't be distracted.
   • Talk to one another while doing day-to-day activities, like while driving in the car or doing chores around the house.
   • Notice when your girlfriend acts troubled or otherwise seems to have something she wants to talk about. Ask if something is wrong, or if there's anything she'd like to talk about.
   • Make sure your conversations convey commitment, trust, and intimacy from both of you.^[20]
4. Consider seeking professional help. You might find that communication doesn't come easily in your relationship, or that the lines of communication have been strained by life events. There is nothing wrong with this, and it does not mean your relationship won't work—it simply means you might need to try a little harder. That's where a professional may be of service.^[21]
   
   • A licensed couples therapist can help you and your girlfriend find ways to be more open and communicative.
   • You may also work on being more honest, taking more of an interest in one another's lives, and finding more time to spend alone together.
   • You can find therapists in your area by looking through the phone book, using a search engine online, or by consulting a therapy-based index like Psychology Today has on their website.^[22]

[Edit]Tips

• Spend time together, no matter what else is going on in your lives.
• When you're together, make sure you talk to one another. Start out with small talk, which is very important, and work your way up to bigger, more important things going on in your lives.

[Edit]Warnings

• Don't expect your girlfriend to have the same level of comfort that you do in talking about your thoughts and feelings. Everyone is different, and every relationship is different, so be understanding and ask her to respect your feelings as well.
• If you notice your girlfriend getting annoyed, she may need a little space. Don't push her, and be respectful of her boundaries.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Have a Good Relationship with Your Girlfriend
• Talk to Your Girlfriend on the Phone
• Communicate Better in a Relationship

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Windbreakers are lightweight jackets that protect you from the wind and light rain. They come in pullover style, zip-up style, and hoodie style, and they usually have tight cuffs. Windbreakers can range in color and design, so it can be hard to choose what to wear with one. If you have a windbreaker you’re dying to wear out, try sticking with a vintage look, going for an athleisure vibe, or creating a monochromatic outfit to look great in your windbreaker today.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Choosing Styles of Windbreakers

1. Choose an oversized windbreaker for a fashion-forward look. Windbreakers used to be a form-fitting way to stay protected from the wind. In fashion, they are now used as oversized statement pieces that add style and class to an outfit. Purchase a baggy, oversized windbreaker to elevate your style. Buy one as large as you are comfortable with.^[1]
   
2. Keep your windbreaker fitted for a sporty style. If you are using your windbreaker to run or exercise in, consider getting one that is actually your size. This will be easier to move in and it will also give you a more athletic vibe. Make sure the windbreaker hits at your hips and the sleeves end just above your wrists.^[2]
   
   • This will also allow you to wear your windbreaker in more professional settings.
3. Be bold with a multi-colored windbreaker. Many windbreakers call back to the 80s and 90s in terms of color and style. Choose a windbreaker with multiple blocks of color to stand out and make a statement with your windbreaker. Multi-colored windbreakers look great over a monochromatic outfit, like all black.^[3]
   
   • Bright colors in large chunks are more vintage than modern.
4. Stay classic with a solid-colored windbreaker. Windbreakers that are a solid color are an excellent staple for any closet. An all-black windbreaker will go well with almost anything, but you can choose a windbreaker of any color that you like. If you are feeling daring, you can even try a bright neon colored windbreaker.^[4]
   
5. Wear a windbreaker with a hood for utility. If you live in an area that has a lot of rain, you may need to choose a windbreaker with slightly more coverage than normal. Buy a windbreaker that has a hood on it so that you can not only wear it fashionably but also get some functionality out of it. Try to find one where you can tuck the hood into the collar of the jacket for more versatility.^[5]
   
   • Classic windbreakers do not usually have hoods on them, but you can find modern ones that do.

[Edit]Pairing Bottoms with Your Windbreaker

1. Pair your windbreaker with high-waisted jeans for a vintage look. If you have a bright, blocky-colored windbreaker, you are already calling back to the decades before. To play up this look, add a pair of light-wash high-waisted jeans. Make sure your jeans fit you well in the waist and hips, but are loose around the calves and ankles.^[6]
   
   • You can find jeans like this at most thrift stores.
2. Wear black jeans to make your windbreaker stand out. If you want your windbreaker to be the main focus of your outfit, tone down the rest of your look by wearing simple black jeans.^[7] This will make your windbreaker pop so that it draws attention. This is a great idea for brightly-colored and oversized windbreakers.^[8]
   
   • You can also wear black jeans with a black windbreaker for a streetwear look.
3. Look sporty with some skin-tight leggings or workout pants. If you are wearing your windbreaker to work out or you want to create an athleisure look, wear some leggings or workout pants with your windbreaker. This makes you look ready to move your body while also being fashion-forward.^[9]
   
4. Wear your windbreaker with slacks for a business casual look. If you’re heading into the office but you still want to be comfortable, throw on your windbreaker over your button-down shirt. Pair it with some slacks or dark-wash jeans and some dress shoes and you are set to do work with an athleisure vibe.^[10]
   
   • If your office is particularly formal, a windbreaker is not a good choice.
5. Put on a form-fitting skirt for a chic outfit. If you want to dress up your windbreaker, wear it over a form-fitting skirt or dress to elevate your look. Match your skirt color to your windbreaker color for a monochromatic outfit, or pair a dark dress or skirt with a bright windbreaker to stand out. You can even add a pair of slim high heels to complete this outfit.^[11]
   
   • Loose fitting skirts and dresses, like A-lines, do not go well with windbreakers. Stick with form-fitting ones to even out your look.

[Edit]Wearing Tops and Accessories

1. Put on a classic T-shirt to keep it simple. Windbreakers are often the main focus of an outfit. To keep it that way, throw on a classic, neutral colored T-shirt that fits you well. White T-shirts are always a good choice, especially with light-wash jeans. Black T-shirts pair well with darker jeans and will emphasize the colors in your windbreaker.^[12]
   
2. Make your outfit more formal with a button-down or blouse. It can be fun to dress up a windbreaker sometimes, whether you are headed to the office or just want to parody business attire. Throw on a button-down or blouse underneath of your windbreaker for a cool juxtaposition of style.^[13]
   
   • If you want the popped collar look without all the buttons, try a polo shirt instead of a button-down.
3. Leave your windbreaker unzipped to show off your shirt underneath. If the day isn’t particularly windy or you really want to show off your shirt, leave your windbreaker fully or partially unzipped so people can see your entire outfit. This is especially helpful when you are doing a monochromatic look, like an all black outfit with a pop of color in your windbreaker.^[14]
   
   • Some windbreakers don’t have zippers, in which case you can wear whatever shirt you want underneath of them.
4. Add a large leather belt for a vintage outfit. If you are wearing a windbreaker from the 80s, you might want to play up that look by adding other pieces from that era. Use a thick leather belt to buckle your jeans and add to your outfit. Tuck the front of your windbreaker into your pants or leave it unzipped to show off your belt.^[15]
   
   • Black belts look the best on light-wash, loose fitting jeans.
5. Wear chunky sneakers to balance out your look. A loose-fitting windbreaker goes great with some chunky, large shoes. Slip on some sneakers that make your feet look slightly wider than they actually are to balance out your outfit. Keep your bottoms slick with some skinny jeans, or play up the oversized look with a relaxed fitting pair of pants.^[16]
   
   • White shoes will make light-wash jeans pop.
6. Stick with running shoes to match the sporty vibe of the windbreaker. If you have leggings or workout pants on, throw on some running shoes to compliment the sporty vibe you have going on. You can also wear running shoes with cuffed jeans for a streetwear look. Keep your running shoes a neutral color to make your windbreaker stand out.^[17]
   
7. Keep your outfit casual with a backpack or fanny pack. A purse or a handbag can elevate an outfit, so keep it casual by throwing your essentials into a small backpack or a fanny pack. A fanny pack will play on the windbreaker’s vintage sporty look, while the backpack keeps your outfit looking utilitarian. Match your backpack or fanny pack to your windbreaker, or use one that is a solid color so it doesn’t stand out.^[18]
   

[Edit]References

This wikiHow will show you various ways in which to take a screenshot on a Mac.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Screenshot the Entire Screen

1. Make sure your screen displays exactly what you want to show in your screenshot image. Ensure all the relevant windows are visible.
   
2. Press Command + Shift + 3. If your sound is on, your computer should make a brief camera shutter noise.^[1]
   
3. Find your screenshot on your desktop. It will be saved as "screenshot" labeled with the date and time.
   
   • Earlier versions of OS X will save it as "Picture #"—for example, if it's the 5th screenshot on your desktop it will be labeled "Picture 5".

