How to Get a College Scholarship

Expert Reviewed

Five Parts:Finding ScholarshipsPreparing Your ApplicationWriting a Scholarship EssayGetting Letters of RecommendationFinalizing Your ApplicationCommunity Q&A

The cost of college tuition has increased 1,120% (no, that's not a typo) in the past 30 years.^[1] With the cost of college continuing to skyrocket, many students will no longer be able to pay for school out of pocket. While many students use financial aid to offset the cost of school, this can lead to a lifetime of debt. College scholarships, on the other hand, are a great way to pay for college without taking on any debt. With planning, research, and careful preparation, you may be able to get scholarships to pay for part, or all, of your education.

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Steps

Part 1

Finding Scholarships

1. 1

   Search online for scholarships.

   Begin by searching for scholarships that are specifically for your grade in school. For instance, there are many scholarships designed for high school seniors. The best place to begin in the US is the U.S. Department of Labor's scholarship search,

   here

   , which searches over 7,000 scholarship opportunities by category and other keywords.

   • If you are currently enrolled in college, there should be some resources through your school's website that will help you find scholarships. You should also search for scholarships within your institution that are designed for continuing students.
   • There are scholarship-specific search engines that you can use to find potential scholarships. Some of these include Fastweb, Scholarships.com and College Board.
   • You can find a list of state grant agencies here.

2. 2

   Ask your counselor or teacher about scholarships.

   Career counselors or college counselors know a lot about the types of scholarships that are available. They may be able to direct you to scholarship options you haven’t yet considered.

   ^[2]

   • If you're from a disadvantaged background, you may also be eligible to participate in TRIO, a US government program designed to help low-income families, first-generation college students, and people with disabilities get into college. TRIO offers guidance counseling and scholarship opportunities.^[3]

3. 3

   Think about your background.

   Many scholarships give money to students with particular ethnic or racial backgrounds. There are even a variety of scholarships for students in military families or for students with parents in volunteer or fraternal societies. There are also a lot of scholarships designed for students who are returning to school late in life or beginning at a non-traditional age. Think about your background and search for unique scholarships that you are eligible for.

   ^[4]

   • Check the Federal Student Aid website, here, for information on scholarships for students from military families.
   • If you're a current or former foster care child, you may be eligible to participate in the Educational and Training Vouchers program through the federal government. Find more information here.
   • Consider also checking websites from your church or religious organization, community organizations, and local businesses. Many offer scholarships for local students.

4. 4

   Keep track of deadlines.

   Deadlines for scholarship applications are firm. This means that you can’t send in your application late and expect you will get the scholarship. Keep track of deadlines by using a spreadsheet or your personal calendar. Then you won’t miss an important deadline.

   ^[5]

   • Make a note of whether the scholarship deadline is when your paperwork needs to be received or if it is a postmarked deadline. If the deadline is when your paperwork needs to be received, you should send in your application at least a week before it is due. This will assure that it's received on time.

5. 5

   Avoid scams.

   While there are thousands of legitimate scholarship opportunities out there, there are also plenty of people who would be willing to take your money or steal your personal information. Use the following tips to keep your search smart:

   ^[6]

   • Don’t pay for scholarship information. Most of the time, the information that financial aid “services” provide is already available for free elsewhere. Furthermore, these services may promise to “guarantee” financial aid or lock in a scholarship if you just give them a credit card number. This is a scam.^[7]
   • Be careful of application fees. In most cases, “scholarships” that require an application or processing fee are fraudulent. Reputable scholarships are there to help you out, not milk your money.^[8]
   • Don’t pay someone else to file a FAFSA. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is used in the US to help the government determine your eligibility for aid. It’s free to file and is very easy. Save your money and don’t hire someone else to pay to file it for you. These companies are never associated with the US government.
   • Be wary of “winning” contests. You may receive notification that you’ve “won” a contest or been “selected” for a scholarship that you never applied for. If it sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is. Usually, you will have to pay money in order to claim this “scholarship,” which kind of defeats the point.^[9]

Part 2

Preparing Your Application

1. 1

   Gather important documents.

   Many scholarship applications will ask for academic records, financial information, and other details about you.

   ^[10]

   Try to gather these materials well in advance, as documents such as transcripts and test scores can take a few weeks to arrive.

   • In general, plan to have these documents on hand when applying for scholarships: transcripts from every high school and college you’ve attended, test scores (SAT, ACT, etc.), financial aid forms, financial information (tax returns, etc.), and proof of eligibility (birth certificate, passport, etc.).

2. 2

   Type up a resume outlining your extracurricular activities.

   Make a list of every activity that you’ve participated in during high school and college. This will include school activities, community and volunteer activities, and work experience.

   • Type up your resume on the computer. Many universities and colleges now use online applications, so you will probably need an electronic copy of your resume.
   • Be specific with details on this resume. Include the name of the organization that you worked with, the dates that you worked or volunteered there, the position you held, and the tasks that you completed.
   • Include scholarships and honors that you’ve received. If you have any special skills, such bilingualism or computer coding knowledge, list those too.
   • If you have a lot of activities or experience, consider making a long version and a short (one-page) version of this resume. Different scholarship organizations may have different preferences.
   • Check out this sample applicant resume from the University of Texas Honors Program.

3. 3

   Fill out a practice copy of the application form. You want to make sure your information fits on the application form, so fill out a copy before you fill out the official version. If the application form is not online, make a photocopy of the form.

4. 4

   Type your information into the form.

   Typing your information into the form is best, as it will be more legible than handwriting. Many scholarship forms are available online in PDFs, so typing your information into these forms is simple. Some forms may be available only in hard copy.

   • Handwriting the form is fine if you don’t have access to a typewriter. Be sure to write in blue or black ink and write neatly. If your handwriting is messy, ask someone else to fill out the form for you.

Part 3

Writing a Scholarship Essay

1. 1

   Determine the audience for your essay.

   Each scholarship organization has particular goals. This can influence how it wants to spend its scholarship money. Do a little research on the organization so that you understand who is giving out the money.

   ^[11]

   • A good place to start is by looking at the mission statement of the college, university, or institution. Every higher education institution should have a mission statement and it should lay out the priorities of the school. Most philanthropic organizations will have mission statements too. Be sure to address its mission statement directly in your essay.

2. 2

   Follow the instructions.

   If the essay directions ask for answers to particular questions, make sure you answer them. If the essay instructions call for 500 words, don’t write 700. If it asks for double-spaced paragraphs, make sure to format your paper like this.

   • Double check the instructions after you’ve finished writing. This will help make sure you’ve covered what you need to cover in the essay.

3. 3

   Write something original.

   College scholarship essays are sometimes boring because writers often use cookie-cutter answers to the assigned topics. Make sure your essay has passion and personal voice. This will help your essay stand out to the scholarship committee.

   ^[12]

   • For example, tell a story to start out your essay. If you are writing about an influential person in your life, start out by telling the story of when you first met this person. If you are writing about an influential book, talk about the first time you read it. Describe how you couldn’t put the book down, or how you stumbled through it, looking up every second word.^[13]
   • Keep things personal. The scholarship committee is interested in getting to know you, not “modern society” or “humanity.”

4. 4

   Use specific examples.

   Avoid vague statements that don’t say much. Go for vivid imagery to paint a picture for your reader. Incorporate specific examples of your volunteer work, detailing how you helped a certain person, for example. Use descriptive phrases that paint a picture of your contribution.

   ^[14]

   • For example, instead of writing, “I helped a homeless single mother by gathering donated school supplies for her children,” you could write, “Sharon, a single mother of two, teared up when I presented her with a backpack full of notebooks and pencils for her children.”
   • Avoid fluff language that doesn’t say anything. “I’m a people person” or “I’m devoted to learning” are not specific or personal. They communicate nothing about you.
   • Consider how much more descriptive these are: “Since I can remember, I have never met a stranger. Whether it’s at my job bagging groceries or serving as class president, I can easily strike up a conversation with anyone.” or “Finishing high school with a chronic illness wasn’t easy, but I took distance learning courses and studied on my own because I value learning and am devoted to pursuing it.”

5. 5

   Ask someone else to edit your essay.

   Once you’ve finished your essay, ask someone else to read it and give you feedback. Getting someone else’s eyes on your work will help you figure out whether your points are clear, what you need to improve, and what works well.

   ^[15]

Part 4

Getting Letters of Recommendation

1. 1

   Find people who know your work.

   Most scholarship applications will ask for at least one letter of recommendation. The letter can come from a teacher, employer, or other person familiar with your work. The letter should focus on your work, grades, community service, talents, and so on.

   ^[16]

   • Don’t choose a relative for this role. Friends usually won’t work either. However, a volunteer coordinator, your pastor, or another figure in your community who knows you could work.

2. 2

   Ask the person if he or she will write a letter on your behalf.

   Don’t assume that your teacher or other referee will write you a letter. You must ask to make sure that he or she is familiar with your work and has the time to write a letter for you.

   • Meet in person to ask about a letter. This is a more personalized approach than an email and it will reflect positively on you. Bring a copy of your resume or the work you did in his or her class to help this person remember your accomplishments. This is especially important if you have not worked with this person in a while.
   • If the person says no, try not to take it personally. It’s better to have someone who can write you a good letter than someone who writes a vague, impersonal letter.

3. 3

   Give your application materials to your referee well in advance.

   You want to make the letter-writing process as easy as possible for your referees. Give them any forms they need to fill out as early as possible. Provide them with a copy of your personal statement or essay as well, if the application calls for one. This will help them draft a letter that supports the statements you made in your application.

   • Be sure to give your referees a self-addressed stamped envelope. Many scholarships ask that your referees mail their letters to the organization rather than giving them to you. It’s impolite to expect your referees to pay to send their letters.

4. 4

   Send a reminder. As you get closer to the application deadline, send a reminder to your referee about writing a letter. Don’t remind them every day, but a reminder at least a week ahead of the deadline is a good idea.

5. 5

   Send a thank you note afterwards. Regardless of whether you win the scholarship or not, send a handwritten thank you note to each of your referees. They deserve thanks for the time they took to write on your behalf and thanking them for that time will make it more likely that they will do it for you again.

Part 5

Finalizing Your Application

1. 1

   Proofread your application.

   Go through each page of your application and carefully proofread it. If it’s an online application, it helps to print out the entire application and read through it. Ask someone else to read through it too.

   ^[17]

2. 2

   Assemble your application in order.

   Put all the pages of your application in the order that the scholarship application asks for them. For example, place the cover page first, then your scholarship essay, then your resume, and so on. Each application will have its own specific instructions, so be sure to follow them closely.

   • Make sure you have all the parts to your application. Missing one part might make you ineligible for the scholarship.

3. 3

   Make copies of your application.

   It’s a good idea to have a record of the information that you send in for your application. Some scholarship organizations might need an interview. It will be helpful to remember what you’ve already turned in as you talk to the organization.

   ^[18]

4. 4

   Send in your application early. Don’t wait until the deadline to turn in your materials. If you assemble all your materials ahead of time, you will have time to proofread your application. Don't forget to send a reminder to those writing your letters of recommendation.

Tips

• Take some time to clean up your online presence. Search for your name online and see what comes up. Take down pictures that you don’t want scholarship organizations to see.

Warnings

• Don't pay a service to search for scholarships for you. This is a waste of your money and the legitimate services are usually free.

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How to Cancel a Check

There can be any number of reasons to want to stop payment on a check. Stopping the payment on a check means canceling the check so it will not be paid. This process can be very simple if you follow a few easy steps.

EditSteps

EditDetermining Whether to Cancel the Check

1. Gather needed information. To cancel a check, you must have the legal authority to do so either as an owner of the account or as a legally recognized agent. You will also need certain information to make a cancellation request with your bank:
   
   • You need the name or names of the owners of the account on which the check was written. This includes all names on a joint or company account.
   • You will also need your phone number and the address as it appears on the check.
   • Make sure you write down the account number on which the check was drawn, the check number, and the date written on the check.
   • You also need to have the amount for which the check was written and the name of the party to whom the check was made payable.
   • Your bank will also ask you the reason for the stop payment request, so make sure you know why.^[1]
2. Verify payment status. Check with the bank to see if the check has cleared. This means that the person you wrote the check to has been paid the amount it was written for. You can ask the person or company that it was issued to. You should also verify the status of the check with your bank. This can be done over the phone or online. You cannot cancel a check that has already been paid.
   
   • The cancellation does not take effect immediately. It generally happens at the end of the following business day in most cases.
   • If it has not cleared, no information is needed from the recipient of the check before making a stop payment.
3. Consider the cost. There is usually a charge for the service, regardless of whether payment is actually stopped or not. ^[2] This varies from bank to bank. Depending upon your relationship with the financial institution, fees may not be required or will be forgiven.
   
   • If you know there will be a fee, you may not want to place a stop payment because of the extra cost. If a check is worth less than the amount of the fee, let the payment go through. If you receive an overdraft fee, it is about the same price as a stop payment fee at most banks.
   • Be aware that overdraft fees can be incurred again and again if the money is not replaced.^[3]
4. Deal with stolen checks. There is no fee for placing a stop payment on lost or stolen blank checks. If your check book is stolen, get a police report right away. This is especially needed if there was more than one check stolen. Then take the report to the bank at the branch where you do business. You may want to consider closing the account and opening another one.
   
   • If you want to close your account, the bank will have a manager or a loss-prevention specialist to help you. They can flag your account for special care. They can also help you to transition to a new account as necessary. ^[4]
5. Deal with an unstopped payment. You may not always be able to put a stop payment on a check. It also may not always be convenient to do so. A stop payment cannot be processed if you paid with a cashier’s checks or if the check has already been paid. It also cannot go through if there was not enough time to process the request. If you can't cancel the check, try contacting the payee directly. Request that they do not deposit the check or to arrange for reimbursement in another form.^[5]
   

EditDealing with the Bank

1. Take care of it in person. Once you have all the necessary information, you need to contact your bank, credit union, or savings and loan. You then need to request a cancellation. This can usually be done in by phone or in person in the branch. Make sure you have all the information handy. You don't have to be the person who signed the check, but your name needs to be on the account.
   
   • Save your time and theirs by preparing first.
   • The average amount to cancel a check at the bank is $30 to $35. Check with your bank to find the exact amount you will have to pay.
   • You shouldn't have a problem stopping payment. The bank is obligated to take the request regardless of the reason you give. They usually just want to know if they need to be on the lookout for fraud.^[6]
2. Handle the situation online. If possible, placing a stop payment online can be easier, faster and cheaper than doing so in person. You can do this through your online banking website. Since your bank already has most of your information attached to your account, it is much easier than trying to do it in person. You should confirm the account number the check was drawn on. You then have to enter the check number, the amount it was written for, who it was written to, and the date written on the check.
   
   • This option may result in fees $5-$10 lower than in person.
   • You can typically find this option from your online banking homepage. If you cannot find it, enter "Stop Payment” in the search box and follow the links to “Request Stop Payment.” Then you can enter the above information. ^[7]
3. Take care of other transactions. You can stop payments on other types of activity on your account other than written checks. Holds can be placed on pre-authorized debits or electronic checks using the same procedures. You just need different information. You will need to know the company name, account number, amount of the transfer, and the Automated Clearing House Merchant ID. You can use the company ID instead. Both of these numbers can be found by looking at the last transaction you had with the company.
   
   • You will need to do this 3 business days before the payment is due. This allows time for the cancellation to be processed.
   • A computer in responsible for taking care of this process. This means that the information needs to be complete and correct. There will not be a person there to figure out the missing information.^[8]
4. Determine the timeline. It is important to ask your bank when the stop payment will take effect. This can be immediately, within 24 hours, or at the end of the next business day. It depends on your bank and the situation. You should also ask how long it stays in effect. Banks will generally get rid of stop payments from the system after 6 months. This can vary.
   
   • Make sure you know when the stop payment will be lifted. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises in case the check is cashed after this time has gone by.
   • You may also want to place a new stop payment if needed after this time period. ^[9]
5. Deal with the Payee. Now that the check is cancelled, you need find other way to arrange payment. Depending on the reason for canceling the check, you may want to make other arrangements with payee of the check. You will probably want to request that the check be returned to you in most cases. You know that stop payment will not remain in effect forever. Getting the check back will make it impossible for it to be cashed once the time period has ended. With this, you avoid having to place a new stop payment again in the future. That means you will not have the cost and hassle again.
   
