How to Draw Perspective

If you want to take your drawings to the next level, give them realistic depth. Choose vanishing points that you place on the horizon of your drawing. You'll make lines that extend from these points and use the grid that they make to position your subjects. Since the lines move back to the horizon, drawing in perspective will make your subject appear to have depth. Practice with a few simple shapes before moving on to landscapes, still lifes, or cityscapes in perspective.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Learning to Draw in One-Point Perspective

1. Draw a horizon line across your paper. Imagine where you want your viewer's eye level to be and sketch that line lightly with a pencil. If you want a precise line, lay a ruler across the paper and run your pencil along it to get an exact horizon line.^[1]
   
   • You can place the horizon anywhere you like. Draw it across the upper 1/3, center, or lower 1/3 of your paper, for instance. Positioning the horizon low will help you create a view looking up while putting the horizon near the top will direct the viewer to look down.
2. Make a pencil mark on the horizon where you want the vanishing point. One-point perspective always has a single focal point on the horizon where all the lines of interest meet. Decide where you want the viewer to focus and make a small dot or mark on the horizon to make this vanishing point.^[2]
   
   • You've probably seen drawings of a street that have the vanishing point on the center of the horizon. This creates a very noticeable narrowing of the street, which can make it easier for beginners to draw.
3. Draw lines that extend from your vanishing point. Set your ruler down so it passes through the vanishing point on the horizon. You can angle your ruler in any direction and lightly run your pencil along it to make a perspective line. Make as many perspective lines as you like. For example, if you're making a road, you'll probably want to draw 2 lines that converge at the vanishing point.
   
   • Perspective lines are also called orthogonal lines. You can use them as guidelines to draw other subjects in your drawing so they're also in one-point perspective.
4. Sketch a geometric object or house to practice perspective. Use your ruler to create at least 3 or 4 perspective lines that extend from the vanishing point. Then, draw a square within your perspective lines so the top and bottom lines of the square are parallel to the horizon lines. Make lines that are perpendicular to the horizon line in order to connect the sides of your box.^[3]
   
   • You can try this with other shapes. Draw the closest side of a shape and connect its corners to the vanishing point on your horizon.
5. Practice drawing landscapes or streets using one-point perspective. If you're trying to add depth to your drawings, you'll need to choose a single thing that draws the viewer in. For example, you could draw a street that narrows in the distance and sketch houses or trees alongside it. Remember that your subject should also be angled along the perspective lines.^[4]
   
   • You could also make a drawing of the ocean with the sun rising or setting. The sun would be the vanishing point that makes the ocean look as though it extends far away from you.
   • Keep in mind that the subjects closer to you should be larger than the ones that are near the horizon.
6. You've finished one-point perspective. Read on to learn about two-point perspective!
   

[Edit]Drawing in Two-Point Perspective

1. Use a ruler to draw the horizon line on your paper. Once you've decided where you want your viewer's eye level to be, lay a ruler there on your paper. Draw a light line across the ruler to create the horizon line.^[5]
   
   • Place the horizon in any part of your paper, not just in the center. You could make the horizon in the upper 1/3 or lower 1/3, for instance.
2. Mark 2 vanishing points on the horizon. Draw 2 small dots on the horizon as far apart as you'd like. Although there aren't rules about where to position these points, keep in mind that symmetrically placed points don't look as natural. For the most realistic-looking perspective, try to place the dots so they're off-centered. They can even be outside of the paper!^[6]
   
   • Try putting 1 vanishing point near 1 edge of the paper on the horizon and make the other point off of the paper on the horizon. To do this, make a mark on your work surface or tape down a scrap piece of paper next to your drawing paper.
3. Draw 3 or 4 perspective lines that extend from each vanishing point. Place your ruler on a vanishing point and draw a light line to the area where you want to put the subject for your drawing. Then, make 2 or 3 more lines from the same vanishing point. Repeat this for the other vanishing point so all of the perspective lines from both points come together.^[7]
   
   • If you placed a vanishing point off of the paper, you can still put your ruler on it. Pull the ruler so it stretches onto your drawing paper. Then, you can make the perspective lines.
4. Use the perspective lines to draw the flat top of a box for a practice project. Now that you have a grid, it's much easier to draw your subject. To practice two-point perspective, draw a box or rectangle along the perspective lines. This will make the flat top of your box.^[8]
   
   • Once you become comfortable with drawing simple shapes in two-point perspective, you can move on to asymmetrical objects.
5. Make vertical lines to connect the box from a two-point perspective. Place your ruler vertically so it's perpendicular to your horizon line. Then, move the ruler so it's at a corner of your box and draw a straight line down. Use the ruler to make straight lines that close off the bottom of your box.^[9]
   
   • Two-point perspective is great for drawing items in a still life or distant buildings.
6. You've finished two-point perspective. Read on to learn about adding a third vanishing point.
   

[Edit]Adding a Third Vanishing Point

1. Use a three-point perspective if you want your drawing to show height. You'll probably use two-point perspective for most of your drawings unless you want the viewer to feel like they're looking up or down at the subject.^[10]
   
   • For example, use a two-point perspective if you're sketching a country scene with a barn in the distance. Use a three-point perspective if you're drawing skyscrapers close to the viewer.
2. Place a vanishing point above or below the horizon line. Make a horizon line with two vanishing points on it as though you're doing two-point perspective. Then, decide if you want to put the third vanishing point below the horizon or above it. If you want to sketch looking down on your subject, make the line under the horizon or position it above the horizon if you want the viewer to look up.^[11]
   
   • Remember that the horizon line represents your viewer's eye level.
3. Draw lines that extend from the extra vanishing point. Set your ruler on the third vanishing point and draw 3 or 4 lines that move up towards the horizon or down across the horizon.
   
