| How to Make a Flower Press Posted: 12 Jan 2019 04:00 PM PST Pressed flowers can be a beautiful addition to scrapbook pages or handmade cards. You can press flowers between the pages of a book, but stacks of books can be cumbersome and flowers are disturbed each time you add new ones. Instead, try making your own flower press out of wood, bolts, and cardboard to create beautiful pressed flowers you can enjoy for years to come. EditFashioning the Press Covers - Cut 2 wood squares in the size you want for your press. Cut the wood with a table saw or a circular saw. You can make your press any size you want it to be, depending on the size of the plants you'll be pressing. Between should be big enough for most projects.[1]
- For best results, choose wood that is or thick.
- Visit your local hardware store and ask the employees to cut the wood for you if you don't want to use a saw. Most hardware stores will perform this service for free.
- Measure diagonally from each corner on both boards. Mark the spot with an X using a pencil. This will be the location for your drill holes.[2]
- Drill a hole through each of the marks. To ensure your boards will line up perfectly, drill through both of them at the same time. If you're using bolts, use a drill bit. [3]
- If you're using a different bolt and you're not sure what size drill bit to use, pick a bit you think is about the same size, then drill a test hole through a piece of scrap wood and make sure your bolt slides through easily. Adjust the size as needed.
- Sand the surface of the wood. Use a medium-grit sandpaper or a sanding tool if you have one. Make sure the wood is smooth, especially around the holes you drilled.[4]
- Stain or paint the wood if you want. You can personalize your flower press by staining or painting it any color you want. You can also leave the wood plain if you prefer.[5]
- If you do use a paint or stain, allow the wood to dry completely before moving to the next step.
- Try decorating your press with stencils or cut-out illustrations of flowers.
EditAssembling the Flower Press - Cut 2 pieces of cardboard and 2 pieces of white paper to fit your press. The cardboard and paper should be slightly smaller than your press.
- Cut the edges of your cardboard and paper off. Once the cardboard and paper are cut to size, cut away the corners so the paper and cardboard will sit inside the bolt holes. You should cut off a triangle-sized piece from each corner. When you're finished, the paper and cardboard should look like a square with the edges cut off.
- The paper absorbs moisture from the flowers during pressing. You can use any kind of smooth paper, including newsprint, blotting paper, tissue paper, or smooth coffee filters. Avoid paper towels or other textured paper because it may leave an imprint on the petals.[6]
- Place 1 piece of plywood on the bolts. Slide the bolts through the 4 holes on the first piece of board, then place the board on your work surface. The head of the bolts should be facing down.[7]
- Layer the cardboard and paper on the press. You'll add 1 piece of cardboard first, followed by the 2 pieces of paper. Top that with the last piece of cardboard.[8]
- Add another layer of cardboard and paper if you want. You can add as many layers as will fit on your press. Just cut 2 more pieces of cardboard and 2 more pieces of paper and add them on top of the first layer.[9]
- Even if you only make 1 layer at first, you can still go back and add another layer any time after you make your press.
- Top the press with the second board. Once you have added all the layers of cardboard and paper, slide the last board onto the bolts.[10]
- Place the washers and wingnuts on the bolts and tighten them. You'll put down the washers first, then the nuts. Tighten the nut just until it feels secure. You don't want to tighten them too much, as you'll need to raise and lower the nuts in order to add flowers to your press.[11]
- Wingnuts are designed to be gripped and can be tightened and loosened more easily than traditional nuts, but if you only have regular nuts on hand, you can use those.
EditChoosing Flowers to Press - Pick flowers when they are dry. The best time to pick your flowers is in the morning after the dew has evaporated. This is when they will be the most fresh.[12]
- Harvest flowers when they are about to open or just before their peak. Pressed flower buds are lovely, as are flowers which are fully bloomed. Try to pick flowers in a variety of stages for a natural look.[13]
- Select flowers with naturally flat blooms, like violets and daisies. Other flowers that press well include single-petal roses, Cosmos, California poppy, and Queen Anne's Lace.[14]
- Flowers with bulky blooms, like roses or carnations, take much longer to dry and don't look as nice when they're pressed. You may want to hang them to dry them instead.
