sexta-feira, 21 de junho de 2019


How to Curl Ribbon with Scissors

Posted: 21 Jun 2019 01:00 AM PDT

Whether you're wrapping a gift, putting up party decorations, or working on a craft project, a bouncy bundle of curled ribbon can be the perfect finishing touch. To create one, you'll just need a few strands of plastic curling ribbon and a pair of craft scissors. The technique involves firmly and slowly pulling the scissor blade along the underside of the ribbon. Snip off a few lengths of practice ribbon to try it out and soon you'll be impressing friends and family with festive, handcrafted ribbon curls.

EditSteps

EditCutting Curling Ribbon

  1. Purchase a roll of curling ribbon. You can find plastic curling ribbon in most craft stores and gift wrapping aisles. It's typically available in large spools of wide ribbon. Smaller rolled bundles of wide ribbon are also available.
    Curl Ribbon with Scissors Step 1.jpg
    • Curling ribbon can have a smooth or crimped texture.
    • Narrow curling ribbon intended for gift wrapping sometimes comes in shiny or metallic holiday colors.
    • Fabric ribbons can't be curled with scissors.[1]
  2. Measure out a length of curling ribbon. When you're practicing, experiment with different ribbon lengths to see how short they'll get once curled. If you want to create a specific length, measure out more than you think you'll need. As a rule of thumb, an uncurled strand of ribbon should be 3 to 6 times longer than the final curled strand.[2]

    Curl Ribbon with Scissors Step 2.jpg
    • Start with longer strands if you plan on making tight curls. For loose curls, you can use shorter strands.
  3. Cut the ribbon. Use craft scissors to cut the ribbon from the spool. It's ok to cut narrow ribbon straight across so that the ends are squared off. The blunt end won't be noticeable once you've finished assembling a curly bundle. But you can cut the ends of wider ribbon on a 45-degree angle to create an attractive finish.[3]

    • You can always go back and trim the curled strands of ribbon. This way you can make them shorter, or you can give them a different edge finish.

EditPositioning the Ribbon and Scissors

  1. Identify the natural curl of the ribbon. If your curling ribbon came on a spool or a rolled bundle, it will instinctively curl in one direction. Determine which way it's curling and plan to add curls in the same direction.

    • For instance, if the ribbon was rolled around a spool in a clockwise manner, it will form a loose clockwise curl even when you cut it off. But if you flip it over, it will have a counter-clockwise curl.[4]
  2. Grip a strand of ribbon in your non-dominant hand. Whether your ribbon is already tied onto a gift box or if it's a loose strand, firmly grip the base of the ribbon with your index finger and thumb.[5] Use your non-dominant hand for this, so your dominant hand is free to manipulate the scissors.

    • If you're right-handed, hold the ribbon in your left hand and the scissors in your right hand.
  3. Hold an open pair of craft scissors in your dominant hand. Carefully separate the blades. Grip your hands around the handles as well as the pivot point to keep the scissors open and stable. Position the scissors parallel to the floor or table, and make sure the blades are pointing towards your non-dominant hand.[6]

    Curl Ribbon with Scissors Step 6.jpg
    • You can use any type of straight-bladed craft scissors, but note that sharper metal blades will create tighter curls.[7]
  4. Place the dull side of the ribbon against the blade. Some curling ribbons are glossy or metallic on one side and dull on the reverse. Place the dull side flat on top of the inside of the lower scissor blade. Hold the ribbon down firmly using your thumb on your dominant hand.[8]

    • If your curling ribbon is the same on both sides, that's ok. Just curl the ribbon in the direction of its natural curl.
    • If you're following the natural curl of the ribbon, the loose end of the ribbon should be wrapping over and around the scissors (rather than up and away from the scissors) in this position.
    • The glossy side will end up on the outside of the curl and the dull side will remain on the inside.
  5. Extend the ribbon over the scissor blade at a right angle.[9] You should still be holding the base of the ribbon firmly with your non-dominant hand. Above the base, it should be pointing directly upwards. Make sure the horizontal scissor blade is perpendicular to this vertical length of ribbon, and that the rest is going directly over the scissor blade, parallel to the ground or table.[10]

