Radon can be found all over the United States. It comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in soil, rock and water and gets in to the air you breathe. Radon can get into any type of building, homes, offices, and schools and build up to high levels. But you and your family are most likely to get your greatest exposure in your home because that is where you spend most of your time.

Testing is the only way to know if you and your family are at risk form radon. The Environmental Protection Agency along with the Surgeon General recommend testing all homes below the third floor for radon. It is inexpensive and easy to do the testing and it only takes a few minutes of your time. Millions of Americans have already had their homes tested. Radon from soil gas is the main cause of radon problems although it can also enter the home through well water. And in a small number of homes, certain kinds of building materials may give off the gas, too. However, the building materials rarely cause the problem by themselves.

It have now been determined that nearly 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S. is estimated to have elevated radon levels. Elevated levels of radon gas have been found in every state including homes in your state.

The public has only recently started showing interest in this deadly, cancer-causing gas. Contact your state radon office for general information about radon in your area. While radon problems may be more common in some areas, any home may have a problem. Home buyers and renters are now asking about radon levels before they buy or rent a home.

While radon in water is not a problem in homes served by most public water supplies, it has been found in some well water. If you’ve tested the air in your home and found a radon problem, and your water comes from a well, contact a lab certified to measure radiation in water to have your water tested. If you’re on a public water supply and are concerned that radon may be entering your home through the water, call your public water works.

Since there is no known safe level of radon, there can always be some risk. But the risk can be reduced by lowering the radon level in your home. A variety of methods may be used to reduce radon in one’s home. In some cases, sealing cracks in floors and walls may help to reduce radon. In other cases, simple systems using pipes and fans may be used to reduce the gas. Because major renovations can change the level of radon in any home, always test again after you have any work done. There are reliable test kits available through the mail, in hardware stores and certain other retail outlets.

Like other environmental pollutants, there is some uncertainty about the magnitude of radon health risks. However, more is known about the risks of radon than from most other cancer-causing substances. This is because estimates of radon risks are based on studies of cancer in humans such as underground miners.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.!

Tags: Pollution, toxins, gas, radon gas, environmental pollution, halth risks, cancer causing, radio active gas, contamination, high risk, lung cancer, uranium, air contamination,

Simply mix a combination of four parts of borax to one part of silica gel. You can make your mixture by hand; the borax should be run through a sieve before mixing with the gel to remove any lumps.

You should treat all of the flowers to be preserved immediately after picking. Cut off the stems close to the base of the flower. In the bottom of a plastic bag or an air-tight jar put down a layer of the preserving powder and lay a blossom face down on the powder. Pour some additional powder over the flower until it is well covered. Then lay another flower face down and cover it, repeating the procedure until the bag or jar is full. Put on your lid, or if using a bag, press down on it lightly to squeeze out all the air. Tie the bag tightly with string as close to the contents as possible to prevent air from coming in.

Now put your flowers and powder mixture away in a dry place for about four weeks without peeking at it. Never store it out of doors.

At the end of the four weeks, open the container very gently and remove the blossoms one at a time, blowing the powder off them. You may make a stem by running a piece of florist’s wire through the lower side of each blossom. Now you have preserved flowers in their garden freshness.

A good method of prolonging the life of cut flowers is to put a small amount of ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, sodium carbonate or camphor in the water into which the flower stems are inserted. One or more of these drugs will keep the flowers fresh by working to oppose germ growth and stimulate the cells. This method is, however, not permanent like the borax and gel solution.

Preserving flowers can help you save your memories of a wedding corsage or a gift bouquet forever.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: preserving flowers, fresh cut flowers, storing dried flowers,

Sand-drying can be used to dry a wide variety of flowers, such as roses, tulips, dahlias, marigolds and snapdragons. Flowers which last only one day, like day lilies, do not dry well. Do not dry asters, azaleas, chrysanthemums, geraniums, petunias, phlox, pinks, poppies or violets. But feel free to do your own experimentation.

