The art of decorating dry goods windows and interiors

by L. Frank Baum

Use green and yellow, in combination, for the wall draperies, and drab for the floor. Trim, in any manner that commends itself to you, with handkerchiefs, embroideries and notions, keeping each class of articles in a separate group. Parasols at the front corners, placed in fan-shaped holders, look very well and dress a general display.

The central design is a man with a wheelbarrow, and another with a scoop shovel. The barrow should be loaded with notions, laces, handkerchiefs, gloves, etc. This feature may be made mechanical by having the barrow rest on an iron brace just back of the wheel, and another brace fastened to the floor and running up the pants leg of the man holding the barrow. Cut a slot in the floor so that the wheel of the barrow just touches an endless band beneath. Have the man’s knees and hips jointed and connected with a rod running through another slot in the floor and connected with a wheel underneath, so that the same motion is obtained as when a man rides a bicycle. One motor will operate both the man’s legs and the wheel of the barrow. The floor should be strewn with the same class of goods contained in the barrow and a small heap should be just in front of the scoop shovel. It would be well to have a small price card fastened to each article.

PICKING UP.

As a central figure for a notion display you may make a large star, divided into five diamonds, or points, as shown in the picture. These are each filled in with small notions, and the remainder of the background trimmed as you please. The central figure is the main point, and gives character to any trim, so that if you get the central idea the rest is easy. Two jointed, or, better yet, flexible forms are needed for this window. One is stooping down and picking up small notions and placing them in a basket. The other form bears a mouth card, reading, “How is business?” The stooping form replies, by a similar mouth card, “Picking up,” etc.

CHAPTER XXVI.
PRACTICAL TRIMS IN ALL LINES.

I have selected as examples of good trims in every line of dry goods some of the best designs that have appeared during the past three years in the popular window-trimming journal, The Show Window. In no other place could I hope to find such representative work of the best decorators in America, and as my selection has been made with great care, I feel it is a panorama of the most artistic and practical window displays ever yet congregated for the study and consideration of the thoughtful decorator. The Show Window is published under the auspices of The National Association of Window Trimmers of America, an organization that includes the most famous window trimmers in the United States and Canada and has done more to advance decorative art in America than any other institution.

Study with care these illustrations. When you wish to put in a window in any line turn to this book and select a design that pleases you. Erect your framework to fit your window, making what alterations in the plan your judgment or circumstances dictate. Then cover with suitable material, taking care to use harmonious combinations of colors. Last of all, decorate with such goods as you have at your command. You cannot fail. You are sure to create an attractive display, the qualities being of course more or less dependent upon the skill you acquire. You cannot be an expert decorator the first time you try; but you can make a successful display, and I really believe that if my instructions are thoughtfully read and pondered any man of ability will be able to perfect himself in the necessary details of the art. After that the matter lies within yourself. If you have confidence in yourself, energy and perseverance, united to a fair share of heaven-born talent, you can win your way to prosperity and fame as a professional decorator.