| How to Clean a Hydration Bladder Posted: 15 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST Hydration bladders are amazing for outdoor adventures like hiking and biking. It's nice to know your fluids are close by, and you don't have to deal with the bulk or weight of water bottles. However, if not properly cleaned, they can quickly become host to a nasty lot of bacterial growth. Fortunately, with the help of some common household items, you can make sure you're quenching your thirst without also ingesting mold or mildew! EditChoosing a Cleaning Solution - Make a sanitizing solution from baking soda, bleach, and water. You'll need 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of bleach. The bleach will sanitize the bladder, and the baking soda acts as a deodorizer. Mix the ingredients well, and you're ready to start cleaning! [1]
- Purchase hydration bladder cleaning tabs. Many manufacturers of hydration bladders sell cleaning kits. These kits include special brushes for scrubbing each part of the bladder and a cleaning tab that will dissolve in water. The tabs contain chlorine dioxide, which functions like bleach.
- You can find the tabs at specialty outdoor retail stores and online through hydration bladder manufacturers.
- Purchase denture cleaning tabs. You'll need 1 tab per liter of water. This is a cheaper alternative to hydration bladder cleaning tabs. They are also easy to find since they are sold at grocery stores and mega stores. [2]
EditCleaning Your Hydration Bladder - Fill the bladder with warm water. You'll want to do the cleaning process over a sink to contain any spills. Be careful not to use hot or boiling water. Though hot water can help with sanitation, it can harm the bladder materials, so use warm water only. [3]
- Add the cleaning solution ingredients or tab to the warm water. Once you've added the cleaning agent of your choice to the filled bladder, seal the bladder. Then, gently shake it to mix. Shaking will also help distribute the solution, so it covers all surface area. [4]
- Let the bladder soak. It's time to let the solution do the heavy lifting! If you're using a bleach and baking soda mixture, plan to let it soak for 30 minutes. [5] If you are using hydration bladder cleaning tabs or denture tabs, consult the packaging to find out how long to let the solution set.
- Once the bladder is filled with cleaning solution and soaking, you can turn your attention to the tube and bite valve. [6]
- Clean the tube and bite valve. Raise the sealed, filled bladder above your head. You need gravity's help to get the solution into the tube. Make sure the tube and bite valve are positioned over the sink. [7]
- Fill the tube with cleaning solution. Pinch the bite valve to release the solution from the bladder into the tube. Allow some solution to flow through the tube and bite valve into the sink. Then, release the bite valve to stop the flow and seal the solution in the tube. Now, the solution can work on the tube as well as the bladder.[8]
- Let it soak. If using bleach and baking soda, leave the solution in the tube for about 30 minutes. If you're using a tab, follow the instructions listed on the package. Whether you're using a hydration cleaning tab or a denture cleaner, the package will let you know how long the solution needs to set to have its effect.
- Cleaning tabs typically have a shorter soak time of around 5 minutes.
- Empty the bladder and tube of all cleaning solution. Unseal the bladder, and dump the contents down the drain. Hold the bladder overhead, and pinch the bite valve to release any solution in the tube. Once it's empty, you can move on to the next phase of cleaning!
- Fill the empty bladder and tube with soapy water. Add a small amount of dish soap to the empty bladder. Then, fill the bladder with warm water and seal it. Holding the bladder overhead again, pinch the bite valve and allow some of the soapy water to flow through the tube into the sink. Release the valve to hold the solution in the tube. [9]
- Scrub the inside surface of the bladder with a bottle cleaning brush. First, unseal the bladder. Then, grab a bottle cleaning brush. Use the bottle cleaning brush to thoroughly scrub the interior surfaces. [10]
- Bottle cleaning brushes are often displayed in the baby section of grocery and mega stores. They work great for cleaning traditional water bottles as well!
- Scrub the inside of the tube. You can purchase hydration bladder tube cleaner brushes to make this step really easy. Insert the cleaner brush and thoroughly scrub the inside of the tube. This step gets rid of any stubborn build up.
- If you don't have a tube cleaner brush, you can make your own cleaning tool. Find a long, clean piece of wire and a clean piece of wet cloth or towel. Make a small hook by bending one end of the wire. Cover the hook with your towel or cloth. Push the material through the tube. Repeat with a clean cloth as needed until the cloth comes out clean. [11]
- Rinse the hydration bladder with water inside and out. Empty the soapy water from the bladder and tube. Then, rinse all surfaces of the bladder. Don't forget to let clean water flow through the tube and bite valve to remove all debris and soap.
- The last thing you want is a mouthful of soapy water when you're out hiking, so make sure to take your time on this step!
EditDrying Your Hydration Bladder - Take the hydration bladder apart for drying. Separate the tube from the reservoir. If the bite valve can be released, take that off of the tube as well. If the bite valve can't be removed, pinch it repeatedly to get rid of any remaining water. [12]
- Use a clothes hanger to hang the bladder and tube for drying. Use clothespins to attach the bottom of the bladder to a clothes hanger. Make sure the bladder is fully open. You want as much air flow as possible. Hang the tube over the hanger so water can drip from both ends. [13]
- If the bladder wants to collapse, you can crumple a few paper towels and put them inside to hold the bladder open.