[Edit]Screenshot a Portion of Your Screen

1. Press Command + Shift + 4. Your cursor will turn into a small cross-hair reticle.^[2]
   
2. Click and drag your cursor to highlight the area you'd like to take a picture of. A grayed rectangle should appear where you drag your cursor. If you need to adjust your windows at all, press Escape to return to a regular cursor without taking a picture.^[3]
   
3. Let go of the mouse. You should hear a brief camera shutter noise if your computer's sound is turned on. That signals that your screenshot has been taken.^[4]
   
4. Find your screenshot on your desktop. It will be saved as a .png file named "screenshot" labeled with the date and time.
   
   • Earlier versions of OS X will save it as "Picture #"—for example, if it's the 5th screenshot on your desktop it will be labeled as "Picture 5".
5. Use the screenshot. Once you have taken your screenshots, they are now ready to be used as needed. You can attach them to an email, upload them to the Web, or even drag them straight into an application such as a word processor.
   

[Edit]Screenshot an Open Window

1. Press Command+Shift+4 then hit the Space bar. The cross-hair will turn into a small camera. You can press Spacebar again to switch back to the reticle.
   
2. Move your cursor over the window you want to capture. The camera will highlight different windows blue as it moves over them. You can use keyboard commands such as Command+Tab to shift through your windows while still in this mode.
   
3. Click on the window. The picture of the window you selected will be saved to the desktop by default just like the other screenshot methods.
   

[Edit]Save a Screenshot to the Clipboard

1. Press Command + Control + Shift + 3. This method works exactly like the one above, except the screenshot does not immediately create a file. Instead, the image is saved to the clipboard, the same temporary storage area where your computer remembers the text that you have copied.
   
   • You can also take a portion screenshot with this method using Command + Control + Shift + 4 and dragging your reticle over the appropriate part of your screen, exactly as the portion screenshot method.
2. Use Command + V or Edit > Paste to paste your image. Your screenshot image can be pasted straight into any compatible application, such as a Word document, an image editing program, and many email services.
   

[Edit]Use the Grab Utility Tool

1. Go to Applications > Utilities > Grab. This opens the Grab application. You will see the menus shown in the upper left of your screen, but no windows will open.
   
2. Click the Capture menu and choose between the four different options.
   
   • To take a picture of your entire screen, click on Screen (or just use the keyboard command Apple Key + Z). A window will pop up telling you where to click and letting you know that the window will not appear in the shot.
   • To take a picture of a portion of your screen, click on Selection. A window will pop up instructing you to drag your mouse over the portion of your screen you'd like to capture.
   • To take a picture of a specific window, select Window. Then, click on the window you'd like to take a picture of.
3. When the new window opens, choose Save. You can also choose Save As to give it a different name and/or move it to a more appropriate location, but note that it can only be saved as a .tiff file. Note that the file is not automatically saved.
   

[Edit]Tips

• It is possible to alter the shortcut used for taking screenshots by going into System Preferences, then to the Keyboard area, and clicking on the Screenshot section of Shortcuts. By clicking on the type of screenshot you want to change the shortcut for, you can press a combination of keys to create a new shortcut.
• Advanced users with knowledge of the Mac OS X Lion Terminal application can also use the "screen-capture" command to take a screenshot from the command line.
• Files from the screen-capture tool are saved to the desktop as PNG files by default. This is not the best method and fills your desktop if not managed. The easiest way to solve this is to make a screenshot folder, which is outlined in Altering the Default Location of the Saved Files.
• An alternative to saving a Grab file as a TIFF formatted file is to copy it and open Preview. Then in Preview, do File - New from Clipboard, and the image will open, which can then be exported as a jpg or png file to a folder of your choice. And if you do Select All and copy the image, you may directly import it via Paste or Paste Picture with the Shift Key depressed into Microsoft Excel for example.
• An alternative but more long-winded method of taking screenshots is available via Mac OS X Lion's Preview application. The screenshot options appear on the "File" menu and match those available via the keyboard shortcuts.

