Crafts-Hobbies

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24
Jun 11

Sewing Tips – How To Sew And Recycle Old Pot Holders

Is your kitchen drawer full of old pot holders that are so scorched and worn looking that you would never want anyone else to see them? Well, don’t throw them away yet!

Here is a sewing tip to revitalize them.

Try this “how to sew” sewing lesson and recycle all of your old pot holders by sewing a new cover for them.

This sewing technique is a good sewing tip to cover other items in your home, too. Sew a cover for your comforters, quilts, placemats and pillows to spark up your home dec.

Here is how to sew a new cover to recycle your old pot holders and make them look brand new again.

Use some fabric scraps from your stash to match your kitchen decor or look through the remnants at your local fabric store.

Cut off the old pot holder loop or ring if there is one.

Lay out the pot holder on some paper and draw a pattern around it adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance all around the shape of the pot holder. You can save this pattern for future pot holder covers. Label it so you know what the pattern is.

Using the pattern, cut 2 layers of fabric to make the pot holder cover. You can use 2 different fabrics if you like.

Here are a couple of ways that you can sew this.

Method 1:

Place the 2 right sides of the fabric together.

Sew a 1/2 inch seam around 3 sides of the cover plus go around the corners on the 4th side leaving an opening to insert the pot holder.

Press the seams open.

Turn the cover right side out.

Insert the pot holder in the cover.

Slip stitch or machine stitch the opening closed.

Add a fabric loop or curtain ring if you prefer to hang up your pot holder.

Method 2:

Sandwich the pot holder between the two layers of fabric with the right sides of the fabric facing out.

Pin to hold all layers together.

Use your zipper foot to stitch close to the edge of the pot holder all around.

Trim the seam allowance to 1/4 inch all around.

Use bias tape or self or contrast fabric strips to bind the edges of the pot holder.

If you like to hang your pot holders, form a loop at the end of the binding to extend from the edge of the pot holder.

Note: You can quilt these pot holders if you like, however, it really isn’t necessary. Experiment with some of your sewing machine’s decorative stitches.

Extra sewing tip: Pot holder covers are a great way to use up some of your embroidery or stitching samples that you have in your stash. Give them as gifts or make up some great bazaar items.

An extra, extra sewing tip: Cut up that old mattress pad to use as the “batting” for some new pot holders and placemats.

Try it! It just makes sense!

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23
Jun 11

Coin Collecting Books to Get You Started

Collecting coins is an interesting, truly educational and profitable hobby. Collecting may at times, provide a special comfort to the individual collector, as they are able to gather a collection of familiar objects, as well as build a repository of valuable assets. We are all aware of the compelling allure of money, and coins do represent real value. For some, coins may not pose any value, for others however, the sheen and weight of silver and gold coins does prove to be an irresistible magnet. Prospective collectors can sharpen their craft, and learn about newer methods towards spotting rare and valuable coins, by getting as much information from a number of coin collecting books that are available in stores and online shops.

Coins are items that represent cultural and historical importance. These items have been around for centuries, and are most often a reflection of the era and country they represent. These pieces of gold and silver represent and absorb history, and each tell a unique story. A number of coin collecting books are available in shops today. First, there’s a book called The ever popular dummies book have created a coin collecting book, which gives beginners a general overview of the joys and thrills of coin-collecting. This book gives readers an overview of just how relaxing and inexpensive it is to engage in the hobby of coin-collecting. It also gives first-time collectors sound advice on choosing and buying the right coins for your collection, deciding what to collect, sorting your collection, pricing and selling your coin, as well as analyzing your coin’s grades and exact values. If you buy the right coins and the market improves, there should be a chance you’ll make some profit on your collection. The book opens the eyes of readers to the thousands of possibilities coin-collecting offers collectors, and provides individuals with vital information as well on aspects such as history, geography, analytical and observation skills and should serve as a valuable reference material for both beginners and veteran collectors.