   • You'll use this grid with the perspective lines from the other vanishing points.
4. Create geometric shapes with extreme depth. To make a building or cube, locate the perspective lines from the vanishing points that are on your horizon. Make a square along these lines to make the base. Then, sketch along the lines from the third vanishing point to create the sides and close the bottom of the shape using the lines from the horizon line's vanishing point.^[12]
   
   • Note that the vertical sides of your building or cube won't be parallel in three-point perspective. Instead, they should slant up or down towards at an angle.
5. Now you're ready to draw perspective! See related wikiHows for more help refining your drawing skills.
   

[Edit]Tips

• You can use any pencil hardness you prefer.
• Try to keep your perspective lines light so you can erase them easily.
• Go to places where you can see structures disappearing into the horizon and practice drawing them using different perspectives.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Pencils
• Paper
• Ruler
• Eraser

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Draw
• Improve Your Drawing Skills
• Create Right Angle Stairs in SketchUp
• Draw Buildings in Perspective

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=44
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=57
3. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=94
4. ↑ https://helloartsy.com/one-point-perspective/
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=158
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=161
7. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=176
8. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=197
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=207
10. ↑ https://helloartsy.com/linear-perspective-drawing/
11. ↑ https://helloartsy.com/three-point-perspective/
12. ↑ https://youtu.be/Xn_0wEwZNEU?t=351

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How to Use Banana Peels

Whether you're trying to reduce waste or you just don't want to throw away a nutritious part of the banana, learn to use the peels. Banana peels are high in fiber, vitamin C and B, potassium, and magnesium, so they're great to add to your diet! If you don't feel like eating them, use them in your skincare routine or put them to work in your garden, where they add nutrients to the soil.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Consuming Banana Peels

1. Brew banana peel tea to help yourself fall asleep. Bananas are naturally high in melatonin, a hormone that regulates your sleep cycle. For a soothing drink before bed, put a banana peel into a saucepan and pour in enough water to cover it. Bring the water to a boil and simmer the peel for 10 minutes. Then, use tongs to remove the peel and pour the tea into a cup.^[1]
   
   
   
   • You can leave some of the fruit on the peel for a slightly sweet tea.
   • Adjust the burner so the water bubbles gently as the tea brews.
2. Lay banana peels under a roast to help it tenderize. If you're tired of meat drying out as it cooks, place it on banana peels in a roasting pan. Then, roast the meat until it's tender and flavorful. You can serve the soft banana peels with the roast or discard them.^[2]
   
   
   • Banana peels will steam as they roast, which adds moisture to the meat and prevents it from drying out.
3. Blend a banana peel into a smoothie. To take advantage of all of the banana's nutrients, toss the peel into the blender with fruit. You can make any smoothie recipe you like, since the banana peel won't change the flavor. Place the lid on the blender and combine the ingredients until you don't see any bits of banana peel at the bottom of the blender.^[3]
   
   • Try adding the peel to a strawberry-banana smoothie, a wildberry smoothie, or a peanut butter banana smoothie, for instance.
4. Fry or bake the peels to add fiber to a meal. Although you can eat banana peels raw, heating them makes them easier for you to digest. Try chopping the peel into bite-sized pieces and adding them to your next stir fry. You could also add chopped banana peel to a sheet of vegetables and roast the mixture until everything's tender.^[4]
   
   
5. Pickle or candy banana peels to preserve them. For quick banana peel pickles, chop the peels into pieces and put them in a jar of pickle juice. Chill them for at least 2 days before eating them. If you'd like sweeter peels, put the chopped peels into a pot with simple syrup. Simmer the peels until they're tender and then arrange them on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Let them cool so they harden.^[5]
   
   
   • Break up the candied banana peels and store them in an airtight container.
   • Store the pickled banana peels in the refrigerator.
6. Make vinegar using banana peels. To make a lightly fruity vinegar that's great for salad dressing, put of banana peels in a large jar with 1/3 cup (67 g) of sugar and of vinegar. Fill the jar with water. Cover it and stir the mixture once a day for a week. Then, let the vinegar ferment for another week before straining out the peels.^[6]
   
   • Leave the vinegar to ferment for another 4 weeks so it develops more flavor.

[Edit]Applying Banana Peels to Your Skin

1. Try rubbing the peels on itchy skin. Rubbing the inside of the banana peel over itchy skin is a popular home remedy, especially for soothing poison ivy rashes. Gently rub the peel on your skin and repeat it as often as you need to throughout the day.^[7]
   
   
   • Rubbing banana peel might also relieve the itching from insect bites.
2. Make a soothing face mask to brighten your skin. Rub the inside of the banana peel over the entire surface of your face. Keep rubbing until the peel turns brown. The peel gently exfoliates your skin and leaves a slight residue on your skin. Wait up to 30 minutes before rinsing the residue off and then moisturize your face as usual.^[8]
   
   
3. Apply banana peels directly to acne or blemishes. Although research is needed, you could rub the inside of a banana peel on acne spots or blemishes. Let the residue from the peel dry on your skin. Then, rinse it off after about 5 minutes.^[9]
   
   
   • Banana peels have antibacterial properties that could treat the acne.
4. Place banana peels under your eyes to reduce puffiness. If you have tired, puffy eyes, cut the peel into 2 pieces that are about long. Lay the inside of each piece under your eyes and leave them for up to 5 minutes. Then, remove the peels and rinse your skin.^[10]
   
   • Chill the banana peels before putting them on your skin if you want a cooling effect.

