Things meant to be exposed to water shouldn’t rust

spray over it with a new one. How simple, cheap and fun! — Heloise

Spoon collectors speak

Dear Readers: As usual, you came through with wonderful hints for Carolyn from Texas.

She had a spoon collection, many from her 30 years of teaching school.

Rita in Idaho wrote: “She can make wind chimes, rings or napkin rings with them. She also can top a kitchen gift as an ornament, or attach them to a wreath.”

S. Kangas in Philip, S.D., wrote: “My daughter received several from her grandmother, and she used ornament hooks to put the little spoons on her Christmas tree. She thought of her grandmother every time she looked at the tree.”

Stacy in New Hampshire suggested: “Why not use her spoons as handles on her drawers, cabinets and other ‘handles’ throughout the house? This way she can revisit her travels every time she opens something.” Heloise here: Love this! Talk about happy memories every time you see or open a cabinet. Keep sharing your hints, folks. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: Don’t throw away that old iron and ironing board. Keep them for crafting. I needed a new iron (the old one worked, but was beat up and dingy). I use the old one as my crafting iron. This way, the new one doesn’t get messed up when I work on my sewing projects. Iron-on patches can gunk up an iron pretty quickly. — Terry B., via email