This work is very easy and very pretty, requiring only great nicety
and care, and some taste. Take a piece of white cotton velvet (such as
undertakers use as a lining to burial caskets), white jean, or white
linen, or fine, thin muslin; cut it out in the form of a tidy, mat,
or whatever you wish to make. Then pin upon it carefully, with very
minute pins, Ferns, Maiden’s Hair, or any graceful leaf, in the form of
a wreath or bouquet.
Mix plenty of India ink the depth of color you require; take a fine
comb and brush; dip the brush in the ink and pass it over the comb,
thus splashing the ink all over your material until it is quite black.
Let it dry thoroughly, and then unpin your flower; you will find its
form left in white on the velvet or linen. Mark, with a fine brush,
the veins and stems in it, and your work will be ready to make up as
required.
All delicate leaves should be carefully pressed till dry before using
them for this work.