How to Use Aromatherapy for Headaches

How to Use Aromatherapy for Headaches



Aromatherapy is an alternative theatment that uses the highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process. Fresh scents are useful for alleviating tension and therefore aid in relieving headaches .







Things You'll Need:





chamomile essential oil




geranium essential oil




lavender essential oil




peppermint essential oil




rosemary essential oil




rose essential oil




marjoram essential oil







Preparation of Essential Oil Blend




1


Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type.





2


Measure and pour 20 ml of the carrier oil into a brown or blue glass bottle.





3


Choose an essential oil(s) based on the symptom and the effect you would like to achieve.





4


Use an eyedropper to add the essential oil (8 to 10 drops) to the carrier oil and make an aromatic oil blend .





5


Close the lid tightly and gently shake the bottle.





6


Label the bottle with the
date
, the name of the essential oil, the name of the carrier oil and the dilution.



Essential Oils for Headache




1


Use
lavender
and rosemary oils in a blend to relieve the stiff neck so often associated with a headache.





2


Apply your massage oil blend to the temples, forehead and to the base of the skull using circular pressure with your fingertips .





3


Massage your neck and shoulders, face and scalp as you apply an aromatic oil blend.





4


Apply a cold compress with 2 drops of peppermint oil added to the forehead.





5


Blend lavender and majoram oils to enhance their soothing and quieting effect.





6


Apply lavender oil to the temples to relieve headache.





7


Put a drop or 2 of lavender oil on your pillow to calm and quiet your mind.





8


Blend chamomile and geranium oil for its ability to calm and ease anxiety, as well as, stress related headaches.





9


Relieve a sinus headache by inhaling a few drops of marjoram from your handkerchief.





10


Use rose oil in your next facial oil to calm your nerves, lift your spirit and relieve your headache.








Tips & Warnings










Choose the essential oil(s) from the recommended ingredients that most appeal to you for your oil blend.








Avoid peppermint if you a using homeopathic remedies.








Avoid marjoram and rosemary oil if you are pregnant.








Avoid rosemary oil if your have high blood pressure or epilepsy.








Consult your physician and an aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.








Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.








Do not rub your eyes after using essential oils. (Rinse your eyes with cold water if you get any essential oil in your eye.)








Use a 1% dilution for
children
, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin.








Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, ie. oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.








Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames.








Keep essential oils away from children and pets.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12805_aromatherapy-headaches.html

How to Use Aromatherapy for Fatigue

How to Use Aromatherapy for Fatigue



Aromatherapy is an alternative theatment that uses the highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process. Invigorating oils help to stimulate and awaken the body and mind, as well as, to focus our concentration and awareness.







Things You'll Need:





clary sage essential oil




lemongrass essential oil




mandarin essential oil




peppermint essential oil




rosemary essential oil







Preparation of Essential Oil Blend




1


Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type.





2


Measure and pour 20 ml of the carrier oil into a brown or blue glass bottle.





3


Choose an essential oil(s) based on the symptom and the effect you would like to achieve.





4


Determine the # of drops of essential oil needed for your oil blend.





5


Use an eyedropper to add the essential oil (8 to 10 drops) to the carrier oil.





6


Close the lid tightly and gently shake the bottle.





7


Label the bottle with the
date
, the name of the essential oil, the name of the carrier oil and the dilution.



Essential Oils for Fatigue




1


Uplift the body and mind with an oil blend of geranium, bergamot and melissa.





2


Diffuse 4 drops of lemongrass oil into the air to counteract mental fatigue.





3


Refresh your mind with a blend of 5 drops of lemongrass and
rosemary
to 1 cup of water and mist as often as you need.





4


Inhale the steam of 4 drops of essential oil in a bowl of boiling water to stimulate your mind and invigorate your body with aromatherapy.





5


Massage your rosemary oil blend into the forehead and temples using a circular pattern with your fingertips.





6


Stimulate circulation and movement of energy with an invigorating scalp massage using a rosemary oil blend .





7


Alleviate nervous tension using mandarin oil in a massage blend for your back.





8


Calm your nerves and uplift your spirit while soaking in an aromatherapy bath of clary sage and rose oil.








Tips & Warnings










Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution.








Mix essential oils in small amounts (20ml) of carrier oil to prevent waste due to the dramatic decrease in the shelf life of diluted oils.








20 ml of blended oil is adequate for a full body aromatherapy massage.








Thicken your creams and lotions by adding a waxy plant extract called Jojoba.








Add wheat germ oil to blended oils to prolong the shelf life and to prevent them from becoming rancid.








Avoid sun lamps and exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours with mandarin.








Avoid Clary sage if you are pregnant.








Avoid the use a alcohol with Clary sage.








Avoid Rosemary if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or epilepsy.








Avoid peppermint if you a using homeopathic remedies.








Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.








Use a 1% dilution for
children
, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin.








Consult your physician and an aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.








Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, ie. oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.








Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames.








Do not use inhalation method if you have asthma.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12806_aromatherapy-fatigue.html

How to Use Aromatherapy for Depression

How to Use Aromatherapy for Depression



Aromatherapy is an alternative theatment that uses the highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants to treat symptoms and assist in the healing process. Treatments for depression are aimed at revitalizing the body and mind and lifting the spirits to promote a sense of wellbeing with beautiful scents. Invigorating oils help to awaken the body and mind.







Things You'll Need:





bergamot essential oil




clary sage essential oil




geranium essential oil




jasmine essential oil




orange essential oil







Preparation of Essential Oil Blend




1


Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type.





2


Measure and pour 20 ml of the carrier oil into a brown or blue glass bottle.





3


Choose an essential oil(s) based on the symptom and the effect you would like to achieve.





4


Determine the # of drops of essential oil needed for your oil blend.





5


Use an eyedropper to add the essential oil (8 to 10 drops) to the carrier oil and make an aromatic oil blend .





6


Close the lid tightly and gently shake the bottle.





7


Label the bottle with the
date
, the name of the essential oil, the name of the carrier oil and the dilution.



Essential Oils for Depression




1


Use a blend of bergamot, geranium and melissa to uplift your spirits.





2


Invigorate your body and mind while you massage the scented oil into your scalp using circular movements.





3


Revive and revitalize your energy by massaging your feet with the scented oil blend.





4


Take a refreshing bath with 5 ml of your oil blend added to the water.








Tips & Warnings










Choose the essential oil(s) from the recommended ingredients that most appeal to you for your oil blend.








Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution.








Mix essential oils in small amounts (20ml) of carrier oil to prevent waste due to the dramatic decrease in the shelf life of diluted oils.








20 ml of blended oil is adequate for a full body aromatherapy massage.








Thicken your creams and lotions by adding a waxy plant extract called Jojoba.








Add wheat germ oil to blended oils to prolong the shelf life and to prevent them from becoming rancid.








Avoid sun lamps and exposure to the sun for at least 6 hours after using orange and bergamot essential oils.








Avoid jasmine if you are prone to headaches.








Avoid clary sage if you are pregnant.








Avoid the use a alcohol with clary sage.








Do not use jasmine essential oil for
babies
and avoid jasmine if you are pregnant.








Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.








Do not rub your eyes after using essential oils. (Rinse your eyes with cold water if you get any essential oil in your eye.)








Use a 1% dilution for
children
, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin.








Consult your physician and an aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.








Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, ie. oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.








Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames.








Keep essential oils away from children and pets.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12809_aromatherapy-depression.html

How to Use Aromatherapy for Constipation

How to Use Aromatherapy for Constipation



Aromatherapy is an alternative health practice that uses highly concentrated essential oils that are extracted from plants and used to stimulate the healing process and to treat symptoms of illness. Stimulating essential oils are used to promote peristalsis and to encourage the downward movement of digestion.







Things You'll Need:





rosemary essential oil




lemongrass essential oil




mandarin essential oil




marjoram essential oil




orange essential oil




black pepper essential oil







Making the Essential Oil Blend




1


Choose a carrier oil based on your skin type.





2


Measure and pour 20 ml of the carrier oil into a brown or blue glass bottle.





3


Choose an essential oil(s) based on the symptom and the effect you would like to achieve.





4


Determine the number of drops of essential oil needed for your oil blend.





5


Use an eyedropper to add the essential oil (8 to 10 drops) to the carrier oil.





6


Close the lid tightly and gently shake the bottle.





7


Label the bottle with the
date
, the name of the essential oil, the name of the carrier oil and the dilution.



