have the same kind of foundation. It is made by sliding the prongs of two clothespins into each other ([Fig. 102]). Be sure the clothespins, when together, stand firm on the prong ends, for these form the legs and feet of the chickens.
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| Fig. 102—Slide the prongs of two clothespins together. | Fig. 103—Tie a piece of raw cotton over the head of one clothespin. |
With a string tie a piece of raw cotton over the head of one clothespin; have the string tight, but the cotton cover rather loose. Bring the cotton partly down the clothespin and tie it again ([Fig. 103]); then use your fingers to shape the top cotton into the form of a rooster's head; gently pull a little of it out to make the beak; tie a string around the beak where it joins the head, and, with thumb and finger slightly dampened, twist the end of the beak into a point ([Fig. 104]). Cotton which comes in sheets is best for the tail, but the other will do. Lay the centre of a generous piece of cotton over the head of the second clothespin, plait the loose ends around the pin, and fasten with a string, making the edge of the tail in a line with the opening of the prongs of the pin. Cut the folded end rounded on top, and slit it up a short distance into wide fringe to form the long feathers of the rooster's tail ([Fig. 104]).
| Fig. 104—Pull a little of the cotton out to make a beak. | Fig. 105—A fine little rooster that will move his little head. |
With another piece of cotton cover the back and sides of the rooster, as you would put a saddle on a horse. Bring the edges of the cover together down the neck and body; when fitted lift the cover, put paste here and there on its under side near the edge, replace the cover and it will stick fast; then, with the top of a wire hairpin, push the edges of the cover, front and back, in between the open prongs of the clothespin. Ink round bits of paper and paste on the rooster for eyes; make his comb and wattles of red tissue paper ([Fig. 105]), and you will have a fine rooster which can actually
Move His Little Cotton Head
up and down, fast or slow, as you wish. To make him do so, hold the front leg steady with your left hand, while with your right hand you raise and lower the other leg. Try it, and see how naturally the little fellow appears to pick up corn in an eager, hungry manner.
