| How to Make a Vinyl Record Mail Holder Posted: 30 Mar 2019 01:00 AM PDT Records sometimes get damaged to the point where they no longer play. Instead of throwing them away, you can heat them up, then mold them into all sorts of items, such as bowls. A mail holder is another useful item that you can turn an old record into. All you need is a record, a heat source, and a narrow box to use as a mold. EditCreating a Mini Standing Holder - Tape a record over a narrow box. Choose a narrow box to use as your mold. How wide this box is depends on how wide you want your holder to be. Center the record over the box, then tape the record to the box to keep it from sliding around.[1]
- You will be folding the sides of the record over the sides of the box. Make sure that the box is tall enough!
- Place a sheet of paper over the record. The exact size of the paper does not matter, but it needs to be big enough to cover the length of the record. This will create a buffer between the iron and the record.[2]
- Turn your iron on to the lowest heat setting possible. This is very important. If you use too high of a heat setting, you risk the record releasing chemicals. It will take longer to do it on a low heat setting, but it will be safer.[3]
- Make sure that the steam option is turned off.
- Iron the record starting from the middle, then do the sides. Press the iron against the middle of the record and move it around. Work your way towards the edges of the box. Once you feel the record turn malleable, fold the sides down against the sides of the box and iron them as well.[4]
- Move the paper around as needed. You should only touch the paper with the iron and never the bare record.
- Keep the iron moving and don't leave it in 1 place for too long.
- Remove the paper and let the record cool. If you see any bits of paper stuck to the record, wait until the record cools and hardens completely, then wipe them off with a damp cloth. How long it takes for the record to cool off depends on the temperature in your room, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes.
- Peel the tape off and remove the record. Once the record has cooled and hardened, it will keep its new form. Flip the record over so that creates a U-shape. Place it on your desk, and tuck your mail between the 2 arms.[5]
EditMaking a Large Standing Holder - Place a record on top of a box so that the label aligns with the edge. The size of the box does not matter because you will be folding just 1 side of the record over the edge. Slide the record over a few inches/centimeters until the edge of the label on the record aligns with the edge of the box.[6]
- Do not slide the label past the edge of the box.
- Secure the record with tape and cover it with a sheet of paper. Secure the record to the box with a few pieces of tape to keep it from sliding around. Cover the record with a piece of paper; make sure that it is long enough to cover the record.
- Switch your iron on to the lowest heat setting. Even though a high heat setting will get the job done faster, it may also cause the record to release chemicals. A low heat setting will take longer, but it will be safer.[7]
- Ensure that the steam is turned off.
- Heat the record with the iron, then fold it over the edge of the box. Press the iron over the part of the record that's still on the box. Move the iron around towards the edge of the box. When you feel the record turn soft, fold it over the edge of the box, and iron it down the side.[8]
- Make sure that you keep the paper between the iron and the record. Move the paper around as needed in order to do this.
- Let the record cool off, then remove it from the box. Pull the paper off first, then let the record cool and harden. Peel the tape off, then lift the record off of the box. If you see any bits of paper stuck to the record, wipe them off with a damp cloth.
- How long the record takes to cool and harden depends on the temperature in your room. This should only take a few minutes, however.
- Repeat the process with a second record. Place a second record on the box. Tape it down, cover it with paper, and iron it. Fold it over the edge of the box, let it cool, and pull it off of the box. When you are done, you will end up with 2 L-shaped records.[9]
- Cut a block of wood to the same size as the record's folded edge. Use a ruler to measure the length and width of the side of the record you folded. Measure along the folded edge first, then measure from the folded edge to the side of the record. Cut a piece of wood to match these measurements.
- Paint the wood block, if desired. Spray paint will work the best for this, but you can use acrylic craft paint as well. Black will blend in with the records the best, but you can use a bright color that matches the labels instead. Let the paint dry completely before moving on; this should only take 15 to 20 minutes.[10]
- Alternatively, you can leave the wood raw, stain it, or coat it with clear, acrylic sealer.
- Overlap the records to create a U-shape. Rotate the records so that the shorter ends are parallel to the floor and the longer ends are sticking straight up. Turn the records so that they are facing each other, then move them together so that the narrow ends overlap completely. You'll get a rough U-shape.
- Secure the records to the block. Keeping the records overlapped, place them on top of the block. Secure them to the bock with strips of tape. Drill 2 screws through the records and into the block, 1 at each end. Remove the tape when you are done.[11]
- Alternatively, you can use industrial-strength glue. Glue the first record to the block, then glue the second on top. Secure them with tape until the glue dries.
