| How to Do Glass Painting from a Pattern Tracing Posted: 09 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST Glass painting can be intimidating, but it does not have to be. If you use a pattern to trace from, it can be simple and fun. This article will show you how to get started in the art of glass painting. [Edit]Getting Started - Gather your supplies. Glass painting requires a little more than just paint and brushes. You will also need to prepare your glass piece properly, so that the paint will stick. Some paints also need to be cured in an oven. Here is a list of what you will need to get a basic painting done:
- Glass object to paint
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- Design printed on paper
- Masking tape
- Glass paints
- Paint brushes
- Plate or palette
- Oven (optional)
- Find a glass piece to paint. You can paint things like jars, cups, or wine glasses. You can also paint a glass panel. The best place to get a glass panel is from a picture frame. When you are done painting, you can display the finished piece inside the frame. Make sure that the panel in the frame is glass, however; some frames come with an acrylic panel instead of glass.
- You can take the back out of a picture frame, or leave it in. If you decide to leave the back in, you might want to cover it with some white paper. Most glass paint is translucent, so it will show up best against a white background.
- Clean the glass with some soap and water. Even if the glass looks clean, you will still want to wash it. Any oil, dirt, or dust may keep the paint from sticking to the surface.
- Have your pattern or design ready. It needs to be printed on paper. If you are painting something like a cup or jar, the paper needs to be trimmed down so that it can fit inside.
- The best patterns to use are just outlines, like from a coloring book.
- Place the pattern where you want it to be. If you plan on using this glass piece for eating or drinking out of, move the pattern to a place where food, drink, or mouths won't be touching it. Even if a glass paint is labeled as "non-toxic," it may not be food-safe.[1]
- If you are painting on a flat sheet of glass, place the pattern face down on the glass. Tape the edges down with masking tape, and flip the glass over.
- If you are painting on a cup, place the pattern inside the cup. Move it around until it is where you want it to be. Press the paper against the wall of the cup, and tape it in place.
- Keep borders in mind. If you are going to put the glass panel inside a frame, make sure that the frame won't be covering your design.[2]
- Wipe the surface of the glass down with rubbing alcohol. Soak a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol, and wipe down the entire surface of your glass piece. Any oily residue left on the glass from when you handled it may keep the paint from sticking.[3]
- Try not to touch the area where the pattern is from now on.
[Edit]Painting Your Pieces - Get some glass paint liner and squeeze a tiny amount out onto a sheet of paper. The first bit of paint often tends to gush out in a glob, and it is better for this to happen on a sheet of paper than on your painting.
- Some glass paint liners are labeled as "leading" or as "dimensional."
- Most glass liners come in black, but you might also find them in other colors as well, such as silver and gold.
- Use a glass paint liner or dimensional glass paint to trace the outlines on your pattern. Hold the tip just above the glass, and start tracing the design. Use long, continuous strokes. If you make short strokes, your lines are more likely to end up uneven and goopy. Also, try not to drag the tip on the glass. This will cause the paint to come out too thin and streaky.
- If you are left-handed, try to start tracing from the right side first. If you are right-handed, start tracing from the left. This will help prevent you from accidentally smudging the wet outline while you work.
- Make any touchups, if necessary, when you are done. Once you have finished outlining your piece, look over it carefully. If you see any lumps or clumps, you can wipe them away with a Q-tip dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the paint has dried, you can scratch it away with a craft knife.
- Let the outline dry all the way. Most glass paint liners will take about six to eight hours to dry.[4] You might want to refer to the label on the bottle for a more specific drying time, however, as each brand will be a little different.
- If you are pressed for time, you can hold a fan or hairdryer over the paint. This will help it dry faster. If you are using a hair dryer, make sure that you are using the lowest setting.
- Squirt some glass paint onto a pallet or plate. If your glass paint comes with a pointy tip, you can apply the paint to the glass directly from the bottle. You can also squirt the paint onto a pallet and apply it with a paintbrush; this will give you the most control.
- You can use both synthetic and natural brushes for glass painting. Synthetic brushes may cost less, but they will be more likely to leave behind brush strokes. Brushes made from soft, natural fibers, may be more expensive, but they will leave behind the smoothest finish.
- Fill in the spaces with glass paint. Do not press down too hard with the brush, or you will wipe the existing paint off. Instead, let the brush glide across the surface that needs to be painted. If the paint is too thin in one area, wait until it dries before applying a second coat. If you try to go over wet paint a second time, you may end up wiping it off.
