LINEN DECORATIONS.
A pretty decoration may be made to accompany a window display of linens as follows:
Take insulated copper wire and use as a base for stems in making flowers, thistles, etc. The thistle being entirely new and very attractive, I will describe the process of making it: Cut strips of coarse linen 1¼ inches wide and unravel each edge until a fringe is formed ⅜ of an inch on either side. Wind this strip about the wire for the stems, as shown in C of the illustration, where a part of the strip is left unwound. For the thistles, cut strips 15 inches long and 1¾ inches wide, and unravel one edge until a fringe 1¼ inches deep is formed. (See A.) Fasten one end to the stem where the thistle is to be formed, and then roll the cloth tightly, allowing the fringe to remain loose, as in B. Now take white linen thread and wind tightly around the cloth at the head of the fringe, as shown in the completed thistle flower. D and E show the strips of cloth before winding.
In making a fence of linens, the rails should be wound with strips 2 inches wide, unravelled to a depth of 1¼ inches, leaving ¾ of an inch of the plain cloth. (See F.) The pickets are wound with another 2-inch strip which is unraveled on either side, leaving only ¾ of an inch in the center of the cloth, as shown in G.
THE THISTLE LINEN DECORATION.
These strips may be utilized in many different ways, and many beautiful effects can be obtained by their use. These designs add attraction to any display of linens.
CHAPTER XII.
THE ART OF CARD WRITING.
INTRODUCTION.
Show cards, to a business man, are a necessity. Everything depends upon the way he advertises, and he cannot advertise judiciously without the aid of signs. Some one must make his signs. If his business is on a small scale, and he cannot afford a regular sign writer, perhaps he would like to do it himself; or, if he hasn’t sufficient time, why not employ a window trimmer who can do both?