Remove any tape, clothespins, or rubber bands first. Sand excess glue off with a file or a craft blade. Fill in any remaining gaps with modeling or epoxy putty. Use a mini metal spatula to smooth the putty down.  Wait until the putty cures before moving on. If the putty still is not smooth, you can sand it down with a file. If you painted your model previously, you will need to paint over the putty so that it blends in. Take out the instructions that came with your kit. Read through the instructions once more, then glue the individual parts together to build the model. Remember to apply the glue or cement to both parts before pressing them together. You may have to do this in several stages by completing smaller parts first, then assembling them into larger parts. How long this takes depends on the product that you are using, so read the instructions label carefully. Most model glues and cements will have 2 drying times: a handling time and a curing time. In this case, you should refer to the curing time. If you handle your model before the glue or cement is done curing, the model may fall apart. If you didn't paint your model earlier, now is the time to do so. If you already painted your model, inspect it carefully and note any areas with chipped or scratched paint. Fill these areas in using a small brush and matching paint. Allow the paint to dry completely before moving on. How you do this depends on the brand that you are using, so read the instructions carefully. In most cases, you'll need to dip the decal in water, then set it aside for 20 seconds. After that, you'll slide the decal off with tweezers, and place it onto the model. Trim the decals down with scissors before you begin. This will make them easier to work with and reduce seams and borders.

Summary: Fill in the gaps or sand off the excess glue. Assemble the parts to complete your model. Wait for the glue to dry and cure. Paint the model, if needed, or make any touch-ups. Apply any decals, if needed.


Lay your pre-washed and pre-dyed fabric over the overlapped sheets of plastic wrap. As with traditional batiking, you may use the single or double-spouted tjanting tool to create thin lines for designs. Use paint brushes to cover larger areas with the medium. Allow the medium to dry for approximately 30 minutes, though exact dry time depends on how thickly the medium was applied. Consider using stamps dipped in the medium to create a repeat pattern. You can use a stencil by placing it down on the fabric and dabbing the medium around it with a foam brush. Follow the instructions on the package to mix up the dye. If you are using a liquid dye, adjusting the water-to-dye ratio can create softer (add more water) or more vivid colors (add more dye). Dyes can be dribbled, painted, sprayed, or dabbed on. Consider mixing two or more colors together to create color variations. Once you have finished with your dye application, cover the fabric with plastic wrap and seal the edges. Place paper towels on the bottom of the microwave oven to protect against spills. Place your plastic-covered fabric in the microwave oven (you may need to fold the fabric) and cook on high for 2 minutes. Using thick rubber gloves, carefully remove the fabric from the microwave oven. The fabric will be hot, so use caution! Allow the fabric to cool for a few minutes before removing the plastic. Rinse your fabric under cool water until it runs clear. After you've removed the initial dye, wash the fabric in warm water with a mild detergent, and rinse. Dry your fabric.

Summary: Spread the plastic on your work surface. Create designs using the washable resist medium. Mix up your liquid dye. Apply the dye. Cover the fabric with plastic wrap. Nuke your fabric. Remove the fabric from the microwave. Wash and dry your fabric.


This method uses long, thin cuts and slices to give your shirt a drastic "destroyed" look. For this method, you'll want a t-shirt that you don't mind ruining. Preferably, the shirt should be solid-colored and bear no screen-printed design (screen prints can be tough and somewhat tricky to make clean cuts through). Congratulations - your shirt is ready to wear! Don't forget that this shirt exposes your midriff - if you're worried about breaking the dress code at your work or school, be sure to wear an undershirt!

Summary: Grab a suitable shirt. Wear your shirt with pride (and an undershirt).


Coffee contains oils, and it’s these oils that can stain your pot, especially if you leave coffee sitting in the pot for extended periods. To prevent stains from forming, don’t leave coffee sitting in the pot for more than 30 minutes.  This is especially important if there's only a small amount of coffee left in the pot, because the burner can make the coffee evaporate faster, and this will leave baked-on stains in the bottom of the pot. To avoid having leftover coffee in the pot, make only enough coffee to serve each person one to two cups at a time. Trace amounts of coffee left in the bottom of the pot can dry and bake on, and this will leave those annoying and hard-to-clean stains in the bottom of the pot. As soon as the coffee pot is empty, rinse it out with hot water to remove leftover coffee traces. Rinse the inside and outside of the pot so that spilled drips don’t stain the exterior of the pot. When you pour a coffee, there are often a few dribbles that spill down the side of the spout and onto the outside and bottom of the coffee pot. Over time, these can cause stains if they aren't addressed immediately. To prevent stains on the outside and exterior bottom of the pot, use a damp cloth to wipe drips from the outside of the pot after you pour each cup. Cleaning the coffee pot every day with soap and water will help to prevent difficult stains that can build up over time. Each morning, after you've made your final cup of coffee for the day, clean the inside and outside of the pot with hot soapy water and a cloth or brush.  When the pot is clean, rinse it with clean water and towel dry it to prevent water and mineral stains.  If you don’t have time to clean the pot in the morning, just rinse it out and clean it when you get home from work or school in the afternoon or evening.
Summary: Don’t leave coffee in the pot for extended periods. Rinse the pot when you're finished with it. Wipe up drips immediately. Clean the pot daily.