| How to Dye Paper Lanterns Posted: 12 Apr 2020 05:00 PM PDT Paper lanterns are a simple but elegant way to brighten up any gathering. Although they come in a variety of different shapes and colors, the white ones are very useful for custom decorations. You can use fabric dye to turn them into any color you wish. It is as easy as gently rolling the lantern in the dye, then giving it time to dry. You can customize your decorations by dipping lanterns in different dye colors. After you're done, hang the lanterns to let them serve as eye-catching decorations and light sources. [Edit]Selecting Supplies - Select a bowl that is big enough to hold the lantern you wish to dye. Paper lanterns come in a variety of different sizes, so you may need to search around for something appropriate. Look for something round and preferably the same size as the lantern. For large lanterns, try using a big mixing bowl. You could use smaller mixing bowls, cereal bowls, or hair dye bowls for smaller lanterns.[1]
- Keep in mind that the lanterns don't have to be fully submerged in the bowl. The bowl only has to be wide enough for the lantern to fit in it.
- Get a separate bowl for each color you plan on using. Each color has to be mixed separately.
- Choose a colored fabric dye to use in the bowl. Fabric dye is easy to work with and gives paper lanterns a deep, consistent coloring. You could use either powdered or liquid dyes, depending on your preference. Both kinds come in a wide variety of colors that brighten up your lanterns. Get several colors if you plan on making different lanterns or giving them unique color patterns.[2]
- Fabric dye is available online, but it is also sold at many hardware stores. General retailers and art supply stores also carry it.
- If you have a choice between liquid and powder dyes, remember that liquid dyes are stronger. Powdered dyes are easier to adjust to the shade you desire.
- Cover your table with a plastic sheet before mixing the dye. Dyeing gets messy, but you can avoid a lot of cleanup later by preparing for it. Get a plastic tarp or a drop sheet, for instance, and drape it over the table. Make sure you're working on a flat, stable surface to reduce the chance of potential spills. While you're using the dye, keep your lanterns above the plastic sheet so dye doesn't drip onto anything else.[3]
- You can get plastic sheeting at most hardware stores.
- If you're able to, work outdoors so you don't have to worry about tracking any dye inside your home.
- Removing dye from furniture and other surfaces is tough, so try to limit splatter as much as possible. Cover nearby objects with more plastic if you suspect they might get dirty.
- Put on protective gloves to keep your hands clean. Fabric dye may leave stains in your home, but it can also get on your hands. Once it is on your hands, it is difficult to remove. Always wear disposable plastic or rubber gloves when handling dye. Be careful to avoid splashing any dye onto your skin.[4]
- If you get dye on your skin, sprinkle some baking powder over it. Then, splash some water on it and scrub it with an old toothbrush or exfoliator.
[Edit]Mixing the Dye - Pour of cold water in a bowl. Tap water is fine, but it has to be cold. This water will be the base for your dye. Make sure you still have plenty of room to fit the lantern in the bowl without spilling water..[5]
- Check the manufacturer's mixing recommendations on the dye box. It may vary a little depending on the product you are using.
- Mix lukewarm water and dye in a separate container. Select something that is safe to use in the microwave, such as a glass measuring cup. First, pour of lukewarm water into it. Next, pour in about 5 g (1 teaspoon) of the dye. Stir it with a spoon until the dye has dissolved and turned the water a consistent color.[6]
- Liquid dye is more concentrated than powdered dye, so use only half as much. Stir about (0.5 teaspoon) of the dye into the water.
- Always mix powdered dye into a separate container of lukewarm or hot water so it can dissolve more easily. Since liquid fabric dyes don't need to dissolve, they can be added directly to your mixing bowl.
- Pour the dye into the bowl and mix it all together. Stir the warm dye mix in with the cold water. Stir it all together with a spoon before attempting to use the dye. The water should turn a consistent shade of whatever color you're using. If it looks uneven or you notice dye powder floating around, stir it some more.[7]
- If you're using a powder dye, make sure the mix is totally liquid before attempting to dip a lantern in it.
- Dip a paper towel into the dye to test it. Tear off a single sheet from a roll of paper towels. Hold onto opposite sides of it and gently lower it into the bowl. Submerge the bottom edge of the paper towel, then pull it back out. Check the color to see if it's the shade you want the lanterns to be.[8]
- You don't have to dip the entire paper towel into the water. A small patch is enough. If the sheet gets too wet, it could fall apart.
