Decorative Lines.
Figs. 76 and 77 are simply graceful curves, such as anyone can make with a pen or pencil, and may be used in many ways: cross them and they form Fig. 78, use this as half the design, duplicating it for the other half and it gives Fig. 79. We now have graceful and beautiful foundation lines on which any vine or flower may be placed as ornamentation. We will select the rose, allowing the lines to form the stems and using as ornament the bud, flower and seed-vessels, remembering that one side must be an exact duplicate of the other (see Fig. 80).
With these curves invent new designs by placing them together in different ways, and choose for decoration anything which may strike your fancy.
Plant Cross-section Designs.
Have you ever noticed how curiously some leaves are curled before opening? Watch them as they commence to expand and grow, and you will be delighted with the great variety and unique designs formed by the folding and rolling of these leaf-buds.
Cut a bud square across in the centre with a sharp knife, and this will show the nicety of arrangment of the young leaves. The leaf-bud of the sage (Fig. 81), rosemary (Fig. 82), apricot (Fig. 83), and still another variety of pattern (Fig. 84), are all singular natural designs.