To prepare for sand-drying, cut the flowers at the peak of their show as any imperfections will be exaggerated by drying. Pick the flowers after the dew has fully evaporated. Make sure the stems are dry.

Prepare the flowers by reinforcing the stems and blossoms with florist’s wire or with white glue. For daisy-type flowers and flowering shrubs, push a 6″ piece of wire through the stem and right through the flower head; bend the end of the wire into a hook over the flower head and then pull it down, thus securing the head to the stem.

For flowers such as roses and tulips which are dried face-up, cut off most of the stem except an inch or so and insert the wire as above.

For many-petaled flowers, use glue instead of wire. Diluting the white glue with a drip of water and using a toothpick, dab a thin coat of glue at the base of each petal, working the glue into the base of each flower to attach each petal to the base. Dry completely.

To dry the flowers, slowly cover them with white sand in deep, open boxes. Cup-shaped or rose-shaped flowers should be dried face-up. Make the sand deep enough to hold the flowers in an upright position, position the flower carefully and slowly pour the sand around the base of the flower, then around the sides and under and over the petals. Pour the sand evenly and slowly in order to preserve the natural shape of the blossom.

Daisy-type flowers should be dried face down. Make an even base of sand in the box and make a little dip in the sand the same shape as the flower. Hold the flower steady and carefully build up the sand around the blossom until it is fully covered.

Snapdragons, lilac, elongated flowers and flowering branches should be positioned horizontally in the sand, flowering branches face up. Carefully pour the sand around and between the flowers and into individual blooms. A soft artists’ brush will help you in lifting the blossoms slightly as you pour the sand so that they won’t be flattened by its weight.

When all the flowers are completely covered with sand put the drying box in your drying area and leave undisturbed for one to three weeks. Rapid drying in a very warm, dry and brightly-lit place will produce bright blossoms; slower drying in a more humid spot will produce more muted colors.

Removing the sand should be done very carefully, tipping the container slightly, allowing the sand to flow slowly from one corner of the box. As each flower is released from the sand, lift it gently out.

If you wish to store your dried flowers for later use, seal them in airtight containers such as tins or plastic boxes sealed with masking tape, or in sealed cardboard boxes enclosed in airtight plastic bags.

Air-drying can be very successful with herbs, everlastings and ornamental grasses. Choose perfect plants with long stems, removing the lower leaves. Put the flowers in small bunches, fastening them together with an elastic band; then open each bunch into a fan shape. Hang the flowers head down from nails in a dry, dark place for one to three weeks until they are completely dry. The colors will usually be muted. Display your flowers in the house or store them as above.

You may want to experiment with waxing fresh flowers. This too is simple; just melt some paraffin wax and plunge each individual flower into the wax. Remove and shake the excess wax off each flower. Put it into the refrigerator to set and harden.

Having dried, preserved flowers in your home year-round can really brighten it up. You may want to give dried flower arrangements as Christmas gifts. It is a wonderful, satisfying hobby to preserve your own flowers. You can also make lovely cards by pressing your flowers and covering them with clear mac-tac on a piece of construction paper. It’s easy to do and looks lovely.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: dryingfresh cut flowers, Sand-drying flowers, Storing dried flowers, preserved flowers, gifts, Christmas gifts,

Many types of burglar alarms can be obtained for residential use. It is advisable, however, that basic hardware security measures be followed first. If additional security is desired, the following recommendations could be helpful:

1. Obtain estimates from three alarm companies, notifying each of this procedure.

2. An audible alarm is recommended over silent alarms for residential use in order to first protect persons and secondly, property.

Don’t depend entirely upon an alarm system to protect you… be sure to use proper locking devices. Any alarm system shouldinclude:

A. A battery-powered fail-safe back-up.

B. Fire-sensing capability

C. Read-out ability to check working of system.

D. Horn sounding device installed in attic through vent.

When shopping for an alarm system, take this list with you.

