| How to Pack Liquids for Shipping Posted: 14 Aug 2018 01:00 AM PDT Shipping liquids may seem confusing, but all it takes is some careful packing. Start with a strong cardboard box and plenty of padding. Most factory-sealed liquids can be packed directly this way. Sealing the liquid inside watertight bags is also an option and reduces the chance of leaks. For perishables, add a couple of coolant packs to preserve the liquid. Then take your box to a shipping company to send it on its way! EditFilling a Cardboard Box - Assemble and tape shut the bottom of a corrugated box. Pull apart the box's sides to separate them. Fold the flaps on both ends to get the box into shape. Then choose 1 end to seal with packing tape. Tape along the seams to ready the box for packing.
- For shipping, use corrugated cardboard boxes. These boxes are double-walled, so they're stronger than regular boxes.
- Set a cardboard tray inside the box for easier packing. The tray is similar to an egg carton, dividing the box into cells that hold containers in place. It's a useful option when you plan on sending multiple items. They can be purchased from moving and shipping companies, but many liquor stores can give you some for free if you ask nicely.[1]
- Foam trays are another option. These trays come in various sizes to hold all sorts of containers.
- If you are using a specialty wine box, the tray will already be in place.
- Wrap the container of liquid in paper. Wrapping paper or newspaper is usually enough protection with a tray. Roll the paper around each container as tightly as possible. To be safe, you can also wrap the containers in bubble wrap.[2]
- When shipping multiple containers, wrap each one individually.
- Use rubber bands or packing tape as needed to hold the wrapping in place.
- Place the container of liquid into the box. If you have a tray, this part is easy. Slide the container into the tray's cell, squeezing the wrapping as needed to fit it. Keep the lid or cap end pointed upwards. Double-check that the container is wedged in place with its cap on securely. Repeat this with any other containers sent in the same package.
- If you choose not to use a tray, lay the container in the center of the box. Keep it away from the sides as much as possible.
- Fill the extra space around the container with filler material. Stuff the packing peanuts, bubble wrap, or air bags into the package as needed. Use them to eliminate any leftover space, such as between the container and the wall. Also add cushioning above the container as needed.[3]
- The extra padding can make the difference between a broken container and successful shipping.
- Tape the box shut with packing tape. Fold the box's top flaps together. Tape along all the seams. Attempt to lift the flaps to check how well they are taped down. Cover over any loose spots with additional layers of tape to ensure your package doesn't open up in the delivery person's hands![4]
- Label the box to show it contains liquid. Find a black permanent marker. On the top side of the box, write "Liquid" and "Fragile" in capital letters. In fact, write it several times all over the box to make your point. Then, take the box to the shipping company. Have them print out a label and place it on the top of the box.[5]
- Labeling the contents as liquid or fragile does not guarantee that the box will arrive in 1 piece, but it may alert a carrier about to handle the package roughly.
EditUsing Watertight Bags - Assemble a corrugated box. Shape the box by folding the flaps as you normally would. Use packing tape to tape down the flaps on 1 side -- this will be the bottom of the box. Double-check to ensure that there are no weak spots on this end.
- Place the container of liquid in 2 watertight bags. Set the contained liquid in 1 of the bags. Fit it all the way into the bag so it doesn't stick out, then stuff the bag into the second bag. This ensures the package gets to its destination without leaking, which the carriers appreciate.[6]
- Tie the bags shut to seal them. Take the ends of both bags and twist them together. Fold the twisted part down over itself, then slip a rubber band over it. The rubber band should hold the ends of the bag tightly together.[7]
- Watertight bags are basically resealable sandwich bags. You can get them anywhere, but the grocery stores and office supply stores often stock them.
- Place the bagged liquid into the cardboard box. Nestle the liquid right in the bottom center of the box so that it will have plenty of support on all sides. You may want to put a layer of packing material on the bottom of the box, too.