[Edit]Using Peels in Your Yard

1. Create a cheap banana peel fertilizer to add nutrients to your plants. Put a banana peel in a large jar and fill it with of water. Cover the jar loosely and leave it at room temperature for 2 days. Then, take the peel out. You can now pour a little of the fertilizer into the soil around your plants or put it in a spray bottle and spritz the base of the plants.^[11]
   
   
   • Since indoor houseplants may be more sensitive to changes in their soil, monitor your plants closely if you use the fertilizer on them. Stop using it if your plants begin wilting or losing leaves.
2. Make rich compost for your garden using banana peels. Although you can simply toss the banana peels on your compost pile, it can take several months for them to break down. To speed things up, chop the peels into pieces, keeping in mind that the smaller the pieces, the faster they'll break down. Then, mix the pieces into your compost pile.^[12]
   
   • Chopping the peels before you compost them also prevents pests from digging through your pile.
3. Dry the peels and grind them into feed for animals. If you keep chickens, pigs, rabbits, or livestock, cheaply supplement their food with banana peels. To make them easier for the animals to digest, dehydrate the peels until they're brittle. Then, grind them until they're fine and mix them into your animals' regular feed.^[13]
   
   • Some animals, such as pigs and cattle, might prefer eating sliced green banana peels so try a few different ways of preparing the peels.
4. Bury chopped banana peels to deter pests from your plants. Chop the peels into pieces that are about in size. Then, bury them below the soil. Green aphids, which also attract ants, are repelled by the peels, so they'll leave your garden alone.^[14]
   
   • Don't bury whole banana peels since rodents will come and dig them up.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If you're eating the peel, consider buying organic bananas since these haven't been sprayed with pesticides.
• Although rubbing your teeth with banana peels to whiten them is a popular home remedy, there's no evidence that this actually works.
• Avoid rubbing the peels over houseplant leaves since dusting with banana peels can attract fruit flies.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Make Fertilizer from Banana Peels

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5409706/
2. ↑ https://www.businessinsider.com/benefits-of-eating-banana-peels-2015-9
3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/banana-peels-are-the-best-thing-you-arent-eating-224226
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/bdV4G6Lwmw8?t=56
5. ↑ https://extension2.missouri.edu/gh1457
6. ↑ https://www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/make-fruit-vinegar/
7. ↑ https://nationaleczema.org/clever-ways-manage-eczema-nea-community/
8. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/how-to/a34493/diy-banana-peel-facials/
9. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4678547/
10. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/how-to/a34493/diy-banana-peel-facials/
11. ↑ https://plantcaretoday.com/banana-peels-garden-uses.html
12. ↑ https://www.garden.eco/compost-banana-peels
13. ↑ http://www.fao.org/3/T0554E/T0554E17.htm
14. ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/home/lawn-garden/how-to/a9251/banana-peels-eggshells-and-more-trash-your-garden-will-love-15699672/

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How to Melt Beeswax

Beeswax is a wonderful material to work with, but it can be dangerous when it’s hot. Melt it down slowly using low heat for the best results. With a few simple materials, you can easily prepare a double boiler, a crock pot water bath, or a solar oven to slowly to evenly warm up your beeswax. Make sure you’re constantly monitoring the melting beeswax so that it doesn’t scorch. Remember to never allow it to reach its flash point of , which is when its will ignite. If you melt your beeswax with a “low and slow” mindset, you’ll end up with a lovely golden liquid that you can pour out into molds or turn into any sort of project you desire.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Melting in a Double Boiler

1. Find a large stock pot and a smaller metal bowl that will fit inside. If you already have a double boiler, you’ll use the 2 pots it comes with. If not, pick out a large stock pot for the base. Then, find a metal saucepan or bowl that fits comfortably inside your stock pot. Find one that can rest on the lip of the stock pot so that it doesn’t touch the bottom. Try a wide metal bowl or a smaller saucepan with a long handle. If you use a saucepan, rest the handle on the lip of the stock pot while the pan portion floats in the water.^[1]
   
   • Only use a metal bowl for the smaller piece; don’t use plastic or glass, which might melt or shatter.
   • You won’t be putting any wax inside the stock pot, so it’s okay to use a pot you prepare food in. However, you will be placing the beeswax directly into the smaller saucepan or bowl, so choose an old one that you won’t be using for food preparation.
   • If you’re using a tall metal pitcher or another bowl that does touch the bottom of the stock pot, place a metal cookie cutter at the bottom and set the smaller bowl on top of this. The cookie cutter will elevate the bowl off of the heat source.
2. Line the bottom of the large stock pot with water. Depending on which type of bowl you’re nesting inside the larger pot, you may need more or less water. Fill the bottom of your stock pot with enough tap water so that it’s at least deep.^[2]
   
   
   
   • If you’re floating a small saucepan inside the larger pot, fill the stock pot so it’s about ¾ full.
   • If you’re using a metal bowl that rests on the lip of the stock pot, stick with about of water.
   • For a purpose-built double boiler, check the user manual for instructions on how much water to use.
3. Heat the water on the stove until it boils. Set the large stock pot filled with water on a stovetop burner and adjust the heat to “high.” Keep it there and wait for it to reach a rolling boil.^[3]
   