Secondary Barrier

If the value of small personal items warrants protection, a secondary barrier is an additional safeguard. On a hinging closet door, install a 1″ deadbolt lock. Store your jewels, furs, cameras, guns, silverware and other valuables behind this barrier. Be sure to “pin” the hinges.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: Security, Protection, Anti-theft, Burglary, Security Alarms, Burglar Alarms, Safety Deposit Box,

I started mine with a big box of Kroger Cost Cutter Oats, but Quaker Oaks will do. I now use hog brand meal. We buy one hundred pounds (several of us split it) for $6.00 from a farm supply place.

Now fill the bucket about 1/4 full of meal. Dump in the worms (the more you start with the better). I got about 1,000 from a friend. Now slice up a potato and throw it in (you can use apples, fresh corn cobs). What we’re looking for here is something to hold moisture. I use only potatoes.

Buy some nylon screening from the hardware store to cover the top. You do not have to tie it in place. The bugs do not fly. Now the worms will turn into grubs, then black bugs, then die. It will look like nothing’s in there (wait). Feed potatoes and meal when you think it’s necessary. I add 1 potato per week now, plus a cup or two of meal. Leave old stuff in bucket. The stuff that looks like powdered residue are eggs -that’s your next crop.

This process takes a couple of months, but you will have worms of all sizes, black bug and grubs eventually. I fish with the worms and grubs. I ice fish mostly with the grubs and smaller worms.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: FishBait, hobby, past time, Meal Worms, DIY, Fishing, Black Bug, Grubs,

In addition to having the satisfaction of creating fun gifts for family and friends out of “heirloom” materials, once the word is out, relatives will often send along their extra buttons and collectibles. This helps build your inventory, resulting in a minimal investment for supplies. The season for successful jewelry selling is year-round, since the pieces make wonderful birthday and Christmas gifts, as well as fun wardrobe accessories anytime. Men, women, and children can wear these buttons, domino, and checker pins and earrings, so the sky is the limit for profits. And this business can be worked out of your home part or full-time.

Bev Rice is one designer who not only models what she sells, but delights in the pleasure others have in purchasing her sporty art. She and her husband Jim started a home business called “Sport in Life” ten years ago with one imperfect mahjongg set originally bought as a present for a friend. In the past five years “Sport in Life” has evolved from marketing craft-fair products to bona fide antique buttons sold at more expensive retail-quality level. With mostly word-of-mouth advertising, their jewelry has captured creative awards, been featured in the Image section of her local Sunday newspaper, displayed for sale in clothing and curio boutiques, and sold at jewelry parties.

Getting Started And Business Savvy

Like most business entrepreneurs, Bev started out “needing to make a living,” and she wanted to combine her love of going to flea markets with creative, artistic urges. She also had a curiosity about the ability to manufacture interesting game pieces. While she comes up with her signature creations, Jim perfects ever-sturdier ways of fastening pieces together and drills holes in the mahjongg tiles for Bev to thread with elastic to make bracelets or neck amulets. She took her first product, a “rigger” domino with a tell-tale crack, to her husband, who polished the domino to sheen and bolted it to a pin back.

Earrings and pins can be made without drilling, however. Just purchase an inexpensive glue gun from the neighborhood hardware store, or sturdy “glue dot” stickers, as well as earring and pin backs, available wholesale. “What’s more, anyone can do this,” says Bev.

Investment.

Bev estimates start-up costs can be less than $500 because of “miracles and mitzvahs.” Don’t underestimate the value of trading services or receiving supplies when starting out. “People were inspired to gift us,” she says. An artist friend created a simple but effective domino logo, and another friend who was teaching a printing class made up 500 business cards as a gift. While Bev did read a couple of start-up books, such as Working From Home, and Small-Time Operator, (similar books can be obtained from the library) she advocates getting a business license from City Hall (if your area requires one) and an invoice book from a stationery store. Then just start-up.

