CHAPTER III

SAVED FROM THE SCRAP BASKET

or

WORK WITH SCISSORS AND PASTE

What is known as free-hand cutting has been for some time recognized as of genuine educational value and is a source of great pleasure to the child when once he learns his capacity in this direction. When he tries, by means of paper and scissors, to express an idea, to illustrate some story, or to indicate something that he has seen, his notions of form and proportion become more definite and precise, and he learns to express action with remarkable skill and power. He learns to appreciate beauty of outline as seen in mountains and trees against a clear sky, and to recognize such beauty as there may be in what artists know as the "sky line," when darkness deepens and the mammoth buildings of a city loom up black against the sunset heavens. The definiteness of observation and skill with the hand acquired in this free cutting serves the child in many ways when in the school grades.

Many an otherwise useless piece of paper may, with the help of scissors, give the child hours of pleasure.

But before he is able to use the scissors the child may receive pleasure and benefit from the use of paper alone.

PAPER

=Tearing Paper= (_Any bit of paper_)

Give the children small pieces of paper and let them try to tear these into simple definite shapes. Make a shoe, stocking, snowman, tree, ladder, cat, etc. Watch that they do not grow nervous in doing it. After a little practice they will become surprisingly expert. Paste what they make on a good background to save and compare with later efforts.

This is a really educational occupation which involves absolutely no expense, as any clean piece of paper may be so used. Will employ the child happily when traveling.

The very youngest children, if they want to tear the newspaper, may be asked to tear it into tiny pieces which brother and sister can use in playing "hare and hounds."

=Cutting Paper=

Let the child begin the _cutting_ by making a snowball out of white paper, and then a snowman. These need only crude outlines, such as are within his capacity. Then lead him on, little by little, to cut a picture of the cat and of the dog, and illustrations to his favorite stories, as the "Three Bears." This is beloved in the kindergarten, requiring, as it does, pictures of the chairs, the bowls, etc. Those who have not seen children do this kind of work will be surprised at the capacity developed.

If he is afraid to attempt the freehand work, give the child pictures to cut around, as simple outlines of a cat seated, or a piece of fruit. Then encourage him to cut without the outline. Both efforts may run along together. If a line be drawn, be sure that it is heavy and distinct enough to be readily seen and followed.

=Birthday Candles=} (_Red paper, blank card, colored_ =Firecrackers= } _crayon_)

Out of red paper let the child cut six (or any number desired) narrow strips for red candles, to represent birthday candles. Place in a row upon a white card, to serve as place cards at a child's party. Draw a bit of yellow at end of each candle to hint at a flame.

The same may be turned into firecrackers for a "Fourth of July" festival, a line being drawn to suggest a fuse.

=Soldier-Caps= (_Newspaper_, _pins or paste_)

Take brown wrapping paper or newspaper and cut a square. Place before you and fold from _back_ to _front_, making an oblong. _While still folded_ make another fold by turning the left edge so that it exactly meets the right edge. Open this much out and there is a crease running from top to bottom. Now take the upper left hand corner and make it touch the bottom of this crease; take the upper right hand corner and make it touch the lower end of this crease. This gives a pointed cap, still unfinished. To finish cut a slit, an inch deep, up from each lower end of the cap and then fold a kind of hem up from the bottom and paste the ends over neatly. Turn the hat over and fold a similar hem on the other side. Turn in the corner and finish by pasting neatly.

=Plume for Hat= (_Paper as above_, _scissors_, _paste or pin_)

Take a strip of paper 6 × 12 inches. Make a fringe or series of cuts in this about four inches long and 1/2 inch wide, and then roll it up and attach to hat with paste or a pin.

=Epaulets= for shoulder may be cut in similar way.

The cutting of these fringes gives practice in the use of scissors.

* * * * *

The articles whose making we will now describe do not come under the head of free-hand cutting, as they usually require cutting according to measurement, and really definite directions. They are given in general in the order of difficulty in the making.