   
   
   • Make sure your stock pot sits sturdily on the burner. Hot wax is dangerous, so you’ll want to prevent it from accidentally getting knocked over.
   • Since water boils at , using a double boiler will make it difficult for the wax to exceed this temperature and reach its flash point.
4. Place solid pieces of beeswax into the smaller bowl. To speed up the melting process, cut or break the wax into smaller chunks. Aim for cubes or slivers around wide. Then, set these into your small metal bowl or saucepan.^[4]
   
   
   • Smaller pieces of wax melt faster than larger blocks.
5. Nest the smaller bowl inside the stock pot after reducing the heat. Reduce the burner’s heat to “medium” or “medium-high” to keep the water going at a steady simmer.^[5] Then, place the top half of your double-boiler into the bottom half. If you’re using a smaller bowl or saucepan, make sure its bottom touches the water but not the bottom of the stock pot; you don’t want to expose the beeswax to the heat source.
   
   
   • Never expose beeswax directly to the heat source. Doing so can cause the wax to melt unevenly and may scorch the wax or cause a fire.
6. Allow the solid beeswax to melt slowly over the simmering water. Constantly monitor the beeswax as it melts. After about 2 to 3 minutes, you’ll start to notice the wax beginning to melt. You may have to wait anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour for the wax to completely melt.^[6] Keep an eye on the water level, too. If it begins to evaporate away, pour more water into the stockpot periodically. Don’t let the double boiler to become completely dry at any point during the process.
   
   
   • You don’t need to stir the pieces of wax; the melted liquid will quickly solidify upon contact with a colder utensil.
   • Feel free to use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of your beeswax as it melts. It should melt around . Don’t allow it to exceed as it will get discolored and lose its aroma past this point.
   • Never leave the beeswax unattended as it melts.
7. Pour the melted wax into a mold as soon as it completely liquifies. Prepare your molds or other project materials so that they’re ready to use as soon as the wax has melted. Once every piece of solid beeswax melts away, remove it from the heat and immediately pour it into the molds.^[7]
   
   • Use care when handling the hot wax. Wear oven gloves to protect your hands from the hot steam and any splashes of wax.
   • If you’re pouring the hot wax into glass, make sure it is heat resistant so it doesn’t crack.

[Edit]Using a Crock Pot Water Bath

1. Pour of water into the basin of your crock pot. If you have a wide, shallow crock pot, try about of water, or add or more for a narrow, tall crock pot. Start with enough water so that it won’t all evaporate while you’re melting the beeswax. You can use tap water, or, to speed up the process, heat the water in a kettle first.
   
   
   
   • It’s also possible to melt the beeswax directly in the basin of the crock pot without creating a water bath, since the temperature can remain low. If you choose to do this, make sure that the crock pot basin is made from a nonstick material or line it with aluminum foil.
   • Using the water bath is generally preferred, since it protects the wax from direct heat and makes pouring the liquid wax much easier.^[8]
2. Place a small metal bowl inside the crock pot. Choose an old metal bowl that you won’t be using for food preparation. Select a bowl that’s tall enough so that water won’t seep in, but not so tall that you can’t close the lid of the crock pot. Make sure the bowl sits directly on the bottom of the crock pot’s basin; it doesn’t need to be elevated.
   
   • If you’re making candles, you may be able to use your candle containers for this. Just make sure you’re using metal or heat-resistant glass.^[9]
3. Set pieces of the solid beeswax into the small bowl. Since beeswax melts slowly in a crock pot water bath, use smaller pieces to help speed up the melting process. Break larger pieces of wax into small chunks of about wide, then set these into the small bowl. each.^[10]
   
   
4. Cover the crock pot and allow the wax to melt completely. Turn on the crock pot and set it to the “low” temperature option. Put the cover on to seal the steamy water and heat inside the crock pot. While the beeswax melts, check on its progress every 10 to 15 minutes to make sure it doesn’t reach too high a heat. Depending on how much wax you’re melting, plan to wait at least 1 hour for it to fully liquify.^[11]
   
   • If you’d like, try monitoring the temperature of the beeswax using a thermometer. It will melt around , but you shouldn’t let it get past .
   • Get your project materials ready while the wax melts down.
5. Pour the melted beeswax into molds once it’s melted down. Keep an eye on the beeswax as it gets close to being completely liquified. As soon as it reaches this point, you can take the lid off of the crockpot and pour out the wax into candle molds or whatever else you’re using for your project.^[12] Make sure to use oven gloves as you handle the hot bowl to protect your hands from the steam and splashes of hot wax.
   
   
   • If you want to keep it liquified for a little while longer, remove the lid and switch the crock pot to its "warm" setting.