[Edit]Warnings

• Posting screenshots that include copyrighted information could have legal implications, so be careful that you have the right to capture any of the information visible on your screen.
• When taking screenshots to pass on to other people, or to publish on the Internet, ensure no personal or confidential information is captured within the image.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Put Video on Your iPod
• Watch YouTube Videos on Your iPod
• Take a Screenshot of an Android Device Using Android Studio

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Colored sand can be used in a variety of sand art projects. While you can buy colored sand at craft stores, it’s very easy to make your own. In some cases, it is even cheaper to make your own. Best of all, you can create colors that you would not find in a store!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Using Liquid Food Coloring

1. Get some light-colored sand. You can buy sand in hardware stores, art stores, and in aquarium-supply stores. If you already have access to sand, you can use that instead, as long as it is light enough. Try to get the lightest color of sand you can find; white would be the best because it will allow the colors to show up better.
   
   • You can use this method to tint sand at the beach and make brightly colored sandcastles with it.
2. Divide the sand into plastic zippered bags. You will need one bag for each color of sand that you will be making. Leave enough room in each bag so that you can shake the sand. How much sand you put into each bag is up to you. Anywhere between ¼ and 1 cup (95 and 379 grams) will be plenty.^[1]
   
   
   • Consider dampening the sand with water. This will make it easier to mix the food coloring into it.
3. Add a few drops of food coloring into each bag. Plan on using 3 to 4 drops of food coloring for every ¼ cup (95 grams) of sand. If you used 1 cup (379 grams) of sand, 12 to 16 drops of food coloring will be plenty.^[2]
   
   
   • You can also use liquid watercolor, but you may need to add more than just a few drops. Liquid watercolor comes in small bottles and is already diluted with water.^[3]
   • Do not use liquid watercolor if you are doing this at the beach. Food coloring is safe for the animals, but liquid watercolor is not.
4. Close the bags tightly, then shake and squeeze them to mix the sand. Zip the bags shut tightly first. Next, shake the bags to help distribute the food coloring. You can also gently squeeze and massage the sand through the bags. Keep doing this until the color is even.
   
   
   • Add more food coloring if the color is too light for you. Keep in mind that the sand will dry lighter.
5. Transfer the sand to baking sheets. Make sure that you use a clean baking sheet for each color of sand. Spread the sand across each baking sheet as thinly as you can. If you don't have enough baking sheets, you can use trays and shallow dishes.
   
   
6. Allow the sand to dry overnight. If you don't want to wait that long, you can dry the sand in a preheated oven at for 5 to 10 minutes. When the sand is almost dry, take it out of the oven and let it finish air-drying for a few hours.
   
   • Don't let the sand dry completely in the oven. If you do, the color may fade.
   • Do not bake sand that's been colored with liquid watercolor.
7. Use your sand. Fill vases with it to create beautiful, layered designs. Draw a picture on a sheet of paper with glue, then sprinkle the sand over it. Avoid getting the sand wet, however. Even though the food coloring will have stained it, there is a slight chance that it may come off on your hands if the sand gets wet.
   
   • Do not put the sand in water or aquariums. It will bleed into the water.

[Edit]Using Paint Powder or Colored Chalk

1. Purchase a bag of light-colored sand. White sand would be even better because the colors will show up brighter. You can find bags of sand in craft stores, hardware stores, and even in aquarium-supply stores.
   
   • This method is not safe to use at the beach. Paint and chalk contain ingredients that could be harmful to aquatic life.
2. Place 5 tablespoons (118 grams) of sand into a zippered bag. This will be enough for one color. If you want to make more colors, you will need to fill more bags with more sand. You can also put the sand into a cup or bowl instead.^[4]
   
   
3. Mist the sand with water, if desired. You don't have to do this, but many people find that it helps the paint powder stick to the sand better. The easiest way to do this would be with a spray bottle, but you can also stir a small spoonful of water into the sand instead.^[5]
   
4. Add 1 tablespoon of tempera paint powder into the sand. You can add more paint powder later on, if you want to, but start with this amount first. You can find paint powder in arts and crafts stores. It is simply dried, powdered tempera paint.^[6]
   
   
   • You can also use sidewalk chalk or a chalk pastel (not oil). Grind it up first using a craft blade, food grater, or sandpaper.^[7]
5. Zip the bags shut and shake them to distribute the powder evenly. If you need to, gently squeeze and massage the bags to help work the paint powder into the sand. If you are mixing the sand in a bowl, simply stir it with a fork or spoon.^[8]
   
   
6. Spread the colored sand out on a baking sheet to dry. Open the bag up, and spread the sand on a baking sheet or tray. Leave the sand out for a few hours so that it can dry. If you play with the wet sand too soon, the paint powder my come off on your hands.^[9]
   
   • If you made multiple colors of sand, use a different tray or baking sheet for each one.
   • If you did not dampen the sand, you do not have to dry it. It is ready to play with!
7. Play with the sand. Use the sand to make beautiful sand art. Fill vases with it, or sprinkle it over drawings made from glue.
   