   • If you need to keep the check for your records, you should void the check. Do this by writing VOID in big letters across the check. You should also draw an X from corner to corner. This will make sure that the check can never be cashed.
   • If you don’t need to keep the check, tear it up. You should not just throw it in the trash. It could be found by someone and cashed after the stop payment date has passed.
   • There may be some legal ramifications if you stop payment of a check. Make sure you understand the liability of such an action before you go through the trouble of cancelling the check.^[10]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Endorse a Check
• Write a Check on a US Bank to a Canadian Payee
• Void a Check
• Write a Check

EditSources and Citations

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How to Start a Casino

If you're looking for a business venture that can earn you a lot of revenue in a short time, then learning how to start a casino might offer you the opportunity you need. For centuries, gambling has been a favorite pastime for people of all walks of life, and it continues today. However, starting a casino requires more than a passion for gambling: it requires a significant investment, accurate planning, and good business management.

EditSteps

EditChecking Gambling Regulations

1. Check if commercial casino operation is legal in your area. While forms of gambling, including charitable and online gambling, are legal in most areas within the United States, commercial casinos are only legal in some states and provinces. As of 2013, commercial casinos could only be opened in 24 states.^[1] Check if commercial casinos are legal in your state by checking the American Gaming Association's website.
   • Within states, commercial casino operation may also be governed or disallowed by state and local regulations or zoning requirements. Check with your local Small Business Administration or City Council to learn more.
   • Some of these states may only allow certain types of gambling in casinos, such as betting on races. Be sure to check all regulations before continuing with your casino planning.^[2]
2. Check alcohol regulations. Odds are, if you open a casino, you'll want to serve drinks there and your customers will expect it. However, alcohol regulations are some of the most important restrictions placed on casinos. These regulations are often governed by state regulations, so be sure to check your state's gambling laws for the relevant information. This can usually be found on your state's website or with a quick web search.^[3]
   • For example, many states require that casinos stop allowing visibly intoxicated persons from participating in gambling. Others require that casino employees take specialized courses that involve training for dealing with intoxicated individuals.^[4]
3. Check age restrictions. Gambling, like alcohol and tobacco, is regulated to exclude minors. However, the exact minimum age varies by state. In some states, 18-year olds are able to enter casinos and have the same rights as an older persons. In others, all entrants have to be at least 21. Check your state's restrictions and institute a policy of checking ID's at the door so that you don't run afoul of your state's regulations.^[5]
4. Study cash-on-hand requirements. Casinos must have a large amount of money available to them to cover the potential winnings of their customers. Exact specifications vary between states, but are invariably large amounts of money. Casinos must be able to cover potential winnings, which means that they must actually have as much in cash available as there are chips out on the floor at a given time. This amount may also include things like cash to cover slot machine winnings or cash paid to past winners in installments.^[6]
   • This means that even very small casinos must have about $20 million on hand at any given time.^[7]
5. Check self-exclusion laws. Casinos are required to follow relevant laws that require the temporary or permanent exclusion of specific individuals. In some cases, customers can put themselves on such a list or in others it is up to the casino to do so. Each state has vastly different regulations governing this. Search for your own state's regulations to ensure that you are complying with this law.^[8]
6. See other restrictions and regulations. The most important thing to keep in mind is that casino regulations vary widely from state to state. Research your own state's regulations forwards and backwards before committing to a casino business plan.
   • The American Gaming Association has provided a useful guide to your state's regulations. This guide can be found here.
   • If in doubt about any of the wording or meaning of any regulation, consult with a lawyer in your area.

EditPlanning Your Casino

1. Construct a business plan for your casino. The will be a professional-looking document that describes your start-up investment, projected earnings and growth and business and marketing strategy. This is what you will be presenting to investors and/or loan officers, so make it good.
   
   • Make sure to include a feasibility study that examines the demand for a casino and the justification of investment.
   • Employ an architect to design your casino to meet all your needs and comply with local safety regulations.
   • Include a scale model of the casino to show the layout and the style.
   • See how to write a business plan for more information.
2. Raise the capital you need to start a casino by presenting your business plan to investors like banks or private investors. Make sure to review all investment contracts with your lawyer before signing, so you understand exactly what your rights and obligations are.
   
   • Starting a casino will always be expensive, regardless of how you set yours up. As previously mentioned, cash-on-hand requirements alone will often be more than $20 million. You will also need to buy equipment, land, build your casino, and purchase a gambling license, all of which can be very expensive.
3. Register your casino with the city and state to obtain a business license and employer's identification number (EIN). This will require registering with the IRS and any other regulatory bodies that have power over casinos in your area, which could include state government, local government, and gambling organizations. Check with a lawyer to be sure that you are properly registered.
   
   • You can apply for an EIN with the IRS by going to http://ift.tt/1O8WmPB
4. Use the same strategies as successful casinos. Casinos use a variety of tricks and strategies to ensure that customers spend as much money as possible. These tactics have been developed over years of experience in the industry and are followed by most successful casinos. Employ the same strategies to give yourself a competitive edge. The following are some common strategies:
   • Provide free stuff. Casinos often provide free gifts, drinks, and rooms (if they are also hotels) to patrons to make them feel like they have more money to spend on gambling. Generally, their losses make up for these expenses.
   • Disguise the time of day. Casinos often don't have any clocks or windows so that customers spend more time gambling than they mean to.
   • Emphasize wins and hide losses. Casinos disallow photo and video equipment on their game floors to hide the reality of losses and set off sirens and lights to emphasize wins. This encourages customers to think that they can win.^[9]

EditBuilding and Registering Your Casino

1. Choose the location for your casino. Make sure local zoning laws allow for a casino in the area, and that you have enough space to construct the building and parking lot. You'll likely need to employ an architect to ensure that have enough space and the right type of land to build your casino.
   
