How to Make Ancient Roman Jewelry

Roman women were highly regarded throughout the ancient world for their elegance and good taste. Because their clothing was relatively uniform, they distinguished themselves from each other via elaborate, plaited hairstyles and finely crafted, pounded metal jewelry. One of the most recognizable forms of adornment from the Roman world is the snake bracelet. Romans believed that the snakes represented good luck and brought prosperity to wearers. Try making a snake bracelet for yourself and see what kind of luck it brings you. Does this Spark an idea?

Bend the florist's wire in half, but do not crease the bend. The bend should be slightly rounded, and your wire should make a 'V' shape.

Bend each half of the wire towards the other half approximately 1/2" below the first bend. You should now have a triangle in the middle of the wire.

Bend the wire below the triangle so that the two ends now run parallel to one another and create a body for the snake.

Twirl the wires together at the ends to make the snake's tail. You should now have a wire frame for a flat snake.

Wrap the gold foil around the frame, trying not to wrinkle or crease it too much.

Poke the body of the snake all over with the dry pen to create a pattern. You are not drawing on the foil, but instead trying to make it look like pounded metal.

Wrap the snake around your arm so that the head does not touch the tail and you make an open spiral.

How to Make Body Oils with Added Color

Body oils are pricey in the store, salon or spa. Making your own body oils at home is not difficult or time-consuming. It can be a little messy, so prepare the oils in the kitchen where it's easy to clean up. Adding essential oils to the body oils gives them a scent. Use citrus essential oils for energy, lavender to relax and rose for romance. Color is attractive and plays up the scent and use of the body oil. Does this Spark an idea?

Oil Base for Coloring

Put the dried powdered herbs in a stainless steel pot. Try dried cranberry for pink, tumeric for yellow, paprika for orange and parsley for green. Start with 1 tbsp. of herbs. Cover the herbs with 1 inch of a base oil. Another coloring agent choice is mica, but it's more difficult to find.

Heat the oil for two hours so it is warm but not hot. The color from the herbs will be absorbed by the oil.

Strain the oil if the color isn't dark enough after two hours. Repeat the process with fresh dried herbs until you reach the desired depth of color.

Add the colored oil to the body oil recipes a few drops at a time.

Energizing Body Oil

Place 4 oz. of almond oil in a bottle.

Add 2 oz. of coconut oil

Shake well and add five drops each of lemon, orange and grapefruit essential oil.

Add yellow or orange colored oil.

Relaxing Massage Oil

Place 4 oz. of avocado oil in a bottle.

Add 2 oz. of grape seed oil.

Shake well and add five drops each of clarey sage and lavender essential oil.

Add green colored oil.

Tips

- Experiment with different oils, herbs and essential oils.

Warning

- Food coloring doesn't work to color oil. It stays separate.

How to Make Sandalwood Body Oil

Sandalwood, also known by its Latin name, santalum album, is an oil that has many properties and uses. According to The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Essential Oils, it is used for depression, skin ailments, stress and bronchitis. Transform a few ingredients into a body oil that will leave your skin soft and scented with the mysterious scent of sandalwood.

Pour the light olive oil into a bowl and add the jojoba oil. You may also use grapeseed oil and add avocado oil. The trick is to add a heavier oil to a lighter one for extra moisturizing properties.

Add 15 drops of 100 percent sandalwood oil to the olive/jojoba blend by holding the bottle upside down and tapping it.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly and pour into a bottle.

Tips

- For baby smooth skin, use this homemade body oil after the shower while skin is still damp.

- Lavender, rose absolute and vanilla oils go well with sandalwood; if you wish, add several drops of each to taste, mixing and smelling after every three drops.

- Add this body oil to the bath for a moisturizing and uplifting experience.

Warning

- Some essential oils cause skin irritation; if this occurs, discontinue use immediately.

- The oil is for topical use only; never ingest the oil.

How to Remove Mole Foam Padding

Molefoam or moleskin padding is a product by Dr. Scholl's. It is made of extra-soft cotton flannel padding that is self-adhering latex. It can be cut to any size to fit sore spots, calluses or corns on either foot. It can be worn discreetly under any type of hosiery and will not rip stockings, knee-highs or pantyhose. Moleskin padding also helps prevent blisters when wearing new shoes or walking a long distance on a rocky road. Does this Spark an idea?