Another book, “The World of Coins And Coin Collecting, is a book which is referred to as the “Complete guide to contemporary numismatics that collectors and investors turn to”. As coin collecting may at times be a head-turning and confusing endeavor, this book will offer expert advice on what to do, and which mistakes to avoid. This book also delves on vital developments in the coin-collecting industry during the last quarter century, and focuses considerable attention as well on the role of public and private libraries. This handy book offers pertinent advice for both beginners and expert coin collectors.

Coin collecting books are valuable resources which provide relevant information for collectors and non-collectors as well. The books sold in stores and online shops today generally have fully- illustrated and indexed guides to make it easier and more fun to read. Before you embark on a coin-collecting hobby, it would be best if you pick up these books first, and learn the ropes, from getting started, to determining coin values, buying coins in auction shops and on the Internet, and learning the basic aspects of grading coins.

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23
Jun 11

Diecast Model Cars – A History

There is quite a long history of craftsmen building detailed miniature replicas of transport vehicles and machinery, but it wasn’t until 1934 that diecast model cars and lorries arrived on the market in any great numbers.

At that time the model cars and trucks weren’t regarded as collectable items in their own right – they were produced to lend added realism to model railways.

Since the early 1920s Frank Hornby had been making increasingly complex train sets. One of the sets, Meccano Set No 21, was embellished with six diecast models, consisting of a motor truck, a sports coupe, a delivery van, a sports car, a farm tractor, and an Army tank. These were the first Dinky models, issued under the “Meccano Modelled Miniatures” label, as Set No. 22.

These early diecast cars were fairly crude by modern standards, being cast from an alloy with high lead content which didn’t lend itself to a high degree of detail. Also they didn’t attempt to depict genuine vehicles, although the sports car bore a resemblance to the S.S.1, a popular make of the period and a precursor of the Jaguar.

In terms of scale, they were not very well suited to the train sets which they were intended to adorn.

It soom became apparent, however, that there was a healthy market for such models, and it wasn’t long before individual diecast replicas based on real cars and trucks were produced and sold separately. Dinky Set 30 was based on the Rolls Royce, Set 36A on the Armstrong Siddely, 36B a Bentley, and 36F was a Salmon sports car.

With the passage of time the quality of detail and reproduction greatly improved. The Dinky sets had diecast alloy bodies and tinplate radiators and rubber tyres. The later models also came with drivers and passengers. The Armstrong Siddely had a footman and chauffeur. Just before the Second World War some superb military models were produced, including tanks with catterpillar tracks and rotating turrets.

Few models from that era have survived in acceptable condition, and examples in good condition are extremely collectable – pre-war Dinkies can fetch prices up to $1000 in auction.

In the 1950s, new production techniques heralded a new era in the history of diecast model cars. Lesney, famous for their splendid Coronation Coach, and Corgi, (”the ones with the windows”), entered the market to provide competition to Dinky.

This new generation of diecast vehicles, with finer detail, better running gear, and better color finish, leads up to the present day, where millions of precision diecast replica models are produced, at quite affordable prices for the collector.

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22
Jun 11

A Beginner’s Guide to RC Aeroplanes

If you’re looking to start flying RC planes, it can be a daunting place to be. There is a multitude of models on the market, and it’s difficult to know where to start. Plus, if you choose the wrong type of model it could work out to be an expensive mistake. You would be naive to think that you are never going to crash your plane, and particularly when learning to fly you are bound to make many mistakes. It’s important, therefore, to buy the right sort of model for a beginner to ensure you don’t waste money on a very expensive plane. Here are a few simple guidelines to help you get started in this highly addictive, but highly enjoyable hobby:

An electric-powered plane is a better option than a gas-powered plane for a new pilot. Electric planes are cheaper, easier to use and usually come supplied with everything you need to fly. Gas-powered planes need a special kind of fuel and usually need to be assembled before you can fly them.

Look for models that are almost ready to fly (ARF) or ready to fly (RTF). All you will need to do with an RTF plane is insert the battery and switch on the remote. When you first flying, it’s best to have a plane that is simple to control, quiet, and slow enough that you have time to make corrections if you find yourself in a bad situation.

The wings of the plane are also very important. A larger wingspan will make the plane easier to fly as it adds more lift to the plane keeping it floating in the air for longer. Also, look for a plane with the wing on top of the plane (called Top Wing Design) as this also gives the plane more lift.

