In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: Rube Goldberg machines transform traditional building materials, everyday items, and unique objects into functional pieces of equipment that work together to execute a simple task. Spend time gathering items from around your house, purchasing materials from stores, and/or hunting for unique objects at flea markets. Possible building materials include:  Dominos Wooden boards Toilet paper rolls CDs or floppy discs Fans Toy cars Skateboards Action figures PVC pipe Duct Tape Peg boards Zip Ties Magnets Marbles String Get creative! Lay out all of your materials on your work surface. Once you’re organized, start playing with the items. As you experiment, combine the materials in unexpected ways to form chain reactions. While you work, keep a record of what combinations worked. Ask yourself questions throughout the process. What object can you use to send a car down a wooden ramp? What materials will you need to make a pendulum? What can you make with a lever, a marble, and an action figure? Rube Goldberg machines complete a simple task with a complex chain reaction. You can break down the chain reaction into several different steps, or phases. The steps are connected together by a link. When you design the machine, it is helpful to start with the last step and work your way to the first step. You can create the building plan by listing these steps or drawing the machine. For example:  Task: Pop a balloon. Step 3: A tack will pop the balloon. The tack will be attached to the front of a toy car. Link 1: The toy car will slide down a wooden ramp. Step 2: A pendulum will swing into the car and push it down the wooden ramp. Step 1: I will send the pendulum towards the car at the top of the wooden ramp. Sit down at your workspace with your notes and building plan. Quickly construct a prototype of your Rube Goldberg machine. This version of your machine doesn’t have to be perfect. You’ll build a final product later after you test it.  If you run into an issue, don’t panic. Return to your notes and see if you can combine the materials in a different way. If you are using tools, ask an adult for help.
Summary: Collect your materials. Experiment with the materials. Develop a building plan. Build a prototype.

Your die-cutting machine either came with a set of dies or has compatible sets for sale. Regardless of what type of material you’re cutting, you’ll need to choose your first design from your choices of dies. You’ll probably have many shapes to choose from; think about what you’re making and for whom as you decide what shapes to use.  You may be able to choose from flower shapes, hearts, stars, letters, spirals, or animals, depending on your die kit. Also consider what materials you have available when designing your project. Follow a layered sandwich pattern for what gets cranked through your machine. You will have a thick rubber or foam layer at the bottom that came with the machine. Lay your paper or other thin material you’re cutting on top of that, place your die where you want it to make a cut on your paper, and top it with another thick layer of foam.  Different machines can vary slightly. Follow the instructions on your particular machine for creating your die cut sandwich. Your machine came with all the rubber or foam layers that it requires – you just need to supply the material you’re cutting and choice of die from your die collection. Once you have your die cut sandwich assembled, begin turning the crank in the direction of the press. The tray of materials will move through the press, and the die will cut your paper or other material. If you’re using paper, you may hear the cut as it’s being made. Continue cranking until the tray is all the way through the other side. Gently lift the top layers of foam and see if your shape cut fully on your paper or other material. If it did and you can lift the shape out from the rest of the paper, you’re done with that part and can move on to making a new cut depending on your project. If there are places on your shape that did not fully cut and are still attached to your material, you’ll need to move it back through the press. Without reassembling the layers of your sandwich, but simply laying the pieces back down how they were, begin turning your crank in the opposite direction. The press will make a second cut on top of the first one, hopefully getting all the shape’s edges to cleanly separate from the rest of the material. You can continue cranking the die cut back and forth through the machine. However, if it takes too many times to get your final cut, you may be using a material that’s too thick for your machine.
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One-sentence summary -- Choose your first designs to cut from your die set. Sandwich your die and material between foam layers. Turn the crank slowly. Check to see that the material cut all the way through. Turn the crank the other way if you need to cut the shape again.

Problem: Article: If you love wearing a big, cozy scarf, but you don’t like to have the ends hanging down, a brooch is the perfect solution! Wrap the scarf comfortably around your neck, then use the brooch to pin the end of the scarf in place. This will add a pretty touch that’s as functional as it is stylish! You can pin the scarf in the center of your chest, or you can add the brooch closer to your shoulder if you prefer. A jeweled brooch can make the perfect hair accessory. For a simple way to tuck your brooch into your hair, pin the clasp to a headband or pass it through a ribbon. Then, slip on the headband or tie the ribbon around your hair for a unique new hairstyle! If you want to wear your brooch but you don’t want to put holes in your clothes, try wearing it as a necklace instead. Attach it to a chain, a string of pearls, or even a piece of ribbon to create a one-of-a-kind necklace you can wear anywhere.  To make your brooch into a choker, attach it to a narrow piece of ribbon or velvet that’s long enough to wrap around your throat. Make a smaller brooch into a pendant by attaching it to a long chain. Dress up your flats, loafers, or even a pair of canvas sneaker by pinning on a pair of matching brooches. Then, plan your outfit so the colors will coordinate with your sparkly shoe decorations! For example, if you add matching bright red brooches to a pair of black flats, you might then choose a pair of black skinny jeans, and a black shirt with red details. You can add a brooch to almost any hat to give it a little extra style. Just push the pin through the hat material and fasten the hat securely.  Use a pretty jeweled brooch to dress up a cozy knit hat during the winter. Add a whimsical brooch to the side of a bowler hat or a fedora for a look that’s smart and playful. Add extra flair to a simple bag by pinning on a decorative brooch. Try pinning it where the strap is attached, to the center of the bag, or on the purse flap. Avoid using a brooch that’s highly valuable. If you brush your bag against something, you could accidentally knock the brooch off or damage the clasp.
Summary:
Use a large brooch to secure the end of a scarf. Pin your brooch to a headband or ribbon to wear it in your hair. Make your brooch into a necklace to make it more versatile. Wear identical brooches on the tops of your shoes to add a unique twist. Add flair to your favorite hat with a unique brooch. Decorate a plain purse with a large brooch.