| How to Recycle Shoe Boxes Posted: 01 Sep 2018 05:00 PM PDT Shoeboxes can easily become clutter if you keep them in your closet, but they could look great in other places of your home. If you're not ready to send them to off to your municipal recycling service, you can use them for personal storage, keep them in a children's playroom, or decorate your walls. EditMaking Storage Containers - Organize pens and markers with a shoebox and cardboard tubes. Fill an open shoe box with vertical toilet paper tubes or cut-down paper towel tubes. Put specific pens or pencils in each of the tubes to hold them upright in an easy-to-reach place on your desk.[1]
- If you're an artist, this is a great way to store and dry paint brushes!
- Hang jewelry from the lid with push pins. Wrap the lid of a shoe box with burlap or another material that matches the look of your bedroom. Hang the lid on the wall with nails near a dresser or jewelry case. Stick clear push pins through the fabric and lid to make hangers for necklaces or bracelets.[2]
- Craft a storage basket with twine and canvas. To give your show box a classier look, wrap the exterior of the box with twine or jute rope. Attach the rope with hot glue or tacky glue. Once the rope has dried and set, line the inside of the box with white canvas for a simple and elegant look.
- Keep the box in a dry area. Humidity may cause the cardboard in the box to grow mold.
- Use the box as a small filing cabinet. If you need to sort mail, greeting cards, or any other small paper goods, keep your shoeboxes for filing. Create dividers using cut pieces of posterboard to keep your different items organized. Use filing tabs to label each section.[3]
- If you have extra space in the box, keep a jar of pens and pencils so you have everything you need in one small package!
- Store spools of ribbon in the box. If you want to keep your craft supplies more organized, cut slots on the short sides of the box so that a thin wooden dowel can fit snugly. Put the dowel through the center holes on ribbon spools and push it into the slots. When you're finished, put the lid back on so the ends of the ribbon are held tight and they're easy for you to pull out.[4]
- Glue buttons on the end of the dowel so it does not slip out of the slots you've cut.[5]
- Keep a pair of scissors in the box so you have everything you need in one tiny package!
EditBuilding Children's Toys - Build a shoebox guitar. Cut a hole in a shoe box and string rubber bands across it using strips of cardboard to secure the ends. Attach a cardboard tube to one of the short ends of the guitar to make the neck of the guitar.[6]
- Use paint, glitter, or colored paper to decorate the guitar like a rock star!
- Create a town made of boxes. Paint the outside of shoeboxes a variety of colors to make a colorful city of boxes. Draw windows on with a marker or cut out black pieces of construction paper and glue them to the sides of the box. Stack boxes on top of one another to make skyscrapers.[7]
- Build roads for toy cars to drive on by using black construction paper on the floor.
- Construct a house for your dolls. Cut a portion from the lid of the shoebox so it fits inside the box and is flush with the edge. Place it in the center of the box to create a "second floor." Continue to cut pieces of the lid to make walls for additional rooms. Use paper or paint to decorate the interior walls and the outside.
- Use a craft knife to cut out windows out of the box so you can see into the rooms of the dollhouse.
- Populate the inside of the dollhouse with doll furniture you already own or by making new furniture with extra cardboard pieces.
- Use multiple shoeboxes to build a mansion for your dolls.
- Make a homemade foosball game. Using a standard hole punch, put 4 holes in each long side of the shoe box so they are across from one another. Run wooden dowels through the holes, making sure they extend out from the sides so that you can hold onto them. Cut out small rectangles from the short sides of the box along the bottom.[8]
- Attach clothespins to the dowels to use as the players for the game. If you're feeling creative, draw players on a piece of paper or poster board and attach them to the clothespins.
EditDecorating Your Home - Hang shadow boxes on your wall. Paint the interior of the shoebox black or attach black construction paper with glue. Glue keepsakes to the bottom to display them. Make sure the items are light enough so the shoebox does not break under the weight. Nail the shadowbox into the wall in each corner.[9]
- Decorate the outside of the box with paint to match the room you're displaying it in or with scrapbook paper.
- Make a cheap chalkboard. Use chalkboard paint on the lid of the shoebox to make a mini writing board. Let the lid dry before testing chalk on the surface. Hang the chalkboard in the kitchen as a way to communicate with your family or leave yourself notes.[10]
- Wrap the lid in scrapbook paper for wall art. Find a fun design of wallpaper or scrapbook paper and glue it to the lid of the shoebox. Use multiple lids to make a cluster of artwork that you can hang on your wall for an accent piece.[11]
- Sometimes, you may want to save shoeboxes for their intended purpose in case you are going to move or need to return a purchase.
