The Design is Traced Carefully onto the Wood and Then Cut Out with the Coping Saw, on the Saw Table
When the design has been outlined satisfactorily, place the piece of wood on the saw table with the design on the upper side. Holding the wood down firmly, as shown in [Fig. 5], and sawing in the notch of the saw table, cut into the edge slowly. Apply light pressure on the downstroke only, as the upstroke is not intended to cut, and turn the piece to keep the saw on the line and in the notch. It is important that the saw be held vertically so that the edge of the cut-out portion will be square. With proper care and a little practice, the edges may be cut so smoothly that only a light sandpapering will be required to produce a smooth edge. When the figure has been cut out, smooth the edges by trimming them carefully with a sharp knife, if necessary, and sandpaper them lightly to remove sharp corners. A fine sandpaper, about No. ¹⁄₂, is suitable for this purpose. The figure is then ready for painting. The white is put on first and the other colors applied over it, when dry.
Oil paints may be used, and a varnish or shellac applied over them to give a high grade of work, but this process requires much care, considerable skill, and long drying between coats to prevent “runs” in the colors.
FIG. 6
Water-color paint, which can be purchased in powder form at paint stores, mixed with water to the consistency of cream is a satisfactory coloring material, and is easy to apply. Five cents’ worth of each of the colors used—yellow, red, blue, black, and white—will be sufficient for several toys. Mix each color in a separate saucer, and use a small water-color brush to apply the paint. In painting the horse and rider, the horse is first painted entirely white, and then the black spots are applied after the color is dry. The rider’s coat is painted red; the trousers blue; the hat and leggings buff, as indicated in [Fig. 1]. Mix a brushful of yellow with a brushful of red, and add about three brushfuls of white. A half brushful of black may be added to dull the color, if desired. The flesh tone for the rider’s face is made by mixing a little red with white. When the colors are dry, all edges are outlined with a heavy line of black, not less than ¹⁄₈ in. in width. This outline may be evenly applied with the point of the brush.
FIG. 7
A Handmade Box Is Interesting in that It Expresses the Individuality of the Maker, Especially When Made as a Gift
The method of making the parrot is similar to that described for the horse and rider, and the color scheme is suggested in [Fig. 2].
It will be noticed that no attempt is made to secure a lifelike, or realistic, effect in painting these toy shapes. All colors are flat, that is, without light and shade. The toys are really decorative designs, and the maker is at liberty to use any colors desired, whether natural or not.