Take a warm shower using a gentle liquid body soap. Make sure to rinse all the soap off your body thoroughly.

Dry yourself with a soft, absorbent towel. Pay particular attention to the foot or the area where you have the moleskin padding attached.

Fill a bucket with warm water. Add about five drops of baby oil or your favorite foot-bath soak to the water.

Soak the foot with the padding in the warm water for 10 to 15 minutes. If the water is too hot, add some cool water to make the water warm to the touch.

Bring the foot that has the padding out of the water. Dry it thoroughly with an absorbent towel. Try to loosen an edge of the padding with your finger. If it does not come up easily, stop pulling.

Moisten a cotton ball with alcohol. Soak it fairly well. Dab the cotton ball all the way around the edges of the padding. Leave the alcohol sit for a minute or two.

Lift one corner of the padding gently. It should lift easily. Pull it back gently. Throw the padding in a trash bin. Allow the foot to air overnight before reapplying a new pad.

Warning

- Never place the adhesive of the pad over an open wound or blister.

Alternatives to Capezio Tights

Tights are an important part of any dancer or athlete's uniform. They ensure that the optimum look and comfort level is maintained throughout performances and practice sessions alike. It is important that the right make and fit are found for each individual body as preferences in style and comfort vary. Capezio is a popular tight manufacturer of choice, but there are other options available on the market. Does this Spark an idea?

Bloch

Bloch tights are comprised of a durable microfiber, making them resistant to breakage and form fitting. They adjust to the wearer's body type with increased usage, generating a relaxed fit for long-term wear. Most of Bloch's tights are high-waisted with a hand-sewn elasticized waistband, so that tights stay in place throughout wear.

Danskin

Danskin tights are known for their comfort due to a wide sizing range. They are sized as close as possible to fit varying body types, making them optimal for everyday use. Danskin is known for the wide variety of colors in which they manufacture tights, making them ideal for performance and costume wear.

Gaynor Miden

Woven with strong genuine microfiber, Gaynor Miden tights are soft and comfortable to wear. 3-D stretch ensures optimal movement capability with minimal chance of breakage. Gaynor Miden tights are popular not only for dance, but for everyday wear due to their thick, warm quality.

Natural Ways to Make Your Body Stop Producing Oil on Your Face

Oily skin is generally an issue caused by heredity and hormones. That is one reason why teenagers often suffer from oily skin and acne. However, it can continue to occur throughout life and come back with a vengeance during the hormonal shifts of menopause. The drawbacks of oily skin include acne, because the sebum can clog pores and lead to pimples. There are natural ways to make your body stop producing oil on your face. The effectiveness will depend upon your own genetics and skin. Does this Spark an idea?

Face Masks

Regular use of face masks can make your body stop producing excess oil on your face. When shopping for masks to use, it's important to pay attention to the ingredients. Clay masks are ideal for use on oily skin. Facial mud masks are another choice. The ingredients of clay and mud absorb excess oil and keep your skin from producing excess amounts. Use the face mask twice per week, at the most, because it can be harsh for your skin. If you use harsh ingredients on your skin, it can actually increase the oil production.

Supplements

Take supplements daily that improve the skin. Even if you eat a balanced diet, vitamin supplements can benefit your skin. In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, take a vitamin B complex. Vitamin B helps create and maintain healthy skin. Evening primrose oil is a supplement that can decrease oil production on your face. Oil production is influenced by hormones, so balancing those hormones will naturally lead to less oil. Evening primrose oil balances those hormones in women.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a natural ingredient that will make your skin produce less oil. Either use the gel that comes directly from an aloe vera plant, or purchase the gel at a drugstore. If you buy it, make sure that it's pure aloe vera gel. It is a natural healer that clears out your pores and absorbs the oil on your face. It soothes any irritation that you have on your skin, which will lead to less oil being produced.

Water

Drink water for healthy skin. Water is essential for eliminating all toxins from your body. As the skin is the largest organ in your body, it makes sense that water makes a big difference. If your skin is not properly hydrated, toxins will be eliminated through oil and perspiration on your face. Also, the face will produce more oil to compensate for the dehydration. It's recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day.