- Fill the rest of the space around the liquid with packing material. Stuff in the packing material as needed to fill the rest of the box. Fit it between the outside of the bag and the box's edges. It's a good idea to place some on top of the bag in case someone sets another box on top of yours.[8]
- Fold the box flaps together and seal them shut with packing tape. Get the flaps on the box's underside, too. Tape over any seams that appear loose. Once the box feels secure, you're ready to label it and bring it to the shipping company.[9]
- Write "Liquid" or "Fragile" in large, visible letters all over the box. Then hand the box to the shipping company and have them print out a label with both the recipient's and your name and address.[10]
EditShipping Perishables - Assemble the corrugated box. As usual, transform flat cardboard into a box. Fold down all the flaps to finish shaping it. Then tape down the bottom end, sealing any seams.
- Put an insulated Styrofoam container inside the box. You can purchase this insulated container from a shipping company or office supply store. It should be slightly smaller than the box so that it fits tightly inside of it. It serves as both cushioning and absorbent material.[11]
- Place the liquid in a second container. Take the container holding the liquid and set it inside a larger container. This container has to be waterproof with a lid that fits on tightly. Make sure there are no cracks in it and that it has a little extra space for coolant packs. Set the containers inside the box.[12]
- Another option is to use watertight plastic bags. Either one works well, unless the shipping company has special rules on the issue. Ask them if you're unsure.
- Pack coolants around the container. Coolant packs can also be obtained from the shipping company or the grocery store. Fit them between the Styrofoam container and the liquid container. Lay a coolant under the container, then place 3 or 4 more between the container's sides and the Styrofoam.[13]
- Coolant packs can also be purchased from the shipping company or an office supply store.
- Tape the box shut and label it. Fold the box's remaining flaps, then tape them down with packing tape. Seal the box by covering any other seams. Print off a shipping label and stick it to the box's top. Also write "Fragile," "Liquid," or "Perishable" over the box to encourage others to handle it gently.
EditFollowing Shipping Rules - Speak to a shipping company about sending liquids. Anytime you feel confused about how to pack the liquids, talk to a representative of the shipping company. They will be happy to guide you on the requirements and recommendations, as well as tell you what you can and can't ship.
- Companies like UPS and FedEx will ship liquids. Post offices generally don't accept these packages.
- Check your government's rules when shipping alcohol. The rules differ from region to region. The government may require you to have a license to ship. Shipping companies have this license, so you may be able to use their services, but only when shipping to select locations.[14]
- It's usually acceptable to ship a few small bottles to a friend. You can't ship large cases of alcohol for sale without a license.
- Avoid sending dangerous liquids. What counts as dangerous is also defined by your local government. This includes flammable and poisonous liquids, including gasoline, bleach, and even nail polish. If it has the potential to cause harm to a carrier, you can't legally send it. Ask the shipping company for more clarification.[15]
- The liquids have to be doubly sealed, too. Don't try to send a product you have already opened.
- Inspect boxes and containers before using them. Nobody wants a cardboard box to collapse in transport.
- Come up with plenty of ways to eliminate space in the box. Use smaller boxes and packing material to ensure the contents are cushioned.
- Some liquids cannot be shipped by law. Consult your government's laws and speak to the shipping company to avoid potential legal issues.
EditThings You'll Need EditFilling a Cardboard Box - Corrugated cardboard box
- Box tray
- Bubble wrap or other filler material
- Packing tape
- Box label
EditUsing Watertight Bags - Corrugated cardboard box
- 2 watertight bags
- Rubber band
- Packing material
- Packing tape
- Box label
EditShipping Perishables - Corrugated cardboard box
- 2 watertight bags or containers
- Coolant packs
- Packing material
- Packing tape
- Box label
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Paint an Ombre Canvas Posted: 13 Aug 2018 05:00 PM PDT If DIY wall art seems intimidating, try out an ombre canvas painting instead! This project is quick and easy, and lets you tap into your creative side without too much pressure. Prepare your space and supplies, then apply paint to your canvas in even, straight strokes that gradually grows lighter or darker. You can either blend while you paint or afterward with a wet brush. Let your paint dry and then add some spray varnish to seal your masterpiece! EditGathering Supplies - Lay down a drop cloth or piece of cardboard to keep the area clean. This project can easily get messy, so make sure to protect the area around you. You can use a sheet of plastic, a canvas drop cloth, a piece of cardboard, or even an old sheet to catch any spills.[1] Some good areas to paint include outdoors, on cement or blacktop, or on a flat surface indoors, such as a table or hardwood floor.