- Remove any obvious stamens from your flowers. Some flowers, like lilies, have stamens which protrude from the petals. Remove these before you press the flower or the stamen will leave a stain on the dried petals.[15]
- Press leaves, ferns, and grasses if you want to accent your flowers. If you're going to display your flowers in a frame, you can add other natural touches by drying leaves, grasses, herbs, and ferns in your press.[16]
EditPressing Your Flowers - Unscrew the nuts to make room on your flower press. You don't have to take the nuts all the way off, just loosen them enough that you can slide the flower into the press.[17]
- Place the flowers or leaves between the paper in your flower press. Make sure the flowers are not hanging off of the side of the press. Trim the stem or choose another flower if the one you chose doesn't fit on the press.
- Do not overlap the flowers. Arrange the flowers on the paper so they are not touching each other, or else they'll be stuck together when they're dry.[18]
- Tighten the nuts to close the press. There's no need to force the nuts tighter than you can comfortably tighten them, but it should feel like it's secured. You may want to check the press every few days to tighten it more as the flower dries.
- Leave the press undisturbed for at least 3 weeks. You want to allow the moisture in the plants to completely dry in order to preserve them.[19]
- Add more layers of cardboard and paper if you decide to add more flowers. If you find more flowers that you want to press while you're drying the first batch, add the new flowers to a different layer of cardboard and paper, and take care not to disturb the first set.
- Store the flowers in a box or display them in a frame after they're pressed. Pressed flowers are very fragile, so you'll want to keep them in a safe place once they're finished drying. Store them in a box until you need them.
- Use pressed petals to decorate homemade cards, as a pretty touch in a handmade candle, or as decorative touches in a shadow box.
EditThings you'll need - 2 pieces of wood that are the same size
- Saw (if your wood is not pre-cut)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Drill with 5/16-inch drill bit
- Medium-grit sandpaper
- Paint or stain (optional)
- 4 1/4-by-4 inch bolts with wing nuts and washers
- Cardboard
- Flowers or leaves
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Ride a Dirt Bike Posted: 12 Jan 2019 08:00 AM PST If you like the feeling of wind rushing by you at high speeds, dirt biking may be for you. Riding a dirt bike can be an amazing adrenaline rush once you suit up with the proper safety gear. You will need to learn the main parts of the bike and how to sit on it properly in order to control it. Once you know how to ride, you can tackle all sorts of tracks and trails safely. - Start with a lightweight track or trail bike for easier control. Dirt bikes come in several varieties, from track to motocross bikes. Track bikes are the least expensive since they lack instruments like oil lights, speedometers, and temperature gauges. Trail bikes often have these extra features. These bikes are a little heavier, but they are still good for a smooth, stable ride.[1]
- The most important part is to choose a bike you're comfortable with. Some people prefer smaller, lighter bikes, while others are more comfortable on heavier ones. You can successfully learn with either option.
- If possible, try out different bikes to find one you're comfortable riding. Many dealerships will let you take test rides if you ask, although this policy varies from place to place for liability reasons.
- Motocross bikes are the lightest type available. They're designed for speed instead of handling, so stay away from them until you have more experience.
- Choose a bike that has a 4-stroke engine. Dirt bikes either have a 2-stroke or 4-stroke engine. The 4-stroke engines are a little heavier and more expensive because they have more moving parts. The advantage is that they are easier to control, making them the better option for most inexperienced riders. Avoid the trap of throwing down money for a powerful 2-stroke bike that isn't suited to beginners.[2]
- The 4-stroke engines tend to last a little longer than 2-stroke engines but are more expensive to repair due to the number of parts.
- A good starting point is a 125cc 4-stroke engine. If you still wish to go with a more powerful bike right away, look for a 50cc 2-stroke engine.
- Purchase a helmet, padding, and other protective gear. A basic riding outfit consists of a long-sleeved shirt, pants, boots that go up past your ankles, and gloves. You can buy specialty dirt bike clothing that offers extra protection against abrasions. All bikers also need a pair of dirt bike goggles and a full face helmet. After you have this gear, get extra pieces of padding to protect yourself in case of an accident.[3]
- Purchase elbow and knee guards as well as a chest protector. These are must-haves to reduce the risk of serious injuries.
