The horse and rider is balanced on the hind foot, as shown in [Fig. 6], by using a lead weight, attached to a ¹⁄₁₆-in. wire, as a counterweight. The wire should be set into the body of the horse, behind the foreleg, to a depth of ³⁄₄ in. The weight of the metal and the curve of the wire should be adjusted to obtain the proper balance. The parrot is balanced in the same way, except that the weight is fixed to the end of the tail, which is curved like the wire.
These and other homemade toys or gifts may be sent or contained appropriately in boxes decorated to match them, as shown in [Fig. 7]. They may be made complete, or commercial boxes of suitable sizes may be covered and decorated. If good materials are used, such a box makes a pretty and useful gift in itself. The complete process of making a typical box is described for those who prefer to make one of special size. The dimensions given are thus only suggestive, and may be adapted to suit particular needs.
FIG. 8
Color Schemes may be Obtained from Flowers and Other Natural Forms, or by Selecting a Combination of Harmonious Shades. The Background Is of Plum-Colored Paper; the Small Circles are Emerald-Green; the Light Area, Yellow, and the Ovals, Orange-Red
The materials necessary are: cardboard, cover paper, lining paper, bond paper, paste, and water colors. The latter should be of the opaque variety since white or other light shades may then be used on darker-colored paper. A sharp knife, a scissors, a metal-edge ruler, and bookbinder’s paste are also needed. Suitable substitutes for the various kinds of paper may usually be obtained in the home, if they are not readily available at local stationery stores or printing establishments.
| G | H | J | ||
| M | K | |||
| L | N | O | P | Q |
FIG. 9
The Various Steps in the Process of Making and Covering a Rectangular Cardboard Box are Shown in Detail. The Method of Making a Pattern for the Design is shown Below
The box is made as follows: Determine upon the proper size and select materials to carry out the design. An appropriate combination of colors and materials is suggested in [Fig. 8]. Cut out a square of the cardboard, having sides 12¹⁄₂ in. long, as shown in [Fig. 9], at G, then mark it as indicated and cut on the full line to remove the square corners. Crease it on the dotted lines and fold to form a box. To hold the cardboard in box shape, strips of bond paper—ordinary writing paper—are cut, 3³⁄₄ in. long and 1 in. wide, then creased along their centers and pasted to the corners. The paste should be applied to the paper strip first, then on the corners of the box. Apply the piece of paper over the corner of the box on the outside, pressing it to make a snug fit. Repeat this operation on the other corners.