[Edit]Making a Solar Oven

1. Line a styrofoam cooler with aluminum foil. Cover the sides and bottom of a small styrofoam cooler with aluminum foil. Make sure the shiny side faces toward the inside of the cooler so it reflects as much sunlight as possible. This will become your solar oven.^[13]
   
   
   • Opt for a styrofoam cooler rather than a plastic one. The styrofoam will help insulate the solar oven to keep the heat inside.
2. Place the solid pieces of beeswax in a metal or glass bowl. Break large blocks of wax down into smaller pieces so that they’ll melt down more quickly. Then, set them into a bowl that will fit comfortably inside your solar oven.^[14]
   
   
   • You can either place the wax directly into an old bowl that you don’t need for food preparation, or put it in a newer bowl that’s lined with a protective layer of aluminum foil.
3. Insert the bowl into your solar oven and cover it with a sheet of glass. Set the bowl down on the base of the solar oven so it’s level. Make sure it’s secure so that it doesn’t tip over and spill any hot wax. Then set a thin sheet of glass or clear acrylic over the top of the styrofoam cooler. Make sure it’s large enough to create a complete seal over the solar oven.^[15]
   
   
   • Try repurposing a sheet of glass from an old picture frame for this project.
4. Set the solar oven in the sun and allow the beeswax to melt. Make sure it’s a warm, sunny day; cloud cover and cooler temperatures won’t work very well. While high-tech solar ovens can heat up in sunny but cold climates, plan to use your homemade solar oven on a cloudless day when it’s at least outside. Find a spot outside that will receive direct sunlight for most of the day, and place your covered solar oven there. Check on the progress of your melting wax every 20 to 30 minutes, and reposition it, if needed, to keep it away from shade or moisture.
   
   • Start this process earlier in the day to take advantage of direct midday sun. Don’t wait until the late afternoon or evening.
   • By the end of the day, you should have a bowl of melted wax.^[16]
   • If you are using this process in a cooler season, find an indoor spot that receives direct sunlight.
   • Avoid leaving the wax completely unattended; it may heat up quite quickly.
   • Consider monitoring the temperature with a thermometer. The wax should melt around . Avoid letting it exceed .
5. Remove the melted wax from its solar oven and pour it into molds. Wearing oven gloves to protect your hands from the heat and melted wax, lift off the glass or acrylic cover from your solar oven. Set this aside and carefully take out the bowl containing your liquified beeswax. Immediately pour the wax into molds or use it however your project requires.^[17]
   
   
   
   • Make sure you prepare your project materials as the wax melts so they’re ready to go once all of the wax has melted.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• Beeswax will melt around . Around it will begin to lose its lovely aroma and upwards of it’ll get discolored.^[18]

[Edit]Warnings

• Never leave the beeswax unattended as you’re melting it. Once the wax reaches its flash point, the vapors it produces become extremely flammable and it will catch on fire.^[19]
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby while you’re working. Wax fires can get very dangerous very quickly, and a fire extinguisher will ensure your safety. Be aware that the melted wax will splatter everywhere if you end up extinguishing it.

[Edit]Things You'll Need

[Edit]Melting in a Double Boiler

• Beeswax
• 1 large stock pot
• 1 small metal bowl or saucepan
• Thermometer (optional)
• Water
• Electric stove or hot plate
• Oven gloves
• Molds or other project materials

[Edit]Using a Crock Pot Water Bath

• Beeswax
• Crock pot
• Small metal bowl
• Aluminum foil (optional)
• Water
• Thermometer (optional)
• Oven gloves
• Molds or other project materials

[Edit]Making a Solar Oven

• Beeswax
• Styrofoam cooler
• Aluminum foil
• Small metal bowl
• Oven thermometer (optional)
• Sheet of glass or clear acrylic
• Oven gloves
• Molds or other project materials

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.theveggietable.com/blog/cooking-tips/how-to-fake-a-double-boiler/
2. ↑ https://youtu.be/irj9zsaZFPg?t=45
3. ↑ https://www.theveggietable.com/blog/cooking-tips/how-to-fake-a-double-boiler/
4. ↑ https://youtu.be/irj9zsaZFPg?t=145
5. ↑ https://youtu.be/irj9zsaZFPg?t=141
6. ↑ https://youtu.be/irj9zsaZFPg?t=165
7. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
8. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
9. ↑ https://youtu.be/YgZIQkUDUK8?t=85
10. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
11. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
12. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
13. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/food-wine/melting-beeswax
14. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/food-wine/melting-beeswax
15. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/food-wine/melting-beeswax
16. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/food-wine/melting-beeswax
17. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/
18. ↑ https://youtu.be/irj9zsaZFPg?t=82
19. ↑ https://urbanoveralls.net/2014/12/05/methods-of-melting-beeswax/

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How to Improve Store Bought Muffin Mix

Store-bought box mixes make it easy to bake up a batch of muffins, but the flavor can sometimes be a little underwhelming. Luckily, there are lots of easy ways to upgrade your box muffin mix! For a blast of fruit flavor, stir your favorite fresh or frozen berries into the batter. If you want to add a little crunch or texture to your muffins, try stirring in chopped nuts or toasted coconut flakes. You can also play around with flavors by incorporating vanilla extract, cinnamon, pumpkin purée, and so much more!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Adding Fruit to the Batter

1. Incorporate fresh or frozen berries for a healthy burst of flavor. If you love the flavor of berries, consider adding fresh strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries to the batter. If you use strawberries, be sure to cut them into smaller pieces before adding them. You can also replace fake or dried fruit in the original mix with delicious fresh fruit.^[1]
   
   • For example, many blueberry muffin box mixes have fake blueberry bits or tiny dried berries in them. Pick out the original fruit bits from the powdered mix and replace them with a handful of frozen or fresh berries.
   • Add berries to plain bran muffins or to fruit-flavored muffins.
2. Upgrade the batter with a handful of diced fruits for a fresh taste. Fresh peaches, strawberries, apples, pears, and bananas are great options, but you can experiment with any of your favorite fresh fruits or use whatever is in season. Dice them into blueberry-sized pieces before you add the fruit to the batter.^[2]
   
