** Imitation Fancy Wings on Hinges [224]

The accompanying sketch shows how I overcame the hardware troubles when I was not able to find ready-made hinges in antique design for a mission sideboard and buffet.  This method allows a wide range of designs, which

[Illustration:  Fancy Hinge Wings]

can be made at home with ordinary tools.  The wings are made of copper or brass and finished in repousse, or can be tarnished and the high places burnished with 000 sandpaper or steel wool, then lacquered with white shellac or banana bronzing liquid.  —­Contributed by John H. Schatz, Indianapolis, Ind.

** How to Make a Child’s Rolling Toy [224]

Secure a tin can, or a pasteboard box, about 2 in. in diameter and 2 in. or more in height.  Punch two holes A, Fig. 1, in the cover and the bottom, 1/4 in. from the center and opposite each other.  Then cut a curved line from one hole to the other, as shown at B. A piece of lead, which can be procured from a plumber, is cut in the shape shown in Fig. 2, the size being 1 by 1-1/8 by 1-1/4 in.  An ordinary rubber band is secured around the neck of the piece of

[Illustration:  Rolling Can Toy]

lead, as shown in Fig. 3, allowing the two ends to be free.  The pieces of tin between the holes A, Fig. 1, on both top and bottom, are turned up as in Fig. 4, and the ends of the bands looped over them.  The flaps are then turned down on the band and the can parts put together as in Fig. 5.  The can may be decorated with brilliant colored stripes, made of paper strips pasted on the tin.  When the can is rolled away from you, it winds up the rubber band, thus storing the propelling power which makes it return. —­Contributed by Mack Wilson, Columbus, O.

** How to Make a Portfolio [225]

Secure a piece of Russian modeling calf leather of a size equal to 12 by 16 in.  Make a paper pattern of the size indicated in the accompanying drawing, putting in the design.

The necessary tools consist of a stick with a straight edge and a tool with an end shaped like that of a nutpick.  A nutpick with a V-shaped point will do if the sharpness is smoothed off by means of a piece of emery paper, so that it will indent without cutting the leather.  These tools can be bought for this special purpose, but are not essential for this piece if the nutpick is at hand.  There

[Illustration:  Portfolio Design]

will also be needed a level, non-absorbent surface upon which to lay the leather while working it.  A piece of thick glass, metal, or marble will serve.

Begin work by moistening the leather on the back side with a sponge or cloth.  Moisten as much as you dare and still not have the moisture show on the face side.  Next place the leather on the glass, face up, and, holding the pattern firmly in place so that it will not slip—­if possible get some one to hold the pattern for you—­place the straight edge on the straight lines and mark out or indent.  After this has been done, mark over the design.  A pencil may be used the first time over.