| How to Measure Wrapping Paper for a Gift Posted: 22 Dec 2020 04:00 PM PST If you're wrapping a gift and aren't sure how much wrapping paper to use, there are a couple easy methods you can use to help you decide. No matter what shape the gift is, there are some simple ways you can measure the paper to make sure it covers the entire present. With some wrapping paper, scissors, tape, and a few spare minutes, your gift will be wrapped in no time. [Edit]Measuring Paper for a Box - Roll out the wrapping paper on a flat surface. Choose the wrapping paper you'd like to use to wrap your gift and place it on a clean, flat surface like a tabletop. Unroll the wrapping paper enough so it's covering a large portion of your flat surface.[1]
- Place your box on the edge of the wrapping paper. Set your gift down on the cut end of the wrapping paper so the largest side is face-down. Line the gift up along the side of the wrapping paper to help you with the measuring process.[2]
- Roll the box 3 times in a straight line to measure how much paper you'll need. Start at the cut end of the wrapping paper and flip it over 3 times, going in the direction of the rolled paper. As you flip it, the box will roll onto its side, again onto its back, and one more time onto its other side. [3]
- Add inches to the paper's length and cut it. Hold a ruler next to the side of your box that's closest to the rolled wrapping paper, which is where your box landed after 3 rolls. Add an extra to this length to make sure the wrapping paper is long enough to cover the entire gift with room to spare. Mark the paper and cut it using scissors in a straight, even line.[4]
- Use a pencil to mark the spot where you'll cut, if you'd like.
- For bigger boxes, use a second roll of wrapping paper if the wrapping is too short to fit.
- Pull up the paper on the box's ends to see if it covers ¾ of each side. Now that the paper is measured to cover the length and width, pull the last 2 edges of the wrapping paper up to the box's ends. If both ends are able to cover three-quarters of the box's side, great! Otherwise, use scissors to trim the paper until it's the right length.[5]
- Secure the wrapping paper to the box using tape. Now that the wrapping paper is measured and cut to fit the box, it's time to tape it up. Pull the wrapping paper length so it's taut and covering the box before taping it in place. Crease the ends of the gift so the wrapping paper folds flat and tape these as well.[6]
- Add ribbon or a bow to the gift to complete it, if you'd like.
[Edit]Wrapping an Oddly Shaped Gift - Unroll your wrapping paper and place your object in the center. Choose which wrapping paper you'd like to use to wrap your gift and roll it out on a clean, flat surface. Put your oddly shaped gift in the center of the unrolled paper.[7]
- You might have an oddly shaped gift like a toy castle or a football.
- Circular or cylindrical items count as oddly shaped gifts too.
- Wrap the end of your wrapping paper all the way around your gift and cut it. Take the loose end of the wrapping paper and pull it over your object so it's covering it completely. Once the end of the wrapping paper is touching the paper on the other side of the object, add about of extra length with a ruler (or just estimate!) and cut the paper in a straight line.[8]
- The extra length will help you tape the wrapping paper together and ensure the paper is wide enough to fit your gift.
- Remove the gift from the center of the wrapping paper once you're done measuring.
- Pull both cut sides together and put tape down their entire length. Once your paper is cut, bring both loose edges in towards the center. Overlap them slightly for a stronger hold and put pieces of tape along the edges to hold the ends together.[9]
- Use double-sided tape if you don't want the tape to be visible.
- Use at least 3 pieces of tape to hold the 2 ends together—one at each end and one in the center.
- Fold the bottom loose end up and flatten it in a straight line. Bring the bottom end of the wrapping paper up at least . If the object you're wrapping is pretty short, pull the edge up even farther. Fold the horizontal crease so that it's in a straight, flat line.[10]
- Open the crease and form 2 triangle flaps before creasing them too. Push down on both sides of the crease you just formed to create 2 triangle shapes. Crease the triangles too so they're nice and flat. Once you've done this, you should be left with a diamond or square shape.[11]
- Fold the tips of the triangles towards the middle and tape them. Pull the top and bottom triangle tips inwards and create another crease. Use a couple pieces of tape to secure the triangle tips in place, forming the bottom of your wrapping paper bag.[12]
- Pull the triangle tips inwards until they're touching each other before taping them.