- Give your children the boxes and let their imagination run wild. They may create something new and unexpected from it.
- Around the holiday season, non-profits like The Shoebox Project and Operation Christmas Child will ask you to fill a shoebox with goods for those in need or gifts for children.[12]
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Restore Sun Damaged Plastic Posted: 01 Sep 2018 09:00 AM PDT Any plastic that comes into contact with the sun will eventually crack and lose coloring. Knowing this, you can preserve valuable items by regularly treating them with commercial plastic conditioning products. If the damage is severe, hydrogen peroxide can reverse the damage, but it should only be used on white or gray products. If all else fails, repainting the plastic is always an option. Take good care of the plastic and you can restore it to look as good as new. EditUsing Commercial Restoration Products - Wash and dry the plastic surface. Dampen a microfiber cloth in lukewarm water, then use it to wipe down the plastic. This should remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that can interfere with the cleaning products. Dry the surface fully with a clean microfiber cloth before you apply the conditioner.[1]
- To handle tough stains, clean the plastic with a mixture of any liquid laundry detergent and of warm water.
- Squeeze plastic conditioner onto the affected area. Purchase a specialized plastic conditioning product. Place a coin-sized drop of conditioner onto the plastic. This should be enough to cover about half of a car's dashboard or any surface smaller than that. Use more conditioner as needed to cover the damaged area completely.[2]
- You can order conditioner online. You may also be able to find it at home improvement or auto parts stores.
- Plastic restoration kits are also available. They usually include conditioner as well as applicator pads.
- Buff the plastic in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Wipe the cloth in a circular motion until the conditioner is no longer visible on the plastic.[3]
- If you are worried about discoloring the plastic further, test the conditioner in an inconspicuous spot.
- Wipe up the excess conditioner after it dries. Most conditioning products dry in 10 minutes or less. If the treatment is working, the conditioner will pass into the plastic, restoring some of the color. Wipe up any conditioner pooled on the plastic after this time.
- Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions on the product to check the drying time and any other special instructions.
- Apply a second coating if the conditioner is absorbed quickly. Only apply a second coating if the plastic absorbs the conditioner completely within 10 minutes. This means the plastic isn't fully saturated, so the additional conditioner can help restore it. Avoid adding more conditioner if you noticed excess conditioner pooling on top of the plastic.[4]
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for repeated applications. Over time, this may improve the plastic.
- If the conditioner pooled and appeared to have no effect, repeated applications probably will not be enough to restore the plastic.
- Use a plastic buffing product if you notice any scratches. Look carefully at the plastic, since sun damage can leave behind unpleasant cracks. Get a buffing product designed for plastic and place a coin-sized amount on a cloth rag. Buff the scratch out using circular motions.[5]
- Buffing products have varying strengths. Some are designed for light scratches while other are effective on deeper cracks.
- Always wipe using circular motions. If you scrub the area, you will wear down the plastic.
- Wipe off the buffing product with a microfiber cloth. Go back over the area with a cloth, using it to pick up any product left on the plastic. Remove it all before continuing so the product does not continue to abrade your item.
- Spray on a plastic polish. Most polishing products come in a spray bottle, making them easy to apply. Simply move the nozzle across the plastic surface as you spray. Spread a light, even coating over the surface.[6]
- If you get a non-spraying polish, lightly coat a microfiber cloth with the polish.
- Rub the polish into the plastic. Use a microfiber cloth to even out the coating and work it into the plastic. For the best results, continue to polish the plastic using circular motions. When you're finished, the plastic should shine and look much better than when you started.[7]
- If you notice any excess polish pooling over the plastic, simply wipe it off with your cloth.
EditBleaching White Plastic with Hydrogen Peroxide - Wear plastic gloves and safety goggles. Hydrogen peroxide can irritate your skin. For your own safety, always wear gloves when handling the cream. Also put on a pair of protective glasses or goggles to shield your eyes.[8]
- Wearing long-sleeved clothing can also help you avoid accidents.
- Remove or tape over colored labels and decals. Hydrogen peroxide is only effective for restoring white or gray-colored plastic. Take off or cover any colored areas you wish to save. You can use a clear office tape or masking tape to protect them.[9]
- If you are able, remove these components before treating the plastic.
- Make sure the tape is flat against the plastic, sealing off the area you wish to protect.
