There are many other applications to which these prints from leaves could be put. A branch of oak running across the panels of a door, a simple leaf upon the cover of a book, nicely done; in the making of stencil plates, for borders, friezes, and dados, or a conventional pattern for wall papers. Studies for wood carving can easily be obtained from the store of prints from leaves, such as the strawberry, potentilla, goose-grass, buttercup, dandelion, and many wayside plants. When the stalk or principal vein is too succulent or thick, it would be well to pare it down, to permit of easier rubbing, not attempting to get an impression from more than one surface of the leaf.
It may be useful to some readers to give the prices at which the materials may be obtained. The cheaper colours are in every respect quite as good for the purpose as the more expensive ones, and should cost about threepence a tube from an artists’ colourman. A small camel-hair brush, from a penny upwards, would do; but it might be sable in preference, from sixpence upwards. You can get a good-sized sheet of cartridge paper for a penny. The nainsook muslin should be new, and of a fine quality. Any holes in it would be fatal to good work. A penny or two would buy the foolscap paper.
The Apparatus.
The Points.
Pyrography.—The outfit consists of a platinum point, sometimes called the burner, an alcohol lamp, and a benzine bottle with rubber tubing terminating in a bulb as shown in the illustration. The points or burners may be obtained in many sizes for fine or broad lines. The work is done upon unvarnished wood, which should be seasoned and free from resin. Sometimes designs are drawn too upon calf, cardboard, and even upon velvet, but upon these materials be careful the point is not too hot. To use the pyrography apparatus fill both the alcohol lamp and the benzine bottle half full. Upon the benzine bottle put the rubber stopper that has the metal nozzle and join the bellows and the tubing. Now light your alcohol lamp, and in its flame hold with your right hand the platinum point, and with your left hand work the bulb steadily and continuously. The platinum point will thus become red hot and it must be kept so. With this hot point draw upon the wood and you will find that all kinds of designs and effects are possible by using different points, and, indeed, by using the same in different ways and at different temperatures. The judicious use of sandpaper improves the general effect afterwards, and a wax finish may be obtained by the application of pure bees’-wax slowly melted in turpentine. When it is in a syrupy state apply it with a cloth, and a few days later brush away the superfluous wax and wipe tenderly with a soft cloth. The general effect may be heightened by the use of colour. The young pyrographist may practise upon some of the designs given in the other sections of this chapter, and he will be able to purchase his outfit with directions for its use. Messrs. Gamage, in Holborn, and Messrs. Benetfink, in Cheapside, have many kinds of apparatus and accessories.