Procure a deal frame of the size and form required, taking care to have
it made of well-seasoned wood. Size it all over with patent size. Leave
it about an hour to dry, then apply a coating of oak varnish stain, and
when dry it will be ready for use. Commence the process of covering by
attaching the stem with small tacks all round, in spaces of a few
inches, in a zigzag direction. Supposing the vine pattern frame is
selected, cover the wood with four or five gradations of foliage, well
arranged, so as to preserve as nearly as possible, the natural
appearance of the vine. Too great a profusion of grapes should be
avoided; but as the number and size of the clusters can hardly be
determined, we must therefore leave it to the taste of the artist.
Common pins can be used with advantage in keeping in its proper place
that portion of the work where glue only can be applied for the
permanent fastening. When the work becomes firmly attached, the pins can
either be withdrawn, or they can be cut off, close to the ornaments,
with the nippers.
[Decoration]