| How to Crochet a Blanket Stitch Posted: 28 May 2022 05:00 PM PDT The blanket stitch is a simple stitch that can be used to make an afghan, scarf, sweater, washcloth, or any other project that you would like to use it for. The stitch has a bit of a puckered design, which will add some texture to your work. This stitch uses basic crochet techniques, so it is something that you can learn easily, even if you are a novice crocheter. [Edit]Crocheting the Foundation Row - Chain a multiple of 3 plus 4. To begin the blanket stitch, you will need to make a chain of the amount of stitches needed plus an additional 4 stitches. The additional 4 stitches will provide some slack for working the first double crochet stitch.[1]
- Make your chain as long as you think it will need to be for your project. For example, if you are making a blanket, then you will probably need to chain at least 90 stitches, plus 4, for a total of 94. Or, if you are making a washcloth, then you can probably just chain 18 stitches, plus 4 for a total of 22.
- Double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook. After you have made your chain as long as desired, you will need to double crochet. Double crochet into the fourth chain stitch from the hook, not counting the chain on the hook.[2]
- To double crochet, yarn over your hook and insert your hook into the fourth chain from the hook. Then, yarn over again and pull through the first loop. Next, yarn over again and pull through two loops. To finish your first double crochet stitch, yarn over again and pull through both stitches on the hook.[3]
- Skip two and single crochet. After you complete the double crochet stitch, skip two stitches. Single crochet into the third stitch over from the double crochet stitch.[4]
- To single crochet, insert the hook into the stitch, yarn over, pull through, yarn over again, and then pull through both loops.[5]
- Double crochet twice into the same chain. After you crochet the single crochet stitch, you will need to double crochet twice into the same chain that you just worked into for the single crochet stitch. This means that the stitch will have a single crochet stitch and two double crochet stitches worked into it.[6]
- Repeat the sequence. Next, skip two and single crochet again, and then double crochet into the same stitch again. This will be your stitch pattern all the way to the end of the row, except for your last stitch.[7]
- Single crochet into last stitch in the row. When you are three stitches away from the last stitch in the row, skip to the last stitch and do one single crochet into this stitch. This will complete your first row.[8]
[Edit]Continuing the Stitch - Chain 3 and turn. To begin your second row and every row thereafter, you will need to make a chain of 3. The chain will provide slack to make your first double crochet stitch. Chain 3 and then turn your work around.[9]
- Double crochet into the first stitch. After making the chain of three and turning your work, double crochet into the first stitch in your row. Only make one double crochet stitch here.[10]
- Skip two and single crochet. Next, skip two stitches and then single crochet into the third stitch over from the double crochet stitch. You will also be working into this space for your next two stitches.[11]
- Double crochet twice into the same stitch. Do two double crochet stitches into the same stitch that you just worked a single crochet stitch into. This space will have a total of three stitches in it after the two double crochet stitches.[12]
- Repeat to the end. When you finish the second double crochet stitch, skip two stitches again, and then single crochet once and double crochet twice into the same pace again. Continue to repeat this sequence until you are three stitches from the end of the row.[13]
- Single crochet into the last stitch. To complete each of your rows, single crochet one time into the last stitch in the row. This will finish the row and then you can start a new row and keep going until your project is finished.[14]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Yarn
- Crochet hook that is appropriate for the type of yarn you are using. Check the yarn label if you are not sure.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Reuse Empty Aluminum Cans Posted: 28 May 2022 09:00 AM PDT Aluminum cans are a household waste problem. All the canned food and soda sold results in perfectly reusable metal going to landfills. While you can recycle your cans, you can also use them for simple household crafts. Reuse your aluminum cans by taking them apart to make candle holders, coasters, jewelry, and belts. [Edit]Making a Votive Candle - Wash out the can. Add some of your dish soap to the can and rinse it out well with water. This helps remove any of the sticky residue from the can's contents. After you cut off the top of the can, you'll have a chance to check for any leftover food or drink and wash the can again.
- Place a knife against the can's top. To make the candle, you need to remove the top part of the can. One way to do this is with a pointed or sharp kitchen knife. If it's a drink can, place the point in the groove between the rim of the can and the opening.[1]
- Keep the can on the table and the knife pointed into it to avoid getting poked. Children should have an adult do this for them.
- Larger aluminum cans are often open enough that you can fit in the candle and avoid cutting.
- Tap the knife with a hammer. Use a household hammer to gently tap the knife and force it into the aluminum. Repeat this around the edge of the can until you can remove the can's top. If there are sharp edges, use the edge of a knife or sandpaper. Rub the knife or sandpaper over it to smooth down the edges.
- Another way to cut the can is to make a slice on the outside using an x-acto knife and then cut around with scissors, but beware of sharp edges.
- Decorate the can. A can used for a candle can be decorated in many ways. One way is to first poke holes in a pattern using a nail and then coat the can in spray paint. You can then drop in a small candle to get a patterned light. Another option is to cut the can into a large circle and smaller petals, gluing them into a flower. This kind of decoration can be used as a base to hold a candle.[2]
- Use a tea candle or LED light to avoid heating the can while in use.
- Cans with the tops cut off and decorated can also be used as pencil holders.
[Edit]Creating Drink Coasters - Clean the can. Wash out the inside of the can with soap and water. Remove any leftover liquid from the can. You can check and wash the can again after you cut it open.
