| How to Make Crayon Candles Posted: 27 Aug 2019 05:00 PM PDT Making candles from crayons is a fun way to use up your old, broken crayons. However, since crayon wax is different from candle wax, you will need to add some regular wax into the mix as well. If you don't, the candles won't burn very brightly, or for very long. [Edit]Setting Up - Measure out enough wax to fill your candle holder, plus some extra and set it aside. Try to get the kind of wax that comes in flake or pellet form. It will melt a lot quicker. If your wax comes in blocks, cut it into smaller pieces so that it melts quicker.
- You will need to add wax to your candle. Many people find that candles made from pure crayon do not burn well.
- The wax will "shrink" when you melt it, so you will need the extra wax.
- Peel a crayon. If the wrapper does not come away easily, you can cut it off using a craft blade, or you can soak them in water for a few minutes.[1]
- If you want to make a striped candle, peel some more crayons. You'll need about one crayon per color.[2]
- You will need 6 crayons per 1 cup (225 grams) of wax.[3]
- Break the crayon into smaller pieces and set them aside. The smaller pieces you break the crayons into, the easier they will melt. Some people find that grating the crayon into flakes helps it melt faster.[4]
- If you are making a striped candle, be careful to keep the colors separate.
- Place a tabbed wick in the middle of the glass candle holder and secure it with a drop of hot wax.[5] You can also use a drop of super glue or a piece of double-sided tape. Some tabbed candle wicks will be self-adhesive.
- Place two sticks to either side of the wick to hold it steady. Lay two sticks (such as pencils or popsicle sticks) across the mouth of the candle holder. Sandwich the wick between the two sticks so that it stands up straight.
[Edit]Melting the Wax - Set up a double boiler. Fill a saucepan with 1 to 2 inches of water. Place a heat-safe measuring cup into the pot.[6]
- Place the crayons and wax into the glass measuring cup. If you want to make a striped candle, you will need to melt each color in a separate batch.
- If you plan on making a striped candle, don't do the other colors yet. Wait until the first color layer sets.
- Melt the crayon and wax over medium heat, stirring often. This will help the wax and crayon melt more evenly. You can use a spoon to stir. If you don't want to dirty your spoon, use a popsicle stick or a disposable chopstick.
- Take the measuring cup out of the water using an oven mitt or pot holder. It will be very hot, so be careful. Set it down on a heat-safe surface.
- Consider adding some fragrance. Once the wax is melted, you can add in a few drops of candle fragrance or essential oil. Be sure to stir the wax well to blend everything together.
[Edit]Pouring the Wax - Pour melted wax/crayon mixture into a candle holder. If you plan on making a layered candle, don't fill the holder all the way. If you plan on making a solid-colored candle, fill it almost to the top.
- Let the candle harden before adding other colors and layers.[7] If you add the second layer too soon, it will mix into the first one, and you might end up with an ugly color. It will take about 20 to 30 minutes for each layer to harden.[8]
- Wait for the candle to harden completely before using it. This will take several hours. You can speed up the process by putting the candles in the freezer for two to three hours.
- Trim the wick down to ¼ inch (0.64 centimeters). If you don't trim the wick down, it will be too long. It won't burn right and will create a fire hazard.
- Finished. You will now have a beautiful candle.
- For a kid-friendly version, use a milk carton that's been cut in half. After the candle hardens, you can peel the carton away.[9]
- You can also melt the wax and crayon in a paper cup in the microwave. Microwave the wax and crayon at 30-second intervals, stirring in between each one.[10]
- Some people find that "washable" crayons do not work well.
- If you can't find candle wax, you can also use an old, white candle. Be sure to break it into smaller pieces and to take the wick out first, however.[11]
- Try grating the crayon to make it easier to melt
- You can also use crayons alone and add a wick. Bear in mind that these type of candles won't be very bright, so they are best for additional light.
- It is VERY hard to clean up wax that has cooled down. A good way to clean up most of the wax is rinsing with hot water and then dampening a tissue to get the wax off.
[Edit]Warnings - Crayon wax does not evaporate. Make sure that you burn the crayon candle in a deep dish to catch all of the melting wax.