The jewelry maker recommends that once you are in business, get a sales tax resale number from your state’s taxation bureau to make quantity purchases at jewelry supply stores giving wholesale discounts. You will also be able to legitimately write off business expenses at tax time. Initially, Bev spent $100 per month on supplies. That included game pieces, pin and earring backs, and glue. She notes that “the most interesting pieces can be found at thrift stores, flea markets, and garage sales.”

Buying Supplies.

Finding supplies can be time-consuming at first, says Bev, but all supplies can be bought in one’s own neighborhood or ordered from supply catalogs. Her inventory is now built up, but when she first started out she went to stores three or four times a day to be the first person there and check on items arriving during the day. With vigilance and luck, “finds” can be snapped up as they get put on the shelves. Also, friends who peddle their wares at flea markets might bring her a mahjongg set because they know exactly the kinds of things she uses.

While Bev’s first mahjong tiles cost 50 cents, and were sold loose in a plastic bag, now sets might run $300 in a big city where the game is popular.

To record money earned and money spent, and to keep track of what pieces are on consignment or out for a jewelry party, Bev recommends keeping an inventory sales book.

Full or Part-Time Sales

The person who wants to make jewelry and sell their wearable art can make a part-time or full-time living at it. Bev Rice reports that generating $10,000 per year part-time is possible, while she estimates $30,000 to $40,000 could be made full-time, depending on effort and expertise. The qualities of integrity, flexibility and enthusiasm are personal attributes that will make for better business, but being an artist is not a requirement. In fact, Bev remarks that a little business sense can really make or break profits. “I think I would succeed er as less of an artist,” she muses, “and more of a businessman.”

Anyone who wants to get into this business has an intuitive sense that they can put pieces together uniquely. Or talents can be combined with a partner’s help. Fortunately, Bev has a husband with a natural inclination to use a drill press, which can be purchased for under $100. Meanwhile Bev says she has become a pro with a glue gun. Both are able to fill order for a variety of styles quickly.

Building A Niche.

The designer has built a niche for herself by making pins out of the buttons and old mahjong betting sticks she loves. She enjoys making pins because “they are pieces I can do myself-drill holes, find buttons, and put them together.” Bev relates that while she did not enjoy working for other people, she loves her current work, loves the jewelry pieces, and says that it has given her a personal sense of identity. “It is gratifying to build a business from a broken set of dominoes. Anybody can do it who has a set of buttons.”

Most people have “secret stashes” of buttons, according to Bev, and should be encouraged to be creative.

She recalls that her mother had a beautiful set of buttons and her grandmother had lovely pieces of mahjongg set. And jewelry making “is a nice way to keep those collections alive.” But if one is not ready to part with treasures, then items can be purchased at flea markets. Buttons of quality range form a penny to $8 or $10. The old glass and semi-precious stone buttons can be considered a study in texture from a jeweler’s point of view. But ordinary plastic buttons, which comes in all shapes and sizes, make perfectly creative and whimsical materials, too.

What to Charge.

Jewelry prices depend on time, materials, and what the market will bear. Simple Scrabble pins make great holiday stocking stuffers or children’s birthday party favors and sell for $1.50. Antique button pins that look wonderful on a blazer lapel can start at $25 and well-made button bracelets can retail for between $25 and $50, depending on quality. Domino earrings and pins can run from $16 to $26. Vintage collectible mahjongg and bamboo bracelets may wholesale from $88 to $250.

Jewelry Parties.

Although there is a variety of ways to sell jewelry, from craft fairs and festivals, at gift and clothing boutiques, on consignment or by personal referrals, the best methods really depend on individual preferences. There are benefits and pitfalls to each. For those starting out, Bev highly recommends holding jewelry parties as a fun, tried-and-true way to sell. Better yet, ask friends to hold them at their homes, serve a little something to eat and drink, and invite a group of about six to twelve people. In her experience, earnings of approximately $300 to $400 can be made from a home jewelry party.

