Hints From Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column and your books and I have an idea to share.

My husband works in construction and we are smothered with blueprints. I used them last year to wrap Christmas presents. It was wonderful. It is heavier than wrapping paper so it won’t tear, you can’t see through it, and with red, blue or green metallic bows it is beautiful. I also use them for birthday and graduation all year long. I can wrap presents ahead, and they also make wonderful bags.

Anyone can get old blueprints. Just call a contractor; they would love to save on their trash and they also come in black and purple. - Kay Owen, Springfield, Mo.

We spoke with an architect from our area who said this could be another use for blueprints, although they do tend to fade or rub off on hands. Reasons not to use a blueprint would be if it has a copyright mark or if you intend to use the plans for other construction. If you have any questions, call your State’s Registration Board for Architects and Engineers for the final word. - Heloise