Essential Oils for Constipation




1


Create an oil blend of
rosemary
, mandarin and other citrus oils to stimulate peristalsis, the rhythmic movement along the digestive tract.





2


Encourage digestion as you massage your oil blend into your abdomen while moving in a clockwise direction and using a wave like pressure.





3


Immerse yourself in an aromatic bath using 5 drops of these stimulating essential oils to ease the abdominal tensions associated with constipation.





4


Tonify your digestive system as you massage lemongrass oil into your abdomen.





5


Combine rosemary with marjoram in your blend to enhance its ability to ease cramping and abdominal tension.





6


Complete your therapy with a foot massage to continue the downward flow of energy.








Tips & Warnings










Always dilute essential oils to a 1% or 2.5% solution.








Mix essential oils in small amounts (20ml) of carrier oil to prevent waste due to the dramatic decrease in the shelf life of diluted oils.








20 ml of blended oil is adequate for a full body aromatherapy massage.








Thicken your creams and lotions by adding a waxy plant extract called Jojoba.








Add wheat germ oil to blended oils to prolong the shelf life and to prevent them from becoming rancid.








Avoid marjoram if you are pregnant.








Avoid rosemary if you are pregnant, have high blood pressure or seizures (epilepsy).








Avoid the sun and sunlamps for at least 6 hours after treatment with orange, mandarin and other citrus oils.








Do not apply essential oils directly to the skin.








Do not rub your eyes after using essential oils. (Rinse your eyes with cold water if you get any essential oil in your eye.)








Use a 1% dilution for
children
, pregnant women and for anyone with sensitive skin.








Consult your physician and an aromatherapist prior to using essential oils if you are pregnant.








Check each essential oil for specific contraindications and precautions prior to using them, ie. oils that are stimulants should be avoided if you have a seizure disorder or high blood pressure.








Keep essential oils away from heat and open flames.








Keep essential oils away from children and pets.



http://www.ehow.com/how_12803_aromatherapy-constipation.html

How to Take Boswellia for Health

How to Take Boswellia for Health



Boswellia is an herb that comes from the resin of the boswellia serratta tree. The common name for this herb is frankincense. Its use as a medicine
dates
back to ancient times. Today it appears in capsule form on the shelves of health food stores. Following a few simple steps ensures safe and effective use.









1


Know its main use. Boswellia is scientifically proven to act as an anti-inflammatory. People use this herb to ease the pain and swelling associated with arthritis, bursitis and tendonitis. Boswellia also reduces tissue inflammation in asthma, ulcerative colitis and Chrohn's disease.





2


Consider its proposed uses. Boswellia users claim it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Users also report the herb produces a general feeling of well being.





3


Obtain a standardized extract. Boswellia extract is available commercially as capsules standardized to contain 37.5 percent boswellic acids.





4


Take between 300 and 400 mg, three times daily. Spread the doses about eight hours apart.





5


Continue treatment for two to three months. Commercial preparations of this herb have no addictive ingredients. Some people with chronic inflammation use boswellia daily without incident.





6


Monitor for side effects. These are rare and include nausea, skin rash and diarrhea. If side effects develop, discontinue boswellia use.








Tips & Warnings










Always inform the physician and pharmacist about use of boswellia and any other herb.








Use only commercially available standardized extracts of boswellia. Crude preparations may not be safe.








Young
children
, pregnant women, nursing mothers and people with liver or kidney disease should not take boswellia.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2097337_take-boswellia-health.html

How to Make a CD Earring Stand

How to Make a CD Earring Stand



The CD

earring


stand is one way to organize and keep your earrings together. These stands are easy to make with things found around your house. A stand takes about 45 minutes to create.







Things You'll Need:





1 100-disk CD spindle with plastic cover



Rotary tool



1 old CD or DVD



Drill with 1/8 inch bit



Super glue









Step
1



Cut the middle circle out from the top of the CD spindle's plastic cover. This is the thicker piece of plastic about 2 inches from the center of top. Round the sides of the piece with a rotary tool to smooth out the edges.




Step
2



Place the CD in between two pieces of wood so that the edge of the CD sticks out. This holds the CD in place while you drill.




Step
3



Drill holes around the rim of the CD. Each hole should be 1/4 inch from the edge of the CD. Space the holes 1/2 inch apart. Drill the holes through the bottom of the CD. That way, if the CD is damaged while drilling, no one sees it when your earring stand is completed.