- Cut off the top and bottom. The part of the can you want to save is the flat middle. To cut the can, take craft scissors designed to be used on tin. You can also make a cut with an x-acto knife and then cut around the can.
- Be careful of sharp edges.
- Cut down the seam. Find the seam on the middle portion of the can. This is where the metal was soldered together to create the can's shape. In a soda can, it will often be by the ingredient section on the label. Once you have found it, cut down it through the length of the can. Unroll this portion and flatten it against a surface.[3]
- Glue the square to a tile. The tiles can be found for cheap at a home improvement store. The size you need depends on the size of your coasters, but four by four inches (10.16 cm) is a standard size. A good glue, such as a silicone glue, can be bought at any craft store. Rub the glue over the back of the metal, then press the metal flat over the top of the tile. Let the glue settle overnight.
- Varnish the edges. The next day, use a brush to apply varnish over the metal to protect it. Dip the brush into the varnish and spread an even coating over the top of the coaster. This prevents the metal from peeling after use. Another option for this is to stitch or glue fabric over the edges of the metal.[4]
- Add felt pads. Find packs of small felt pads at the craft store. Peel them off from their protective backing and attach the sticky side to the bottom of the tile. The felt will protect your table from scratches.
[Edit]Crafting Earrings - Cut off the ends of the can. Jab in a sharp pair of scissors or make a cut with an x-acto knife to start. Scissors can then be used to cut around the can until the end is removed.
- Cut down the seam. Examine the remaining part of the can for the seam where the metal was welded together. Cut down the length of the seam until you can lay the aluminum flat.
- Punch out shapes. Consider the design you want the earring to be. Lay out the leftover piece of metal, then use a hole punch to make the shape. Keep the metal against a flat surface as you work. Simple shapes include butterflies and flowers.[5]
- The hole punch dulls the edges, but use sandpaper or an emery board to file down any sharpness.
- Make a small hole for hanging. Imagine how the shapes will hang as an earring. Where you put the hole for the chain determines this. Once you've decided, use a pushpin to poke a small hole through the aluminum.
- Run a chain through the hole. A small length of chain or jump ring from the craft store are useful here. Use small pliers or tweezers to open one end of this connector, then push an end through the hole. Close the loop when you are done.
- Attach the chain to an earring back. Pull open the earring back, using pliers if necessary. Run the chain or jump ring through it, then close the loop. Your earrings will be ready to wear.
- Chains, rings, and backs can be recycled from old jewelry you have around the house.
[Edit]Making a Pop Tab Belt - Gather soda tabs. The amount of tabs you need depends on how big the belt will be. Plan for about three tabs per inch (2.54 cm). A waist size of 25-30 inches (63.5-76.2 cm) amounts to about 110 tabs.[6]
- Tie a loop in the center of a chord. Get nylon cord from the craft store, making sure it's long enough to double around your waist. In the center of the cord, tie a knot as big as a pop tab, leaving a loop on the outside end. This loop will be used to secure the belt during use.
- Put on the first tab. Work from the backs of the tabs. Thread one end of your cord through the top. Thread the other end through the bottom. Push the tab all the way back to the end of the cord.
- Cross over a second tab. When you add the second tab over the first tab, the cords should be reversed. The bottom cord should go through the top hole and the top cord should go through the bottom hole. When you push the tab next to the first one, the cords should form an X.[7]
- Add a third tab below the second one. The third tab should be below the second one. String the top strand of cord through the top hole and the bottom strand through the bottom hole.
- Continue alternating tabs. The fourth tab should go on top of the last one and the cords should cross over again to form an X. The fifth tab should go under the fourth tab with straight cords again. Repeat this pattern until the belt is long enough.
- Tie shut the belt. All you have to do now is tie the free ends of the cord together. Make a couple of knots to keep it secure. You can also run it through a button first. Trim off excess cord. To wear the belt, put this end through the loop made earlier.
- If you are not interested in crafts but still want to find practical uses for your empty aluminum cans, you could try using them to store things, instead![8]
- You can also punch holes in the bottom of the can and use it for a plant holder.[9]
[Edit]Warnings - Cutting aluminum often leaves sharp edges. Wear gloves for protection and file down sharp edges.
[Edit]Things You'll Need Votive candle: - Aluminum can
- Knife or scissors
- Hammer
- Spray paint
- LED or tea candle
Coasters: - Aluminum can
- Scissors or x-acto knife
- Silicone glue
- Varnish or fabric
- Felt pads
Earrings: - Aluminum can
- Scissors or x-acto knife
- Hole puncher
- Jump rings or small chain
- Earring back
Belt: - Pop tabs
- Nylon cord
- Scissors
[Edit]References |
| How to Choose a Flattering Plus Size Swimsuit Posted: 28 May 2022 01:00 AM PDT Plus-size swimsuits are available in many ranges and styles. When looking for swimsuits that flatter, you'll need to consider what style you like best and what will help you to feel the most comfortable. - Find a style that fits you well. Nothing will flatter you if you feel uncomfortable or the swimsuit sags on you and fails to make the most of your figure. Remind yourself while shopping for a swimsuit that you deserve something of quality that you feel good in; don't settle for less.
- Look for styles made for curvier figures.[1] For example, the 50s style one-piece swimsuits were made to accentuate and celebrate curves and are very flattering. They have lower hip rises, higher waists and provide plenty of upper body support.
