To make the sconce proceed as follows:  First, cut off a piece of brass so that it shall have 1/2 in. extra metal all around; second, with a piece of carbon paper, trace upon the brass lines that shall represent the margin of the sconce proper, also trace the decorative design; third, with a nail set make a series of holes in the extra margin about 3/4 in. apart and large enough to take in a 3/4-in. thin screw; fourth, fasten the metal to a thick board by inserting screws in these holes; fifth, with a twenty-penny wire nail that has had the sharpness of its point filed off, stamp the background of the design promiscuously.  By holding the nail about 1/4 in. above the work and striking it with the hammer, at the same time striving to keep its point at 1/4 in. above the metal, very rapid progress can be made.  This stamping lowers the background and at the same time raises the design.  Sixth, chase or stamp along the border of the design and background using a nail filed to a chisel edge.  This is to make a clean sharp division between background and design.  Seventh, when the stamping is complete remove the screws and metal from the board and cut off the extra margin with the metal shears.  File the edges until they are smooth to the touch.

The drip cup is a piece of brass cut circular and shaped by placing the brass over a hollow in one end of a block.  Give the metal a circular motion, at the same time beat it with a round-nosed mallet.  Work from the center along concentric rings outward, then reverse.

The candle holders may have two, three, four, or six arms, and are bent to shape by means of the round-nosed

[Illustration:  Completed Sconce; Shaping the Holders; Riveting]

pliers.  The form of the brackets which support the drip cups may be seen in the illustration.

Having pierced the bracket, drip cup, and holder, these three parts are riveted together as indicated in the drawing.  It will be found easier usually if the holder is not shaped until after the riveting is done.  The bracket is then riveted to the back of the sconce.  Small copper rivets are used.

It is better to polish all the pieces before fastening any of them together.  Metal polish of any kind will do.  After the parts have been assembled a lacquer may be applied to keep the metal from tarnishing.

** How To Make a Hectograph [326]

[Illustration:  Making Copies with the Hectograph]

A hectograph is very simply and easily made and by means of it many copies of writing can be obtained from a single original.  Make a tray of either tin or pasteboard, a little larger than the sheet of paper you ordinarily use and about 1/2 in. deep.  Soak 1 oz. of gelatine in cold water over night and in the morning pour off the water.  Heat 6-1/2 oz. of glycerine to about 200 deg.  F. on a water bath, and add the gelatine.  This should give a clear glycerine solution of gelatine.

Place the tray so that it is perfectly level and pour in the gelatinous composition until it is nearly level with the edge of the tray.  Cover it so the cover does not touch the surface of the composition and let it stand six hours, when it will be ready for use.