   • Learn more about zoning laws on the SBA's website.
2. Apply for construction permits to build your casino and start construction. Once you have your start-up money and location, you're ready to apply for construction permits with your city and begin building. Employ project managers to oversee the development of each part of the casino.
   
3. Apply for a gaming license with the appropriate department in your jurisdiction. You'll need to complete an application form with your business and tax information. Each state has its own gambling control organization, so be sure to find the appropriate department to apply to.
   
4. Schedule an appointment with your local department of health and safety if you plan to sell food at your casino. You'll need a permit from the health and safety department, which they'll issue after they've inspected your venue and paperwork.
   
   • See more about health and safety requirements by visiting the SBA's website.
5. Buy gaming equipment such as slot machines, video poker machines, roulette tables, poker tables, blackjack tables, craps tables, baccarat tables, chips, cards and card shoes, and safes.
   
   • Because casinos frequently go out of business, you will likely be able to find this equipment at a discount from a bankrupt casino.^[10]
6. Purchase property and liability insurance for your casino. The amount of this insurance will vary based on the value of your property and other factors. You may also need specialized gaming or casino insurance to limit your risk of other lawsuits.^[11]
   
7. Interview and hire experienced personnel. Casino employees are also required to be licensed by their state governments. Consult [this list http://ift.tt/2911oM3 to find licensing information for your employees.
   

EditAdvertising and Opening Your Casino

1. Advertise your casino in the media. Make sure to draw as much attention as possible to it with television and radio commercials, as well as ads on Internet sites for tourism and recreation.
   
2. Be sure that you are ready to open. Be sure that you have as much cash on hand as you are required to and that your operations are running smoothly. You may even choose to do a dry run with your employees to be sure that they know what to do in any situation.
3. Open your casino with a grand opening. Invite celebrities to attend the opening, as well as press to cover it in the media. Offer benefits like free drinks or additional free chips to your first customers.
   

EditTips

• Many of these same procedures can also be used if you plan to open a riverboat casino. However, you may also have to consider the gambling laws of neighboring states if you enter their waters.

EditWarnings

• The above information does not constitute legal advice and it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel before exploring any of the above methods yourself. Gambling law is specific to the state in which you live. Seek the advice of an attorney familiar with the casino law in that state.
• While potentially profitable, casinos, like any business, carry a risk of failure. You stand to lose all of the money you have invested if your business fails, and more if your business is intertwined with your own finances.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Start an Online Casino
• Start Your Own Business
• Write a Business Plan
• Finance Your Business
• Promote Your Business

EditSources and Citations

Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Embellish a Frame with Masking Tape

Edit Article

Community Q&A

Looking for a fun, easy project to do with youngsters this summer? One that will occupy them for a good amount of time and will result in a unique finished product? The supplies are cheap and readily available, so, whatever your needs, be it a group project or just a fun hour for yourself, this is relaxing and rewarding. Nice enough to hang as a conversation piece or to give as a one of a kind gift.

Ad

Steps

1. 1

   Gather your supplies. Masking tape, 3/4" or the standard size is good. Three or four people ought to be able to share a roll by tearing off long pieces for each to have at hand. Make sure the wood frame is not much larger than 11" X 14". 9" X 12" is ideal. See that it is solid and not flimsy as it will undergo a lot of handling. A tin of brown or Oxblood colored paste shoe polish.

2. 2

   Select a piece of art or photograph to put in the frame.

3. 3

   Separate out all parts of the frame. If it has glass, help young ones with it. Remove the glass carefully and put it away from the work area.

4. 4

   Check the frame over for dust and debris. Wipe the frame down with a soft rag. If anything is protruding, a staple, nail or splinter, carefully remove it. Needle nose pliers work well.

5. 5

   Demonstrate how to tear off a one inch piece of masking tape and stick it onto the frame. Repeat going at a different angles.

6. 6

   Keep taping until the entire frame is covered. Do the sides, too and have the tape go onto the back slightly for continuity.

7. 7

   Rub the tape down hard and get in all the grooves.

8. 8

   Leave the backside alone. Layering tape over it might hinder replacing glass and backing.

9. 9

   Open the shoe polish. With a clean, soft rag covering your index finger, rub in a circle over the polish.

10. 10

    Rub the polish over the frame. It will glide over smooth areas, but tint the ragged edges a dark color. Work until the whole frame is lightly covered.

11. 11

    If a metallic look is desired, try this. At the craft store, buy a sample selection of different shades of metallic acrylic paint. These small containers range from warm golds to icy silver with shades in between. Use undiluted and apply as you would the shoe polish.

12. 12

    Use the Neutral shade of paste polish last. This will seal the whole deal, but isn't absolutely necessary.

13. 13

    With a clean, soft rag, buff the frame. This will removed any excess polish and give a patina to the frame.

14. 14

    Place the glass back into the frame. Add the artwork or photo and backing. Close it up.,

15. 15

    Affix the hanger if your choice.

16. 16

    Hang and enjoy a unique, hand embellished craft. If you have used an old frame, be glad you have recycled. This frame will attract attention and generate talk.

Tips

• Use acrylic paint to create color frames. Just rub on undiluted acrylic and quickly wipe away. For a new challenge try doing rainbow colored frames.
• Any size wood frame would work, but doing it with a group, or with children, smaller might be best.
• Try to find fairly unadorned frames that are at least 1 1/2" wide for best results.