- Mix more dye into the water if you need to darken its coloring. Scoop about of water out of the bowl with a measuring cup. Take it to a microwave, then briefly reheat it at a low power setting. Heat it for about 1 to 2 minutes until it feels lukewarm again. Then, sprinkle in more dye, mixing it until it is well-distributed.[9]
- To ensure the dye works as intended, always mix it into a small glass of lukewarm water. Pour the mixture back into the bigger bowl when you're done.
- Test the dye again by dipping a paper towel into it. If the color still looks too light, continue mixing in more dye until it's the shade you desire.
- Lighten the dye as needed by adding more water to it. Add water gradually to avoid diluting the dye too much. Start off with up to of lukewarm water. Pour it into the bowl and stir. Once the water is well-mixed, test the coloring with a paper towel again.[10]
- If the dye is still too dark, you can continue adding more water until it reaches the correct shade.
[Edit]Staining the Lanterns - Place a lantern in the bowl and tip it slightly. Before dying the lantern, you may wish to remove metal hangers or anything else inside it that could get in the way. After doing this, set the lantern on top of the water without submerging it. Then, tilt it to one side. Make sure the open end on one side touches the water so some of the dye gets inside of it.[11]
- Most uncolored lanterns are empty and don't have hangers when you buy them, so you don't need to do anything other than open them up to begin coloring them.
- If you add too much dye to the lantern, it will most likely begin falling apart. Avoid submerging it.
- Rotate the lantern slowly if you wish to dye it a solid color. Continue holding the lantern at an angle. While holding it, begin spinning it by hand. Once it looks consistently dyed, remove it and flip it over. Tilt it so the opposite end is in the water, then spin it again to finish it.[12]
- Use the open ends of the lantern to hold onto it while you're rotating it. Be careful to avoid dipping your hands into the water.
- Dip the lantern into different colors if you're making a pattern. Turn the lantern to the side you wish to color, then lightly touch it to the water. Make sure it absorbs some of the dye. After lifting it out of the water, rotate it to another blank spot that needs to be colored. Continue dipping it into different colors until you're done.[13]
- For example, you could make dark purple spots on one end by dipping the lantern into the dye a few times. Then, fill the space between the spots with a lighter purple dye.
- Making patterns takes some patience and control. Try starting with the darker colors first, then carefully adding lighter colors where needed for the pattern you're creating.
- Another way to make designs is to let the dyed lantern dry, then paint over it with watercolors. You could use this technique to make more intricate patterns or details.
- Use multiple colors in order if you wish to make an ombre pattern. An ombre pattern is dark at one end and light on the other. If you plan on doing this, have all of your dyes mixed and set out in different bowls. Start by dipping one end of the lantern in the dark dye, then rotate it to color it. Move it to the next dye, tilting it to avoid staining the part you already colored. Repeat the process until you reach the last dye.[14]
- For instance, you could start with a yellow dye and then work your way up to a pink or purple one.
- Another possibility is to leave the top part of the lantern white. Fade from an initial color to white by mixing gradually lighter dye colors.
- Hang the lantern for about 30 minutes to dry. String a wire through the loops on the top end of the lantern. Then, knot the wire to a hook or a rope loop. Find an open space with plenty of air circulation so the lantern is able to dry without issue. Once it feels dry to the touch, you can move it to a more permanent spot to decorate your home.[15]
- Clotheslines and curtain rods are a couple of good places to hang wet lanterns. Make sure you leave enough space between the lantern and nearby walls so they don't accidentally get dyed!
- The lantern may drip a little as it dries. If you're drying lanterns indoors, set plastic underneath them to avoid messes.
- Customize your lanterns further with additional decorations. For example, you could cut out paper butterflies and other shapes, then glue them onto the lanterns.
- Paper lanterns can also be painted with watercolors. If you're trying to paint a specific pattern, you will most likely have an easier time making it with paint and a brush.
- Using hot water can cause powdered dyes to dissolve at a quicker rate, but be careful to avoid scalding yourself.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Paper lanterns
- Fabric dye
- Mixing bowl or alternative container
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoon
- Mixing spoon
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic tarp or drop cloth
- String or rope
- Hanging hooks
- Microwave (optional)
[Edit]References |
| How to Celebrate Easter Posted: 12 Apr 2020 09:00 AM PDT Easter is a religious holiday celebrated by Christians, but non-religious people often mark the day, too. Religiously, Easter celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Non-religious celebrations include things like brunches, family get-togethers, and activities like painting eggs. Regardless of your reasons for celebrating Easter, there are many things you can do to commemorate the day. [Edit]Making Easter Fun for Kids - Paint eggs. You can buy an egg painting kit at nearly any supermarket around the Easter months. Hard boil some eggs and let your children have fun decorating them for the Easter holidays.[1]
- Usually, you place dye of different colors in various cups. Eggs are then dunked in the dye to add color. You can even get creative and dye the eggs with shaving cream or watercolors.
