In order to produce grapes symmetrically formed a proper mould should be
obtained; then cut rounds of skiver leather the size required, which
must be wetted and placed in the mould the smooth side downwards; then
fill the leather in the mould firmly with wadding, and tie the grapes
securely with strong thread or fine twine; when the grape is finished,
put a piece of wire through the part where it has been tied up to form a
stalk. Or grapes can be made of deal or any soft wood with a hole
pierced through the centre large enough to admit of a leather or gutta
percha stalk being drawn through and fastened at one end; they should
now be stained and made into clusters; wooden grapes may be covered with
damp skiver leather if preferred; it is necessary to observe, in making
the clusters that the tying should be entirely concealed; all fruit and
flowers must be stained, &c., precisely in the same manner as leaves.