- Glass paint will shrink a little when it dries. Try to paint all the way to the outline. If you are having trouble reaching a tight area, such as a point or corner, use a toothpick to spread the paint.[5]
- The thicker you lay the paint on, the more it will level off. This reduces brush strokes.[6]
- To create a swirled, marbled effect, put a few drops of two or more colors into the space you want colored. Use a toothpick to lightly swirl the colors together. Do not over-mix, or you may lose the swirled effect and end up with a solid color.[7]
- Be sure to rinse and dry your brush before moving onto a different color. When you are ready to move on to a new color, dip the brush in water and swirl it about to remove any excess paint. Lightly dab the brush against a paper towel. If you see any color on the towel, rinse the brush again. If you don't see any color, keep tapping the brush until there's no water left on the bristles. If water gets into the paints, it can cause beading.
- Clean your painting up again, if needed. Look over your piece carefully, and see if there are any places that need touching up. It is much easier to touch things up while the paint is still wet than when it is dry. Use Q-tips, paintbrushes, and toothpicks dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe away any excess paint. This is especially useful if you went outside the lines.[8]
- Use a pin or needle to pierce any bubbles that may have formed in the paint. Be sure to do this while the paint is still wet.
[Edit]Curing and Using Your Piece - Read the instructions on the paint bottle. Some brands of paint need to dry for several days before they can be used, while others need to dry for up to a month. Some brands might require you to bake your piece in the oven. Always refer to the label on your bottle of paint.[9]
- Some labels will tell you to "cure" your paint for a certain amount of time. This simply means to let the paint "dry."
- Allow the paint to dry for at least 48 hours. After this, the paint should be dry to the touch, and can be gently handled. Depending on the brand of paint you used, however, the paint may not be cured all the way. If the paint feels sticky or gummy, it is not cured and needs to dry longer.
- Most glass paints will be completely cured after 21 days.
- Consider baking the item for durable finish. This will allow you to wash your piece in the dishwasher. Place your painted piece onto a foil-covered baking sheet, then put the baking sheet into a cold oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C), or whatever temperature the manufacturer recommends. Bake the item for about 30 minutes, then turn the oven off. Do not take the piece out of the oven yet. Instead, let the piece and the oven both cool down first. Removing the glass too soon may cause it to crack.
- Most paint with glitter in it cannot be cured in the oven. You must allow them to air-cure for 21 days. The label on the bottle will tell you whether or not the paint can be oven-cured.[10]
- If you are using glass paints from different brands, know that they may have different curing temperatures and times. To avoid burning the paint, stick with the lower baking temperature and time.
- Know how to wash your glass piece safely. Most glass paints are delicate after they cure, and should only be hand-washed using a soft cloth of sponge. If you cured your piece in the oven, you might be able to wash it in the top rack of a dishwasher. Never leave painted glass sitting in water, even if you oven-cured it. The water will cause the paint to flake away. Also, never use a scratchy sponge on a glass piece; you will scrape the paint off.
- Finished.
- Once your piece has cured, you can use super glue to attach things like beads and rhinestones.
- If you are using the paint directly from the tube, and not with a brush, be sure to wipe the tip with a paper towel after each time you apply some paint. This will keep the paint from building up inside the tip and clogging it up.[11]
- Try to store the glass liner upside down. This will allow all the paint to flow down into the tip. You don't have to squeeze the bottle as much, and it will reduce the chances of bubbles forming.[12]
- Most paints, including glass paint, tend to dry a shade or two lighter. Some glass paints may also dry a little more clear. Keep this in mind when designing your project. You may need to paint a few more layers.[13]
[Edit]Warnings - Do not use a scouring pad on painted pieces. Always use a soft cloth or sponge.
- Never wash air-cured paint in the dishwasher. It will flake off. Oven-cured pieces may be washed in the top rack of a dishwasher.
- Do not paint areas that will come in contact with food, drink, or mouths. Even if a glass paint is labeled as non-toxic, it is not always food-safe.