Networking.

Another method is to network with a friend to find trustworthy places that will take a chance on your work. This includes consignment at clothing or gift boutiques and possibly museums or art gallery gift stores, where a percentage of the profits are kept by the store upon sale.

“Most rewarding,” says Bev, “is when stores buy outright, because it keeps your cash flow going.” She has refined her product line to where she can market it almost exclusively at the high-end retail level. But Bev avoids the large chain stores because, she says, “it can be heaven or hell.” Mostly it takes a long time to get paid and a big store buyers can cancel on a whim an order that has been rushed into production.

Craft Fairs

Craft fair profits are tied into the costs of entry fees, booth space rental, and transportation to the fair. Some fairs require the artist to be present to sell their work. Depending on regulations, this can pose problems for the jewelry maker who has hired a sales representative. Sales generally depend on the ability of the individual seller and the quality of the neighborhood crafts to help draw customers. Sometimes a percentage of sales goes for a worthy fund-raiser. Also, many artists really enjoy displaying their wares in a festival atmosphere where they get a chance to meet and learn from each other.

Festivals

“Game pieces make people smile,” says Bev, “and are made to be touched.” Unique designs, together with the touchables and playful qualities of the jewelry, are the strongest selling points at festivals and craft fairs. Although she now shies away from what she terms “the stress and the rat race,” a small show may only charge a $50 entry fee and net profit of $200 out of $400 gross sales is possible. “People like a chance to meet the artist,” says Bev, which can help sales. For the person trying to get established, she notes that this venue - the chance to talk to other artists, trade, and barter back and forth - can be more lucrative than dollars and cents.

Fashion Shows.

Bev is occasionally invited to display her jewelry as part of vintage fashion shows where a friend is already selling and the artists dress up in appropriate period costumes. Or she might do a weekend show where she is given space to set up in a clothing boutique where a sale has been advertised. The store often sends out postcards notifying customers of the sale and perhaps a flyer noting an artist appearance. Bev says that she enjoys these, but points out that the store claims 30 percent of her sales. Also, selling all weekend can be very demanding.

Personal Referrals.

Since Bev has been in business ten years and knows her market, she understands how her pieces sell best, and certainly what is cost-effective for her business. Personal referrals now account for 30 to 50 percent of Sport in Life sales, and 30 percent in repeat business. Someone starting out may need to try all avenues to see what kind of customers are attracted to a particular jewelry style.. Besides word-of-mouth referrals by friends, and boosting sales by wearing the jewelry, a jewelry representative can bring up the bottom line of profit. Bev estimates that referrals from a rep who worked for her several years ago added another 10 percent to sales. “If you can find one who likes you and you like them - they can be a buffer zone between you and the public,” says Bev. “That individual becomes the Mary Kay of jewelry.”

Because Bev now handles the business herself, she advises taking it “one step at a time.” She would like to teach people to gain self-esteem from their work and says she feels it is important for people not to underprice or undersell themselves. “Otherwise,” she says, “they could just go get a job!” Because people are always buying. Bev remarks that the business is becoming more competitive. But she sees this as a good sign, one that breeds well-made designs, those made using good, non-toxic glues which are made to last. But don’t be afraid to develop a niche, since every bracelet and necklace will be different by virtue of the material. “This is fun,” enthuse Bev. “Buttons are really unusual and unique, and it feels good to make these things.”

For example, just four stacked buttons can make an interesting earring Bev explains. “I was the kind of person who threw out earrings if they were broken and didn’t know how to fix things.” She remarks that making jewelry is wonderfully therapeutic and can be a way to teach children creativity by stringing elastic through buttons as a birthday party game.

In addition to belts, her new product includes a few glitzy patent leather handbags also festooned with buttons. A bag might retail for $50 to $125, according to the buying market. A developing product line is as individual as the person, and the artistic preferences will certainly add distinction. Bev states that she would like to inspire other people to start feeling creative. But working with buttons is not limited to women. Bev says she knows of one man who “makes fantastic bolo ties out of old buttons and belt buckles.” “Whatever the material, her best advice is, “Only do it if it’s fun: Sport in Life!”