   • Don't let the sand get wet, otherwise, the color may come off on your hands.

[Edit]Making Fake Colored Sand

1. Purchase a bag of Epsom salt. You can find this salt in pharmacies. It is often added to bathes to soothe aching muscles. Although it contains the word "salt," this product is not edible. Thanks to its pure-white color, however, the food coloring will show up much better compared to real sand.^[10]
   
   • Regular table salt will also work for this method.
   • If you want to make edible colored sand, use white, granulated sugar instead.
2. Divide the salt into several zippered bags. How many bags you use depends on how many colors you want to make. You will need one bag for each color. Don't fill the bags more than half-way, however; you will need that extra room to shake the salt.^[11]
   
3. Add 5 to 10 drops of liquid food coloring into each bag. Smaller amounts of sugar will need just 5 drops, while larger amounts will need up to 10. Don't worry if this doesn't look like it will be enough; you can always add more drops later!
   
   
4. Zip the bags closed, then shake them. Make sure that the bags are tightly closed first. Next, shake the bags in order to mix the food coloring into the salt. You can even squish the bags to help distribute the food coloring further.^[12]
   
   
5. Add more food coloring, if desired. If the salt did not turn out bright enough for you, open the bags up and add in a couple more drops of food coloring. Zip the bags shut and shake them again. Keep doing this until you get the color you want.
   
6. Open the bags and let the salt dry. How long this takes depends on how dry or humid it is in your home. For most people, this will take overnight. You can speed up the drying process by spreading the salt out on a baking sheet or tray. Make sure that you use a separate sheet/tray for each color, however.^[13]
   
7. Play with the sand, but don't let it get wet. If it gets wet, it will melt! You can use this sand to fill vases in colorful layers. You can also use it to make sand art. For example, you can draw a picture on paper with school glue, then sprinkle the salt over it to create a sand painting.
   
   • You can use edible sugar sand to decorate cakes, cupcakes, or even a tropical-themed gingerbread house!

[Edit]Injecting Some Color

1. Collect sand. Either purchase sand at your local craft or hardware store, or gather some from a nearby beach.
   
   • If collecting sand from a beach, be wary of hazardous materials and waste. Though you will later sift the sand, try to pick out noticeable things like paper or large pebbles.
   • Be very careful when collecting sand from a beach. Use rubber gloves as there may be broken glass or other hazardous materials.
   • Store gathered sand in tightly sealed plastic bags. Hold the bags upside down and see if any sand leaks out. This will help you reduce unwanted sand in your car and house.
2. Sift the sand. Store-bought sand will be smooth and even, but beach sand often has rocks that need to be separated from the sand grains.
   
   • Place a bucket on the ground and put a sifter over top. This sifter could be an old sifter from the kitchen or fine netting, like a window screen, that is secured over the bucket using duct tape. If you are using a metal sifter from the kitchen, do not use it again for food-related preparation.
   • Pour the collected sand onto the mesh of the sifter or screen. Shake the screen lightly so the sand will filter through into the bucket. You may need to occasionally clear the mesh of any stones, shells, or other debris. Continue this process until all the sand has been sifted.
3. Divide the sand into separate containers. You can use plastic containers with lids or plastic storage bags.
   
   • Storage bags are best because they will require less cleanup and will reduce any additional mess caused during the stirring process.
   • Baking dishes and bowls are also acceptable containers. Be sure to thoroughly scrub any kitchenware afterward, especially if dying gathered sand. You want to avoid leaving behind any sand or potentially hazardous materials in the sand.
4. Add water to the sand. This will help evenly distribute the dye when you apply it later.
   
   
   • Aim for a damp consistency and avoid soaking or submerging the sand completely. Don't worry if you add too much water; this will simply making the drying process longer.
5. Pour dye onto the sand. Any kind of dye will work for this project, but fabric dye seems to produce the most vibrant dyed sand.
   
   • Food coloring is also acceptable for dying sand.
   • You may need to add dye several times until it gets to the desired shade you like. The sand will dry lighter so do not worry if the dye is very dark.
   • Dry tempera paint powder is a nice additive that helps create bright colors. Tempera powder can be purchased in most arts and crafts stores.
   • Be cautious while handling dye as it can stain skin, clothing, and furniture.
6. Mix the dye and sand together thoroughly. This process will vary depending on what container you have used to separate sand.
   
