The beautiful design in the accompanying page is made with a round frame
of any width desired, having two rebates, one inside and one outside the
frame--the inside rebate being to admit the picture, and the outside one
to allow of the nailing firmly to the frame the open work, which is to
be made in the following manner:--Take a flat board, an ironing board
will do, lay the frame upon it, and with a black lead pencil or a piece
of chalk, mark the size all round, making allowance for the rebate; then
having ready the stems, work them in and out, so as to form the open
work as in the drawing; when finished, nail it to the frame, and work
stems and tendrils of the vine, hop, passion flower, or any other
beautiful creeping plant, attaching the fruit or flowers in an artistic
manner, and the result will be one of the most elegant frames ever
beheld.
The open or trellis work of this frame should have stout wire enclosed
in the basil leather, and in order that it may not appear formal, wind
pieces of leather round the naked wire at irregular intervals to
resemble knots, &c. then cover the whole with basil leather,--the stem
and tendrils which are to wind in and out, and are a portion of the
plant, are not to have wire in them.
Fire Screens are generally filled with Berlin wool, or some other fancy
needlework. Those who would prefer to have an entire piece of leather
work can paint landscapes or flowers upon white leather, using the same
medium as is used in body colour painting at the School of Design, mixed
with finely powdered colours.
[Illustration: No. 20.]
[Illustration: No. 21.]
The basket ornamented with rose sprays outside, can be lined inside with
velvet, and little pockets being made in the velvet lining, they become
a very useful article; the outside is stained old oak.
[Illustration: No. 22.]
The running border here displayed can be adapted to ornamenting
cornices, poles, frames, &c.; it is very easy of imitation, and will
well repay the artist.
We shall conclude our designs with the table, which is made in four
pieces, so that one part can be done at a time, and when completed, can
be removed until the whole is completed, when it can be put firmly
together, and forms a solid example of the use and beauty of the
Ornamental Leather Work.
[Illustration: No. 23.]