Warnings

• Take extra care using glass with raw edges, like the type from a frame. Adults ought to supervise and handle the glass themselves. Always set the pieces of glass away from the work area to avoid mishaps.

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How to Grow and Use Aloe Vera for Medicinal Purposes

Aloe vera, also known as medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant that thrives in dry, hot regions of the world. Aloe vera is a stemless or very short-stemmed succulent plant that can grow as high as three feet tall. The leaves are thick and fleshy, green to grey-green, with some varieties showing white flecks on the upper and lower stem surfaces. Yellow flowers may grow on outdoor aloe plants, but not on indoor potted aloe plants.^[1] Aloe vera sap from the plants may be useful in the treatment of wound and burn healing, skin dryness, and even cold sores.^[2] Keep reading to learn how to grow and use aloe vera for medicinal purposes.

EditSteps

EditGrowing Aloe Vera

1. Purchase an aloe vera plant. Purchase a small plant from a garden store and then repot it in a larger container. If you care for the plant properly, it will thrive and produce plenty of aloe for medicinal use.
   
   • Choose a wide container to repot your aloe plant since aloes tend to produce offshoots, or baby aloe plants.
2. Use appropriate soil. The most important point to remember while using soil for growing Aloe vera plants is that the soil should be moderately fertile and fast draining, as the plant itself contains a lot of water and will wilt if the soil is not fast draining. Use a good quality commercial propagation mix or pre-packaged "cacti and succulent mix" as they allow good drainage.^[3]
   
3. Keep your aloe vera plant in full sun. If you prefer to keep the plant inside, place in a window for maximum sunlight. If you are in mild climatic conditions, take care to provide enough direct light. Artificial light may be used if you do not have much sunlight in your region.^[4]
   
   • In areas that receive frost or snow the species is best kept indoors or in heated glasshouses.
4. Check the soil before you water your aloe vera plant. Stick your finger into the dirt to determine if you plant needs to be watered. Allow the first 1-2 inches of soil to dry out completely between waterings. Since aloe vera plants are native to dry, hot regions, they can survive droughts, but the plants will be more likely to thrive if watered every few days.^[5]
   
   • Water your aloe vera plants less in the winter, since the plants will drain more slowly. Over watering can cause rot to form, which may kill your plant.
5. Repot your plant as needed. When potted aloe plants become crowded with baby plants growing from the sides of the mother plant, they should be divided and re-potted to allow room for further growth and help prevent pest infestations.
   
   • You will have to completely remove your aloe plant from its pot to find these baby plants. Use sharp scissors or a knife to sever them from the mother plant.
   • Repot the mother plant when you are finished and transfer each of the baby plants to their own pot.^[6]

EditUsing Aloe Vera Gel

1. Collect aloe gel as needed for medicinal use. Your aloe plant’s leaves are filled with aloe gel that you can harvest as needed for medicinal use. Wait until you need the gel to harvest it. When you need some aloe gel, cut one of the leaves from your aloe plant and squeeze or scoop out the clear aloe gel.
   
   • If you are harvesting a large amount, you may need to cut the leaf in half (lengthwise) in order to get all of the gel out.
   • Try to only harvest as much as you need at one time. If you have any leftover gel, you can store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to a week.^[7]
2. Apply aloe after exposure to the sun. You can apply fresh aloe gel to your sunburn to help cool and heal your burn. Apply the gel to your sunburnt skin and reapply ever few hours or as needed to keep your skin moisturized.
   
   • Try refrigerating some aloe gel for an hour or two before applying it to your sunburnt skin. The chilled aloe will have a nice cooling effect.
   • Keep in mind that although people have been using aloe as a treatment for sunburns for ages, there is no conclusive scientific research that aloe has a healing effect on sunburnt skin.^[8]
3. Apply aloe vera to minor burns. Aloe may be effective for treating minor burns. It may even reduce healing time. Apply a small amount of the gel to your burn. Do not apply aloe gel to skin that is bleeding, blistered, or otherwise severely damaged.^[9]
   
4. Massage aloe vera gel into your scalp to prevent dandruff. Aloe vera gel has been found likely to be effective for treating dandruff. All you have to do is massage a small amount of the gel into your scalp.
   
   • After you have washed your hair, rub a small amount of aloe gel between your hands (about the same amount you would use to shampoo your hair).
   • Then use your fingertips to massage the gel into your scalp and leave the gel in your hair. Repeat this process each time you wash your hair.^[10]
5. Apply aloe to cold sores. Aloe has been found likely to be effective as a treatment for the herpes virus, also known as cold sores. When you feel a cold sore coming on, get a small amount of aloe gel on your fingertip and dab it onto the sore. Repeat the application as needed to keep the sore covered in aloe gel.^[11]
   
6. Apply aloe to dry skin. Aloe can also be used as a moisturizer or treatment for dry skin. Try replacing your normal lotion with fresh aloe vera gel. Use the aloe gel the same way that you would use a body lotion. Apply it to the skin all over your body and massage it in until it is absorbed.^[12]
   

EditTips

• As with any natural supplement, you should consult your doctor before you add aloe to your supplement regimen. Also, tell your doctor about aloe and any other supplements that you take to prevent any adverse drug interactions.^[13]

EditWarnings

• Although some studies have suggested that oral use of aloe may have some health benefits, these studies have not been confirmed. Currently, taking aloe by mouth is not recommended since some studies have shown that aloe latex, a component in the aloe plant, may cause cancer, kidney failure, and other serious health problems.^[14]
• Do not use aloe if you have a known allergy to plants in the Liliaceae family.^[15]
• Do not take aloe orally if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. It may cause uterine contractions and even cause miscarriage. It may also cause intestinal distress in infants that consume breastmilk after the mother has consumed aloe.^[16]
• Do not use aloe vera on deep wounds or severe burns. Some studies have suggested that aloe extends the healing time when used in these situations.^[17]
• Do not use aloe vera orally if you are taking oral steroids, dioxin, insulin, oral hypoglycemic drugs, or diuretics.^[18]
• Aloe vera may lead to low levels of potassium in some people.^[19]

