Make a small pin-cushion of satin or velvet, filled with saw-dust, and glue between a pair of scallop shells, so that it fits in between as they open out.
Piano Scarf (Several dozen small, thin, yellow shells found on Atlantic coast, one yard Nile green India silk, strong sewing silk)
Hem the silk an inch deep at each end. Sew to one end a fringe of shells made as follows:
The shells usually have a tiny hole in them when found. If not, one is easily pierced by a strong needle. Take twelve lengths of strong sewing silk, white, each 20 inches long. To each of these tie twelve shells at intervals of an inch each. You will then have twelve strings of shells, which are to be sewed to the scarf as a fringe, putting them about three inches apart. Sew two rows of shells directly on the scarf itself, putting them about four inches apart each way. If desired, in making the fringe some of the strings may be shorter than others, arranged so that the long and short ones alternate.
BIRCH BARK
Needle-Case or Penwiper (Squares of chamois skin or flannel, sewing-silk, paint)
Cut bark into circles, squares, oblongs, etc. Decorate with gold lettering or borders of gold. Make several leaves of flannel or chamois skin and sew the bark on to these as a cover. The flannel may be scalloped. An appropriate sentiment to write upon penwiper cover is "Extracts from the pen of—" putting in the name of the recipient. The leaves and cover may be sewed together with a cross-stitch.
Handkerchief-Box (Punch, several strands of raffia)
Cut two pieces of bark 6 × 6 inches. Cut four others 3 × 6 inches. Along the edge of these punch (with a conductor's punch or one that can be bought at a kindergarten supply place) holes an inch apart and ¼ inch from edge. Sew the four narrow pieces to the square for bottom and sides of box. Sew remaining square more loosely to one side as cover. Sew with strands of raffia, sewing through the holes already made. If desired to give a more finished appearance punch more holes along edge of box and lid, making them ¼ inch apart. Then hold a fine basket reed or piece of raffia along the edges and overcast. If lavender or sweet grass is obtainable, that will be even better than reed or raffia for the edge, lending its fragrance to the gift. The box can be still further finished by lining with dainty silk. Make glove box in same way, but longer in proportion to width.
Pencil and Paint-Brush Box (Bark, raffia, needle or crochet hook)