- Let the bladder and tube dry completely. If there is moisture in the bladder when you store it, you have a recipe for more of the pesky things you just eliminated by sanitizing, so be patient! Choose a room with low humidity in which to hang the bladder and tube.
- Do not hang the bladder in your bathroom to dry. Showers and baths make for humidity and moisture. [14]
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| How to Shrink Rings Posted: 15 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST When a ring is too big to stay snug on your finger or the size of your finger has changed, it's time to resize the ring. A professional jeweler can shrink the ring without affecting its value by cutting away some of the material or adding sizers to improve the fit. If you are less concerned about the value of the ring, you could try sizing it down at home, either by cutting into the band yourself with some basic tools or by adding a silicone liner to the inside of the ring as a temporary fix. EditResizing the Ring with Silicone - Clean your ring with soap and water. Scrub the ring thoroughly using dish soap and warm water to wash off any oils or particles. Make sure the soap you use does not have moisturizing chemicals in it that might leave a film on the ring.[1]
- Let the ring air dry or dab it with a cotton towel instead of paper towels, which can damage the metal.
- If you use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaning machine, beware that the oscillations might knock stones loose from their settings.
- Apply a layer of silicone inside the ring. Use a coffee stir stick or a narrow popsicle stick to spread the silicone around the inside of your ring. The silicone should be thickest towards the bottom of the band, directly opposite from where the stone sits on top of your finger.[2]
- For safety purposes, make sure you are using only clear food-grade or aquarium-grade silicone on your ring.
- Smooth out the silicone with the stir stick. Taper the coating as you work up the sides of the ring so that it's thinnest near the top. This secures your finger against the top of the ring while the silicone at the bottom fills the gap between the ring and your skin.
- Gently wipe away extra silicone with a wet cloth as you go.
- Let the silicone dry. This process is called curing and will take at least 24 hours. Avoid wearing the ring during this time or until the silicone appears and feels firm.
- The cured silicone should hold for a few weeks, even when you wash your hands, but might degrade if it comes into contact with certain lotions, fragrances, or chemicals.
- Try on the ring once the silicone is dry. Check to see if the fit is snug or if you need to add another layer of silicone to the ring, as the curing process can shrink the silicone somewhat.
- If you need to remove the silicone from the ring at any point, you should be able to easily loosen it and pull it off completely with your fingernails [3]
EditCutting into the Ring - Measure and mark how much of the ring you need to cut. Make a mark in ink at the bottom of the ring showing how much needs to cut to make it fit.
- To get a better feel for how much you need to cut, measure the ring's current size using a ring stick, which is a graduated cylinder with size measurements on the side.[4]
- Compare that measurement with the correct size for your finger and you will see exactly how much of the ring you need to remove.
- Cut open the ring where you marked it. Your best bet is to use a narrow jeweler's saw, but you might also be able to use a pair of wire cutters or pliers, depending on the material the ring is made of.[5]
- If you follow the marker straight across the ring while you cut, you will be able to see if you have removed enough to shrink the ring to the size you want.
- File down the exposed edges left by the cut. Before you can close the gap made by the cut, use a metal file to smooth out both edges.[6]
- Filing ensures both edges will join together evenly, which is important if you plan to solder the ring closed again.
- If you are going to leave the ring open, you don't want to hurt yourself by leaving sharp edges that can pinch your finger while you wear it.
- Bend the ring to close the gap between the edges. Pull the ends together with pliers to shrink the circumference of the ring.[7]
- Make sure the ring is still a circle shape by applying pressure evenly as you pull the ends together.
- If the ring loses its shape, put it back onto the ring stick and tap it lightly with a hammer until it appears circular.
- Solder the edges of the ring together. Use a soldering torch to apply heat and seal the cut edges of the ring back together with a little solder material that is the same metal as your ring.[8]
- Wear eye protection to prevent retina damage or something entering your eyes.[9]
- Clear out any excess material from the solder with a metal file and emery paper.
- Feel free skip this step and leave the ring open if you are uncomfortable using a soldering torch or if you don't have access to one.
- Clean and polish the ring until it's free of marks. Wash the ring in warm water with dish soap and a cloth before rinsing in cool water. Pat it dry with a fresh cloth.[10]
- Make sure you thoroughly clean both the inside and outside of the ring to rid the surface of any excess particles.
- If the ring is especially tarnished, add three parts baking soda to one part water in the cleaning solution.
EditSending Your Ring to a Jeweler - Consult a local jeweler before resizing a valuable ring yourself. If you have a valuable ring you don't want to damage, your best option is to find a professional jeweler who will know the best method for resizing it and whether it can be resized at all.
