Dear Heloise: I’ve had a trampoline in my backyard for many years and realized the very thin pipe insulation around the supports that hold the net up were disintegrating. I bought some large pool noodles and cut a slit up the side, and they fit perfectly around the supports. They provide more insulation and safety; plus they are quite colorful! — Karen, in Oregon

REMAKING ­PLASTIC JAR LABELS

Dear Heloise: You had a recent great suggestion from Gloria, in Mission Viejo, California, regarding using large plastic jars from big-box stores that peanuts and pretzels come in, and I would like to add to this.

Product labels take a lot of time and/or are near impossible to remove, so I suggest cutting a piece of copy paper that is the size of the labels. Then create your own label, or have your child or grandchild draw a label. Glue it over the product label with a glue stick or rubber cement.

You can relabel it whenever convenient, and it will create conversation when seen by company. It’s so much nicer to look at than the old product label. I’ve done this for years! — Allen, in Ballwin, Missouri

RED WASHCLOTH TRICK

Dear Heloise: I heard this tip several years ago and have been passing it on since then in baby gifts: I put a red washcloth in my gift with a note that says to use it when little ones have cuts or scrapes as it hides the blood. It sure calms them down. — Carole Fox, in Jenks, Oklahoma

SCENIC PHOTO IDEA

Dear Heloise: My mother was an amateur photographer, and I found boxes of scenic photos when she moved from my house into assisted living. Not wanting to toss the pics, I started buying blank notecards when they were on sale. I adhered a pretty photo, attached an address label on the back (photographed by “Mom’s name”), and tied five cards together with raffia string.

At her memorial service, my daughters handed out the cards as people were leaving the church. Even the kitchen volunteers were glad to receive this “final gift” from my mom. — Marianne K., in Oregon City, Oregon

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.