Having procured a pair of ordinary shoestrings, take both ends of one of them and force the ends through the middle of the other, leaving a loop 1-1/2 in. long, as shown in Fig. 2.  In this sketch, A is the first string and B is the second, doubled and run through the web of A. Take hold of the loop and turn it as shown in Fig. 2, allowing the four ends to hang in four directions.  Start with one end, the one marked A, in Fig. 1, for instance, and lay it over the one to the right.  Then take B and lay it over A, and the one beneath C; lay Cover B and the one under D, and then lay D over C and stick the end under A. Then draw all four ends up snugly.  Commence the next layer by laying the end A back over B and D; D over A and C; C over D and B, then B over C and the end stuck under A. Proceed in the same manner and keep on until about 1-1/2 in. of the ends remain unwoven.  Four pins stuck through each corner and into the layers will hold the ends from coming apart.  The ends of the strings are raveled out so as to make a tassel.  This will make a square fob which will appear as shown in Fig. 4.

A round fob is made in a similar way, taking the same start as for the square fob, but instead of reversing

[Illustration:  Fobs Made from Shoestrings]

the ends of each alternate layer, always lap one string, as at A in Fig. 3. over the one to its right, as B, slipping the last end of the four strings under and tightening all, as in making the square fob.  Fasten the ends with pins and ravel out for a tassel.  The round fob is shown in Fig. 5.

A fob in the shape of a horseshoe can be made by taking four shoestrings and tying a small string around the middle of them, then weaving the layers both ways from the point where the strings are tied.  A loop, 1-1/2 in. long, is left out at the center before starting on one side.  The loop is for attaching the fob to the watch.  After the weaving is complete and the tassel ends made, a small stiff wire is forced through the center to form the shape of a horseshoe.

Other designs can be made in the same manner.  Strings of different colors will make up a very pretty fob, especially if silk strings are used.  —­Contributed by John P. Rupp, Monroeville, Ohio.

** How to Make a Table Mat of Leather [286]

The table mat, the design of which is shown herewith, is to be made of leather.  It may be made of Russian calf and the background modeled down

[Illustration:  Pattern for the Table Mat]

as has been described in several previous articles dealing with leather work.  To do this the leather is moistened on the back side just enough to make the leather take the impression of the tool, but not enough to make the moisture show through on the face.  Any smooth piece of steel, such as a nut pick, that will not cut or scratch the leather and will make a V-shaped depression will do.

A second method is to secure a piece of sheepskin and, using the reverse side, outline the design by means of a pyrographer’s outfit.  This manner of treating leather is so common that it needs no description.