- Children must have adult supervision for this project.
- Candle-making can be both fun and dangerous. You should never try any projects that use heat and fire without an adults help and always follow candle safety rules.
- You must mix the crayons into the wax.[12] Many people find that candles made purely out of crayons do not burn very brightly, or for very long.[13] The reason for this is because the pigments from the crayons clog the wick, and prevent it from burning.[14]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Wax (flaked or pellet form)
- Crayons
- Tabbed wick
- Glass candle votive/holder
- 2 popsicle sticks or pencils
- Medium saucepan
- Heat-safe glass measuring cup
- Spoon or stir stick
- Scissors
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Replant a Rose Posted: 27 Aug 2019 09:00 AM PDT Roses are beautiful flowers that are relatively easy to replant! You can transplant a rose bush to a new spot by carefully digging it up and inserting it into a new, weed-free garden patch. To regrow roses, try planting rose stem cuttings and waiting for them to grow new roots. [Edit]Replanting a Rose Bush - Choose a garden spot that is free of weeds and other plants. Roses thrive when they are separate from other plants. Plant your rose bush in a section of the garden with other roses, or alone. Ideally, choose a spot where the roses can permanently reside so they will not have to be transported later.[1]
- Use a hand fork to dig up and pull weeds.
- Opt for a spot that gets full sunlight.[2]
- Make sure your soil is well-draining. Roses will grow best in well-draining soil. Before planting your roses, test your soil is by digging a hole that is wide and deep, then fill it with water. Well-draining soil should not take more than an hour to drain.[3]
- To improve poorly-draining soil, add organic matter like compost to it.
- Dig a hole at least deep for your rose bush. Use a garden trowel to dig out a new spot for your rose bush. Prepare a hole that is about deep. The hole should also be at least wide, or large enough to accommodate your rose bush.[4]
- Wear gardening gloves to protect your hands as you dig.
- Build a small mound of soil in the center of the hole. Use a garden trowel to pile some of the soil you removed from the hole back into the center of it. Make a small mound that is about tall for the rose bush to rest on. Gently pat down on the soil to firm the mound.[5]
- Dig around the bush carefully and remove it from the ground. Use a trowel or small garden shovel to gently remove soil from the perimeter of the rose bush. Dig down to its roots until its root ball is exposed. Continue digging carefully until you can easily insert the shovel underneath the plant to remove it.[6]
- You should be able to lift the plant out of the ground without yanking it.
- Adjust the size of the hole you dug out as needed after seeing the size of the root ball.
- Insert the plant in the new hole and fill it halfway with soil. Gently place the root ball of the rose bush on top of the mound. Gently refill the hole around the plant with the soil you dug up earlier. Stop when it is halfway full.[7]
- Flood the hole with water. Use a watering can to flood the soil you inserted around the plant. Let it sit for about 5 minutes so that the soil can drain. Allow it to sit for longer if there is still water puddled in the hole after this time.[8]
- Fill the rest of the hole with soil and water it again. Add more soil to fill up the ring around the plant base. Add about of water to the top of the soil and allow it to soak in. Give the plant about of water each week unless it rains heavily. [9]
[Edit]Replanting Rose Cuttings - Take cuttings in the late spring or early summer if possible. The ideal time to regrow roses is during warm seasons, before the intense heat sets in. Make cuttings in the late spring or early summer when stems are young but strong. The warmth will promote fast root growth.[10]
- Cuttings can also be made and replanted in the autumn, but root regrowth will happen slowly and new blooms will only appear the following spring, if successful.
- Cut off healthy stems about long. Use sharp pruners to make cuttings to avoid crushing the stems. Aim for cuttings that are between long. Make 45 degree angle cuts.[11]
- Take cuttings from the top and sides of the plant.
- Mist the cuttings with water as you replant them to keep them from wilting.[12]
- The should not include the flower at the top.
- Sanitize your cutting tools before and after you cut the plant.