- Never leave painted glass sitting or soaking in water, even if you cured it in the oven. The water will get under the paint and cause it to flake off.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Glass object to paint
- Cotton balls
- Rubbing alcohol
- Design printed on paper
- Masking tape
- Glass paints
- Paint brushes
- Plate or pallet
- Oven (optional)
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary - ↑ Madigan Made, Simple Tips for Using Glass Paint
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ Madigan Made, Simple Tips for Using Glass Paint
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ A Beautiful Mess, DIY Faux Stained Glass
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ Madigan Made, Simple Tips for Using Glass Paint
- ↑ Madigan Made, Simple Tips for Using Glass Paint
- ↑ Plaid Online, What are the Curing Instructions for Martha Stewart Glass and Craft Paint?
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ Just Paint It, Make a Faux Stained Glass Window
- ↑ Madigan Made, Simple Tips for Using Glass Paint
|
| How to Drive Safely During a Thunderstorm Posted: 08 Jan 2022 04:00 PM PST Just as how driving during heavy rain isn't optimal, driving during a thunderstorm is not encouraged, but sometimes you don't have another option. Keeping yourself and your passengers safe, as well as driving safely for the benefit of other drivers, should be your priority when driving in severe weather conditions. And remember: it's better to arrive at your destination late than to never get there at all! [Edit]Taking Basic Precautions - Try to wait out the thunderstorm if possible. Driving in thunderstorms is not recommended, as heavy rain causes reduced visibility in addition to slippery roads (and therefore, heightened potential for a car accident). If the weather forecast predicts thunderstorms, especially severe ones or with associated severe weather conditions, consider waiting out the storm and going out when the weather is more tolerable.
- If you don't have a choice in driving during a storm, find a weather station on the radio so you can keep track of the conditions while driving.[1]
- Be aware of the conditions you may encounter. Ensuring that you know the potential conditions while driving will help you remain on-guard and prepared. While the conditions will be affected by your location and the time of year, the weather and situations that you may encounter in a thunderstorm includes:
- Mild to severe rain
- Thunder and lightning strikes
- Strong winds
- Weather closely associated with thunderstorms (e.g. hailstorms or tornadoes)
- Affected road conditions (e.g. flooded roads, muddy roads, or roads blocked by debris)
- Do not drive in a vehicle without a hard roof and windows. Now is not the time to drive a convertible—the roof of a convertible does not protect from falling hail or debris, and doesn't effectively conduct electricity around you should lightning strike your car. And while it may seem obvious, don't drive in a vehicle that doesn't have a closed body, such as a motorcycle, a golf cart, or a car with no windows.[2]
- Perform basic checks on your car before leaving. In theory, you're supposed to check your car before every time you drive, but many drivers don't adhere to that. However, if you're going to be driving in a thunderstorm, you and other drivers will need to react quickly, and a crucial component of the car not operating right could cost someone their life. Make sure all of the following are operable and in good condition; otherwise, do not drive.[3]
- Oil and antifreeze levels
- Windshield wipers
- Blinkers
- Brakes
- Headlights and taillights
- Tires (newer tires are less susceptible to hydroplaning)
- Ensure you have insurance paperwork and your license with you, as well as emergency equipment for your car (e.g. spare tires).
- Fill the gas tank if it's low. The last thing you want is to be stranded with an empty gas tank during the middle of a storm. If you notice that your gas tank is close to empty, and you have to go out driving, fill it up at a nearby gas station as soon as possible.[4]
- Tell someone where you're going. Letting someone know where you're going is important if you're making a long drive or are heading through particularly severe storms. Should you not return after a certain amount of time, this person can call you and get help sent in your direction if you're stuck in a bad situation.[5]
- Bring your cell phone with you. If you get stuck in your car or end up in an emergency situation, it will help to be able to call emergency services and/or an emergency contact.
- Keep a personal emergency kit in your car. While it's not likely that a thunderstorm on its own will strand you somewhere, thunderstorms can cause other emergencies (such as flooding or mudslides) that can leave you stuck, or occur alongside a tornado. If you end up trapped in your car, having the following items in your safety kit will be beneficial in case of emergency:[6][7]
- Water
- Snacks high in protein
- A first-aid kit or medical supplies
- Flashlights, battery-powered radio, and spare batteries
- Emergency contact cards
- Blankets
- Clothing and toiletries
- Cell phone charger
- Adjust the supplies based on your personal circumstances (e.g. driving with family or with a pet).
[Edit]Driving Safely - Wear your seatbelt. In many places, it's legally required to wear a seatbelt when driving at all times, and this is even more important if you're driving in severe weather conditions. Wearing your seatbelt helps reduce the risk of being thrown around (or even through the windshield) if the car skids or crashes, which can prevent serious injuries and even save your life.[8]
- If you're driving with other passengers in the car (especially children), make sure they wear seatbelts, too.