How to Add Cocoa to Crisco to Make a Great Smelling Body Cream

Creating beauty products at home is safe, fun and a highly effective means of personal care. Expensive creams and lotions restore essential oils and reverse drying and the damaging effects of pollution, aging and sun exposure. You can obtain a lot of these same beneficial effects by using inexpensive Crisco and mixing other products in the food aisle such as cocoa to make your own emollients. You can achieve the desired results with little hassle. Does this Spark an idea?

Make sure you have no food allergies to Crisco, which is essentially a vegetable shortening made of cottonseed oil, by applying a small dab to your inside wrist, rubbing and waiting a few minutes for any negative reaction.

Keep the Crisco at room temperature after you have done the patch test. This will make it less irritiating when you rub it on after a shower.

Apply a few drops of baby oil to a tablespoon of Crisco to assist in smoothing on the product and mix well. The oil will trap the moisture in the skin and help with hydration.

Add a quarter teaspoon of cocoa to the Crisco and baby oil mixture and once again mix well. The Crisco, which is essentially colorless and odorless, will take on a warm brown sheen and a rich fragrance.

Add shimmer powder as a final ingredient to create a glowing effect when you smooth it on your legs and arms.

Tips

- Experiment using a little less and then a little more until you get the combination of Crisco and cocoa to your liking.

How to Make Body Scrub With Olive Oil & Brown Sugar

Homemade brown sugar and olive oil scrubs are beneficial to your skin because they help to gently exfoliate the surface layer of dead skin cells. They also remove dirt and excess oil. This leaves your skin clean, rejuvenated and moist without clogging your pores. You can use a homemade brown sugar and olive oil scrub on your face, but they are also good for areas of your body that are dry like your knees, elbows and feet. Does this Spark an idea?

Measure 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/2 cup brown sugar.

Pour both the olive oil and the brown sugar into a small mixing bowl.

Blend olive oil and brown sugar together. Mix with a spoon or clean hands until the two ingredients are well-blended.

Apply the scrub in the shower. Massage onto your skin in a circular motion.

Allow the scrub to sit on your skin for one minute. Rinse off with warm water.

Tips

- Add 1 tsp. of vitamin E oil to the scrub for its skin healing properties.

Warning

- Do not use a brown sugar scrub on blemished or broken skin because irritation may occur.

The Best Tracksuit Bottoms

Tracksuit bottoms are some of the comfiest pants around. They are made with a relaxed fit, perfect for any body style. Tracksuit pants aren't just for exercising or lounging around the house anymore. Many designers are pairing these bottoms with high heels and dressy tops. No matter what your style or budget, there's a tracksuit bottom out there for you.

Adidas

Adidas began producing their track pants in the 1980s, and they've been a global fashion statement ever since. Olympic athletes and celebrities have sported them over the years. Rap pioneers Run DMC released the song "My Adidas," making the brand synonymous with hip hop culture and fashion. Today, pictures of singers Gwen Stefani and Fergie pairing their Adidas track pants with sneakers or high heels grace the pages of fashion magazines.

Adidas Originals Supergirl Track Pant is 80 percent nylon, 20 percent polyester shiny fabric. It features Adidas's trademark three stripes down the side and trefoil logo on the front. Supergirl is available in colors like Cosmo (bright pink) and Future Ocean (blue).

Adidas teamed up with designer Stella McCartney to create what she calls "good-looking sportswear clothes for women." Adidas by Stella McCartney Core Woven Pant is lined with jersey and features a tie cord at the hem.

Nike

Nike has created special fabrics that enhance their tracksuit bottoms. For example, the Dri-FIT material is microfiber, polyester that keeps you dry while you sweat by moving the moisture to the surface of the fabric.

Nike Adult Warm-Up Track Pants are made with Dri-FIT fabric and also includes zipper vents at the hem for added breathability.

Nike Storm-FIT pants are made of an ultrafine microfiber polyester that is waterproof and is ideal for wet and windy weather. It also keeps you dry inside as you sweat.

