Fig. 208. Buttonholing the cardboard
Raffia can be used in many ways as you have already seen. A pretty box for jewellery is one that is almost as easy to make as the napkin ring. Get a sheet of thin white cardboard. The brown cardboard is a very weak material and easily bends and breaks. Cut two circles of cardboard five inches in diameter. Use compasses to inscribe the circle, so that it may be perfect. Then cut a strip seventeen inches long by two inches wide. From the centre of one of the circles cut a two-inch circle. This piece will be the top of the box. Now thread your needle with a strand of the raffia which has been soaked in water and buttonhole in raffia over the cardboard. When the cardboard has been entirely covered with the raffia stitches ([Figure 207]) take the other circle of cardboard and cut a half-inch circle from the centre. Cover this piece of cardboard like the top. ([Figure 208]). The raffia should be wiped before using it; if not the water will spoil the cardboard.
Fig. 209. A simple basket box
The centre opening on the cover will be filled with a spider-in-its-web. Make four strands of raffia across the space. We now have eight spokes. Take the threaded needle back to the centre and having passed under a spoke go back and pick it up. The idea is to go back over one and forward under two. Continue in this manner till the spider is the size you desire.
The long strip of cardboard is sewed together and is worked like the napkin ring. With a strand of raffia, cast or bind the bottom of the box to the side. The top is fastened on one side with two strands of raffia which are tied in a bow. The extra ends are cut off.