| How to Make a Hammock Posted: 23 Aug 2020 01:00 AM PDT Hammocks are the ultimate symbol for the outdoor rest fan. They're portable beds, easily strung up between two sturdy long structures from trees to poles. Making your own is an art and there are many ways to give this a go. [Edit]Fabric Hammock for Frame Using a piece of strong and interesting fabric, you can make this fine hammock to grace any backyard. This hammock can be hung on a hammock frame. - Cut the fabric. Measure the fabric to 225cm/88.5 inches long and 128cm/50.3 inches wide, then cut.
- Turn under the seam allowance at both the top and bottom of the fabric length. Make this 1.25cm/0.49 inches and do it twice. Sew in place.
- Along the long side, turn in 6.25cm/2.4 inches each side, twice. Sew in place. This forms the casing for the ropes.
- Measure the tab-top tape across each short end and cut. Pin in place at each end, then turn under and stitch to the first fabric piece. Use strong stitching and do two rows for added strength.
- Do not sew across the rope casings on each long side.
- Cut the piece of dowel into two even halves. Drill an 8mm/0.31 of an inch hole at each end of the dowel, 3cm/1.1 inches in from the ends.
- Push the first half of the dowel through the base tabs of the hammock. Then thread the other dowel through the top end.
- Prepare the ski rope. Cut the rope to 9 meters/354 inches. Singe the ends to stop fraying (use a lighter, hot plate or candle flame).
- Place the hammock on a flat surface such as a clear long table or the floor.
- Patiently thread the rope through the first hole of one dowel. Then push the rope all the way down the casing and up through the exact opposite dowel hole at the other long end of the hammock.
- Pull the rope over and leave about 1.6 meters/62 inches of it out. Then, thread the rest of the rope down through the other dowel hole on the same short side, then through the casing down to the other dowel hole at the beginning end.
- The two loose ends of the rope (the other end is an unbroken arc) should measure about 1 meter/39 inches each. Adjust if needed.
- Hold one end of the rope about 8cm/20 inches from its end. Pull the rope back on itself so that the weave opens. Push the singed rope end into the open weave at least 40-50 cm/15.7-19.5 inches. Press down on it, then tug tight. The rope will stay embedded and won't pull apart (test it by tugging).
- If the rope you're using does do this, tie a firm knot instead.
- Repeat at the end with the arc. Cut the rope in half, then wind the ends around the dowel at the one third and two thirds points of the dowel. Then open the weave as above, feed in the other rope end and pull tight to seal.
- You could also not create the loop. Instead tie large knots at the dowel entry point to prevent the rope from slipping through, then tie the loose ends around a large object such as a tree trunk or hang from hammock hangers attached to porch poles, etc.
- Adjust to ensure evenness. Hang the hammock on the hammock frame by looping it around the frame holes.
[Edit]Naval Hammock - Cut a canvas to measure 2 meters/6 1/2 feet by 1.2 meters/4 feet.
- Lengthen the measurements if tall people will be using the hammock. Bear in mind that 15cm/6 inches will be lost from making the hammock.
- Turn in the long edges of the canvas 3.8cm/ 1.5 inches. Sew a seam.
- Turn the short ends of the canvas in 3.8cm/1.5 inches. Press into place. Repeat one more time and press in place. Then sew the pressed ends together, using at least two or three rows of stitching. Keep the stitches at least 2.5cm/1 inch from the end, to leave space for the grommets.
- Mark 20 evenly spaced spots along each end of the hammock. These mark the grommet placement.
- Use an invisible fabric marker or tailor's chalk.
- Punch the grommets into place along the marks.
- Cut the rope. Cut it into 10 smaller ropes, each 2.7 meters/9 feet long.
- Braid the rope into harnesses. The most typical macrame braid is the clew knot:
- Fold the cords in half.
- Mount the folded cords to the ring with a larks head knot.
- Slip the ring over an upturned milkshake cup or secure to the work surface in some other way.
- Spread the cords out and straighten them.
- Number the ends of the cords 1 through 20.
- Weave the clew knot using all of the cords - see How to weave a clew knot for precise details.
- Attach the unwoven ends of the rope to the relevant grommet. Use the instructions in How to make a clew knot to get it correct. When adding the ropes, use a strong knot, such as a bowline knot. Pull taut to tighten and test the strength of the hammock.