Other specialty brands

Victoria's Secret Pink Slouchy Pant has a banded bottom that can be worn scrunched or long. They have various graphics and you can even get them with an official collegiate logo.

Old Navy Women's Logo Fleece Active Pants is a low-rise pant made of soft fleece material. They are available in petite and tall sizes too.

Abercrombie Perfect Butt Boyfriend Pants are made to fit like you're wearing guys' pants. They feature the "Abercrombie" applique down the front and can be worn cuffed.

Why Do All Watch Ads Display 10:10?

Look carefully at advertisements and you will notice almost every major watchmaker displaying the time as 10 past 10 on their products. The reason for doing so may not be widley known, but the practice actually has several advantages. Does this Spark an idea?

What Are The Benefits?

Watchmakers believe that 10 past 10 is the most aesthetically pleasing time to display. Swatch, one of the largest watch manufacturers in the world, says the image reminds people of a happy, smiling face. Displaying this time also reveals the manufacturer's emblem, which is normally just above the centre of the dial.

Who Was The First?

Timex is widely regarded as the first watchmaker to standardize its displays in this way. The company explained that it wanted to ensure that everyone could see its logo; however, it has now claimed a more psychological role in attracting customers. Whilst Timex used this as standard from the 1950s, examples of other manufacturers using 10 past 10 date as far back as 1926 (The Hamilton Watch Company).

Fun Fact

Rolex watches are always photographed at 10:10:31, with the date shown to be Monday the 28th.

How to Make Colored Body Oils and Fragrant Roll-Ons

Body oil can be slathered on after a shower or long, relaxing bath. Pinch pennies by creating your own body oils at home. You'll also have several options about how to scent and color your body oil. When mixing your oils, make sure to do it in the kitchen or bathroom. Oil can stain carpet and other fabric, so create your body oils in an area of your home that's easy to clean. Packaging your body oil in a roll-on container makes application easy. Does this Spark an idea?

Mix 8 ounces of 100 percent pure sweet almond oil with 8 ounces of 100 percent pure jojoba oil and 2 tablespoons of vitamin E oil in a bowl.

Add a few drops of scented essential oils for fragrance. Choose rose, lavender, orange or chamomile oil. You can find essential fruit oils, too, such as grapefruit or lemon. Craft stores offer artificial fragrances as well.

Color the oil using molecules from flowers. Using a mortar and pestle, crush the flower in water to extract the color molecules. Add a few drops of the color to your body oil.

Package the scented oil in a roll-on perfume bottle. You can also pour the oil into a plastic or glass storage bottle. Make sure the top of the bottle or container is on tight and shake the mixture.

Store your oil in an area that's cool and dry.

Tips

- Flowers get their color from pigment molecules. The same colored molecule can make different flowers different colors. You can also add either fresh or dried flowers to your oils.

- You can gather all the supplies to make homemade body oils from a craft store or beauty supply shops.

Warning

- If you have a nut allergy, you may want to stay away from almond oil in your body oil mixture. Instead, choose extra virgin olive oil, grape seed oil or coconut oil. Use the same amount as you would use almond oil.

- Some people have an allergic reaction to fragrance oils. If you've never used certain fragrance oils, test them before you add them to your body oil mixture.

How to Make Slippery Body Oil

Luxurious scented body oils are not only great for your skin, but also great to use for a massage. One advantage to making your own body oil is that you can make a scent that appeals to you by simply changing a few of the ingredients. Homemade body oils are easy to make with a few select ingredients found at your local health food store. Does this Spark an idea?

Visit your local health food store to find the ingredients. Most health food stores will carry all of the ingredients needed. If the store does not carry them, they can be ordered for you.

Find a glass or plastic bottle to store your oil in. The bottle must be able to hold up to 1 1/2 cups of liquid. Use a container that has a lid to seal your oil.

Place the rose petals into the bottle first, if you are using them. These are for decorative purposes.

Place the coconut butter in a small bowl. Fill a larger bowl halfway with warm water. Place the small bowl of coconut butter into the large bowl filled with water. This will gently melt the coconut butter into a liquid.

