INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You've seen all types of tie dye patterns some may have swirls, whereas others have boxes, and even others have lines. Every pattern is achieved by manipulating the fabric in a particular way. There are hundreds of designs that you can perfect with some imagination and practice. Fold your fabric in short layers to form a tube, and then put rubber bands around the tube at intervals. Each fold creates a new line in the pattern. The rubber bands will create a line that spans the length of the fabric, as it is wrapped around everything and will prevent the dye from reaching the fabric. Pick your fabric up in the middle and twist, forming a band or a twisted tube. Place rubber bands around the twisted fabric band at intervals. The twists will create a swirled bullseye, while the rubber bands will separate the colors. Pick your fabric up in the middle and twist, but form a disk instead of a band. Place rubber bands around the disk as if you were portioning it into six, ten, or even fourteen equal parts. This spiral design will appear to be turning in the direction that you twisted the fabric. Pick up small, random portions of your fabric and twist, forming small pillars. Secure with rubber bands and even place one or two rubber bands up each pillar. This technique is busy, but it allows you the opportunity to work with several color combinations and have more than one focal point in your fabric.

SUMMARY: Determine what pattern you want. Dye a stripe design. Dye a bullseye design. Dye a spiral design. Dye multiple donut-shapes.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Know what you will say and get to it swiftly. By waiting to get to the point or stumbling over your words, you are just torturing the employee and yourself. Try something like, "Mark, I've called you in here because of your consistent failure to meet benchmarks set for your position." Not, "So, Mark, how's the family? Peggy is due any day now, right? Gosh, she's a sweetheart." At the very least, Mark's going to think you're a real jerk when you follow that with "You're fired." You've stated your case, and the reason for termination. You've given the employee ample time to correct any failings, and that hasn't happened. The employee knows what's coming, so take aim early and tell them the truth without going into detailsthat all should have been covered in performance discussions leading up to the firing. You don't need to delineate your reasonsif they need reiteration, they can be stated in a letter. The less you say, the better. "I know we've discussed the same issues a number of times. Despite repeated warnings and counseling, you really haven't made sufficient improvements." However if the employee asks for a reason, give them one. Unemployment insurance applications often ask the reason for the termination. Just spit it out. Don't allow the employee to turn it into a discussion or argument. "Because of this, I'm sorry, but I'm going to have to let you go." Make sure you describe, preferably verbally and in writing, any steps they must take, such as returning company equipment or clearing out their workspace. Explain the severance package you are offering, if any. If necessary, remind them of any legally binding agreements the employee has signed, such as an agreement not to disclose company secrets. If you are asking them to sign any legal papers, allow them a few days to take the documents home and review them. Let your employee know if you will contest their unemployment claim. If you are firing the employee due to misbehavior, excessive absence, or performance failures, it may be within your rights to contest the employee's upcoming claim for unemployment insurance, as such claims effect your company's tax bill. However winning such battles isn't always easy, and depriving an employee of needed unemployment benefits can turn what might be a genial separation into an angry legal waror worse. Either way, let your employee know if you plan to contest their claim or not. Usually the employee you just fired is not a terrible person, just not suited to the job. If you feel the employee worked in good faith, but simply lacked the skills necessary for the job or the right temperament for your company, you may offer to give them a recommendation regarding their reliability, their attitude, their teamwork, whatever parts of the job they were successful with. Thank them for the work they performed well, and wish them good luck on their future endeavors. Even if it is clear you did your due diligence, the employee you are firing may get upset. If they turn violent, call security, other employees or the police to help remove them. If they are simply insulting or lashing out emotional, do your best not to respond. You might not deserve it, but it may be what their need to get through the situation. Even if you liked the employee as a person, keep a professional distance at this point. It will help the former employee to know that it wasn't personal, just business. Yes, it's hard to fire somebody, especially somebody who needs the job. Just remember that you are responsible for your employees, and if they are failing, so will you.

SUMMARY: Tell the employee the purpose of the meeting within 30 seconds of them entering the room. Don't allow it to go on. Fire. Concisely explain any details of the separation. Offer to help. Be prepared for anger. Keep it professional. Don't take it personally yourself.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you have a hardwood floor (lucky you) a small throw rug next to the bed should be the only floor covering you need. Keeping the floor bare makes a room seem more spacious, while covering a floor with small rugs dissects it and makes it look cluttered. Plus, you'll avoid the expense of buying extra floor coverings. If you have carpeting, avoid breaking it up with smaller throw rugs. Keep the floor clear of random objects like bean bag chairs, piles of clothing, and other odds and ends. Investing in a few good-quality mirrors is a great idea when you're working with limited space. Mirrors really do trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it is. Install sturdy shelves on the wall and use it for the books or trinkets you want to display. You'll free up a lot of floor space by getting rid of your bookcase. You may love your collection of vintage cuckoo clocks, but chances are they're taking up too much space in your little bedroom. Choose your favorite items to display and put the rest in storage. You can rotate them out after a few months to keep things fresh and interesting. Plants are an inexpensive way to add a beautiful decorative touch to a room, and they don't have to take up too much space. Go to your local nursery and pick out a few plants small enough to display on your windowsill or a shelf. You could also consider installing a hook in the ceiling and buying a hanging plant to place near a window. Succulents, such as air plants, require very little upkeep. You can hang them up or display them on a shelf in pretty glass containers; just spray them with water once a week to keep them green and healthy.

SUMMARY:
Keep the floor as bare as possible. Use mirrors to make the room feel larger. Use wall shelves instead of a bookcase. Choose just a few trinkets to display. Find a place for a plant or two.