- Hang from trees or poles. Tie tightly. Test for weight suitability before lying in it.
[Edit]Simple Tarp or Blanket Hammock This simple hammock is lightweight, portable and an ideal solution if you need to camp in the woods. - Select either a tarpaulin or blanket for making this hammock with.
- Cut the tarp or blanket to size. This is optional, only if needed. Allow for sag in the middle, below your feet and above your head before choosing to cut.
- If you want to be able to use the item again for its original purpose, avoid cutting it.
- Pull one end of the tarp or blanket together in a bunch. Tie this together with either a lark's head knot or clove hitch using strong rope.
- Wrap the rope around a tree several times. Then send it across to the opposite tree or anchor point. Repeat the wrap and tying process at the other end of the tarp or blanket. This will ensure a taut line is drawn above the hammock bed, which you can pull on to get in and out of the hammock. It also provides a place to hang a rain fly.
- If you don't want the fly rope, you can always cut your rope in two, keeping the head and foot sections separate.
- Use the tarp as a rain fly. If the tarp is twice as long as you are, double it over and hang above the hammock. This will create a fly for keeping off rain or for providing shade.
- If you weigh 200 pounds/90kg or more, get some extra straps and sew them to the bottom of your hammock for added strengthening.
[Edit]Things You'll Need Fabric hammock: - 2.3 meters/90.5 inches of 150cm-wide/59 inch-wide strong fabric (the fabric must be strong enough to hold your weight, think canvas, denim, etc.)
- 2.1 meters/82.6 inches of ready-made tab-top tape
- Matching thread
- 2 meters/78.7 inches of 30mm/1.1 inch dowel
- 13 meters/511 inches of 8mm/0.31 of an inch nylon ski rope
- Electric drill with 8mm drill bit
- Pillow, blanket
Naval hammock: - 2 meters x 1.2 meters/ 6 1/2 feet by 4 feet canvas
- 60 meters/200 feet rope (braided clothesline, climber's rope, etc.)
- Sewing machine, strong thread
- 40 grommets, no. 1 burred
- Grommet die
- Hole cutter
- Metal ring
Simple tarp/blanket hammock: - Old blanket or tarp (something that will hold your weight)
- Cordage or rope (for securing to tree, boulder, truck)
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References - Fabric frame hammock adapted from: Better Homes & Gardens Australia magazine
- Navy hammock researched from Denison Andrews Hammock: How to Make Your Own and Lie In It, (1978), ISBN 0-89480-028-0
[Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make an Infinity Mirror Posted: 22 Aug 2020 05:00 PM PDT An infinity mirror is an optical illusion that you can put up in your home as a fun and interesting décor item. It's made in a shadowbox frame with a mirror in the back, some LED lights around the middle, and a partially reflective mirror in the front. The light between the two mirrors gives the illusion that the lights trail off to infinity, even though the mirror may not be actually deeper than a couple of inches. Making an infinity mirror is simple, as long as you follow the right steps in order. When you're finished, you'll have a cool piece that your guests will admire and envy! [Edit]Setting up the Frame and Glass - Purchase a wooden shadowbox frame at least in depth. A shadowbox is an enclosed glass front picture frame that is wide enough to hold and display items. You can purchase one at most craft stores, and you can choose any size that you prefer for your space. Make sure the frame you choose should is at least in depth in order to accommodate the LED lights you will use later.[1]
- Make sure your shadowbox has a removable interior frame. You will use it to insert the LED lights between the glass panel and the mirror.
- Disassemble the shadowbox and remove the glass. Once you have the shadowbox frame you're going to use, turn it around so it's face down. You will see some small metal tabs around the perimeter. Move each one up and out of the way so you can remove the wooden backing of the frame. Then, remove the glass and set it aside.[2]
- Remove the glass very carefully to avoid breaking it.
- Obtain a sheet of silver 80% reflective film and cut it to fit the glass. For this project, you'll need a sheet of silver reflective film to make the glass slightly reflective and to get the full effect of the illusion. Place the glass on top of the film, trace the outline with a marker, then cut on the line with a pair of scissors.[3]
- The purpose of the film over the glass is to create a two-way mirror that is transparent on one side and reflective on the other. Glass is not reflective, so you need to put a reflective film over it so that it is just slightly transparent. When the LED lights bounce back and forth between the two-way mirror and the regular mirror, you get the fascinating infinity effect.
- You can find the reflective film at any craft store or online. You can also use car window tint film from an auto parts store.
- Clean the glass and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Before applying the film, make sure your glass is clean. Spray it with glass cleaner and wipe it with a microfiber cloth. Turn it over and clean the other side as well. When you're finished, check that there is no dust or streaks on the glass. Complete your cleaning on a large flat surface, and rub gently to avoid breaking the glass.[4]
- Peel the film and spray it with soapy water. Grab one corner of the film and start to slowly remove the backing. If you do it too quickly, the film might tear. As you peel, wet the film with soapy water from a spray bottle. This will help to prevent the film from sticking to itself as you unpeel it.[5]
- Spray the glass with soapy water and apply the film to it. Before placing the film, spray your glass sheet with the soapy water. This will help to ensure a smooth application. Place the film over the glass, making sure it is centered. Then, use a credit card to smooth the film on the glass and squeeze out any creases and air pockets.[6]
- Let the film dry for 2 hours, then place the glass back in the frame. After fitting the film to the glass, you'll need to let it dry completely before putting it in the frame. When it's finished, put your shadow box frame face down and put the glass back inside. Make sure the tinted side of the glass is facing upwards so it faces the mirror at the back of the frame when you put it in.[7]
[Edit]Placing the Mirror and the Lights - Obtain a mirror and polish it with glass cleaner. Purchase a plain mirror tile without a frame at a home furnishing or craft store. Make sure it has the same dimensions as the glass sheet in your shadowbox. Spray the mirror with glass cleaner and wipe it with a paper towel or microfiber cloth so it is streak-free.[8]
- If you can't find a mirror that fits your size frame, you can go to a home improvement store and get one cut for you.[9]
- Measure the interior frame of the shadow box and cut the LED rope to fit inside. Using a ruler or measuring tape, determine the length of the inner 4 sides of the interior frame. Jot down the dimensions and cut the LED lights to fit. Then, unpeel the backing of the lights and stick it inside the edges of the inner frame where you just measured.[10]
- There are a variety of LED lights you can choose from. They can be one color, white, or multi-color.
- The LED strip will have black lines that indicate where you can cut it. Make sure you only cut the lights where it is indicated on the strip. If you don't, the lights may not work when you turn them on. If you have a few extra LEDs that don't fit inside the frame, you can wrap them around the edge of the mirror and stick them to the back.[11]
- Replace the interior frame pieces in the shadowbox. Put the frame pieces back in the shadowbox so they will sit between the glass and the mirror. Be gentle when putting them back in the frame so you don't mess up the lights you just placed.[12]
- This positioning between the two mirrors will give the illusion that there are multiple rows of lights instead of just one.
- Create a gap in the frame for the LED external wire with a saw. Your LED lights are attached to a wire so they can be plugged in and light up your infinity mirror. Find a spot in the bottom corner of the frame and use a saw to make a gap wide enough to fit the wire. This will allow the wire to fit nicely and the frame will sit evenly on the wall. To use the saw, hold it with your dominant hand and use your other hand to hold the frame steady. Then, slowly move it back and forth until you create a gap at least wide.[13]
- Be careful when using the saw. Move it slowly so you do not cut through the frame.
- Place the mirror in the shadowbox frame. You're almost finished! Grab your mirror and place it in the shadowbox frame. Make sure the solid side is facing upwards and the reflective side is facing downwards toward the LED lights and glass.[14]
- Fold the metal tabs to close the shadowbox. Once your glass and mirror are in place, make sure to close the back of the shadowbox. Most frames have small metal tabs that can be pushed in to secure the back of the interior pieces. Replace those tabs that you moved previously to disassemble the shadow box by folding them down over the back of the mirror. When you hang your shadowbox up, the contents will stay in place. Then turn on the LED lights and enjoy your infinity mirror![15]
[Edit]Things You'll Need - 1 shadowbox frame
- Glass cleaner
- Paper towels or microfiber cloth
- 80% reflective film
- Marker
- Scissors
- Spray bottle filled with soapy water
- Saw
- 1 Mirror (same size as the shadow box)
- 1 reel of 12 volts LED rope
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Eat for Gut Health Posted: 22 Aug 2020 09:00 AM PDT Your gut health is very important for your overall health and wellbeing. Poor gut health could cause pain, discomfort, gas, and even diseases like irritable bowel syndrome. The good news is that your diet plays a huge role in your gut health, so by following the right diet, you could improve your condition significantly. There are a few important guidelines to follow so you eat the right foods and avoid harmful ones. With some discipline, you can design a diet that's best for your gut health. [Edit]Following the Right Diet - Eat at least 30 grams of fiber every day. Fiber helps food and waste move through your digestive system, making it a very important nutrient for your digestive health. Most people don't get enough fiber, so if you're having any digestive issues, then increasing your fiber intake is a good first step. Get at least 30 grams of fiber every day to keep your digestion moving smoothly.[1]
- Some of the best fiber foods are beans, legumes, leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, nuts, whole wheat or whole grain breads, and fortified cereals and oatmeal.