Place the funnel into the mouth of the bottle. Pour the melted coconut butter into the bottle. Add 4 tbsp. of macademia oil, 4 tbsp. of sweet almond oil, 4 drops of sweet orange essential oil, 4 of drops sandalwood essential oil, and 4 drops of frankincense essential oil to the bottle. Place the lid on the bottle and tighten it.

Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients thoroughly. Shake again before each use.

Decorate the bottle with ribbon or lace, if desired. This is a good idea if you are using the oil as a gift.

Tips

- Experiment with your own ingredients to find a scent that is most pleasing to you.

- Use oil immediately after a shower for best results.

Warning

- Do not ingest the body oil.

How to Make Hot Oil Treatments for Hair With Jojoba Oil

In your quest for shiny, smooth hair, you may have tried every product on the market. You may be disappointed and hesitant to spend more money on products that don't live up to their claims. Consider making your own hair treatment with jojoba oil. Jojoba has been used in cosmetics and hair treatments for years because of its moisturizing properties. There are many ways to use jojoba in a hot oil treatment. Experiment until you find one you like. Does this Spark an idea?

Make a simple hot oil treatment with jojoba, vitamin E and rose water. Just heat 1 cup of rose water in a pot over low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of jojoba oil and 10 drops of vitamin E oil. Stir the ingredients.

Use coconut oil with the jojoba for extra moisturizing. Place 1 tbsp. of coconut oil into the top pot of a double boiler, which has been heating on the low setting. Stir the coconut oil until it melts and add 1 tbsp. almond oil, 1 tsp. evening primrose oil and 1 tbsp. jojoba oil. Stir the ingredients. Take the mixture off the stove and add five drops of rosemary essential oil and five drops Roman chamomile essential oil.

Make a simple jojoba and sunflower hot oil treatment. Place 2 tsp. jojoba oil into a pan. Add 1 tsp. organic sunflower oil. Heat the oils over low heat.

Make a hot oil treatment with just a few ingredients, hot water and a plastic bag. Place 15 drops of rosewood oil in a small plastic bag. Add five drops of geranium oil, five drops of sandalwood and five drops of lavender oil. Pour 1/2 oz. of jojoba oil into the bag. Heat a cup of water. Tie the bag loosely and place it in the water. Allow the bag to sit in the water for two minutes to warm the oils.

Tips

- You can leave these hot oil treatments on your hair as long as you like. Cover with a shower cap to retain the heat. Wash your hair as you normally do.

- You can do a simple hot oil treatment with just jojoba oil. Place a teaspoon of warm jojoba oil on your hair and cover with a shower cap.

Natural Butters, Oils & Plant Extracts Effects on Hair

Men and women alike regard a full head of hair as a prized possession. However, infinite editorials and advertisements in women's magazines suggest that ladies are more concerned about having a good hair day than are gentlemen. Many of these articles encourage a natural approach, proclaiming the virtues of nut oils, butters and plant extracts to help achieve the healthiest hair possible. Does this Spark an idea?

Nut and Seed Oils/Butter

Jojoba, sweet almond, macadamia, kukui, ojon and argan are types of nut or seed oils that fight frizz and rejuvenate dry or processed hair. If the oils are semi-solid at room temperature, they're often referred to as butter. Whether in oil or butter form, they all moisturize the hair and leave it silkier to the touch. In small amounts, jojoba, kukui and argan oils will not weigh hair down or leave an oily residue. A few drops of these chemical-free oils can be added to your usual shampoo or applied after styling to smooth flyaway strands.

Coconut Oil

As a hair conditioner, coconut oil deserves a special class of its own. Centuries ago, women of the Pacific Islands combed coconut oil through their hair to impart a glorious sheen. Western women eventually caught on, for good reason. Coconut oil contains unique, medium-chain fatty acids with a molecular structure small enough to penetrate the membrane of a hair cell. While most conditioners simply coat the hair, coconut oil nourishes from the inside out. These same conditioners use processed vegetable oils as the primary active ingredient, which actually create free radical damage. On the other hand, organic, virgin coconut oil serves as a powerful antioxidant to protect hair from thermal and environmental damage. Massage a teaspoon or two of coconut oil into your damp hair and work it into the scalp. Allow it to remain on the hair for two hours or more; then shampoo and style your hair as usual. This deep conditioning treatment can be performed up to once a week, but be sure to protect your clothes or wear an old top during the process, as the oil can stain fabric.