- Look online for seamstresses who specialize in making swimsuits based on earlier era styles. This has become a specialty niche that allows for the seamstress to enjoy their art and lets you get hold of a great, unique piece that is tailored to you and your precise measurements.
- Shop for your body type. Not all plus-size bodies are alike—your figure may be an apple, pear, hourglass, etc. Figure out which part of your body you want to accent most.
- Try wearing brighter colors on areas you want to emphasize, and darker colors on areas you want to de-emphasize.
- Find your body accent. Strut your stuff and show off your favorite parts of your body. If you want to show off your chest more, wear a lower cut swimsuit with a longer hip side. If you want to cover your chest, find a high-necked swimsuit.
- Avoid wearing a high-necked swimsuit. This style can look (and may even feel) rather confining and is not particularly flattering. Instead, try something with a sheerer fabric and cut above a normal neckline.
- Consider your color palette. Which colors look good on you, and which ones make you look sickly? Figure out whether you are a winter, summer, spring, or autumn. Choose colors that complement your skin tone and make you look healthy.
- Usually, dark colors and monochromatic looks work better.[2]
- Try ruched fabrics and wraps. Ruched side panels can enhance your silhouette, and ruched fabric and wraps in general can be flattering and more adjustable in size.
- Find something that supports your chest and feels comfortable. You want to be able to swim, walk, and play comfortably in your swimsuit, without constantly pausing to adjust. In the dressing room, stretch and try lightly jogging in place. Will you feel comfortable?
- Check to make sure that the straps are comfortable and the bottom doesn't ride up.
- Look or fun patterns. Bold, bright patterns look flattering and festive. Choose a print with shapes and colors that make you feel happy. If you're a little pattern-shy, try swimsuits with solid panels on the sides.
- Experiment in the dressing room. If you aren't sure about a swimsuit on the rack, try it on, just in case it looks awesome on you. You may be surprised at what you can pull off!
- Remember that different brands size differently. You may be a size 16 in one brand and a size 18 in another. This is okay. Be willing to go a size up or a size down from your general size, in case one particular swimsuit is cut differently.
- Don't fear the bikini. New styles such as fatkinis and more bikinis geared towards plus-size women are hitting the market. They include flattering high-waisted bottoms and plenty of support for your chest.[3] Your body is beautiful and you are not required to cover it up.
- You can also buy the top and bottom of your bikini in different sizes if needed.
- Find swimsuits that you personally love. What are your favorite colors, silhouettes, and patterns? What sort of swimsuit makes you smile and look forward to wearing it? Search for swimsuits with details you like, so that when you go out to swim, you feel confident and beautiful.
- Bear in mind that the best swimsuit is the one you feel happy with, not what the fashion experts scold you into.
- Modesty is a personal choice; feel free to cover up as much or as little as befits who you are.
[Edit]References - ↑ [v161928_b01]. 26 August 2021.
- ↑ [v161928_b01]. 26 August 2021.
- ↑ [v161928_b01]. 26 August 2021.
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| How to Make a Cupcake Cake Posted: 27 May 2022 05:00 PM PDT If you're looking to get creative with your baking, a cupcake cake is a great way to start! Cupcake cakes look great, but only require a regular cake recipe, some gluing with frosting, and a creative mind. You can carve a giant cake into cupcake shape or arrange lots of small cupcakes into a unique shape or pattern for any occasion. No matter what kind of cupcake cake you choose, your taste testers will love the shape and flavor of this delicious dessert. [Edit]Ingredients [Edit]Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake Makes 20-25 standard-size cupcakes. - flour
- salt
- baking powder
- softened butter
- sugar (add more if you want sweeter cupcakes)
- 2 eggs
- milk
- vanilla (optional)
[Edit]Giant Cupcake Cake with a Mold Makes 1 giant cupcake cake. - 2 cake mixes
- 2 instant pudding mixes
- 8 eggs
- water
- of vegetable oil
[Edit]Cupcake Cake without a Mold Makes one medium-sized cupcake cake. For a larger cake, double the measurements. - white sugar
- butter
- 2 eggs
- vanilla extract
- flour
- baking powder
- milk
Makes 10-12 servings. - butter
- powdered sugar
- whipping cream
- vanilla or almond extract
- A few drops of food coloring (optional)
[Edit]Baking a Pull-Apart Cupcake Cake - Decide on a pattern. This will depend on what occasion the cake is for! If you're celebrating a child's birthday party, think about doing a simple rendition of their favorite animal, like a turtle; cartoon character; or activity, like an airplane. For a holiday, go with a simple symbol, like a Christmas tree or a dreidel.[1]
- Calculate the number of cupcakes you'll need. Lay out cupcake liners in your chosen pattern on the large plate or piece of clean cardboard you plan to arrange your cupcakes on. Make sure they can all fit snugly, adding or subtracting cups as needed. Your final number of cups will be the number of cupcakes you'll make.
- This recipe makes 20-25 standard-sized cupcakes. If you need more or less than that, adjust the measurements accordingly.
- For example, if you want to make 40 cupcakes, use of flour, of salt, of baking powder, etc.
- You could also use mini cupcakes. A recipe that makes 20 standard cupcakes can be used to make about 60 mini cupcakes.