Finally, if you can find a plane with Anti-Crash Technology (ACT) this may also help the beginner pilot, although there is some debate in the industry as to whether it actually is a benefit or not.

Something like the HobbyZone Super Cub LP is an excellent starter plane – its stable, gentle flight characteristics give the novice pilot the perfect platform to master the basics of RC flying, including throttle, steering and pitch. It’s simple to control and gives a smoother flying experience.

In addition, it may be worth doing some research into RC Flying Clubs in your area to see if there is one near you. There are advantages and disadvantages to joining a club. While there is the cost element to think about, as a beginner, the experience and advice other members can offer you is invaluable. Another option is to check online RC Forums, as many enthusiasts use these regularly to swap ideas and give advice on all kinds of RC topics.

Remember, be sensible when operating your plane – don’t fly it near busy roads and power cables, and avoid locations prone to unpredictable frequent high winds. Always use common sense when flying your plane, especially when in areas used by members of the public. You may be held responsible for any injuries caused so make sure you stay alert at all times.

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21
Jun 11

All You Need To Know About Cabbage Patch Dolls

Xavier Roberts is the man behind the invention of Cabbage Patch dolls in 1976 which was known as ‘Little Person’ dolls. The peculiarity of these dolls is that each doll is unique, meaning that not any two dolls look alike. Roberts when he was a teenager, started a hospital by the name ‘Babyland General Hospital’ in Georgia where people can adopt the hand sewn dolls. These dolls were never referred to as dolls, but they were termed as babies. Roberts and his five friends started a company by the name Appalachian Artworks Company for producing these dolls. Later in 1983, the company ‘Coleco’ was impressed by the idea of Roberts, and started marketing these dolls by the new name ‘Cabbage Patch kids’.

Cabbage patch dolls have both boys and girls dolls. They reflect the style of 1980’s. They belonged as a toy for kids irrespective of gender. There was a huge demand for them in the early days but later attraction towards them faded because of the arrival of other dolls. Kids are very much in love with the friendly faces of these dolls. While possessing these cabbage patch dolls kids will have a feeling that they have adopted a doll. For many kids, these dolls act as a sibling may be a brother or a sister.

Cabbage patch kids are produced with vinyl heads and body of the dolls are made of soft fabric. The amazing thing about cabbage patch dolls is that these dolls differ from each other in hair colors or eye colors .They even has different costumes. Each doll is identified by a name which is written on the birth certificates. Earlier one can’t buy them but instead they can be adopted by paying an adoption fees. They became very popular soon after they were introduced. Three million cabbage patch kids were sold by the end of 1983. A cabbage patch kid was even lucky to visit the space in 1985. A series of trading cards were introduced in their names which came to be known as Garbage Pail Kids. These cards contained caricatures of Cabbage patch kids. These cards had to be discontinued as a result of trade mark issue raised by the Appalachian Artworks Company.

Children like these dolls very much and parents can buy them as a gift. The new version of these cabbage patch dolls has a full vinyl body instead of the cloth body. The prices of these dolls are a bit high so that parents have to do a research before buying it. The dolls are available in different price range and styles. Before buying, the age of your kid needs to be taken care of. For younger kids who want to play the role of a mummy can look forward to buy one with accessories like potty, tooth brush etc. These types are smaller in size and are easy to clean when food items or crayons gets on the body of the doll. For older kids who are looking for a bigger version, the type available is of bigger size. These dolls have a vinyl head and a cloth body. They are pretty expensive but it is definitely a value for money.

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20
Jun 11

Crafts With Children – 5 Things to Have on Hand Besides Children’s Aprons

For you and your kids, childrens aprons are only the first step in spending a safe, clean, and enjoyable afternoon as a family. These times are rarely as stress-free as seen on television without some planning and thought put into the situation. It can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time together, but you need five important things besides disposable aprons before getting started.

1. Patience

This is the most important of all and is one of the most common things parents run short on. If you are in a hurry for your kids to put on their childrens aprons and get to work, it isn’t going to be one of those moments they’ll remember in a positive way. Instead, make sure you have lots of time to have fun. It is also important to be patient – the strings on disposable aprons get knots, paint is spilled, and things are dropped.

