Those semitransparent candies made up in the shapes of animals which are brought out for the holidays and are so dear to the children have caused many to desire to know how they are made hollow. It is a little trick of the candymaker, which is perfectly clear to mechanics. The candies are cast in metal molds just as babbitt bearings are cast for motor cars. One-half of such a mold is shown in the sketch. A concave recess in the face gives the shape of a horse, dog, or sheep, and another half with a similar recess is laid on and located with two dowels. In use the halves are set on a table resting on the back face A, the hot liquid is poured in at B until the mold is full, then it is allowed to set for a minute, during which the portion in contact with the cold metal hardens, whereupon the mold is turned over and the still liquid center is poured out. This leaves a glossy surface like candy, a delight to the child, that saves money for the maker and because of its thin walls makes eating easy.
Ornamenting an Old Tree Stump
An old stump remaining after cutting down a large tree in front of a house was made into an ornamental object in the following manner: A cap was made of concrete, reinforced with a square piece of netting. A concrete vase was made and set on the cap. It is only necessary to make a square box from a few scrap boards of the desired size, built up around the stump top. A neat mixture of cement is made and poured in around it, and allowed to set.
Marker for a Hat
A quick and convenient way of marking a hat is to take a visiting card and cut it down in the manner shown in the illustration, then make two small slits in the sweatband of the hat and insert the ends of the card. If the card becomes soiled it can be easily replaced with another. The address can be added if desired.—Contributed by James F. Hatch, Raleigh, N. C.
A Quickly Made Door Latch
A door latch that is efficient as well as simple may be made by bending a piece of iron rod and pointing one end, as shown in the illustration, then securing it to the door with staples; or small rods may be bent in the shape of a staple and the ends threaded for nuts. The door is locked by turning the handle in the position shown by the dotted lines and securing it with a padlock.—Contributed by Claud M. Sessions, Waynesville, Ill.