EditCreating a Curl

  1. Pull the scissors up and out along the dull side of the ribbon. Keep the lower scissor blade in contact with the ribbon and maintain a firm grip on the base of the ribbon. Use your dominant hand to pull the scissors up and away from the base. The open blades will be facing towards you as you do this.[11]

    • During this process, you are slightly stretching out the outside of the ribbon and encouraging the inside to shrink in. As a result, the plastic will adopt a curly structure.[12]
    • Pull the scissors out and away from your body as a safety precaution.
    • While you should keep an eye on the blades, refrain from bringing your face too close to the scissors.
  2. Work slowly and with even pressure to draw the blade across the ribbon. Hold the ribbon against the scissor blade with your thumb as you go, maintain a consistent, moderately firm tension. Rather than pulling the scissors in one fast motion, keep your motions relatively slow and gradual.[13]

    • If you go too slow, you might accidentally flatten out the ribbon. Practice with different speeds to find the ideal pace that produces the best curl.
  3. Draw the blade across the entire length of the ribbon. To get an even, one-directional curl, start at the base and pull the scissor blade across the full length of ribbon until you reach the very end. Once you reach the end, release the ribbon and you'll see it spiral up into a curl.[14]

    • For very long strands of ribbon, you can work on curling short segments at a time. Each time, start where you left off.
  4. Repeat the process to get a tighter curl. If you missed part of the ribbon, or if you want to tighten the curl, you can run the scissor blade along the dull side of the ribbon once again. Work in the same direction during a second or third pass.[15] If the ribbon starts to shred or flatten out, discard it and start again with a new piece.

    • By going over part or all of the ribbon multiple times, you may end up with an irregular curl formation.[16] This may not matter if you're creating a dense bundle of curled ribbons, though!

EditAssembling a Curled Ribbon Bundle

  1. Create a bundle of multiple strands of ribbon before curling them. If you're wrapping a gift, use multiple strands of ribbon to tie up the box. Secure the ends in a knot at the top. Leave the loose ends long so that they create a voluminous curl. Cut some additional strands to the same length as the loose ends, and tie these over the knot as well to create a fuller looking bunch of curls.[17]

  2. Curl a series of loose strands of ribbon and secure them together. Use 1 color or many colors to create an attractive bundle of curls. After you've curled them all, line them up parallel to each other. Find the center point and create a single knot there. Or, you can knot them together at one end for a curled ribbon tassel.[18]

    • When creating a knot, you might be worried about ruining the curls. Luckily, curling ribbon is pretty resilient. Once it's been curled you'll have a hard time flattening it out!
  3. Tie the bundle to an anchor point using a short length of ribbon. If you're attaching the ribbon bundle onto something that has an anchor point of some sort, such as a gift box that already has some ribbon around it, or a gift tag with a hole at the top, knotting is the best way to secure it. Cut a small length of the same curling ribbon and wrap it around both the anchor point and the ribbon. Tie a double knot and trim the ends short. You won't even notice it![19]

    • Curled ribbons also look pretty dangling from balloons and party chairs. Tie them on using a small length of ribbon in a similar manner.[20]
  4. Attach the ribbon bundle onto something else by taping or stapling it. If you're attaching the ribbons onto a paper craft project or another surface, place a short, narrow length of adhesive tape over the knotted part of the bundle and secure it onto the object's surface.[21] Or, you can punch a staple through the ribbon bundle's central knot and the paper.

    • Make sure both of the ends of the staple have gone completely through the ribbon so it doesn't come loose.
  5. Arrange the curls in an attractive design. If you've used lots of strands of ribbon, you can fluff them around to achieve a loose, bouncy explosion of curls or a tight, orderly arrangement. Tuck different strands of ribbon over and under other ones. Blend together different colors and make sure the glossy side faces out. Hide the loose ends in the bundle, or pull them out and trim them on a 45-degree angle.[22] Most importantly, have fun arranging your ribbon curls!