- A neck brace is helpful, but you don't truly need it unless you plan on doing jumps or riding dangerous tracks. Braces are bulky, but they protect you against spinal injuries.
- Locate the brakes near the right handlebar and foot peg. Before you ride, get to know your bike. The brakes are always on the right side of the bike. The lever in front of the right handlebar operates the front tire brake. The rear brake is somewhere below that. Look for the peg where you rest your foot when sitting on the bike and you will see a small pedal right in front of it.[4]
- The color of the foot peg and front brake pedal vary from bike to bike. Yours may be red, blue, or silver. Regardless of the color, the pedal stands out so you can always reach it.
- Find the clutch and throttle used to make the bike move. Both of these components are on the handlebars. The throttle is the right handlebar grip, which you pull back to accelerate. The clutch is the lever ahead of the left handlebar. You use it in conjunction with the throttle to control the bike's acceleration and deceleration.[5]
- Working the clutch and throttle at the same time is important, so make sure you know where they are. You're much more likely to hurt yourself if you try riding before you identify them.
- Use the shifter pedal on the left side of the bike to change gears. The pedal in front of the left foot peg is the gear shifter. You will need to use it to put the bike into motion and control its speed. Shifting gears correctly allows you to go faster while reducing the strain on your bike. Make sure you know how the shifter functions before you start riding.[6]
- To shift into first gear, you press your foot down on the shifter.
- Shift from first gear to neutral by pulling the shifter up halfway. It will click a little bit.
- To shift into second gear and up to fifth gear, pull the shifter up repeatedly. It will click audibly each time.
- Search for locations in your area that are legal for riding. Riding your dirt bike around can get you into trouble if you aren't careful. Many bikes aren't street legal, and many off-road areas are restricted by law. Avoid assuming that you can ride anywhere you please. To find the rules in your area, search online to read up about street and trail regulations. Also, speak with other riders and law enforcement in your area.[7]
- If you wish to ride your bike in city streets, you need to upgrade it according to your local laws and get a permit from the government. You can also purchase hybrid bikes that work on both streets and dirt trails.
- Be respectful of other people, whether they are fellow riders or people walking on the trails.
- Always equip your bike with a spark arrestor to avoid forest fires. Many laws around the world make this mandatory. You may also need a silencer to follow sound regulations.
EditMastering the Basic Riding Positions - Practice proper driving form with your knees bent and your back curved. Sit on the bike as close to the gas tank as possible. Plant the middle of your feet on the foot pegs, making sure your knees are bent with the bike held firmly between them. Lean forward so your back curves slightly, then lift your elbows. Also, squeeze your core muscles tight.[8]
- This sitting position is best for long, smooth sections of terrain. Use it to conserve your energy for tougher sections.
- The best way to master this basic riding form is on a parked bike with the engine off.
- Stand with your legs bent slightly when crossing rough terrain. Your legs act as suspension when you cross uneven, bumpy land. To master this form, stand up on the balls of your feet. Lift your butt, keeping your knees slightly bent and squeezed up against the gas tank. Keep your core muscles tight as much as possible.[9]
- When you do this correctly, you will be able to shift your weight backwards, forwards, and side to side to compensate for uneven ground.
- Standing up can be difficult at first and gets tiring. Keep practicing so you can handle long stretches of rough terrain safely.
- Maintain a loose grip on the handlebars with your fingers. Most riders start by wrapping their hands around the grips, keeping their thumbs underneath them. They then place their forefingers and middle fingers on the levers. This may seem counterintuitive at first, but it allows you to quickly hit the clutch and brake levers with your strongest fingers in case of an emergency.[10]
- Many beginners are taught to hold onto the throttle with all of their fingers, then reach out to the levers as needed. This can stop you from accidentally operating the clutch or brake.
- The 2-finger grip is very useful to master, but you can stick with an alternative grip if you feel more comfortable doing so.
- Keep your head up and always look forward. Get into the habit of trusting your peripheral vision. Look straight ahead of you as much as possible. Let your peripheral vision pick up anything to your sides. Avoid looking down at the bike.[11]
- Fixating on dangerous objects, like logs and corners, increases your chances of hitting them. You may think you're preparing to handle these obstacles, but you end up guiding your bike straight towards them.