- Place your gift inside the bag you've created and fold it closed. Slide your hand into the open end of the bag to open it wide. Put your gift inside and settle it down at the bottom of the bag. Fold the top of the bag over to create another crease, sealing the gift inside.[13]
- Add tape to the folded crease at the top to keep it in place, if you'd like.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Measuring Paper for a Box - Wrapping paper
- Ruler (optional)
- Pen or pencil (optional)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Ribbons or bows (optional)
[Edit]Wrapping an Oddly Shaped Gift - Wrapping paper
- Ruler (optional)
- Pen or pencil (optional)
- Scissors
- Tape
- Ribbons or bows (optional)
- Crease the folds of your wrapping paper as you're wrapping for a professional-looking gift.
- Add ribbons, bows, or name tags to your wrapped gift, if you'd like.
[Edit]Warnings - Avoid using super thin wrapping paper because it rips easily.
[Edit]References |
| How to Make Keto Ice Cream Posted: 22 Dec 2020 08:00 AM PST You might feel like you're giving up a lot of desserts on the keto diet, but fortunately, ice cream isn't one of them! Because heavy cream and coconut milk are high in fat, they're great for making keto-friendly ice cream. Try classic vanilla flavor or make chocolate keto ice cream that includes healthy fats from avocados. You can also customize your vanilla ice cream by adding flavor extracts, berries, or nuts. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Easy Vanilla Keto Ice Cream - of heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons (25 g) of powdered zero-calorie sweetener
- of vodka
- of vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of xanthan gum
- 1 pinch of salt
Makes 3 servings [Edit]Creamy Chocolate Keto Ice Cream - 2 small ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
- of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- of coconut oil, melted
- 2 ounces (57 g) of sugar-free chocolate, chopped and melted
- 2 tablespoons (15 g) of cocoa powder
- ¼ cup (50 g) of powdered zero-calorie sweetener
- of vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Makes 6 servings [Edit]Adding Custom Flavors Mocha almond flavor: - of almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of instant espresso powder
- 1/2 tablespoon (2 g) of slivered almonds
- 1/2 tablespoon (5 g) of low-carb chocolate chips, chopped
Berry flavor: - 2 tablespoons (24 g) of blueberries or 5 tablespoons (60 g) of strawberries, finely chopped
Coconut almond flavor: - of almond extract
- of coconut extract
- 1 tablespoon (6 g) of flaked coconut
- 1/2 tablespoon (2 g) of slivered almonds
[Edit]Easy Vanilla Keto Ice Cream - Get out a wide-mouthed mason jar that holds at least . Although you could use a narrow-mouthed jar, it's a lot easier to spoon the ice cream out of a wide-mouthed jar.[1]
- If you don't have a mason jar, you can use a different airtight container as long as it has a very secure lid and seal.
- Pour cream, sweetener, vodka, vanilla, xanthan gum, and salt into the jar. Put of heavy whipping cream into the mason jar. Add 2 tablespoons (25 g) of powdered zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or xylitol, of vodka, of vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon (0.5 g) of xanthan gum, and 1 pinch of salt.[2]
- The vodka and xanthan gum prevent the keto ice cream from hardening so much that you can't scoop it.
- Insert an immersion blender and blend the mixture for 1 minute. Lower an immersion blender into the cream mixture so the end is submerged. Turn on the blender and work it up and down in the liquid for 60 to 75 seconds. Keep blending until the mixture doubles in size and it's thick.[3]
- If you don't have an immersion blender, screw the lid tightly onto the jar and shake it vigorously for at least 5 minutes or until the ice cream thickens.
- Freeze the jar of ice cream for 4 hours and stir it every 30 minutes. Put the lid on the jar and stick it in the freezer. Stir the ice cream in 30-minute intervals so it's smooth and freeze the vanilla ice cream until it's as firm as you want. This should take around 4 hours.[4]
- If you like slightly soft ice cream, start checking the ice cream after it's been in the freezer for 3 hours.
- Store the keto ice cream in the freezer for up to 3 days.
[Edit]Creamy Chocolate Keto Ice Cream - Scoop the flesh from 2 ripe avocados into a blender. Rinse 2 small avocados and carefully cut them in half lengthwise. Scoop out the pits and throw them away. Then, use a spoon to scrape the ripe flesh into a blender.[5]
- If you don't have a blender, you can use a large food processor.
- Add the remaining ingredients. Take the lid off the blender and pour in of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk and of melted coconut oil. Add 2 ounces (57 g) of melted sugar-free chocolate, 2 tablespoons (15 g) of cocoa powder, ¼ cup (50 g) of powdered zero-calorie sweetener like xylitol or stevia, of vanilla extract, and 1 pinch of salt.[6]
- If you can't find heavy cream, use whipping cream. It whips up like heavy cream; it just doesn't have quite as much fat as the heavy cream.
