INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Arrange and glue small pieces around an uninspired mirror frame, or assemble them on a plain surface to create a dazzling multicolored mosaic. You could also try filling a glass succulent planter with ceramic fragments in place of stones, marbles, or other small objects. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination! For your own safety, be sure to pull on a pair of rugged work gloves anytime you're handling ceramic shards with sharp edges. Coming up with creative new ways to enjoy old ceramic goods perfectly captures the idea of reuse, which is one of the central tenants of recycling. If you've got a chipped teacup or jewelry box that has sentimental value, consider turning turning it into a piece of tasteful decor. Small items can be safely locked away in a cabinet or shadow box for exhibition in your home, where they'll be enshrined as priceless heirlooms. Each item will be like a tangible memory that you can share with loved ones and visitors. Group ornamental ceramics together with related items to tell a story or bring a scene to life. For example, a hand-me-down baking dish could be paired with an antique rolling pin and measuring cups to capture the feeling of cooking Sunday morning breakfast with your grandmother. Throw any damaged pieces you have lying around into a bucket and crush them up with a blunt object until their pieces are a uniform size. You can then use them for the same sorts of jobs as you would professionally recycled materials, such as mixing gravel or promoting proper drainage in holes dug for posts or plants. Make sure you've ground down the pieces small enough to prevent them from cutting you when you're working with them later on.

SUMMARY: Incorporate ceramics into a DIY design project. Put prized pieces on display. Repurpose broken ceramics for various home improvement projects.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Pour the resurfacer powder into a 5USgal (19L) bucket, then add the water. Use a paddle attachment on a corded drill to mix the resurfacer. Keep mixing the resurfacer until it has a thick consistency like cookie dough. Resurfacer can be purchased from your local hardware store. The amount of resurfacer you need depends on how many cracks and holes you need to fill. Start by mixing 1 cup (240ml) of water with 312 pounds (1.6kg) of resurfacer mix. Always wear rubber or nitrile gloves before touching the resurfacer. That way, it won't dry on your skin. Use a trowel to transfer the resurfacer onto your concrete. Press the resurfacer into the crack so it fills it completely and so there aren't any air bubbles. Once the crack or divot is full, smooth out the top of the crack with a flat trowel so it lays flush with the rest of the slab. Cracks only need to be filled if they go more than halfway through the concrete slab. Avoid filling in the joints between slabs. Don't resurface the rest of your concrete until your patches are dry. In temperatures around 73F (23C), your patches should dry within 6 hours. Drying time may take longer depending on your weather conditions. Avoid using resurfacer then the temperatures are below 50F (10C) or if there's a risk of freezing weather within 8 hours of applying it.

SUMMARY: Mix 1 part water with 7 parts resurfacer using a drill and paddle attachment. Fill the cracks with the resurfacer mix. Let the patches dry for 6 hours.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: 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.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Following the example of others works in many cases when it comes to self-improvement. There are no doubt at least a few people you've crossed paths with that left a heft impression on you, whether through their talents, charms or unique qualities. Think about what made these people so likeable and memorable. Do you see any of their traits in yourself? Whether you do or don't, these examples are a good model to start with. Everyone is different, and everyone has something unique to offer. If you can pinpoint what makes you special, highlighting those best traits of yourself in your behaviour will make you stand out in peoples' minds. Are you funny, smart, charming, fashionable? Knowing where you stand realistically and knowing how to emphasize those best traits will make you more memorable in the eyes of others. The most memorable people are usually only remembered for one or two things. Only closer friends will have time to see you for who you really are. If you're intent on making a big impression with someone, you should focus on emphasizing one or two of your boldest qualities. If you try to look at a situation through someone else's eyes, you'll be that much closer towards knowing exactly how to act and leave a good impression on them. This is especially helpful if you already know the person you'd like to impress. By knowing them, you'll be able to tap into their train of thought more easily. Even if you don't know the person personally, any fact you know about someone can help in predicting what they'll look for in you. For instance, most prospective employers will be looking for a lot of the same things: punctuality, politeness and professionalism. Why do you want to make a good impression? Asking for a specific reason why may seem like an unnecessary question, but taking the time to consider the reasons why will help you decide how you'd like to be memorable. If you want to make a good impression on someone you're not planning on having a close friendship with, you can rely purely on surface charm. A more enduring connection (like a new romantic partner) may be worth letting see your true colours. There's nothing wrong with putting on a mask for other people, just as there's nothing wrong with truly being yourself. It all depends on the intent you have in mind.

SUMMARY:
Reflect on people that made an impression on you. Consider what you bring to the table. See things from other peoples' perspectives. Decide what your goal is.