    Curl Ribbon with Scissors Step 17.jpg
    • Wind individual strands around your index finger and gently elongate them to re-orient curls that may have gotten twisted up.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Curling ribbon
  • Scissors
  • Tape or a stapler (optional)

EditReferences


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How to Open a Pomegranate

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 05:00 PM PDT

Pomegranates are a delicious, nutritious fruit, but getting them open can seem tricky. Fortunately, there are a few simple techniques for opening this yummy fruit. If you just want to eat it, it's easiest to make shallow slices with a knife and then pull the fruit apart. If you want to remove the seeds, you can halve the pomegranate, then either submerge it in water or hit it with a spoon.

EditSteps

EditCutting Vertically

  1. Roll the pomegranate on your cutting board to loosen the seeds. Flatten your hand and press it over the top of the fruit. Use a firm pressure to push down on the pomegranate as you roll it over the surface of the cutting board.[1]

    • This will make it much easier to remove the seeds.
  2. Position your pomegranate in the middle of the cutting board. Use a plastic or wooden cutting board when opening a pomegranate. Since pomegranate juice stains pretty much everything, you may want to protect your cutting board with a cloth.[2]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 2 Version 4.jpg
    • Additionally, it's helpful to wear rubber gloves while you're cutting a pomegranate, as your fingers might get stained.
  3. Cut the top (flower) off of the pomegranate. The top is also called the flower. Use a knife to remove the top of the pomegranate, where the nub from the stem remains. Then, pop it off like a lid. Discard it in your compost or trash.[3]

    • You might also remove the bottom of the pomegranate, but this is completely optional.
  4. Slice the pomegranate in half, along the ridges. Look inside your pomegranate and find the natural boundaries that separate the seeds, which will be white. These are the ridges. Align your knife with the centermost ridge, then slice through.[4]

    • You don't want to cut through the seeds of the pomegranate, only the white parts that make up the ridge.
  5. Cut each of the ridges to create 5 slices for easy eating. Slice your knife through each white barrier inside the pomegranate, which separates the seeds. This should create 5 slices, which will be connected at the bottom. Pull off each piece to eat the seeds.[5]

    • You can scoop the seeds out with a spoon or pick them out. The white part is bitter and fibrous, so it's best to avoid eating it.
    • The open pomegranate will look like a flower or star.
  6. Tear the pomegranate apart if you just want to remove the seeds. Use your hands to gently rip the pomegranate into 2 halves. They may not be even halves, depending on where the ridge was located inside the pomegranate.[6]

EditCutting Along the Side

  1. Roll your pomegranate on the cutting board to loosen the seeds. With a flat palm, apply gentle pressure along the side of the pomegranate. Continue to press firmly against it as you roll the pomegranate over your clean cutting board.[7]

    • This will make it much easier to remove the seeds.
  2. Put your pomegranate on its side on a cutting board. Place the pomegranate so that the fleshy side is facing the cutting board. The ends of the pomegranate should be sticking out. You may want to place a towel under the pomegranate, as the juice stains.[8]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 8 Version 3.jpg
    • It's a good idea to wear rubber gloves, as pomegranates can stain your fingers.
  3. Make 3 shallow slices down the middle, at the top, and at the bottom. Slice the center first, then make 2 cuts approximately from both the top and bottom. Cut just into the skin of the pomegranate, careful not to cut down into the seeds. The fruit should still be in one piece after you make the cuts.[9]

  4. Tear or cut off the top and bottom of the fruit. You should be able to pop the top and bottom off like a lid. Then, discard them in your compost or trash bin. You should be able to see the seeds. If not, pull away any flesh that's still covering the seeds.[10]

    • On the top, a bit of the calyx, which is the name of the stem or crown, may still be lodged into the fruit. If it is, remove it gently.
  5. Turn the pomegranate so the cut sides face out, then slice again. Make the same shallow cuts that you did before. Be sure that you don't cut all the way through the fruit, as you don't want to cut the seeds.[11]

    • This will make it easier to pull your pomegranate apart to eat it.
  6. Roll the pomegranate to the other side, then make a shallow cut. Just like before, your cut should only pierce the skin. Don't push your knife all the way through the fruit.