- Jewelers can easily shrink rings that are made of gold, silver or platinum, but usually by up to two sizes at most.[11]
- Jewelers typically cannot resize rings made of titanium, tungsten, or those with gemstones going around the entire band.[12]
- Have the jeweler shrink the ring by cutting out some of the band. The jeweler will cut away material from the bottom of the band with a very precise saw and then seal the edges back together again with a soldering torch.[13]
- After the jeweler cleans and polishes your ring, there should be no marks indicating that it was ever cut open, preserving its value.
- This method works best if your fingers don't often swell in response to changes in temperature or due to weight fluctuations because repeatedly resizing the ring repeatedly can weaken its overall structure.
- Ask about ring sizers to avoid cutting the ring. If you don't want to risk weakening the ring by cutting material away from it, see if the jeweler can apply ring sizers like sizing beads or a fold-over device to improve the fit instead. These sizers can be removed later and are better options if you only need to shrink the ring by a little bit.[14]
- Sizing beads are two metal beads added to the bottom of the ring that create a wedge between your finger and the ring to keep it in place.
- A fold-over device is a small metal bar fixed to the bottom of the ring with a latch on one end that can be opened to squeeze the ring past your knuckle when it's put on or taken off, and closed again to secure the ring in place.[15]
- If you don't have access to food-grade silicone, you can substitute with glue from a hot glue gun to temporarily shrink your ring using the same process.[16]
- A jeweler might charge anywhere from $20 to several hundred dollars to shrink a ring for you, depending on the material and what kind of work needs to be done.[17]
- When a jeweler shrinks a ring for you, any amount of metal removed from the ring is usually credited against the overall cost of the resizing.[18]
- Remove silicone from your ring immediately if it appears to be reacting with metal alloys in the ring or with your skin.[19]
- Shrinking a ring by cutting into the band can leave a weak spot in a thinner band or if the solder was done poorly. This can also happen if you resize the ring too often.[20]
- Only use tools like saws, soldering torches, and polishing wheels if you have prior experience. Otherwise, you risk injuring yourself due to mishandling.
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Detox from Sugar Posted: 15 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST Sugar is everywhere in the average diet, and it's found in many pre-packaged foods on the shelf, from cereal to white bread. Sugar cravings can be intense, and while a sugar detox won't "cleanse" your body per se, it can help lessen the hold sugar has on you. If you can commit to a period of 10 days without sugar, you may find yourself craving less sugar overall. EditCommitting to the Detox - Cut out sugar completely for at least 10 days. If you want to break your sugar habit, 10 days is a good place to start. After this time period is up, even if you do go back to eating sugar, you'll find that your sugar cravings happen much less often than before.[1]
- If you want to commit to a longer period, that's great! Just decide how long you want to do it.
- Determine whether you want to cut just refined sugar or all sugars and refined flours. Some detox diets suggest that you not only cut out refined sugars, but also refined flours, fruit, hydrogenated fats, and even MSG.[2] However, other detox diets suggest eating fruit in place of other sugary foods, while cutting out refined sugars and flours.[3]
- It's up to you how far you want to go. If you really want to cut sugar cravings, you can try taking a more severe approach, at least for the initial 10 days. On the other hand, fruit has important nutrients and fiber so you may want to include it while detoxing from sugar. Talk to your doctor about what's best for you and your health.[4]
- Get sugary foods out of your home before you start. If at all possible, clear your cupboards of things like sugary snacks, pre-processed foods, and white bread. Look for any foods with sugars, and toss them or donate them to a charity. If they're out of your home, you're less likely to cave and eat them.[5]
- If you're living in a household where other people aren't going to detox, try having a separate cabinet for your food so you don't have to be as tempted by sugary choices.
- Stay hydrated to cut temptations. Sometimes, you may mistake thirstiness for hunger cravings. If you're craving something sweet, try downing some water to see if that helps. Keep water nearby throughout the day to help you stay hydrated.[6]
- Work on lowering your stress levels to reduce sugar cravings. Stress can make you crave comfort foods, including sugary snacks. While you can't cut out stress completely, you can take steps to lower your stress levels, which in turn, can help you manage your cravings.[7]
- Try relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation.
- Cut out stress when you can. For instance, if you find that you get stressed out watching the morning news, skip it.
- When you're feeling stressed, try deep breathing. Close your eyes and inhale through your nose while counting to 4 in your head. Hold the breath for 4 counts, then breathe out through your mouth for 4 counts. Repeat the process several times until you feel yourself calming down.
- Sleep 8 hours per night. Sleep deprivation can make you want more food. The more sleep you lose, the more likely you are to eat extra calories. Aim to get 8 hours a night as often as you possibly can.[8]
- If you have trouble getting to bed, set an alarm an hour before you need to go to sleep. Turn off the electronics and start your wind-down then.
- If you have trouble staying asleep, cut out disturbances like light, noises, and pets. For instance, put up light-blocking curtains if you get too much light from outside, and try a white-noise machine if you get city noise. Lock your pets out of the bedroom if they tend to disturb your sleep.
EditFinding Foods You Can Eat - Check labels for added sugars so you can avoid products with sugar. Sugars can be hiding under sneaky names, so you need to read the ingredients list carefully. Look for "sugar," of course, but also look for words ending in "-ose," such as "sucrose" or "maltose."[9]
- Other names for sugar include molasses, raw sugar, brown rice syrup, honey, juice, cane syrup, and corn syrup.