- Some signs that you don't have enough fiber in your diet are constipation, gas, bloating, and abdominal pain.
- Consume at least 7 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. A mostly plant-based diet is best for your digestive health. You don't have to become a vegetarian, but eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can. Try to include 1 or 2 fruit and vegetable servings with each meal, as well as snacking on some throughout the day.[2]
- Fresh varieties of fruits and vegetables are better than frozen or canned, but these preserved types will also work.
- Dried fruits like raisins are a great snack and easy way to add more fruit to your diet.
- Make sure you check the added sugar content in canned or cupped fruit. Sometimes it's stored in syrup, which adds a ton of sugar to your diet. Look for fruit stored in plain fruit juice or water instead.
- Replace white bread and flour with whole grain varieties. Whole grain products not only have more fiber than white products, but they also have more nutrients overall. Take note of all the white breads, rice, pasta, and cereals in your diet. Then go shopping and replace as many as you can with brown or whole wheat types instead.[3]
- For example, if you normally eat white bread, white rice, and regular pasta, switch to whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.
- White flour products also have a high glycemic index, meaning they make your blood sugar spike. This can set you up for diabetes later in life.
- Get your animal protein from lean sources. Lean protein sources like poultry and fish have less saturated fats and chemicals than red or processed meats. This is better for your digestive system, and also for your overall health. Try to limit your meat servings to 3 per day for the best digestive health.[4]
- If you want to eliminate meat altogether, you can get plenty of protein from other sources. Beans, eggs, nuts, quinoa, lentils, and soy are all packed with protein.
- Include probiotic foods to increase the good bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are healthy bacteria that are good for your gut health. They live in your digestive system naturally, but you can boost their numbers with foods high in probiotics. Try adding more of these foods to your diet to support the healthy bacteria in your system.[5]
- Fermented foods often contain probiotics. Try eating sauerkraut, kefir, tempeh, miso, kimchi, kombucha, or Greek yogurt.
- Remember that you can overdo it with probiotics too. If you experience increased gas or bloating that lasts for more than a few days, then reduce your intake of probiotic foods.
- Mix in some prebiotic foods to feed healthy guy bacteria. While probiotic foods add good bacteria to your gut, prebiotics are food for the good bacteria that are already there. This supports the growth of more good bacteria in your gut so it outnumbers any harmful bacteria in there.[6]
- Some good prebiotic foods include oats, asparagus, dandelion greens, leeks, garlic, flaxseed, bananas, and apples.
- Stay hydrated to keep your digestion moving smoothly. Water helps food move through your digestive system, and dehydration can cause constipation and abdominal pains. Drink 8-10 glasses of water every day to stay well-hydrated.[7]
- It's also a good idea to drink a glass of water after eating. This aids in the digestive process.[8]
- This 8-10 glasses recommendation is just a guideline, and you might need more if you live in a hot climate or are physically active. Drink enough so your urine is light yellow and you don't feel thirsty.
[Edit]Cutting Out Problem Foods - Avoid processed foods to maintain a good bacterial balance. Highly processed foods can change the balance of good and bad bacteria in your gut, leading to poor gut health.[9] As much as possible, stick to foods that are made from fresh ingredients. Avoid things like:
- Processed meats, such as hot dogs or packaged lunch meats
- Prepackaged snacks and desserts, like potato chips or packaged cookies and pastries
- Canned soups or pastas
- Microwaveable frozen dinners
- Eliminate as much added sugar as you can. Sugar can not only upset your stomach, but it's also food for harmful bacteria in your GI tract. Sugar also contributes to weight gain, which affects your digestive health. It's best to cut out as much added sugar as you can. Avoid desserts, sodas, and sugary cereals, and control the amount of sugar you add to coffee or tea.[10]
- Added sugars are different from naturally occurring sugars, like the ones in fruit. Added sugars are the ones you have to limit.
- Get into the habit of checking nutrition labels on everything you buy. A lot of foods have added sugars that you might not expect, like yogurt with fruit on the bottom.
- Reduce your intake of fatty or greasy foods. These ingredients, especially saturated fats, are harder to digest. They increase your stomach acids and can cause heartburn. Try to avoid fried, cured, or processed foods as much as possible, especially meat. Replace them with lean meats or plant sources instead.[11]
- If you eat poultry or fish, try removing the skin to consume less fat.[12]
- White meat on poultry has less saturated fat than brown meat.
- Try using cooking spray instead of oil or butter to reduce your fat intake.
- Eat only 2 servings of red meat per week. Red meat contains a lot of saturated fats and chemicals that can upset your stomach. High consumption of red meat is associated with a higher incidence of colon cancer and other GI problems. If you regularly eat red meats, reduce your consumption to 2 servings per week at most.[13]
- Although pork and lamb are often considered white meats, nutritionally, they're red meats and the USDA classifies them as such.[14]
- Replace your red meat servings with white meat poultry or fish instead.
- Limit your caffeine intake if it bothers your stomach. Some people are more sensitive to caffeine than others. They may experience heartburn, bloating, or diarrhea if they drink too much of it. If you notice GI issues after having caffeine, then reduce your consumption to 1 or 2 drinks per day to see if that helps.[15]
- Remember that coffee isn't the only drink that contains caffeine. Tea, energy drinks, and soda have it also.
- Drink alcohol in moderation to avoid heartburn. Alcohol commonly causes an upset stomach and other digestive trouble. If you regularly drink, limit your consumption to an average of 1-2 drinks per day to avoid problems.[16]
- Avoid binge drinking as well. Even if you don't drink regularly, overdoing it one night will probably upset your stomach for a while.
- Some people are more sensitive to alcohol than others. If you regularly get heartburn while drinking, then it's best to cut alcohol out altogether.
[Edit]Adding Supplements - Use fiber supplements if you aren't getting enough from your diet. If you have problems with constipation and aren't getting enough fiber from your regular diet, then a daily fiber supplement can help. These usually come in powder form. Mix the powder into a glass of water and drink the whole thing once per day.[17]
- Confirm the dosing instructions on the supplement that you use, since different brands might have different directions.
- Starting on fiber supplements usually causes excess gas for a few days, so start small at first. Take half the recommended dosage until you get used to it.
- Doctors usually recommend that you get as much fiber as possible from your diet before starting on supplements. Try to make dietary changes first and see if that helps.
- Take probiotics to increase your good gut bacteria. If you aren't getting enough probiotics from your regular diet, then you can boost the good bacteria in your gut with probiotic supplements in pill form. Get a product with at least 1 billion live cultures and take it as often as the package directs you to.[18]
- Probiotics are usually safe, but check with your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Some gas and bloating are common when you start taking probiotics. This should clear up in a few days when your body gets used to the supplements.
- There are many probiotic brands available. It's best to search online and see which specific brands have been studied in clinical trials to confirm which ones are effective.
- Try supporting your gut bacteria with prebiotic supplements. These supplements provide food for the good bacteria in your GI tract. There are many brands available, so, just like with probiotics, check which types have been studied. When you pick a brand, take it exactly as directed.[19]
- It's also common to experience some gas and bloating when you start taking prebiotics. Wait a few days to see if this passes.
- If you've improved your diet and lifestyle but still experience digestive issues, then see your doctor to rule out any underlying issues.
- Regular exercise is also important for your digestive health. Try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.
[Edit]Warnings - If you experience severe abdominal pain or swelling, bloody stool, or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, contact your doctor right away. These are potentially serious problems that you should try to treat at home.[20]
- Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements to make sure they're right for you.
- Smoking tobacco can harm the balance of healthy bacteria in your gut. If you smoke, talk to your doctor about the best way to quit. Quitting will help restore that balance and improve your overall health.[21]
- Never take antibiotics without a prescription from your doctor, since using antibiotics inappropriately can harm the beneficial bacteria in your gut.[22] Eventually, this can damage the lining of your intestine, which can cause a "leaky gut."
[Edit]References |
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