- Paint hydrogen peroxide cream over the discolored area. Use a 12% hydrogen peroxide cream instead of the liquid variety most stores carry. Then, brush an even layer of the cream over the area. You can use a paint brush or foam brush. If you don't have these, an old toothbrush will do.[10]
- Hydrogen peroxide cream is like a gel, so it's very easy to spread over the discoloration without damaging the rest of the item.
- The cream is used to color hair, so you can often find it in hair coloring kits or purchase it at hair salons.
- Seal the item in a plastic bag. If your item is small enough, fit it into a zippered storage bag like the sandwich bags most grocery stores carry. For bigger items, you can use clear garbage bags. Stuff the item in the bag, then zip or tie the opening shut to prevent the cream from drying out.[11]
- The garbage bag has to be clear in order to let in the sunlight, or else the cream will dry without treating the sun damage on the plastic.
- Check to make sure the cream isn't already drying out. Rinse it off and add more as needed so it doesn't disfigure the plastic.
- Set the bag in direct sunlight for 4 hours. Find a spot to place your item outdoors, if possible. You want to put it under direct sunlight, but not on a hot surface such as asphalt. Although sunlight normally discolors plastic, it can reverse damage as long as your item is coated in hydrogen peroxide cream.[12]
- A table or a stone surface is a great place to stick your item. Make sure it won't be disturbed there.
- Check the bag and rotate it every hour. Return to the plastic item every hour, checking that the cream is still damp. If the bag is sealed, it probably will still be fine. Take the time to turn the item so the sunlight hits the discolored area evenly over the 4 hours.[13]
- The sunlight and shadows may change throughout the day, so keep on your toes.
- Watch for any holes in the bag. If this happens, add more cream before the old layer dries, then move the package into a second bag.
- Rinse off the cream before it dries. Dampen a clean rag with lukewarm water. You can use any rag you have available. Wipe off all of the cream, rinsing the rag as needed. Make sure you get all of the cream, since any of it allowed to dry will end up creating some ugly scratches in the plastic.[14]
- Be careful if you're cleaning off something delicate such as an electronic device. Avoid using too much water. Make sure the rag isn't dripping wet.
- Repeat the cleaning as needed to restore the plastic. You may need to repeat the treatment again before the plastic returns to normal. Add more hydrogen peroxide, bag the item, and set it in the sun again. Always rinse off the cream between treatments.[15]
- When you're finished, peel off any tape you used. You can then apply a plastic polish if you want to make your plastic shine.
EditRepainting Plastic with Spray Paint - Wash off the plastic with soap and water. You can use your regular liquid laundry detergent for this. Try mixing about of detergent in of hot water. Apply the soap, then rinse it off either with a hose or damp rag.[16]
- Give plastic a thorough washing before attempting to restore it. Plastic restoration products always work better on clean surfaces.
- Dry the plastic with a microfiber cloth. Use the cloth to wipe down the plastic. This should remove most of the moisture as well as the dirt and other debris. Make sure the surface is completely dry before continuing.[17]
- You can let the plastic dry in air, but more dust and debris will settle on it the longer you wait.
- Sand the area with 220 to 320-grit sandpaper. Be very gentle when using the sandpaper so you don't scratch the plastic. Rub the sandpaper around the area in a circular motion. When you're finished, wipe off the debris with a clean microfiber cloth.
- While you can get away with not sanding, roughing up the surface a little helps the paint stick to the plastic.
- Apply an all-purpose cleaner to remove stubborn grease. A simple soap and water cleaning can leave on oils that interfere with the paint. For this reason, clean the plastic off a second time with an all-purpose cleaner or degreaser. Rub in the product using a soft microfiber cloth.[18]
- All-purpose cleaners are effective against oils, which can settle on exposed plastics such as cars.
- Another option is rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is very effective at removing leftover oils.
- Place painter's tape around the discolored area. Paints and dyes will leave you with a different sort of discoloration if they reach areas you don't want to color. Protect these areas by making a border around the discolored area.
- Painter's tape is designed for this purpose, but using other varieties, such as masking tape, may also work.
- You can get painter's tape from most hardware and home improvement stores.
- Wear a pair of gloves and a respirator. Unless you want to dye your hands, slip on a pair of gloves before painting. Also, open up any nearby doors and windows if you aren't working outside. You should wear a respirator mask to avoid breathing in any fumes from the paint or dye.
- Wearing long-sleeved clothes also helps protect your skin. Select old clothing you don't mind discoloring.