- Avoid eating foods that contain artificial sweeteners. While it can be tempting to replace sugar with an artificial sweetener, that tactic can backfire. Using sweeteners can make you crave sweet things even more, and you may want sugar all the time.[10]
- Watch for sweeteners like aspartame, stevia, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, and acesulfame potassium.
- Some sweeteners contain sugar alcohols, such as xylitol and sorbitol.
- Skip sweetened beverages. You can easily get all of or even twice your daily recommendation of sugar in 1 drink. If you're trying to detox from sugar, you should even skip things like fruit juice. Even if it's 100% juice, you don't get the benefit of fiber to help you feel full.[11]
- Try unsweetened tea or coffee, unsweetened flavored sparkling water, or just plain water.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages, too, as they contain extra calories and are often mixed with sugary drinks.
- Cook your own meals without processed ingredients to avoid sugar. You've probably noticed that most processed foods have added sugars. By cooking for yourself, you know exactly what goes into your food, enabling you to control sugars well.
- Work on making things from scratch, even sauces and condiments. That way, you know they don't contain sugar.
- Add protein to every meal. If you're cutting back on sugar, you'll need other energy sources to get through the day. In this case, you're going to get it from protein. Opt for grass-fed meats, eggs, and fish as a main course for your meal.[12]
- Grass-fed meats tend to be higher in healthy fats.
- You can also eat nuts and seeds for protein.
- Stick to non-starchy vegetables if you are taking a strict approach. With a strict detox, it's best to avoid fruit and even starchy vegetables, particularly in the first 10 days. Starchy vegetables include things like potatoes, corn, and peas.[13]
- For non-starchy options, try leafy greens, broccoli, eggplant, asparagus, carrots, onions, tomatoes, zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, beets, green beans, okra, and cabbage.[14]
- When you're at a party, it can be difficult to skip the food altogether. Instead, try your best to pick options that have little to no sugar, such as raw veggies or roasted nuts. For dips, hummus is likely a safe option, though ask to check the container if you know the host well.[15]
EditPlanning Your Meals - Eat a hearty, protein-packed breakfast every day. You're more likely to cave and give into a break room or vending room temptation if your stomach is growling. By loading up on protein in the morning, you'll feel satisfied, and you'll have an easier time walking away from those temptations.[16]
- For instance, try scrambling eggs with mushrooms and spinach for a hearty breakfast or eat a large helping of cottage cheese with sliced veggies or fruit on top (if you're eating fruit).[17]
- Grab some quick protein and veggies for lunch. Fill up on veggies and protein to help sustain you until dinner. The fiber and protein will keep you full when you don't have energy from sugar.[18]
- Try a salad of mixed veggies (as many as you want), a serving of chicken (the size of your palm), and 1 cup of chickpeas (164 g). For instance, make a Greek salad with olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, feta cheese, olive oil, and lemon juice, along with some fresh parsley or dill.
- Alternatively, have a serving of fish (the size of your palm) with your favorite veggies, such as asparagus and carrots.
- Eat protein, whole grains, and veggies for dinner. Fill your plate up halfway with veggies, then aim for a serving of meat that's about the size of your palm. Try whole grains like brown rice or quinoa or add fiber-filled beans to your meal instead.[19]
- For example, try a serving of chicken that's the size of your palm, as much broccoli as you want, and 1 cup (200 g) of cooked brown rice.
- Alternatively, eat a serving of chicken, 1 cup (172 g) of black beans, half an avocado, and lettuce mixed with lemon juice and olive oil. Add a piece of fruit if you're eating fruit.
- Aim for small, protein- and fat-filled snacks to stave off cravings. When snacking, avoid reaching for carbohydrates unless you're eating fruit. Instead, go for foods high in protein and healthy fats, such as plain yogurt, nuts, seeds, avocado, or string cheese. Eat up to 2 snacks a day.[20]
- For instance, try 2 pieces of string cheese, half an avocado, 12 to 14 walnut halves, or plain yogurt.
- Make sure to have healthy snacks on hand all the time so you're not tempted to eat sugary foods!
- The World Health Organization recommends no more than 6 teaspoons (24 g) of sugar each day.
- Keep in mind that your body does a perfectly good job of "detoxing" for you. While cutting back sugar is never a bad idea, you don't need to go on detox diets to rid yourself of things you label as toxic for your body.
- Eating too much sugar over time can lead to weight gain and development of type 2 diabetes.
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| How to Harmonize Posted: 14 Feb 2019 04:00 PM PST A harmony is a series of notes that blends with a song's melody to add character and please the ears. From figuring out the best combination of notes to singing without straying from your part, harmonizing is tough. Sing along as you play notes on a piano first to get a feel for how harmonies work, then practice with apps, recordings, and alongside other singers. With the right techniques and practice, you can even learn how to harmonize by ear to any tune you hear. EditLearning How Harmonies Work - Sing a C major triad to get a feel for intervals. A triad is a chord created by 3 notes; the C major chord is made of the notes C-E-G. Sing or hum along as you play the notes on a piano (or a virtual keyboard app) one at a time. Then play all 3 notes on the piano at the same time, and notice how the notes blend and agree with each other.[1]
- The root note in this chord is C, and the distances between C and the other notes in the chord are called intervals.