- Be alert. Even if you know the route you're going and have driven it every day, staying alert is important, as the road conditions change during severe weather. You need to be ready to make evasive maneuvers or take alternate routes when needed.[9]
- Don't multitask while driving. Keep both hands on the wheel and be ready to slow down at any given moment.[10]
- Tune into a weather station on the radio. Find a station that covers the area you'll be driving through and stay on it while driving. If you're making a very long drive and the station will only apply to one location, get a passenger to find another station so that you aren't distracted by fiddling with the radio.[11]
- Turn on your headlights and windshield wipers. It's obvious that heavy rain will restrict your visibility, so your windshield wipers are a necessity, but headlights will also increase visibility in any kind of rain.[12] Use the high beams and adjust your windshield wiper speed as necessary.
- In the US and Canada, it's legally required to use your headlights when driving with reduced visibility.[13]
- Should your car's windows fog up due to the rain, turn on your defroster or AC to clear them.[14]
- Avoid using cruise control. Stormy conditions are not the time to use cruise control—since you don't have as much control over the car's speed when using cruise control, you may not be able to react quickly enough if you need to make an emergency maneuver or stop.[15] Keeping cruise control off will also keep you alert, which is extremely important when driving during a thunderstorm.[16]
- Hydroplaning while in cruise control will cause your car to go faster than if you were driving the car manually.[17]
- Drive below the speed limit. During storms, oil surfaces on the road, making the roads much slipperier and resulting in skidding at high speeds. Additionally, going too fast while there's water on the road can result in hydroplaning (when your car loses road traction due to water-filled tire treads), and both skidding and hydroplaning can result in car accidents. Driving below the speed limit will reduce the risk of skidding.[18]
- Driving below the speed limit will also give you more time to react if another car on the road swerves, skids, or even crashes.
- In the US, you can be ticketed for driving at the speed limit during heavy weather conditions.
- Give other cars extra space. Driving slower is not a reason to tailgate, especially when the roads are wet. During rain and thunderstorms, giving cars extra space is important, since the roads will be slick and your vehicle may take longer to stop.[19]
- This is especially important if there are strong winds, as cars can be blown around and certain vehicles (e.g. trucks) can be easily knocked over.[20]
- Don't drive into standing water. Even of water is enough to potentially stall or damage a car, and of water can cause the car to float.[21] Additionally, a flooded road may be damaged or even be swept away.[22] Drive slowly into shallow water to avoid hydroplaning, and if the road is badly flooded, find an alternate route.
- Do not drive into water if you can see that a power line has fallen into it, as water conducts electricity extremely easily.[23]
- Avoid driving into moving water. Your car can be swept away.[24]
- Pull over if you can't see while driving. If the rain is so heavy that your windshield wipers aren't helping, find an appropriate place to pull over so that you can wait out the storm. Turn on your emergency blinkers so that other drivers know you're there.
- Try to find a relatively populated place to pull over—don't stay on the side of the highway or in the middle of nowhere unless there isn't another choice.
- Pull over under a sturdy location if possible. However, do not stay under a bridge or overpass. These can collapse during or after severe weather.[25]
- Do not touch electrically-conductive surfaces. Metal surfaces in your car are dangerous if you're driving in very close proximity to lightning, since metal conducts electricity easily (leading to electric shocks). If you're driving in very close proximity to lightning, it's best to pull over, activate the emergency blinkers, turn off the car, and keep your hands in your lap until the storm is a safe distance away.[26][27]
- Electrically-conductive surfaces include door handles, window handles, gear shifts, the car radio, and even the steering wheel.[28]
- Do not lean against the door of your car.
- Use caution after the storm lets up. Even after the storm has moved on, the roads may still be dangerous and unsuitable for driving—there may be debris or standing water on the streets and the roads will undoubtedly be slippery. Be prepared to drive slowly or find alternate routes, just as you would during the storm.
[Edit]Handling Driving Emergencies - Stay calm if you hydroplane. If your car begins to hydroplane, don't accelerate or slam on the brakes—just slowly ease up on the accelerator and gently steer yourself back into the proper direction (pulling too hard on the steering wheel may result in out-of-control skidding). Once you've gotten the car back under control, you can resume driving as normal, but try to drive slowly to avoid hydroplaning again.