=Chains= (_Scissors_, _paper_, _paste_, _toothpick_)

Let the little child begin by cutting strips of some bright paper or smooth wrapping paper into lengths of 1/2 by 3 inches. Make a ring of one of these, putting a wee bit of paste on the under part of one end and sticking it fast to the other end by overlapping. Through this ring run another strip and paste into a similar ring, and so make a long chain of them wherewith to decorate the child's small person or the room. To make paste see page 169.

It is well to have a small pomade box, obtainable at a druggist's, in which to keep the paste. It can then be covered and kept moist until the next time for using. But a little fresh mucilage or paste can at any time be put into a butter dish. A toothpick will make a good paste-stick, which the child can handle more easily than a brush. Show him that a tiny bit of paste will suffice and that more makes the pretty ring mussy.

If mother is sewing and the child restless and no bright colored paper convenient, let the child cut strips of newspaper right at hand and make the rings. His imagination will readily convert them into links of gold.

=Mask= (_Paper of any color_, _scissors_, _chalk_, _cord_)

Cut an oval out of paper (or dress-lining) and in it cut holes for eyes, nose, and mouth, fitting first to the child's face to insure getting them in the right places. Put a hole in the middle of each side through which to tie the string which fastens it around over the head. To add to the fun the mask may be colored with chalks.

=Newspaper Wrappers= (_Smooth brown wrapping paper_, _pencil_, _ruler_)

Take smooth pieces of brown wrapping paper. Cut oblongs 8 × 12 inches. From one narrow edge then measure an inch down on each side and make a dot. Make another dot at the middle of this same narrow side. Then draw a curve from dot to dot and cut along the line. This makes the curved edge of the wrapper. The curve may be cut free hand by a skilful hand, or drawn with a compass. Put some mucilage all along the edge of the curved side about 1/2 inch wide and let dry. Make a dozen of these and give to father for a present, all ready for use when he wants to mail a paper. They can be made more complete by affixing a one-cent stamp on the right hand side where the curved edge begins.

=Papers for Baking Pans= (_Brown paper_, _scissors_, _pencil_)

Give child paper and baking-pans, and let him cut papers ready for your use when making cake. Let him do measuring.

=Book-Mark= (_Fine white or tinted paper_)

Take a piece of dainty paper and cut into an oblong 1 × 6 inches. Fold lengthwise and cut a small triangle from each end so as to leave a point when opened out. Now cut a circle in the middle of the paper (which is still folded) and cut other shaped openings, diamonds, triangles, etc., along the fold, 1/2 or 3/4 inches apart. Open and you have a simple openwork bookmark the little child can give father for birthday. A little experiment will show how to secure variety and intricacy of design.

=Fringed Bon-Bon Papers= (_White tissue paper_, _colored ink or water-color paints_, _candy_, _verse of poetry_)

Cut a sheet of tissue paper into little oblongs 4 × 5 inches. Dip each narrow end 3/4 of an inch into ink, red, green, etc., or into water-color paints, and let dry. Then cut this colored margin into narrow slits, making fringe. Copy some appropriate couplet on a narrow slip of paper and place it with a piece of candy inside the paper, giving the fringed ends a final twist. The making of these at home for some future occasion, such as a birthday party, will afford a happy hour's amusement.

=Paper Money= (_White paper_, _pencil_, _scissors_, _cent_)

Place the cent beneath the paper and then press on it with the bottom of the pencil, rubbing at the same time with a circular motion. Soon the impression of the coin will appear on the paper. Cut out and use in playing store.

=Snowflakes= (_White paper_, _mucilage_, _a ten-cent box of mica crystals or five cents' worth of alum powder_)

A six-pointed star must first be made of white paper. To make this take piece of the paper from 3 to 6 inches square, according to the size of the star. Fold the paper once and cut an approximate half circle. Then fold this in thirds, pressing the folds to make creases. If opened out the circle would be marked by six equi-distant creases radiating from the centre. Do not, however, open, for you are now ready to cut. Before doing this, observe if possible some real snowflakes, with microscope or magnifying glass, or even with the naked eye. Notice the form and hexagonal structure. This is seen best if the flake is caught on some woolen fabric. Then look into an unabridged dictionary and study the picture of the magnified snowflake crystal. Then cut tiny triangles, circles, etc., into your folded circle so that when opened out it will suggest an enlarged snowflake with its six varied points. A delicate appearance is secured by cutting delicate tapering points, or, if the points be broad, cut holes in them to give a lacey effect. We do not give more definite directions for cutting, as the great fascination of the occupation consists in the experiments with their many surprises.