- Different intervals create harmonies with distinct tones. In relation to C, E is a major third and G is a perfect fifth. These intervals blend well with the root note, creating a pleasing harmony.
- Practice finding a root note's major third. Find the C key on your keyboard. If you count the 4 black and white keys to the right, you'll land on E. For any root note, a note that's 4 half-steps away will always be a major third.[2]
- On a piano, a half-step is the distance between 2 keys that are right next to each other. For a white key that's next to a black key, the black key counts as a half-step and the next white key over is a full step. However, white keys like E and F, which aren't separated by a black key, are a half-step apart.
- Sing or hum along as you play root notes and major thirds on the keyboard. Play a note, then count 4 half-steps and play that note. Singing a root note and its major third will help you learn how to find a good harmony note by ear any time you hear a melody.
- Move onto minor intervals after getting a feel for major chords. Instead of playing C-E-G, play C-E♭-G (E♭ is the black key to the left of E) to create a C minor chord. Sing or hum along as you play each note one at a time, then play all 3 notes together. Note how a minor interval sounds darker or more unstable than a major chord.[3]
- Count 3 half-steps to find a root note's minor third. Sing or hum along as you play a root note and its minor third.
- While there are countless exceptions, in Western music, composers often use minor thirds to evoke sadness and major chords to convey happiness.
- Understanding major and minor thirds is key, whether you want to write harmonies or sing a harmony by ear when you hear a tune.
- Try holding and moving the harmony note as the melody note changes. As the notes in a melody change, you don't necessarily have to move the harmony note with it. Try keeping the harmony note the same as you play a melody on the keyboard. Pay attention to how the note combinations blend, convey feelings, or clash with each other.[4]
- For instance, the harmony note doesn't need to change with the melody to maintain a major third interval. It may stay the same until the melody moves to a note that clashes with it.
- Experiment with note combinations to get a feel for coming up with your own harmonies. If notes clash or sound bad together, try moving the harmony note the same number of steps as the melody.
EditPracticing on Your Own - Continue practicing with a piano. From kids' tunes like "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" to contemporary pop hits, play basic melodies on the piano and practice singing along. To focus on hitting the right notes, hum or sing "La" instead of singing a song's lyrics.[5]
- A piano or virtual keyboard app can help you visualize the relationships between notes, which is the foundation of harmonizing.
- Listen closely for harmonies in your favorite songs. Now that you know more about creating harmonies, listen closely to your favorite songs. See if you can identify relationships between melodies and harmonies. As you listen, ask yourself what kind of intervals a harmony employs, if it blends seamlessly with the melody, and if there are dissonant, or tense, note combinations.[6]
- As you listen to a song, work on memorizing the harmony. To make things easier, look online for harmony-only tracks of the song.
- Practice with a sing-a-long harmony app. Useful apps include Sing Harmonies and Harmony Voices. Download an app, learn a song's harmony, then practice singing your part as you play the melody. When you first practice singing the harmony, lower the volume of the melody so you won't get drawn away from your part.[7]
- Harmonize with recordings of yourself singing melodies. Record a track of yourself singing a melody, then play it while you sing the harmony. Gradually increase the volume of the recording each time you practice. This will help you learn how to stay on your part without getting distracted by other singers.[8]
- Additionally, note any rough spots when you listen to recordings of yourself singing. If necessary, spend extra time practicing those sections of the song to improve your pitch and timing.
EditHarmonizing with Other Singers - Practice singing chords with 1 to 2 partners. Using a piano or virtual keyboard app as a guide, start by practicing a simple C major chord. For the note C, sing "one;" sing "three" for E and "five" for G. Sing "one" together at C, then have one person sing "three" at E while the other 2 hold the C.[9]
- Then, have someone sing "five" at G while the other 2 hold a C and E, respectively. After practicing C-E-G, try other combinations, such as G-B-D and F-A-C.
- If you're practicing with 1 other person, just work on 2-part harmonies.
- Learn your part perfectly to avoid getting distracted by other singers. It's easy to get distracted by other singers when you're harmonizing. The key to sticking to the harmony is to learn your part inside and out. Work measure by measure to commit each of your part's notes to memory.[10]
- If you're in a choir, don't rely on others in your section (such as other altos or baritones) to stay on track. Additionally, don't assume that you'll always be surrounded by other members of your section when you perform.
- If you have trouble sticking to your part, practice singing with a recording of the melody. Play it softly at first, then gradually increase the volume.[11]
- Join a choir to put your harmonizing skills to the test. The best way to learn how to harmonize is to sing with others in a group. Look for a choir or chorus group at your school or place of worship, or look online for one in your community.[12]
- If you're a soprano and want to harmonize better, try to join a choir as an alto. Sopranos usually sing the melody, while alto, tenor, and baritone sections sing harmonies.