- Try to escape a tornado. Tornadoes can go hand-in-hand with thunderstorms sometimes, and a car is not a good place to hide from a tornado. If you hear a tornado siren or hear a tornado warning on the radio, try to drive away from the tornado and to a stable building, or even abandon your car to get to a safe building if necessary.[29]
- If there are no suitable buildings nearby, pull over (but do not park under a bridge or overhang) and keep your seatbelt on. Duck your head underneath the windows, and use your hands (and preferably a cushion or blanket) to cover your head.[30]
- Take cover if it begins hailing. If it begins hailing while you're driving, try to find something to park your car under, even if it's just an overhang. (If one is unavailable, face your car towards the hail, as the windshield is stronger than the other windows.) Lie down on the floor of your car if you can, and keep your back to the windows. Pulling something such as a blanket over you will help keep hail or other objects from hitting you, should the window break.[31] Cover your eyes, as well as the eyes of small children.[32]
- Don't park under trees or power lines (as the hail may knock them down) or in ditches (as water may fill the ditch).[33]
- React appropriately to a downed power line. If you see that a power line has fallen, even if it hasn't landed directly on the road, treat it as though it's active. Do not drive over a fallen power line, and try to keep as much distance from the power line as you possibly can.[34] Avoid exiting the car until you are a safe distance away from the power lines.
- Act quickly if you end up in deep water. If you've misjudged the depth of water and ended up stuck, turn on your emergency flashers while trying to restart your engine. If the car restarts normally, then find a shallower part of the water and drive out of the flooded area, then find a safe place to inspect the car for damage. However, do not try to repeatedly force your engine to restart if it doesn't work the first time—this will damage the engine.[35]
- Be aware that water can end up entering your car's engine, fuel line, or exhaust pipe, especially if it's deep.
- It's possible your car may stop working. In this case, find a safe moment to exit the car and seek higher ground (even if it's just climbing onto your car roof if safe). However, if it isn't possible to escape through a door or window, call emergency services or yell to someone nearby for help.[36]
- To avoid this situation when driving, do not drive through water that's more than deep, try to avoid roads that you know have dips, and drive slowly when driving into water, as water can conceal dips in the road.[37]
- Know how to drive in muddy conditions. If you end up on a dirt road that's been softened by the rain, briefly get out of your car and make sure the mud isn't too soft to drive through. Put your car into four-wheel drive mode (if applicable) and drive slowly into the mud. Try to avoid driving in someone else's tracks, since the deeper tracks can make it easier for you to get stuck.
- Keep in mind that if you get stuck, you may have to dig your car out, which is not something you want to be doing in a thunderstorm.
- Follow proper procedure in case of a car accident. If you get into a wreck with another driver, pull over to a safe place if possible and call the police to alert them of the accident. Ensure the safety of both yourself and the other driver before exiting your car to talk to the police or the other driver. Stay in the car when possible, due to both the adverse weather and the risk of being injured by another car passing by.
- If you see someone who has crashed, pull over a safe distance away from the accident and call emergency services. However, only get out of your car to help the people involved if doing so won't endanger anyone. Stay near the scene and encourage the driver to turn off their car if the crash is minor, to reduce a risk of fire.[38]
- Get your car repaired if it has suffered damage in the storm. While you can often remove debris that's lodged in your exhaust pipe or grill, if your car has actually been damaged by the storm, you'll need to get your car repaired as soon as possible. Keeping photos of your car prior to the storm is often helpful to prove that the damage wasn't already there.[39]
- Whether or not car insurance covers the damage to your car depends on your insurance company and what insurance packages you have.
- Be extremely careful if glass has shattered in your car to avoid injuring yourself, and make sure other passengers don't touch it.
- Make sure that you replace any used items in the emergency kit, should you need to use them.
- Regularly perform checks on your car to make sure it's running in good condition so that if you're caught in a thunderstorm without warning, you can still manage the storm.
- Keep in mind the typical weather conditions for the area. For example, if you're driving through a thunderstorm in Southern California, it's highly unlikely that you're going to encounter hail or a tornado.