- Remove the flower from the stem. Use your pruners to remove the rose bloom from the rest of the stem. This will allow the plant to refocus energy that was directed to the flower to grow new roots. Make this cut at a 45-degree angle.[13]
- Keep some leaves on the stem when you replant it. Leaves provide sugars from photosynthesis to the rose cutting, which will help it grow new roots. Keep 2-3 leaves on each stem, located high up. Note that some varieties of roses will grow from leafless stems, but the odds of regrowth are better with a few leaves still attached.[14]
- Leaves can also provide root-promoting hormones to the plant.
- Keeping more than 2-3 leaves on the stem will pull nutrients away from it, hindering growth.
- Keep leaves located high on the stem so that they will not be buried under the soil when you replant it.
- Apply a synthetic hormone to the stem to promote regrowth. Rose cuttings naturally contain a root-promoting hormone called auxin that collects at the bottom of the stems. Some roses may not produce adequate amounts of auxin to spur regrowth from cuttings. To increase the odds of growing new roses, purchase a growing hormone powder that contains synthetic auxin and dip the bottom of your rose cuttings in it before planting. [15]
- Synthetic auxin can be recognized as either indolebutyric acid (IBA) and/or naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA).
- Purchase this mix at gardening stores or online.
- Plant rose cuttings in pots to keep indoors if the weather is cold. If there is a frost, the weather is not warm enough for roots to grow outdoors. Choose to plant your rose cutting in a pot and keep it indoors in cold temperatures. As a general rule, this will occur during the late autumn and winter.[16]
- Pots can be placed outside in warmer weather or kept indoors.
- Use perlite, vermiculite, or a light potting mix as a medium in pots. The potting medium you use to grow new roots should contain organic matter, which holds moisture better than ordinary potting soil. Add the medium into a garden pot, filling it 3/4 of the way. Water it until it is moist, but not overly wet or pooling.[17]
- If you mix more than one medium, use a trowel or small garden rake to mix them.
- If you plant a rose cutting directly into the ground, till organic matter directly into the top of the soil to improve its growing potential.
- Insert the stems and firm the soil around them. Gently insert the bottoms of the cuttings into the soil mix deep. Leave about between cuttings if you plant more than 1 in the same pot. Gently press down on the soil around the stems to ensure that they are supported. [18]
- If the cuttings meet too much resistance to enter into the soil easily, gently poke into the mix with a pencil or pen first to create openings.
- Add some kind of "tent" for a humid greenhouse effect. Roots will grow quickly in a warm, humid environment. Create this kind of greenhouse effect by placing something around the surface of the cuttings, either over the pot or on top of the ground, to trap moisture and heat. Leave it on until new growth appears. You could use:[19]
- an inverted two-liter soft drink bottle with the top cut off
- an inverted mason jar
- a plastic bag held up at the top with a small wooden stake
- Place the cuttings somewhere with moderate sunlight. Position the cuttings in a place that gets moderate sun and shade. While your rose cuttings will benefit from some sunlight, intense heat and rays may damage them before they take root. Plants can be moved to a sunnier spot once they grow strong roots.[20]
- It should take about 3-4 weeks for the cuttings to take root.
- To test if roots have grown, tug gently on the planted cuttings. If they resist being pulled out, roots have likely formed.
- Potted rose plants can be transplanted into your garden the following season, once they are mature enough to survive replanting.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Replanting a Rose Bush - Hand fork
- Garden trowel
- Small garden shovel
- Gardening gloves
- Watering can
- Garden mulch
[Edit]Replanting Rose Cuttings - Hand pruners
- Growing-hormone powder with synthetic auxin
- Perlite, vermiculite, or a light potting mix
- Garden pot
- Plant covering (e.g. inverted mason jar)
[Edit]References |
| How to Heal Mosquito Bites Fast Posted: 27 Aug 2019 01:00 AM PDT Mosquitoes are a nuisance that can destroy an otherwise enjoyable time outdoors, especially in the spring and summer months. Apart from that, mosquitoes in some parts of the world carry life-threatening diseases, such as malaria and dengue fever. In most cases, however, the worst thing about a mosquito bite is the itchy, inflamed spot left behind. Fortunately, these symptoms are typically easily treatable with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.[1] [Edit]Treating Mosquito Bites - Clean the bite with soap and cool water. As soon as you can, gently wash the bite and the area around it with soap and water. This can help soothe itching and prevent infection. Rinse away any soap and gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.[2]
- Opt for cool water rather than warm or hot. Cool water can help soothe reduce swelling and soothe itching.