- Choose a canvas size and some flat paint brushes. For your base, choose a stretched canvas in whatever size you would like. To achieve the smooth, blended look of an ombre painting, you'll also need some flat, wide-bristle brushes. Though you can adjust your brush sizes based on the size of your canvas, or brushes often work well with most sizes.
- For example, you could start by experimenting on small canvases, which include or .
- Medium-sized canvases are perfect for hanging and displaying. They can range from to .
- Large canvases make for eye-catching statement pieces. They often range in size from to .
- Squeeze out a large amount of each acrylic paint color onto your palette. Make sure to use acrylic paint that you can paint with straight out of the tube. Once you've chosen the 2 paint colors you'll be using, pour them next to each other onto your palette. Leave some space for mixing the 2 colors together.[2] Adjust the amounts of paint depending on the size of canvas you'll be using.
- For example, if you're painting an canvas, you'll likely need to squeeze out a circle of each paint color on your palette.[3]
- For a simple, authentic ombre effect, only use 2 colors. Adding in extra colors makes the mixing complicated, and the result won't have a true ombre effect.
- You can use a cheap plastic palette, paper plate, square of glass, or ceramic plate for a palette. Keep in mind that a disposable palette can make the clean-up process a lot easier!
- Mix a few drops of retarder into the paint to slow the drying process. A retarder is an agent that you can add to the paint to slow its drying time and make it easier to blend.[4] Acrylic paint dries very quickly, so a retarder can take some of the pressure off while you figure out the ombre process. Once your paint is on your palette, use clean brushes or popsicle sticks to mix in a few drops of retarder with each different paint color.[5]
- You can find retarder at art supply stores or online.
EditApplying Paint - Apply paint to the canvas in even, straight strokes. Flip the canvas on its side, landscape style, and paint in vertical strokes from one side to other. This technique will help keep your strokes regular and even, all going the same direction. Your finished piece will look much smoother and blend out more easily if your brushstrokes match.[6]
- If you want a wrap-around effect, make sure to paint all the way to the edges and over the sides as well.[7]
- Keep the paint thick and wet so it doesn't dry out before you can blend. Always load up your brush with plenty of paint before applying it to the canvas. This will give you enough paint on the canvas to blend together, and it will also slow down the drying process.
- The retarder will also help slow down the drying process and make the paint more blending. Keeping the paint thick will add to this effect, giving you lots of time to perfect your ombre effect!
- Start with white paint and mix in more color if you want a light gradient. Load your brush with white paint and use it to cover the bottom of the canvas. On your palette, dip your brush into the colored paint and mix it into the white paint. Apply this light shade as the next horizontal stripe to the canvas.[8]
- Keep repeating this step and incorporating more color into the paint until you reach the bottom of the canvas. Use pure color for the last stripe
- You could pick a color combination like cerulean blue and titanium white for an ocean or sky effect. You could also try a bright, lively combination of fuschia and white.
- Start with a lighter color and add black paint for a dark gradient. It's easier to transition a paint color from light to dark than it is to lighten a dark paint color. Apply of your pure light color to the end of the canvas.[9] In your palette, mix some black into the paint color until you have a slightly darker shade of the same color. Add another stripe directly beside the first, then repeat this process until you fill up the canvas.
- Paint the darkest shade or pure black at the end of the canvas to complete the gradient.
- You could use a blue-to-black gradient for a moody night-sky effect.
- You could also opt for a white-to-black color scheme for a neutral, minimalist piece.
- Pick 2 colors to transition from one color to another. Start with a stripe of the lightest color, then add in a bit of the darker color stripe by stripe. Continue darkening the paint stripes until you reach the last stripe, which should be a pure of stripe of the darker color.
- For example, you could create an ombre effect from pink to blue or from yellow to forest green.
- Practice blending the two paints before you begin your project. For example, red and green can create a muddy brown color, which may not be the look you're going for.
EditCreating an Ombre Effect - Work the stripes into each other as you paint for a smooth effect. If you want an ultra-smooth gradient, create the ombre effect as you paint. When you add a new stripe, drag your brush back and forth between the new stripe and the previous stripe until they blend together. This will create a seamless transition between each shade.[10]
- Add a bit of water to your brush for blending if the paint starts to dry out. If you paint your stripes quickly or add retarder, you can wait until you've filled up the canvas to blend. Dip the brush in water before running it over the stripes of paint. Brush up and down in the same direction as your painted brush strokes, blending each stripe into the next.[11]
- Be careful not to add too much water, since it alters the opacity of the paint.
- Leave the stripes unblended for a blocky, modern piece of wall art. If you like the look of each defined stripe, you can skip the blending step. For a more abstract-art effect, drag the brush down the canvas until the brush naturally runs out of paint and creates rough edge.[12]
- Let the paint dry overnight. Depending on how thick your paint is, your painting may feel dry to the touch within 20-30 minutes. However, there may still be moisture trapped beneath the outer dried layer, which will need more time to dry. Let the painting sit overnight to dry more fully.[13]
- Add 2-3 coats of varnish spray to give the paint a quick, polished finish. Once your paint is dry, spray on 2 or 3 coats of varnish finishing spray. Let the varnish coat dry overnight before hanging or displaying your new piece artwork.[14]
- You can find varnish spray at craft or art supply stores.
EditThings You'll Need - A stretched canvas
- Acrylic paint
- Wide bristle paint brush
- Jar of water
- Paint palette or a paper plate
- Drop cloth or piece of cardboard
- Varnish spray
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Recycle Perfume Bottles Posted: 13 Aug 2018 09:00 AM PDT Many perfume bottles have pretty designs, making them perfect for reuse. By disassembling and washing your perfume bottles, you can ready them for regular recycling or your favorite crafts. If you're not the crafty sort, there are even ways to pass them along to collectors and crafters online to give your perfume bottles new life. EditDisassembling and Washing Perfume Bottles - Take the exterior cap off the perfume bottle and pull off the nozzle. Use your fingers to pull straight up on the nozzle while holding the perfume bottle on a level surface. Set the nozzle aside when it pops off.[1]
- Discard the cap and nozzle if you don't want them for decorative purposes.
- This step applies for standard spritzer tops. Plug-style perfume tops do not have a nozzle, as you typically dab the perfume on yourself. You can skip right to cleaning the bottle.
- Cut off the plastic valve and loosen the metal around the perfume bottle's neck. Inspect the top of the perfume, and cut away any plastic encasing the metal that connects the top to the bottle with a knife or sharp scissors. Discard the plastic. Gently, use the edge of a knife to go around the base of the exposed metal connector.[2]
- Pry up the metal all the way around the top of the bottle until it begins to loosen.
- Take care not to apply too much pressure against the thin glass neck of the bottle, as this can cause it to chip.
- Use needle nose pliers to remove the metal around the neck. Hold your perfume bottle securely with one hand, while using the other to grip the loosened metal with a pair of pliers. Applying gentle pressure, pull the metal straight up until it comes off the perfume bottle.[3]
- Take care not to spill any remaining perfume in the bottle as you pull the metal connector off.
- Discard the metal connector in the trash.
- Discard or reserve any remaining perfume. Pour your perfume into another glass vessel if you intend to save it. Screw on the top securely. Pour any perfume you don't want to save down the sink and rinse the drain with hot water.[4]
- You can discard the remaining perfume in the trash if you like, but your garbage will have a strong scent until you take it out.
- Rinse the perfume bottle out with hot running water. Turn the sink on so the stream of water is gentle rather than fast. Fill the perfume bottle with hot running water, and then dump it. Repeat the process at least twice.[5]
- A strong stream of water may cause splashing and disperse residual scent throughout your bathroom.
- Wash the bottle out with warm white vinegar. Heat of white vinegar in a mug in the microwave at 20-second intervals until it is warm but not hot. Over the sink, pour the vinegar into your rinsed perfume bottle until it is ¾ of the way full. Plug the opening to the bottle with your finger, and shake the bottle for 30 seconds.[6]
- Let the vinegar-filled bottle sit in the sink for at least an hour to remove some of the scent.
- After an hour, pour the used vinegar down the drain and rinse the vinegar away with water to dissipate any residual smell.
- Wash the bottle in a hot water and dish detergent bath. Fill your sink with hot water deep enough to cover your perfume bottle. While it fills, add a few drops of dish detergent. Submerse the bottle in the soapy bath for 5 minutes.[7]
- Use a bottlebrush to clean the interior of the bottle with soap. Kitchen gloves can help if the water feels warm to the touch.
- Rinse the bottle with clean water.
- Dry the bottle outside in bright sunlight. Place the bottle outside or on a sunny ledge indoors to dry. If the bottle isn't dry in 24 hours, you can speed the process using a canister of compressed air to spray the interior dry.[8]
- Follow the manufacturer's directions on the compressed air canister, including any potential safety precautions.
EditRecycling Perfume Bottles - Find out what types of glass your local recycling accepts. Call your local recycling municipality to ask if they accept perfume bottles for recycling. They can advise if they accept all sorts of glass or only certain kinds.[9]
- Note that some local recycling plants do not accept crystal bottles.
- Check the bottom of your perfume bottle for a recyclable glass symbol. Look on the bottom of your perfume bottle for a number inside a triangular arrow symbol. 70 is for mixed glass. 71 is for clear glass. 72 is for green glass, and 79 is for gold-backed glass.[10]
- Determining if your perfume bottle is recyclable can help you match up your glass to those accepted by your municipality.
- Contact the perfume manufacturer to determine the bottle's material. Look up the customer service line of your perfume's manufacturer online. Call the phone number and ask a representative if they can give you insight into your bottle's type of glass, if there's no recycling symbol.[11]
- While rare, the manufacturer may also accept their own bottles back for recycling. It doesn't hurt to ask.
- Put your perfume bottle in your recycling bin with your other glass. Follow your municipality's rules regarding sorting glass from other recyclables. Set your recycling bin out on the curb on recycling day for collection.[12]
- If your local recycling plant doesn't accept glass perfume bottles, try selling or donating your perfume bottles instead.
EditSelling and Donating Perfume Bottles - Pass your bottles on to someone else through a free online marketplace. Create a posting for your perfume bottle on Freecycle or Craigslist. You can give your empty or partially-full perfume bottle away for free to someone locally.[13]
- Avoid posting your contact information, such as your phone number or email address on these forums. Both platforms have built-in ways for interested parties to message you without seeing your personal information.
- Avoid meeting potential recyclers in a secluded place or inviting them into your home. Many local police stations are happy to serve as meeting places for online purchases or exchanges.
- List on online auction sites if you have rare perfume bottles. Connect with potential collectors on online auction platforms, such as Ebay. Create a posting with a photo of your item and describe its condition. Ornate and rare perfume bottles can sell for up to $100 USD.[14]
- You can make your starting auction price as low as you like to entice potential buyers.