- The longer it's been since it's last rained, the more slippery the roads will be, as the oils on the road will have accumulated and won't have had a chance to be washed off yet.[40]
[Edit]Warnings - Inexperienced drivers should generally not drive in severe weather; if you're a new driver, either wait out the storm or get a more experienced person to make the drive.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Respond to an Emotional Text Posted: 08 Jan 2022 08:00 AM PST If someone is spilling their feelings to you through a text, you probably want to come up with the exact right thing to say. But how do you do that when you don't have the benefit of using a compassionate tone of voice, putting your hand on their shoulder, or giving them a hug? Luckily, our guide is here to help you show the other person that you're listening and you care about helping them feel better—even through text. [Edit]Be open to hearing them without judgment. - Let the other person know you're there to listen. Sometimes when someone is going through a hard time, they really just need to talk about it. Even if they're upset about something you did, it's important to listen without getting defensive or being judgmental.[1]
- Try saying something like, "I'm here for you," "You're not in this alone," or, "You can talk to me about anything."
- Encourage them to talk to you freely by asking follow-up questions, like "Then what happened?" or "Can you tell me more about that?"
- Let them know that you appreciate they opened up to you by saying something like, "Thank you so much for sharing that with me."[2]
[Edit]Ask questions if you need clarification about their feelings. - It can be really hard to read emotions through texts. You don't have the benefit of facial expressions, tone of voice, and body language to help you figure out how the other person is feeling. You'll probably be able to pick up on the gist of what they're going through, especially if you know the person well. Still, if anything seems unclear or ambiguous, it's best to ask.[3]
- For instance, it's hard to tell whether someone is being sarcastic or sincere if they simply text, "Great." In that case, just say, "Sorry, I can't tell, were you being sarcastic?"
- You can also ask questions like, "What frustrates you most about that?" or "What's worrying you the most right now?"[4]
- Try putting yourself in their shoes by saying something like, "It sounds like you're feeling really sad. Is that right?"
[Edit]Manage your own emotions. - React calmly, even if you're upset too. If someone messages you with something upsetting—like they're mad at you or something bad has happened—take a moment before you respond. Take a few deep breaths to settle yourself, and think about what to say. Before you send a text back, ask yourself, "Will this help or make things worse?"[5]
- For instance, if your partner texts you saying you did something that upset them, don't send back a long paragraph justifying what you did. Instead, breathe deeply, then reply with something like, "I'm really sorry that I hurt you. Is there anything I can do to make it better?"
- If a friend messages you saying their partner just left them, don't immediately start badmouthing the ex. Say something like, "You must be really hurting. Want to get drinks after work and talk about it?"
[Edit]Validate what they're saying. - Let them know you'd probably feel that way in that situation too. If how they're reacting seems appropriate for whatever they're going through, tell them that! Just knowing they're not alone can make a big difference.[6] Try saying something like:
- "You're right, that is complicated. I'm surprised you're as calm as you are!"[7]
- "I'd be so sad if I lost my dog. I'm so sorry that happened to you."
- "It would hurt my feelings if my boss said that to me, too."
[Edit]Use follow-up questions. - Focus on something specific they said and ask more about it. Read through the other person's texts and pick out words that seem important. Then, ask them to elaborate on that. This will show them you're listening, and it can also help them sort through their complicated feelings. For instance:[8]
- If they say, "I'm always messing things up," you might say, "Can you tell me more about things you think you've messed up?"
- If they say, "You never listen to me," you might say, "Are there other times you felt I wasn't being a good listener?"
[Edit]Keep the focus on them. - Now's not the time to talk about your own problems. If someone is messaging you and they're upset, don't change the subject and start talking about yourself. Even if you have a lot going on, you can always deal with that in another conversation.[9]
- For instance, if they're talking about getting fired from their job, don't say, "Ugh yeah I had a bad day too. First my car broke down..."
- It's fine to share if you can relate to what they're going through. For instance, you might say, "I felt really angry when my mom died too. I'm here any time you need someone to talk to."
[Edit]Avoid replying with cliches. - Give thoughtful responses that are specific to what's going on. Cliches just don't sound very sincere. Even if you're being heartfelt, using a cliche might make the other person feel like you're minimizing their feelings. It's best to stick to a reply that feels a little more tailored to the situation. Here are a few things to avoid saying:[10]
- "It's probably for the best."
- "Everything happens for a reason."
- "There are more fish in the sea."
- "It could be worse."
[Edit]Tell the other person something you like about them. - Talking about their good qualities might help them feel better. It's always nice to have someone build you up when you're feeling down. Whether the issue is with you or someone else, complimenting your friend's character might help them feel like you really appreciate them and you're there to help.[11]
- For instance, you might say, "I know I let you down. But you're one of the smartest, funniest people I know and I really value you as a friend. I hope you can forgive me."