- Stand the block on your desk and fill the records with mail. If you are worried about the block sliding around too much, you can purchase rubber pads meant for furniture, and stick them to the bottom of the block. Alternatively, you can glue felt or cork to the bottom of the block to keep it from scratching your table.
EditFolding a Hanging Mail Holder - Heat the record in an oven or in boiling water. Place the record on a baking sheet, then bake it for 2 minutes in a preheated oven at .[12] Alternatively, place the record into a sink filled with boiling water, and leave it there until it turns malleable, about 1 to 2 minutes.[13]
- Be aware that the label may discolor in the hot water. It should not discolor in the oven, however.
- Transfer the record to a heat-safe surface. Use a pair of kitchen tongs to lift the record off of the baking sheet or out of the water. Set it down onto a heat-safe surface. Be prepared to work quickly, as the record will cool and harden within minutes.
- Fold the bottom edge of the record over a heat-safe cylinder. Find a long, narrow glass, bottle, or rolling pin. Place it on top of the record, just below the label. Using gloved hands, wrap the bottom edge of the record over the heat-safe cylinder.[14]
- Wear heavy-duty rubber gloves or oven mitts for this. Do not handle the record with bare hands.
- You can also use a tray, plate, or other item. The goal is to create a lopsided taco shape.
- Let the record cool, then remove the cylinder. It should only take a few minutes for the record to harden and cool. Once that happens, slide the cylinder out. You will be left with a taco-like shape, where 1 side is longer than the other.
- Secure the record to the wall with a screw. Place the longer side of the record against a wall. If the center hole of the record is still visible, you can insert a screw through that hole. Alternatively, drill a screw through the top of the record and into the wall.[15]
- Place the screw about from the top of the record.
- Alternatively, you can use double-sided foam mounting tape.
- Place your mail into the slot created by the cylinder. If you want to create a multi-tier mail holder, simply repeat the process to shape more records. Drill them in a vertical row above the first record mail holder.[16]
- Make sure that the record is not a valuable collectible.
- Ask your friends and family for damaged records that have no collector's value.
- Buy records for cheap online or in thrift stores. Some libraries may also have records that they no longer need.
- If you don't like the color of the mail holder, spray paint it after you finish making it.
- These low-heat methods should not cause the records to release fumes and chemicals. Still, it would be a good idea to keep a window open.
EditThings You'll Need EditCreating a Mini Standing Holder - Record
- Tape
- Paper
- Iron
- Narrow box
EditMaking a Large Standing Holder - 2 records
- Tape
- Paper
- Iron
- Box
- Wooden block
- Wood saw, if needed
- Paint
- Screws or industrial-strength glue
- Electric screwdriver (if using screws)
EditFolding a Hanging Mail Holder - Record
- Oven or sink
- Baking sheet (if using oven)
- Kitchen tongs
- Heavy-duty rubber gloves or oven mitts
- Rolling pin or glass bottle (heat-safe)
- Screw
- Electric screwdriver
EditReferences
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| How to Test Essential Oils for Purity Posted: 29 Mar 2019 05:00 PM PDT Essential oils are growing in popularity due to their pleasant scents and various household uses. However, the purity of the essential oil is important for making sure it is as effective as possible. To verify that your essential oils are high quality, it is important that you learn the signs of a good essential oil and test the oils out for yourself. EditChecking Before You Buy - Compare the prices of the essential oils. Some flowers or plants that essential oils are derived from require a larger quantity to create one drop of oil. For roses, it takes almost 60 roses to make one drop of oil, and this should be reflected in the price of the oil. An unusually low price is normally a sign that the oil is diluted in some way, making it less pure.[1]
- If all of the oils from a particular brand are the same price, it is usually indicative of less pure oils. You could expect to have a range of prices from $20 for a more abundant oil, such as lavender, all the way up to $80 for an oil that is harder to make, such as rose.
- Ask your supplier about the purity of their oils and the distilling process. Try to buy from a supplier who distills their own oils, or deals directly with a distiller who does. Suppliers should be willing to provide you with a sample (maybe for a small fee) before encouraging you to buy larger quantities. This shows that they are confident in their product and believe that if you try it you will buy.[2]
- Search for oil by the specific name of the plant it is derived from. Being able to read the label and identify the plant makeup of the oil is the first step to buying a quality oil. The general rule of thumb is to purchase by the Latin name, which can be found by searching online for the plant, as this is normally the most specific.[3]
- For example, many customers purchase lavandula oil, also known as lavender, because of its calming effects. A common mistake is purchasing lavender oil instead, which has the opposite effect and will make the user more alert.