EditStarting the Engine - Flip the red switch to activate on the bike's battery. Before starting the engine, you need to activate the battery. Many bikes have a red switch on the right handle. Some models may have an "on" button instead. All you need to do is press it to start the battery.[12]
- If your bike doesn't have a switch or button, it may have a key slot. Place your key in the slot, then turn it to the on position.
- Once you turn your battery on, all of the lights should activate.
- Pull out the choke to start the bike in colder temperatures. The choke is typically on the left side of the bike, near where your leg rests while you're in a seated position. This device "chokes" air into the engine to increase the gas flow. During cold days or after a lack of use, the engine needs more gas to start.[13]
- On some bikes, you pull the choke by flipping a switch located underneath the battery.
- If you have used your bike earlier in the day, you don't need to pull the choke.
- Pull in the clutch all the way. The clutch is the lever on the left handle. It's in the same spots as the left handbrake on bicycles. Pull the lever all the way in and hold it in place while you start the bike.[14]
- Bikes for kids often do not have a clutch. Instead of using the clutch, you shift the bike into neutral.
- Hit the gear shifter down 6 times to get into first gear. While you are seated on the bike, extend your left foot toward the front peg. Reach the gear shifter right in front of it. Push the shifter all the way down repeatedly while you hold onto the clutch.[15]
- This method works the same way for a child's bike, except it puts the bike automatically into neutral.
- Rock the bike back and forth. If it moves freely without locking up, you're in gear.
- Kickstart the engine using the metal lever on the right. The kickstarter typically is a silver lever near the bottom of your right foot when you're seated on the bike. Grab the lever by hand and flip it away from the bike. Then, plant your foot on the left foot peg and stand up. Finish by stomping your right foot down on the lever.[16]
- Many modern bikes have a button that starts the engine electronically. Press it to turn the bike on.
- Release the clutch as you pull back the throttle. The key to starting the bike is to do both actions slowly and at the same time. Ease the throttle back as you begin letting go of the clutch. The bike will start moving. You can then stop the bike and push the choke back in before you start driving.[17]
- On a children's bike, you will need to lift the gear shifter up to transition from neutral to first gear. Do this when you're ready to move the bike.
- Hold onto the clutch! If you let go, the bike will stall. Similarly, if you pull the throttle back too fast, the bike will shoot forward and fall over.
- To perfect this motion, you can practice it in the air before you drive.
EditDriving the Bike - Turn or release the throttle to control the bike's speed. Roll the throttle back towards you to rev up the engine. Ease off the throttle to slow down. When you need to stop, you can simply let go of the throttle. It will spin back to its original position.[18]
- Aim on turning the throttle about ⅓ of the way back once you have completely let go of the clutch.
- Keep a hand on the throttle at all times, but never panic. Some riders freeze up when they get too fast. Stay loose to keep control of the bike.
- Use the shifter to change gears when the engine works too hard. You start off in first gear, and as the bike builds speed, the engine gets louder. When you bring the throttle about ¾ of the way back, the bike won't go any faster. You have to press the clutch in and pull the gear shifter up at the same time to keep going.[19]
- Remember that adult dirt bikes go as high as fifth gear, so you may need to do this a few times. There is no display telling you what gear you are in, so you have to listen and get a feel for how the bike operates to know when to shift.
- The same rules apply when slowing down, except you push the gear shifter down.
- Hit the back brakes to slow down or stop. To slow the bike, lay off the throttle and shift down as needed. Step lightly on the brake pedal to slow the bike. Stop the bike by reaching first gear, then pulling in the clutch. Press down on the brake pedal to bring the bike to a halt.[20]
- Using the clutch prevents the bike from stalling as it slows.
- You can also tap the handbrake to slow the bike, but avoid relying on it. Many beginners make the mistake of squeezing it hard. Since it operates the front wheel, the bike comes to a sudden halt, but you keep going over the handlebars.
- Lean to the side to maneuver around corners. When you come upon a corner, lean the bike in the direction of the turn. Put your inside foot down to help you turn. Shift your body over so the outside edge of the seat is directly under you. Keep your weight on the outside peg as you go through the turn.[21]
- Stick your elbows out so they are parallel to the handlebars. This will give you more control over the bike.