- Take lessons from a voice teacher. While apps and other resources can be super helpful, nothing beats working one-on-one with an experienced voice teacher. In addition to harmonizing, a voice teacher can help you with other singing techniques, such as breath control and vocal health.[13]
- Additionally, consider taking classes in music theory to learn more about how harmonizing works.
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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| How to Make Tapioca Pearls Posted: 14 Feb 2019 08:00 AM PST Have you ever wondered what's in those big pearls at the bottom of your bubble tea? If you want to cut out preservatives, artificial sweeteners, and commercial colors, make your own tapioca pearls. It's easy to mix together a dough of water and tapioca starch that you can form into small balls. Boil these tapioca pearls until they're tender and enjoy them in your favorite tea or bubble drink. EditIngredients EditTapioca Pearls - 1/2 cup (65 g) of tapioca starch
- of water
- A few drops of black food coloring, optional
Makes 75 to 100 tapioca pearls EditSugar Tea Syrup - of hot water
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) of brown sugar
- 1 teabag of black tea
Makes of syrup EditClassic Milk Bubble Tea - 1 black teabag
- of boiling water
- 1/4 cup (80 g) of cooked tapioca pearls
- of sugar tea syrup
- of cold milk
- Ice
Makes 1 drink EditMixing the Dough - Bring of water to a boil. Pour the water into a pot or kettle and heat it until it's vigorously boiling. Keep in mind that some of this water will evaporate as the water comes to a boil, but you'll only need for the dough.[1]
- Put the tapioca starch and boiling water into a bowl. Place 1/2 cup (65 g) of tapioca starch into a heat-proof bowl and carefully pour in of the boiling water.[2]
- You can find tapioca starch near cornstarch and flour in your grocery store's baking aisle or at local Asian markets.
- Stir the mixture to combine the ingredients. Use a spoon or chopsticks to stir the boiling water into the tapioca starch until the dry powder isn't visible. The mixture should look chunky and somewhat dry.[3]
- Knead the mixture to make a thick dough. Once it's cool enough to handle, you can use your hands to knead the mixture into a thick dough. This should take about 1 minute for the dough to come together into a firm dough.[4]
- If the dough is too sticky to handle, sprinkle a little more tapioca starch over and work it into the dough.
- Keep in mind that if you dyed the dough, it may stain your fingers or work surface. Consider putting the dough on a plastic mat or piece of parchment paper to prevent staining.
EditShaping the Pearls - Line a sheet with parchment paper and cover the dough with a towel. Place a rimmed baking sheet next to your work surface and lay a piece of parchment paper on it. To prevent the dough from drying out as you roll the pearls, cover the bowl with a damp towel.[5]
- Use a rimmed baking sheet so the pearls don't roll off if you need to move the sheet.
- Roll 1/2 of the dough into a wide rope. Place the dough on your work surface and use the palms of your hand to roll the dough into a long, evenly sized rope. It should be about wide.[6]
- Repeat this with the rest of the dough, so you have 2 long strips of dough ready to cut.
- Cut the strips of dough into pearls. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut individual tapioca pearls from the strips of dough. You can make them any size you want, but keep in mind that the pearls will swell a little as they cook.
- Most standard tapioca pearls are about in diameter before they're cooked.
- Set the tapioca pearls on the baking sheet for up to 2 hours. Transfer the pearls to the parchment paper-lined baking sheet and leave them at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Ensure that the pearls aren't touching as they dry or they could stick together.[7]
- If you'd like to store the tapioca pearls for later, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To make the pearls, boil them without thawing them, but add about 3 to 5 minutes to the cooking time.
EditBoiling and Using the Tapioca Pearls - Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Set a large pot on the stove and fill it at least 1/2 to 3/4 full of water. Turn the burner to high so the water comes to a vigorous boil.[8]
- If you'd like to cook only a handful of tapioca pearls, you can use a small pot. To make a single bubble tea drink, you'll need 1/4 cup (80 g) of cooked tapioca pearls.
- Add the tapioca pearls and boil them for 15 to 20 minutes. Slowly add the pearls to the boiling water so the water doesn't splash and the pearls are completely submerged. Stir the pearls and then boil them uncovered until they're completely tender.[9]
- The pearls will float to the top of the pot once they're half-cooked.
- You may need to adjust the heat if it looks like the pot may boil over after you add the pearls.
- Drain the cooked tapioca pearls. Turn off the burner and use a slotted spoon to scoop the tapioca pearls out of the boiling water. Transfer the pearls to a bowl and let them cool a little before you add them to tea. If you'd like to sweeten the pearls, soak them in a sugar tea syrup for at least 1 hour.[10] of hot water with 2 tablespoons (25 g) of brown sugar and 1 teabag of black tea. Steep the tea for 15 minutes before removing the teabag.}}
- Use the pearls the same day you boil them, since they'll begin to stick together and become tough.