- Preheat your oven to and line the pan with paper liners.[2] If you're making mini cupcakes, preheat to .[3]
- Mix your batter. Stir your butter and sugar with a wooden spoon or a mixer on medium speed until it's light and fluffy. If you're using a mixer, this should take 2-3 minutes.[4] Stir in one egg at a time, then add the flour, baking powder and salt. Pour in your milk and stir well, then add your vanilla (optional). Stir until smooth.[5]
- Soften the butter by leaving it out for a few hours before you start mixing your batter.
- Use a mixer if possible, as the batter will be much harder to stir with a wooden spoon.
- Vanilla will add a sweeter flavor, which is a great way to sweeten up your typical boxed cake mix.[6]
- Pour the batter into the tray. You can use a large measuring glass with a pointy lip to get a neater pour. Fill each cup about halfway, making sure to divide the batter equally so you get an even bake.[7]
- Bake the cupcakes for 18 minutes. Check on your cupcakes after about 10 minutes to make sure they're rising but not burning. They shouldn't be darker on top by the time you pull them out. Then, let them cool in their pans for about 10 minutes.[8]
- You can check if your cupcakes are done by sticking a toothpick into the center of one cupcake. Pull it back out and check to see if there is wet batter on it. If so, your cupcakes need some more time. Put them in for 5 more minutes, then check on them again. When the toothpick comes back dry, your cupcakes are ready to go.
- If you're making mini cupcakes, bake for 10-15 minutes.[9]
- Make your icing. Microwave your butter for 10-30 seconds or leave it out for a few hours, until it's slightly soft but not melted. Mix it with sugar in a large bowl, using a mixer on medium setting or a wooden spoon, until light and fluffy. Mix in the whipping cream, vanilla, and any food coloring you want and stir until the frosting is thick but spreadable.[10]
- If you want to use different colors in your pattern, separate the frosting evenly into different bowls, then add your desired food coloring to each bowl.
- "Glue" your cupcakes to your plate with a swirl of frosting. Transfer your frosting to a piping bag, or make your own by poking a small hole in the bottom corner of a resealable plastic bag. Squirt a circle of frosting onto the bottom of each cupcake, directly onto the paper liner. Place each cupcake firmly back onto the plate or cardboard.[11]
- Make this squirt of frosting roughly circular and slightly smaller than the bottom of the cupcake, but don't fill it in.
- Push your cupcakes together for a tighter fit. Gently press the cupcakes together with your hands so that each one is pushed flush against its neighbors. This will prevent too much icing from slipping into the cracks between cupcakes.[12]
- Ice the cupcakes smoothly for a cake-like look. Use your piping bag to put a small dollop in any remaining diamond-shaped holes between cupcakes. Outline the outside edge of your pattern with frosting, then fill in the rest. Smooth it over with an icing scraper or a flat plastic spatula. Decorate with other colors of frosting or sprinkles.[13]
- Ice the cupcakes individually to make different frosting patterns. You could do rose-style icing or simple swirls with your piping bag. The cupcakes may feel like less of a cohesive cake, but this method could be best for some patterns. If you're making a large flower out of cupcakes, for example, you may want to frost the cupcakes individually to make them look like individual petals. You also might wish to create a certain illusion of texture, for cakes in the shape of animals or birds.[14]
[Edit]Making a Giant Cupcake Cake with a Mold - Get a large silicon cupcake cake pan. The easiest way to make a giant cupcake is to use a specialized, two-part silicone pan. One side of the pan will be the bottom of the cake, with accordion folds along the sides to make it look like a paper cupcake liner. The top will be dome-like with a point, mimicking the shape of a regular cupcake.
- You can find a cupcake cake pan online or at a specialty baking store.
- Preheat your oven to . Let it warm up as you prepare you batter.
- Coat your cupcake pan with non-stick spray. Spray the pan carefully, making sure to completely cover the accordion folds in the pan. You can also brush on a liquid non-stick product, which might give you fuller coverage.[15]
- Mix all batter ingredients in a separate bowl. Pour your cake mixes, pudding mixes, eggs, water and oil to a bowl. Use a mixer on a medium setting or a wooden spoon to mix until the batter is thick but pourable.[16]
- You can also make your cake from scratch using your favorite Pound cake recipe. Make sure you make enough to fill up your mold. If you're not sure how much your recipe will fill, double the recipe just to be safe.
- Measure your batter and pour it into the pans. Pour into the top, dome-like part of the cupcake, and for the bottom. The pans shouldn't be totally filled; your cake will rise to fill the rest of the space.[17]
- Bake your cakes at for 1 hour. After half an hour, remove the cakes and put a loose tent of aluminum foil over the top part of the cupcake, then place them back in the oven for the remaining half hour. This will prevent it from cooking faster than the bottom part and becoming dry.[18]
- When the hour is up, stick a toothpick into the cake. If it comes back wet, stick the cake back in at 5 minute intervals, continuing to use the toothpick to see if it's done. When the toothpick comes back dry, your cake is ready to go!
- Let your cakes cool in the pan for ten minutes. Then, remove the cakes from the pans and place them on a baking sheet. Let them finish cooling for about 10-15 minutes.[19]
- Cut off the tops of your cakes to make them straight and level. To make sure you cut at the right height, place the cakes back in the cooled pan. Cut both the dome and the base cakes so that they're the same height as the cake pans.[20]
- Use a long, flat, serrated knife for the most even cut.
