INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The top, bottom, left, and right margins should each be 1 in (2.5 cm) wide. For most word processing programs, you can change the margins by heading into the "Page Layout" settings, usually located under a "File" menu. There should be a "Margins" heading in the dialog box. From there, change each margin to the appropriate size. From the first page on, your entire paper should be double-spaced. Note that you do not need to include any extra space at the end of a paragraph. For most word processing programs, you can change the spacing by going into the “Page Layout” settings, typically accessed from a “File” menu.” There should be a “Line Spacing” heading in the dialog box. Under that heading, select “2.0” spacing. The preferred font and size for MLA papers is 12-point Times New Roman. If you opt to use another font instead of Times New Roman, choose a font that is simple, easy to read, and not excessively large. A running header will appear on each page in the same spot. It should include your last name and the page number of each page, and should be positioned in the upper right corner of the page. Access the "Header and Footer" tool in your word processor, often found under the "View" menu. Type your last name and hit the page number icon in the options box to automatically insert the current page number on its corresponding page.

SUMMARY: Create 1 in (2.5 cm) margins. Double-space your paper. Use 12-point font. Create a running header.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Even expert cake decorators sometimes have dribbles of icing puddle or pool around the base of the cake. To create a clean edge between your cake and the surface it rests on, place the corners of four pieces of wax or parchment paper under your cake so the paper skirts the bottom edges of the cake. You should be able to easily remove any drips or messy frosting around the cake's base by pulling free the paper from underneath it. A crumb coat is a thin layer of frosting that you put on your cake before the main layer of frosting. When frosting your cake, crumbs can get stuck in your frosting, making it look less than great. Your crumb coat will trap these crumbs and keep your main layer of frosting looking clean and professional. Use a knife or offset spatula to apply your frosting, spreading it until you can see the cake underneath. Give your crumb coat a few minutes to set before you move on to your main layer of frosting. Vanilla buttercream frosting, as delicious as it may be, is fairly simple to make. For more complicated versions of icing or frosting, you may want to check out how to make icing or frosting. The following recipe only needs to be beaten together to a regular consistency in a mixing bowl: Softened butter (½ cup)Confectioners' sugar (4½ cups)Vanilla extract (1½ teaspoons)2% milk (5 to 6 tablespoons)  A few drops of food coloring in your icing can change plain white buttercream into whatever color best suits your cake design! To keep your frosting equally distributed, you should start from the top and spread small amounts frosting across your cake with your knife or offset spatula. As the frosting thins, you should scoop more of it from its container or mixing bowl with your knife of spatula, and continue to spread the frosting on you cake little by little until it is completely frosted.  Try not to apply too much frosting at once. This can sometimes make it difficult to achieve an even look. Wait until the top of your cake is done before frosting the sides. This way you'll have a more consistent look for your entire cake. A piping bag is flexible plastic container that you can fill with frosting. After loading the bag with frosting, you should cut the end of the bag that comes to a point to create a nozzle. Then all you need to do is squeeze the bag to force your icing out in a controlled stream. If you have trouble finding a suitable piping bag at your local grocery, you can make a homemade piping bag with a zippered plastic bag. Put icing in your baggie and seal the top firmly. Cut off the tip of one corner of the baggie and voila! Your homemade piping bag is finished. Beginning pipers might not yet feel confident piping a message freehand onto a cake. If you're one such person, you may want to sketch out the message in your frosting with a toothpick. This way you can follow your sketch with your piping bag and limit mistakes. You can use the end of your piping bag to direct your stream of frosting, or you can buy special tips to create special effects with your frosting. Some special effect tips you can use with your piping bag include:  Round tips, which are suited for lines, dots, and writing messages. Star tips, which are mostly used to create stars shapes, decorative shells, flowers, borders, and rosettes. Basket-weave tips, which are fitting for making lattices and lines that mimic ribbons, and other borders. You may need to wait until you graduate from beginner before you tackle any designs that are too complex, but with your piping bag you can create all sorts of shapes and designs. You can also make clever designs from a special, hardened sugar substance called fondant. You might even try:  Icing flowers Icing roses

SUMMARY: Prevent frosting splatter and runs with wax or parchment paper. Protect your frosting from crumbs with a crumb coat. Buy some icing, or make your own. Frost your cake evenly. Make or buy a piping bag. Model your messages before writing with frosting. Add details and a message with your piping bag. Border your cake, and add other edible designs.


INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Find an object with a sharp point, such as a needle or pen. Push the sharp end of the object carefully into the balloon until it creates a pop.  Make sure the balloon is attached to a surface or is being held securely so that you stab the balloon and nothing else. Scissors, safety pins, and forks also work well to pop balloons. If you have access to a lighter or matches, a small flame is enough to pop a balloon. Hold the balloon in 1 hand and turn on a lighter with the other hand, putting the flame close to the balloon until it pops. Always be extra cautious when dealing with fire and make sure that you know how to use a lighter or matches safely before using them at all. If the balloon isn’t already tied off, you can keep blowing air into the balloon until it eventually pops. Using a smaller balloon will make popping the balloon this way easier as the smaller balloon won’t be able to expand as much. To have a little bit of fun while popping a balloon, choose a game-like activity. This could be playing balloon darts where the balloons are secured to a board and you throw darts at the balloons to pop them, or trying to pop a balloon between your legs. Other games include standing back-to-back with someone with the balloon in the middle of your backs as you both try to pop the balloon by pushing back against each other.

SUMMARY:
Create an incision in the balloon for a quick pop. Burn the balloon using a lighter. Blow air into the balloon until it pops. Turn popping the balloon into a game.