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: craft, jewelry, hobby, craft fairs, festivals, fashion shows, jewelry parties, net working, sales, part time sales, beads, [ins, fastenings, glue gun, gifts, bracelets, necklace, broch, bangles, buttons, business enterprise, home based business,

This plastic is particularly adaptable for making molds and light castings requiring tensile strength but very clear outline. It may also be used for making ornaments and novelties. However, as this is flammable, do not use for ashtrays.

While the name would convey the thought of plastic sulphur which is an unstable allotropic form of sulphur, this is not the case, as the sulphur acts as a bond to hold the filler together and forms a stable material.

Interesting marble effects may be obtained by varying the filler used; and by substituting a small quantity of chalk to replace some of the graphite, a very pleasing glazed surface marble is formed.

As long as the graphite is retained as a filler, this plastic may be electroplated and forms a very economical base for such work.

Formula: Mix thoroughly and smoothly together 25 parts of graphite and 75 parts sulphur and place over heat. As soon as the mass has melted and runs like water, remove from the heat. In any case, a temperature of 235 degrees F. not be exceeded. If heated about 250 degrees F. the plastic will form a rubbery mass and will have to be cooled and reheated. In this liquid state the plastic is ready for casting and may be poured into smooth surfaced molds.

N.B. to heat this mixture properly, a good even heat is necessary. Should the heating be done by flame, the container should be placed in a sand bath to insure an even heating surface. The cast-iron top of a heater or stove is excellent.

Equipment: The only equipment for the above that is required is space enough to work in, a stove or heater, a pan to heat the mixture in and a bench or table.

Procedure: Before making any casting you will need a pattern. After choosing a design that fits your need, your next step is to make the mold. Then you may start into production. If your product requires any holes, threads or machining, this may be done in the same manner as in working with a metal casting.

Always think of your castings as metal, for they have metallic properties, i.e., conduct heat, electricity and can be electroplated. In fact, the most valuable quality of Sulpho-Plastic is the fact that it can be used as a metal substitute. This permits you to make products that look and are as good and even better, in some cases, than a true metal. For instance, to make a chrome plated metal lamp base or other metal casting would require foundry equipment and machine shop work and in all, a process miles out of the reach of the small manufacturer. However, with our plastic, a lamp base, similar in all respects, may be made for a fraction of the other cost.

Electroplating:

While this can be done at home with very little equipment, it is advisable to have it done by a commercial electroplater, who does it very cheaply and much more efficiently. Electroplating is only used on expensive replicas and is not advisable for a start.

Design: The number and variety of articles that can be manufactured from Sulpho-Plastic is practically unlimited and to make a complete list would be impossible. However, any article of reasonable size and simplicity of design such as lamps, curios, buddhas, incense burners, elephants, vases, plaques, brooches, desk-sets, toys paper weights, etc., may be cast by using an original or purchased article for a pattern or model - or an original design may be patterned in clay and used to make a mold. It is advisable for the beginner to choose a simple article for a start, preferably solid, such as paper weights or book-ends. Molds may be made of metal or plaster of paris. Metal molds, however, require a great deal of skill and equipment to produce. Therefore for the beginner, it is advisable to use plaster of paris.

To make plaster of paris molds; first obtain a box, wood or cardboard will do; about an inch longer each way than the article to be cast. Coat the inside of the box very thoroughly, yet thinly, with stearine or sweet oil. Use this also on the article to be cast. This acts as a lubricant and the plaster of paris will not cement itself to either the box or the article, if the oil is evenly distributed.

Now, next make a thick, creamy mixture of plaster of paris by sifting the plaster gradually into the water, stirring constantly to prevent lumping. Let this stand a few minutes to allow the air bubbles to escape. Pour mixture slowly over pattern in this box to about double the thickness of the pattern.

