The edges of frames of all kinds may be neatly ornamented by taking two strips about seven-eighths of an inch wide, cut them as long as possible, and stain them; when ready for use, nail them together to the edge of the frame, then twist them round so as to form a point, and nail again, and so on all around, crossing them each time. Brackets need to be formed not only artistically, but strong. I will give here a design for the framework, before the leather ornaments are nailed on. The strips of wood must be entirely covered with the leather foliage; it adds to the appearance of the whole.
To gild the upper edge, I will also give a pretty design for an oak and ivy bracket. This is intended to imitate old oak, and should be stained very dark. The oak stem should be made of very thick wire, cut in the desired lengths, and covered with leather, and bent to resemble gnarled oak, as naturally as possible; fasten oak leaves and acorns at the back of the wires and on the wood-work, as shown in the skeleton bracket, then attach the ivy tendrils, leaves and berries around the oak stems, and the bracket is complete. Other and very beautiful designs will readily occur to persons who engage in this delightful recreation.
CIGAR-BOXES MADE USEFUL.
Beautiful fancy boxes can be made from cigar-boxes, if the cover is preserved whole. Small sizes are the most desirable. Toilet, glove, handkerchief, gentlemen’s collar, note paper and work-boxes, besides many other varieties, are easily manufactured. The materials required, most of which can be purchased at the paper box manufactories, are:—All kinds of fancy enamel paper, in sheets; gold or silver paper, and the gold or fancy beadings, which can be bought in strips; small enamel German pictures; plain or water-colored paper, or colored silk and satins, for the lining; gilded corner-pieces, and claw-feet are an addition; perfume powder, narrow taste, &c.
First, you must fasten the lid firmly by pasting a strip of linen along the edges of the lid and box, inside, as well as outside; it holds the lid firm, and acts as a hinge; paste on each side bits of ribbon to support the lid, then glue in the lining. For very nice boxes, silk or satin, fluted, is a great addition. Plait it above and below on a narrow piece of paper, and paste the edges down; then take an oblong piece of silk and another of paper, place a piece of cotton wool on the paper sprinkled with perfume powder, then cover with the silk, and baste the paper over the edge, pasting the whole on the lid in the center. After you have covered it, paste neatly round it a gold beading (or bind the edges of the box first with gold paper); close the box when the inside is finished, and commence on the outside. Some persons take out the bottom of the box in lining it, as it is easier to paste it smoothly, and then nail it in its place. Cover the whole outside of the box with polished enamel paper (Japanese paper is very beautiful, but expensive,) and cover the bottom of the box; then bind the edges of the box with gold paper, and place beading on the edge where it meets the colored paper. The styles may be varied by pasting gold beading in stripes all over the box; ornament the sides, if you prefer, with pictures. On the lid, gold corner-pieces, besides the beading, are an improvement. In the center place some pretty picture, varnish it with map varnish, and then frame the picture with a gold beading. A loop of ribbon should be pasted on the lid to raise it by, and your box is finished. If your box is for gloves or handkerchiefs, you may cut out in old Roman or English letters, in gold paper, “Gantes” or “Mouchoir,” and paste them on the front side of the box. Pin-cushions could be fastened on the top of toilet boxes.
The pictures and gilding that come on linen or cambric goods may be used for this purpose. Common flour paste is the best; a little common glue mixed in while boiling improves the paste. Mucilage can be used to glue on the beading. The paper should be thoroughly wet with paste. Begin to paste smoothly from the center, in order to keep out all air.
POTICHIMANIE.