A Jack-in-the-box ([Fig. 289]) is a simpler toy to make than you might imagine. The box should measure about 5¾ inches by 5¾ inches by 5 inches. Hinge the cover to the top with two pieces of heavy cloth; glue one piece to the inside of the cover and box, and the other to the outside. Drive a small tack into the front edge of the cover, and below it fasten a small hook on to the box; the hook may be bent from a short piece of wire.
A spiral spring from an old bed-spring will do for Jack's body, but if you cannot get one of these it is a simple matter to make a spring. Take a piece of No. 12 gauge wire about 10 feet in length and wind it around a rolling-pin or anything that is cylindrical and about 2½ inches in diameter. Fasten this spring with doubled-pointed tacks upon a piece of wood cut to fit the inside of the box ([Fig. 290]), then procure a small doll's head, baste a circular piece of cardboard to the top of the spring and to this sew the head. Make a cloth fool's cap to glue on Jack's head, covering his hair entirely, and also a loose jacket to fit over his spiral body; for these use any bright-colored cotton cloth that will fall into folds easily. Tack the base of the spring to the bottom of the box.
Fig. 297.—Leg of Dining-table.
Fig. 296.—Pedestal of Center-table.
Make the seat for
The Round-seated Chair shown in [Fig. 291] 2 inches in diameter, the back 5 inches high, 2 inches wide at the top, and 1¼ inches wide at the seat; cut the front leg 21/8 inches high by 1¼ inches wide.
The Round Center-table ([Fig. 292]) should have a base built up of four strips as shown in [Fig. 296]. Cut the circular top 5 inches in diameter. A saucer may be used with which to mark this out.
Select a long flat box for
The Dining-table shown in [Fig. 293], and after making four built-up legs as shown in [Fig. 297] fasten them into the four corners of the box table top with brads and glue.