- Putting your foot down also allows you to steady the bike in case you take the corner too sharply.
- Practice driving on rough terrain when you get comfortable riding. Dirt bikes are designed for rough terrain. Their lifted frames offer plenty of control and don't take as much damage as other vehicles would during a crash. Head to rocky ground or a motocross track, then stand up on your bike as you drive.
- Try different types of terrain to improve your driving. Sand dunes feel different than dirt hills, and each type of terrain requires different skills. Find out where you like driving!
- Avoid pulling hard on the throttle when shifting gears. This is referred to as "power-shifting," which could end up damaging your transmission.
- Sometimes bikes can fall into neutral instead of shifting into first gear. You will know because the bike will slow, start coasting, and not respond to the throttle. Pull the clutch out and kick the shifter down to get back into gear.
- Buying a bike or gear can get expensive. Try locating used gear or borrowing some from another rider.
- Warming up the bike before driving it can improve its performance. Let it stay in neutral for 2 minutes. You can release the clutch during this time.
- Find other riders! Many areas have tracks where riders gather. You do not need to be experienced, but you can make a lot of new friends.
- Riding a dirt bike comes with many dangers and risks. You will fall sometimes, so never ride without protective gear.
- Dirt bikes cannot be operated legally in many areas. Know the rules and stick to sanctioned bike paths.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations __ EditQuick Summary
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| How to Train Ducks Posted: 12 Jan 2019 12:00 AM PST It may come as a surprise, but ducks are actually quite trainable. With the right motivation and a little patience, you can teach your pet ducks to free range and return to their pens on their own, become comfortable being petted and held, and even respond to their names. The key is to get them used to certain conditioning techniques little by little until they begin adapting to them. EditEncouraging Your Ducks to Free Range - Keep new ducks confined to their pen for one week. When you first bring a litter of ducklings home, get them situated in their pen and let them spend most of their time there. This will give them a chance to get familiar with their new surroundings. Before long, they'll begin to identify the pen as a safe shelter to return to.[1]
- Make sure the pen you have set up is large enough to comfortably house all of the ducks you're keeping. A good rule of thumb is to provide at least 4 square feet (about 0.37 square meters) of space per animal.[2]
- It's also possible to train adult ducks to free range, although it may take them a little longer to catch on.
- Make your ducks' pen as comfortable as possible. Cover the floor with a thick layer of grass or straw to give your ducks a cozy place to nestle. Set out containers for a quality duck feed and fresh, clean water and keep them well-stocked. They should have all of their basic needs met the entire time they're restricted to their pen.[3]
- Newborn chicks and growing ducklings may benefit from having a space heater or heat lamp positioned nearby during the colder months of the year.
- Be sure to clean out any messes your ducks happen to make on a daily basis so they aren't cooped up with their own filth.[4]
- Start leaving the door of the pen open after a week. Following the initial acclimation period, allow your ducks to come and go as they please. They may be somewhat reluctant to leave at first. With time, however, they'll get over their fear and take more of an interest in the world outside.[5]
- Don't try to force your ducks out of their pen. They'll make their way out on their own when they're ready.
- Young ducks are typically more willing to venture out of their pen when there are other adult ducks outside. If you don't own any other ducks, a handful of mealworms will usually do the trick.
- Usher your ducks back into their pen at night. More often than not, they'll instinctively return to shelter once dusk arrives, but if they seem confused or inattentive, they may need a little guidance. Use a long stick or pole to calmly direct your ducks back towards the opening of the pen. Once they're inside, leave the door open so they can begin getting used to coming and going as they please.[6]
- Don't use your herding tool to physically move the ducks. Doing so could hurt them or send them into a frightened frenzy.
- Ducks have a tendency to group up and follow one another, so they shouldn't need too much coaxing.
- Repeat this routine for as long as needed. Turn your ducks loose to wander freely during the day and corral them back into their pen come nightfall. They'll catch on after a couple weeks. After that, it may not be necessary to ever close them up again!
