Professional window trimmers prefer usually to work during the night or early morning, when they are uninterrupted by either employes, customers or curious groups who delight in watching them from without.
It is, however, often necessary to work during the day, and in this case a screen of muslin or cambric is stretched across the window to insure privacy. This screen is almost a necessity to the merchants in smaller cities, where all work is done in daytime, and may be utilized to good advantage in attracting the curiosity of passers-by.
One merchant we know of has painted across his screen in big, black letters, “Watch This Window!” Another uses the following: “We are Getting Ready to Surprise You.” And still another: “This Window is Dead To-day, but will be Alive To-morrow!” Many texts may be selected, but a sign of some sort upon the window screen is certainly a good advertisement.
OPEN WINDOW TRIMMING.
Many decorators of late have found a distinct advantage in leaving shades up and dispensing with screens. They work in plain view of the crowds that congregate to watch them. This would be embarrassing to the beginner or the modest man, but its advantage lies in being an added attraction for the store. People are often curious to know how a window display is built up and arranged, and enjoy watching the workman. Often the people attracted are the loafers of a town, and those who, having no business of their own, would not be likely to bring business to the store. But in cities where the streets are crowded, the open window may be considered a distinct attraction to the casual observer and the general public.
The last three chapters are preparatory to the real work of decorating, and should be read with care by the student of the art.
CHAPTER IV.
FRAMEWORK.
The beginning of any work is always its most important period. Begin right and you may succeed; begin wrong and you are certain to fail.
When a window display is conceived in the fertile brain of the artist, his first work is to erect the framework for his creation. He must have something to build upon. Many trimmers—even some experienced ones who ought to know better—go to the wood pile when they wish to erect a framework. I advise every one to carry on hand a stock of standard pieces for frames. Almost any one who can handle a saw can make them himself, but a carpenter may be employed where necessary. Not a great variety of pieces are required, and the number of them depends on how many windows you have to trim. But with a supply of the regulation standard pieces you may construct an endless array of arches, pillars, shelving, centerpieces, pedestals, etc.
The trimmer who is driven to attack the wood pile when he starts to make a display is not only to be pitied, but is badly handicapped in his work. The amount of time consumed in building each special fixture in your window is detrimental to profitable trimming, and annoying to yourself and your employer. A well equipped fixture room is a money maker, as well as a time and labor saver.