- Make sure your kids wear old clothing when decorating eggs. It can get very messy.
- Have an Easter egg hunt. An iconic part of Easter is the Easter egg hunt. You can have kids hide real boiled eggs they decorated. However, you can also fill plastic eggs with treats and hide them throughout your home.[2]
- If opting for plastic eggs, you can provide things like Cheerios and pretzels if you want healthier snacks. Religious families sometimes put Bible verses on pieces of paper in plastic eggs.
- Keep track of where you hid all the eggs in case they are not all found by the hunters. This is especially important if you're hiding real eggs, as these will eventually start to rot.
- Some large Easter egg hunts are put on by local communities or organizations and are open for you and your family to attend. See if you can find an Easter egg hunt in your area.
- Provide Easter baskets. Easter baskets are an important Easter tradition. Young children love waking up to a basket filled with Easter goods. You can buy baskets at department stores around the holidays. Fill them with small treats like candy and tiny toys.
- If you're religious, try adding plastic eggs with Bible verses tucked inside.
- Snacks do not have to be unhealthy. If you want your kids to have a healthy snack, put things like fresh fruit in their Easter basket.
- You can also provide small toys instead of food-based items, like tiny plastic animals or small plush toys.
- Make rabbit-themed baked goods. The Easter bunny is an exciting part of Easter for children. Make baked goods shaped like bunnies. This can be a fun way for kids to get excited about the holiday.[3]
- You can make cut-out sugar cookies using a rabbit-shaped cookie cutter.
- Bake three cinnamon rolls. Stick two together, forming a snowman-like body, and cut the other in half. Place the two halves near one end of the cinnamon roll, making bunny ears, and then use cream cheese frosting to color your bunny white. You can use chocolate chips or blueberries for eyes.
- Decorate with your kids. Children often enjoy decorating for the holidays. Invest in small decorations at a local department store or even a dollar store. You can also look for craft tutorials online. Your kids may, for example, enjoy using construction paper or felt to make things like chicks and bunnies.[4]
- Window stickers are great for young children, as they're fun and easy to use.
- If you're having an Easter Brunch or dinner, try having your kids make special placemats for everyone attending using cardboard paper.
[Edit]Celebrating with a Secular Approach - Take a hike with family or friends. Easter often takes place as the weather starts to get warmer. If you live in an area where Easter marks the start of spring, take advantage of the warm weather to celebrate the day. Spend Easter Sunday taking a long walk or hike along a local nature trail.[5]
- If you don't live near a wooded area, you can simply take a walk through your neighborhood with family and friends. For example, instead of driving to your favorite ice cream place, walk or bike there.
- Have an Easter brunch. Many people love early afternoon brunches on Easter. You can go out to a restaurant that has an Easter brunch special. You can also have family or friends over for an Easter-themed meal.[6]
- Due to the connection with eggs, deviled eggs or scrambled eggs can be a good thematic fit to your Easter meals.
- Many people enjoy serving ham as the main dish for their Easter meal. Think about adding some side dishes such as mashed potatoes or glazed carrots.
- Try to use a spring-like color scheme. For example, use pastel plates, napkins, tablecloths, and silverware.
- Plant something to celebrate new life. As Easter falls during the spring in many parts of world, it is seen as a celebration of life. Stop by a local greenhouse and pick up some seeds. Plant them in your yard or in a pot in your home. Growing some new flowers or other plants can help you commemorate Easter by welcoming spring.[7]
- Spend time with family and friends. Holidays are great opportunities for us to spend time with our loved ones, enjoying the time together. Most people have the day off on Easter, so take advantage of that time. Make some plans with your loved ones to make your Easter together a great one.
- For example, you and a group of friends could get together for dinner on Easter Sunday.
- Take photos each year to preserve memories. Photos can be a fun way to remember the holiday. While having brunch, dinner, or engaging in other activities, bring a camera. Take some great photos to help you remember your Easter memories for years to come.[8]
[Edit]Celebrating with Religion - Pay attention to the significance of different days of Easter weekend. Easter is not one holiday. There is a Holy Week which leads up to the celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Starting the Sunday before Easter, known as Palm Sunday, pause to reflect on the Biblical significance of such events. If your church holds special services on these days, attend if possible.[9]
- From Palm Sunday to Holy Tuesday, there are Biblical stories surrounding Christ entering Jerusalem and entering the temples there. On Holy Wednesday, Judas decided to betray Jesus and the story of his persecution begins.
- Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, which took place between Jesus and his disciples. Good Friday is the day of Jesus's death on the cross.
- Holy Saturday and Sunday, or Easter, are the last two days of the holy week. During these days, Christ's resurrection is remembered and celebrated.
- Attend Easter services at your church. Almost every Christian church will offer an Easter service on Easter Sunday. Exactly what the service will consist of will vary depending on your church. However, attending any Easter church service can be a good way to focus on the Christian messages that accompany the holiday. Make sure to attend church on Easter morning.[10]
- If you have young children, see if there are special Sunday School classes offered on Easter Sunday. It can sometimes be difficult for children to understand the story of Christ's death due to the scary subject material. A qualified Sunday School teacher can help your child understand the meaning of Easter.
- Read the Easter story in your bible. Take some time over Easter weekend to read over the Easter story. This can be a good way to focus on the meaning behind the holiday. Reminding yourself why the holiday is celebrated can help you to engage more fully with your faith and its traditions. Much of the Easter story is found in the New Testament, covered in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.[11]
- If you have young children, see if you can find a children's Bible that details the story of Easter. This may explain Jesus's death and resurrection in terms they can easily understand.
- Discuss Jesus's sacrifice with your family. Easter is primarily a celebration of God sacrificing His only son for your sins. This is something to talk over with your family. On Easter morning, or Holy Saturday, have a talk about what God's sacrifice means to you. Why are you grateful for Jesus's sacrifices, death, and resurrection?[12]
- One activity to help with this can be writing down times you've sinned on a piece of paper. Have everyone in the family do this on Holy Saturday and then gather the papers together.
- On Easter Day, do something to destroy the papers. You can, for example, burn them in a fireplace or feed them through a paper shredder. This represents Jesus saving you by erasing your sins. You can then express gratitude at Christ's sacrifice.
- Focus on the personal meaning this holiday has for you. Attending a church service or reading over the Easter story can both be great ways to focus on the meaning of the holiday. However, taking some time on your Easter Sunday to reflect on the personal meaning of the holiday can help you discover what it means to you.[13]
- Think about your religion. How has it benefited your life? What have you learned from Christianity? How have Jesus's lessons affected your actions?
- You may want to have your family answer these types of questions. For example, you could have everyone go around the table and share a time they acted in a certain way because of Christ's teachings.
- Practice some non-religious celebrations. If you are religious, not everything you do on Easter has to be specifically related to your religion. Try doing things like having an Easter brunch or doing something fun with your family, like going on a hike. This can be particularly helpful if you have non-religious relatives who want to celebrate with you.
[Edit]Warnings - Find all the eggs after an Easter egg hunt or else they will begin to rot.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Resin Bird Bath Posted: 12 Apr 2020 01:00 AM PDT If you're hoping to create a bird bath out of resin, there are some easy ways to make it look unique while creating a sturdy bird bath at the same time. Pick out objects and materials like tissue paper, beads, or glitter to add to the resin, giving it color. Pour resin into a silicone mold and add your materials. Let the resin dry completely before removing it from the mold and displaying it, either by hanging it or setting it on a pedestal for the birds to enjoy. [Edit]Gathering Materials and Mixing the Resin - Gather the textures or objects you'll be placing in the resin. Decide what you'll put in the resin to create your bird bath, giving it color and a creative look. These could be materials or objects like tissue paper, buttons, fabric, or glitter.[1]
- Other materials include beads, pieces of wood, pebbles, or mosaic tiles.
- For a more professional look, layer the resin with mosaic tiles or pebbles.
- If you're looking for a quick fix, glitter or tissue paper are good options.
- Place a silicone mold on an even surface. The mold should be in the shape of a bird bath and big enough for a couple birds to fit in comfortably, roughly in diameter. Set the silicone mold down on a stable, even surface so the resin will go into the mold evenly.[2]
- Layer a plastic tarp or paper under the mold to protect the surface you're working on.
- Purchase a silicone mold from a craft store or online.
- Mix the resin thoroughly by following the instructions. Your resin will come in 2 separate bottles that you'll mix together right before pouring. Follow the instructions for your specific type of resin carefully to ensure it works properly. Stir the resin together in a container using a stick, making slow circular movements to avoid creating too many air bubbles.[3]
- Refer to the instructions for how much resin to use depending on the size of your silicone mold.
- Each layer of resin will likely use of resin.
- Use clear resin if you want to be able to see the materials or objects through the resin.