Horsetail and Rosemary

Horsetail grass contains an important hair nutrient called silica. This mineral works internally to make your strands long, strong and healthy. Silica levels decrease with age, so drinking horsetail tea or taking supplements can help replenish your levels. The herb rosemary also enables hair to grow longer with better elasticity. Used extensively in hair preparations, rosemary makes an excellent rinse when prepared as a tea. For clarity and improved hair texture, try this rinse from herbalist Linda Page: steep fresh sprigs of rosemary in 8 oz. hot water and strain after five minutes. Add 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice and 1 tbsp. white vinegar. Massage through hair and leave on for one minute. Finally, rinse with cool water.

Organic Sulfur

Like silica, sulfur is another mineral critical to gorgeous locks. Hair is made of keratin and the body requires sulfur to create this protein. Normally a diet with plenty of plants would provide all the sulfur a person needs, but due to modern farming methods, fruits and vegetables no longer contain adequate amounts of it. Raw food nutritionist David Wolfe recommends a supplement of organic sulfur called MSM, and he says it will take about two months of daily use to notice greater elasticity, strength and shine within the hair.

Wrap Top Instructions

Much like the wrap dress, made popular by designer Diane Von Furstenburg, the wrap top can be adjusted to fit a person's body and drape in such a way to hide flaws while accentuating the positive. Wrap tops close by using tie strings at one side instead of buttons. A wrap shirt can be made with a woven fabric although it is more commonly seen in a knit material.

Wrap Top Preparation

Pick out your pattern and use the fabric recommendations on the back of the pattern envelope to choose the fabric for your shirt. Also buy thread and other necessities such as buttons for decoration.

Pre-wash the fabric. Read the pattern directions and cut out each pattern piece that you need for the project. Using the directions for pattern piece placement, fold the fabric according to the directions and lay it flat on the cutting board. Place the pattern pieces on the fabric according to the directions and pin them to the fabric.

Cut out the pinned pattern and fabric pieces using the solid cutting lines as a guide. Mark placement dots and arrows with the fabric marking pen. Thoroughly read directions for construction.

Constructing the Wrap Top

Put together the shoulders, matching marking dots. Sew together the shoulder seams. Construct tie strings according to the pattern instructions. Place them on the side for later use.

Most patterns will have you attach the collar or facings on the neckline and shirt front. If there is a collar, construct it according to the instructions. Attach collar/facing to the neckline and shirt front by pinning the right sides together according to the the marking dots. Pin one tie string on the facing, according to its marking dot. Stitch the collar/facing down.

Pin the side seams together, matching marking dots. Place the second tie string on the appropriate side seam, according to its marking dot. Sew the sides together. Hem the bottom of the shirt by pressing the bottom of the shirt 1/4 inch towards the inside with an iron. Press up another 1/4 inch and pin the hem before stitching. Stitch down the hem as close to the fold as possible.

Prepare the sleeves by sewing the side seams together after matching marking dots. Hem the sleeves in the same manner as the hem. Place the right side of sleeve top against the right side of the shirt arm hole opening. The shirt should be inside out. Pin the sleeve to the shirt using the marking dots for exact placement. Stitch the sleeve to the shirt.

Tips

- Always pre-wash fabric so that any shrinkage happens before making the garment.

- A cutting board can protect your table or floor from being scratched by pins and scissors.

- Pick the right sewing machine needle for the project. A size 11 needle works for medium weight fabric while a size 14 works best with heavier fabrics such as denim.

- Always press seams open once you sew each section. It will make the garment lie better and cannot be done once the garment is completed.

- Wash the finished garment to remove traces of the marking pen.

Pros & Cons of Mink Oil

Fur-trapping Indians first understood the value of the white fat beneath the fur of the mink as it smoothed their hands. Later in history, ranchers who focused on raising minks for their pelt also experienced the value of this fat and developed it into an oil. Although mink oil has myriad benefits for humans, controversy surrounds it. Does this Spark an idea?

