A simple way to make these, in any desired size, is to cut from heavy cardboard or thin lumber the outline of the rabbit or chicken. Then cut cloth, to extend one-fifth beyond the edge of the outline (see dotted lines), leaving more margin where the body is thickest. Glue or tack the edges, and stuff with cotton or excelsior, as shown in the end section. Paint in eyes, etc., and color with water colors.
THE MECHANICAL LILY.
To render an Easter lily mechanical, so that the petals will open and close, a small circle of wood is securely fastened to the standard rising from the floor. Each leaf (there should be six) is then hinged to this circular piece, a few inches from the lower end of the leaf. At the extreme lower point of each leaf is now fastened a cord, and all the cords are gathered into one a short distance down. Run the main cord through the floor of your window and attach it to the pivot of your water wheel. As the cord is drawn downward the leaves all close; when it is released the leaves open by their own weight. In the center of the lily may be placed any design or arrangement of goods. Sometimes the figure of a doll clinging to a cross is used.
EASTER DESIGNS.
The reader will find here a collection of beautiful designs for Easter displays, all being photographed from life. These will all be useful in conveying ideas for the arrangement of your own displays. It should be borne in mind that no window display can be accurately reproduced; yet often you will find a way to improve upon the suggestion offered you.
CHAPTER XXIII.
MEMORIAL DAY DISPLAYS.
A pretty custom it is to set apart one day in memory of our nation’s fallen heroes, and May 30 is always held in loving, if sad, remembrance by our people.
Much advice has been offered in past years concerning the appropriate decorations for this day. Some favor depicting the joy and triumph resulting from our wars, and the glory of a life given for the nation’s defense. Others see the sadness of mourning friends only, and think the flower strewn grave the best recognition of the day. So the matter of design must be left to the taste and disposition of the decorator. It is well, however, to bear in mind that mixed with the sorrow of the people is a strain of pride and exaltation that their loved ones died so nobly and heroically.
Flowers in profusion should be used, and the national colors are not inappropriate.
Since our late wars there are more soldiers’ and sailors’ graves to decorate than ever before, and a new interest in Memorial day has been aroused. Therefore the wise merchant, who persistently caters to the moods and whims of the great public, will see that his show windows pay a fitting tribute to the occasion.