Bi-Monthly Almanac: Household Tips and Projects

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An ordinary rubber glove can perform double duty as an ice bag
An ordinary rubber glove can perform double duty as an ice bag
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Setting your paint can in a pan of warm water to keep the paint viscous.
Setting your paint can in a pan of warm water to keep the paint viscous.
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With a few simple modifications you can turn a oilcan into an alcohol lamp.
With a few simple modifications you can turn a oilcan into an alcohol lamp.
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An ice cube wrapped in cloth works great as a fat skimmer.
An ice cube wrapped in cloth works great as a fat skimmer.
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With some enamel paint and putty you can turn an ordinary tin can into a flowerpot.
With some enamel paint and putty you can turn an ordinary tin can into a flowerpot.
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Turning a bucket over the peg to which you've tethered your cow will protect the cow from gashing its legs.
Turning a bucket over the peg to which you've tethered your cow will protect the cow from gashing its legs.

Want to remove excess fat from your soup? Need to keep paint warm when you’re painting on a cold day? MOTHER EARTH NEWS has a few household tips for these and other projects. After you’re done, take a look at the November/December 1979 Almanac we’ve compiled of significant historical events that occurred during those two months.


An Oilcan Alcohol Lamp

When you need a little light or a small “work” flame, why not make this easy oilcan lamp? Simply cut off the spout an inch or so above the can, drill a tiny vent hole close to the screw top, and insert a wick. Finally, make a cap—to extinguish the fire—out of a piece of tubing that’s closed at one end. The “snuffer” may then be soldered to a piece of chain that is in turn fastened to the lamp

Fat Skimmer

  • Published on Nov 1, 1979
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