As the window trimmer is frequently required to gild articles for display, the process may be described. The material to be gilded is first covered with a solution of gelatine in hot water, to which an equal quantity of alcohol is added, and the leaf gold put on while wet. Then take a sheet of soft paper and press and smooth it over the leaf gold until the gelatine below is evenly distributed. By this spots in the gilding are prevented. Do not use too much gelatine, as otherwise the gold becomes spotted; nor too little, for in this case the binding is too weak to enable the gold to withstand subsequent polishing. The surfaces should be cleaned before gilding. After having the leaf gold put on, the whole is allowed to dry for ten or twenty minutes, when the gold is rubbed with cotton, whereby the luster is produced. Then another layer of gelatine is spread on with one stroke of a full, soft and large brush, and if especially good work be required, a second layer of leaf gold is put on and covered with gelatine as before. In this case, however, the gelatine is best used hot. The same process can be employed for silvering, but more gelatine should be taken, as leaf silver is thicker than leaf gold.
CHAPTER XX.
HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS.
Chiffon.—The utility of chiffon in window decoration is proved every day. The material is so soft, fleecy and pliable that it makes an admirable floor covering or background, and is also adapted for shelves.
An Illumination.—Procure a number of hanging fish globes, of about 4-quart size. Cover them with colored tissue or crepe paper, smooth on the surface, with a puffing or shirr at the top. Suspend in various positions in your window, and drop an incandescent globe into each, or light with small hand lamps. If the colors are harmonious the illumination will be beautiful enough to attract unusual attention to your display.
Prisms for Decorating.—Suddenly a fad has sprung up for decorating trims with prisms, such as used on hanging lamps. They are sold by the hundred by any crockery house, and are very reasonable in price. To edge shelving in windows or for trimming more profusely they are very bright and pretty. In one recent trim 5,000 prisms were used on the background, and when the display was lighted at evening the bright crystals looked like so many scintillating diamonds.
Side Hoops.—The sides of windows are always more or less difficult to trim properly, but by using small hoops, about twelve or fifteen inches in diameter, nailed in various positions against the side walls, you can suspend within them many goods that will show advantageously, and serve to balance your trim. The hoops should be wound with cheesecloth, thus making a frame for the article you display.