EditRelated wikiHows

• Treat Winter Eczema
• Care for Your Aloe Vera Plant
• Be Like Snow White from "Mirror Mirror"

• Propagate an Aloe Vera Plant

EditSources and Citations

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How to Get Rid of Garden Slugs

Slugs are the bane of many gardeners existence; the sneaky little gastropods slither in at night, eating the leaves and fruit from many plants. Rather than letting them take over your beloved garden, take action to eliminate the slugs that are ruining your plants. With a variety of techniques including lures and traps as well as using natural predators to rid you of slugs, you'll be slug-free in no time. Note that all of these methods work just as well for snails.

EditSteps

EditSetting Traps and Hunting

1. Use beer or milk traps for important plants. Slugs will only notice these traps from a few feet (about a meter) away, so this is best used for small gardens or important areas.^[1] Set these up as follows:
   
   • Bury a tall cup with steep sides into the soil. Leave the rim ½ inch (1.25 cm) above the soil, to prevent the trap killing beetles that hunt slugs.^[2]
   • Fill the cup halfway with beer or milk.
   • Replace every few days. If the slugs are climbing out, replace with a mix of honey, yeast, and a little water, boiled until gluey.^[3][4]
2. Kill slugs with a cornmeal trap. Cornmeal is cheaper, but may not attract as many slugs. Put a tablespoon or two of cornmeal in a jar and lay it on its side. Keep the cornmeal dry, and it will kill slugs by expanding inside them.^[5]
   
3. Lure slugs with humane traps. Slugs will gather in shady, moist areas, such as underneath wooden planks, flower pots, or cardboard boxes. Set these up and check them daily for living snails to gather and discard a long distance from your house. For best results, attract them with one of the following slug foods:^[6][7]
   
   • Cabbage leaves
   • Citrus fruit rinds, moistened with water
   • Dry pet food
4. Protect traps from rain and pets. Water will ruin cornmeal and liquid traps. Set up an overhead cover to keep rain out. If you have pets that may eat the bait themselves, use a sturdy cover such as an upside-down flowerpot with a small entrance.
   
5. Go hunting for snails at night. While not the most fun task, hunting individual slugs may be necessary to deal with large infestations. Use a flashlight and disposable gloves, skewering the snails with a stick or dropping them in a bucket of soapy water.^[8] If you have one, a headlamp will leave both your hands free, making hunting easier.
   
   • Check the undersides of leaves.
   • Follow any slime trails you notice.

EditDeterring Slugs

1. Keep your garden dry. You won't see the result immediately, but keeping a dryer garden is the best method for long-term slug control. Here are some tactics for making your garden less friendly to the damp-loving pests:^[9]
   
   • Water plants in the early to mid morning, so the soil dries before nightfall.
   • Install drip irrigation to minimize water use.
   • Keep the yard free of debris, and mow the lawn regularly.
   • Avoid organic mulches, such as straw or grass clippings.
   • Space plants far enough apart to allow air flow between them.
2. Create mulch or tea from certain plants. The following plant preparations all deter slugs to some extent, if you can find them in your local gardening store:^[10]
   
   • Oak leaf mulch or tobacco stem meal, spread as a barrier around plants
   • Wormwood tea, made from steeping artemisia cuttings in warm water for 24 hours. Strain and combine with soapy water, then spray onto soil or slugs.^[11]
3. Make a copper strip barrier. Purchase strips of copper foil wide enough that the slugs can’t bridge it with their bodies. Use them to form a barricade around your plants or planting beds.
   
   • Young children may cut themselves on the strips.^[12]
4. Sprinkle salt on non-soil surfaces. Spread salt on the surface where the slugs are crawling around to kill them by drawing out moisture. Be aware that salt can easily kill plants and ruin soil. Use this around the base of potted plants on a porch, or place a barrier on the soil prior to spreading the salt in order to protect the integrity of the soil.
   
   • Avoid using salt in situations where it can come into the contact with water (like when rainy weather is likely or a sprinkler is running). Water can dissolve salt and wash it off of "safe" surfaces and into the soil, harming soil quality.
5. Build folk remedy barriers. Frustrated gardeners have thrown just about any substance in their garden to try to keep slugs away. The following are the best of these homemade solutions, but are unlikely to deter 100% of slugs:
   
   • Coffee grounds may have mild effects on the health of your garden.
   • Sharp, coarse sand scrapes against slugs, but may not deter them completely.
   • Seaweed is not as effective as plain salt, but perhaps a little safer for your soil. Calcified seaweed meal is better, if you can find it.^[13]
6. Grow plants that deter slugs. Certain plants keep slugs away because of their taste, texture, or toxins. Plant these in a barrier around the entirety of your garden, or keep one near each other plant. These are not 100% immune, but they will deter many slugs for no effort besides the initial planting. Try the following species:^[14][15]
   