(1) Now take the paper snowflake and brush it lightly over with a thin, transparent mucilage, and then sift over it some mica crystals obtainable at a toy-store, one box being sufficient for many flakes. After drying, cover the other side in the same way. Suspended from the Christmas tree, these are very effective.

(2) The flakes can be made in another way, thus: Make a solution of alum water, dissolving five cents' worth of alum in a pint of water. Be sure it is all dissolved. Then put the flakes in a shallow dish (granite ware or some material that the acid will not injure). Cover with the solution and put in a place slightly warm, so that the gradual evaporation of the water will help in the slow formation of the crystals. When finally evaporated the lacey "cut-out" will be found covered with alum crystals. Cover during evaporation with some light protection from the dust.

=Tailless Kite= (_Two sticks, 3-1/2 feet long and 1/2 inch wide_, _a ball of strong but thin twine_, _two pieces tissue paper_, _knife_, _flour paste_)

Get the sticks from the saw-mill. Cut a notch in the two ends of each stick as a catch for the framework of twine which will be put on later. On one stick make a pencil mark about seven inches from the top. Put the middle of the second stick across the first at this mark and bind the two together firmly at right angles to each other. You now have a skeleton in the form of a cross. Number the ends of the sticks 1, 2, 3, 4, making the top 1, the right hand end 2, the bottom 3, and the left hand 4, and the place where they join 5.

Now bend the second stick (the cross piece) into a bow and tie a piece of twine from end to end like a bow-string. You must get the curve of the bow just right, so that the distance from the middle of the bow-string to the joinings of the sticks is the same as from the joinings of the sticks to the top of the main stick, _i. e._, seven inches.

Now carry twine all around, from end to end of the skeleton, to make a framework for the paper; put this twine through each notch and around the end of the stick several times to strengthen. Now paste together, end to end, lengthwise, the two pieces of paper, to make one long piece (a single piece is not large enough). Place the paper on the floor or broad table, and lay the frame upon it. The paper will not be as long or wide in all places as the framework, hence, fold it over the twine framework experimentally, and cut off in places where it is too wide. Allow enough for secure pasting. Use the cut-off corners to lengthen in other places where necessary, by pasting on. If two colors of paper are taken, the effect is very pretty, the corners being arranged to match each other. The best paste is made by a judicious mixture of ordinary flour and water.

Now the belly-band must be tied on, as the flying string is attached to the belly-band. The belly-band is attached on the outside or convex side of the kite, being attached at 5 where the two sticks join; and at 3. It must be just as long as the distance from 5 to 2 added to the distance from 2 to 3. When tied at both ends put your pencil through the loop and move it so that the pencil rests upon the figure 2. The cord will then make an angle coinciding with 5-2 and 2-3. At the angle 2, attach the belly-band.

In flying the kite it is important to have a very long flying-string.

CARDBOARD OR BRISTOL BOARD

=Go-Bang Board= (_Bristol board_, _ruler_, _ink_, _pen_, _button-molds_, _water-color paints or colored inks_)

Get a piece of bristol board or clean cardboard at stationer's and cut it 18 inches square. Divide by straight lines into small squares 3/4 inches each way.

To draw the straight lines in ink turn the ruler upside down and run the penholder against the edge, which is a little raised from the paper. This keeps the ink from blotting.

Four is the smallest number that can play with much success, and each should have about a dozen counters. These can be made of the smallest sized button-molds, each set of 12 painted a different color, or distinguished by a ring of a particular color drawn upon its upper surface with ink or paint. Small flat buttons may also be used.

To win the game each player must succeed in getting a certain number of counters (number previously agreed upon), say four, five or six, in a straight row, either horizontally, vertically or obliquely. If he gets three in a row, then the next player should stop this opponent's progress at one end of the line by putting one of his own men there, and must depend upon his neighbor to close the other end of the line. One player must not give warning to another of the prospective success of a third. Each must keep a lookout on his own account.