2. Be Safe

Because craft time is fun, it is an ideal time to teach children about safety, just be sure to follow them yourself. Disposable aprons are great for keeping clothes clean. Safety glasses and gloves are important, depending on the type of project you are planning. Also, be sure the materials you use are non-toxic and safe for children. Sometimes, it is better for a parent to use a knife or work with hot objects and let your child do the rest.

3. Organization

This not only means to keep the project itself organized, but it is also a great opportunity to teach children to clean up after themselves and learn how they can keep things organized. Show them that you only take out the items you will be working with, how to clean the area as you go, and how to get rid of the garbage. For example, leaving items, such as used newspapers, out and full of paint will surely spread the mess.

4. Positive Reinforcement

Children need to hear that they are doing a good job. This not only builds confidence, but it encourages them to put effort into the craft. The biggest thing that squashes this feeling is nitpicking or telling them they are doing something wrong. The feelings and ideas you bring into these family craft times will stay with them well into the future. Therefore, don’t be afraid to tell them you’re proud, even if it is a simple thing such as putting on their childrens aprons by themselves.

5. Get In On The Fun

When it comes to crafting, children don’t want a supervisor, they want someone to ‘play’ with them. You can help them come up with ideas or help them figure out how something works. Just don’t take over. Instead, start a project of your own. The children not only like having fun with you, but they get a chance to see how you deal with difficult tasks or what you do when things go wrong.

There is so much more to crafting than keeping them clean with childrens aprons to protect their clothing. Children need to get more from their experience. So before putting on disposable aprons and getting dirty, consider these five important tips to make a great afternoon all of you will remember for years to come.

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20
Jun 11

Oil Candle Making With Elegance

Oil candle making is simplicity at its best. You can create luminaries in mere minutes with oil candle making. Better yet, you can create quick, elegant ambiance for unexpected guests if you pay attention to a few details. For example, you will want to keep on hand the right kind of containers. You will want to have a few extra lengths of proper wicking tucked away in a drawer, and a couple of bottles of fuel meant especially for oil candle making.

But we’re getting ahead of ourselves.

Oil candle making with elegance requires a little knowledge if you are to be ready for that unexpected guest.

Containers – Chic Panache

You know that you need fuel and wicking, of course. That is true of all oil candle making, elegant or commonplace. Elegant luminaries, however, begin with stylish jars. You need a little know-how to purchase several well-designed containers ahead of time. Then you will be ready to create elegant ambiance without last minute shopping.

Look for containers that meet these criteria:

?Glass: Never use plastic for these luminaries. Plastic cannot take the heat. Choose strong, clear glass that shows off the fluid, or select elegant ceramic.

?Fit decor: One person prefers traditional elegance, another prefers funky elegance. Look for containers that fit your home’s decor.

?Balance: Containers should be heavy enough at the bottom to avoid tipping, even when the liquid is nearly gone.

?Narrow neck: Most chandelle crafts use containers with wide necks. This one is different. Narrow necks on your containers allow you to fit them properly with wicks.

?Floatable: Not essential, but imagine the ambiance created by small lights floating in a beautiful bowl. Picture a warm evening, elegance achieved quickly by floating a number of these small luminaries in the pool, a pond, or a fountain.

Grasp Brass Rings – or Collars

Have you seen pictures of carousels with brass ring dispensers? Maybe you’ve ridden one of the seventeen carousels that still have them. If you catch the brass ring, not a steel one, you get a free ride.

Oil candle making doesn’t use brass rings, but as a knowledgeable person, you will want a brass collar adapter for each of your containers unless the necks are very narrow. Brass collars secure wick tubes in place.

Thermal Tubes – Beautiful Support

Oil candle making requires thermal glass wick tubes to hold the wicks. Wicks threaded through clear, strong tubes carry your fuel to the flame at the tops of your containers. Be sure you have quality tubes for all containers and a spare one or two in case of breakage. The better the quality you afford, the more elegance you can expect.