   • If you are using a container with a lid, you will need a plastic spoon that you can throw away after you finish the project. Scrape the sides of the container to make sure you color everything. Seal the container and set the wet sand to the side to soak up the dye for at least an hour.
   • For a storage bag, simply seal the bag tightly and massage the sand until the color is consistent throughout. Set the bag aside for at least an hour so the sand can soak up the dye.
7. Allow your sand to dry. Pour out any excess water first, then spread your damp sand on a plate or flat surface.
   
   
   • Leave the sand to dry, preferably in a sunny place, for a few hours. You may wish to put paper towels over the plate before putting the sand down to help soak up any excess dye.
   • You can also bake the sand to help speed up the drying process and further infuse the colors. Simply place the sand in a baking pan and bake on for 15 minutes. Make sure you pull the sand out of the oven while it is still damp and let it dry naturally overnight; sand that has been baked completely dry can have faded and less vibrant colors.
8. Package the dry sand. Once your dyed sand has completely dried, store it in dry plastic containers with easily sealed lids.
   
   • For safety purposes, store sealed sand outside of the kitchen. You don't want to accidentally mistake it for a spice or cooking powder.
   • Make sure you reseal the lids tightly after each sand art project. This will keep unwanted materials from ruining the color as well as prevent accidental spills inside the house.

[Edit]Using Sand in Art Projects

1. Make a sand drawing. Use the colored sand you have just made to add some glitter and pizzazz to hand-drawn pictures.
   
   
   • Simply use a pencil to draw a design on plain white paper (a flower, for example). Once finished, place the paper on a try to contain the sand you will pour on later. Use a cotton swab to apply Elmer's glue to the areas you will be coloring in with sand. Carefully pour the different colors of sand onto the glued areas. Let the sand settle, then hold it over a plate to collect loose sand.^[14]
   • For the greatest effect, draw something with many colors and with contrasting colors (for example, a rainbow). This will allow you to utilize a lot of your sand colors and will produce a vibrant, lively picture.
2. Craft a colored sand vase. Either decorate the outside of a flower vase with colored sand or showcase the sand itself in its own vase.
   
   
   • To spice up a flower vase, imitate the way you created a sand drawing. Set the vase on some newspaper. Pour 1/4 cup of tacky glue into a plastic cup and dilute it with a teaspoon of water. Use a paintbrush to apply the glue to the outside of the vase. Sprinkle spoonfuls of colored sand over the glued surface, rotating the vase to spread the sand evenly. Let the vase dry for a few hours, then place flowers inside.
   • Layering sand in its own vase is also a nice house decoration. This is very easy: just pour one color of sand into a vase or clear jar and form a layer. Don't worry about whether this layer is even or straight; making it wavy and uneven adds personality to the vase and gives it a more natural look.^[15] Pour a different color of sand and form another layer. For the best contrast, avoid layering colors that look similar to each other, like purple and red. Continue this process until you reach the top of the vase. To give your vase a beach-like vibe, add some rocks and shells to the layers of sand.
3. Create a sand candle. This is a nice twist on the layered sand vase and is great for adding uniqueness to plain white candles.
   
   
   • Layer the colored sand one layer and color at a time, similar to how you would create a layered vase. Instead of filling the vase to the top with sand, stop a little past half-way. Place a candle into the middle of the jar and burrow it into the sand slightly so that it is nicely supported. Now when you light the candle, its light will reflect off the sand and create a warm, inviting glow.^[16]

[Edit]Tips

• Colored sand made with paint powder or chalk will stay bright for a long time. Sand-colored with food coloring may fade or discolor over time.
• You can mix food coloring (or paint powder/ground chalk) to make new colors.
• Add some extra-fine glitter to the sand for extra sparkle!
• Start with a smaller amount of coloring than you think you need. It's always easier to add more to reach a darker color.
• If you used liquid food coloring, be aware that your sand (including salt or sugar) my dry lighter.
• You can use real sand from the beach, but be sure to sift it first to get rid of any large shells, pebbles, or sticks.
• Store your sand in jars or plastic, zippered bags when you are not using it so that it does not spill.
• If the colored sand dries and it is still not the shade you like, add more water and dye and repeat the drying process.
• To mold the dyed sand into shapes, use the sand while it is still damp so that it will dry into the desired shape.
• Collecting your own sand will save you money from having to buy it from the store but it will be more time consuming since it will need to be sifted.
• To dry the sand faster, make sure to put it in the sun and spread it out on a plate/tray.
• You don’t have to sift the sand if you don’t want to, but know that it might have small rocks and minerals.

