| How to Build a Milk Carton Birdhouse Posted: 13 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Making a birdhouse out of a milk carton is a fun and easy project. If you're a parent or teacher, it's a great way to teach kids about nature, arts and crafts, and recycling. All you'll need is a utility knife and a few other simple tools. In no time at all, you can turn an ordinary milk carton into a creative, environmentally-friendly shelter for nearby feathered friends. EditConstructing Your Birdhouse - Rinse out the milk carton with dish soap and warm water. If you're recycling a container that held milk or juice, wash it out thoroughly before turning it into a birdhouse. Be sure to rinse away all soapy residue, then let the carton dry completely.[1]
- For best results, use a or carton. Small, single serving milk cartons aren't large enough to use as birdhouses.
- Cut out a hole on 1 side of the carton. Trace a circle on a side of the carton about from the bottom. Then use a utility knife or scissors to cut out the circle. The hole will allow birds to enter the birdhouse.[2]
- The right size for the hole depends on the birds in your area. For most wrens and songbirds, a hole is ideal. If you want to attract larger birds, such as screech owls, make the hole in diameter.
- Use caution with blades and other sharp objects. If necessary, have an adult help you cut the carton.
- To trace a perfect circle, use the bottom of a measuring cup, bottle cap, or other round object that's in diameter.
- Poke small drainage holes into the bottom of the carton. Use an ice pick, leather awl, or skewer to make small holes at each corner on the carton's underside. The holes will provide ventilation and prevent water from pooling inside the house.[3]
- Remember to be careful with sharp tools and, if necessary, to get help from an adult.
- Punch a hole at the top so you can hang the birdhouse. Use a hole puncher to make a hole at the top of the carton where the slanted sides come together to form a flat edge. Position the hole in the middle of the top edge so the birdhouse's weight will be evenly distributed when it hangs.[4]
- Try to punch the hole at least down the top edge of the carton. If you make the hole too close to the very top, the string might tear through the carton when you hang it.
EditAdding Decorations - Glue sticks to the top of the carton to make a roof. Cut popsicle sticks or twigs from the yard with scissors or pruning shears. Each should be about long. Then paste them to the slanted sides at the top of the carton to form an overhanging roof.[5]
- The exact number of sticks you'll need depends on their size. Most milk carton are wide. If you have sticks, you'd need around 8 to 10 of them to cover each slanted side of the carton's top.
- Craft glue should start to dry in 5 to 10 minutes, but you should wait at least 24 hours before putting the birdhouse outside. That'll give the glue time to fully cure. Otherwise, any moisture or humidity outside could weaken the bond.
- The roof will provide shade and direct rainwater away from the birdhouse's opening.
- Paint the carton's exterior with water-based paint, if desired. If you'd like to add some color to your birdhouse, start with a coat of white primer to conceal writing and logos on the carton. Allow the first coat to dry for 4 to 6 hours, or according to the instructions, then add 1 to 2 top coats in a color of your choice.[6]
- As for color choice, go with a lighter hue. Generally, bird's aren't picky about the color of their shelter, but darker shades absorb light and can lead to overheating. Additionally, bright colors could attract predators, so it's best to go with a less conspicuous option, such as tan, gray, or green.
- Try pasting buttons or construction paper cutouts onto the carton. To add personality to your birdhouse, you could also paste buttons, googly eyes, or other crafty details onto it. Try making flower designs with buttons, pasting leaf-shaped colored paper cutouts all over the carton, or decorating it to look like a bird.[7]
- You could even decorate the birdhouse to make it look like your own home. Paint it the same color as your home, make windows and other details out of construction paper cutouts, then paste the cutouts onto the birdhouse when the paint is dry.
- Avoid using shiny or reflective decorations, which could scare birds away.
EditHanging the Birdhouse - Choose a quiet spot in your yard that's within view of a window. Hang your birdhouse from a branch, eave, or other sturdy fixture. Look for a spot that's away from car and foot traffic so any hatchlings in the nest will have privacy. At a minimum, hang the birdhouse away from areas of activity.[8]
- While the spot should be secluded, it should still be visible from a window or patio so you can admire your new feathered friends.
- Tie string or yarn through the hole at the top of the carton. Loop the string through the hole, then tie it securely in a double knot. Measure the height of the branch or post you'll hang the birdhouse from to find the right length for the string. The string should be long enough so the birdhouse hangs at least above the ground.[9]
- Hanging birdhouse at least above the ground will help keep out snakes, insects, and other predators and pests.
- For instance, if you plan on hanging the birdhouse from a branch, the string should be less than long.
- Use a string made out of nylon or another synthetic material instead of one made of cotton twine. Natural fibers wear away over time. Additionally, go with a sturdy product with a diameter of at least 2 millimeters (#30 gauge or higher).
- Place small rocks or sand inside the carton to anchor it against the wind. To help prevent the birdhouse from blowing around wildly in the wind, line the bottom with sand, gravel, or small rocks. A layer should be enough to anchor the birdhouse.[10]
- You can just use pebbles or rocks from your yard; there's no need to use a store-bought product.
- Hang the box at least off of the ground. Loop the end of the string that's not tied to the birdhouse around a branch, then tie it in a tight double knot. The best time to hang your birdhouse is in the late winter or early spring. That way, birds will have time to notice it and select it as a nesting site.[11]
- If you want to use the carton as a bird feeder, simply add bird seed up to the circular opening. Check the feeder every week or so and refill it when necessary.
- It'll take time for birds to notice your birdhouse, so be patient.[12]
- For the best chances of attracting birds, construct the house in fall or winter so fumes from any paint or glue dissipate.
- If spring and summer have passed and you haven't attracted any birds, try changing the house's location. Some birds prefer more stable nesting sites, so tying it securely to a tree trunk instead of hanging it may also help.[13]
- There's no need to add a perch to the entrance hole. A perch would just make it easier for predators to get into the house.[14]
- Be careful with scissors, ice picks, utility knives, and other sharp tools. If necessary, ask an adult for permission or help.
EditThings You'll Need - or milk carton
- Pencil
- Utility knife or scissors
- Ice pick or skewer
- Hole puncher
- Glue
- Popsicle sticks or twigs
- String or yarn
- Non-toxic, water-based paint (optional)
- Paintbrush (optional)
- Construction paper (optional)
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Photograph Clothes for Sale Posted: 12 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT Great photos are the best way to show off clothes for sale to potential customers. Start by steaming and lint-rolling the clothes to make them look their best, then showcase them with a mannequin, model, or flat lay format. Use a light backdrop, bright lighting, and lots of different angles to capture the colors and details of each garment. With the right tools and a little hard work, you can get beautiful product photos that are sure to draw in sales! EditMaking the Clothes Look Their Best - Steam or iron the clothes to get rid of any creases and wrinkles. Hang up the clothes and use a small handheld steamer to smooth out creases in the fabric.[1] Smooth, wrinkle-free clothes will look much more polished and appealing to customers.
- Remove any stains from the clothes. If you can easily get the stains out yourself with bleach or a Tide pen, remove stains yourself. However, if the clothing is delicate or difficult to clean, take it to a dry-cleaner to have any stains removed.
- If the article of clothing has very minor staining, it may not be worth it to pay for dry-cleaning. Instead, you could reduce the price accordingly, be upfront about stains, photograph them well, and let the buyer handle removal.
- This is especially important with vintage or antique clothes, which can be fragile and easily damaged.
- Inspect the clothing closely for other flaws. Look over each piece for issues such as loose threads, missing buttons, rips, or broken zippers. You can fix most of these small problems yourself buy trimming hanging threads or sewing matching buttons back on. However, issues like broken zippers or major rips are not as easily fixed.
- Document any un-fixable issues in your listing and be upfront with the buyer when you sell the garment.
- Use a lint roller to remove any dust, hair, lint, or stray threads. Any little specks and spots that show up in the photos will distract customers and look unprofessional. Take extra care to remove these before you start photographing. Lint-roll the whole garment once, then spot-check it once it's in position to be photographed.
EditSetting up Your Equipment - Use your smartphone for a quick, inexpensive option. With bright, natural lighting, smartphone pictures can look great and get the job done. Position the garment next to a bright window and use your back-facing camera to frame it. Focus on the garment and adjust the lighting, then take several pictures.
- Use a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera if you have access to one. Taking photos with a DSLR will make your listings look even more professional and higher-quality. A higher megapixel count will be able to capture the color and details of the garment more accurately. Make sure you use the correct settings to get the best photos possible.[2]
- Set your ISO at no higher than 600-640 to prevent graininess.
- Set your aperture higher than F/11 to keep all the details of the garment in focus.
- Select a white balance according to the type of light source you're using. The most common settings are natural sunlight, tungsten, fluorescent, and LED.
- Photograph the clothing you wish to sell indoors against a white or light grey backdrop. This will help keep the lighting consistent, prevent distractions, and ensure that the colors are captured accurately. You could use a white wall or a smooth sheet, or for a little more money, you could purchase a roll of seamless paper from a photography store.[3]
- Always stand the model or mannequin in the center of the backdrop, directly in front of your camera.
- If you have a c-stand, use it to hold the seamless paper backdrop in place. If you don't have one, just tape the end of the paper to the wall or ceiling.
- Take photos next to a window for nice, natural light. This type of lighting brings out vibrant colors, looks relaxing and appealing to customers, and won't cost you a thing. Set up your backdrop and mannequin, model, or Flat Lay area in an area next to a bright, open window. Shoot during the morning and late afternoon for the most even indirect light.[4]
- Rent or invest in a simple lighting kit for a more professional effect. You can find inexpensive beginner kits online for reasonable prices. The most important piece to have is a large softbox, which creates diffused, even light and softens shadows.[5] Professional lighting is best for taking catalogue photos or documenting a full clothing collection.
EditDisplaying the Clothes - Purchase a mannequin for a convenient, cost-efficient option. Mannequins are a good investment that can help provide consistency to your photos and keep your budget low in the future. You can set up the mannequin and take pictures at any time without having to pay or schedule a model. Mannequins also let customers visualize themselves wearing the clothes.[6]
- You could purchase a standing, full-body dress mannequin, or you could also get a set of hollow-backed partial mannequin bodies. These also come in sets that include a male, female, and gender-neutral child mannequin.[7]
- Clothes that work best with mannequins include jeans, blazers, long dresses, coats, and blazers.[8]
- Unless you're selling mostly strapless items, make sure to purchase mannequins with arms that can fill out sleeves.[9]
- Hire a model if you have enough of a budget to do so. Seeing the clothes on the model gives the customer a better idea of what the clothes will look like in real life. A good model can also more clearly appeal to your target market. For example, if you're selling your clothes with teenagers in mind, having a teen model will draw in teens and help them imagine how it would look on them.[10]
- You could also ask a friend to help you out with the modeling.
- To save money, use a mannequin or dummy for the basic side, front, back, and close-up detail shots, and use the model to show what the article of clothing looks like when it's paired with an outfit.[11]
- Pin and tuck the clothing until it fits the model or mannequin. Use pins and clips to pull in waistlines or adjust straps, and use magic tape to hold down any gaping armholes. Of course, you shouldn't alter the clothing to the point that it doesn't look like the original garment, but you want to show the best fit possible.[12]
- This is especially important it your mannequin has a hollow back and cannot fill out the clothing properly.
- Use flat lay photos to showcase the item in a simple, clean way. You can easily create a flat lay photo by laying out and arranging an article of clothing on a flat background, then shooting straight down at the garment. To add the illusion of depth to the clothes, use techniques such as tucking in fabric around the underarm area or adding tissue paper inside the clothes.[13]
- The flat lay format works best with skirts, sweaters, shoes, scarves, handbags, towels, and kids wear.
- If you don't have the budget for a model or a mannequin, this technique is a simple, affordable alternative.
EditTaking the Photos - Take photos from the back, side, and front of the garments. Be thorough as you document each piece. If you're using a mannequin, rotate it in front of the background and take photos from each different angle. If you're hiring a model, have them turn slowly and take a series of photos showing each angle. The more thorough you are, the more likely people are to purchase the clothes you're selling.