Wicking – Cotton Conveyor Belts

Wicks for oil candle making are not the same as those used for wax luminaries. Purchase fine natural cotton or hemp, braided round wicking. This is designed especially to work with a variety of fuels. Take time to learn about wicking. Learn where you can purchase the best wicking. Armed with that knowledge, purchase and store extra lengths of measured, cut wicking so you are ready to create elegance in a hurry.

Fuel – Picturesque and Perfumed

On one hand, the fuel for oil candle making can be clear and odorless. Clear, fuel with no fragrance whatsoever can be the height of elegance for certain occasions. On the other hand, you may prefer beautiful jewel-tone colors in sweet-scented fuels. I recommend that you purchase a supply of the fuels you most enjoy. You may want to stock up on both clear and colored fuels. Shop for those that are 99-100% pure liquid paraffin, which is virtually smokeless.

Oil candle making with elegance is as simple as combining those products.

?Use a funnel to fill your containers nearly to the top.

?Thread wicking through the thermal glass tubes, one fourth inch extending at the top.

?Insert wick-bearing tubes into containers, using brass collar adapters if necessary.

?Be sure the tops of glass tubes do not extend above container tops.

Your oil candle making efforts will have produced beautiful luminaries.

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18
Jun 11

Make a Bra Purse

Do you need a tiny purse for your next night on the town? Maybe you want to reuse your old bra to make it useful again. You can actually do both! A stylish bra purse can be made with the following instructions:

You will need:
- Bra (new or slightly used)
- Sewing needle and thread
- Pair of scissors
- Adornments such as fringe, beads, ribbons, or buttons (your choice)

Make a decision on your preferences for the appearance of the bra purse. Start by designing your purse prior to assembling it. There are many options for enhancing the lace of the bra; either add some intricate beadwork, or leave it as is for simple beauty.

Figure out the bra size. It is important to select the best sized bra for your purse-making project. Bra cup sizes larger than B are suitable for making purses while A and B cups are better for the construction of change or coin purses.

Clean the bra first. This is especially necessary if you are using a used bra. Strip it of the underwire (your Choice). When constructing bags using bras the removal of underwire will give the bag a more flexible appearance and leaving the underwire in will give it a more bra-like look. If you want to take the underwire out, cut a small opening in the fabric near the wire at the end of the roll. Where you feel a notch, you can slip the fabric behind and softly extract the underwire.

Take off one of the bra straps. Use your scissors to cut the thread between the strap and the top of a cup. Use the remaining bra strap as the handle of the purse, adjusting it to the preferred length.

Line up the cups, one onto the other, by folding the brassiere in half You will have created a little purse with a contoured bottom and a carrying strap, after making the fold.

The purse should then be sewed. Hand stitch a seam around the rim of the purse. Leave a one inch gap on each side of the bra strap handle.

Be sure to stitch the seams close together avoiding gaps and holes in your purse.

You can add a decorative design to the outside of the purse, which will increase its visual appeal considerably. With the decorations you’ve chosen, adorn the bag. To give a simple bag an evening look, you could sew some fringe or beads to the bottom seam to dress it up.

Use the new purse. Head out the door to show off that purse you bought to match your outfit.

When it comes to accessories a bra purse can be very exciting and fun. By following these easy steps, you can show off your personal style and imagination.

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18
Jun 11

Choosing Your Crochet Yarn

Crochet yarn used to come in just three types of fiber: wool, acrylic and cotton. Wool came in three basic weights: fine, worsted and bulky, and was often combined with acrylic for a washable product with some of the feel of wool. Acrylic yarn was the cheap yarn, often in both price and quality. Cotton yarn, in a variety of weights, from fine thread for crocheted lace to a medium weight for baby items, was mostly marketed for crochet and tatting. But times have changed, and so have the kinds of yarn available to crochet hobbyists and addicts.

Crochet Yarns aren’t Just Sheepish

The most common and least expensive animal yarn is still sheep’s wool. The highest quality wools are Merino and Wensleydale, valued for their long staple and soft finish. Wool may be blended with acrylic, cotton or other animal fibers, and comes in at least eight weights, from the very fine lace weight to a very bulky weight for sweaters and outdoor wear.