- Check the packaging for a purity statement. There should be a statement on the packaging of the oil that says "100% Pure" or something similar to this claim. If there is not, it has likely been mixed or adulterated with some other substance.[4]
EditTesting the Oils - Select an oil to test and get a piece of blank paper. You can test your oil at home with just these 2 items. Make sure you cover your work surface with wax paper or tin foil to protect it from any oil that might bleed through the paper. [5]
- Place one drop of the oil on the paper. If your oil doesn't have a dropper with it or a cap that allows this, you can use the eraser side of a pencil. Just dip the eraser into the bottle and let the oil drip onto the paper from there, or gently touch the eraser to the paper to get the oil to transfer.[6]
- If you're testing multiple oils, it might help to label each one so you remember where it is on the paper.
- Allow the oil to dry completely. This will normally take about 30-45 minutes depending on how much oil you have on the paper. Check after 30 minutes, and if there's still some liquid on the paper, allow another 15 minutes to dry.[7]
- Check the places where you dropped the oil for a leftover ring of oil or grease. If there is a ring present, that means that the oil has likely been diluted with another substance and is less pure. If you can't see a ring, try touching the paper with your finger lightly. If it's completely dry and you don't feel any oil or grease on your finger, your oil is likely pure and high quality.[8]
- Some oils that are darker in color will leave a slight tint, but the paper should not be oily or greasy once completely dry. Oils such as sandalwood, patchouli, and German chamomile will leave a tint but not an oily ring.
- Send your oils to a lab for testing if you will be using them for professional reasons. For aromatherapists and naturopaths, it might be worthwhile to send oils to a lab for chemical testing. This will ensure that the chemical makeup of the oil is indeed pure and what is labelled on the bottle.[9]
- The two means of testing are Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry. These tests are often performed together in a lab, and will show whether there are any "adulterants" in the oil.[10]
- Essential oils should never be ingested unless you are under the care of a trained professional.
- If you are doing home testing on your oils, make sure you're working in a space that is well-ventilated to prevent overwhelming or unpleasant scents.
- If you're unsure about the quality of an essential oil, hold off on buying it until you are able to verify that it is pure.
EditReferences
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| How to Wear a Backless Dress Posted: 29 Mar 2019 09:00 AM PDT Backless dresses are an elegant, striking look for anyone looking to make a statement by showing some skin. They can be a great choice for formal and semi-formal events, but many avoid them because they can be intimidating to wear. However, if you pick the right undergarments, take good care of your skin, and accessorize properly, you can feel comfortable and beautiful in a backless dress at your next big occasion. EditChoosing Undergarments - Try a low-back bra if you need more support. These bras have a band that wraps around your stomach and lower back, providing your chest with an ample amount of support while remaining hidden beneath your dress. If you have a larger bust, this is the choice you should consider first.[1]
- Some bras can be converted into low-back bras. This is a great option if you want to invest in an undergarment you can wear every day.
- Cover up with stick-on silicone gel petals if you need less support. If your bust is smaller, you might be able to get away without wearing any support. However, if you choose to go braless, you can risk exposing yourself through thin or light-colored fabric. Avoid this by sticking specialized gel petals over your nipples.[2]
- If you're looking for a simple, inexpensive coverage option, putting band-aids on your nipples can work just as well as wearing gel petals.[3]
- Try an adhesive bra if you have a small- to moderately-sized bust. It provides a little more coverage and support than gel petals, but offers a similar guarantee that no straps or clasps will peek through the back of your gown. It offers less support than a low-back bra, and for this reason, it may offer inadequate support to larger-busted women.[4]
- Consider a bra with a transparent back for subtlety and support. These bras are similar to strapless bras, but instead of a visible band and clasp, the back of the bra is made up of clear plastic or sheer fabric.[5] If you enjoy wearing strapless bras, but the one you usually wear will show through your backless dress, this is an excellent alternative. It's also a more supportive option for women with medium to large busts.
- Choose a halter bra for dresses with higher backs and halter necks. Some backless dresses go around the neck and only expose a small portion of your back. For these dresses, you may be able to hide a halter style bra beneath your dress. This is another supportive option for women with larger busts.[6]
- Be sure to try this type of bra on with your dress to ensure that your dress covers up the clasp. It's a good rule of thumb to try any type of bra on with your dress in advance of the night you plan to wear it – if the bra fits poorly or is too visible beneath the dress, you'll want time to find an alternative.