Allow several hours to dry, then remove. If the stearine or sweet oil was applied properly, this will be easy. When the mold is thoroughly dry, give it a coat (thin) of shellac and repeat in 12 hours. Mold is now ready for use.

Molding: First and foremost always make sure that you have lubricated your mold with beeswax or stearine. Place molds on a reasonably level surface and pour the sulpho-plastic into the mold, quickly and smoothly. Do not pour from a height as this will break the lubricant and leaves blemishes on the casting. Plastic must be poured quickly to prevent cooling in folds and thus making a poor casting. One of the big assets of sulpho-plastics is the fact that it dries and hardens almost immediately. There is no long wait for casting to dry.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: Sulpho-Plastics, molds, plastic molded, electroiplating, plastic models, plastic statues,

Method 1: Dip a piece of common string in alcohol or kerosene and squeeze dry or as dry as it will get without dripping. This string should then be placed on the already marked glass and tied tight. Light the string and let it burn off. Immediately, while the glass is still hot, plunge it into cold water. Be sure the container of water is large enough to let the glass go completely under as well as your arm up to the elbow, so as to deaden the vibration when you strike the glass. Strike the glass with your other hand outside the line of cutting using a stick of wood and hitting a sharp stroke. This quick, sharp stroke will break the glass where it has been weakened by theburning string into a clean cut as if done by a regular glass cutter. This method may be used to cut bottles in any shape and to make vases and to perform many such cuttings on glass.

Method 2: Here is a method that rarely fails to break the glass clean in the place you want it broke. First, scratch the glass with the corner of a file or sharp graver. Have a piece of wire bent to the desired shape you want to cut the glass. Heat the wire red-hot and lay it upon the scratch. Sink the glass into cold water just deep enough to come on a level with the wire, not quite covering it. The glass will break clean.

How to Cut Glass with Scissors:

To do this you must place the glass under water completely, then with a pair of ordinary scissors, proceed to cut the glass as you would paper or cloth. This method is, of course, not as smooth as job as the methods described above. The edges will not be as smooth, but for getting a piece of glass down to size and where the edges are not needed to be smooth, this method will be satisfactory.

How to Drill Glass:

Get a piece of steel wire and file to shape of a drill. This must be tempered as follows: Heat the end of the drill on a flame until it is dull red, then place it in metallic mercury. This drill, tempered in this manner will bore through glass as easily as through soft metal. When using in glass, always use oil of turpentine with a little camphor added to lubricate the drill. As you drill, be careful not to drill clear through from one side as you will break the glass this way. Drill partly, or almost through, then start from the opposite side and finish the hole. Or, if you cannot do this, as when you are drilling bottles, etc., fill this bottle with water or place the glass in water.

Caution: When you make the drill, do not make the cutting edges so sharp or too acute. The drill will cut slowly but you will have better holes with less breakage.

Bonus: Rainbow colors for bottles, vases, etc: Use floating art colors obtainable from most paint stores. Take a pail and fill it with water and drop a few drops of several different art colors on top of water. Now, take any article you wish colored and dip down through the colors, slowly back and forth. You now have a rainbow colored article. You can color bottles, vases, and many articles this way.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives.

Tags: hobby, glass, glass cutting, glass vases, glass lamps, craft, glass bottles,

Begin with a home “security” check. Start with the front door and work clockwise around the entire inside of your home, finishing with a back yard, fence and shrubs, gates and garage.

Shrubbery should never block the view of your front door. This allows an intruder the opportunity of privacy to gain entrance.

A wide angle viewer in the door lets you know your visitor in advance. This item is recommended over a chain lock.

Locks, Bolts And Hinges

A Death-Latch is an inexpensive lock set which keeps the burglar from simply slipping your door open with a plastic credit card. This method of entry is common in many areas, but very easy to prevent.

Auxiliary Deadlock: 1″ deadbolt, single cylinder with hardened cylinder guard, and thumb turn.