=Checker-Board= (_Bristol board or any stiff, smooth cardboard_, _smooth, glazed paper of two colors, red and black_, _paste_, _scissors_, _ruler_)

Cut from the cardboard a square of 15 inches. Draw a line parallel to each side one inch from the edge for a border. From each colored sheet of paper cut 32 squares of 1-3/4 inches each. Paste eight of these in a row, alternating colors, and arranging so that they just touch the top border line. Make eight such rows, one beneath the other, and finally giving 64 squares.

For checkers, button-molds of small size may be used. Twelve will be needed of one color and twelve of another. Paint these with water-colors. Flat porcelain buttons may also be used.

=Toy Screen= (_Tinted cardboard_, _punch_, _worsted or ribbon_, _4 small pictures_)

Cut four pieces of pale blue Bristol board 3 × 4 inches. Punch two holes in the two long sides of two of these, and in one side of each of the remaining ones. Tie the four panels together with the ribbon or worsted so as to make a tiny screen, first pasting on each panel a miniature picture of a Madonna and Child or some other similar subject. Suitable for child to give as Christmas gift. Must be done neatly.

=Fan= (_Bristol board_, _pencil_, _worsted_, _two slats_, _scrap picture_)

Cut two pieces of tinted Bristol board into ovals, 6-3/4 × 8 inches. Make a series of pencil dots 1/4 inch from edge of oval and one inch apart. Through these, holding the ovals together, punch holes. Sew together with worsted, using the overhand stitch. Having gone around once, if cross-stitch effect is desired, go around again the other way, going thus through each hole a second time. For handles take two long slats and glue on to each side of the fan from the centre down to the point of the oval, and beyond. Paste a pretty scrap picture over the centre to finish off. Tie the worsted around the ends of slats in a pretty knot to hold them together. Baby ribbon may be used instead of worsted.

=Cardboard Animals= (_Glue_, _blocks or spools_, _picture-books_, _cardboard_, _tissue paper_)

Find models in picture-books, or get from Butterick Fashion Co. their animal pictures, or same may be had from kindergarten supply stores. Trace outline upon tissue paper, using soft pencil. Turn paper over on cardboard and trace firmly again around the outline. This leaves impression of picture. Cut it out and glue it to block or spool, or attach a cardboard brace to one side to make stand.

=Candlesticks= (_Squares of bright tissue paper_, _Bristol board_, _rubber bands_)

Cut circle of stiff cardboard 5 inches in diameter. Draw upon it two diameters at right angles to each other. From the _centre_ cut along each of these diameters for a little less than half an inch. Bend up the corners thus made and insert a candle.

Cut pieces of tissue paper 12 inches square; place the circle holding the candle upon the tissue paper, fold the latter around the circle and the candle, and put a rubber band around to hold in place. The appearance is improved if two colors of tissue paper be used. The effect up and down a table of these simple candlesticks is most festive. Colors may be changed to suit special occasions.

=Chinese Toy= (_Three thin pieces of cardboard 2 × 2-1/2 inches in measurement_ [_visiting cards will do_], _6 lengths of taffeta binding or baby ribbon, 1/4 inch wide × 3 inches long_)

The following toy can be made with little expense and very little trouble if directions are followed explicitly. It may be well to have an older child read each statement as the less experienced one tries to follow. A child who enjoys attempting things that are a little difficult will enjoy working this out.

Place the three cards one beneath the other, narrow sides facing each other.

Letter the cards respectively A, B, C.

As they lie on the table, write on upper side of each card "right," and on the under side write "wrong."

Then place each card so that the "right" side is up.

Take card A and on _right_ side at middle of top place figure 1 and at each lower corner place a figure 2.

Do the same with Card B.

Turn B card over and on _wrong_ side of B put figure 3 at each upper corner and figure 4 at middle of lower edge.

Do same with card C on _wrong_ side.

Now we are ready to unite the cards by the ribbons.