    • At this point, your pomegranate will be exposed on the top and bottom. Additionally, it will have 4 shallow cuts along its skin.
  7. Use your thumbs to pull the pomegranate apart. Stick your thumbs into the center cut, then tear the pomegranate into 2 halves. Next, push your thumbs into the other 2 shallow cuts you made and tear apart the slices. This will create several small chunks of pomegranate, which you can eat.[12]

    • You should see lots of tasty seeds inside your pomegranate pieces.

EditSubmerging in Water to Remove Seeds

  1. Fill a large bowl with fresh, cool water. Use clean water, as you'll be consuming the pomegranate seeds. Add enough water to the bowl to cover both halves of the pomegranate.[13]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 14 Version 2.jpg
  2. Make a shallow cut down the side of your pomegranate. There's no need to cut off the top or bottom if you're just removing the seeds. Just make a thin cut through the skin of the pomegranate. Don't cut deeply, as you don't want to cut the seeds.[14]

  3. Use your thumbs to tear the pomegranate into 2 halves. Dig your thumbs into the side of the pomegranate, then gently pull the fruit apart. The sides should be roughly even, but it's okay if they're not.[15]

    • Removing the seeds will be easier if the pieces are even.
  4. Place the 2 halves in the water. After it's been in the water for a few minutes, you'll start to see the white parts, called the pith, floating away from the pomegranate. As it does, the seeds will come out.[16]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 17 Version 2.jpg
  5. Use your fingers to nudge the seeds free, if they're stuck. The white pith will float and the seeds will sink. When most of the seeds are out, you'll be able to invert the skin to get out the remaining seeds. When you're finished, you'll be left with the skeleton of the pomegranate, like two inverted caps.[17]

    • You may need to pull some seeds out of the pith, if they're stuck.
  6. Strain the pomegranate seeds into a bowl. Take out the skin, then skim off the white pith. Throw these in your compost or trash bin. Then, slowly pour the water and pomegranate seeds over a kitchen strainer. This will collect the seeds, which you can place in a bowl for use.[18]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 19 Version 2.jpg

EditRemoving the Seeds with a Wooden Spoon

  1. Make a shallow slice in the side of your pomegranate. Use a knife to just cut through the skin itself. Don't cut through the pomegranate, as you don't want to slice through the seeds.[19]

  2. Use your thumbs to pull your pomegranate into 2 halves. Stick your thumbs through the slice, then tear the pomegranate apart. This should leave 2 separate slices that are nearly even.[20]

    • If the slices are uneven, that's okay. However, if one slice is very big, then it's best to pull it apart again. Simply slice through the skin, then tear it into 2 slices. This will make it easier to get the seeds out.
  3. Place one half, seed side down, over a bowl. Hold the pomegranate by the side or place it in your splayed palm. Position the fruit over a medium to large bowl that's big enough to catch the seeds as they fall.[21]

    Open a Pomegranate Step 22.jpg
  4. Hit the skin of the pomegranate with a wooden spoon. This will knock the seeds out of the pomegranate and into the bowl. Continue to hit the pomegranate until all of the seeds come out.[22]

    • Once you finish with one half, repeat the process to de-seed the other side.

EditVideo

EditWarnings

  • Pomegranates can easily stain anything their juice touches. Wear appropriate clothes and/or gloves while dealing with this fruit.
  • Be careful when handling a knife.

EditThings You'll Need

  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Bowl or plate
  • Rubber gloves (optional)
  • Bowl of water (for submerging method only)
  • Strainer (for submerging method only)

EditRelated wikiHows

EditQuick Summary

EditReferences


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How to Prepare for Summer

Posted: 20 Jun 2019 09:00 AM PDT

Summer is a perfect time to go outside and soak up some sunshine. While it is great to take time for yourself to relax, you should also make time to go on adventures with your friends and family. Before summer arrives, it is important to plan out what you want to do, and what you hope to accomplish. Maybe you want to tackle a summer reading list and attend a concert, or maybe you want to enroll in an art class or pick up a summer job. With just a little preparation, you can set yourself up for a fun and productive summer.