- Make a classic milk tea bubble tea. To make 1 drink, steep 1 black teabag in of boiling water for 5 minutes. Remove the bag and let the tea cool until it's at room temperature. Place about 1/4 cup (80 g) of the cooked tapioca pearls into a serving glass. Pour of sugar tea syrup (even if you used sweetened tapioca pearls) over and fill the glass with ice. Then pour in the cooled black tea and of cold milk.[11]
- Serve the bubble tea with a wide straw and enjoy it before the ice begins to melt.
- If you'd like to make bubble tea, but don't have time to make the pearls from scratch, you can purchase dried tapioca pearls from most Asian markets. Follow the package instructions to boil and use the pearls.
- Children under the age of 3 can choke on the tapioca pearls.
EditThings You'll Need - Measuring cups and spoons
- Heat-proof bowl
- Large pot with a lid
- Slotted spoon
- Spoon or chopsticks
- Towel
- Rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Knife or bench scraper
- Serving glass
- Wide straw
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Make Ceramics Posted: 14 Feb 2019 12:00 AM PST Making ceramics is a fun and interesting hobby for people of all ages and abilities. Once you know the basics, you'll be able to start creating your own pieces at home. Depending on the type of clay you use, you may need to use a kiln to make sure your ceramics are safe to use. No matter which techniques you prefer, it's surprisingly easy to learn how to make beautiful masterpieces! EditHandbuilding a Dish - Choose a type of clay for your project. For a handbuilt project, it's best to use standard clay that must be fired in a kiln to set the material. Select a natural color, such as gray or brown, and purchase a small amount at first to ensure that it suits your needs. This is ideal for small projects, since your leftover clay will be less likely to dry out.[1]
- If it's your first time using clay or if you don't have access to a kiln, opt for air-dry, oven-baked, or polymer clay. These will allow you to finish your project at home.
- Pull off a small piece of clay to work with. For a small dish, such as a ring dish or a small plate, roll the clay into a walnut-sized ball. For larger items, like a dinner plate or salad dish, start with a baseball-sized ball. Remember, you can always remove excess clay, but it's difficult to add more once you've shaped your piece.[2]
- If you're pulling a piece from a big block of clay, it may be helpful to use a strand of wire to cut off a piece of clay to work with.
- Knead the clay until it's soft and roll it out to thick. Press your thumbs into the clay to warm it up, and pinch and pull on the material to soften it. It's better to have the clay as soft and pliable as possible. Then, shape the soft clay back into a ball, and use a rolling pin to flatten it out into a sheet.[3]
- You can make the clay as thin as thick, but if the clay is too thin, it will become hard to work with.
- Pinch and shape the clay with your hands to achieve the look you want. Cut the sheet of clay into your desired shape using a pointed knife or specialized clay cutting tool. Some ideas include a circular, square, or abstract shape. Then, use your hands to smooth the corners and edges. If you want to make a standard-sized dinner plate, use a plate that you already own as a guide for the shape and size.[4]
- Remove air bubbles to prevent cracking if you're going to use a kiln. As you're working with the clay, feel for areas where there may be air trapped inside of the clay, and poke the spot gently with a needle to release the air. Then, smooth the area with your fingers and a bit of water before allowing the clay to dry.[5]
- Air bubbles can easily cause the pottery to crack or even explode in the kiln, so it's important to remove them before firing and glazing!
EditUsing a Pottery Wheel - Select a pottery wheel and 2 lbs (907 g) of clay for your project. Choose a standard wet clay in a natural color, and opt for an electric pottery wheel for your first projects, since they tend to be easier to control and use. If you're starting with a large block of clay, break off and weigh your clay before starting your piece. This is the standard amount to begin with, since working with too much clay can be very difficult for a beginner.[6]
- Be sure to read the package instructions before working with the clay, since specific brands normally have different requirements for drying and firing clay.
- Once you get more experience with using the pottery wheel, you can use more clay to build larger projects.
- Knead and roll the clay into a large cone shape with a rounded point. Pinch, pull, and roll the clay to remove air bubbles that can cause the clay to crack in the kiln. Then, use your hands to form a smooth cone shape, and press down on the point of the cone to make it more rounded. This will provide a firm, thick base for your item on the pottery wheel.[7]
- Place the clay firmly on the wheel with the tip facing down. Make sure the wheel is off and completely dry. Position the clay cone so the rounded point is directly over the center of the wheel, and press down firmly to hold it in place. The clay should easily yield under the pressure if it is soft enough to work with.[8]
- If the clay isn't firmly planted on the wheel, it may slip and slide around as you're trying to shape it.
- If your clay seems hard, continue kneading it until it is soft and pliable.
- Turn the wheel on slowly and tap the clay with dry hands. Set the wheel to a low setting and use your hands to gently smooth and center the clay over the middle of the wheel. This will ensure that the piece is symmetrical over the base. Pay attention to how the clay moves when you reposition your hands, and make sure there are no bumps in the clay.[9]
- Avoid turning the wheel up to a higher setting before wetting the clay. This can cause rough dents in the clay that are hard to work out.