- Blend the chocolate avocado mixture until it's smooth. Put the lid on the blender and blend the ingredients for at least 30 seconds. Keep blending until you don't see chunks of avocado or clumps of cocoa powder.[7]
- If the avocado gets stuck near the blade, turn off the blender and carefully scrape the sides.
- Pour the mixture into an airtight container and freeze it for 2 to 4 hours. Get out an airtight container and pour the chocolate ice cream base into it. Cover the container and stick it in the freezer. Then, chill the ice cream until it's hard.[8]
- If you want the ice cream to be even smoother, stir it occasionally as it freezes.
- If the chocolate ice cream is too hard to scoop, leave it out at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before you serve it.
- You can store the ice cream in the freezer for up to 3 days.
[Edit]Adding Flavors to Vanilla Ice Cream - Add almonds, chocolate chips, and espresso for a mocha almond ice cream. Put all of the vanilla ice cream ingredients into a mason jar and add of almond extract. Add 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) of instant espresso powder, 1/2 tablespoon (2 g) of slivered almonds, and 1/2 tablespoon (5 g) of chopped low-carb chocolate chips. Then, seal the jar and shake it for 5 minutes before you stick the ice cream in the freezer.[9]
- Adding these flavors to the vanilla ice cream adds 1 g of carbohydrates.
- Put blueberries or strawberries into the jar to make fruity berry ice cream. Once you've added all of the vanilla ice cream ingredients to the mason jar, add 2 tablespoons (24 g) of finely chopped blueberries or 5 tablespoons of finely chopped strawberries. Then, blend and freeze the berry ice cream until it's firm.[10]
- You can use fresh or frozen berries. Feel free to try other berries like raspberries or blackberries!
- Using blueberries adds 2 grams of carbs to your ice cream while including strawberries adds 3 grams.
- Make a tropical coconut almond ice cream. Put all of the vanilla ice cream ingredients into a mason jar and add of almond extract along with of coconut extract. Add 1 tablespoon (6 g) of flaked coconut and 1/2 tablespoon (2 g) of slivered almonds. Then, shake the ice cream and freeze it until it's hard.[11]
- Trying this flavor combination adds 1 gram of carbohydrates to your ice cream.
- If you don't want to mix the almonds and coconuts into the ice cream, sprinkle them over the top just before you serve the ice cream.
- Finished.
- Use a mason jar that's large enough to hold the ice cream once it doubles in size.
- If you have an ice cream machine, double or triple the ingredients and pour it into the machine to churn. Using the machine makes lighter ice cream since it incorporates air as it churns.
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Easy Vanilla Keto Ice Cream - Measuring cups and spoons
- Mason jar with a lid
- Immersion blender, optional
[Edit]Creamy Chocolate Keto Ice Cream - Knife and cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or food processor
- Airtight storage container
[Edit]References |
| How to Make a Sock Monkey Posted: 22 Dec 2020 12:00 AM PST This classic, goofy sock toy has been a favorite of children and adults for many decades.[1] Although there are a number of steps to making this popular toy, it is surprisingly easy and can be done by anyone with basic sewing skills. Each sock is cut to form different parts of the monkey's body and with careful following of each step, you'll see your own unique sock monkey appear before your eyes in no time! [Edit]Printable Pattern [Edit]Making the Legs - Find 2 clean socks. The best ones will be ones with heels and toes in contrasting colors to the rest of the sock. One sock will be used to make the body, legs, and head, and the other will used to make the arms, tail, face, and ears. While the material of the socks isn't super important, cotton ones will be easier to work with than synthetic ones.[2]
- Sock monkeys were traditionally made with "Rockford Red Heel Socks," which had a distinctive red heel on each sock.[3] If you have striped socks, those work well, too.
- If your socks have cuffs (a turned over and stitched section at the top of the socks), be sure to undo the seam carefully; the extra length created from undoing the cuff is needed for the length of the monkey.
- Avoid using socks that are threadbare or past their best. This toy will look smarter and last longer if the socks are still in good condition and unstained.
- Turn both socks inside-out. Reach into each sock and pull the toe up through the opening, then flatten them out on a flat surface in front of you (like a table or a countertop). It'll be much easier to start making your sock monkey once the socks are inside out, and you'll be able to flip them right side out again later on.[4]
- This is also why it's important to use clean socks! You probably don't want to reach inside a dirty one to turn it inside out (yuck).
- Flatten 1 sock with the heel side down. You may have to flatten the sock against its natural crease to make this happen. If it's not cooperating, grab an iron and give it a quick once-over. Really crease your fold that you're making so the sock keeps its shape.[5]
- This is what you'll use to make the monkey's body and legs.