EditStyling Your Backless Dress - Practice proper posture to look confident and poised in your dress. Hold your head high, your shoulders back, and your chest out. Straight posture will draw attention to your back and enhance your look, so try your best to avoid slouching or hunching over.[7]
- Tucking your stomach in and bearing weight primarily on the balls of your feet can help you stand taller. It's also helpful to keep your head on a level plane by making sure your earlobes are directly above your shoulders.[8]
- Choose minimal, elegant jewelry to counterbalance your daring dress. Accessories are an important part of any outfit, but the primary purpose of a backless dress is to show off your back. Jewelry that's prominent or flashy can draw attention away from the true focus of your look.[9]
- Instead of a bold piece of statement jewelry, choose a simple yet elegant pair of dangling earrings or a delicate bracelet to add just a touch of sparkle to your look.[10]
- Pick a pair of shoes that complements your dress without distracting from it. People usually wear backless dresses to more formal occasions or events. As such, it's usually appropriate to choose a fancy pair of evening shoes – usually heels – to go with your dress. Just make sure that your footwear doesn't steal the spotlight from your gown.[11]
- If your dress is sequined, patterned, or otherwise embellished, it's a safe bet to choose simpler,solid-colored shoes. If both your dress and your shoes are elaborate, they may clash with each other.
- Black shoes tend to go well with many different colors. Metallic and nude shoes can also be versatile. But if you want to experiment with an unexpected color choice, try picking shoes that are the same color as your dress, but a slightly different shade.[12]
- Avoid accessories, such as scarves, that cover your neck or back. Again, you want your back to be the focal point of your look. Necklaces can also create a disruption by drawing the eye to a clasp or an adjustable chain instead of your back.[13]
- Necklaces that are designed to drape down over your back are an exception to this rule. These tend to be fairly delicate, and are designed to be worn with backless dresses and shirts.
- Keep climate in mind while choosing accessories. If you are attending an outdoor event that might be a little chilly, wear a shrug, shawl, or jacket. You certainly want to show off your back at every chance you get, but you should prioritize your comfort – backless looks expose a lot of skin and can leave you vulnerable to the cold.[14]
- Pin up your hair to highlight the style of your dress. You may have long, luxurious locks, but if they cover your entire back, there is not much point in wearing a backless dress. Choose a hairdo that sweeps your hair up and away in order to show off your back.[15]
- Updos often complement a backless gown. Try a sleek, simple bun, or attempt a more elaborate style involving twists or braids.[16]
- Try a half-up, half-down hairstyle for a demure, mysterious look. If updos aren't your thing, try keeping your hair partially down. Allow part of it drape down your back, but make sure that enough of your skin still shows through. Covering up slightly can heighten the attractiveness of a backless dress.[17]
- Try curling your hair in loose waves, then sweep it to the side and across your shoulder to reveal a section of your back.[18]
EditCaring for Your Skin - Use an antibacterial acne wash to clear and prevent breakouts. Even if you are not prone to back acne, regularly washing your back with an acne wash is a good way to ward off stray pimples and keep your skin looking smooth. Choose a formula that contains benzoyl peroxide for maximum effectiveness.[19]
- If you're having trouble washing the entirety of your back, try an antibacterial skin spray. These are easy to apply, and they pack the same cleansing punch as anti-acne soaps or scrubs.[20]
- Shed sweaty clothes to prevent back breakouts. Being active can increase the risk of developing acne on your back, shoulders, and chest. After getting sweaty, try to change out of your wet clothes and shower right away to clear away oil and bacteria from your skin. If you remember to do this each time you work out, you'll be more likely to have clear skin on your back, which will help you feel confident in your backless dress.[21]
- Avoid conditioners that contain panthenol to keep your skin clear. For some, products that contain this chemical can increase the risk of breakouts around the hairline and across the back. Skip these products if you can, or carefully wash your back with body wash or antibacterial scrub after rinsing the conditioner out of your hair.[22]
- Moisturize the skin on your back to keep it healthy and blemish-free. After you wash, apply a light moisturizer or lotion over your back to keep the skin from drying out. This is an especially important step for those who have dry or sensitive skin.[23]
- Using moisturizer soothes dry skin, but it can also prevent further acne breakouts. If your skin is dry, it produces more pore-clogging oil. Keeping your skin soft and hydrated with an oil-free moisturizer can curb excess oil and guard against resulting acne.
- Regularly look at your back in a full-length mirror to ensure that you feel ready to show it off. After you begin your skincare regimen, check up on your skin to make sure you'll be comfortable baring it in your backless dress. If you cannot see it by craning your head, use a hand mirror to assist you. Stand with your back to the full-length mirror and hold the hand mirror in front of you. Move the hand mirror around until you can clearly see the reflection of your back in the full-length mirror.[24]
EditReferences EditQuick Summary
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