- Wet your hands and place them on the clay as it turns. Dip your hands into room-temperature water, and place them on the clay. Smooth around the outside of the clay and get a feel for the shape and weight of the clay. When you're ready to begin the piece, push the clay forward with the palms of your hands, which is called a plow forward.[10]
- Always keep a bowl or bucket of water close by when you're working with clay on the wheel. If the clay dries out, it can become dented or rough, making it difficult to shape.
- Increase the speed and use your hands to shape the clay into the item you want. After plowing forward, increase the speed to a high setting. Pull the clay upward to make a vase or bowl, or press outward to create plates. As you're working, keep your elbows tucked in near your body, and use your hands to steady the clay. Remember, each piece of pottery is unique, so there's no one "right" way to make an item![11]
- Common techniques for shaping the clay include "coning," which means pulling the clay upward and using your hands to smooth the sides of the clay into a cone before flattening it.
- If you want to make a bowl, cone the clay upward, and then press the clay downward until it's a disc-like shape. Then, use your thumbs to press a hole into the center of the bowl, and pull the hole outward with your fingers and thumbs as the wheel spins. This will create an opening in the center of the clay along with thick, sturdy walls.
- Cut the clay away from the wheel when you're ready to complete the project. Scrape away as much clay as possible from around the bottom of the piece. Then, turn the wheel off and wait until it stops turning. Once the piece is stationary, drag a strand of thin wire under the base and lift the piece off of the wheel.[12]
- It may be helpful to have someone else cut the piece away from the wheel as you lift it up to prevent the piece from becoming stuck.
- Make sure the wire is as close as possible to the wheel to avoid cutting a slanted base!
EditAdding Finishing Touches and Glazes - Create texture with imprints, stamps, and other tools. If you want your piece to have additional texture, add it while the clay is still soft for the best effect. Use items like leaves, needles, or rubber stamps for a variety of different textures. Always be gentle when using tools and stamps, as it can be easy to puncture or dent the clay.[13]
- If you happen to make a stamp or mark you don't like, simply dip your fingers in water and gently rub them over the area until the mark is smooth.
- Let the clay dry overnight until it becomes lighter in color. If your piece is made of air-dry clay, be sure to check the directions to find out how long you should let the piece dry before handling it. For clay that needs to be fired in a kiln, make sure the clay is dry to the touch, which can take 12-24 hours, depending on the clay that you used and the size of the project. Then, carefully transport the piece to the kiln.[14]
- For air-dry clay, you can use a fine grain sandpaper, such as an 80- or 120-grit, to remove small imperfections and smooth the surface before adding paint.
- Paint air-dry clay with an acrylic or latex paint if you want to add color. Select a paint that is safe for use on clay and that doesn't require firing in a kiln, since air-dry clay can't withstand high temperatures. Apply the paint using brushes, sponges, or other techniques, and then let it air dry according to the directions on the paint.[15]
- If you plan to use the pottery for eating or drinking, opt for a food-safe paint and apply a food-grade sealant all over the piece after the paint is completely dry.
- Fire the clay in a kiln if you aren't using an air-dry clay. Locate a kiln at a local community center, art space, or library, and schedule a time to fire your piece. Carefully lower the item into the kiln, and close the lid. Make sure the kiln is set to the correct temperature for "bisque" firing, which is the first stage of firing the pottery. When it's finished, carefully remove the item from the kiln to add a glaze.[16]
- If you're not sure what that temperature should be, check the directions on the clay packaging. If you don't have the packaging, research the type of clay you're using to find the ideal firing temperature.
- Apply a glaze according to the instructions on the packaging. Dip the item into the glaze, or paint the glaze onto the newly-fired piece. If you want to add multicolor designs, use brushes or sponges to apply the glazes in an abstract design, since they will sometimes blend and run together in the kiln. If you prefer the natural color of the clay, apply a clear glaze for extra protection.[17]
- Keep in mind that the color of the glaze when it is applied can look different than when it is fired. Be sure to choose the glaze based on the fired color!
- Avoid putting glaze on the bottom of the piece, since this can make it stick to the kiln.
- Place the piece in the kiln for a second time to seal the glaze. Transfer the item to the kiln by holding the base to avoid smudging the glaze. Check the glaze packaging and set the kiln to the correct temperature, which is normally lower than the bisque firing temperature. Make sure the item isn't touching any other pottery in the kiln, and close the lid to start firing. Once it is finished, carefully remove the item from the kiln![18]
- After it's fired, you can safely touch and handle the kiln without affecting the glaze, since it should be completely cured and hardened.
- If you're not sure of the appropriate temperature, check online for temperature charts that list a variety of glazes.
- Always be careful and wear heat-resistant gloves when removing your pottery from the kiln. Clay retains heat and can easily burn you, causing you to drop and break your new piece of pottery!
EditThings You'll Need - Clay
- Rolling pin (optional)
- Cutting tool
- Pottery wheel (optional)
- Kiln (optional)
- Glaze (optional)
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary
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