Angora and mohair yarns come from goats. Because of the comparative scarcity of goats, as well as the labor-intensive process of producing yarn from their fur, mohair and Angora yarns tend to cost more than wool. They’re often blended with wool to make them more affordable. The textures of both mohair and angora yarns is fuzzy, from the short staples (fibers) they contain. While this makes for a softer finished product, it also can make it more difficult to work with, which is another reason to choose a blend. (Savvy crocheters may be aware that yarn combed from “Angora rabbits” also is marketed as “Angora yarn.” Current marketing laws don’t require that yarn manufacturers be specific about the Angora source, although better companies are.)

Another group of animals whose fleece is used for knitting and crochet yarn are the camelids. Alpaca yarn is the most commonly available and probably the most popular type, and it comes in every yarn weight from very fine fingering or lace weight to bulky. It’s softer than most wool yarns, but, like wool, alpaca yarn should be hand washed and air dried, or dry cleaned, unless label instructions specify otherwise. Llama yarn is another camelid variety. It comes mainly from Peru, but more and more Americans are raising llamas and alpacas for their wool. The vicuna is the smallest of the camelids, and vicuna yarn is rare. Baby camel yarn, however, is available, for a higher price than alpaca or llama. Llama yarn is almost always blended with wool, usually in a worsted or bulky weight, but alpaca yarns, especially the lace weight, may be 100 percent alpaca.

Yarns You Can Eat?

Yarn manufacturers are increasingly turning to plants for new kinds of yarn. Cotton, silk and linen fibers have been used since the times of the ancient Egyptians and Chinese, but corn, soy and bamboo fibers are the 21st century alternatives.

For the ecologically minded crocheter, many plants are carefully grown, made into fiber and dyed without the use of chemicals, so that they can be marketed as organic yarn. Labeling, again, may be a problem when you try to go green, especially with bamboo yarns. Most bamboo yarns are made with harsh chemicals and come from China, where labeling laws are even more lax than here. If the label doesn’t say “organic yarn” or “100% organic,” you should assume that it isn’t.

Most soy yarn is made in China from the waste left over from tofu processing, and most is imported by the South West Trading Co. On its own, soy yarn is a fine tube, making a lightweight and flexible fiber. Soy yarn is frequently combined with wool, silk, cotton, or a combination of the three.

For an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cotton yarn, crocheters can turn to corn. The Kollage company makes Corntastic, a 100% corn yarn in a DK weight (lighter than worsted, but heavier than lace). It has a soft texture and is machine washable, making it an ideal choice for baby clothes, socks or summer sweaters. Kollage makes another interesting yarn called Creamy. It’s 80%

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16
Jun 11

Why Flameless Wax Candles Are Popular

Flameless wax candles have become very popular for many reasons.?Here are a collection of 10 reasons why they have found their way into some many homes.

They are cheap. 燜lameless wax candles are as cost effective as the real thing.?/li>
They can be used anywhere.燳ou do not have to worry about having a naked flame near your furniture or curtains.燭his candle can not cause any damage to your property at all.?/li>
There are lots of colors to choose from so you can buy a candle to match the different decor of each of your rooms.
They are child friendly.燙hildren can handle these candles and you do not have to worry about any accidents occurring.燬o no burnt fingers from the flame or the melted wax because there is no flame or melted wax.?/li>
There are scented varieties.營f you like your rooms to smell lovely you can choose to purchase the scented variety.燬cents can range from fruity to perfumed.?/li>
They have long lasting fragrance. With traditional candles, the scent can fade before the candle is finished.燭he flameless wax candle will remain fragrant until the batteries run out.
These candles doesn’t melt – It may look and smell real but these candles have the advantage that they will keep their shape forever.?/li>
There is no mess. The candle may look like the real thing but there will be no messy wax residue to clean up and no greasy stains left on any fabrics.?/li>
These make a good alternative for emergency lighting – if you have a power outage, the faux wax candle is a good thing to have as a backup.?/li>
They make the perfect gift for people of all ages and for any occasion.?/li>

These are just a few reasons why flameless candles are a popular choice in the home.

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