For extra security, a single cylinder deadbolt lock, with one inch throw and case-hardened insert, is recommended for all exterior doors. If you have easily breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock, it should be augmented with a stronger type of glass or plastic to provide adequate security.

Most police departments do not recommend deadbolt locks for residential use. You may be adding additional security at the expense of personal safety with a double cylinder deadbolt. For example, you could lock yourself in and not be able to escape in case of fire or other emergency.

The Rim Lock is a 1″ deadbolt lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. It is less expensive than other types of locks, but equally effective for security.

The “Jimmy-Proof” Rim Lock is another lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. But this lock has vertical dead bolts, which is an approved locking device.

Cane Bolts: 1/2″ in diameter by 12″ high installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door offers minimum security. Many homes with pairs of doors, use half-barrel slidebolts on the inactive door. These are weak and totally inadequate.

Flush Bolts: Installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door or a pair of doors, flush bolts offer additional security, since the intruder cannot get at these devices to tamper with them if the doors are locked.

Hinge Protection

Some exterior doors are improperly installed so that the hinges are installed from outside. To protect such a door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps:

(1) Remove two screws, opposite each other, from both leaves of the hinge.

(2) Insert screw or concrete nail into jamb leaf, protruding 1/2″.

(3) Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door.

Do this in the top and bottom hinge of the door.

When closed, the hinge pins may be removed, but the door will remain firmly in place.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives

Tags: Security, home security, business security, locks, bolts, hinges, death-latch, auxiliary deadlock, rim lock, Jimmy proof rim lock, cane bolts, flush bolts, hinge pin, door

Laminated Glass is made by a vinyl or plastic interlayer sandwiched between two layers of glass. This type of glass adds additional strength to your windows. To gain entry, a burglar would have to strike the glass repeatedly in the same spot in order to make a small opening. Most burglars are reluctant to create this type of noise for fear of being detected.

Tempered Glass is made by placing a piece of regular glass in an oven, bringing it almost to the melting point, and then chilling it rapidly. This causes a skin to form around the glass. Fully tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass.

Wired Glass adds the benefits of a visible deterrent. Extra effort will be needed to break the glass and then cut through the wire located within the glass, in order to gain entry.

Plastics: Plastic material is divided into two types: acrylic or polycarbonate. The acrylics are more than ten times stronger than glass of the same thickness and are commonly called plexiglass. Polycarbonate sheets are superior to acrylics and are advertised as 250 times more impact resistant than safety glass, and 20 times more than other transparent plastic.

With Sliding Windows the primary objective is to keep the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of the track. There are many manufactured products available for securing windows. Here are some of the suggestions:

Pinned Window Anti-Slide Block Slidebolt: It is not recommended that you lock a window in a ventilating position. This is aninvitation to a prying action which can result in entry. Key locking devices offer no real security, and they can be a fire exit hazard.

Casement Windows are the simplest to secure. Make sure the latch works properly and that the “operator” has no excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware.

Double Hung Window latches may be jimmied open. If a window is not used, screw it shut (except bedrooms). For windows in use,
drill a sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, through and into the bottom of the top window, and insert an easily removable pin or nail.

Louvre Windows are bad security risks. Remove and replace with solid glass or other type of ventilating window. Or protect with a grate or grille (except bedrooms).

Warning: One window in every bedroom on the ground and second floor must be left available as a fire exit, particularly for children and guests in you home. At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest and safest means of getting out. Because of the danger of fire, decorative grills are not recommended on bedroom windows.

Lee Porter an author and entrepreneur for HealthSufficiency, a continuing health, personal development and life dynamic education and business development company helping people to be meet their potential to lead healthy, prosperous and successful lives

Tags: homesecurity, office security, secure windows, burglar proof windows, glass, casement windows, pinned window anti-sliude block, double-hung window, louvre window, plastics, wired glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, latches, bolt