TIME: 6 hours.
MATERIALS: Newsboard, vellum, squared paper.
This checkerboard (Plate XXI) is planned with squares ¾” in size, and
of these there should be 8 on each side alternating dark and light. By
making a foundation 7½” square, it gives a margin of ¾” on all sides,
resulting not only in a satisfactory appearance, but providing a place
for extra checkers. This board folds through the center and is small
enough to be easily carried in the pocket. The illustration is intended
to show the construction to the teacher. Such a drawing should not be
attempted by the pupils whose efforts should be confined to simple
sketches of the necessary pieces as in the other problems.
Cut two pieces of newsboard 3⅝” strong × 7½”, and a piece of vellum
about 9” square. It will be observed that the width of the newsboard
is less than half the length in order to allow a space between the two
pieces of newsboard without which the completed board would not close.
On the back side of the piece of vellum mark off in heavy lines the
positions of the two pieces of newsboard and allow ¼” or ³⁄₁₆” space
between them. Paste the newsboard to the vellum as already described,
cut the corners and paste the edges. A strip of vellum 2” × 7” should
be pasted to cover the space between the two pieces of newsboard and
extend well onto them.
[3] From “War Time Occupations.”
[Illustration: PLATE XXI]
The paper used for lining may be prepared in one of several ways,
either by machine or by hand, and may be in one piece or two. The
former is less likely to be confusing. The easiest and quickest method
is to have the squares printed in dark ink on white or light gray paper
of good quality, and fairly tough. The use of linoleum is suggested
as one method of printing squares, or a line plate may be made, the
squares printed from it and finished linings for the checkerboards
furnished to those who are making them. The light squares may be
left as they are or may be colored with water color, crayon, or oils.
All the outside squares should be lined in, either when printed or
afterward by hand. A border line about ¼” outside the squares adds very
much to the general appearance.
If all the markings and coloring must be done by hand, paper
commercially ruled into ¼” squares is recommended. This secures
accuracy, and saves much tiresome ruling. Three such spaces on each
side form a ¾ inch square and when the checkerboard is laid off by
small dots on outside lines, proceed to color alternate squares by one
of the following methods:
A. With soft pencil darken alternate squares leaving others of the
original color. Begin with the upper row, and take successive rows
downward. Across the paper lay a rule just below the lower edge of the
squares to be darkened. With the pencil make vertical strokes only,
using the side of the pencil to give an even surface free from ridges.
Be careful with the lines at the right and left edges that they do not
extend into the adjoining space. The edge of the rule will stop the
strokes at the right place at the bottom and they should not extend
quite to the top as this can be adjusted later. When all rows are
finished, turn paper around so that what was top is now bottom, and
complete squares by the same method.
B. Instead of pencil, colored crayons may be used in the same manner as
already described.
C. Crayons of two colors may be used in alternate squares, or one color
and a black pencil. Orange and black or red and black are pleasing
combinations.