- Don't rub the bite when you dry it off, since this can irritate the bite and make any itching worse.
- Try an over-the-counter hydrocortisone or antihistamine cream. Although medicated creams and gels may not be the least expensive way to heal mosquito bites, they may be the easiest. Simply dab a little onto the bitten area and rub it in gently so the medicine is absorbed by the skin.[3]
- Hydrocortisone creams can help reduce swelling and inflammation. Antihistamine creams, such as Benadryl, can relieve itching and minimize the urge to scratch the bite.
- Make sure the skin is clean before you rub in any cream or gel to ensure you don't irritate your skin.
- Dab the bite with toothpaste. A light dab of regular toothpaste directly on a mosquito bite may relieve itchiness and any pain associated with the bite. Toothpaste tends to work best as a remedy if you put it on the bite immediately.[4]
- Toothpastes with mint tend to work better than other flavors. The menthol in the mint also has a cooling effect, which helps to soothe inflammation and reduce swelling.[5]
- Smear on aloe vera lotion or gel. If you've ever had a sunburn, you likely already understand the soothing effect of aloe vera. The same aloe vera lotion or gel can also ease itching and inflammation of mosquito bites.[6]
- If you're using natural or organic aloe vera gel, putting it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before applying it to your skin adds a cooling effect that may further reduce inflammation.
- Rub honey on the bite to clean it and reduce swelling. Honey has antibacterial properties that work to clean the bitten skin and provide a protective barrier against bacteria. Since honey is also an anti-inflammatory, it may help to reduce inflammation and swelling around the bite.[7]
- Organic or local honey varieties may work better than commercial honey to provide relief because they don't have added sugars or other chemicals.
- Don't use honey if you're still outside, since it may attract other insects.
- Make a paste with 1 tsp (7 g) of baking soda and of water. This paste may not do much to relieve inflammation or swelling, but it can help stop the itching. While this isn't necessarily something you can do to help the bite immediately, it can help once you've gone inside.[8]
- Clean the bitten skin with soap and water and pat it dry before applying a baking soda and water paste.
- Use ice to prevent swelling and inflammation. An ice pack or a cool, damp washcloth on the bitten area can calm the skin so the bite doesn't become quite as red and swollen. Leave ice on your skin for no longer than 15 minutes at a time. Avoid placing ice directly on your skin as this can lead to burns.[9]
- An ice pack or cold compress may also reduce the itching sensation. However, this effect only lasts as long as your skin is cooled. Once you remove the ice pack or cold compress and your skin's temperature returns to normal, the itching will also likely return.
- Menthol has a similar anti-inflammatory effect without lowering the surface temperature of your skin. Creams or ointments with menthol in them may help reduce inflammation.[10]
- Take an oral antihistamine if you have a more severe reaction. Oral antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), cetirizine (Zyrtec), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine (Allegra) can be more effective at easing the swelling, inflammation, and itching of mosquito bites than products you apply directly to your skin. Most of these medicines are available over the counter.[11]
- If you have a history of severe reactions to mosquito bites, take an oral antihistamine a few hours before you plan to be outside where mosquitos will likely be present.
- Most oral antihistamines provide 24-hour relief. Benadryl, however, must be taken once every 6 hours to retain its effectiveness.
- Carefully follow the dosage instructions on the package when using an over-the-counter oral antihistamine unless you've been directed otherwise by your doctor.
[Edit]Preventing Infection of Bites - Avoid scratching your mosquito bites. Bites become infected when you introduce bacteria into them by scratching them. Infections are most common with small children, who also may have dirtier hands and fingernails than adults – especially if they're playing outside.[12]
- Keep in mind that scratching a mosquito bite only provides temporary relief. At the same time, it can help spread the mosquito's saliva, which is responsible for the reaction.