   • Diced canned pineapple and sliced cherries can add a refreshing tropical flavor to your muffins.
   • Oranges, grapefruits, and grapes might not be the best options because they don't mix well with batters or bake favorably.
   • Diced fruit works best in plain muffin mixes or mixes that already have a fruity flavor.
3. Toss a handful of dried fruit into the batter for a chewy texture. Dried cranberries, tart cherries, and sweet mango are an excellent addition and add a nice texture to any muffin. If you don't have anything else on hand, even a handful of plump raisins can elevate your muffin mix to the next level.^[3]
   
   • Try this with oat bran muffin mix or intensify the fruit flavor of classic blueberry muffins.
4. Stir in banana or pumpkin purée to add flavor and density. If you like your muffins dense and hearty, a fruit purée is a great additive. Try adding 1 mashed banana or a spoonful of pumpkin purée to the batter and mixing it in thoroughly.^[4]
   
   • If you’re feeling adventurous, you could also experiment with carrot or sweet potato purée!
   • You can add a banana to almost any muffin mix that you want with good results. If you're adding pumpkin, it's probably best to start with plain muffin mix.
5. Update a plain muffin mix with lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor. To create a classic lemon poppy seed muffin, zest 2 lemons and add the zest to the batter. Then, stir in 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of poppy seeds to create a satisfying crunch. Spoon or pour the batter into the muffin tins and bake the muffins according to the package instructions.^[5]
   
   • This works best for muffin mixes that don't already have a strong flavor, like a plain or bran muffin mix.

[Edit]Incorporating Ingredients to Change the Texture

1. Add a spoonful of chopped nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture. Chopped walnuts, pecans, and almonds are all great options for this. Not only will they contribute flavor and texture, but they will also add healthy fats to the mix. Simply stir the nuts into the batter and enjoy!^[6]
   
   • For a little more crunch, sprinkle the top of unbaked muffins with a layer of nuts before popping them in the oven.
   • For a sweeter treat, use candied nuts.^[7]
   • Chopped nuts are a great addition to any muffin flavor!
2. Stir in a spoonful of hemp seeds, flax meal, or chia seeds for a healthy option. Hemp seeds and flax meal have a slightly nutty flavor and will provide a nice texture. Chia seeds are mostly flavorless but they can impart a hearty denseness and texture. Best of all, these additives are extremely healthy.^[8]
   
   • Chia seeds absorb a lot of liquid. If your batter feels a bit thick after you mix it up, add a splash of whatever liquid your recipe calls for.
   • The nuttiness will work great with almost any muffin mix flavor you have on hand.
3. Incorporate toasted coconut for a rich, flavorful texture. Stir a spoonful of the toasted coconut into the batter itself. Then, after you pour the batter into the muffin tin, sprinkle a little more of the toasted coconut on top of each muffin.^[9]
   
   • The extra on top will provide a satisfying crunch after you take the muffins out of the oven.
   • Try adding toasted coconut to fruity muffin mixes, like raspberry or strawberry muffins. It also works great in sweeter muffins, like chocolate chip muffins.
   • Toasted coconut goes great with other tropical additions like diced pineapple, dried mango, and cherries!
4. Add a handful chocolate chips for a gooey, decadent muffin. If you don’t have milk chocolate chips, try chopping up your favorite chocolate bar instead. The melted milk chocolate will add a burst of flavor and create a chewy, gooey texture that’s hard to resist!^[10]
   
   • You can also try sprinkling M&Ms on top of the muffins right before you pop them in the oven.
   • Feel free to experiment with a variety of flavors. For example, try adding peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or dark chocolate chips to the batter.
5. Use coconut or almond milk instead of water for moist muffins. Most box muffin mixes call for water to create the batter. If you want a richer flavor and moist texture, swap out the water for the same amount of something richer, like coconut, almond, or soy milk.^[11]
   
   • You can try this with any muffin mix flavor to add moisture.
6. Whip up a streusel topping to create a sweet, crunchy topping. Stir together 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of butter, 2 tablespoons (30 grams) of flour, and 1 tablespoon (15 grams) brown sugar in a small bowl until the ingredients are fully incorporated. Aim for a gritty, sand-like consistency. Then, pour the prepared batter into the muffin tins and sprinkle the streusel on top before you pop the muffins in the oven.^[12]
   
   
   • A streusel topping is a great addition to any muffin flavor.

[Edit]Experimenting with Spices and Other Flavors

1. Upgrade any muffin recipe with cream cheese for a rich, decadent twist. Mix the muffin batter and spoon or pour it into the muffin tins. Then, remove the cream cheese from the fridge and dice it into piece while it's still cold. Add a spoonful of diced cream cheese on top of each muffin cup and bake the muffins according the the recipe instructions.^[13]
   
   • The cream cheese will sink into the batter while the muffins are baking.
2. Add of vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. Vanilla extract imparts its own lovely flavor to the muffin batter, but it also enhances the flavor of the other ingredients. You can also try out other extract flavors, like almond and lemon, to create different flavor profiles.^[14]
   
   
   • For example, add of lemon extract and 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) of poppy seeds to your batter to whip up a classic batch of lemon poppy seed muffins.
3. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for rich, flavorful muffins. Use 1 teaspoon (4.2 grams) of your chosen spice. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cocoa powder are delicious options, but they are hardly the only ones! Allspice and pumpkin pie spice are also excellent. Raid your spice cabinet to see what else you have and experiment until you find the perfect spice or spice blend.^[15]
   