- Resin has a strong odor and can be toxic, so work in a space with good air ventilation.
[Edit]Pouring the Resin and Adding Materials - Pour the resin into the mold so it coats the silicone thoroughly. Pour the resin in slowly, spreading it with a resin spreader so it's covering the entire base of the silicone mold. Use the spreader to apply the resin to the sides of the mold as well, creating the edges of the bird bath.[4]
- Don't worry if the resin slides down the sides slowly—you'll be able to add additional layers later on.
- The resin needs to be poured right after it's mixed so you get as much working time as possible before it starts to dry.
- How thick you make your resin layer is entirely up to you, but a firm first layer might be roughly thick.
- Place your material or objects into the resin carefully. Once a thin layer of the resin is in the silicone mold, begin placing your materials or items down in the resin starting in the center of the mold. Work your way to the outer edges of the mold and then begin going up the sides, placing things like buttons or tissue paper flat against the resin.[5]
- For example, if you're using tiles or tissue paper, place them right next to one another so they're lined up and there aren't any empty spaces.
- If you're using materials like beads or even small figurines, these can be placed sporadically throughout the resin.
- Wait 12 hours for the resin to set. For timing instructions related to your specific type of resin, read the instructions that come with the resin. After roughly 12 hours, the resin will have dried enough to add a top coat of resin on top of the objects or materials inside the mold.[6]
- Add another coat of resin and let it dry. This is a good idea to help keep the added materials intact and protects them from the elements outdoors. Pour a thin layer of resin into the silicone mold, using the resin spreader to create an even layer that covers all of the objects. Wait 12-24 hours for the resin to dry completely.[7]
- Add more materials or objects to the second layer of resin, if desired.
- If you add another coat, wait another 12 hours for the top coat to dry completely.
- Remove the resin bird bath from the silicone mold carefully. After waiting a day for the resin to dry, carefully peel the silicone mold off of the resin bird bath. Start at the upper edges and peel down gently.[8]
[Edit]Displaying the Bird Bath - Drill holes in the resin using a drill if you're hanging it. Use a permanent marker to make 3-4 dots representing the holes, spacing them evenly around the circumference of the bird bath. Use an electric drill to carefully make each hole in the resin so you can pull a small rope or chain through them.[9]
- A 1/8 inch (1/3 cm) drill bit works well.
- Attach rope or chains to the bird bath to hang it. Pull rope through each hole and create knots to hang the bird bath, or attach chains through each hole and hang it that way. Whichever method you use, be sure that the hanging material won't slip through the holes to make sure the bird bath doesn't fall.[10]
- Look for rope or small chains at your local hardware store or online.
- Set the resin on a pedestal to create a standing bird bath. Standing bird baths are popular as they're easy to move and clean. Place your resin bird bath centered on a pedestal with a flat top so the bird bath doesn't tip or move. Consider using a strong glue to adhere the resin to the pedestal, if desired.[11]
- If you choose to use glue, look for a waterproof glue like Gorilla Glue or exterior adhesives.
- Consider sanding the very bottom of your bird bath if it's circular, creating a flat portion where it can rest on the pedestal.
- Look for bird bath pedestals at your local home improvement store or online.
- Hang or set the bird bath in a spot where birds can reach it easily. Position your bird bath so it's hanging from your porch or sitting in a stable spot where it won't fall or cause the birds harm. While hanging the bird bath from a tree limb is possible, know that you'll need to rinse out the bird bath more frequently due to the leaves and other plant buildup caused by the tree.[12]
- Place a standing bird bath on stable ground so it doesn't tip over.
- If you live in a colder climate, consider placing your bird bath in a sunny spot so the sun warms the water. In hotter climates, place the bird bath in the shade to keep the water from getting too hot.
- Avoid placing the bird bath near a prickly bush or where predators can easily get to the birds.
- Fill the bird bath with clean water. Pour water into the bird bath using a garden hose or a bucket, being careful not to overfill it. Once you fill it with water, check up on the bird bath regularly to refill it or clear out dirty water.[13]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Gathering Materials and Mixing the Resin - Objects or materials (buttons, tissue paper, etc.)
- Round silicone mold
- Plastic tarp or paper
- 2-part resin
- Mixing stick
- Cups or containers
[Edit]Pouring the Resin and Adding Materials [Edit]Displaying the Bird Bath - Permanent marker (optional)
- Drill (optional)
- Rope or chains (optional)
- Pedestal (optional)
- Waterproof adhesive (optional)
- Clean water
[Edit]Warnings - Many types of resin emit toxic fumes, so be sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
[Edit]References |
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