Take one strip of ribbon and paste one end on right side of card A at figure 1. Run it beneath the card and bring it out so as to paste the other end on the right side of card B at figure 1.

Take _two_ strips. Paste one end of each at 2 on card A. Run beneath card B and turn up over so as to paste on figure 2 of card B.

A and B are thus loosely united and the toy may be considered finished, but it is more mysterious if made longer, as follows:

Turn over and at each figure 3 on card B paste the ends of two strips of ribbon. (As ribbons already placed are loose this can be readily done.)

Run beneath B and bring up so as to paste the ends on each figure 3 of card C.

Take another strip. Paste the end on 4 of card B. Run ribbon beneath card C and turn up so as to paste on figure 4 of card C.

This completes set of three. Others can be added _ad infinitum_ by ingenious children.

To operate (if the word be not too pretentious a one in this connection) take hold of one of the cards at either end and keep turning it up and down so that first one narrow edge and then the other is uppermost. The remaining cards should fall in a continuous cascade.

The rough sides may be finished by pasting on each a pretty paper lining cut just to fit. (See illustration.)

MISCELLANEOUS

=Chinese Kite= (_Kindergarten slats_, _paper_, _glue_)

Take a firm, light paper (druggist's paper will do). Cut two oblongs, 7 × 10 inches. Cut off all the corners by an oblique line of three inches. Fold each oblong lengthwise. Place the folded edges back to back, still folded. Take two slats and place one _under_ one oblong and _over_ the other, horizontally. Do the same with the other slat, but reversing the _under_ and _over_ positions. Take four strips of paper, which should be about one inch wide. Paste two strips over the splints, one on each side, to hold them in place. Place a third strip from top to bottom of the folded oblongs to hold them together. (They meanwhile lying back to back.) Turn the oblongs over and place the remaining strip in corresponding position. The result is a four-winged kite. Tie a cord around the slats and it is finished.

=Ash-Tray= (_Cigar bands_, _glass saucer_, _photographer's paste_, _square of felt_)

For some time past children who are under the sway of the collecting instinct have acquired from friends or by purchase the bright colored bands that come around cigars and then have utilized them thus: Make an ash receiver by getting at a stationer's a glass dish and its accompanying piece of felt. Paste bands in pleasing positions upon the under side of the glass. (Photographer's paste shows no discoloration.) Meanwhile, the felt should have been thoroughly wet, stretched to fit the under side of the dish, and hung up to dry. When dry, paste upon the under side of the dish and trim off neatly the projecting corners.

=Pen-Tray= (_Materials same as above, except that stamps or embossed letter-heads are substituted for cigar bands_)

There are many who do not wish to encourage smoking, and to such we suggest a pleasing modification of the above.

Buy the glass dish and felt above mentioned, and instead of the bands paste upon the dish canceled postage stamps or letter-head monograms, etc., for a pen-tray. A smooth glass saucer and any piece of bright-colored felt that may be in the house may of course be used.

=Scrap-Book= (_Colored paper-muslin_, _heavy sewing silk or worsted_, _paste_, _paste-stick_)

Cut paper-muslin of pretty colors, pink, blue or tan, into pieces 8 × 13 inches (six pieces in all). Fold each one over once and fit together to make a book, the cover being of a color different from the body of the book. Sew all together by overcasting the back with stitches 1/2 inch apart in one direction, and then going back in the opposite direction through the same holes, thus securing a cross-stitch effect. Show the child how to paste scrap-pictures neatly in this book. He may keep it for himself or give it to the children's ward in a hospital or to some younger friend. A very little paste or glue will suffice; a bit in the centre and towards the corners of a picture.

If the child has collected a large assortment of cards before beginning to make the book, let him classify them, putting together on one page animals, on another plants, on another pictures typical of the different seasons, etc. He may in this way suggest a house, putting on one page kitchen furniture arranged in some logical order; on another page the furnishings of bedroom, etc. Pictures for this purpose may be cut from magazine advertisements, trade journals, etc. In the same fashion a store may be furnished with articles for sale, the counter, scales, and desk. This gives practice in selecting and arranging. Good taste may be inculcated even from such small beginnings.