   • Herbs: ginger, garlic, chives, mint, and chicory.
   • Vegetables: bitter greens are generally less appealing to slugs than sweet greens. Try planting kale, spring cabbage, or sprouting broccoli.
   • Hosta varieties with blue leaves are more resistant.
   • Flowers for full shade: Astilbe, Dicentra, Digitalis (foxglove), Lobelia, Viola (some pansies and violets). Also Ranunculus (buttercups) and Vinca, but these spread rapidly.
   • Flowers for partial shade: Phlox, Campanula, Hemerocallis. Also Mentha, but this spreads rapidly.
7. Consider using more powerful (but more hazardous) barriers. There are several materials that can kill slugs on contact. These can be used to make effective barriers to prevent slug movement, but they must be used carefully and kept dry.^[16] Improper use can hurt your garden (and even the people or animals who use it). Be sure to apply these materials to non-soil surfaces except where noted:
   
   • Safety warnings: Do not inhale any of these substances or handle with bare hands. These may not be suitable in gardens where children or pets play.
   • Diatomaceous earth: May harm beneficial insects.^[17]
   • Wood ash: Raises soil pH, which can affect plants.
   • Hydrated lime: Raises soil pH greatly. Can make soil uninhabitable for many plants.
   • 1% Caffeine spray: Applied directly to the plants you want to protect; kills slugs when they feed. Can negatively affect many plants in unpredictable ways.^[18]

EditUsing Natural Predators

1. Introduce ground beetles. Ground beetles are a natural predator of slugs. You can purchase ground beetle larvae from a gardening store and distribute them through your garden in early spring. The larvae will feed, enter their pupae, and emerge as adult beetles in the summer.^[19]. ^[20]
   
   • Alternatively, you can encourage wild beetles to stay near your plants by providing dry refuges under stones, grass, or straw. This allows the beetles to hide from predators, making your garden an attractive home. Luckily, ground beetles can live almost everywhere that slugs can also live.^[21]
2. Use birds to your advantage. The biggest natural predators for slugs are birds; ducks, chickens, robins, jays, and other common species all enjoy a slug meal. If you’re not too squeamish, you can pick out slugs and toss them to the wild birds in the morning; they will become conditioned to look for slugs in your area over time, and you won’t have to ‘feed’ them for long. You can also let your chickens or ducks, if you have domesticated ones, eat the slugs from your garden on a daily basis.
   
   • Keep a close eye on your chickens, as they may eat plants as well.
   • Encourage birds to nest in your garden by providing hedges or dense shrubbery, bird feeders, and a bird bath.^[22]
3. Bring in some toads. Toads love slugs, and will eat them and other pests from your plants if you give them a home in your garden. If you’re trying to attract wild toads, turn a pot or other container upside down against a rock to create a dark hiding place for the toads. Otherwise, you can look into purchasing wild toads to live in your garden and eat the slugs on a daily basis for you. You can also look into adding a small decorative pond for the toads and frogs to reside in.^[23]
   
   • Do not keep fish in the pond, as these may eat the tadpoles.
4. Commit to nematodes if necessary. Nematodes are microscopic parasitic worms that live in soil. You can purchase nematode species specifically for killing slugs at your local gardening store. This can be extremely effective, but this is a double-edged sword. Once all the slugs are killed, their predators (and the nematodes) will leave the area or die out. If you do not reapply the nematodes every few weeks, a massive wave of slugs may invade and take over due to the lack of threats.^[24]
   
   • The nematodes should come with directions. Typically, they are spread over the soil, then watered in.

EditUsing Chemical Controls

1. Spray slugs with ammonia. You can create a slug killing spray by making a solution of ammonia and water. Mix 1 part plain household ammonia with 6 parts water. Pour this into a spray bottle, and spritz it onto the slugs whenever you see them. Just be careful not to use it directly on the plants, as over time it might burn the leaves.
   
2. Use iron phosphate pellets. These small slug-killing pellets can be found in garden centers, for spreading around your yard. The slugs are attracted to them, but once consumed will cause their deaths within a week. This treatment is safe for most pets and edible plants, but it may still be a good idea to minimize use.^[25]
   
   • Commercial names include Sluggo, Slug Magic, and Escar-Go.
3. Try metaldehyde. Metaldehyde is a common anti-slug treatment, but it has its limitations.^[26] Notably, metaldehyde can be very poisonous to pets (especially dogs).^[27] Proper handling and placement of this bait is essential to avoid a dangerous situation for family pets.
   
   • Avoid "pellet" form metaldehyde, which can be mistaken for pet treats. Use "granule" form instead.
   • Store the metaldehyde somewhere dogs cannot get to it.
   • Do not apply the treatment near edible plants.
   • Spread the metaldehyde thinly, never in piles, which pets can mistake for food.
   • Metaldehyde works best on warm, dry days, but cannot be used in sunlight. Apply underneath leaves in the evening before a warm weather forecast.
   • Look for low-dose metaldehyde products with less environmental impact.^[28]

EditVideo

EditTips

• Spray WD40 around bases of patio tubs about 2 or 3 inches up sides. Will last a while even during rainy weather. Apply twice a year.
• If hunting slugs by hand, seek them out in early evening, preferably on moist, damp nights or catch them in the early morning.
• Try baiting the slugs with a dollop of peanut butter surrounded by salt.

EditWarnings

• There is some controversy about whether iron phosphate pellets actually contain an ingredient that makes a toxic combination when applied. It has been said that it contains EDTA and that it is listed as an inert ingredient.
• Many of the slug baits that are advertised as safe do contain toxins that hurt or kill a variety of invertebrates including earthworms.
• Slugs are molluscs, not insects, so common insecticides will not work.

EditRelated wikiHows

• Get Rid of Gophers
• Get Rid of Grubs
• Find Inexpensive Mulch
• Get Rid of Hornets
• Get Rid of Snails
• Get Rid of Slugs and Snails With Yeast

EditSources and Citations

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