- Mix up your icing. Microwave your butter for 10-30 seconds until it's slightly soft but not melted. Use a mixer on a medium setting or a wooden spoon to mix it with sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the whipping cream, vanilla, and any food coloring you want. Keep stirring until the frosting is thick but spreadable.[21]
- If you want to use different colors in your pattern, separate the frosting evenly into different bowls, then add your desired food coloring to each bowl.
- Frost the top of the bottom cake and place the other cake on the icing. Spread a layer of medium thickness onto the bottom portion of the cake, then set the top portion firmly on top. The frosting should "glue" it into place.[22]
- Ice the rest of the cake and add sprinkles. You can ice the full cake, or just do the top portion to make it look more like a cupcake. Use a piping bag to spread the frosting in rosette patterns to add texture, or do a simple swirl. Add some sprinkles on top to complete your delicious cupcake cake![23]
[Edit]Making a Cupcake Cake without a Mold - Preheat your oven to . Let it warm up as you begin to make your batter.[24]
- Make your cake batter. Let the butter soften for a few hours, then use a mixer on a medium setting or a wooden spoon to combine it with the sugar until fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine the flour and baking powder, then add it to the mixture and stir. Mix in the milk until the batter is smooth.[25]
- Pour your cake batter into five shallow mixing bowls. To make a giant cupcake cake without a special mold, you'll need to bake five different cakes and stack them. The four base cakes will be smaller and flatter, about across and high, while the dome cake will be taller and more round. Divide your batter equally into four shallow bowls to make the base cakes. Use a layer of parchment paper to keep the batter from sticking. For the dome cake, simply fill the bowl a bit more.[26]
- You can use round baking pans or stainless steel bowls to bake your cakes.
- If you don't have four bowls of the same size, simply pour the batter into the same bowl one cake at a time.
- Bake your cakes at for 20-30 minutes. Check on your cakes every 7 minutes or so, adjusting the time as needed. They should get golden brown on top, but shouldn't look burnt, and should feel springy to the touch.
- You can check if your cake is done by sticking a toothpick into the center. Pull it back out and check to see if there is wet batter on it. If so, put your cake back in for 5 minute intervals, checking the toothpick each time. When it comes back dry, your cake is ready to go.
- Remove the cakes from the oven and let cool. Let the cakes sit in the bowl for 10 minutes, then remove them and let them cool completely, for another 15-20 minutes, on a baking sheet.
- Taper the edges of your first three layers. Stack your four flat cakes on top each other. Use a long knife to cut about from the second layer and from the bottom layer, leaving the top third and fourth layers intact. You'll be cutting at a slant all around the circular cakes to achieve a cupcake-like base.[27]
- Cut off the rounded top of the top cake. The dome-like cake that will serve as the top of your cupcake should only be rounded on one side. Use a knife to carefully level off the top of the cake, leaving the bottom, the part molded from the bowl, intact. Lay it flat side down on top of the other four cakes, using a knife to trim the sides and give it a slanted look.[28]
- Put some cake scraps on the very top of the dome if you need to round it off.
- Make your icing. Microwave the butter for 10-30 seconds until it's slightly soft but not melted. Use a mixer on a medium setting or a wooden spoon to mix it with sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Stir in the whipping cream, vanilla, and any food coloring you want. Keep stirring until the frosting is thick but spreadable.[29]
- Frost the top of each cake. Use the same icing recipe as above. Take down your stack of cakes and smooth a layer of frosting on top of each one, starting with your bottom cake. Stop when you get to the dome cake on top.[30]
- Level off any rounded tops to keep the cake stable. Trim away any pointy sides as well.
- Frost the whole cake and let it set in the refrigerator. Use a large, flat knife to frost your cake completely. Put it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the frosting harden.[31]
- Roll out tubes of white fondant. The tubes should be about thick and long. Use your fingers to roll them and a knife to cut them to the right length.[32]
- You can buy fondant online or at baking stores, or make your own at home.
- Place your fondant rolls vertically along the bottom of the cake. Leave about of space between them and push them lightly into the surface of the cake. These will be the ripples at the bottom of your cupcake, which will look like the folds of a paper cupcake cup.[33]
- Stick a roll of colored fondant over the tubes. Roll it out flat with a rolling pin and cut the sheet in half. Press one half onto the cake at a time, using the heat of your hands to help stick it to the cake's surface. The fondant may be a bit difficult to work with, so be patient and gently rub it into place. The fondant should only cover the bottom part of the cake, so trim away any extra with a knife.[34]
- For a cleaner look, use a spoon to indent the fondant around the tubes at the very bottom of the cake.