Cosmetics

One advantage of mink oil is its similarity to secretions from humans' sebaceous gland. The oil is also known to help protect human skin from damage. Manufacturers incorporate mink oil into hair care products because it encourages luster and smoothness. The oil does not feel very oily, which makes it an apt choice for skin care products. Beauty experts often recommend that women apply mink oil before donning makeup to improve their faces' finish.

Leather

The fur trappers who first discovered mink oil's benefits also learned that the substance made their leather boots more flexible and resistant to water. The oil is also known to help products made from leather to have an attractive luster and to last longer, with better quality. Mink oil has much in common with the natural oils found in leather.

Odor and Inappropriate Uses

Mink oil can spoil and turn rancid in poor conditions. This spoilage can leave behind an unseemly odor. It can be difficult for you to remove the smell. Also, mink oil can have a negative effect when you use it on certain types of boots. Its ability to soften the texture of leather can diminish the support of boots that are made for work or hiking.

Animal Cruelty

Animal activists cite the lamentable conditions in which minks are commercially farmed. Every year, 26 million minks are slaughtered. Each animal is confined to restrictive conditions, often cages 10 inches wide and 24 inches long. This confinement incites neurotic behavior in the minks, such as tail biting, and can also bring about health problems like ulcers. Rampant inbreeding has also seen the rise of "screw neck" in the royal pastel mink, which causes the animals to turn their heads up awkwardly.

How to Design a Tracksuit

This exercise staple evolved into a fashionable item when designers started using textured fabrics such as French terry, velour and novelty fleece. Those who are fashion conscious can create one-of-a-kind designs by sketching various silhouettes and including design elements such as shaped or contrast inserts as well as decorative trims. Choose the look you want prior to sketching to make it easier to choose your fabric, trim and other design elements. Does this Spark an idea?

Draw a jacket and pant outline for the tracksuit on drawing paper with an F or H pencil for fine lines. Do not add color, seams, stitching or other design details to the outline sketch.

Make several copies of the outline. Although this is an extra step, by making copies of the outline you can sketch several versions of the tracksuit.

Alter the jacket and pant silhouette by adding different design elements to the sketch. For example, most designers change the jacket silhouette by adding to or cropping the length. The same applies to the tracksuit pant by changing the hip and leg cut. For instance, fashion track pants fit snugly at the hips with a straight leg cut. Athletic track pants have more room at the hip, seat and leg to create a loose fit.

Change the shape of the jacket sleeves. For example, if you are creating a trendy jacket, add a puffed sleeve (excess fabric gathered at the sleeve cap) or a dolman-shaped sleeve (sleeves shaped with the front and back panel and avoiding an armhole). For a sporty option, sketch another version with contrasting shoulder and elbow inserts.

Continue to add design elements to the jacket such as attached hoods, front patch pockets or kangaroo pockets. Continue to reshape the silhouette of the jacket, making it more contoured for a snug fit or looser for a baggy fit.

Add contrast side leg inserts or zippered side legs on the pants. For another alternative, increase the width of the leg cuff for a retro flared look.

Add other elements to the sketches such as heat-seal patches, rhinestones, studs, drawstrings or decorative braid. If your jacket includes lining, select a complementary bold print. Include other trims such as striped sleeve cuffs and waistbands, referred to as yarn-dye welts. You can also make the welt as a waistband for the pant.

Color in the sketches with colored pencils or markers, referring to the pre-selected fabric. Colored sketches act as pattern-making and sewing guides. Most designers staple fabric and trim swatches to the sketch to guide sample makers during construction.

How to Treat Your Hair With Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil comes from an evergreen shrub that lives in the desert. The oil has been used for many years in cosmetic treatments due to its moisturizing properties. In fact, you can make your own hair treatment using jojoba oil. This hot oil treatment is simple to use. Your hair will feel soft and have a nice shine. Does this Spark an idea?

Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water to the halfway point. Turn the stovetop to high heat. Bring the water to a boil.

Pour 4 oz. jojoba oil into the top part of the double boiler. Place the top of the double boiler pan onto the lower portion of the double boiler. Heat the oil until it feels warm when you place your fingertip in it.

Apply the jojoba oil to your hair. Put the oil into the ends of the hair first. Proceed to apply the oil to the rest of the hair. Massage the hair for 1 minute to let the oil sink in.