- Cut the sock from the opening to from the colored heel. This will become the split in the monkey's legs. Again, the heel is actually hidden beneath the sock at this point, so you may have to flip it over briefly to double-check your positioning. You don't have to measure this cut out perfectly, but you should try to leave a bit of room above the heel to work with.[6]
- If you need to, you can use a fabric marker to draw a line down the center of the sock as a guide.
- Make sure you're cutting through both layers of the sock, not just the top one.
- Sew up one side of the legs and back down the other. Thread a needle with sewing thread (whatever color complements your monkey) and tie the ends in a knot. Start by sewing the top of one leg (the end of one split) with a running stitch. As you sew downward, leave about open in the middle of the monkey's legs, then hop over to the other leg and sew that one up.[7]
- If you want to use a sewing machine instead, use your walking foot.
- Traditionally, sock monkeys are sewed with brown thread, but you can choose whatever color will look the best.
[Edit]Making the Body and Head - Turn the sock right-side out and stuff it with cotton balls. Reach into your sock and pull the top out through the hole to situate it normally. Tear up cotton balls and stuff them into your monkey, stopping when all of it is fluffy and full. You'll probably need about half a bag of cotton balls to fill up your monkey all the way, so don't skimp out![8]
- When stuffing the sock monkey, use small pieces of stuffing. Using bigger pieces may be quicker, but it might make your monkey look a little lumpy.
- The amount of stuffing is up to you. If the sock is thin, you may want to err on the side of under stuffing, as overstuffing it may cause it to stretch too much.
- If you don't have stuffing, you can use old pieces of t-shirts, crushed and dried flower petals, used dryer sheets, tissue paper, yarn, or rice.
- Sew up the hole in the bottom of the monkey. Grab your needle and thread again and use a running stitch to sew up the opening in the middle of the monkey's legs. Make sure to sew this one really tight, as it's the most prone to opening up again (since you've already stuffed the monkey). Tie off your thread and cut off any excess so it doesn't look too noticeable at the bottom.[9]
- To make this stitch look a little cleaner, you can pin it with sewing pins and remove them as you sew. That way, it won't pucker or bunch up as you make your stitches.
- Tie a rubber band around the top 1/3 of the body. Grab a rubber band and loop it over the top of your monkey, then loop it once more to tighten it up. Adjust the stuffing inside the sock to make the head look rounded and proportionate to the rest of the body before you move on to your next steps.[10]
- For an even cuter sock monkey, use a ribbon instead of a rubber band.
[Edit]Making the Arms, Tail, and Ears - Grab your second sock and cut it into 5 pieces. This will make the nose, arms, tail, and ears. Cut the heel of the sock off for the nose, use the tall part of the sock for each arm, make the longest strip of fabric the tail, and cut out 2 tiny pieces for the ears. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric, keeping them together at the seams of the sock if you can.[11]
- You can probably use up the entire sock in this step so that you don't have any scrap fabric left over.
- Fold both arm pieces in half lengthwise, then sew them up. Crease each arm piece until it's folded in half with the wrong side of the sock facing out, then grab your sewing needle and thread again. Sew from the bottom to the top, leaving about open at the top of the arm so you can stuff them later on.[12]
- The top opening is also where the arms will attach to the body of your monkey.
- Fold the tailpiece in half lengthwise, then sew it up. Like you did with the arms, fold the long tail piece in half lengthwise with the wrong side facing out and use your sewing needle and thread again. Leave a small opening at the top so you can stuff it later on to give your tail a little girth.[13]
- It's important for the wrong side of the sock to face outwards since that will help to hide your stitches.
- Sew the ears together with an opening at the bottom. Take the 2 small ear pieces you cut out and turn them inside out, then fold them in half to make 2 semi-circles. Use your sewing needle and thread again to sew them up, leaving the bottom seam untouched so you can stuff them later.[14]
- It's a lot of sewing, but it will be worth it in the end!
- Flip the sewn pieces right-side out and stuff them. Take your arms, tail, and ears, and turn them all right side out through the openings you left. Grab your cotton balls again and tear them up into small pieces, then stuff them inside of every piece to make them 3D. You don't have to sew the openings closed yet, since you'll be attaching them to your monkey.[15]
- You can leave the heel of the sock, or the monkey's nose, alone for now.
- If you're having trouble stuffing the long tail, use a pen or a pencil to shove the stuffing all the way to the bottom.