- Frost the top of the cake. Use a piping bag and decorate the top of the cake however you want. You could use a rosette tip to cover the top in rose patterns, or spiral the frosting around the top. Decorate with sprinkles and enjoy![35]
[Edit]Things You'll Need [Edit]Baking a Pull-Apart Cake - Cupcake liners
- Cupcake or muffin pan
- Large plate or piece of cardboard
- Mixing bowl
- Mixer or wooden spoon
- Large measuring glass
- Toothpick
- Piping bag or ziplock bag
- Icing scraper or flat plastic spatula
[Edit]Making a Giant Cupcake Cake with a Mold - Silicon cupcake cake pan
- Non-stick spray
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or wooden spoon
- Large measuring glass
- Aluminum foil
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Piping bag
- Sprinkles
[Edit]Making a Giant Cupcake without a Mold - 1-5 shallow, stainless steel mixing bowls or pans
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Mixer or wooden spoon
- Large measuring glass
- Toothpick
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Fondant, white and colored
- Rolling pin
- Spoon
- Sprinkles
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Clean Straw Hats Posted: 27 May 2022 09:00 AM PDT If you've never cleaned a straw hat before, you may be perplexed on how you might start. This makes sense. Straw hats are stylish, but they can also be ruined with improper treatment. However, cleaning them when they are dirty and keeping them that way should not overwhelm you. Depending on what type of straw hat you have, there are concrete methods you have at your fingertips to keep them spotless, shiny, and stain-free! [Edit]Cleaning the Hat - Make sure it can be cleaned. Look to see if the hat has a label of some sort. You might be able to find this under the brim. Once you find it, see if your hat is made up of baku, shantung, or any other material that can be washed with water. It is possible to have a straw hat that cannot be hand-washed. This probably will not be the case.
- Remove any extras. Sometimes straw hats will have bands, ribbons, or other decorative pieces on them. If possible, you will want to remove these extra pieces. Don't do this if the decorations are interwoven into the hat!
- Cleaning the ribbon isn't difficult! You can dust and hand-wash it. Use a brush to lightly dust away anything that has ended up on the cloth. Also, you can spot clean the ribbon with a wet cloth. After you clean or dust the ribbon, you should use a small amount of steam to freshen it up. You might also try using an iron on a medium setting to go over the ribbon.
- Brush the hat. The hat will probably have excess dirt and dust on it. So, you should use a soft bristle brush to scrub that dust and dirt away. You can generally find these at hardware and beauty supply stores. Gently brush the grime off. You don't want to be too rough, because you can end up harming the fabric of the hat.
- Vacuum an extremely dusty hat. For an incredibly dusty hat, you may need an extreme solution. You can try placing netting or pantyhose over a vacuum brush, then using a vacuum on the hat. Again, this should only be used in extreme cases.
- Clean the hat with a peroxide solution. Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and warm water in a bowl or bottle. Then, you should either spray a soft cleaning cloth with the bottle, or dip a cloth in the bowl.
- Don't use a colored cloth because its dye will bleed into your hat. Test a small area of the hat with the solution to make sure it does not damage the hat. Once this has been verified, begin wiping the hat with the cloth. Swipe off as much dirt and grime as possible.
- Make sure that your cloth is damp, but not soaked. You don't want to get your hat extremely wet.
- Clean the hat with soap solution. Combine a tablespoon of dish soap with a cup of hot water in a bowl or bottle. As you did before, dip your cloth in the bowl or spray your cloth with the bottle. Again, verify that the solution will not ruin your hat by placing a small amount on your hat. Rub the cloth in a circular motion to remove the dirt.
- Rinse and dry the hat. While most straw hats should not be rinsed, this is a good option if the hat's label clearly says that it is OK to submerge it in water. Fill a bowl with warm water. Dip a cloth in the bowl, take it out, and run it over the entire hat. Put the hat in a cool place, preferably under a shadow, to let it dry. If your hat's brim is curved, do not lay it on a flat surface.
[Edit]Removing Stains - Remove oil stains. Pour a small amount of talcum powder on the stained spot. Wait for an hour or two for the powder to soak up the oil. Use a vacuum or brush to remove the powder.
- Remove sweat stains. Whenever you sweat, you should immediate wipe the area with a damp white cloth.[1] This will keep the salt from your perspiration from seeping into your hat.
- On dark straw hats, you should use ammonia to get rid of these stains. Mix half a teaspoon of ammonia with half a teaspoon of water in a bowl. Then, dip a small brush into the water mixture and use it to go over the stained area.
- With a light straw hat, you can use a hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. Combine a half teaspoon of each in a bowl. Just take a brush, dip it in the mixture, and lightly scrub the sweat-stained area. Wait for the area to dry before wearing the hat again.
- Remove scuffs. Using an art gum eraser, lightly rub scuffed spots. The gum should make the scuffs disappear.
[Edit]Maintaining Your Hat - Keep your hat dry. Straw hats can seem more durable than they actually are. However, wetness and dampness can misshape the hat. This means that when your hat gets wet, you should attempt to dry it as quickly as possible.[2] Try to put water repellent on your hat every now and then. Not only will this keep your hat safe from water damage, but it will protect it from stains as well.
- When you're not wearing your hat, place it in a dark, dry area. Put a hat with a curved brim on a mannequin head to keep its shape. You can also simply the tilt the hat upside down and store it in a hat box.
- Don't let your hat get too hot! If your hat is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, then the straw can be damaged. The heat will make the straw rigid or cause the synthetic material to melt.
- Handle your hat carefully. You want to make sure that your hands are clean before you touch your hat. This is an easy way to prevent your hat from getting dirt and oil on it. When you are taking off your hat, try to hold on to the brim. Too much contact with the crown of the hat can destroy the fibers.
- Brighten your hat. Sometimes the straws in your hat can become discolored. To refresh the colors, wipe your hat with cloth dipped in alcohol and water. After you do this, use a piece of black or red velvet to polish the hat. [3]
- Note that a straw hat that gets too wet may shrink.
- If you are unsure about using any of these methods, take the hat to a haberdasher or dry cleaners.