- Coat the discolored area with spray paint. Choose a spray paint for plastic that is the color you want. Slowly move back and forth across the discolored area, applying an even coating of paint. Overlap your strokes until you have covered the entire area.[19]
- For extra effect, apply a layer of primer first. This usually isn't necessary, but it ensures the paint sticks to the plastic.
- You can also dyes, such as trim dyes for cars. Squeeze a few drops onto the plastic, then spread the dye with a foam brush.
- You can paint the item any color you would like, but you may wish to match the paint to the item's existing color scheme.
- Let the paint dry for 30 minutes. Give the paint time to dry fully before adding another coating. Depending on your environment, you may need to wait a little longer before the paint is dry to the touch.[20]
- Add more layers of paint as needed. You will most likely need to go back and apply a second coating. Repeat the steps, letting the paint dry again. If the paint doesn't look solid and even, applying multiple layers doesn't hurt. When you're finished, allow the paint to dry, remove the tape, and enjoy the new coloring.
- You may also want to apply a paint sealer when you're finished in order to preserve the paint job longer.
- Condition and polish plastic frequently to limit sun damage.
- Always wear protective gear when handling paint and other chemicals.
EditThings You'll Need EditUsing Commercial Restoration Products - Plastic conditioner
- Plastic buffing product
- Plastic polish
- Microfiber cloths
- Water
EditCleaning with Hydrogen Peroxide - Rubber gloves
- Safety goggles
- Painter's tape
- Hydrogen peroxide cream
- Foam brush
- Resealable plastic bag
- Clean rag
- Water
EditRepainting Plastic - Water
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Microfiber cloth
- 220 to 320-grit sandpaper
- All-purpose cleaner or degreaser
- Painter's tape
- Rubber gloves
- Respirator mask
- Plastic-safe spray paint or dye
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Eat Quince Posted: 01 Sep 2018 01:00 AM PDT Quince is a lesser known fruit similar in appearance to an apple or pear. It is known for being a good source of vitamins A and C, but has an extremely tart flavor.[1] However, when cooked or combined with other fruits, quinces are flavorful and may be the next addition to some of your favorite meals. EditIngredients EditPoached Quince - quince
- 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar
- 1/4 cup (85 g)
EditMembrillo (Quince Paste)[2] - quince
- white granulated sugar
- lemon juice (optional)
EditQuince Upside-Down Cake[3] - 3 medium to large fresh quinces
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
- 3½ cups (703 g) granulated sugar
- 2 3-inch (7.6 cm) strips fresh orange zest
- all-purpose flour
- ground cinnamon
- baking powder
- baking soda
- table salt
- ground nutmeg
- ground cloves
- almond flour
- unsalted butter, softened
- packed dark brown sugar
- honey
- 3 large eggs
- pure vanilla extract
EditPoaching Quince - Peel the quinces with a vegetable peeler. The yellow skin on quince is tough and waxy, like a tougher apple.[4] Using a standard vegetable peeler will help easily remove the skin.
- When using the peeler, always pull away from the body to stop the peeler from jumping and cutting your skin.
- Cut the quinces into quarters with a chef's knife. Use a sharp knife as you cut through the core since it will be the toughest and most woody part of the fruit. Make sure the cutting board is secure on your counter or table so it will not slip as you cut the quince.[5]
- Halve the quinces first and then cut the pieces into quarters from there.
- Quinces may be difficult to cut due to their spongy and woody quality, so always have a firm grip on the knife handle.[6]
- Remove the core and seeds. The inside of a quince will look similar to an apple, with a majority of the seeds in the core. Use a chef's knife to cut the core away.
- Quince seeds are poisonous for human consumption, so be sure they are all removed before proceeding.[7]
- Cut areas like wormholes or dark spots with a small paring knife.
- Prepare a poaching liquid of water, sugar, and honey. Fill a large saucepan with of water, 1/2 cup (100 g) of sugar, and 1/4 cup (85 g) of honey. Simmer the mixture and stir until the sugar has dissolved.[8]
- Add additional flavors like anise or vanilla to enhance the flavors further!
- Add the quince to the pot and bring it to a boil. When adding the quince, let the poaching liquid boil before turning the heat down to a low simmer. Trap any of the liquid that may evaporate by covering the pot with a lid.
- Let the quinces simmer for 50 minutes until they are pink. As the quince cooks, it will change from a yellowish color to pink. After this time, the quince should be tender and the liquid will have become more syrupy.[9]
- Serve the quince alone when finished. Strain the quince from the poaching liquid and serve warm. The tartness of the fruit will have now combined with the sweetness of the liquid.
- To serve later, the quince can be refrigerated with the liquid for up to 1 week.