- Clean blisters or broken skin with soap and water. Mild soap and warm water are sufficient to clean bacteria from the skin. If you scratch your mosquito bites to the point that they're bleeding, stop and wash the area immediately.[13]
- If your skin develops a blister where the mosquito bit you, take care not to pop the blister when you're cleaning your skin. This can increase your skin's sensitivity and also leaves a raw area exposed to bacteria.
- Cover broken skin with gauze or a bandage. If you have scratched a mosquito bite or popped a blister, cover it with a bandage or small piece of gauze so that it is no longer exposed to open air. This can reduce the risk of infection.[14]
- If the bite is surrounded by a larger area of redness or inflammation, make sure the gauze or bandage you use completely covers the inflamed skin. Don't apply any adhesive material directly to the inflamed skin.
- Reapply topical medication every 4 hours. If you're using a medicated cream or lotion, it will lose effect if not reapplied and you may start scratching again. Wash the bitten area with mild soap and warm water before applying the medication and pat it dry.[15]
- Rub the medicated cream into the skin around the bite so the medicine is well-absorbed. However, avoid rubbing directly on the bite, especially if a blister has formed. You could break the skin. To put the cream directly on the bite, simply dab it with the pad of a finger.
- Watch for warning signs of infection. Skin that is broken or raw, typically from scratching, can become infected. Sometimes the signs of infection won't be apparent immediately. Be on the lookout for a bite surrounded by swelling and inflammation that spreads across a larger area. Other signs of infection include pus or drainage around the bite, chills, or a fever over .[16]
- If you notice any of these warning signs of infection, make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible. If the bite is infected, it will take a round of antibiotics to heal.
- While you're waiting to see the doctor, treat the infected bite with a topical antibiotic cream such as Bacitracin or Neosporin.[17] Some antibiotic ointments also provide relief for itching and pain.
[Edit]Avoiding Mosquito Bites - Stay inside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. While mosquitoes in some areas may be active throughout the day and even into the night, they are most active in the hours around sunrise and sunset. During these times, you're far more likely to get bitten, even if you're taking other precautions.[18]
- If you are outside, try to stay in screened-in areas where mosquitoes will have a harder time getting to you. For example, you might watch the sunset from a screened-in porch.
- Wear protective clothing when you are outside. A long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat are good protection against mosquitoes. Even if it's hot outside, you can wear lighter clothing that won't overheat you.[19]
- Wearing white or light-colored clothing may actually keep you cooler than if you were wearing less clothing that exposed your skin. Loose-fitting clothing will also keep you from sweating as much.
- Use an insect repellent when outside for extended periods of time. Commercial insect repellents with DEET as the active ingredient work well to repel mosquitoes and keep them away from you. You can spray your skin as well as your clothing.[20]
- Follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wash your hands after applying insect repellent and before eating, as it can be harmful if ingested.
- Eliminate standing water around your home. Mosquitos lay their eggs in and around stagnant pools of water. If water has puddled or pooled and is left standing, you may end up with an infestation of mosquitoes. Drain the water as best you can, providing drainage where possible so water doesn't pool up.[21]
- If you have containers outside that collect water, empty them after any rainfall. Outdoor containers that are meant to hold water should be covered with a tight lid to prevent mosquitoes from accessing them.
- Empty and scrub clean containers such as vases, pet water bowls, and birdbaths once a week.
[Edit]Warnings - Some people have more serious reactions to mosquito bites than others. If you experience symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as throat swelling or shortness of breath, seek emergency medical attention immediately.[22]
- See your doctor if you experience severe swelling in the area of the bite. In the meantime, you can minimize the swelling by putting an ice pack on the area for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Wrap a thin towel or other cloth around the ice pack to prevent ice burns.[23]
- If you are bitten by a mosquito and develop flu-like symptoms, such as a fever, body aches, or nausea within 2 to 14 days after the bite, see your doctor immediately. You may have contracted a mosquito-borne disease. Many of these diseases can be life-threatening.[24]
[Edit]References |
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