- Even if you decide to train your ducks to free range, it's a good idea to keep them shut up within in a large enclosure to prevent them from getting lost or nabbed by predators in the area.[7]
- Allowing your ducks to roam is good for them. It gives them some much-needed exercise, keeps them well-fed, and helps control populations of common pests like beetles and slugs.
EditHand Training Your Ducks - Grab a handful of treats. Sprinkle some live mealworms or a few pieces of shredded romaine lettuce into the palm of your hand. You'll use these treats to entice your ducks into coming close enough to touch.[8]
- Ducks also love to nibble on fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, herbs, and whole grains. Seeds, berries, beans, corn, and leafy greens are among their favorites.
- Contrary to popular belief, ducks should never be fed bread products (such as sliced bread, bread crumbs, or crackers). Starchy, nutrient-poor foods can be bad for their health.[9]
- Produce items like onions, nuts, and citrus should also be avoided, as they can be hard for ducks to digest or present a possible choking hazard.
- Pet your ducks gently while they eat out of your hand. As the ducks come closer to investigate the treats, hold out your other hand slowly and use it to stroke or tickle their heads. They'll be so focused on the food that they won't consciously register being touched. However, some light petting will calm their nerves and prime them for more prolonged contact in the future.[10]
- Don't reach for your ducks too quickly or forcefully—since they're natural prey animals, this will more than likely scare them away. Instead, let them come to you.
- It's important to handle ducks with care, especially when they're young.
- Work your way up to picking up your ducks. When one of your ducks comes within grabbing range, place a hand over either of its wings and lift it gently from above. Be sure to keep one arm underneath the duck's body to support its weight and keep its legs secured. Speak soothingly to it and release it after a few short moments.[11]
- Ducks typically tolerate being petted pretty well, but it may take them a while to warm up to being held. Try petting them with both hands or coaxing them into your lap with treats first.
- If your ducks don't want to be held, let them go. Seizing them by force will only teach them to panic when picked up.
- Hold your ducks for longer periods of time. Eventually, your ducks will become so used to being touched that they'll no longer be skittish when they see your reaching out for them. You'll then be able to pick them up to clean them, corral them, or just to show them some affection.[12]
- Ducks are usually very calm when held like a small dog or cat.[13]
EditGetting a Duck to Respond to Its Name - Name your duck. Before you can teach it to react to its name, it needs to have one. Pick out one of your favorite names for your duck based on its sex, or come up with names that have a more playful ring to them, such as "Mother Goose" or "Quack Nicholson."[14]
- You can also assign a name to your duck based on its physical characteristics. For instance, you might name a solid white bird "Snowflake," while an especially small one could be called "Peanut."
- Be creative and don't be afraid to get a little silly. Ducks can be fun pets, too!
- Call your duck by its name as often as possible. Get in the habit of using your duck's name anytime you're interacting with it. This could be while you're feeding, petting, bathing, or leading it back to its pen at the end of the day. Be sure to address it in a clear tone of voice so it knows you're talking to it.[15]
- If you have multiple ducks, you might have success teaching them to respond to different names by using a certain name whenever you're interacting with them one-on-one.
- Feel free to repeat your duck's name as frequently as you want. Even if it doesn't understand what you're saying, the sound of your voice can be very relaxing for it.
- Ducks are quick learners. The more often you refer to them by name, the faster they'll come to associate that name with a particular stimulus like food.
- Try calling your duck to you. Every so often, stand at a distance from your duck and say its name in a clear voice. After hearing it enough times, there's a good chance it will recognize the sound and come to you. If it doesn't, it may be in need of further conditioning.
- With consistent training, your duck will gradually begin to pick up on its name the way chickens and other farm birds do.
- Ducks are social creatures, and tend to be much happier (and therefore more agreeable) when they have at least 1 or 2 other friends nearby.
- Make time to hold your ducks for a few minutes every day to ensure that they stay accustomed to being handled.
- When provided with a reliable shelter, domesticated ducks no longer feel the instinctive urge to migrate south for the winter, which means you won't have to worry about them flying away when temperature outside starts to drop.
EditThings You'll Need - Mealworms or other live feed (for treats)
- Long stick or pole
- Grass or straw
- Feed and water containers
- High-quality duck feed
EditSources and Citations
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