EditSteps

EditUpdating Your Beauty Routine

  1. Unpack your summer clothing. Bring brightly colored prints and lightweight fabrics to the forefront of your wardrobe. Try on your summer clothes to see what still fits you, and take stock of any key items you might need to replace. If your summer clothing has gone untouched since last summer, make sure to wash anything that smells musty before wearing it out.[1]
    Prepare for Summer Step 1 Version 2.jpg
    • While you are rotating your summer clothing, see what you are willing to part with and donate it to a local thrift store. You may even find some summer clothing at the thrift store to bulk up your wardrobe.[2]
  2. Purchase a new swimsuit. To get yourself into the summer spirit purchase a new swimsuit that best represents your personality. You don't have to buy a two piece or even what is trending at the moment. Find a swimsuit that you will be comfortable in and will confidently wear out in public.[3]
    Prepare for Summer Step 2.jpg
    • If you don't own or can't find your sunglasses, make sure to purchase a new pair of those as well. Look for sunglasses that offer UV protection, or even visit your local ophthalmologist to get prescription sunglasses.
  3. Pick up a new bottle of sunscreen that is best suited for your skin. There are so many different types of sunscreen, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. Try and look for a sunscreen that has at least an SPF 30 protection. If you have fair skin, you may need a stronger SPF level or a sunscreen that has zinc in it to properly protect your skin.[4]
    Prepare for Summer Step 3 Version 2.jpg
    • Sunscreens can be greasy and clog your pores. If you have acne or sensitive skin, look for sunscreens that are manufactured by your favorite soap companies like Neutrogena or ones that are oil-free.
    • Some sunscreens even double as bronzers. If you want to protect your skin, and give it a golden glow, look for sunscreens with bronzer or tanning agents in them.
  4. Minimize your makeup routine to unclog your pores. When you sweat, your makeup can easily crease, flake off, and even clog your pores. Wearing less makeup will allow your pores to open and naturally produce sweat to keep your body cool.[5]
    Prepare for Summer Step 4 Version 2.jpg
    • If you want to wear makeup, opt for items that are waterproof. Even though it is a little more expensive and harder to take off, wearing waterproof makeup will prevent your mascara or liquid liner from running down your face when you sweat or take a dip in the pool.
  5. Soak up some sun poolside or in your backyard. Cold winters and rainy springs can seriously deprive you of vitamin D, so grab a towel or a chair and enjoy the sunshine. Just make sure to lather on sunscreen to keep your skin from burning or being damaged. Getting time in the sun can be fun and refreshing, but only if you do not get burned in the process.[6]
    Prepare for Summer Step 5 Version 2.jpg
    • Wear an SPF 30 sunscreen to protect your skin, and re-apply it every 2 to 3 hours.[7]
    • If you have particularly sensitive skin, consider sitting under an umbrella or wearing a large, floppy hat to protect your head and face. You can still feel the positive effects of basking outside even if you are not direct in the sunlight.

