WORK COLUMN.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue X, 8 September 1900, Page 467

WORK COLUMN.

It is very difficult to provide little children with occupations that they like, which at the same time are not expensive and in the doing of which the implements needed can work no harm. The little watch chains illustrated here would, in the making, give pleasure to a ehild, with the added joy when completed of providing Mother or Auntie with a wateh chain to match her new dress. The only materials required are some yards of narrow ribbon from a twelfth to an eighth of an inch in

width either satin or sarsenet with a satin edge, or, if the chain be to wear during mourning, a plain black sarsenet ribbon would be most suit-

able. It will take about ten yards of ribbon to make a chain a yard ami a quarter in length. If this chain is destined to be worn with a coloured dress it is a good plan to match the ribbon exactly, or to choose some prettily contrasting shad**. When completed the chain is very strong and elastic, and if well made according to the directions 1 give should be quite fiat. .When beginning the chain mark the middle of the length of ribbon, and at that point make a bow with two loops; then pass the right-hand loop into the left-hand loop, and pull the end of the righthand ribbon tight so as to have only one loop left. Next, with the forefinger of the left hand pass into this loop the left-hand ribbon folded in a loop, and into this fresh loop pass the right-hand ribbon, also made into a loop. Go on in the same manner, alternately using the forefinger of each and to pass a loop from each ribbon through the preceding loop. It is. in fact, a series of loops threaded through each other. Be careful to pull the ribbon tight each time and to fold the ribbon so that the wrong side of it shall always be inside the loops. The illustration /shows the chain in the course of working both from the wrong and the right side. If preferred, two equal lengths of different coloured ribbons may be used, sewing them neatlv together at the starting point of the chain.

The little bracket which I have drawn here will illustrate how exceedingly decorative common white wood articles may be made when they fall into the hands of an artist. Instead of being simply enamelled, which is the usual treatment, it was in this case varnished with a light-coloured varnish so as to keep its natural whitewood tint, thus producing the effect of polished ivory. The orna-

mental band above which the books are placed was executed in burntwood etching, an evolution of that art

which used to be known as pokerwork. and for which this white wood is excellent—that is to say. unless you intend to carry out a very delicate design, which would not. after all, be so effective at the height at which a bracket is usually placed. When this bracket had been in use for a year or so it really had a most lovely effect, for great pains had been taken in reburning and working the design until it had acquired a rich brown hue. By the way. a platinum point is very superior for working with, and where any elaborate work has to be done a curved point is very necessary, especially for the background, and its shape enables you to hold it at a greater distance, thus lessening the chances of accidentally scorching, the great danger in this fascinating work. The little wooden slats in which the photographs are placed at the back of the bracket are stained a dark

brown, so as to l»e in harmony with the etched design.

My illustration shows a really useful wall p<M*ket. one which would be of great service to any worker, especially in a room where small tables are scarce. It can be made of the simplest materials, such as cretonne, coloured linen, etc., with a little ornamentation in the centre piece, and a sufficiently stiff background to keep it flat against the wall, or some pieces of silk or remnants of dress material may be utilised. Small pieces may be

used up. making the back and |>oeket of contrasting materials and colours. \ picture from a pretty almanak of last year, if it luus been kept clean, makes a capital ornament for the centre.