   
   • For example, spice up banana muffins with cinnamon, ground ginger, and nutmeg. Toss in a handful of walnuts for good measure!
   • Upgrade a basic muffin mix with cinnamon and vanilla.
   • Enrich pumpkin muffins with pumpkin pie spice and chopped pecans.
4. Use brown sugar instead of white sugar for a sweeter, richer flavor. If you’re making muffins from scratch, cut the granulated white sugar from the recipe and use the same amount of brown sugar instead. Brown sugar is a little sweeter and imparts a rich, maple-like flavor to the muffins.^[16]
   
   • You can also sprinkle cinnamon and brown sugar on top of the muffins before popping them in the oven to add a little crunchy sweetness.
5. Glaze the top of your muffins with cake frosting for an extra sweet treat. If you love rich baked goods, try topping just-baked muffins with your favorite canned cake frosting. For example, if you made chocolate muffins, spread a German chocolate frosting on top. Take lemon poppy seed muffins to the next level with a glaze of lemon icing. The possibilities are endless!
   
   

[Edit]Tips

• If the recipe calls for water, use club soda or carbonated water instead. It will make the muffins lighter, and less dense.

[Edit]Warnings

• Watch for allergy warnings on the package. Keep in mind that all packaged mixes have soy products (e.g. oil and protein) which may trigger a reaction from allergic people.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Fill Muffin Pans
• Troubleshoot Muffins
• Adjust a Muffin Recipe for Jumbo Size Muffins
• Make Blueberry Muffins

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-easy-ways-to-upgrade-basic-muffins-236522
2. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
3. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-easy-ways-to-upgrade-basic-muffins-236522
4. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
5. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/instantly-upgrade-basic-muffin-mix-with-lemon-and-poppy-seeds-236499
6. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
7. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-easy-ways-to-upgrade-basic-muffins-236522
8. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
9. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/10-easy-ways-to-upgrade-basic-muffins-236522
10. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
11. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
12. ↑ https://www.happygoluckyblog.com/10-ways-to-jazz-up-muffin-mix/
13. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/muffins-cream-cheese-upgrade-technique-article
14. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
15. ↑ https://theflexiblechef.com/elevate-boxed-mixes/
16. ↑ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/master-muffin-mix/

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How to Treat Low Blood Pressure Naturally

If your blood pressure numbers are too low, it can make it difficult to get through your day. It can also lead to a variety of other health problems if you don’t address the issue and it is left untreated. If your blood pressure is low, you may feel dizzy, confused, or have trouble concentrating on basic tasks. Generally speaking, a reading of 90/60 or lower is a sign that you have low blood pressure. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take on your own to help raise blood pressure to a consistent level. See your doctor to discuss your blood pressure and seek emergency medical care if you experience any serious symptoms.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Increasing Your Blood Pressure

1. Drink more water slowly over the course of the day. Drinking water is good for you to begin with, but it can help raise your blood pressure if it is too low. Keep a cup of water next to you at all times and sip on it slowly throughout the day. This may not have as pronounced of an effect if you’re younger than 40, but it’s still a healthy, risk-free way to raise your blood pressure a little.^[1]
   
   • Aim to drink about of water daily. If you're active or feel thirsty, increase your water intake to stay hydrated.
   • Excessive thirst is a common symptom of low blood pressure, so this should help alleviate the symptom as well.
   • If you get sick of boring old water, go ahead and squirt some lime or lemon juice into the water to give it some flavor.
2. Wear compression stockings to increase your pressure slightly. Pick up some compression stockings that fit tight, but don’t hurt to wear. These special socks can help increase blood pressure by keeping the blood in your legs from pooling up in your feet.^[2]
   
3. Maintain a low-fat diet full of fish, chicken, nuts, and vegetables. Eat a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean chicken, or fish. This is a good habit to begin with, but it’s especially helpful if you have low blood pressure. Eating a healthy, low-fat diet is an effective way to ensure that your arteries stay healthy and efficient, which is often a problem for people with low blood pressure.^[3]
   
   • Carbohydrates, sugar, and saturated fats may make your low blood pressure worse. Avoid junk food and sugary drinks as often as possible. Limit the amount of red meat you eat and use lean white meat and fish instead. A turkey or salmon burger can be just as good as beef burger!
   • Other great options include cereal, eggs, and anything with dairy in it. Cheese is a great snack if you have low blood pressure,
   • Oatmeal with some bananas is a phenomenal breakfast or lunch if you’re looking for a filling option.
4. Eat 4-5 smaller meals instead of 2-3 bigger meals to stabilize spikes. When you eat a large meal, your blood pressure may go up and down rapidly as your body digests the food. Eating smaller meals more frequently is a great way to keep your blood pressure stable over the course of the day. Keep snacks nearby and eat smaller portions to fit in more meals.^[4]
   
5. Increase your daily salt intake after talking to your doctor. Simply put, the medical consensus is that too much salt is bad for you. However, for people with low blood pressure, a little extra salt is an efficient way to raise your blood pressure. Talk to your doctor to assess how much salt you should add to your diet, since the amount you can safely consume depends on other health factors.^[5]
   
