Now I wanted an odd shade of blue, which was really no shade at all, because the material was old and had faded to the beautiful tint which it now possesses. I could not procure any that were even remotely like it, and so my idea of making some for myself was born.
To begin with, I bought for sixpence a large box of assorted beads, such as are sold for children to string at kindergarten.
Sealing-wax is an Essential.
At a stationer’s I bought up a whole lot of broken sealing-wax for a very little money, purchasing at the same time two good sticks, one of gold and one of silver. These I carried home and sorted as best I could into shades of different colouring.
You will be surprised to find what a lot of different tones there are to be had in sealing-wax, though, when buying, be careful not to be taken in by the outside of the stick! I bought what I thought was a beautiful shade of lavender, but fortunately was told by the assistant that it was really a dark blue, which had been in the window and faded! Blues will often fade mauve, and reds will become pink. But you will easily avoid mistakes by looking at the box which gives a description of its contents.
Broken China the next Requisite.
Having secured what I wanted at the stationer’s, I next looked through the china pantry and kitchen cupboards to see what I could find in the way of broken china and glass.
I turned out quite a nice little heap from here, and then went to the tool-house, where I had a little store, which I had dug up out of the garden.
I never can understand where all the broken china comes from which is always to be found in every garden when the earth is turned up. I have a small basket full of all sorts, of odd pieces in bright blues, reds, and yellows, which appear to be chips from plates or saucers. I should think it would take a generation of families, and their tea, dinner and breakfast services, to account for the quantity and colouring I have by me.
All this china I washed carefully in soapy water, rinsing in very hot clear water, and drying whilst still hot. By this means the china and glass keeps its shine, and if set in the sun for a little while it will greatly improve the lustre.