EditMaking Time for Self-Improvement

  1. Write out a personal summer reading list. Summer is a great time for you to unwind, relax, and read a good book. It is an easy activity to bring with you to the beach, to a coffee shop, or even to the park. Grab a pen and a piece of paper, and jot down some book titles that you have been wanting to read, but haven't had the chance to.[8]
    Prepare for Summer Step 6 Version 2.jpg
    • Once you have made that list, visit your local bookstore or go online and purchase your top literature choices. If you have access to a public library, go and check out books from there. This will allow you to catch up on your favorite book series, and save you some cash.
  2. Enroll in summer courses that are both fun and informative. Instead of lounging in the sun the whole summer, challenge yourself by enrolling in summer courses. These can be strictly education related courses that will get you ahead or catch you up in your schooling, or the courses can be on something fun that you have always wanted to learn.[9]
    Prepare for Summer Step 7 Version 2.jpg
    • Go online or ask an authority figure at your school to see what summer classes are offered. You can retake that history class you did not do so great in, or you can get ahead and enroll in an advanced math class. Some of the classes may even be offered in the evenings, or online.
    • Check with your local community center, or newspaper to see what seasonal courses are available. Maybe you want to learn how to play the guitar, brush up on your swimming skills, or even take an art class and learn how to paint beautiful landscapes.[10]
  3. Apply for a summer job so you have extra spending cash. Having a summer job is an easy way to earn a little cash over the summer, and build up your resume. If you are planning to go on vacation or attend a lot of ticketed events, you may just need the extra summer cash.[11]
    Prepare for Summer Step 8 Version 2.jpg
    • A lot of businesses and companies hire part-time workers during the summer to offset the influx of summertime customers. This is especially true if you live near a popular vacation spot like the shore. Check the classifieds section of your local newspaper, and see what businesses are hiring.
    • If you have a friend who is also looking for a summer job, see if you can find a place that is hiring for multiple positions. Working with a friend will help pass the hours, and give you both something to look forward to when heading to work.[12]
  4. Join a local gym or pick up a physical activity. Summer is a great time to start being more active, and develop a healthier lifestyle. You can join a local gym, or you can pick up a seasonal sport like badminton or volleyball. If gyms and seasonal sports don't seem appealing to you, take a walk or a bike ride through a local park. Do something that will get you moving, and something that you will enjoy.[13]
    Prepare for Summer Step 9 Version 2.jpg
    • Grab a friend or a family member to join you. Developing a healthier lifestyle does not have to be a solo act. You can just as easily go on a walk with a friend as you can alone. Having someone workout with you will also hold you more accountable until you develop the habit.[14]
  5. Cook some healthy summertime recipes. Instead of just opting for instant meals or junk food, print out some healthy recipes to cook this summer. Find recipes that you think will complement the activities you plan to do throughout the summer.[15]
    Prepare for Summer Step 10 Version 2.jpg
    • Recipes that involve a lot of fruits or vegetables will seem cool and refreshing in contrast the warm weather. Sweet and spicy barbeques will go great with large family gatherings.
    • To find some summertime recipes, visit your local library to check out some cookbooks, or go online to popular websites like The Food Network.[16]

EditPlanning for Summertime Activities and Events

  1. Search in advance for movies, concerts, or other events. Music festivals and major blockbusters thrive during the summer months. These can be easy and inexpensive experiences to have with family and friends. You can attend a fireworks display, or go and see a concert in the park. Look up the events ahead of time, so you do not miss out.[17]
    Prepare for Summer Step 11.jpg
    • A lot of local parks will host early morning or evening music concerts for free. You can mostly likely find a calendar of events with your local community center or through your local newspaper.[18]
    • Go on websites like Fandango or Movie Tickets to see what movies are coming out this summer. You may even be able to pre-order tickets to venues you think will sell out quickly.
  2. Schedule a day-trip to somewhere close by. If you are operating on a tight budget this summer, but still want to get away, plan a day-trip with a couple of friends or family members. Day-trips are great if you want to explore neighboring towns or your entire state, and you really only need a reliable car and a full tank of gas to do this.[19]
    Prepare for Summer Step 12.jpg
    • If your friends go with you, have everyone chip in for gas money. This will cut down on traveling costs for you, or for whoever else is driving.
  3. Budget and schedule a vacation to somewhere special. Sometimes the summer months are not enough of a vacation. Sometimes you need to physically go somewhere and experience something new. Start budgeting and planning your special summer getaway a few months in advance.
    Prepare for Summer Step 13.jpg
    • Planning your vacation early will not only save you money on transportation costs and lodging costs, but it might also guarantee that you get to participate in certain activities that need to be booked ahead of time.[20]
  4. Spend some quality time with your family and friends. Summer is a good time to catch up and make new memories with family and friends. Don't be quick to plan a summer centered on yourself. Spending time with the people you love can enhance an experience.[21]
    Prepare for Summer Step 14.jpg
    • Instead of routinely going to the cafe or to the park to read a book, invite a close friend for coffee, or gather some family members in the park for a picnic. These will be memories you can look back on fondly as the summer ends.
  5. Pencil in some lazy days for yourself. While it is good to make plans ahead of time, do not overbook your summer. Schedule in some personal lazy days for you to stay home, binge-watch television, play video games, or whatever it is that you want to do. The summer can go by extremely fast once you develop a routine, so make sure to take some time to relax as well.[22]
    Prepare for Summer Step 15.jpg
    • Your lazy days don't have to just be for yourself if you don't want them to be. Maybe you want to chill at home with some friends and have a movie night, or maybe you want to take your dog to the park to play. Just do something that will give you the needed time to relax.

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