Boys who have followed the preceding instructions will be able to plan
and construct the following designs without detailed explanations.
The two drawings for plant stands are in the nature of suggestions, and
although taken from pieces actually made they show the great difference
in form that is possible in meeting the same conditions.
[Illustration: Fig. 200. Design for a plant stand]
Fig. 199 is thoroughly representative of the so-called mission style
with its mortise and tenon joints and straight square legs.
The shelf for holding the jardinière is indicated by dotted lines, and
it is held by cleats fastened to the sides by flat-head screws.
A dark finish, antique or rich brown, is appropriate for either design.
Fig. 200 shows a radically different form. The shelf is octagonal or
square with the corners cut at 45 degrees to fit the legs.
The detail view shows the arrangement of lower rails meeting the legs
at the same angle. The ends of rails are mitred and secured by wire
nails set below the surface and holes filled. The fastening between
upper shelf and legs may be either round-head blue screws or dowel pins
of the same material as the legs, with the outer ends slightly rounded.
The shape of the legs makes this design weaker than Fig. 199, but their
spread results in a more stable base and makes this stand less liable
to upset.
The foot rest (Fig. 201) is to be provided with a cushion covered with
leather nailed on with large-head craftsman nails.
[Illustration: Fig. 201. Foot rest]
[Illustration: Fig. 202. Footstool in mission style]
The cushion may be filled with hair, excelsior, or even fine shavings,
securely sewed in a cover of ticking and held in place by the leather
cover. The leather must be brought down and nailed to the lower edge of
the cross rails. Fasten the top to cleats screwed on inside of ends.
[Illustration: Photograph by Helen W. Cooke. Assembling and Finishing]
Fig. 202 shows the same problem worked out in straight lines, the
leather being nailed to all four top rails.
[Illustration: Figs. 203 and 204. Mission desks. A study in design]
Each of these pieces of furniture suggests a new one, and chairs,
settees, umbrella stands, writing desks, etc., may be made along the
same general lines.
The plant stand (Fig. 199) suggests the umbrella rack. The shelf
is simply shifted from the top to bottom and provided with a brass
tray to catch the water. Valuable suggestions for such furniture may
be obtained by consulting catalogues of furniture, and by constant
observations of well-made pieces.
These designs should never be copied, but used only as aids to the
working out of original ideas.
The typical writing desk shown at Fig. 203 illustrates this point.
While fairly well proportioned, the legs could well be heavier. The
drawer is also faulty. Its position makes it necessary to move away
from the desk in order to open it. The lower cross rail will be a
nuisance when sitting close enough to write and other features might be
criticised. Whether your design will be a success or not depends on the
clearness with which all these details are thought out. Fig. 204 shows
several of the above defects corrected.