Find a pattern of paper you like and set it face down on a table. Place one of your letters on top. Using a utility knife, trace around the letter to make a cut out in the paper. Apply a layer of craft glue to both the paper and the wood, then press the two together. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then apply another coat of craft glue on top. Repeat this for every letter. Try using paper themed to the area your blocks will be put in, like flower designs for letters kept in a garden. If your letters will spell out the name of a friend or family member, use paper themed after them, like music notes if your friend is a piano player. A quick and easy way to decorate your letters is by using patterned washi or duct tape. They're naturally sticky, so all you have to do is cut a strip off the main roll and press it to the wood. Instead of using one pattern for all the letters, try switching between 2 or 3 to keep things interesting. If you're using solid colors, try using a slightly different shade on each letter to create a gradient effect. Ribbon and string are a great way to add color and texture to the wood. Because craft letters are typically small, you can simply wrap the material around each block, keeping it tight as you go. When everything is covered, either tie the material's ends together or glue them to the back of the wood. To keep with the theme, glue string or ribbon to the back of your letters in the shape of a loop. Use this to hang them from the wall. Though they may not have as much space as a board or box, wood letters can still be used for creative collage work. Gather a series of photos, pictures, drawings, and similar items, cutting them out if necessary. Spread a light amount of craft glue on the front of your letter and the back of each object, then press the items to the block to make a collage. When it's dry, coat the block with a second layer of craft glue to help it set. If your letters spell out someone's name, try making a collage using photos of them. If your letters spell out a room name, use images related to it, like pictures of food over the word 'Kitchen.'

Summary: Cover your blocks with paper. Cover your blocks with patterned tape. Tie ribbon or string around your letters. Make a collage on your letters.

Take the yeast ball and place it in a small bowl. Use a pestle or the bottom of a large spoon to crush the yeast ball. Break apart the ball until it has become a fine powder. After you have finished crushing the yeast, sprinkle it evenly over the rice. Toss using your hands or a spoon to integrate and combine the yeast with the rice. Make sure that the rice has cooled and is just slightly warmer than room temperature. After you have mixed the yeast and the rice, it's time to start the process of storing and fermenting the rice! Place the rice in an airtight container, or several airtight containers depending on the size of the containers you are using. Do your best to keep the rice warm for a few days. You can keep the container of rice in the oven on low heat (100 degrees F or 37.7 degrees C), or simply place a heating pad around the jar. The heat helps to encourage the process of fermentation.

Summary: Crush the yeast ball. Combine the yeast powder and the rice. Place the rice in an airtight container. Store the rice in a warm place.

Look for dealers who belong to reputable organizations. Most of the larger, reputable dealers belong to professional organizations, the foremost of which are the American Numismatic Association (https://www.money.org/find-a-dealer) and Professional Numismatists Guild (https://png.memberclicks.net/find-a-png-dealer). You can also check with the Better Business Bureau to find out how long the dealer has been in business and if complaints have been filed against the dealer. Remember, though, that a lack of complaints does not necessarily correlate to strong dealer ethics and business practices. Track down dealers who own shops within driving distance. Bring coins that you think are rare or valuable and photographs of your collection (especially if it's substantial). Don't trust a dealer who's willing to make an appraisal or offer over the phone. Value depends on condition, so a dealer or appraiser needs to make a physical inspection in order to accurately value a coin. Most dealers will appraise your coins for free if you're negotiating a sale. Dealers operate businesses and have to turn a profit. You can research you coins' potential value, but keep in mind valuation guides list coins' retail values. A dealer will offer a wholesale price, which could be 5 to 20 percent less than the retail value. You can find price guides and other valuation resources online. For example, check CoinStudy's resources: http://www.coinstudy.com/. The best way to figure out a good wholesale price for your coins is to negotiate with as many dealers as possible. You might find that a few dealers make offers around 10 percent below retail value. If one dealer makes an offer 25 percent below retail, you'll know you should steer clear. After finding reputable dealers and getting multiple offers, choose the one willing to give you the best price. The dealer will most likely issue a record of the transaction. If they don't, ask for one or create your own bill of sale before making the deal. The biggest pro to going with a dealer is convenience: the transaction is quick, easy, and usually paid in cash.

Summary: Find reputable local dealers online or by referral. Negotiate with dealers in person. Don't expect a dealer to pay retail for your coins. Get offers from multiple shops. Make the transaction.

Dogs learn best through positive reinforcement and they quickly learn the best way to get it. Every time your dog is able to go to the bathroom in his designated spot, reward him with a little treat, lots of praise, and a scratch on the head. You can, of course, reward your dog for other things, like learning how to sit and stay. All good behavior should be rewarded. When you're treating your dog for going to the bathroom in his spot, give him a treat and praise right after he finishes relieving himself. Don't give it too early or too late, or he won't associate it with going to the bathroom in the right spot. Some people have had success using the bell method instead of a treat. When your dog goes to the bathroom in his spot, you ring a bell or pleasant-sounding chime as part of his reward. The dog will come to look forward to the sound of the chime, which should only be used in this specific situation. The drawback here is that, eventually, you won't want to keep using a chime or bell every time your dog goes to the bathroom. Initially phasing it out might be confusing to the dog. Whenever you're taking your dog to the bathroom or talking about it, keep your voice light and pleasant. Never raise your voice or take on a menacing tone, because your dog will start to associate his bodily functions with punishment and fear. If your dog makes a mess inside, you can withhold praise, but don't yell at the dog or make him feel ashamed. If using verbal cues, such as "outside", "go potty", or "good dog" be consistent. The repetition of these words along with the action and environment will reinforce where you want your dog to relieve himself. Dogs don't respond well to punishment. It scares them and instead of learning to perform well for you, they learn to fear you. Never yell, hit, or do anything that could cause your dog to feel afraid. Do not rub your dog's face in his mess. Contrary to some beliefs, this does not teach a dog not to go to the bathroom in the house. The dog will not understand what you're doing and you'll just end up scaring him.
Summary: Give your dog treats and praise each time he successfully goes outside. Time the reward correctly. Consider using a bell or chime to aid in training. Keep your voice and manner light and friendly. Never punish the dog for making a mess.