The sides are now woven. A 4-rod coil No. 4 reed holds the glass firmly in place. Follow this with seven rows double weaving No. 2 brown reed and one row No. 4 reed in 4-rod coil. Complete the tray with the plaited border.
After the tray is finished, singe it to get rid of all the loose bits of reed—then polish the board with two or three coats of wax. The cretonne, reed and stain should harmonize in color. A soft brush produces best results in polishing the basket.
MODEL 53.
OVAL SERVING TRAY
Material
Board 20 inches by 14 inches. Glass 19 inches by 13 inches. Cretonne 19 inches by 13 inches. 52 spokes No. 5 brown reed, 20 inches. Weavers No. 4 reed.
The holes should be made about one inch apart. Insert the 52 spokes and make foundation stand as described under preceding model. Be careful that the board is perfectly dry before placing the cretonne upon it. Keep the spokes moist by using a wet sponge; be careful not to allow any water to get under the glass while weaving. Best results are obtained by staining the board first and then weaving a dyed reed; good results, however, may be obtained by making the tray in natural reed first and then staining the board and reed. Great care must be exercised in painting the tray after it is made.
The sides of the oval tray are woven two inches high. First weave one row of 4-rod coil then seven rows of double weaving in pairing. One row of 4-rod coil and the plaited border completes the tray. Polish as described under preceding model.
MODEL 54.
ROUND SERVING TRAY
Material
Diameter of board 10 inches. Diameter of glass 91⁄4 inches. Diameter of cretonne 91⁄4 inches. 39 spokes No. 4 reed, 20 inches. Weavers No. 4 reed.