[Edit]Warnings - Do not over spray your hat, as straw hats tend to shrink upon contact with too much water.
- Do not put your hat in the washing machine; this will ruin it.
[Edit]Things You'll Need - Mild soapsuds or soap detergent
- Small soft white cleaning cloth
- Hat block or similar shaped item for drying hat over
- Soft bristle brush
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Warm water
- Small spray bottle
- Bowl
- Talcum powder
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make a Paintbrush Posted: 27 May 2022 01:00 AM PDT Making your own paintbrushes allows you to create customized brushes that provide a wide range of different textures and qualities to your brushstrokes. Paintbrushes can be made from a wide variety of different materials, many of which you probably already have around your house or yard, and which will create different effects in your painting. Making the brushes can also be a fun craft project in and of itself, especially for aspiring young artists. These instructions will guide you through the process of making your own paintbrushes. [Edit]Gathering Your Materials - Gather bristle materials. Decide what you you want to make your brush out of and gather the necessary materials. You can use any material that will hold paint for a brush tip. Below are some suggestions for possible materials..
- You can use hair, such as horsehair from a horse's mane or tail, human hair, or other animal hair, available at sporting good stores for fly-tying.
- Plant materials such as tree needles, grasses, or straw also work well.[1] Larger fibrous plants like yucca or cattail stems can also be shredded to create bristles.
- You can also use household items such as pieces of foam, cardboard, cotton clumps, shredded strips of cloth, broom bristles etc.[2]
- Craft materials like yarn, pom poms, or crepe paper can also work as bristles.[3]
- Select a handle. There are likewise many materials from which you can make your brush handle.Try sticks from the yard, bamboo, tongue depressors, or a yardstick.
- For a more professional and finished look, you can use doweling.
- If you are using string, yarn, or some other material with long fibers for your bristles, you can pull your bristles through a wide plastic straw.
- If you are using small items like pom poms or cosmetic wedges for the head of your brush, or if you aren't concerned about your brush being precise or lasting a long time, a quick shortcut is to just clip your brush material into clothes pins, and use the clothes pin as a handle. This is a great approach for young children.[4]
- Choose an adhesive and binding materials. To make sure your brush holds together, you'll need to select an adhesive material (i.e. some kind of glue) and a binding material to wrap around bristles.[5]
- For a durable, long lasting brush, use a strong, waterproof glue.
- For binding the bristles to the handle, there are many different materials you can use, including string, twine, elastic, rubber bands, or wire.[6][7][8]
[Edit]Making the Brush - Apply the glue. Place the glue about 1/4 to 1/2 an inch around the bottom of the stick where the bristles will go.[9]
- If you aren't concerned about creating a long-lasting brush, you can skip the glue and just affix your bristles with your binding material.
- Apply your bristles. Cover the end of your handle (where the glue is) with about of your bristle materials.
- You can vary the thickness of your brush by applying more or less of your bristle material.[10]
- Bind your bristles in place. Tie string, twine, or other binding material around the bristles and handle.
- Make sure the binding is tight so your bristles do not slip out, especially if you aren't using glue.[11]
- You may want to add more glue over the top of your binding to create a stronger, more durable brush.[12]
- Let the glue dry. The amount of time necessary for this will vary depending on your glue and the amount you used. Follow the instructions that came with your glue, and if in doubt, wait a longer than might be necessary.
- Cut and shape the bristles. Once the bristles are firmly secured, you can cut them to the length and shape you want.[13] You'll probably want to keep about in length. The width will vary according to how thick you'd like your brushstrokes to be.
- For a more precise brush, cut the bristles around the outside a little shorter than those in the center, so the bristles come to something of a point.[14]
- Keep an eye out for materials in nature or other things you would normally throw out you can use for brushes.
- Consider using natural glue, as opposed to synthetic, often toxic, glue, for example, gum Arabic or hide glue.
- Experiment with different bristles to see which one you like best.
- If you are using horsehair, gather together lengths of horsehair in the thickness and length you want. Many barns and horse boarding services might be willing to let you use old discarded horsehair.
[Edit]Warnings - Exercise caution if using a hot glue gun or superglue. These materials are toxic and can lead to injury if not used appropriately. Children should only use such materials with adult supervision.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Keep Bananas from Ripening Too Fast Posted: 26 May 2022 05:00 PM PDT Bananas turn brown for a variety of reasons. When you cut open a banana, the oxygen affects enzymes in the banana, turning the inside brown. When a banana turns brown on the outside, it is because the banana's yellow pigment is broken down and not replaced, producing a brown color.[1] Knowing the science behind why bananas ripen is important for keeping them fresh, tasty, and edible. [Edit]Preserving Bananas in the Peel - Purchase bananas that are green on the ends and yellow in the middle. This means they are slightly under-ripe.
- Make sure the bananas have no brown spots or blemishes. Bruises and punctures leave the banana exposed to air, which speeds up the ripening process.
- Do not choose bananas that are already yellow. Bananas ripen at a rapid pace and their shelf-life is very short.[2] For this reason, you want to make sure you buy bananas that are on the greener side; this will give you more time to properly store your bananas before the ripening process occurs.
- Store bananas at room temperature until they are ripe. Avoid exposing them to heat as this will speed up the ripening process.
