On the back side of the piece of vellum mark off in heavy lines the positions of the two pieces of newsboard and allow ¼” or ³⁄₁₆” space between them. Paste the newsboard to the vellum as already described, cut the corners and paste the edges. A strip of vellum 2” × 7” should be pasted to cover the space between the two pieces of newsboard and extend well onto them.
[3] From “War Time Occupations.”
Plate XXI
The paper used for lining may be prepared in one of several ways, either by machine or by hand, and may be in one piece or two. The former is less likely to be confusing. The easiest and quickest method is to have the squares printed in dark ink on white or light gray paper of good quality, and fairly tough. The use of linoleum is suggested as one method of printing squares, or a line plate may be made, the squares printed from it and finished linings for the checkerboards furnished to those who are making them. The light squares may be left as they are or may be colored with water color, crayon, or oils. All the outside squares should be lined in, either when printed or afterward by hand. A border line about ¼” outside the squares adds very much to the general appearance.
If all the markings and coloring must be done by hand, paper commercially ruled into ¼” squares is recommended. This secures accuracy, and saves much tiresome ruling. Three such spaces on each side form a ¾ inch square and when the checkerboard is laid off by small dots on outside lines, proceed to color alternate squares by one of the following methods:
A. With soft pencil darken alternate squares leaving others of the original color. Begin with the upper row, and take successive rows downward. Across the paper lay a rule just below the lower edge of the squares to be darkened. With the pencil make vertical strokes only, using the side of the pencil to give an even surface free from ridges. Be careful with the lines at the right and left edges that they do not extend into the adjoining space. The edge of the rule will stop the strokes at the right place at the bottom and they should not extend quite to the top as this can be adjusted later. When all rows are finished, turn paper around so that what was top is now bottom, and complete squares by the same method.
B. Instead of pencil, colored crayons may be used in the same manner as already described.
C. Crayons of two colors may be used in alternate squares, or one color and a black pencil. Orange and black or red and black are pleasing combinations.
D. Ink or water may be applied with a brush.