- Browsing the catalog at the International Perfume Bottle Association can give you an idea of whether or not your perfume bottle is valuable.[15]
- Sell to collectors or crafters on Etsy if you have lots of bottles. Create a listing on an online handmade and vintage marketplace, such as Etsy. Buyers comb these sites to repurpose interesting perfume bottles and materials for crafts. Other buyers collect interesting bottles as home décor.[16]
- Typically to sell on Etsy, you need to create a virtual shop where potential buyers can browse your wares. This marketplace may make the most sense if you have multiple perfume bottles you want to sell.
- Donate full or partially-full perfume bottles to the Salvation Army. Drop off your perfume at a local collection center so someone else can enjoy a nice fragrance at a discount. Note that many resale shops, such as Goodwill, do not accept perfumes or fragrance bottles. The Salvation Army does.[17]
EditRepurposing Your Perfume Bottles - Use the empty bottle as a bud vase. Fill your cleaned perfume bottle with lukewarm tap water. Put a few slim buds, such as baby breath sprigs, into the bottle as a pretty decorative accent.[18]
- Place your perfume-bottle vase on a windowsill, your vanity, or the kitchen table to add some cheer to your home.
- Use the bottle to as a homemade perfume container. Create your own custom scent by blending essential oils that appeal to you most. Dilute your oil mix with vodka or another neutral alcohol, and dab it on pulse points behind your ears or on your wrists for a subtle scent.[19]
- A little essential oil goes a long way. Typically for perfume you dilute 10-12 drops of essential oil in half as many drops of water and add of alcohol.[20]
- Shake the homemade perfume before applying it to mix the oil and to dilute the solution. You can cap your bottle with a small cork from a craft shop.
- Display the bottles as centerpieces for a wedding or party. Use pretty empty perfume bottles as table décor for a wedding or baby shower. You can mix the old bottles among vases of different sizes filled with flowers for a refined, eclectic look.[21]
- Bottles for timeless scents, such as Chanel No. 5, can provide a touch of classic elegance to your event.
- Use a partially-full bottle as a glass sachet for your clothes. Place almost-empty perfume bottles in your lingerie drawer to give your clothes a subtle scent. The residual perfume in the bottle is just enough to add a delicate fragrance to your closet.[22]
- For this use, it's best to keep the nozzle on your perfume rather than removing it. Simply pop off the cap of the perfume and place the near-empty bottle of fragrance in your drawer.
- Turn your bottle into a suncatcher or ornament. Tie a decorative string around the neck of your perfume bottle in a loop to turn your vessel into a hanging ornament. You can hang it on the Christmas tree or on a hook in your window as a pretty suncatcher.[23]
- Bottles with ridges or exterior patterns in the glass refract lots of light and make great suncatchers.
- Create an elegant candleholder. Place a slim birthday candle in the open top of your perfume bottle for a small, elegant light. You can use these candles as an alternative to tea lights in a meditation room or on your dining room table for some mealtime ambiance.[24]
- Use a candle that fits securely in the open hole of your perfume bottle for the best fit. When the candle is lit, it will drip wax down the bottle.
- Replace your candle with a new one when it has burned out completely. The layers of wax on the bottle can add a romantic flair to your candleholders.
- Use your bottle as a room diffuser. Fill your perfume bottle halfway with aromatic essential oils or room spray. Place a few wooden skewers into the perfume sharp end down. The oils will creep up the skewers and slowly diffuse a pleasing scent into your room.[25]
- A powder room is a great spot for an elegant room diffuser.
- Create your own custom blend of essential oils that suits your taste. You can buy essential oils online or at your local health food store.
EditThings You'll Need EditDisassembling and Washing Your Perfume Bottle - Sharp scissors or a kitchen knife
- Needle nose pliers
- White vinegar
- Dish detergent
- A compressed air canister
EditRepurposing Your Perfume Bottle - Flowers
- Decorative string
- Essential oils
- Vodka
- Candles
- Wooden skewers
EditSources and Citations
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