This is to be a more elaborate production than the blotter described in
Problem III (D). Compare C, Plate XIII.
First determine the size of the foundation, which may vary from
small-blotter to desk-blotter size. Consider proportions very
carefully. A small blotter admits greater variance between length and
width than one of larger size. Make dimensioned drawings of foundation,
front covering of vellum or cover paper, and back covering of marbled
paper.
When the foundation has been cut and the front covering pasted on, plan
the corners which are to consist of separate pieces. Determine their
size by setting off a triangle at one corner with a rule or pencil,
moving the rule or pencil to vary the size of the triangle until one of
satisfactory size is decided upon. Lay out on paper a triangle of the
chosen size. The thickness of the foundation, plus the thickness of the
one or more sheets of blotting paper which are to be placed under the
corners, must be taken into consideration. Before adding the laps which
are to extend onto the back for half an inch or more experiment with
patterns cut from paper (see Plate XV).
The corners may be made of linen, vellum, cover paper, or skiver (a
prepared leather which has been split by machinery). Cut them out by
the pattern. To give a finish to the edge which is to be free, turn
it over about ¼ of an inch. If leather is used, a portion of the
under side along the edges should be additionally skived off, before
turning over, to make the laps very thin. Cover paper, if used, may be
re-enforced by pasting a piece of muslin onto the back.
[Illustration: PLATE XV. Diagram for blotter corner.]
These corners present an opportunity for applied design. The most
satisfactory decoration for leather is “tooling.” On the other
materials suggested, a design may be applied by stenciling or block
printing.[4]
[4] Simple directions for these processes may be found in the _School
Arts Book_ as follows: Tooling, June, 1908; Stenciling, June and
October, 1908, March, 1912; Block-printing, June, 1907.
The designs should be simple and appropriate (see Plates XVI), and the
color scheme carefully planned. Unless a special study has been made
of color harmonies, a combination of analogous colors or complementary
colors is a wiser choice than a more complicated combination. Practise
on paper until a pattern is secured, and apply it to the corners by the
method decided upon.
[Illustration: PLATE XVI. Blotter pad corners with original units by
grammar-school children.]
When pasting on the decorated corners, the sheets of blotting paper
should be placed on the foundation so that there will be room for
their use. Paste the laps to the back of the foundation, being very
careful to place the corners in exact position. Leave the sheets
of blotting paper under the corners until after the whole has been
pressed; otherwise the weight would crush the corners. When putting in
new sheets of blotting paper, they can be more easily slipped under
the corners if a small triangle has been cut from each corner of the
blotting paper. A sheet of lining paper about ⅜ of an inch shorter
and narrower than the foundation should be pasted to the back. Dry all
under weight.