- Get up close to show details in the clothing. Customers want the experience of being able to pick something up and get a closer look at it, even while shopping online. Imitate this experience by getting close-ups of the fabric texture, buttons, tags, delicate stitching, and patterns. Use lots of different angles and close-ups to let the customer feel like they're getting the full picture.[14]
- Take photos of any tags, instructions, and flaws on used clothing. If you're selling used clothing, you'll need to provide extra information about each piece. Document the brand name, any tags that show that the clothing has never been worn, and wash/care instructions. You should also take clear photos of any imperfections in the clothing, such as stains, rips, or tears.
- Customers will trust you much more as a buyer when you provide clear, upfront information about the garments.
- Take pictures of different poses that showcase the clothing. If you hire a model, have them try several different poses for each outfit, such as a hand behind their head or with their hands in their pockets. Make sure the poses you're using don't cover up too much of the product with accessories or hands.[15]
- For example, if you're photographing a flowy dress, you could have the model hold out the sides of the dress to show off the fabric.
- If you're photographing a men's winter jacket, you could have the model turn slightly to the side and put his hands in the pockets.
- Avoid sitting, jump shots, or motion shots that might blur or distract from the garment itself.
- Sort through your photos and choose the best ones for your listings. Once you've transferred your photos onto a computer or device, look through all of the photos and delete any that are blurry or too dark. Pick several of the best photos for each garment listing, including 1 shot from each of the front, back, and side angles, as well as a close-up shot that shows the garment's texture.
- If you're selling new clothes, you should also include a photo of a model wearing the piece as part of an outfit.
- If you're selling used clothes, add several photos of tags, care instructions, or imperfections.
- Take more pictures than you think you'll need. The more options you have for your listing, the better!
EditSources and Citations
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| How to Store Peppers Posted: 12 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Sweet and hot peppers will last for a year or more when you store them properly. Whether you have an abundance of fresh peppers from your garden or the market, get the most out of them by storing the extras that you can't use right away. Freeze them or dry them for easy use in the kitchen all year long, or pickle and can them to preserve them and store them for up to 2 years! EditFreezing Peppers - Wash peppers to remove any dirt and let them air dry. Choose fresh, ripe peppers that have no soft spots or blemishes. Rinse them under cold water and set them on a clean towel or paper towel to air dry.[1]
- Ripe peppers should have a firm texture. If they are soft, then they are past their peak ripeness and no longer fresh enough for freezing.[2]
- Cut bell peppers up to remove the seeds and membranes. Cut bell peppers or sweet peppers in half, pull out the seeds, and cut out the membranes. Cut the peppers into a size of your choosing.[3]
- Consider how you will use bell peppers and cut them into strips or chunks that you can easily use straight from the freezer to prepare recipes like fajitas or soups.
- Leave hot peppers intact to freeze them whole with the seeds. Freeze hot peppers whole with the seeds and membranes because those parts contain most of the heat. You will be able to cut them up when you take them out of the freezer if a recipe calls for it.[4]
- Jalapenos are a type of hot pepper that you can either freeze whole, or cut up before you freeze them.
- Spread the peppers out on a baking sheet. Put the cut up bell peppers or whole hot peppers on a sheet with space between them. Make sure that none are touching so that they don't freeze together.[5]
- You can use a cookie sheet, baking pan, or any other metal sheet that will fit in your freezer.
- Put the sheet in the freezer for 15-30 minutes until the peppers are frozen solid. This is called flash-freezing and will keep the peppers from freezing together once you transfer them to a more compact storage container. Remove the sheet from the freezer when the peppers are hard to the touch.[6]
- Put the peppers in a sealable plastic bag or airtight container in the freezer. Transfer the peppers from the baking sheet into a plastic freezer bag or other freezer-safe container once they are frozen solid. Put the bag or container back into the freezer and store the peppers for up to 1 year.[7]
- If you are freezing the peppers in a bag, squeeze out as much air as you can before you seal the bag.
- Label the bags or containers with the date that you froze the peppers to keep track of how long they have been frozen and use them within a year.
EditDrying Peppers - Use a food dehydrator to dry peppers quickly and easily. Cut large peppers in half and leave smaller peppers whole. Spread the peppers out on the screens in the dehydrator, set the temperature to , and dry the peppers per your dehydrator's instructions.[8]
- It can take from 4-12 hours to dry out peppers in a dehydrator. Refer to the instruction manual for your food dehydrator for specific drying times and directions.
