** Enameling a Bicycle Frame [385]

Make an enamel by mixing 2 oz. burnt umber with 1 qt. boiled oil,
heating, and then adding 1 oz. asphaltum. Keep the mass hot until
thoroughly mixed, says the Master Painter. Thin with turpentine
while still hot.

Use a camel's hair brush for applying the enamel and allow it to
set; then place the article in an oven, bake for six or eight
hours at a temperature of 250 deg. F. When cool rub down with
steel wool. Apply a finishing coat and allow it to bake eight
hours at 250 deg. F. Rub down with a soft rag, varnish and bake
again at 200 deg. F. Heat and cool the frame gradually each time.
Black enamel is easiest to apply and bakes hardest, but requires a
temperature of 300 deg. Colors can be baked at from 200 to 250
deg.

** How to Make a Sewing Bag [386]

A very practical and novel sewing bag for odds and ends necessary
for mending, etc., can be made of a folding camp stool. If an old
stool is not

[Illustration: Camp-Stool Work Bag]

at hand, a new one can be purchased for 25 cents. Remove the top
or seat, which is usually made of a piece of carpet, then make a
bag as shown in Fig. 1 and stitch a heavy cord around the top to
make it strong. Make pockets on the inside as shown and nail the
bag to the two crosspieces on which the ends of the carpet were
tacked. Large, brass furniture nails should be used. Attach a
small hook and eye on each end and fasten two leather handles to
the crosspieces.

Such a bag requires little room when folded and can be stored in a
closet when not in use.
--Contributed by Joseph Ledwinka, Philadelphia, Pa.

** Home-Made Roller Skates [386]

The rubber-tired wheels of an old carpet sweeper can be used to
advantage in making a pair of roller skates. In Fig. 1 is shown
how an iron washer or two may be fastened to the wood with a piece
of sheet metal to support

[Illustration: Rubber Tired Roller Skate]

the short axles of the wheels. The wheels are oiled through the
holes A and B, Fig. 2. These holes should be smaller than the
axles. The two side pieces are fastened together with a board
nailed on the top edges, as shown. This board also furnishes the
flat top for the shoe sole. Two straps are attached for fastening
the skate to the shoe.
--Contributed by Thos. De Loof, Grand Rapids, Mich.

** Adjuster for Flexible Electric Wires [386]

The accompanying illustration shows an adjuster for changing the
drop of an electric l