HELOISE Experts tell how to keep art out of harm's way

Dear Readers: We all know to be careful when moving artwork around, but make sure you're doing everything you can to protect a valuable art piece! Art experts suggest:
UBefore moving a painting, remove all jewelry, belt buckles and anything else you have on that could accidentally scratch or tear the piece.
UWhen moving a painting, always hold it by both vertical sides, never by the top of the frame or by its hanging wire.
UUse care with the picture wire, too, so that it doesn't accidentally puncture the back of the painting when you move it.
UWhen leaning paintings together for storage or just temporarily, place a piece of cardboard or a cloth between each one. And make sure they are set firmly in place. Don't risk a domino effect that could send them all crashing down.
UUse care with canvas paintings, too. Even the gentlest bump to the canvas can cause the paint to crack or leave a permanent indentation in the fabric.
Here's to artwork small or large, bought or homemade. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I was grief-stricken at the loss of my husband, I taught myself how to play the piano, albeit badly. By using a part of my brain that I hadn't used before, I got a complete rest from my grief.
Later, I bought a motor home, and after my first trip, I realized that for the first time in three years, I hadn't thought of my loss. My point is, learn something new. Our brains get into the rut of grieving, and we need to make new paths. Learn a language or do something different from anything you've done before. I still miss him, but I do have a life of my own. Jean M., via e-mail
Jean, I'm sorry for your loss, but good for you! Readers, this is valuable advice for all. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have found a great use for pill bottles that can't be recycled in our area.
My family fishes all the time, but the lures and hooks catch on the other poles and tangle together, or they stab our fingers -- "Ouch!" I take a pill bottle and make a notch down the edge to feed the line through, then drop the lure or hook and sinker into the bottle, screw the cap back on, then reel the bottle all the way up to the eye on the pole.
It has worked wonders -- no more tangled poles or holes in our fingers. You can use all sizes and can also use them in the tackle box to keep it organized. Sheryl Royalty, Indianapolis
Dear Heloise: Whenever I plan a trip, I always take along a couple of canvas totes. These always come in handy to carry or store items in. They don't take up much room in the suitcase, either. R.J. in Pennsylvania
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate