Drapery of Very Small Scraps.
Cut the pieces of silk or worsted into squares about an inch each way, using any and all colors; then take a piece of twine of the length you desire your curtain, and with a large needle string the bright bits on the twine until the whole string is completely and closely covered; next fasten the twine well to prevent its slipping, and with a large pair of scissors trim off the rough edges of the silken strand until the surface is rounded and even; on one end attach a small brass curtain-ring, and on the other a heavy bead or button; make as many strands as you will need to hang across the window and fasten them to a pole in which small hooks have been screwed.
This drapery resembles chenille; it is rich in color, will wear well, and is best adapted for full-length curtains.
As a substitute for stained glass we give directions for
Painting Window-Panes.
These are very pretty and satisfactory. If good designs are chosen the window will surpass in beauty your expectations.
The materials necessary are: some of Winsor & Newton’s transparent colors, such as rose-madder, Prussian blue, raw and burnt umber, burnt sienna, ultramarine, gamboge, ivory-black, viridian green, and orient yellow. Any transparent color can be used. For purple, mix rose-madder with Prussian blue.
Prepare the paints to be used by mixing each color separately with a little oil and siccatif Courtray. Almost any brush will do to paint with, but one of medium size made for oil-colors is the best, and another smaller one is necessary for the outlining, which takes the place of leading in stained glass. The dabber is a ball of raw cotton tied in a piece of fine cotton-cloth, and the manner of tinting or grounding is exactly the same as in china-painting; lac-varnish will be needed as a wash after the painting has dried.
When you have an opportunity, carefully examine real stained-glass windows, and you will see that each window is one complete design. The corners and borders are usually in rich, dark colors, while the central portion is of lighter tints or clear glass.