   • Do not skip talking to your doctor about this before significantly raising your sodium intake since there are a variety of other health issues that can be triggered by excess salt. Eating too much salt for a longer period of time can lead to kidney disease, strokes, or spikes in your blood pressure.^[6]
   • If you do start increasing your sodium intake to raise your blood pressure, make sure you continue monitoring your blood pressure regularly.
6. Shift your position regularly to keep symptoms at bay. Your blood may clot in certain parts of your body when you’re sitting, lying down, or standing in a position for too long. To keep your symptoms from getting worse, change your position every 15-30 minutes. Even small shifts will radically help you from getting dizzy or feeling out of it.^[7]
   
   • When you stand up, do it slowly. You’re more likely to faint or get dizzy when you stand if you have low blood pressure.
7. Limit your alcohol consumption to keep your blood pressure stable. Aside from the fact that it’s generally not good for your health, drinking a lot of alcohol can drastically lower your blood pressure. Alcohol is a depressant, which causes your blood flow to slow down a little. Consume no more than 1 alcoholic beverage a night to keep your blood pressure safe.^[8]
   
   • It’s particularly important to avoid shots and drinks with a lot of hard liquor. Drinking a lot of alcohol quickly can trigger a sudden drop in blood pressure.

[Edit]Checking Your Blood Pressure

1. See your doctor if you want the most accurate blood pressure reading possible. When you get a regular checkup, the nurse will almost always take your blood pressure before the doctor comes in. Ask for the reading after the nurse takes your blood pressure and discuss the results with your doctor. This is the best way to get an accurate reading and sound medical advice at the same time.^[9]
   
   • If you aren’t having any symptoms of low blood pressure, like dizziness or fatigue, it’s probably fine to just wait for your next physical to get your blood pressure taken.
2. Check your pressure using the machine at a drug store for a general estimate. Many local drug stores and pharmacies have machines that you can use for free to check your blood pressure. Simply slide your arm into the opening and press the start button to wait for the machine to take your reading. This is a great way to get a basic idea of where you’re blood pressure is at.^[10]
   
   • If nobody is waiting to use the machine, sit down for 5 minutes or so before taking your blood pressure to get a more accurate reading.
3. Buy a blood pressure monitor if you want to take regular readings at home. These are available from nearly every pharmacy or supermarket, and can cost as little as $20. These devices are a great way to keep track of your blood pressure numbers from the comfort of your own home. Simply wrap the band around your bicep and turn the machine on to take your reading.^[11]
   
   • Sit still and relax for 5 minutes before you take your blood pressure so that physical exertion doesn't affect your reading. Additionally, put your feet flat against your floor while you take the reading and don't cross your legs.
4. Recognize that a reading lower than 90/60 indicates low blood pressure. When checking your blood pressure, the systolic reading, which is the top number, should be 90-120. The diastolic reading, which is the bottom number, should be around 60-80. If the systolic reading is lower than 90 or your diastolic reading is lower than 60, you have low blood pressure^[12]
   
   • Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure that is exerted on the arteries by the force of your blood being pushed through by your heart. Think of your body as a pipe. The systolic reading is how hard the water presses on the pipe when it’s flowing.
   • Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure that exists in your arteries when your heart rests between beats. If it helps, think of it as how hard the water pushes on the pipe when the tap on your sink is off.
   • Keep in mind that everyone's body is different, and you will experience fluctuations over the course of each day. However, blood pressure numbers should be kept as close to these averages as possible.

[Edit]When to Seek Medical Care

1. See your doctor if you have low blood pressure symptoms. Most of the time, low blood pressure is not a problem unless it causes symptoms. If you experience any of the common symptoms associated with low blood pressure, consult a doctor to walk through your options. They will assess what’s going on and recommend medical treatment options if necessary. ^[13]
   
   • Common low blood pressure symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, nausea and trouble concentrating.
   • Uncommon symptoms that require medical attention sooner rather than later include fainting, blurred vision, and vomiting.
2. Get emergency medical care for signs of shock. If your blood pressure drops extremely low, it can trigger a life-threatening condition called shock. Shock can damage your heart if you don’t address it quickly, and you may be at serious risk if it goes completely untreated.^[14]
   
3. Work with your doctor to treat any underlying problems. Low blood pressure is often a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Managing these conditions properly can help keep your blood pressure levels under control. If your blood pressure is consistently low, see your doctor to try to identify and treat the source of the problem.^[15]
   
   • You may have low blood pressure if you’re pregnant. Take a pregnancy test to see if you’re expecting a child!
   • Low blood pressure can be a symptom of several heart conditions, thyroid issues, dehydration, anemia, or allergies.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Warnings

• Avoid incorporating a ton of saturated fat or sugar in your diet. Fat and sugar can cause your blood pressure to spike and reduce suddenly, leading to periods of dizziness and exhaustion.^[16]

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Raise Low Blood Pressure
• Lower High Blood Pressure Without Using Medication
• Naturally Lower Blood Pressure During Pregnancy
• Lower Blood Pressure Quickly

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.mc.vanderbilt.edu/reporter/index.html?ID=1022
2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/treatment/con-20032298
3. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/beating-high-blood-pressure-with-food
4. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355470
5. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/treatment/con-20032298
6. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/basics/treatment/con-20032298
7. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355470
8. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16922819
9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/basics/symptoms/con-20019580
10. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blood-pressure/how-accurate-are-drugstore-blood-pressure-machines
11. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blood-pressure/how-accurate-are-drugstore-blood-pressure-machines
12. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/reading-the-new-blood-pressure-guidelines
13. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20355465
14. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20355465
15. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/low-blood-pressure/symptoms-causes/syc-20355465
16. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

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