- Stitch the tail to the rump. Position the tail on the backside of the monkey just above where the monkey will sit. Hold it onto the monkey with one hand and use a slip stitch to attach the tail to the back of the monkey, then tie off your thread and cut off the excess.[16]
- The tail should be right above the heel of the sock so that the monkey can still sit up on its own.
- Attach the arms to either side of the body. Take note of where the head is on your sock monkey and put the arms just slightly lower than that. Use a slip stitch again to attach the arms to the body, making sure they're relatively even with each other. Your monkey is really starting to come together now![17]
- You may want to position them a little higher than your natural inclination suggests; this will give your sock a more monkey-like posture.
[Edit]Assembling the Face and Ears - Stitch a mouth onto the nose piece with black thread. Remember that heel you cut out earlier? Take it and draw a faint outline of a mouth, sticking as close to the center of it as possible. Use black thread and a stem stitch (a stitch in a straight line) to follow the line of the mouth and make your monkey's features pop.[18]
- For an extra special touch, add 2 dots above the mouth to make nose holes.
- Stuff the nose piece with cotton and attach it to the monkey's face. Grab your nose (and mouth) piece and fill it with as much cotton as you can. Then, line it up with the lower half of the monkey's face and use a slip stitch to sew all around the edges to give your monkey a nose.[19]
- You can fold the raw edges underneath for a more polished look, or leave them out to make your monkey look a little homemade.
- Your monkey's nose should be really puffy and stick out a lot. This will give it some personality and charm.
- Fold the raw edges of each ear to the inside and stitch them closed. Stitch the completed ears to the sides of the head. They should be in line with where the eyes will be, just above the muzzle. They'll look kind of large on the monkey's head, and they might stick out on the side, too, which is great![20]
- If you're worried about making them even, you can use a fabric marker to draw dots on either side of the head where you'd like the ears to go.
- Sew on black buttons for the eyes. Take 2 large, black buttons and either sew them through the holes or glue them onto the front of your monkey. Position them above the mouth and below the ears to finish off its face, then enjoy your standard sock monkey![21]
- If you do want to use glue, use fabric glue so the buttons don't fall off over time.
[Edit]Decorating the Monkey - Use googly eyes instead of buttons for a realistic monkey. If you aren't a fan of the standard monkey face, grab 2 large googly eyes instead of buttons and position them on your monkey's face. Use fabric glue to attach the eyes and watch them roll around as you play with your monkey throughout the day.[22]
- You can find large bags of googly eyes at most craft supply stores.
- Cut out a red heart and put it in your monkey for a personal touch. If you want to make your monkey extra special, cut out a red heart (either anatomical or a love heart) and put it into your sock before you add the stuffing. Now, your monkey has a heart of their own that they can use to love you with![23]
- This is a great way to give the monkey a special touch, especially if you're making it for a young child.
- Make a cute pom pom hat for the monkey to wear in the winter. Grab a large, fluffy pom pom and position it on the top of the monkey's head. You can either use a running stitch to sew the pom pom on or grab your fabric glue again to attach the pom pom to your monkey. Now it has a cute little hat to keep it warm during the chilly winter.[24]
- Red pom poms work great with classic sock monkeys, but you can choose whichever color you like the best.
- Try making a bandana out of ribbon for a feminine touch. If you'd like your sock monkey to have a little bit of style, grab a thin ribbon and wrap it around the top of your monkey's head. Glue the ribbon down with fabric glue, then attach a small bow or a fake flower to the side of the ribbon for a cute embellishment.[25]
- Pink is always a great choice for a headband, but you can pick out whichever color is your favorite.
- Keep your monkey warm with a sweater made from a sock. Grab a small ankle sock with a fun design and cut the toe part off. Hold the sock up to your monkey's torso and cut out 2 holes on either side for the arms, then slide the sock sweater over your monkey's head and onto their body. Pull their arms through to show off their stylish new sweater vest![26]
- Go with a striped sock for a classic sweater pattern, or pick something bright and colorful for a whimsical twist.
- Try doing this as a craft with your kids to get them excited about reusing old clothing.
[Edit]Warnings - If you're giving the sock monkey to a child under three years old, don't use buttons for the eyes. Instead, embroider the eyes on so they can't come off.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - One pair of socks with contrasting colored heels and toes
- Stuffing
- Embroidery floss or yarn to match your sock
- Sewing supplies: needles, sewing machine, scissors, etc.
- A bright pen/marker to copy the pattern onto the socks
- Two buttons for eyes
- Extra fabric for additional details (optional)
- Iron (if necessary)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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