[Edit]Warnings

• Do not use colored sand in water or aquariums. The color is not bound into the sand, so it will bleed and stain the water.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Using Liquid Food Coloring

• White or light-colored sand
• Plastic zippered bags
• Liquid food coloring
• Baking sheets or trays

[Edit]Using Paint Powder or Colored Chalk

• White or light-colored sand
• Plastic zippered bags
• Tempera paint powder, sidewalk chalk, or chalk pastels
• Craft blade, food grater, or sandpaper (if using chalk)
• Baking sheets or trays

[Edit]Making Fake Colored Sand

• Epsom salt, table salt, or white, granulated sugar
• Plastic zippered bags
• Liquid food coloring
• Baking sheets or trays

[Edit]Injecting Some Color

• 2 Buckets
• Sand
• Sifter
• Window screen
• Duct tape
• Water
• Assorted dyes
• Containers with lids
• Storage bags
• Spoons
• Paper plates
• Paper towel

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Kinetic Sand
• Color Sand

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

Bandanas are fun and fashionable attire that are great for adorning a dog's neck. Bandanas come in a wide variety of colors with various designs, patterns, and logos. With this wide variety available, there is sure to be one that fits you and your dog's personality.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Picking Out a Bandana

1. Go to a store or shop online. You can certainly go to the nearest discount store and pick up a pack of traditional red bandanas to use to dress up your dog. However, you can also find great bandanas online through pet retail stores or dog grooming supplies stores.
   
2. Pick an appealing pattern or color. From your favorite sports team, a biker motif, or just a cute and funny pattern, bandanas come in a huge array of patterns. Pick a simple colored bandana or a wild multi-colored pattern, whatever you desire.
   
   • Many people enjoy purchasing various themed bandanas for the seasons or various holidays.
   • If you are handy with a sewing machine you can make a bandana from a square of fabric with the edges finished with a simple hem.
3. Pick the right size bandana. For small dogs or puppies a 14 inch square of cloth is good. For medium sized dogs an 18” square of cloth is good. For large dogs you should get a 22” square and for giant breed dogs a 26” square is needed.^[1]
   

[Edit]Folding a Bandana

1. Place the bandana on a smooth, clean surface. It should be unfolded, with the printed side face down. You will need to give yourself enough room so that you can lay it out and fold it easily.
   
2. Fold the bandana into a triangle. Take one corner and fold it across to the corner diagonally opposite it. Smooth the cloth so you have a nice triangle free from wrinkles.
   
   • Form a crease along the folded edge you just made.
   • If the bandana will still be too big for the dog you can make another fold. Match together the corners of the longest (just creased) edges together. Smooth the bandana flat once again and crease the folded edge.
3. Try a more “dapper” fold. Take the just folded bandana and fold the tip opposite the longest edge toward the longest edge of the triangle. Then fold the bandana in half again, so that the tip is concealed inside the fold. Keep folding the bandana until it is the desired size for your dog. Good sizes for dogs based on size include:
   
   • 1 inch wide for a small dog
   • 1 ½ inch wide for a medium dog
   • 2 inches wide for a large dog

[Edit]Tying the Bandana on

1. Tie the bandana on with a square knot. Place the bandana around the dog's neck. Hold both ends of the bandana, one in each hand. Pass the right end over the left end and then back under the left. Pass the left end over the right end and back under the right.
   
   • Tighten the knot by pulling on both ends until they don't move any further.
2. Make sure the bandana is fitted correctly on your dog. You need to be able to easily fit two or more of your fingers under the bandana after you've tied the knot. If not, untie and retie until it fits properly.
   
3. Adjust the placement of the bandana. Some people prefer the knot on top of the dog's neck and some under and enjoy. There is no right way to style the bandana!
   

[Edit]Tips

• There are some bandanas that come pre-folded. These are quick and easy to put on your dog.

[Edit]Warnings

• Closely watch your dog while it is wearing the bandana. The bandana can snag and strangle a dog if it catches on a sturdy branch or fence.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary