January 1980

Inflation-fighting tactics that work

Once nothing was certain except death and taxes, but now it looks as if inflation has joined that dreary duo. Hopefully, inflation won't continue at the rampaging rates of recent years. Even so, it's sure to be a bothersome fact of life for the '80s.

Spotlighting with stained glass

Big-impact walls

Foul weather gauge

Ultrasonic burglar alarm

Message writing system

Pipe protector

25 EXCITING CRAFT PROJECTS FOR THE '80s

Something new is happening every day in the craft industry-- and it's all grist to the creative person's mill! To give you an idea of what the manufacturers and designers are up to, we've collected 25 intriguing projects. Look them over-- then set out on some never-before craft adventures.

Old-time houseplants

They supported pots of Christmas cactus, begonias, hoyas, amaryllis, geraniums, ivies, sansevieria, and perchance a Moses-in-a-boat or a century plant. Lush parlor palms lurked in the corners or behind chairs and sofas. Spider plants, wandering Jews, and asparagus ferns dripped from brackets secured to the window frames.

COST-CUTTING TRAVEL STRATEGIES FOR THE '80s

Moving into a new decade, the world and the U.S. dollar have something in common: both are shrinking, and that's bound to affect vacationing families. Buck for buck, your family can't vacation as well as it did the last time around without spending more. But you can travel just as far for your money and have just as much fun. The trick is to streamline your family's travel budget-- prioritize expenses and trim wherever possible.

SOLAR IDEA HOUSE

HOW TO LIVE WELL WITH LESS LESS TIME

MAKE ONE ROOM WORK LIKE TWO

If you've been dreaming of adding a new room but can't come up with the extra cash (and it takes lots of cash these days), check out the following space-stretching ideas. We've taken five average-sized rooms and squeezed a whole new room out of each. Some of the new rooms are called into use only occasionally (like the quilting center shown here), but others work full time. And the best part of all is that these "additions" cost a mere fraction of a real one.

Gardener's log

"Who loves a garden still his Eden keeps, Perennial pleasures plants, and wholesome harvests reaps. from Tablets (1868), by Amos Bronson Alcott

Tie-on slipcover

How to order material from the magazine

Needlepunch Tool Set Learn punch needle embroidery! Unique tool set has 3 needle sizes, adjustable handle, 2 threaders, case, 5-year guarantee, and 16-page instruction and pattern booklet for decorating clothing, linens, miniatures.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

TheMan NextDoor

Joe Hollis complains that he has yet to get an unobstructed look at his four-month-old granddaughter. It seems he's only been able to view the child over his wife's shoulder.