Chapter D: Blotter

Like C except that it should be large enough to hold a school blotter. Increase the size of the corners to be proportionate to the size of the blotter.

Problem IV

TIME: 8 hours.

MATERIALS: Newsboard, vellum, and lining paper.

Note: As in Problem II, each of these models has a foundation of a single piece of newsboard, covered on the front with vellum, but on the back with lining paper.

A. A NEEDLECASE

As shown at A in Plate XIII, the needlecase should be planned to hold four papers of needles, two at each end. The size of the case will depend on the size of the papers of needles, and must be planned accordingly. Make the width a little more than twice the width of a paper of needles, and allow a little space lengthwise between the papers of needles to permit their easy removal. The pockets are formed of strips of vellum pasted on to each end of the foundation, and their depth should be a little more than half the length of a paper of needles.

An accurate working drawing of the completed case should be made (see Plate XIV). From this, mark out and cut the newsboard to the correct size. The front covering of vellum should have laps on the sides only and may well be a little shorter than the foundation. Make freehand, dimensioned sketches of this piece, of the vellum pockets, and of the marbled paper. The pockets should have ½ inch laps on three sides for pasting to the back. On the other edge, which is to be free, allow at least an eighth of an inch to be turned over like a hem onto the wrong side for a neat finish. The paper for the back should be one-fourth of an inch narrower and shorter than the foundation.

Mark out and cut with the scissors, the pieces of vellum and marbled paper. The front covering should be pasted on first. Before pasting the pockets (which should be fastened to the back only) turn over the hem, and crease it hard, but do not paste. The hem will extend onto the side laps. From these laps cut off the under side of the hem that it may not be double. Paste on the pockets and the back. Dry all under weight.

B. A CHECKERBOARD

First decide on the size of the small squares, remembering that there are eight in each direction. Also allow for a margin, outside the squares, which should vary in proportion to the size of the squares. A single or double border line enclosing the squares is a desirable addition. (See B, Plate XIII.)

Make working drawings of the foundation, the front covering of vellum, and the back covering of lining paper. In selecting vellum for this model, have in mind the application of a color which is to be used on alternate squares. Either a deep red vellum with alternate squares of black or a dull green vellum with alternate squares of red is a good combination.

Lay out and cut all parts, using the card cutter for the newsboard, and the scissors for the vellum and the lining paper. As in previous models, lay foundation on the back of the piece of vellum, draw around it, and cover with paste the surface enclosed by the pencil lines. Again place the foundation on the vellum, press it down hard, turn over both pieces and rub the vellum on the right side until it is smooth. When thoroughly rubbed down, paste laps, being careful to make neat corners. Paste on lining paper and dry under weight.

During a subsequent lesson, mark out the checkerboard, accurately, with rule and pencil. Only alternate squares need be colored, and this may be done with water colors, crayon, or pencil. If water colors are chosen, they should be used with as little water as possible. Before applying the paint to the vellum, the glaze of the surface may be reduced by rubbing over it the powder which comes from common white chalk. Rub the powder in with the fingers and lightly brush off what remains. On a separate piece of vellum, practice the application of color before applying it to the checkerboard, both to test the color itself, and to become somewhat familiar with the best method of application. After the paint is thoroughly dry, the surface may be cleaned by rubbing carefully with a piece of cloth. Finish by putting on the outside border line with pencil.