- Or, you might say, "I'm so sorry you and Jeff broke up. He's really missing out if he can't see how amazing and kind you are."
[Edit]Ask how you can help. - Let the other person tell you what they need in that moment. Sometimes the most compassionate thing you can do for someone is to ask them what kind of support would mean the most to them. Maybe they need a hug, some advice, or just someone to listen to them. Just be sure to really listen to what they say, so you can be there for them. Try saying things like:[12]
- "How can I make your life easier right now?"
- "Is there anything I can do to make things better for you?"
- "How can I support you best?"
[Edit]Talk about solutions if they're open to it. - Ask first so you don't overstep. Don't assume the other person wants you to fix their problem. However, they might appreciate your help brainstorming steps they can take next. To be sure, ask your friend if they want to talk about what to do next.[13]
- For example, you could say, "It seems like you're saying you're really unhappy at your job. If you want, I could help you research other jobs in your field."
- You might also say, "I'm sorry I hurt your feelings. I don't always think before I say things. I'll try to be more mindful of that, and maybe we could come up with a code word you can say next time I'm crossing a line so I'll know to stop."
[Edit]Ask them if you can call them. - It can be easier to deal with tough conversations in a call. If they're open to it, you could even jump on a quick video call. That way, you'll be able to pick up on more nuance in what they're saying. It can often be easier for you to respond in a natural, empathetic way when you're talking than when you're texting, too.[14]
- Say something like, "Can I call you? I have too much to say to text it all."
- If you'd rather talk in person, you could say, "Hey are you free to grab a coffee right now? I'd love to talk more about this and it seems like you could use a hug."
[Edit]Follow up with them later. - Call or text them to see how they're doing. The other person's emotions aren't likely to go away just because your text conversation is over. To make sure they're processing everything okay, drop them a quick text after a day or two. You could even give them a call or stop by to see them, which may seem more personal and warm than a text.[15]
- Say something like, "Hey, just wanted to see how you were feeling today. Everything good?"
- Or, you might say, "Did work go better today? Want to get dinner and talk about it?"
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Wine Glass Snow Globes Posted: 08 Jan 2022 12:00 AM PST A different twist on the traditional snow globe is to create one using stemware, a little cardboard and lots of creativity. This snow globe has no liquid inside it like the traditional snow globe but will be just as enchanting…if not more. [Edit]Find Your Supplies - Select stemware. While you can use something from your existing collection, you may want to consider using heavy-duty plastic stemware. Depending on how you use it, you may want to go with plastic to avoid having the snow globe shatter (especially if you plan to store it in your holiday storage boxes every year).
- Choose stemware that provides you with enough room to create a little scene that you like inside (champagne flutes may not work).
- Select clear stemware. While you may get away with stemware that is slightly tinted a clear glass will provide best results.
- Purchase or find heavy cardboard. The cardboard will act as your snow globe's "base" so you want something sturdy. You will also need a pencil so you can trace the stemware mouth on the cardboard.
- Visit the craft store and purchase white glitter or faux snow, small people, snowmen or any other item you'd like to keep inside your snow globe. You should also find or purchase a hot glue gun to hold everything in place.
[Edit]Create Snow Globe - Clean and prepare stemware. Remove stickers or any other obstructions from the glass and clean with mild soap and water. Allow glass to air dry or dry with a soft, clean dishtowel.
- Trace the stemware mouth on the cardboard. Make the circle as accurately as possible as it will be the only base that prevents the snow globe insides from spilling out.
- Assemble the snow globe "scene." You may want to paint the cardboard disc and then mount (hot glue) trees, snowmen or people to the cardboard base. Provide ample dry time before continuing to the next step.
- Fill bottom of stemware with glitter and/or faux snow a quarter of the way. If you purchase both you may want to mix the two for a sparkly winter wonderland.
- Apply hot glue around the mouth of the stemware. Make sure you stay on the rim and don't over-glue (so that it drips down the side).
- Turn the winter scene (that was mounted on the cardboard disc) upside down on top of the stemware mouth. Press gently in place and wipe any glue that drips down the side away with a clean cloth.
- Allow glue to dry and then turn over to watch the snowfall! Be sure the cardboard disc is completely dry before you turn it over, otherwise you'll have quite a mess.
- Add a decorative bow at the top of snow globe for an added creative touch.
- Top the snow globe with a pillar candle or use as a candle-holder.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
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