Step
4



Use super glue to secure the plastic rim from Step 1 to the CD from Step 3. Allow it to dry. This usually takes a few minutes.




Step
5



Place a dab of super glue in the middle of the underside of the CD. Place it on the spindle. The glue holds the CD in place so it holds the

earrings


.




Step
6



Place the earrings into the stand through the holes for storage.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2155598_make-cd-earring-stand.html

How to Make a Bubble Skirt

How to Make a Bubble Skirt



So long as you have some basic sewing skills, a bubble skirt is fairly easy to make. In fact, you can also convert an existing dress into a bubble skirt by altering the hem and adding an elastic waistband.







Things You'll Need:





Elastic waistband



Fabric



Needle and thread



Sewing machine



Chalk (if working from a pattern)









Step
1



Acquire two lengths of pleated fabric, ideally cotton, though any lightweight fabric will do. The lengths of fabric that you buy should both be about 25 percent wider than the width of your hips, because you're going to narrow the top of the skirt with a waistband and leave the wider bottom to expand out into a bubble skirt.




Step
2



Buy an elastic waistband of a suitable size for your hips. Double-check to make sure that you have thread that matches the color of the fabric you selected.




Step
3



Fit the fabric by holding it against your thighs (or the thighs of the person you're making the skirt for). Allow a little extra room on both sides, keeping in mind that both the front and back pieces of the skirt need to wrap around the wearer's leg about halfway. Leave a little extra room on the front side of the skirt, and cut away any excess material.




Step
4



Sew the two pieces of fabric together.




Step
5



Roll over the seam of the front piece of the skirt (about 2 inches) and sew its bottom edge to the front of the material to make a casing for your elastic waistband.




Step
6



Thread the elastic waistband through the casing, winding it around on all sides. Tighten it so it fits the person for whom the skirt is intended, leaving some leeway for the band to expand and contract as needed. Secure the waistband by top-stitching it into the casing.




Step
7



Fold about a 1/2 inch of the bottom edge of skirt underneath. Turn the skirt inside-out and sew a hem into place to ensure the final product has a tailored look.







Tips & Warnings









Cut the top of an old dress off and simply sew an elastic waistband into the hem, folding the top edges over the top of the band and sealing them with top-stitching to make a bubble skirt. You'll save time tracing patterns and cutting fabric, not to mention money on sewing materials.








Find a bubble skirt pattern on PatternReview.com (see Resources below).



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228098_make-bubble-skirt.html

How to Make a Broomstick Skirt

How to Make a Broomstick Skirt



A broomstick skirt is a long skirt, usually of ankle length, that has a characteristic wrinkled look. This skirt gets its name from a common method used to give it its signature crinkled appearance, which is to twist the skirt around the handle of the broomstick while it's wet.







Things You'll Need:





Tape measure



Thread



Pins



Elastic waistband



7 feet of wire



Marking pencil



Seam ripper



Fabric



Sewing machine









1


Measure the waist of the person who will be wearing the broomstick skirt. Mark this figure down and refer to it as "Measure A."




2


Have the person for whom the skirt is being made hold her legs together. Measure the distance from her waist to the floor. Refer to this measure as "Measure X," and use it only as a reference point for determining the absolute maximum length of the broomstick skirt.




3


Choose a skirt length. Ideally, it will be at least a couple of inches shorter than Measure X. Mark down the length you decide upon and refer to it as "Measure B."




4


Allow for extra room in the waist if you want to add slits to your broomstick skirt. If not, choose a width commensurate with Measure A.




5


Double the value of Measure A and add 1 inch (for the seam allowance). Add half an inch to Measure A to determine the width of the elastic waistband that you'll need. Then, add that amount to Measure B to determine "Measure Y."




6


Buy fabric that is double the value of Measure A plus 1 inch in length and Measure Y in width.




7


Make the hems on the long sides of the fabric and sew them together. If you want to add slits, don't sew the seams where the slits will be placed. Sewing these hems together will create a narrow tunnel or tube.




8


Turn the skirt inside out to access the tunnel. Use 7 feet of wire to thread the elastic waistband through the tunnel and around the waist of the skirt. Snip the waistband as necessary and sew it into place.




9


Run the completed skirt through the washing machine. Take a broomstick and wrap the skirt tightly around the handle, winding it around and around so that it's snugly fit against the wood. Leave it to sit for several hours, and then hang it to dry without ironing it.








Tips & Warnings










Use rayon, cotton or velvet for your fabric. Heavier materials will be difficult to use to create the signature crinkled look of a broomstick skirt.








Broomstick skirts come in two general variants: skirts with slits, and slit-free looks. This is a matter of personal preference, and you can make or avoid slits as you wish.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2228101_make-broomstick-skirt.html

How to Make a Bottle Cap Belt

How to Make a Bottle Cap Belt



Making a belt out of bottle caps from glass beer or soda pop bottles is an easy way to recycle while creating an artistic, wearable belt. This bottle cap masterpiece can be made to fit any size in less than one hour.







Things You'll Need:





Bottle caps



Ice pick, small drill bit or sharp knife



1/2-inch metal links



Pliers



Belt buckle or clasp









Step
1



Gather the bottle caps. You need enough caps to reach around your waist. If you need more caps, ask friends for some or visit a bar and ask for their stash of bottle caps.




Step
2



Poke 2 holes in the edges of the bottle caps with an ice pick, drill bit or small knife. The holes need to be directly across from each other.




Step
3



Connect the bottle caps with metal links. Slide the links into the holes and use the pliers to tighten the links together. Link the different bottle caps randomly or make a specific design around the belt. More links can be used if you do not have enough bottle caps.




Step
4



Attach the belt buckle or clasp to the belt when you reach the end. Add 2 extra links to the last bottle cap on each side of the belt in order to attach the buckle or clasp.







Tips & Warnings









Try using leather straps instead of metal links. Thread the leather though the holes in the caps.








Make earrings, brackets and watches in the same way if you have left over bottle caps.








Add more bottle caps to the belt later on if you do not have enough to finish the job.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2079411_make-bottle-cap-belt.html

How to Make a Blue Jean Purse

How to Make a Blue Jean Purse



Blue jean purses are fun, spunky accessories. This blue jean purse is really easy to make and it's a real conversation starter. You can embellish it any way you want to match any outfit.







Things You'll Need:





Sewing machine



Pair of jeans



Matching thread



Embellishments









Step
1



Lay the jeans on a flat surface with the back pockets facing up.




Step
2



Cut the legs off of the jeans and set them aside.




Step
3



Turn the jeans inside-out.




Step
4



With the sewing machine, stitch the opening where the legs used to be together. Do this by folding the fabric over once and sewing a zig-zag stitch along the raw edge.




Step
5



Go back to the legs of the jeans. Cut one open so that it is a long strip of fabric.




Step
6



Decide how long you want your purse's shoulder strap and add two inches to that length.




Step
7



Cut the leg into a strip that is as long as the measurement above and four inches wide.




Step
8



Fold the strip in half with the inside facing out.




Step
9



Fold the raw edges over a half-inch and sew the edges down with a zigzag stitch. Now you should have a long tube of fabric. Turn the tube inside out.




Step
10



Fold the raw edges inside of the tube and sew the strap to the inside edges of the purse on each side about an inch down.




Step
11



Embellish the purse.







Tips & Warnings









For a bigger purse choose a larger size of jeans.








Thrift stores are a great place to find jeans for this project.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2291633_make-blue-jean-purse.html

How to Make a Bikini

How to Make a Bikini



When many of us think of affordable swimwear, we think of the cheap bikinis sold at discount stores. Unfortunately, most of the bikinis you find in discount stores ball up in the crotch area because they're made of inferior fabrics. If you want to find a great suit on a budget, make your own bikini. You don't have to be an expert seamstress or even own a sewing machine to make a cute suit. Most local fabric stores sell the same Lycra and spandex materials used by the top swimwear designers, and you can customize your new bikini to fit your exact measurements.







Things You'll Need:





Spandex or Lycra-blend swimwear fabric



Nylon or polyester thread



Ballpoint needle









Step
1



Select a swimwear pattern. Look for one that includes patterns for more than one style, such as a tankini, a halter-top, boy-cut briefs and French-tie bottoms. If you can't find a pattern, make one using a bra and a pair of panties from your drawer as templates.




Step
2



Choose the fabric for your project. The fabric store should have a swimwear section that features Lycra blends. Consider a fabric with a floral print for the bra and a solid color for the bottom, creating a high-style look.




Step
3



Refer to the sizing chart on the back of the pattern, and find your size. Don't assume you're a size medium just because you wear a medium in your daily life. Get out a tape measure and take your measurements.




Step
4



Cut out the pattern and pin it to your fabric. Cut through the pattern paper and the fabric to create your bikini top and bottom.




Step
5



Grab a ballpoint needle and select a polyester-and-nylon-blend thread. Use a stretch needle if you're using a sewing machine.




Step
6



Sew up the seams, and create a lining for the crotch, especially if you've selected a lighter-colored fabric.




Step
7



Try on your new swimsuit. Don't be surprised if you need to make a few alterations, especially if this is your first swimsuit.







Tips & Warnings









Look for spandex samples at your local fabric store. Practice making a few tops or bottoms before you cut into premium swimwear fabrics.








Polyester blends tend to hold up longer against chlorine exposure than nylon or spandex fabrics.








Don't use cotton thread. It'll wear down fast when exposed to outdoor elements and chlorine.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139030_make-bikini.html

How to Make a Bikini From T-Shirts

How to Make a Bikini From T-Shirts



You've been working out all winter long and you're ready to show off your new body in a hot bikini, but you don't want to wear the same old thing. Be a trendsetter and throw on a bikini you can make yourself from one of your t-shirts.







Things You'll Need:





Extra large t-shirt



Scissors



Safety pin









Step
1



Cut off the hem of an extra large t-shirt.




Step
2



Cut two 1-inch wide strips off the bottom of the shirt. Make sure you cut through both layers of the shirt. Cut the strips in half to make 4 strips.




Step
3



Cut two more 1-inch wide strips from the shirt. Cut one strip in half once. Cut the other in half twice. You should have 7 strips.




Step
4



Take 9 inches off the bottom of the shirt. Cut through both layers. Pin the layers together so it will make a thicker, less revealing top.




Step
5



Measure and draw 2 triangles. They should be 10 inches along the bottom and 8 inches along each side. Make a slight arch on the bottom of the triangles for a better fit. Pin the two layers of fabric back together along the edges of the triangle. Cut them out.




Step
6



Turn the triangles over. Bend the top corner down an inch and pin up the bottom 1 inch. Now sew the seams. Leave enough space to thread the strip of your bikini through.




Step
7



Attach the end of the of the long strip from Step 4 to a safety pin. Feed the strip through the space you left when you sewed the seams in the triangles.




Step
8



Cut a rectangle of fabric from your t-shirt, making sure to cut through both layers. Make the rectangle 19 by 16 inches. Pin the layers of fabric together. Draw an hourglass shape on it. The hourglass should be 11 inches from top to bottom and the skinniest point should be 4 inches across.




Step
9



Bend in the corners of the hourglass. Put the edges of the 4 strips from Step 2 over each corner.




Step
10



Fold and pin back part of the bottom an inch. Overlap the strips with fabric. Sew all the seams.




Step
11



Fold in the sides of the hourglass an inch. Pin them in place. Sew a seam down both sides, and you're done.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2099821_make-bikini-out-tshirts.html

How to Make a Bikini From an Old T-shirt

How to Make a Bikini From an Old T-shirt



If you're looking for a fun

craft


project, you can turn an old t-shirt into a bikini. Relax poolside or hit the beach in one of these low-cost alternatives to designer suits. If you're new to crafting, be prepared to sacrifice a few old shirts before you create the perfect bikini.







Things You'll Need:





Old t-shirts



Sewing pins



Needle and thread



Safety pin







Create the Bikini Top




Step
1



Cut about 1/2 inch off the bottom of the t-shirt to remove the hemline.




Step
2



Cut two, 1-inch strips off the bottom. Cut one of the strips at the corner to create a single, long strip. Cut the other strip in the middle, creating two strips.




Step
3



Cut a 9-inch strip off the bottom of the shirt.




Step
4



Use a fabric pen to draw a triangle onto the fabric. Make sure the sides are 8 inches and the bottom is 10 inches. Create an arch along the bottom with a 1-inch center. Make another triangle on the other side of the fabric.




Step
5



Pin and cut out both triangles.




Step
6



Bend over 1 inch at the top corner of one of the triangles, and set one of the shorter strings on top of it.




Step
7



Pin a 1/2-inch seam along the sides of the triangle, making sure to fold the string into the seam at the top.




Step
8



Sew the seam, and be sure to fasten the string tightly to the fabric.




Step
9



Create the other triangle.




Step
10



Pin the bottom of both triangles and sew the seams together. Make sure to leave a small space open at both ends.




Step
11



Thread the long string through both triangles to finish off your bikini top.


Create the Bikini Bottoms




Step
1



Cut off the bottom hem of a t-shirt.




Step
2



Snip two, 1-inch strips off the base.




Step
3



Cut each of the two strips in half, and then cut them again to create four strips of equal length.




Step
4



Use a fabric pen to sketch a rectangle measuring 19-inches across and 16-inches down. Pin the fabric together and cut it.




Step
5



Sketch an hourglass on the rectangle. Make sure the narrow part of the hourglass is 11 inches from the top and 4-inches wide.




Step
6



Fold the top corners of the hourglass and insert a short string on each side. Pin and sew a 1-inch seam, making sure to cover the string on each end.




Step
7



Create the bottom half of the hourglass by cutting two strips in half. Cut them once more to create four strips.




Step
8



Cut three small slits on each side of the "crotch" of your bikini bottoms.




Step
9



Fold each side over 1 inch, pin them and sew the seam closed.




Step
10



Tie the side strings together and try on your new bikini bottoms.







Tips & Warnings









Establish a workout routine as you prepare to make your bikini. Develop your body to look good in your new suit.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2139021_make-bikini-from-old-tshirt.html

How to Make a Beaded Watch Band

How to Make a Beaded Watch Band



Do not throw away an old watch because the band is broken or worn. Instead, add years to the life of your watch and give it an updated look. Make a beaded watch band to accent the watch face and wear the watch for years to come.







Things You'll Need:





4 large beads



50 to 75 small beads



Elastic jewelry thread



Scissors



Watch face









Step
1



Separate the beads and decide to organize the design on the band. Pick beads with the same color scheme to color coordinate the watch band.




Step
2



Measure the size of your wrist with jewelry thread. Add two inches to the measurement to allow for sufficient length to tie the ends off.




Step
3



Cut two pieces of elastic thread to match the final measurement from Step 2.




Step
4



Tie the threads together at one end. Secure the end to the watch face. Most watches have a small bar along the side to attach the band.




Step
5



Place nine small beads on each strand's elastic thread. Holding the two strands together, slide a large bead over the ends of the beaded strands. This holds the small beads in place.




Step
6



Repeat the beading process until there is one inch of thread remaining. The number of times you repeat the process and the amount of beads you use depends on the watch and the size of the beads.




Step
7



Tie the end of the beaded watch band to the opposite side of the watch face.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2190601_make-beaded-watch-band.html

How to Make a Beaded Flower Pin

How to Make a Beaded Flower Pin



Design a beaded flower pin that looks like a vintage broach. Create a pin that matches your wardrobe and costs you less instead of rummaging through countless vintage stores or paying top price to find the right broach.







Things You'll Need:





9 1/4 inches 30-gauge silver craft wire



Wire cutters



1 bag bugle beads



Small craft pliers



4 medium beads



Hot glue



Hot glue gun



Craft pin









Step
1



Cut the wire into six 18-inch pieces and one 13-inch piece.




Step
2



Slide one bungle bead to the middle of an 18-inch piece of wire. Bend the ends of the wire around the outsides of the bead back toward the wires. Slide two more bugle beads onto the wire.




Step
3



Slide the other end of the wire through the beads, making two loops. One loop now has one bead and the other has two beads. Repeat this process, adding one bead to each loop until you have five beads.




Step
4



Make five more petals following the process in Steps 2 and 3.




Step
5



Place four medium beads onto the center of the 13-inch wire. Bend the wire in to form a circle the size of the beads. Twist the excess wire to hold the beads in place. The amount of excess wire depends on the size of the beads.




Step
6



Arrange the petals around the wire circle from Step 5. Attach the ends of the petal wires to the circle wire by twisting them together.




Step
7



Wrap the wires around the pin. Secure the beaded flower to the pin by hot gluing the pin and wires.







Tips & Warnings









Add bead sprays to make leaves behind the beaded flower.








Use two different colors for the bugle and medium beads. This helps accent the petals.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2190600_make-beaded-flower-pin.html