make a large rag doll stuffed with straw or excelsior. It is not necessary to spend much time on making the doll, as it will be used only once, and will then be almost entirely covered, showing only the upper portion of the face for which you can mark easily with features. Make the boots ([Fig. 208]) like stockings of black muslin; have them long and loose enough at the ankle to form wrinkles. The trousers ([Fig. 209]) should be of scarlet cotton flannel, fleece side out; the coat ([Fig. 210]) cut of the same material; the cap ([Fig. 211]) of the red cloth cut melon shape, and sewed together. Santa Claus’ costume must be trimmed with bands of fur. Ermine will look best, and it is easiest to make. Cut strips of white cotton flannel and mark them with black ink to represent the little black elongated spots on real ermine. Trim the tops of the boots ([Fig. 208]), the neck, sleeves and edge of the coat ([Fig. 210]) and edge of the cap ([Fig. 212]) with fur. Make the wig of raw white cotton, and fasten it on the doll’s head ([Fig. 213]), then the beard, moustache and eyebrows also of raw cotton ([Fig. 214]), and glue them on the face. Paint Santa Claus’ face pink, his cheeks and the end of his nose bright red, and his eyes blue. When dressing him, bring the fur-topped boots up over the trousers ([Fig. 200]).
With tacks and string fasten Santa Claus in an upright sitting position on the seat of the sleigh. Tie a long, narrow red ribbon around the neck of each reindeer and pin or tie the ends of these ribbon reins on to the mitten-covered ends of the arms which form his hands. He will then seem to be gayly driving his reindeer.
Fig. 215.—Christmas cup and saucer.
Fill the box of the sleigh with
Christmas Gifts
wrapped in bright colored tissue paper. Any article liable to break should receive special attention. A cup and saucer ([Fig. 215]) is one of the most difficult articles to manage, and if you can wrap this up, properly, the wrapping of all other gifts will be easy.