- Do not place bananas in the fridge before they are ripe. This can actually have a reverse effect and turn your banana peels brown faster. This occurs because the cold causes the cell walls to break down prematurely, which allows the production of melanin, turning bananas completely black. Counterintuitively, the inside of the banana will still not be ripe since the cold inhibits the ripening process of the fruit.[3]
- Hang your bananas on a banana hanger. This prevents them from getting bruised and becoming exposed to air. You can also seal the stem of the banana bunch with plastic wrap.[4] This limits the amount of oxygen the stem receives and can keep bananas fresh for another week.
- Keep your bananas separate from other fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables give off a gas that speeds ripening.
- Storing produce together can speed up the ripening process. Plants naturally produce a gas called ethylene, which causes them to ripen. Fruits or vegetables that are already brown give off more ethylene than normal, causing nearby fresh produce to ripen faster.
- Do not store bananas in sealed bags. This will cause the bananas to turn brown faster because the ethylene hormone will be unable to escape from the air surrounding the bananas.
- Place bananas in the refrigerator once they are ripe. Now that the ripening process has begun, you can safely delay it with the application of cold temperature.
- To stop ripening, you need to slow down the chemical reaction. Cold temperatures will slow down the reaction, delaying the banana fruit from ripening.
- Do not be alarmed if your banana peel turns completely black, which it most likely will. This is due to the pigment of the peel turning black and does not have anything to do with the actual freshness of the banana. The banana should still taste flavorful and remain slightly firm.
[Edit]Preserving Peeled Bananas - Place peeled bananas in an airtight plastic container and put it in the freezer. You can thaw the bananas for use at a later date.
- Although peeled bananas have no protection against air exposure, the airtight sealing acts to limit the amount of fresh air that the bananas get. The freezing temperature will slow down the ethylene emission more than simply refrigerating it.
- Unlike refrigerated bananas, frozen bananas will not be edible immediately. You will need to leave bananas at room temperature for about an hour to allow them to thaw.
- Brush the banana in lime or lemon juice. The acid coating acts as a preserving agent and keeps the banana yellow longer.
- You do not need to saturate the banana in lemon juice. Adding more lemon does not equal better preservation. Adding too much will make your banana taste sour.
- For sweeter alternatives, replace lemon juice with pineapple, orange, or apple juice. These are all acidic enough to slow the browning process without needing to be diluted. Apple juice is also mild enough to be nearly undetectable; opt for the other juices if you plan on later mixing the banana with other fruit.
- Dip peeled bananas in a vinegar water solution. This also uses acidity to preserve the banana but uses vinegar instead of fruit juice.
- Using vinegar is a nice alternative if other fruit juices are distorting the taste too much. Simply add ¼ cup of vinegar for every cup of water. Dip the banana, sliced or whole, into the water for about three minutes.
- Avoid leaving bananas in the vinegar water solution for longer than three minutes. Submerging the banana can cause it to become too soft and can impart a strong vinegary taste, which is likely less appetizing than lemon or lime juice.
- Soak bananas in a water solution with crushed vitamin C. If you don't have access to other fruits or vinegar, vitamin C can achieve a similar effect when dissolved in water.
- Crush a single vitamin C tablet with a spoon and sprinkle it in a glass of water. Stir the solution with a spoon and dip your bananas in the water for a few seconds.
- Effervescent vitamin C tablets work especially well for this. Put one tablet in a glass of water. Once the effervescing stops, skip stirring and dip your bananas in the water immediately for a few seconds.
[Edit]Over-Ripe Banana Recipes - Bake banana bread. Just because you may not have saved all bananas from ripening doesn't mean you can't use them in tasty treats.
- Banana bread is actually the sweetest and most flavorful when over-ripe bananas are used. For bananas considered a "lost cause," banana bread is usually the answer.[5]
- Bananas are actually edible longer than you might imagine. As long as your banana does not have mold, fruit flies, or traces of fruit fly eggs, it will most likely be edible regardless of its softness or blackness.
- Blend a Biscoff banana apple smoothie. Throw your over-ripe bananas into the blender with a few other ingredients and create a tasty drink.
- All you need is one over-ripe banana, half an apple peeled and cored, four Biscoff cookies (can be purchased at most grocery stores), a dash of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, one cup of milk, and a handful of ice cubes.
- Place the banana, apple, and Biscoff cookies into the blender first and mix until smooth. Add the other ingredients and continue blending. You can continue adding milk until you've reached your desired consistency.
- For added texture, add whole oats or blend them into the smoothie as well.] This will give your smoothie a crunchy element to offset the richness.
- Freeze melted bananas into Bananas Foster Popsicles. Bananas Foster is a popular New Orleans dessert and is very simple to make.[6]
- You will need 2 large, very ripe bananas that have been thinly sliced; of brown sugar; of butter; ½ teaspoon of cinnamon; 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt; ½ cup of milk; 1 teaspoon of vanilla; and 1 teaspoon of rum extract.
- First, add your bananas, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon to a small bowl and microwave in 30 second intervals until the bananas are soft. Stir this mixture. Allow the bananas to cool, then add the mixture to a blender along with the Greek yogurt, milk, vanilla, and rum extract. Blend these ingredients. Pour the blended mixture into Popsicle molds and place them in the freezer for a few hours until they are completely frozen through. Pop them out of the Popsicle mold when you are ready to serve.[7]
[Edit]Warnings - Be careful to avoid eating spoiled food. lf in doubt, throw it out.
[Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
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