- Pair with mild cheese or put the quince in a salad with almonds to further enhance the flavor![10]
EditMaking Membrillo (Quince Paste) - Peel and cut the quinces into quarters. Use a vegetable peeler to remove all of the skin from the quinces. Halve the quinces with a chef's knife and then cut them into quarters.
- Be sure to remove the cores and seeds from the fruit.
- Place the quince in a large pot ⅔ full of water and bring to a boil. After the water begins to boil, reduce the heat to a simmer for 45 minutes. Cover the pot with a lid so a minimal amount of the liquid evaporates.
- To ensure the quince is submerged throughout the poaching process, drop a small plate in the water on top of the fruit.
- Drain the pot and put quince in the food processor for 1-2 minutes. Take the poached quince from the pot and puree them in the food processor until it is completely smooth. This should take around 2 minutes to complete.
- Return the quince puree to the pot and add sugar and lemon juice. Using a wooden or plastic spoon, stir in the sugar and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. After it begins boiling, turn the heat to low for 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.
- In this time, the paste will thicken and change to have an orange or pink color.
- Preheat the oven to . Make sure to use the center rack when cooking your membrillo so it cooks evenly on all sides.
- Pour the paste into a baking pan and cook for 1 ½ hours. Add the mixture into an 8 x 8 inch (20 x 20 cm) baking pan lined with parchment paper. Smooth the top of the paste with the back of a spoon or a baking spatula. Place the membrillo in the oven and bake it for 1 ½ hours.
- Allow the quince paste to cool completely and serve. Cut the paste into small squares to serve on the top of crackers, biscuits, or slices of cheese.[11]
- You can store the paste in the refrigerator for up to 3 months in an air-tight container
EditBaking Quince Upside Down Cake - Poach the quinces in white wine, sugar, and orange zest. Quarter the quinces and put them into a pot with the white wine and orange zest. Bring the water to a boil over medium heat, and then let it simmer on low heat for 50-60 minutes. Cook the quinces until it is tender and pink. Refrigerate the poached quince overnight in the liquid.
- Make sure the quince pieces are completely submerged in the poaching liquid.
- Preheat the oven to . Place one of the racks in the center position and allow the oven to heat up. Using the center rack will help get an even bake throughout the cake.
- Cut the quinces into slices and line the base of the pan. Make thick slices from the poached quince. Spray the pan with non-stick oil before placing the quince inside. Form layers of concentric circles in the bottom of the pan until it is completely covered. This will become the top of your cake.
- Save the poaching syrup since you can drizzle it on the cake once it has been finished.
- Mix the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Sift in the flour, and whisk it with all the other dry ingredients, minus the brown sugar. Once it has been thoroughly mixed together, set it aside for later use.
- Beat the wet ingredients with a mixer for 2 to 3 minutes. On a medium setting, beat together the brown sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and honey until it is creamy and smooth.
- Add the eggs one at a time, being sure to scrape the sides with a rubber spatula regularly to mix it completely.
- Add the dry ingredients while mixing on low speed. Mix in the dry ingredients a little at a time so the batter has time to form.
- Once all of the dry material has been added, turn the speed up to medium and mix until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter into the cake pan. Use a rubber spatula to spread the batter all the way to the sides. Smooth the top of the cake so it lays flat.
- Bake the cake for 40 minutes. Let the cake brown evenly. Bake until a tester comes out clean or until it springs back when touched with a finger.
- Rotate the cake 180° after 20 minutes so it cooks on both sides.
- Let the cake cool on a rack for 15 to 20 minutes while still in the pan. While the cake is still warm, run a knife around the edges and flip the cake onto the cooling rack. Let it cool completely.
- Serve the cake with whipping cream. Put a dollop of whipping cream on top of the cake, and include some of the leftover poaching syrup to add extra sweetness.
- Quince seeds are poisonous to humans and should be removed before any consumption.[12]
- While raw quince is edible, it may cause irritation in the throat and difficulty while breathing.[13]
EditThings You'll Need EditPoached Quince - Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Large pot
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Stove
EditMembrillo (Quince Paste) - Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Large pot
- Stove
- Food processor
- Wooden or plastic spoon
- Oven
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
EditQuince Upside Down Cake - Cutting board
- Vegetable peeler
- Chef's knife
- Paring knife
- Saucepan
- Stove
- Oven
- Cake pan
- Non-stick oil spray
- Sifter
- Whisk
- Medium mixing bowl
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Baking spatula
- Cooling rack
EditSources and Citations
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