Problem: Article: Jet is a form of coal made from fossilized wood. It was popular in the nineteenth century but is rarely seen today. Finding jet at a major retail jeweler will be difficult, and you may struggle to find it at a smaller jeweler, as well. Shopping online is your best option for new jet. Given its popularity in the past, however, you can also find it in antique jewelry sold at antique malls and vintage shops. Good jet has been polished until it gives off a matte or mildly glossy luster reminiscent of wax or velvet. It should not appear too shimmery, but it should not look too dull, either. If buying an antique piece, the polished luster may have worn off. Ask the merchant to quickly polish the gemstone to determine if the jet is real and able to be polished to its original condition. This gemstone has a very low density, so it is easy to wear even in large amounts. Jet has a low hardness and is easily scratched. A piece of jet jewelry that has been properly cared for should have minimal scratches, but do not be too surprised if you see a few light scratches on antique pieces.
Summary: Look for jet at antique shops and online. Know what you're looking at. Look for jet in large pieces. Check the stone for scratches.

Problem: Article: Sort through your ceramic goods one-by-one to appraise their quality. Keep an eye out for chipped, cracked, or broken pieces. Damaged items are less likely to be accepted.  Some thrift shops and secondhand stores will take lightly chipped or worn items, but others may not.  Taking a final inventory of your ceramics will also give you a chance to decide whether there’s anything among them you want to keep. Wrap each piece individually in foam wrap or newsprint before boxing it up. If you think its necessary, you can also surround your items with packing peanuts to provide additional cushioning. Having a protective layer in place will reduce the likelihood of mishaps while you’re en route.  Keep like items together as much as possible so they’ll be easier to unpack and organize once you get them to their new destination. Plastic milk crates are useful for transporting fragile items, as they’re sturdier than ordinary cardboard boxes and features built-in handles for gripping. Most used goods stores are happy to stock their shelves with cookware, serving dishes, and other crockery, provided they’re still in good condition. Even so, it’s a good idea to phone beforehand and ask them about their specific donation criteria. You don’t want to get there only to discover that they don’t accept items like the ones you’ve brought in. Donating your unwanted ceramics is the next best thing to having them recycled commercially. The next person that comes along may be delighted to own a piece that you’re no longer interested in keeping.
Summary: Perform a quick inspection of the items you want to consign. Pack up your ceramics safely. Take your items to a nearby thrift store.

Problem: Article: When it comes to tie dye, less is more. If you use too many colors, they will blend together and form a muddy color. Instead, choose 1 to 3 colors that you like. Make sure that the colors look nice together when mixed. Don't use opposite colors, like red and green.  For a bright combination, try red/pink, yellow, and orange. For a cool combination, try blue, purple, and pink. You will need 1 water bottle for each color that you are using. Close the water bottle, and shake it to mix the dye. Don't be afraid to mix colors together to great new ones. For example, red and blue make purple. Refer to the food coloring packaging for the appropriate amounts.  If your water bottle has a standard, flat cap (as opposed to a sports-type nozzle), poke a hole in the cap with a thumb tack.  You can use plastic squeeze bottles instead. You can find them in the baking section or the tie dye section of a craft store. Place the fabric on a tray or in an empty bucket. Squirt the dye onto the first tied-off section. Make sure that the color fills the entire section. Because the shirt is already wet from the vinegar-water solution, the dye should spread quickly. Food coloring can stain your hands. You might want to wear plastic gloves for this step. Use 1 color for each section that you tied off. You can do a random pattern, or you can do a specific pattern, such as blue-pink-blue-pink. If you are using just 1 color for the entire piece, then use that color for each section. Once you are done tie dyeing your fabric, flip the bundle over and check the back. If there are any white patches on the back, fill them in with more color. You can use the same pattern as you did for the front, or you can use a different one.
Summary: Choose 1 to 3 colors that go well together. Fill a water bottle with 1/2 cup (120 mL) of water and 8 drops of food coloring. Choose your first color and squirt it onto your first section. Repeat the process for the other tied-off sections. Tie dye the back of the fabric, if needed.

Problem: Article: Tear off 8 to 10 equal-sized pieces of aluminum foil; make sure that each piece is big enough to cover your face. Stack the pieces together, then press down on them.  Scrunch the pieces, then straighten them back out. This will help them "stick" together better. This will create the base of your mask. If you prefer, you can use a full-face plastic mask from the craft store instead. Click here to continue. Take the entire stack of foil, and place it over your face. Gently press down on the foil to mold it over your nose, mouth, and eye sockets. Be sure to mold it against the sides of your face too. The mask should cover your entire face, from hairline to chin. Use a hole puncher to make a hole on each side of the mask at about ear level. Cut two 22 in (56 cm) pieces of string, then tie each string to each hole. Fit the mask over your face, then tie the strings together into a bow at the back of your head.  If you prefer a decorative mask, hammer a nail into the wall, then hang the mask from the nail. Use thin ribbon for a fancier mask. Match the color to the embellishments on your mask.
Summary:
Stack 8 to 10 pieces of aluminum foil together to make a thick sheet. Place the foil over your face and mold it over your features. Poke holes in the sides of the mask, then add string, if desired.