- Dry peppers in the oven if you don't have a food dehydrator. Spread peppers out on a baking sheet so that they are not touching and put the sheet in an oven set to . Crack the oven door open so moisture can escape. Check on the peppers and rotate them with tongs every 30 minutes.[9]
- Cut large peppers, such as bell peppers, into pieces and remove the seeds to decrease drying time. Leave smaller and hot peppers intact.
- It can take 1-2 hours to dry peppers in the oven. Peppers are dry when they are brittle to the touch.
- String peppers together and hang them if you live in a dry climate. Use a needle and thread to string the peppers together by the stems. Hang the string of peppers in a dry area with sun and good airflow for 3-4 weeks.[10]
- You need a daytime temperature of in order to hang-dry peppers.
- The peppers are dry enough to take down when they are brittle to the touch.
- Dental floss works to string peppers together to dry if you don't have a strong thread.
- Store dried peppers in a moisture-proof container. Put the dried peppers in jars or other airtight containers in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year. They have the best flavor within 3-6 months.[11]
- You can also use a food processor or the type of coffee grinder with a blade to grind dried peppers up into flakes and powders to use in the kitchen.
EditPickling and Canning Peppers - Wash canning jars and lids with soap and hot water and rinse them thoroughly. Set them on a clean towel to drain and dry. Always use new lids when you pickle and can peppers.[12]
- You can recycle canning jars and the rings that hold the lids in place.
- Canning jars and lids are available at kitchen supply stores or online.
- Fill the canning jars with peppers to below the rim. Place whole hot peppers or sliced bell or sweet peppers in the jars. Pack them tightly together, but leave headspace at the top.[13]
- You can also add any other seasonings that you would like to the jar of peppers. Some common spices for seasoning pickled pepper are kosher salt, peppercorns, and garlic cloves.
- Cover the peppers with 2 parts vinegar and 1 part water and close the jars. Use distilled white vinegar and cold water. Leave of headspace at the top of the jar and run a plastic knife between the peppers and the sides of the jar to remove any air bubbles before you screw the lids on.[14]
- This is the standard ratio of vinegar to water to safely pickle and preserve the peppers. Some recipes may call for a different ratio or type of vinegar. If you are using a different recipe, follow it exactly to safely pickle your peppers.
- Put the jars in a deep pot half full of hot water with a rack at the bottom. Use a metal or wooden rack that will keep the jars from touching the bottom of the pot. Fill the pot to about halfway with water and heat it up to just under boiling temperature, then place the jars carefully onto the rack.[15]
- Make sure that the pot is deep enough that you will be able to cover the jars completely with more water after they are on the rack.
- Make sure the jars are not touching each other so that the water can circulate.
- Add hot water until the jars are covered by at least . Heat up water to just under boiling temperature in another pot or a kettle. Pour it carefully into the pot with the jars until they are covered completely.[16]
- If you accidentally let the water boil, just turn off the heat and let it sit for 30 seconds to 1 minute before you pour it in over the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil and let the jars boil for 5-10 minutes. Heat the pot until the water comes to a gentle boil at about . Start a timer once the water is boiling and leave the jars boiling for 5 minutes for sweet peppers and 10 minutes for hot peppers.[17]
- If you live above then add 5 minutes to the boiling time.
- If you live above then add 10 minutes to the boiling time.
- Remove the jars carefully and let them cool for 24 hours. Turn off the heat and use tongs to lift the jars out of the water. Be careful to keep them level and place them on a rack or towel to dry and cool.[18]
- After 24 hours, check to see if the lids are sealed properly. The lids should be concaved towards the center of the jar, and if you unscrew the ring that holds them in place you should be able to lift the jar up by the lid.
- If the lids are not properly sealed, then repeat the boiling process again or store the jars in the refrigerator.
- You can store sealed, unopened pickled peppers for up to 2 years before they start to lose their quality.
- Don't touch your face, eyes, or any other sensitive areas of your skin when handling hot peppers. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling them to avoid burning yourself.
EditSources and Citations
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