Pile your hair onto the top of your head and place a shower cap over your hair to lock in the warmth and keep cold air out.

Place a hot towel over the shower cap. You can easily heat the towel by placing it in your clothes dryer for a few minutes. The hot towel will help keep the head warm, thus allowing the oil to penetrate. Leave the oil in the hair for an hour.

Wash your hair as you usually do with your regular shampoo to remove all the oil.

Tips

- You can use a regular pot to heat the water. Then place the jojoba oil into a bowl that is able to withstand high heat from boiling water.

- Heat the towel in the dryer when it starts to cool down and place on your head again.

- Use Saran Wrap if you don't have a shower cap.

- You can leave the oil in your hair overnight if you choose. Just leave the shower cap on.

- You can do this treatment on wet or dry hair. Experiment to find which works best for you.

How to Design Your Own Jock Jacket

A jock jacket, an imitation of a high school Letterman jacket, creates the appearance of an accomplished athlete or band member. Often, television shows and movies display high school athletes in their Letterman jackets.Typically, characters who wear jackets play football and emulate the "jock" stereotype with aggressive behavior and rampant school spirit. If you wish to remind others of the glory of being a high school athlete, design your own jock jacket. Does this Spark an idea?

Take your measurements using a measuring tape. Measure the width of your shoulders, from the edge of your right shoulder to your left shoulder. Measure your chest, at its widest area, and your waist. Measure the length of your arm from the shoulder to the wrist, as well as the width of your arm, at its widest part. Measure from your neck down to the top of your hips to determine how long the jacket should be.

Write these measurements on a piece of paper, then divide the chest, waist and arm measurements by two. If you want a tight jacket, add one inch to each measurement. If you want a loose jacket, add two to three inches to each measurement.

Draw the basic shape of the jacket. The chest consists of a long, square potion with a circular neck hole. The sleeves are long and wide. At the end of each sleeve, the jacket contains a wristband. At the neckline and end of the jacket, the jacket contains a striped band.

Assign colors to the jacket. A jock jacket consists of two colors, typically a school's colors. The sleeves, pockets, insignia, buttons and wristbands consist of one color. The chest and back consists of a different color. Color the appropriate areas of the jacket using markers or colored pencils.

Add details to the jacket. Draw five to six buttons down the center of the jacket. On the right side of the jacket, draw the pocket. Draw another pocket on the left side of the jacket. On the right side on the jacket, just below the neckline, draw the insignia. For example, write the first letter of your name or an abbreviation for your school.

Draw the pattern of the jacket. Divide the chest into a front and back piece. Write the length and width of the chest piece. Each piece is as wide as the chest measurement or waist measurement, whichever is higher. Draw each sleeve as two pieces. Write the length and width of the sleeve next to it.

Last, you can create the jacket using an custom jacket website, if desired, of which there are several online. (see two in References) For most websites, you'll just need to input colors, labels, and patterns as well as your size and measurements. Now that you have a design for your jock jacket, you will have no trouble ordering a jacket that matches up to the one in your imagination.

How to Remove the Body Oil from Your White Egyptian Sheets

Sweating and naturally oily skin can quickly take its toll on your white Egyptian sheets. Body oil will leave white sheets dingy with a yellowish tint; no matter how many times you wash them the discoloration remains. Instead of tossing the old sheets in the trash and shelling out money for new ones, try removing the discoloration and odor using a few inexpensive items that you can find around your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Fill a large bucket or tub big enough to hold your Egyptian sheets with cold water. Mix in 1 cup of oxygen bleach for every 1 gallon of water using a spoon. Submerge the stained sheets in the mixture and let them soak for 2 to 4 hours.

Remove the sheets from the mixture and launder them using a cold water temperature setting with 1/3-cup of liquid laundry detergent and 1 cup of white vinegar.

Remove the sheets from the washing machine and tumble dry on low heat with a dryer sheet. Examine the sheets for any lingering body oil stains. Repeat the process if stains remain.

Tips

- Test the body oil removal method on an inconspicuous area of the sheets. If damage or discoloration appears, discontinue use.

- Consider adding 1 cup of oxygen bleach to the washing machine water to increase the chance of removing any lingering oil stains.