When completed place the “board” so that a dark square is in the upper
left and lower right corners respectively, and cut open vertically,
removing about ¼” from the center two halves. If no space is left, the
paper soon cracks in folding; if too little space is left, the edges
soon turn and later become ”dog-eared“; if too much is left, it is
confusing to the players, as theoretically there should be no space at
all. Paste these pieces to each half of the cover, placing them about
¼” apart, and dry flat under weight.
When thoroughly dry, the inner surface should be varnished with shellac
or valspar to give stability to the color. Otherwise, it soon becomes
rubbed and the appearance, if not the utility, of the board is spoiled.
One coat is sufficient to hold the color, but if a polished surface is
desired two are needed.
The question of coating the outside with shellac or other polish is an
open one, and may be decided to suit the individual taste.
It is sometimes desirable to show that an article is the product of the
schoolroom, and in this case a neatly printed label with a space for
the pupil’s name, etc., may be pasted to the outside.
If larger boards are desired make the squares one inch in size leaving
¾” margin. The foundation consists of two pieces of newsboard, each 4⅝”
× 9½” and the vellum for covering should be 11½” square. The process of
assembling is like that used in the small board.