Next prepare the metal holder.  This may be made of brass or copper and need not be of very heavy gauge-No. 22 is plenty heavy enough.  The easiest way to get the shape of the metal is to make a paper pattern of the development.  The illustration shows how this will look and the size of the parts for the back dimensioned above.  Trace this shape on the metal with the carbon paper and cut it out by means of metal shears.  Polish the metal, using powdered pumice and lye, then with a nail, punch the holes, through which small round-head brass screws are to be placed to hold the metal to the wood back.  Carefully bend the metal to shape by placing it on the edge of a board and putting another board on top and over the lower edge so as to keep the bending true.

The wood back may be treated in quite a variety of ways.  If soft wood, such as basswood or pine was used, it may be treated by burning with the pyrography outfit.  If no outfit is at hand a very satisfactory way is to take a knife and cut a very small V-shaped groove around the design and border so as to keep the colors from “running.”  Next stain the leaves of the conventional plant with a little green wood dye and with another dye stain the petals of the flower red.  Malachite and mahogany are the colors to use.  Rub a coat of weathered oil stain over the whole back and wipe dry with a cloth.  The green and red are barbarously brilliant when first put on, but by covering them at the same time the background is colored brown, they are “greyed” in a most pleasing manner.  When it has dried over night, put a coat or two of wax and polish over the wood as the directions on the can suggest.

The metal holder may next be fastened in place.

If one has some insight in carving, the background might be lowered and the plant modeled, the whole being finished in linseed oil.  If carving is contemplated, hard woods such as cherry or mahogany should be used.

** Protecting the Fingers from Chemicals [283]

The finger nails and fingers may be easily protected from stains of chemicals by coating them with a wax made up as follows:  Melt white wax in the same manner as melting glue.  This may be done by cutting the wax into small pieces, placing them in a vessel and setting the vessel in boiling water.  To each ounce of melted wax thoroughly stir in 1 dr. of pure olive oil.  The fingers should be dipped into the wax while it is in a liquid state.  This will form a coating that will permit the free use of the fingers, yet protects the skin from the chemicals.  It is useful for photographers.

** Combined Turning Rings and Swings [283]

This trapeze, with rings for the large boys and a swing for the smaller ones, can be made on the same standards.  Instead of the usual two short ropes, tied and bolted through the top crosstimber bore two holes large enough for the ropes to pass through easily.  Pass the rope along the crosspiece and down the post and tie it to cleats nailed at a height that can be easily reached.