20. Giant Water Blob
If you want to beat the heat but don’t have a pool, DIY blog Homemade Toast showed a unique way to cool off by creating a giant leakproof water blob. Purchase a 4-millimeter or thicker painter’s plastic sheet twice as long as you’d like the blob to be. Spread the plastic on the floor on a sheet of cardboard, folding the plastic in half. Fold a large piece of parchment paper in half, crease it and mark it at two inches from the fold line.
Slide the sheet of parchment paper along the open edges of the plastic, then iron on top of the parchment paper on the highest heat setting — no steam — to seal the plastic. Continue sliding the parchment down the edge of the plastic and iron until you’ve created a seam. Then, seal the sides, too.
Take the plastic outside to a rock-free area of the yard, spread it flat, then cut a small slit in the folded edge large enough to insert a garden hose. Fill the plastic with water while holding the cut end up. Add a capful of bleach, seal the slit with duct tape and the blob is ready to use.
The total estimated cost for a giant water blob is $15.22, assuming you have a small amount of bleach. Here’s what you’ll need:
4-millimeter plastic drop cloth: $6.77
Parchment paper: $3. 48
Duct tape: $4.97
