CORK
Save all corks and they may be used in a variety of ways.
Toy Raft (Cork, wire or hairpins)
Run several corks on a piece of wire to resemble a log; make several such and then tie together to make a raft, tying between the corks.
Toy Boat (Circular flat cork, tacks, wire, toothpick, paper)
Insert a toothpick in one of the large flat corks that sometimes cover pickle glasses. Paste a paper triangle upon this for a sail and set afloat in a dishpan sea.
Flower-Rack (Flat cork, pencil)
Take a flat piece of cork such as is used by entomologists upon which to impale insects, or any flat, thin piece of cork will do if several inches in diameter. Such cork may be easily perforated by a slender pencil. Make a number of perforations several inches apart, and then the cork may rest upon a water-filled saucer or other deep dish, and the stalks of single flowers may be inserted into the holes so that they are supported by the cork.
Furniture (Circular corks, pins, worsted of pleasing color, cashmere or silk goods)
Into the upper side of a round cork about one inch in diameter insert five to seven pins. Twist and weave the worsted in and out, under and over those pins, so as to make a firm, solid back to a little chair. The ends of the worsted may be neatly disposed of by threading on a needle and running in and out for a few stitches till concealed.
For legs, insert four strong pins, and wind these round and round with the worsted, finishing neatly by running with a needle in and out.
If the seat seems too plain it may first, before the chair is made, be covered with silk or cashmere. To do this cut the cloth into a circle somewhat larger than the diameter of the cork. Run a gathering thread around the circumference, and putting the cork in the centre draw the thread and so gather beneath the seat. To make a really neat finish the edge should be turned in before gathering.
Swimming-Float (Dozens of corks, strong canvas cloth, measuring 20 × 36 inches, needle, thread)
Make two strong canvas bags, measuring about 18 × 20 inches. Fill these with corks to act as floats. Unite the two bags by a strong band of canvas about 7 × 20 inches in size, and let the children use when in bathing.
Cork in Art
In making models of world-renowned buildings, such as churches, cathedrals, temples, etc., cork is used in large and small pieces.
In Germany it is used in making pictures. A sky background is painted in water-color, and the flat pieces of cork are cut into shape and glued on to represent walls and towers of buildings. The foliage of trees is represented by the more spongy pieces of cork, and the effects secured are interesting and beautiful. The children may like to experiment and see what they can do in this direction.
Cork Doll (See [page 81] )
CHAPTER II
MOTHER NATURE'S HORN OF PLENTY
Many of the articles named under the Market Basket Division of this book could be classified also under the above head. In addition we present the following: