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-The Project Gutenberg eBook, Toy-Making at Home, by Morley Adams
-
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-
-
-
-Title: Toy-Making at Home
- How to Make a Hundred Toys from Odds and Ends
-
-
-Author: Morley Adams
-
-
-
-Release Date: March 8, 2013 [eBook #42278]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII)
-
-
-***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOY-MAKING AT HOME***
-
-
-E-text prepared by Chris Curnow, Erica Pfister-Altschul, and the Online
-Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images
-generously made available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org)
-
-
-
-Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this
- file which includes the original illustrations.
- See 42278-h.htm or 42278-h.zip:
- (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42278/42278-h/42278-h.htm)
- or
- (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42278/42278-h.zip)
-
-
- Images of the original pages are available through
- Internet Archive. See
- https://archive.org/details/toymakingathomeh00adamiala
-
-
-
-
-
-TOY-MAKING AT HOME
-
-How to Make a Hundred Toys from Odds and Ends
-
-by
-
-MORLEY ADAMS
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-New York
-Frederick A. Stokes Company
-Publishers
-
-Printed in Great Britain.
-
-
-
-
-PREFACE
-
-
-This work has been compiled with the assistance of Mr. Walter Higgins,
-the well-known instructor in woodwork.
-
-The volume fulfils a long-felt want in that it supplies fascinating
-amusement for evenings at home. The making of toys is an engrossing
-pastime, and the home-made toy is invariably more novel than the
-shop-bought article and of superior quality, besides which there is
-always a satisfaction in "I made it myself."
-
-The purpose of the book is to give simple and easily understood
-instructions and plain diagrams and sketches for making toys from the
-odds and ends that are usually discarded as useless. Matches, Match
-Boxes, Cotton Reels, Cocoa Tins, Cigar Boxes, and even Egg Shells
-comprise the materials from which are evolved Shops, Working Models,
-Dolls' Furniture, Boats, Steam Engines, Windmills, and scores of other
-toys dear to the hearts of boys and girls.
-
-Perhaps the chief charm of the occupation is that literally dozens of
-toys can be made at a cost of less than a penny. Every toy described in
-this book is practicable, and can be easily made by anyone possessing
-the smallest amount of handicraft skill. At the same time the
-instructions are such as will prove of the utmost value to instructors
-of handicraft classes.
-
- MORLEY ADAMS.
-
-
-
-
-TOY-MAKING AT HOME
-
-
-
-
-TOYS FROM ODDS AND ENDS
-
-
-In every household there are countless things which are thrown away
-immediately they have served one purpose. Cotton-reels may be taken as
-an instance. It does not occur to the majority of people that these
-little wooden articles, strongly made and well finished, may be put to
-some use, even when the cotton has been wound from them. Yet from them
-quite useful furniture can be made and playthings innumerable. And
-so it is with many other things--match boxes, broken clothes pegs,
-cocoa tins, mustard tins, egg shells, cigar boxes, nut shells, corks,
-incandescent-mantle cases, old broom handles: there is no end to the
-list.
-
-In the following pages we have set out to explain, largely to boys and
-girls, just how these odds and ends may be used for the construction of
-toys, games, and interesting models. The list is not by any means
-complete: such examples as are given are merely suggestive examples. The
-boy or girl who has patiently and thoughtfully made some of them will be
-in a position to devise and construct many more on similar lines.
-
-
-Most boys and girls are familiar with those little _paper windmills_,
-which turn round gaily in the gentlest breeze--the ones which the
-rag-and-bone man gives in exchange for an old bottle. They make a
-capital toy for baby brothers and sisters, and they are very easy to
-make. All you need is a six-inch square of stiff paper--coloured for
-preference--and two pieces of cardboard, each an inch square. First, you
-draw out your square as in Fig. 1, and then cut down the diagonals
-nearly to the centre square. Now take hold of a corner, and fold it over
-to the centre. Secure it there with a small dab of glue. Serve each of
-the other corners in turn in similar fashion. Now glue on your two
-cardboard squares--one at the centre of the back and the other in the
-front, covering the folded corners (Fig. 2). All you need now is a stout
-pin to push through the centre of the cards into the end of a stick.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 1.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 2.]
-
-Now if you nail two strips of wood in the form of a cross, and pin on
-four or five differently coloured wheels, you will have a jolly little
-toy for which baby will thank you (Fig. 3).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 3.]
-
-_N.B._--We shall frequently mention the word "glue" in the course of
-this little volume: therefore we had better explain just what we mean.
-Unless we state definitely otherwise, we refer to the prepared glue sold
-in tubes under various names--"Seccotine," "Le Page's Liquid Glue" and
-so on. These adhesives are admirable for all light work. They act best
-when put on thinly, and allowed partially to dry before the parts are
-pressed together.
-
-
-A very interesting little toy, which you can make in a few minutes, is
-the
-
-_Colour Wheel._--Take a piece of white cardboard, and from it cut a
-circle about 3 inches across. Now from the middle of this cut another
-circle about 3/4 in. across. This can be done quite easily by putting a
-sharp-pointed knife blade into the compass in place of a pencil.
-
-Divide the circle into seven equal parts, and paint or crayon the
-sections with the colours of the rainbow--red, orange, yellow, green,
-blue, indigo, violet.
-
-When this is dry, make a large loop of string and put it through the
-round hole of the card; and hold the ends of the loop one in each hand.
-Now if you turn the string at one end as if you were turning a skipping
-rope, and then suddenly pull it tight, your card will revolve very
-rapidly, and you will find that instead of a coloured card you have what
-appears to be a light grey one. This is really a little piece of
-science, for it shows that the white light about us is really made up of
-the different colours of the rainbow (Fig. 4).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 4.]
-
-
-_A simple Counting Top._--Take a piece of cardboard, and on it draw two
-hexagons having 1-inch sides. To draw a hexagon, first draw a circle
-with its radius equal to the length of the side of the hexagon. Then
-without altering the compass measure off the radius six times round the
-circumference, and join the neighbouring points. Now cut out each of
-these and from each one cut out one triangular section (Fig. 5). Scratch
-lightly along the other lines with the back of the knife-point. Now bend
-these so as to form two five-sided pyramids. Close up the open space by
-binding the edges together with a strip of gummed paper (Fig. 6). When
-you have done this, place the two pyramids base to base, and secure them
-by means of small strips of gummed paper fixed along the edges. Bind all
-the edges in similar fashion for the sake of uniformity. All that is
-necessary now is to make a hole at the apex of each pyramid, and push an
-ordinary safety match through (Fig. 7). Now if you twirl the match in
-your fingers, and release it suddenly, the top will spin for quite a
-long time. To use it as a "counting top" or "dice top" paint the numbers
-1 to 5 on the five triangular surfaces of the upper pyramid. Then when
-the top ceases spinning, the uppermost number is the one which counts.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 5.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 6.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 7.]
-
-
-_Tents for Toy Soldiers._--Boys who play with lead soldiers often find
-that, in making up a game, they require some tents for the camp. These
-are quite easily made either from paper or from calico. Their size will
-depend, of course, upon the size of the soldiers; and it will be quite
-easy to construct them to measure two or three times the measurements
-given here. Here is a picture of one (Fig. 8).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 8.]
-
-First cut out a cardboard circle for the base of the tents, say 2 in.
-radius. Now for the sloping canvas sides--the conical part, that
-is--draw out another circle, this time with a radius of 4 in. Only a
-part of this will be used; and to know just how much, roll the base
-circle round the circumference of the larger circle until it has
-completed one of its own revolutions (see Fig. 9). In cutting this out,
-one or two tongues should be left jutting out from the circumference:
-these fold over the edge of the base circle and secure the sloping sides
-in position. All we need now is a thin stick, about 4 in. long, to act
-as a centre pole. This should be glued to the centre of the base, and
-should have the sloping sides glued around it. A little paper flag at
-the top will complete the little structure.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 9.]
-
-
-Most boys, and not a few girls, love to play at "soldiers" and there is
-no reason why each boy should not make himself a complete suit of
-armour, so that the game may be more real.
-
-_The Helmet._--With care this is not at all difficult to make: what
-difficulty there is lies in the adjustment and the size. First it is
-necessary to find out the distance round the head. This can be done
-with a piece of string; or, better still, with a linen inch-tape.
-Suppose the distance round is 21 in.: then the helmet can be made in
-seven sections, each 3 in. wide at the base. When these are brought
-together, they converge at the top to form a typical Norman headpiece
-(Fig. 10).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 10.]
-
-Using stiff paper, cut the seven sections as in Fig. 11. These should be
-glued together, so that the connecting flanges are inside. (_N.B._--In
-doing this, it is very necessary to let the glue get nearly dry before
-pressing the pieces together: if it is quite fresh, the strain will pull
-the pieces apart.) Then at the apex of the sections glue on a circular
-piece of cardboard, about 1-1/2 in. across. For the ring at the base,
-cut a strip, just about 22 in. long, and having ornamented it in any
-fashion you please, glue the two ends together so as to form a circlet
-which will just go round the sections. Fix this to the seven sections
-with dabs of glue.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 11.]
-
-All that is necessary now is a coating of aluminium paint to give just
-that real dull metallic appearance. If this paint is not available, you
-can cover with silver paper, but this is not nearly as effective.
-
-
-_The Breastplate._--While there is really less to do, and fewer sections
-to adjust, this presents quite as much difficulty as the helmet. It is
-best made in two sections. The exact shape can only be decided by trial:
-roughly, it is that shown in Fig. 12. The best method of procedure is to
-cut out two of these in newspaper, and fix them together with doll-pins,
-and then try them on in much the same way as a tailor fits a
-waist-coat--altering pins and cutting out shapes until the requisite fit
-is obtained. When this is done the two final sections can be cut out in
-cardboard (not omitting flanges), glued together and painted. If you are
-good at painting, you can ornament the two sides with a heraldic device
-in crimson or gold.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 12.]
-
-To fix it, when wearing, strings are used. Small holes are bored at the
-four ends (and eyelets fixed in, if you can do so) and knotted strings
-passed through. Tie the bottom pair across the back with a knot (not a
-"grannie"). Now take one of the ends of this, and tie it with a string
-from one of the shoulder pieces. If the other shoulder piece be tied in
-similar fashion to the other back string, then the breastplate will be
-held correctly in position. The strings and all the back gear will be
-covered by the cloak and mantle, similar to that which knights in olden
-days wore over their armour.
-
-Before you put the breastplate on you can tie a towel or apron to come
-just to the knees: this will take the place of the "surcoat" (and serve
-to hide your knickers).
-
-For "greaves" or leg-armour you can cut out and paint cardboard shapes,
-like those shown in Fig. 13. These, when fixed with string, look quite
-well.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 13.]
-
-
-While we are talking of soldiers, we may as well give details of
-
-_A War Game._--Most boys are familiar with the game known as
-"Tiddley-winks," in which the object is to make small bone counters hop
-into a cup by pressing their edges with a large bone counter.
-
-These materials can be used for a very interesting war game, consisting
-of the siege of a fort. The fort is simply a front elevation, similar to
-that shown in Fig. 14. This is drawn out in pencil on a piece of stout
-cardboard (or fretwood) and coloured in with paints or crayons. The
-windows are then cut out; and the whole thing made to stand upright by
-the addition of two or three triangular supports (Fig. 15). These are
-hinged on to the back by means of strong tape or canvas, so that the
-whole thing can pack up flat.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 14.]
-
-Each player in turn places his small counters (generally six) anywhere
-in front of the fortress. He is now the attacking party, and his object
-is to shoot his counters through the different windows. If he succeeds
-in sending a counter through a window, then he "kills" that number of
-the enemy. The winner may be either the person who secures the greatest
-number of "kills" in a certain number of attempts--twenty-four, for
-instance--or the person who first succeeds in scoring say 50 "kills."
-Any shot missing the fort entirely--_i.e._ going right over or missing
-at the sides--is a wasted shot, and counts one off the player's score.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 15.]
-
-
-We propose to describe how to construct a simple
-
-_Toy Cannon_--one quite easily made at a negligible cost and yet quite
-effective. The only extra cost will be that of a piece of strong
-elastic: the remainder being made of such things as cigar-or
-chocolate-box wood. Fig. 16 shows the finished article; and a careful
-study of this illustration will make clear much of the method of
-manufacture.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 16.]
-
-We commence with the stand. This is quite simple, being composed of five
-pieces of cigar-box wood, a rectangular base, two sides cut as shown,
-and two small end-pieces to give the sides stability. The measurements
-you can decide for yourself: we suggest a base 5 in. long and 2 in.
-wide, and side about 2-1/2 or 3 in. high, as being suitable to the
-thickness of cigar-box wood.
-
-The cannon itself is not very difficult, if made square instead of
-cylindrical. The barrel is composed of four pieces of thin wood glued
-together as shown in Fig. 17. The pieces are about 6 in. long, and are
-cut and fitted to such a width as will leave a square hole in which the
-rod can move easily. On the under side of this barrel are fixed two
-pieces of wood--one about 1-1/2 in. long and 3/4 in. wide at the end
-near the mouth: to this the elastic will be fixed. The other, a piece
-about 1-1/4 in. long and square in section, is fixed about midway along
-the barrel, and will act as an axle on which the cannon can swing.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 17.]
-
-The rod by which the shot is ejected should be square in section, and
-about 5 in. long. At the rear end of it should be fixed two side-pieces
-to act as stops to prevent the elastic forcing the rod too far into the
-barrel. A nail driven through these two pieces will prevent the elastic
-slipping out each time the cannon is fired (Fig. 18).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 18.]
-
-All that remains now is the fixing of the elastic. It should be slipped
-through the slot at the end of the rod, and the two ends fixed as shown
-in the first illustration.
-
-If desired, this cannon can be used in connection with the skittles as
-described on page 30, and in fact the pegs can be quite easily carved
-into the similitude of soldiers and used for the game. It can also find
-a place in the "cokernut shy" described on page 31.
-
-
-Have you ever tried
-
-_Making Pictures with Matches?_--This is a very interesting occupation,
-and one which will fully test your ingenuity and your patience. Instead
-of using lines drawn with a crayon to suggest a certain object, you
-replace these lines with match sticks, bent and straight, and so obtain
-nearly the same effect. You can start with the plain outline of some
-simple object such as a sailing boat or a truck or a house, and you can
-then proceed to more difficult shapes, learning how to suggest masses of
-shadow by placing match sticks closely together.
-
-In actual practice, you get a large sheet of brown paper, and move the
-matches about until the right position is obtained: then you fix the
-matches to the paper one by one by means of a dab of glue. In time you
-will astonish everybody (yourself included) by the ease with which you
-can build up really intricate pictures. Specimens accurately done and
-tastefully mounted make very acceptable little presents (Fig. 19).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 19.]
-
-
-Deft fingers and a big fund of patience render it quite possible to
-construct
-
-_Models from Match Sticks_, with the aid of just one or two accessories
-such as paper and glue. Placed side by side, and glued to each other,
-and to a cardboard or paper foundation, matches (particularly the larger
-sort) give quite an impression of solidity--which you will notice if you
-refer to the picture of the cupboard given in Fig. 20. In this a
-cardboard foundation is made according to Fig. 21, and the matches cut
-to the correct lengths and glued into position. In making the
-foundation, draw out carefully as shown, cut through the plain lines,
-and scratch along the dotted lines. Then bend into shape, and secure by
-means of strips of gummed tape or paper.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 20.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 21.]
-
-To suggest the panel in the door, glue matches round the outside edges
-as shown, and leave the cardboard showing in the centre. If you want the
-door to open outwards, you will have to bevel the edges of the two
-matches where the cupboard bends, because, by the nature of the model,
-the hinge (that is, the cardboard itself) is on the inside.
-
-In similar fashion you can make countless little objects--all varieties
-of dolls' furniture and fittings, money boxes, trinket cases, &c. If the
-matches are stained with bright colours, and tastefully arranged, and
-the whole varnished, some splendid effects can be obtained.
-
-
-Talking thus of matches leads us to the description of another model in
-connection with the same articles. This is a
-
-_Novel Match Striker._--Any article which is useful makes a desirable
-present, especially if it has about it a certain amount of novelty. For
-instance, a match holder makes a nice little gift, and is generally
-appreciated. If, however, it is of a type which the recipient has never
-seen, it will be doubly welcome.
-
-One rather novel match holder and striker can be made in the following
-way. Obtain a funny picture--for preference, one that has a large figure
-in the foreground. Fig. 22 shows the type of picture we mean. Glue this
-on to a piece of stout cardboard. Suppose the picture shows a man's
-head. Then let his beard act as the striker. To secure this, cut out a
-piece of fine sandpaper, exactly the shape of the man's beard (or
-whatever it may be), and glue it into position on the picture. Then at
-the side glue on a little holder for the matches. This can be made of
-cardboard specially, or an ordinary match-box cover can have the bottom
-stopped, and be glued on. As far as possible this should be a part of
-the picture.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 22.]
-
-All sorts of pictures can be done in this fashion: dogs, with strikers
-on the tail; pigs, with strikers on the back; elephants; grotesque men,
-&c.
-
-If you like you can glue the picture on to fretwood, and cut out the
-figure or a part of it, and arrange it, so that it will stand upright on
-a wooden base. This will tax your own ingenuity.
-
-There is in every house one thing out of which the enterprising boy or
-girl can make any number of models and toys: that is the empty match
-box. Its shape and formation lend themselves to the construction of all
-sorts of things--houses, trams, dolls' furniture, &c. &c.--the only
-other requisites being a sharp knife, a ruler, one or two pieces of
-cardboard (or better still, thin pine veneer), a number of large matches
-(or better still, match stales).[1]
-
- [1] These match "stales," which are very useful in toy-making,
- can be purchased from Byrant & May, Fairfield Works, Bow,
- London, E., at 1s. per bundle of 1500. The pine veneer costs 1s.
- 6d. per dozen pieces, each 3 ft. 6 in. long.
-
-
-You can start with the simplest form of
-
-_Railway Truck_, consisting merely of the inner part, or tray of a match
-box, with two match-stick axles glued across the bottom, and four
-cardboard wheels secured in position by means of "doll pins" (Fig. 23);
-and then you can proceed to the most elaborate vehicles, bridges,
-buildings, furniture, machines, &c.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 23.]
-
-
-To give an idea of the method, we show how to put together a small
-overhead
-
-_Tram Car._--In the first place you want two pieces of veneer or
-cardboard, measuring 11-1/4 by 4-3/4 in. and 11-1/4 by 5 in.--to act
-respectively as the lower and upper decks. The actual method of
-construction can best be understood by a careful study of Fig. 24. The
-lower deck rests on four cardboard wheels. These are fixed by means of
-doll pins to two wooden axles (match stales) glued right across the
-under side of the lower deck. On this the structure is built up with
-match boxes. Three covers are placed lengthways along each side and
-glued into position. Then above these come five match trays, which, when
-standing up, take up just the same space. These are glued into position,
-facing outwards, and projecting about 1/4 in. beyond the under covers.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 24.]
-
-Across the top of the two sides so formed is glued the second sheet of
-veneer or cardboard, 11-1/4 by 5 in., to form the upper deck. Five
-covers placed end to end exactly make up a side for this, and one at
-each end completes the superstructure. Two covers, placed end to end,
-make a suitable back and front for the lower deck, while two pieces of
-veneer, 3-3/4 by 4-1/2 in., effectively close up the inside of the car.
-
-The trolley pole is provided by a wooden skewer, glued to the lower
-deck, and passing through a hole in the centre of the upper. That
-completes the tram for all practical purposes. If you desire to make
-your model more elaborate, you can construct a cardboard or wooden
-stairway at each end, connecting the upper and lower decks; and you can
-replace the sheets of veneer at each end of the inside by properly
-constructed doorways; and so on.
-
-
-Another excellent toy, constructed with match boxes--and one very much
-appreciated by little brothers and sisters--is the
-
-_Model Stores._--Once again this will be best understood by reference to
-the illustration (Fig. 25). The stores consist of a counter and a back
-fitment--the two mounted on a base board. For the counter, five
-complete match boxes should be glued side by side and then mounted on
-six empty covers. The trays of the five complete boxes should then be
-given handles to make them into drawers. For these handles nothing can
-beat a boot button. The small metal loop is pushed through a hole in the
-end of the tray, and then secured in position by means of a tiny wooden
-wedge pushed through the loop on the inside.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 25.]
-
-The back fitment consists of a block of twenty covers, five in a row,
-and four rows deep. These are glued into position. The two lower rows
-are deprived of their trays to make storage partitions, and the two
-upper are fitted with handles as above. Surmounting this block is an
-upper fitment consisting of five trays glued together so as to stand
-upright at the back of the block, leaving a free shelf in front (as in
-most grocers' shops). Finally there is a row of three trays placed
-endways on the top of the five just mentioned.
-
-For "playing at shops" a little model like this is invaluable.
-
-
-_A Red-Cross Cart._--For this a large empty match tray is required.
-Across the under side a short length of match stale is glued, to act as
-an axle for the two wheels. These can be cut from either veneer or
-cardboard. A good plan is to cut out a circle in fairly stiff cardboard,
-and glue a covering of veneer on each side; this adds to the appearance
-of the wheel and makes it stiffer. If veneer alone is used, two circles
-must be cut out for each wheel, and glued together with the grain at
-right angles. The wheels should be fixed in position with doll pins.
-
-For the tilt a piece of veneer bent over and glued to the inner sides of
-the match box will do quite well. The red cross may be painted on, but
-will look considerably better if cut from some light red paper and
-stuck on. All that remains is to supply the shafts. For this two pieces
-of stale of the requisite length should be glued to the under side of
-the body of the cart. Fig. 26 shows the completed model.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 26.]
-
-
-Another military model, slightly more difficult to adjust, is
-
-_A Maxim Gun._--For this two wheels, each about 2-1/2 in. across, must
-be constructed in the manner described above.
-
-The body of the machine is easier to make than describe. Fig. 27 shows
-the under side. A small match box is taken and along one long edge of
-the top a piece of stale is glued, projecting 1/4 in. at each end. This
-stale is the axle. Two full-length stales are then glued so that they
-meet at the end furthest from the axle. To render these projecting
-pieces more stable, a triangular piece of veneer is glued across them at
-the place of meeting.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 27.]
-
-The two wheels are then fixed in position by means of doll pins. For the
-front of the machine a screen is required, and a piece of veneer or card
-is cut as shown in Fig. 28, and glued to the front edge of the match
-box. Through the hole in this screen will project the actual gun itself.
-For this a piece of wooden skewer or slender dowel will do. This can be
-attached to the top of the box by means of glue, and can be wedged up
-into a horizontal position if found to slant too much.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 28.]
-
-A coat of dull grey paint will add greatly to the realistic appearance
-of this interesting little toy.
-
-
-Many other things can be made, too, for use when playing with toy
-soldiers. One such model is
-
-_A Step Bridge_, as shown in Fig. 29. This is a very pretty little
-model, and one quite delightful to make. For it we require four 1-3/4
-in. or 2-1/4 in. match boxes, a piece of cardboard or veneer, and some
-match stales.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 29.]
-
-The cardboard should be cut to the width of the match box that is,
-either 1-3/4 in. or 2-1/4 in., and to a length of 4-1/2 in. At each end
-of this should be glued the side of a match box. In this way the actual
-bridge itself is formed. The step is provided at each end by a match
-box, lying down, and glued to the standing box.
-
-The remaining task is the cutting and fitting of the match stales to
-provide the railings--and this is the part requiring great care.
-Reference to the sketch will give a much better idea of the design than
-any amount of explanation. The stales will be cut to the following
-lengths: two at 4-1/2 in., eight at 2-1/2 in., and four at 2 in. You can
-finish off your model by pointing some of the stales; but this is not
-at all necessary if you have used a sharp knife and made clean cuts. If
-in fitting up the stales you find the glue is not sufficient, you can
-strengthen the important joints by use of doll pins.
-
-
-One other splendid use to which match boxes and stales can be put is the
-provision of the lighter sorts of furniture for the dolls' house. We
-give two examples typical of the extent to which these simple materials
-may be applied.
-
-_A Doll's Umbrella Stand_ is a very happy little idea--very simple but
-extremely effective. At the two ends of a small match-box tray, long
-stales are glued, projecting underneath to act as short legs to keep the
-tray from the ground. Near the top of these upright stales, four others
-are fixed to act as a strengthening frame. These last should be secured
-in place with doll pins in addition to the ordinary dab of tube glue.
-Then across the frame so made should be fixed one or two short lengths
-of stale in order to divide the stand into two or three compartments.
-Fig. 30 shows the completed stand.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 30.]
-
-
-_A Doll's Fender_ is another article of similar type. For this we
-require a cardboard or veneer base and a number of stales. The base is
-cut out so as to measure at the most 5 in. in length; 5 in. by 1-1/4 in.
-is a very suitable size. Now on three sides this will have a rail,
-constructed with stales alone. A pillar is required about 1/8 in. from
-each corner: this pillar should be about 3/4 in. high. Stretching from
-pillar to pillar and glued to the base will be three pieces--one a long
-one, approximately 4-1/2 in. long, and the other two short ones, about
-3/4 in. in length. Above these, and not far below the tops of the
-pillars, will be fixed a parallel series of long and short rails, fixed
-into position with doll pins and glue. Very short pieces glued into an
-upright position between the two long parallel rails add to the
-stability of the structure and improve the appearance (Fig. 31). If you
-can stain the different pieces with black and brown to represent iron
-and copper, then a very effective representation of a fender will be
-obtained.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 31.]
-
-With a little ingenuity a set of fireirons--poker, tongs, and
-shovel--can be devised and constructed from match stales.
-
-
-In similar fashion countless other objects can be copied in miniature
-with most pleasing results. We have not space here to detail the
-construction of any more; but we would suggest that some of the
-following might be attempted: bedstead, table, chair, deck chair
-(folding), camp bed (folding).
-
-The construction of one or two of these will doubtless suggest many
-more, and reveal to the reader the boundless possibilities of this
-peculiarly fascinating pastime.
-
-
-There is another broken household article on which the young toy-maker
-may not cast eyes of scorn, and that is the broken clothes peg. In
-skilful hands, this is capable of reconstruction to very useful ends.
-
-In the first place, if you can use a pocket-knife with some degree of
-skill, you will be able to chip out of a few broken pegs quite a
-respectable set of
-
-_Chess Men._--The pegs must be sawn across cleanly just through the
-centre of the knob end: they will then stand upright. A few clean cuts
-with a pocket-knife will quite easily suggest a king or a castle or a
-bishop. The knight will, of course, provide most in the way of
-difficulty--as he is generally shown with a horse's head. A few
-painstaking attempts, however, should result in the obtaining of a
-credible likeness. Fig. 32 shows the construction of a "pawn."
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 32.]
-
-
-_Skittle Men._--Another piece of work for the pocket-knife expert is the
-provision of a set of funny skittle men for use in the game of catapult
-skittles (see below). These can be cut out to any quaint shape, and may
-be caricatures of well-known people, or of trades, &c. Much amusement
-can be got out of the cutting and painting of these grotesque little
-figures. Hats can be provided for them by glueing on little rings of
-cardboard (Fig. 33).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 33.]
-
-
-_A Catapult Game._--Probably every boy knows what a catapult is--and
-what fun there is in the using of it. Happy young fingers pull back the
-powerful elastic, and bright eyes watch the stone go whizzing away.
-There is a fluttering of white wings: something falls; and there, lying
-in the road, is a motionless lump of flesh and feathers--all that
-remains of what was a beautiful little bird, pouring out its heart in
-joyful song.
-
-Boys who think for a minute will not want to use the catapult in that
-cruel fashion: they will prefer a game in which no harm is done, in
-which no innocent creature is harmed, but which provides just as much
-fun. "Catapult skittles" is such a game.
-
-It consists simply of a board with a catapult at one end, and a set of
-skittles at the other. The broken peg skittles dealt with above will do
-admirably for this (Fig. 34).
-
-The catapult itself can also be made with two pegs. These should be cut
-off cleanly at the forks. Two holes, about 3 in. apart, should then be
-bored in the base board (for this, a piece of plank about 3 ft. or 4 ft.
-long will do quite well), and the pegs screwed on (see Fig. 39 on page
-34).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 34.]
-
-For ammunition all you need is an unlimited number of little pieces of
-cardboard, folded in two. These carry well, are quite heavy enough to
-upset the skittles, and, above all, are not likely to hurt, even if they
-do strike a player.
-
-If you wish to vary the game slightly, you can rig up a "cokernut shy"
-in place of the skittles. This you will find very popular at Christmas
-time, particularly if you play for the nuts.
-
-For this you want some wire hoops on which to stand the nuts. To make
-these, take a piece of stiff wire about 5 in. long and bend one end in
-the shape of a small circle, about 1/2 in. across. Now bend this loop so
-that it is at right angles to the wire; then when the wire is upright
-the circle will be horizontal (Fig. 35). Sharpen the other end with a
-file. Make three or four like this, and then some more an inch shorter,
-and a third lot two inches shorter. These must then be driven into the
-other end of the catapult board so that they are not too close together;
-otherwise the game is too easy.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 35.]
-
-Now all you need is a cardboard shelter. This can be oblong at the ends
-and triangular at the sides; but the shape is quite immaterial so long
-as the "shy" is properly shut in. Fig. 36 shows a suitable arrangement.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 36.]
-
-
-Another tip-top game, for the making of which you can use broken clothes
-pegs, is the "_ring-board_" or "_indoor quoits_." This consists simply
-of a board with a number of pegs projecting from it. The object of the
-game is to throw a number of rings in such a fashion that they will
-lodge on the pegs, scoring points according to the numbers marked at
-each peg. The board may be hung on the wall, or else placed flat on the
-floor. In the former case, the pegs must have a slightly upward slant,
-so that the rings will not tumble off easily; in the latter the rings
-must be upright.
-
-To make either game, obtain a piece of wood about 18 in. square. You
-will probably need to join up boards for this. If you get three pieces
-of 6-in. board, each 18 in. long, and secure these side by side by means
-of a couple of battens, nailed right across the back, the result will be
-a square of the right size (Fig. 37).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 37.]
-
-Now mark out the board as in Fig. 38. At the points where the dotted
-lines cross you will fix the projecting pegs.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 38.]
-
-For these last take some broken pegs, and saw them off cleanly, just
-above the fork. If the board is to be a ground board, cut them quite
-level; if an upright board, then slightly slanting (Fig. 39). These must
-be secured in place by long thin screws driven in from the back--the
-correct holes having been bored in the base board. Now give each peg a
-number--assigning the higher numbers to the more difficult pegs--and
-paint the number on the back board close to the peg.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 39.]
-
-For rings various things can be used. Old brass curtain rings are
-suitable in some respects, especially for the ground game, but they are
-very noisy. Thick india-rubber rings are frequently used, and can be
-purchased quite cheaply at any "games" shop. Rings made of stout cord,
-or thin rope, are frequently played with, especially on board ship,
-where the ground game is very popular. Should there be any difficulty in
-obtaining or making any of these, then it is a very simple matter to cut
-rings from a sheet of thick cardboard.
-
-The great objection to the upright game is the nuisance of the falling
-rings. This may be avoided partly by constructing a cardboard "catcher"
-to fit underneath. This is simply a cardboard triangle, or rather two
-right-angled triangles joined together by tape so as to bend easily and
-be strong: these are nailed to the two under edges of the board (Fig.
-40).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 40.]
-
-
-Another splendid shooting toy is the _Dart Box_. For this you need a
-wooden box of some sort. Size and shape do not matter very much, but a
-box with ends roughly square would do best: one 15 in. long, 6 in. wide,
-and 6 in. deep would be admirable for the purpose.
-
-On the inside of one end paint a target, and number each division,
-assigning higher numbers to the spots more difficult to hit (Fig. 41).
-Now in the centre of the opposite end bore a circular hole with a
-diameter of about 3/8 in.; and across this, on the outside of the box,
-fasten a strong piece of ribbon elastic--nailing down each end with a
-piece of wood (Fig. 42). For the dart, take a butcher's wooden skewer,
-and into the pointed end introduce a piece of a stout needle.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 41.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 42.]
-
-When shooting with this toy, hold the box firmly, open the lid, fit the
-dart in the hole from the inside, and draw back the elastic. When you
-have taken careful aim, close down the lid and let go.
-
-This is a capital toy, and provides endless amusement. Also it is a very
-desirable one as far as shooting is concerned, for the closing down of
-the lid ensures perfect safety.
-
-
-While talking of making things from clothes pegs, we may as well give
-particulars of one or two things which will appeal rather more to our
-girl readers.
-
-
-_A Key Rack_ such as that shown in Fig. 43 is just such an article as a
-girl would take a delight in making, because of its simplicity and its
-prettiness.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 43.]
-
-The only materials required are two pegs, some hooks, and a length of
-ribbon. Take the two pegs--which should be nicely turned ones--and wedge
-the prongs one within the other so that the pegs remain fixed at right
-angles. In doing this, push the pegs in tightly, but take care not to
-split the pegs in so doing. Using a bradawl, make a hole through the
-junction of the prongs, and screw in a hook: the common sort as used on
-dressers, &c., will do quite well. Now bore holes midway between the
-junction and the knobs, and screw in two more hooks.
-
-If now a coat of enamel be given to the pegs--say green in colour--and
-if ribbons (pale blue) be tastily arranged as shown in the sketch, then
-a very pretty and useful little article will result.
-
-
-Yet another splendid little article from pegs is a
-
-_Picture Postcard Stand_, for which the only necessities will be two
-pegs and a piece of wood for a base (Fig. 44).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 44.]
-
-This base should be about 4-1/2 in. long and about 2-1/2 in. wide. It
-can be cut from wood of any thickness, but a piece about 3/8 in. thick
-is the most suitable. Find the centre of each end edge of the base, and
-draw a line right across the wood. If now you measure in one inch from
-each end you will get the two spots to which to affix the pegs.
-
-These last must first of all have one prong removed, or rather enough of
-a prong to leave a quarter-inch stump projecting. This stump should be
-rounded with a sharp knife, and then the whole peg should be finished
-off with glass-paper. These pegs must then be fixed knob downwards on to
-the base. Fig. 39 on page 34 shows a suitable method for this.
-
-If you are at all skilful with your tools you will be able to cut a nice
-moulding round the edge of the base, and so improve the artistic effect
-of your model.
-
-Two thin coats of varnish, or of good enamel, will complete this
-attractive little article.
-
-
-One little wooden toy, quite interesting in itself, and very useful when
-playing with "soldiers," is
-
-_The Windlass._--Some odd pieces of lath or cigar-box wood, a cotton
-reel, a length of string, some stout wire, and some glue and pins,
-provide all the necessaries. The cotton reel should be the largest
-obtainable.
-
-Fig. 45 shows the completed work. First of all, make a square base for
-the windlass. If the reel is 3 in. long, cut off four lengths of lath
-(or four inch-strips of cigar-wood box) each 4 in. long, and glue these
-into a hollow square, two under and two over. Now cut off two more
-lengths, 3 in. long, for the upright supports--making the top ends
-pointed to hold the slanting covers.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 45.]
-
-Before these side-pieces are glued and pinned into position, it will be
-necessary to insert the reel. Get a piece of skewer, or lead pencil, 4
-in. long, and glue it into the hole in the reel. At one end of the axle
-so formed will be placed the handle. This can be made in several ways,
-either with wood or wire, or a mixture of the two (Figs. 46, 47, 48 show
-some varieties, which may also be useful in making other toys). Holes
-just large enough to allow the axle to turn freely must then be cut in
-the side supports.
-
-The two slanting covers should be about 4 in. long, so as to allow a
-trifle to project at each end, and should be from 3/4 in. to 1 in. wide.
-The two edges which meet to form the apex of the cover should be
-bevelled off so as to form a clean join.
-
-In making this model it would perhaps be as well to use carpenter's glue
-in place of the prepared stuff.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 46.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 47.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 48.]
-
-
-From the material supplied by one or two empty cigar boxes, many
-interesting things can be made, especially articles for use with
-dolls--cradles, carts, furniture, &c. If these articles are of no use to
-you, they come in very handy for presents to little sisters and friends,
-especially when well made and carefully finished.
-
-
-_A Doll's Cradle_ is perhaps one of the simplest to commence with. To a
-box from which the lid has been removed, it is only necessary to add two
-rockers. These can be cut out from the lid by means of a fret saw, and
-then smoothed down with glass-paper. Fig. 49 shows the best shape for
-the rockers, which should be glued on about an inch from each end of the
-box (Fig. 50). Great care should be taken that the two rockers are as
-nearly alike as possible, otherwise the cradle will not swing to and fro
-freely.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 49.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 50.]
-
-
-_A Doll's Cart_ is also comparatively easy to make, the only really
-trying part being the cutting of the four wheels.
-
-For the body of the cart use a cigar box which has been deprived of its
-lid, and planed down level round the edges. To the under side of this
-body, and about one inch from each end, glue two pieces of wood to which
-to fix the wheels. Strengthen these joins by means of short pins driven
-through. Fix the wheels to these pieces by means of pins (Fig. 51). In
-order to support these two wheel-holders, stretch another piece across
-the space between them, at right angles to each, gluing it firmly to the
-two centres.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 51.]
-
-The wheels should be cut with a fret saw, if you possess one. If you do
-not possess one, then draw out the circle on the wood, and cut the
-square containing the circle. Then saw off the corners to form an
-eight-sided figure, and go on cutting off corners until you get down to
-the circle, which you can finish off with glass-paper (Fig. 52).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 52.]
-
-A little hook or ring should be attached at the bottom of one end, in
-order that a string may be tied on, and the vehicle drawn along.
-
-
-_A Jack-in-the-Box._--One of the most old-fashioned of toys, this never
-loses its interest. The box required for it is practically cubical:
-therefore 6 four-inch squares of cigar-box wood must be cut out. Two of
-these will need to be cut down to 3-3/4 in. in width, so that the
-four-inch bottom and lid will fit: so from two squares cut a strip 1/4
-in. wide. Glue and pin together the two 3-3/4 pieces and two of the
-four-inch pieces to form a hollow square. To this will be fixed one of
-the other four-inch pieces to form a bottom; and at the other end the
-remaining four-inch piece will be hinged (or wired on like the lid of a
-chocolate box).
-
-Before the bottom is finally put on, it will be necessary to attach the
-mechanism. For this you will require a strong piece of spring about 6
-in. long when released, and a doll's head. One end of the spring must be
-fixed to the centre of the base. You can do this by means of tiny wire
-staples (bent pins with the heads nipped off) hammered over the wire
-into the base, and then bent back on the opposite side of the wood (Fig.
-53). At the other end of the spring a piece of cardboard must be fixed,
-and to it the doll's head must be firmly glued. When the mechanism is
-complete, nail on the bottom, and fix the lid.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 53.]
-
-Into the centre of the front edge of the lid drive a small nail, or
-stout pin, and on the box just below fix a revolving catch hook. This
-you can quite easily cut from an old piece of fairly thick tin (Fig.
-54). In this way an effective means is provided of releasing the lid and
-enabling the "Jack" to shoot out suddenly.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 54.]
-
-
-_The Jig-saw Puzzle_ was at one time a very popular toy, and there are
-signs that its popularity is being revived. If it does not interest you
-particularly, it will provide a little brother or sister with endless
-amusement.
-
-In reality the puzzle consists merely of a picture (generally an
-interesting coloured one) glued very firmly to a piece of fretwood or
-cigar-box wood. This is then by means of a fret saw cut into a great
-many pieces, shaped as quaintly and awkwardly as possible (see Fig. 55).
-These pieces are then jumbled up into disorder, and passed on to the
-little one in order that the shapes may be fitted into place and the
-original picture reconstructed.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 55.]
-
-
-Somewhat after the style of the "jig-saw" puzzle just described is the
-
-_Geometrical Puzzle_ shown in Fig. 56. Each of these consists of a
-capital letter divided up by one or two straight lines into right-angled
-triangles and other geometrical shapes. While very simple to look at
-when completed, these little puzzles are by no means easy to solve when
-the odd pieces are given in a jumbled state. The capital letters should
-be drawn on a piece of cigar-box wood, and then carefully cut out with a
-fret saw, or, better still, with a tenon saw if you have one. If you
-cannot manage wood, then the puzzle can be done in stout cardboard and
-cut out with a sharp thin knife.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 56.]
-
-
-Of other cheaply made puzzles
-
-_The Reels and String Puzzle_ is highly entertaining. The only materials
-required for it are the lid of a cigar box, two cotton reels, two
-beads, and a length of smooth string or thin silk cord. The making is
-simplicity itself. All you need do is cut the lid in halves and bore
-three holes in a line in one of the halves. Of course you can ornament
-your wood as much as you like, but that will in no way increase or
-decrease the effectiveness of the puzzle.
-
-When you have cut it out and finished it off nicely with glass-paper,
-thread the beads and reels as shown in Fig. 57. Take special care that
-you do not make any mistake in the arrangement, or your solution will
-result in a hopeless tangle.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 57.]
-
-The object of the puzzle is to get the two cotton reels, which, as you
-see, are now on quite separate loops, on to one loop. To solve it
-proceed as follows: Take hold of the centre loop, and pull it down to
-its full extent. Now pass the right-hand reel through the loop. Taking
-care not to twist the cord, pass this loop through the hole on the
-right-hand side, over the bead, and then draw it back again.
-
-Now if you follow the same procedure with the left-hand reel you will
-find that the centre loop is released and can be pulled through the
-centre hole. Then will the two reels slide down side by side.
-
-
-One thoroughly entertaining and, to a certain extent, bewildering puzzle
-is
-
-_The Three-hole Puzzle._--Really the puzzle consists of a piece of thin
-wood with three holes cut in it. These three holes are respectively
-circular, square, and triangular (Fig. 58). The problem is to cut one
-block of wood which will pass through each hole and at the same time fit
-the hole exactly.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 58.]
-
-Can it be done? At first it looks to be quite impossible; but there is a
-very neat solution to the difficulty.
-
-First cut out your holes. To do this get a cigar-box lid and draw out
-the three figures, taking care that the length of the side of the square
-and the length of the side of the triangle and the length of the
-diameter of the circle are equal. Now, using your fret saw, cut out
-these holes very neatly and precisely.
-
-For the block you need a small cylinder of wood: an odd piece of broken
-broom handle will do admirably. This must be cut and finished with
-glass-paper so that it will fit the circular hole exactly. Now saw a
-piece just as long as the cylinder is wide. This looked at in one way
-gives an exact square which will fit the second hole. Thus two holes are
-catered for.
-
-Finally, for the third hole the cylinder must be tapered on two sides.
-To do this draw a diameter at one end and then gradually pare away a
-flat surface till the triangular section is obtained.
-
-Fig. 59 shows how the block, when turned in different ways, fits the
-three holes.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 59.]
-
-
-Another toy which can be made quite easily from cigar-box wood is
-
-_A Model Signal._--First cut two strips of wood, half an inch wide and
-as long as you can get them, which will be 8 or 9 in. These will stand
-upright on a base board, and form the sides of the standard. Now between
-these two you must glue shorter pieces of half-inch strip, so as to make
-the standard solid at the top and bottom, and leave a hollow slot, 1 in.
-long, in which the signal arm will fit and work up and down (Fig. 60).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 60.]
-
-Now cut out and paint a signal arm, about 2-1/2 in. long. Fix this by
-means of a pin passing through the two sides of the standard, and
-through the arm about 3/4 in. from the square end. If it does not move
-easily in the slot, take off the top surface with glass-paper. Before
-fixing the signal arm in position, bore a small hole 1/4 in. from the
-square end, and knot in a piece of twine or thin wire to act as a
-connection between the movable arm and the controlling lever (Fig. 61).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 61.]
-
-At the base of the standard fix the controlling lever. This consists of
-a small strip, with a pin passing through one end into the standard.
-Adjust the length of the twine or wire, so that when the signal arm is
-down, the lever is horizontal; and when the lever is pressed down, the
-arm rises. You can make a little contrivance for fixing the lever by
-erecting a small post close to the standard, and gluing on two stops,
-under which to rest the free end of the lever in its two positions (Fig.
-62).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 62.]
-
-If you prefer it, you can have the controlling lever at a distance from
-the signal post. You will then need a longer wire, and a little pulley
-wheel at the base of the standard. You must exercise your own ingenuity
-for this.
-
-
-Another interesting little scientific toy, which has the additional
-advantage of being useful, is the _Weather House_, or the _Man and Woman
-Barometer_. This consists of a little house with two doorways, at which
-appear two figures, one in fine weather, and the other in dull (Fig.
-63).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 63.]
-
-With patience and care this is not very difficult to make. For the house
-itself you can use an old cigar box, or, if you prefer it, you can make
-the entire house in cardboard. This is, of course, easier, but not very
-durable. If you are going to use the cigar box, you will need first to
-cut the lid and bottom into something like the shape of a house end. You
-will then have to nail the lid down, and add two slanting pieces for the
-sides of the roof: and that will complete the house.
-
-However, before you nail down the lid and put on the roof, you will need
-to understand the mechanism. First you will bore a round hole in the top
-of the roof, just behind the front gable. This hole is for a round peg
-to which the revolving base is attached.
-
-The actual mechanism of the toy consists of a piece of catgut (an old
-violin string, or a tennis-racket string). This passes through the
-centre of a small flat piece of wood on which the two figures are
-balanced. Just in front of the string a piece of wire (a bent hairpin
-will do admirably) is fixed, so as to form a loop through which the
-catgut can pass (see Fig. 64). The other end of the catgut is fixed to
-the peg which fits in the hole in the roof.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 64.]
-
-For the man and woman you can use two of the grotesque figures cut from
-clothes pegs. Screws passed through the revolving base will secure the
-figures firmly and at the same time add a little weight, and so improve
-the balance.
-
-When there is moisture in the air the catgut will twist. You must fit
-together the different parts and then, by turning the peg to right or
-left, adjust the position of the figures so that the lady appears in
-fine weather and the gentleman in wet.
-
-
-A toy of unfailing attraction for boys--and girls as well--is
-
-_The Marble Board._--This may be quite a simple affair--such as a boy
-can carry in his pocket for use in the playground--just a piece of wood,
-such as a cigar-box lid, with a number of holes cut along one edge, and
-a handle added (Fig. 65); or it may be a much more elaborate form
-intended for use as a table game.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 65.]
-
-In this latter case there is a front board, similar to that in the
-simple form; but behind each hole there is a little compartment for the
-collection of the marbles (Fig. 66). To make this you need two pieces of
-wood, about 2 in. wide, and as long as the table is broad: any sort of
-wood will do. These are for the front and back of the contrivance. The
-front must next be marked out for the marble holes, allowing about 1 in.
-for the hole and 1 in. for the space between. Of course, the wider the
-spaces between the more difficult it becomes to score. These holes must
-then be cut out by means of a fret saw, or, if you do not possess one,
-by means of saw and chisel. The back and front must then be secured in
-position by means of end-pieces nailed or screwed on. These should be
-about 3 in. long.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 66.]
-
-The next piece of work is the adjustment of the partitions. For these
-cigar-box wood is best. You can either cut these partitions to the exact
-distance between the front and the back, and glue them into position; or
-else you can make them a little larger, and fit them into grooves cut
-into the front and back: but that is a nice little piece of carpentry
-for you.
-
-When you have done this, all that is necessary is to give the whole
-thing a coat of paint, and place numbers over the various holes--taking
-care that you do not put all the high numbers together.
-
-Boards similar to this are used in the Colonies for a game known as
-"Bobs." Larger balls are used, and propelled by means of a cue as in
-billiards. If you can obtain the balls, this is a delightful game, and
-one well worth making.
-
-
-_A Wooden Wind Wheel_ for the garden is a splendid little model to
-make--interesting in itself, but doubly desirable because so much can be
-done with it. Of course, it can be made quite small and very simple, and
-still provide unending amusement to smaller brothers and sisters; but
-for our own purpose it is just as well to make a larger and stronger
-specimen, one which can be employed as a power station for the working
-of smaller toys.
-
-The main parts are: (1) a circular hub, about 2-1/2 to 3 in. in
-diameter, and 1 to 1-1/4 in. in thickness (for the smaller varieties a
-cotton reel will do admirably); (2) six or eight sails, each about 6 or
-7 in. long and 3 in. wide at the extreme end, tapering down to a little
-more than the width of the hub at the other; (3) a hardwood axle; and
-(4) a driving wheel. For this last a cotton reel will do splendidly,
-especially one of those with wide flanges and a slender centre. The
-general arrangement is shown in Fig. 67.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 67.]
-
-The cutting of the hub is not a very difficult matter if you have a fret
-saw. It should be cut across the grain if you can get a suitable piece
-of wood. The sails also are quite easy to make. For these you cannot
-beat cigar-box wood. The cutting of the grooves in the hub for the
-insertion of the sails is the most trying piece of work. These grooves
-should be just large enough to allow the sails to fit tightly, and
-should be cut at an angle of 45 deg. across the hub. The sails should
-then be glued in with carpenter's glue.
-
-For the axle secure a piece of round wood, such as an odd length of
-half-inch dowel-rod. This should be cut to a length of about 4-1/2 to 5
-in. On this should be fixed the wheel itself, and, at a sufficient
-distance to prevent the sails catching the string, the bearing wheel. A
-French nail in each end of the axle will then secure it in position
-between the side supports and secure an easy running.
-
-If you have a play shed in the garden, this apparatus can be erected at
-the top of a high post projecting through or at the side of the roof.
-The driving strings can then pass through a hole in the roof or the
-wall, and the power can be transmitted by a double pulley wheel and
-another driving string. If you have no play shed, it is not at all
-difficult to rig it up outside a window. You can try that, and prove
-your own inventive abilities.
-
-
-_How to use the Wind Power Machine._--One thing which this mechanism
-will drive in good fashion is an overhead tramway system--a very pretty
-little toy when in working order.
-
-For this all that is required is a number of cotton reels, a length of
-stout cord, and one or two of the model trams described on page 21. If
-you care to, you can make proper "standards" for the cotton reels. Fig.
-68 shows such an arrangement. The flat base is for heavy weights when
-the system is rigged up on a table or other place where nails cannot be
-used. These reels must turn freely to allow the easy passage of the
-cable. In one place there must be a double reel (Fig. 69) for the
-transmission of the power. The lower reel will act as the ordinary cable
-wheel, while the other, glued firmly to it, will carry the driving belt
-from the wind machine described above.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 68.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 69.]
-
-The model trams must be fixed to the cable. This is done by means of two
-wires, fixed to the pole of the tram and twined round the cable. When
-this is connected up and the cable drawn tightly round the standard
-reels, the vehicles circulate rapidly on what is really a complete model
-tramway system.
-
-
-Another interesting contrivance to which the wind power can be harnessed
-is
-
-_A Roundabout._--This attractive little toy can be made quite readily
-from one or two reels, and four ordinary wooden skewers.
-
-The first thing required is a base board, for which any tolerably smooth
-and heavy piece of wood will suffice. Now in the centre of this fix an
-upright piece of thick wire (a knitting needle will do); and glue on a
-cotton reel at the base of this.
-
-In order to secure the absolutely smooth running of the roundabout it
-will be necessary to improvise some sort of "bearings." For this there
-is nothing better than two hard glass beads. If one of these beads be
-sunk into the top of the reel just mentioned, and the other fixed in
-the bottom of another loose reel, the upper one will revolve freely on
-the lower (Fig. 70). This loose reel will be the driving wheel of the
-contrivance and will hold the power band from the wind wheel. Fixed to
-this running wheel, and immediately above, will be another reel for the
-actual merry-go-round. Into the sides of this uppermost reel bore four
-holes, and insert the pointed ends of the four skewers, arranging them
-so that all four are at right angles. The running will be facilitated if
-another glass bead is sunk in the top of this reel.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 70.]
-
-All that remains now to complete the roundabout is to fix four
-figures--horses, boats, or similar--at one end of each skewer. These
-figures can be drawn on cardboard and cut out; or they can be sawn from
-fretwood.
-
-
-Another interesting variation of this toy is the
-
-_Fairy Light Wheel._--For this, instead of fixing figures at the ends of
-the skewers, obtain four egg shells, and suspend them by means of wires
-from the ends of the arms (Fig. 71). Now if little night-lights or odd
-ends of candle be placed in the egg shells and lighted, a very pretty
-effect is obtained when the whole is made to revolve.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 71.]
-
-
-A toy which is always welcome to boys and girls is
-
-_A Pair of Scales._--Moreover this is a toy which can be made quite
-accurately with the aid of a few quite ordinary materials. To a pair of
-scales--or a balance, as it is sometimes called--there are generally
-these parts: (1) a balancing arm, generally called the beam; (2) an
-upright standard on which the beam is supported; (3) two scale pins, and
-chains (or strings) to suspend them; (4) a base board to which the
-upright standard is fixed. Fig. 72 shows the sort of thing we mean.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 72.]
-
-Now of these things not one presents any real difficulty. For the base
-board any piece of wood about a foot long, 5 in. wide, and 3/4 in. thick
-will do quite well. For the upright standard you require a piece of wood
-about 9 in. long and 1 in. square--one end of which must be fixed to the
-base board. The method of doing this will depend very largely on your
-degree of proficiency in the art of carpentry. If you know how to make a
-mortise and tenon joint, that will be the most suitable. If you cannot
-attain to that, then perhaps you can make a hole just as large as the
-standard, and sink the standard in the base. If you are not at all an
-expert, then you must just nail or screw your standard to the centre of
-the base.
-
-Before you do this, however, there is something to be done to the other
-end. You must cut a slot 1/2 in. wide and 1-1/2 in. deep (Fig. 73_a_);
-then you must cut away small triangular pieces from the centres of the
-tongues left (Fig. 73_b_); and finally you must nail to the sides of the
-V so formed two little strips of tin (Fig. 73_c_).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 73.]
-
-The next thing to be constructed is the "beam." For this you will need a
-piece of fretwood (or other thin wood) about 9 or 10 in. long and about
-1 in. wide. To support this on the metal V pieces you will need a thin
-piece of steel--such as a piece of an old pocket-knife blade. This will
-be driven through the centre of the beam, and will project equally on
-either side (Fig. 74). Remember, it must fit tightly; so when you cut
-the slot for it, do not make it too wide.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 74.]
-
-For the scale pans two canister lids will do quite well. Bore three
-holes in each of the rims--measuring off the distances with a compass,
-so that the holes are equally far apart, and suspend the pans by means
-of three strings passing into holes in the ends of the beam. If, when
-you have completed the work, the beam does not hang perfectly
-horizontal, then you must add weight or subtract weight from one side or
-the other. You can do this by paring off tiny pieces from the end of the
-beam, or you can stick on dabs of sealing wax till the correct balance
-is obtained.
-
-If you cannot get any proper _weights_, then it is not a very difficult
-matter to make some. To do this, all that you need is to get some
-cardboard and a supply of sand, and to borrow a complete set of weights.
-First of all make a number of little cardboard cubes, having sides
-varying from 3/4 in. to 3 in. Draw each one out on cardboard (Fig. 75);
-cut it out; and bind up with gummed tape--leaving one side ungummed. On
-one pan of the balance put this thing, and on the other pan put a
-proper weight (say 1/2 oz). Now pour in sand into the little cube until
-it exactly balances the correct weight. When it does, wet the binding,
-and stick down the remaining side. Finally print the correct weight on
-one face of the cube.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 75.]
-
-In similar fashion you can proceed to make all the different weights
-that you are likely to require, from 1/2 oz. upwards. While not very
-substantial, these little weights will last quite a long time, if they
-are handled with care.
-
-
-Engines of all sorts are always fascinating to boys and girls, and later
-on we shall describe some excellent ones. At this point we wish to
-describe what is possibly one of the simplest forms of engine known, and
-certainly one of the earliest. It is the engine driven by a flanged
-wheel, which itself is made to turn by the weight of something falling
-on the flanges. The commonest form of this wheel is the water wheel,
-where the weight of the water falling on the wheel causes the
-revolution.
-
-As water is generally a "messy" thing to operate with, especially on
-such a contrivance as this, we have substituted something else.
-
-For the working of very light toys, sand provides an alternative motive
-power. If a flanged wheel be made after the fashion of a water wheel,
-and a steady stream of sand allowed to descend on to the flanges, then
-the wheel will rotate as long as the supply of sand lasts, and the power
-may be transmitted by pulley wheels for the working of some simple
-mechanism.
-
-
-Fig. 76 shows
-
-_A Sand-power Engine._--The large driving wheel consists of two circles
-of thick cardboard, each about 6 in. across, firmly glued together.
-These two circles are bevelled, and fixed facing inwards, so that a
-groove is left in which the power band can run.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 76.]
-
-Through the centre of the driving wheel thus fashioned a piece of
-dowelling or old lead pencil is fixed, projecting 1/4 in. on one side,
-and about 1-1/2 in. on the other. Nails are driven in the two ends of
-this axle, and the wheel is suspended between supports, glued and
-screwed firmly to a base board.
-
-The flanged sand wheel is next constructed. For this, four oblong pieces
-of cardboard, 1-1/4 in. wide and about 2 in. long, are cut out. A line
-is scratched along each of these about 1/2 in. from the end, and the
-cardboard bent so as to form a scoop to hold the sand for an instant.
-These four flanges are then glued to the axle, and the side of the
-driving wheel. If the sand wheel so made is not sufficiently firm, then
-another small cardboard circle can be glued to the flanges, on the side
-remote from the driving wheel: this will strengthen the wheel and in no
-way interfere with the running.
-
-All that is necessary now is to erect some sort of sand supply: for this
-a large canister will do. A tiny hole must be punched in the bottom of
-the tin, and a revolving trap made with another piece of tin. This is
-simple enough: all you need to do is cut a piece of tin about 3/4 in.
-long and 1/2 in. wide, and punch a hole in one end. This pierced tin
-should then be placed so that the unbroken end of the slip covers the
-supply hole. A forked rivet should then be passed through the hole in
-the slip and through the bottom of the canister and fixed in place (Fig.
-77); the trap can then be made to revolve, and the sand supply started
-or stopped at will. The canister should be placed above the wheel so
-that a thin stream falls on the flanges and turns the wheel.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 77.]
-
-If a string be now passed round the outside edge of the driving wheel,
-the mechanism can be harnessed to any toy and the motive power supplied.
-For instance, the contrivance can be erected on a flat hull similar to
-that shown in Fig. 83, page 70; and the power band, passing through a
-hole in the centre of the hull, can be connected with the propeller by
-means of a rod (in place of the elastic). The resultant machine, though
-not highly efficient, is yet quite attractive.
-
-
-Another material from which some delightful toys can be contrived is
-"tin," or, as it is more correctly called, "tinned iron." This is the
-stuff cocoa tins and mustard tins and many other articles are made of.
-Perhaps the simplest toy we can commence with is
-
-_A Rotating Snake._--For this secure a clean flat piece of thin tin--the
-piece which the little patent cutter removes from the top of a round
-cigarette tin will do admirably--and, using a soft lead pencil, draw on
-it a spiral snake, such as is shown in Fig. 78. Now cut along the lines
-with a stout pair of scissors, or else with a sharp-pointed knife. Pull
-out the resultant spiral till it is stretched as in Fig. 79, and mount
-it by means of the tail on an upright piece of pointed stout wire. The
-serpent will rotate on this for a considerable time.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 78.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 79.]
-
-If you are good at bent-wire work, you will be able to make a wire stand
-by which to fix it on a lamp chimney or gas globe: it will then revolve
-continuously, and with considerable speed.
-
-
-_A Tin-can Steam Roller._--This is a nice piece of metal work, and, when
-finished well, provides a proper little toy. To construct it you need
-several tins--a round tin, such as a cocoa tin, about 2 in. across and 4
-in. long; an oblong tin, about 3-1/2 in. by 3 in. by 2 in., such as the
-larger-sized mustard tins; a round cigarette tin, about 2-1/2 in. across
-and 3-1/4 in. deep; two equal-sized tin lids from canisters, each about
-4 in. across; and a cotton reel. These, the main items, when put
-together, yield a model similar to that shown in Fig. 80.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 80.]
-
-The fixing is quite a simple affair. With a pair of metal shears (or
-strong scissors) you cut away a portion of the top of the cocoa tin, so
-as to leave three tongues. Then on the side of the oblong mustard tin
-you mark three lines to correspond with the three tongues, and cut them
-through so as to form three slots into which the tongues may fit. Now,
-if the tongues be bent outwards or inwards, then the two tins will hold
-firmly together, and give the boiler and cab of the machine (Fig. 81).
-
-Before bending these, however, it is necessary to bore a hole in the
-under side of the boiler for the fixing of the front roller. This is
-attached to the boiler by means of a narrow strip of tin bent twice at
-right angles, and kept in place by means of a forked brass rivet or a
-strong brass paper fastener so that it will revolve freely. This narrow
-strip of tin just fits over the cigarette tin--a piece of knitting
-needle being used as axle, passing through holes bored in the centre of
-the bottom and lid of the tin, and through the ends of the slip.
-
-For the larger rear wheels the lids of two canisters can be used, or, if
-something is required giving a more definite impression of solidity, two
-flat boot-polish tins can be substituted. Another piece of knitting
-needle passes through the centre of these, and through holes in the
-sides of the cab, and so acts as axle. This is kept in place by means of
-dabs of sealing wax.
-
-For the stack you can use a long thin cotton reel, or, better still, you
-can fix on another small tin by the method shown in Fig. 81.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 81.]
-
-The turning of the front wheel can be regulated by means of two strings
-passing from the two right-angle strips through a hole into the cab. If
-you can fix the strings to a piece of wood as shown in Fig. 82, you will
-be able to steer properly. A hole in the bottom of the cab, and a piece
-of wood stretched tightly across the top, should enable you to set up
-the steering apparatus.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 82.]
-
-
-_A Working Motor Boat._--To construct a motor boat that will travel a
-considerable distance is not really a difficult matter. All that is
-necessary is a piece of board for a hull, a wood or metal propeller, and
-a yard or two of strong elastic: these, carefully adjusted, will do all
-that is necessary.
-
-For the hull, a piece of 5/8 in. or 3/4 in. board, about 18 in. long
-will do. This can be cut to the boat shape by means of a pocket knife or
-a spokeshave, and finished off with glass-paper. It should be
-sharp-pointed at the bows, about 3 in. to 4 in. at the centre, tapering
-down to a width of 2 in. at the stern. In the centre of the hull nail a
-block of wood, and to it glue two funnels (Fig. 83). For these, the odd
-lengths cut off from bamboo curtain poles will do admirably; or, if
-these be not obtainable, a couple of incandescent-mantle cases will
-suffice.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 83.]
-
-The adjustment of the motive power is the difficult task. First, you
-will need to purchase a couple of yards of suitable elastic: this is
-sold at most large toy shops, and costs usually a penny a yard. To fix
-this into place beneath the hull you will need to construct two metal
-supports. If you can get an old tin box made from metal sufficiently
-stout, that will do; if not, then you had better buy a piece of sheet
-brass, No. 20 gauge: 6 in. by 4 in. will be ample. Draw out these
-supports as shown in Figs. 84 and 85, and bend them into shape as in
-Figs. 86 and 87--one for the bow and one for the stern. Screw on the bow
-one about 1-1/2 in. or 2 in. from the point, and the stern one in the
-middle of the end.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 84.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 85.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 86.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 87.]
-
-Now into the bow support fix a loop of stout wire to hold the rubber
-strands, making it sufficiently large to rest against the sides and so
-prevent turning. At the stern support adjust the propeller bearings. On
-the care with which these are adjusted depends largely the success of
-the model. Take a piece of wire (1/16-inch brass is best) and bend it as
-in Fig. 88, introducing a hard smooth glass bead. This "bead" runs more
-freely against the metal, and so facilitates the working. Now stretch
-the elastic between the two loops, arranging it so that there are six or
-eight strands. To work the model, turn the propeller round and round
-till the strands of elastic are very tightly twisted, place on the
-surface of the water, and then release the propeller. Fig. 83 shows the
-completed model.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 88.]
-
-
-All boys love a toy that "goes"; and so a short account showing how to
-make
-
-_A Steamboat_ that will actually travel on the water will be very
-welcome. Our boat, which in reality is not a "steam" boat, inasmuch as
-no steam is generated, is very simple in its construction and possesses
-neither wheels nor pistons nor cranks, nor any of the things that one
-associates with a steamer.
-
-The whole motive power is supplied by one or two candle ends, and a bent
-piece of strong metal tubing. This last can scarcely be called either
-"odds" or "ends"; and you will probably have to purchase it at a shop
-selling model-engine fittings, but a few pence will cover the cost. You
-must get an eight-inch piece of solid drawn copper or brass tubing, with
-an inside diameter of 1/8 in. (_N.B._--Do not let the man sell you
-soldered tubing, for it will certainly crack when you bend it.)
-
-The next operation is the most difficult: it is bending the tube to the
-shape shown in Fig. 89. This must be done very gently, otherwise you
-will crack or dent it. The loop shown should have a diameter of about
-5/8 to 3/4 of an inch.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 89.]
-
-The actual boat itself can be of any shape. If you happen to have an old
-wooden hull suitable to the purpose, use that; if not, then a flat hull
-similar to that described on page 70 will do quite well. Fix the bent
-tubing at the stern of the boat, so that the two open ends project over
-the edge and dip beneath the surface of the water (Fig. 90). Two pieces
-of wire bent as in Fig. 90_a_ will hold the tubing in place.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 90.]
-
-All that you need do now is place the candles under the loop of the tube
-and heat it. (If you have a tiny spirit lamp, that will act more
-effectively, of course.) The heat from the candles makes the air in the
-tube very hot. This hot air is expelled from one arm of the tube; and a
-current of water rushes up one arm of the tube and down the other with
-considerable force. It is this current that causes the boat to move.
-
-
-_Another Working Steamboat._--This time our boat will merit its
-name--for we shall have a boiler, and generate a supply of steam.
-
-If you look at Fig. 91 you will get a good idea of the construction of
-this model, and realise how simple it really is. The boiler is provided
-by a medium-sized flat oblong tin, with the lid soldered down so that it
-is steam tight. For the purpose of putting water into the boiler when
-necessary, a hole is bored in the lid, and a cork fitted tightly.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 91.]
-
-In one end of the boiler, and towards the top, you must make a pin hole.
-When the water boils well, the steam is expelled through this tiny hole
-with considerable force; and to this is due the motion of the craft.
-
-The remainder of the fitting up is soon done. A flat hull similar to
-that described on page 70 is prepared, and four flat-headed nails driven
-in, so that the four corners of the boiler can each stand on a nail
-head. The rudder is cut from an old piece of tin, and pressed into a
-knife-cut made in the centre of the stern of the hull.
-
-The boiler is placed into position with the steam hole facing the stern,
-and lighted candle ends are then placed underneath the boiler--as many
-as possible; for the more the candles the greater the heat, and
-consequently the greater the force of steam. It will help matters along
-considerably if the boiler is first of all filled with hot water,
-instead of cold; but be careful not to scald yourself in doing this.
-
-When steam is up, the boat should travel along at quite a comfortable
-pace.
-
-
-Apart from the materials dealt with there are numerous little fragments.
-A pane of glass is broken, for instance, and in most cases all the
-pieces are thrown away. Now this is quite unnecessary, for from them can
-be made some
-
-_Japanese Wind Bells._--Probably most boys and girls have heard or seen
-the jolly little "wind bells" which the Japanese people make, and which
-many English folk now hang in their houses. As they are made simply of
-slips of glass and pieces of wool or string, there is not much
-difficulty in their construction; and they are worth all the trouble you
-take, for their merry little tinkle is a pleasing sound.
-
-The slips of glass--they are generally little rectangles, varying from 1
-in. to 2 in. in width, and 2 in. to 4 in. in length--are suspended so
-that when a gentle breeze disturbs them the corners strike gently. To
-secure a proper suspension, you can either take a board, 6 in. square,
-and hang the strings from it, or you can make a conical wire frame,
-about 6 in. across, and hang the pieces of wool (or string) from the two
-rings (Fig. 92). The pieces of glass, which can be of any shape and
-size, should be fixed by means of sealing wax. It is usual to give the
-glass slips a few dabs of colour, so as to give a brighter effect at
-night. If you can introduce one or two pieces of coloured glass, the
-same effect will result.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 92.]
-
-
-Other _broken_ things, too, can be turned to account.
-
-One such toy, made up of things otherwise quite useless, is
-
-_A Musical Box._--This entertaining musical toy, capable of producing
-the most beautiful sound effects, can quite easily be made with a few
-broken wine glasses. So long as the bowl part of the glass is intact, it
-does not matter to what extent the stem or foot part has been damaged,
-provided there is enough of the stem remaining to insert in a wooden
-block.
-
-The sound effects are produced by rubbing the ball of the finger gently
-round the rim of the glass. For this the finger-tip must be absolutely
-clean, particularly of any grease, and must be thoroughly wet. Probably
-for the first time or two of rubbing nothing will occur. If that is so,
-continue wetting the finger, and rub it on an india-rubber sponge or a
-piece of soft india-rubber. You will know at once when the finger-tip is
-in the right condition, for it will commence to "drag" on the rim.
-Eventually a most beautiful pealing note will be emitted, which note
-will alter slightly in tone if water be poured into the glass.
-
-If in this way you can secure eight glasses tuned exactly to an octave,
-then you have the wherewithal to produce tunes. When you have obtained
-the glasses, then it is quite easy to fit them into a box quite close
-together, leaving just enough room for the fingers to move round. Blocks
-of wood must be nailed to the bottom of the box, and holes bored in
-these blocks just exactly large enough to admit the stem (see Fig. 93).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 93.]
-
-
-_A Fleet of Nutshell Boats_ floating on a bowl of water makes a very
-pretty little picture--nor are these little crafts at all difficult to
-make. For the hull a nice evenly-shaped walnut shell is required: this
-should be cleaned out, trimmed with a sharp knife, and scrubbed with a
-stiff brush. For the mast a match stick will suffice. To keep this in
-position glue two match sticks right across the widest part of the
-hull--one on each side of the mast--and then put a daub of glue at the
-bottom of the hull and others where the cross-bars touch the mast.
-
-The sail consists merely of a piece of paper with two holes through
-which the mast passes. A glance at Fig. 94 will reveal the method of
-fitting up, and show what a trim little craft can result from such a
-simple origin.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 94.]
-
-
-One other toy which has always been deservedly popular is
-
-_The Jumping Frog._--If you are skilful with your pocket knife you can
-cut out a representation of the animal from a lump of wood, and paint it
-to make it more realistic. If, however, you have not the requisite
-skill, you can still construct the toy by using a walnut shell in place
-of the carved model. In either case the actual mechanism for "jumping"
-is the same.
-
-You want a good-sized shell, or rather half-shell, some very strong thin
-twine, and a match. First you must bore two holes in the sides of the
-shell, not too near the edge, then tie a loop of twine round the holes
-and the edge (Fig. 95). Now if you put a piece of match stick between
-the strings, and twist the string by turning the match round, you will
-complete the jumping mechanism (Fig. 96). Keep your finger on the match
-to prevent it flying back, and carefully turn the shell upside down on
-the table, holding it all the time. Now if you press one finger on the
-side of the shell so that it slips suddenly from under, then your frog
-will perform an astounding leap in the air. But, in your eagerness to
-get a big jump, do not twist the string too tightly, otherwise the holes
-will break out.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 95.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 96.]
-
-If, as mentioned above, you are skilful enough to cut out the frog, you
-will need to hollow out the body so that there will be room for the
-turning of the match.
-
-You can also do very much the same with a fowl's "wishbone" if you tie a
-loop of string round the two prongs and use the match as shown above.
-
-
-The shell of an ordinary hen's egg does not seem to give much scope for
-construction. Yet much can be done with it. One of the best things you
-can make is
-
-_An Egg-shell Yacht._--Next time mother is making cakes, or anything
-which needs eggs, tell her you want the shell intact, and ask her to let
-you blow out the contents. To do this, bore a small hole at each end,
-and blow. Of course, if you have ever collected birds' eggs, and are an
-adept at egg-blowing, you will only need one hole.
-
-Stop up the holes with sealing wax or plasticene. This complete shell is
-to form the hull of the yacht; it will be necessary to add a keel,
-mainmast, bowsprit, &c., to finish the craft.
-
-For the mainmast get a very thin piece of wood--a very thin piece of
-bamboo or a piece of split cane will do--and pass it carefully through
-two holes which have previously been bored in the opposite sides of the
-shell. Let it project an inch or two below (Fig. 97_a_). Fix in position
-by means of sealing wax. In similar fashion arrange a bowsprit.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 97.]
-
-As the hull is very light, it will be necessary to have a good steadying
-keel. A piece of sheet lead about 2 in. long and 1 in. wide will do
-admirably. Secure it to the shell and the projecting piece of mainmast
-by means of sealing wax (Fig. 97_b_).
-
-Now if this floats properly you can proceed with the rigging, which may
-be as simple or as elaborate as you please. Fasten the spars to the
-mainmast by means of very thin wire. (Sealing wax will do, but is not at
-all reliable for this.) For the sails use tough tissue paper, gluing the
-main and top sails in position, and fixing the jib and foresails by
-means of threads.
-
-The addition of a cardboard rudder--fixed by wax--will complete a trim
-little craft which will sail in approved regatta fashion, if it has been
-properly adjusted (Fig. 98).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 98.]
-
-
-Nor must broken egg shells be despised. These can be decorated with
-paints, and some very amusing little articles provided. Legs and arms
-can be added, fixed into place with dabs of sealing wax; clothes can be
-devised; and grotesque little toys improvised--toys suitable for the
-decoration of the Christmas tree or sale at bazaars, &c.
-
-
-Quite a number of amusing little toys can be made from those cylindrical
-cardboard cases in which incandescent mantles are usually sold. For the
-most part the only things needed for the construction are a sharp knife
-(one with a very thin blade preferred), a tube of glue, one or two odd
-pieces of cardboard, and some paints.
-
-
-_A Money Box_, for instance, is always useful, and, by the aid of the
-paint box, can be made very attractive.
-
-Take off the two end covers, and glue one end of the case to a circle of
-thick cardboard, about 1/4 in. larger in radius than the case. Now for
-the other end construct a conical top. To do this, draw out a circle
-with a radius of about 1-1/4 in. and cut out a sector (see Fig. 9, p.
-8). The two ends can then be brought together and fixed with a piece of
-glued tape, and the whole thing can be glued to the other end of the
-case.
-
-Before this is done, however, the money slot should be cut in the side.
-Much can be done to make the article attractive by a judicious use of
-the paints. The money slot, for instance, can be regarded as the mouth,
-and a grotesque face drawn round it.
-
-If you care to cover the conical top with felt or flannel, you can make
-the model very funny indeed. In the spring you can damp the felt or
-flannel, and spread on grass seeds: these will grow and give your
-grotesque figure a fine crop of bright green hair (Fig. 99). Of course,
-if you are going to damp the upper parts of the model, you must obtain
-and use some sort of waterproof glue.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 99.]
-
-
-_A Pin-hole Camera_ is another extremely simple yet extraordinarily
-interesting contrivance (Fig. 100).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 100.]
-
-For this you require two mantle cases, one just large enough to slide
-easily into the other. Take the smaller one, and cover one end with
-tissue paper. This must be done neatly and strongly, otherwise, as the
-case slides up and down in the outer one, the tissue will tear. You
-should draw out on the tissue a circle just as large as the end of the
-case, and then all round, draw and cut little pointed tags to lap over
-the edges and stick down (Fig. 101).
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 101.]
-
-One end of the outer case should be covered with thick brown paper in
-just the same way, and a tiny pin hole pricked exactly in the centre of
-the brown-paper end.
-
-Now if a lighted candle be placed near to the pin hole, and if the inner
-case be moved to and fro till the right spot is found, an exact picture
-of the candle flame will be seen on the tissue paper.
-
-
-_A Doll's Easy Chair._--Apart from accurate and careful cutting there is
-not very much difficulty in this. Take a mantle case and remove the
-covers. Now draw a line from end to end and use this as a base line,
-measuring the distances to right and left to the different points: this
-will ensure accuracy. Fig. 102 shows one design suitable for the
-purpose; but you will possibly like to make up your own. The fitting of
-the seat is done as follows: On a piece of cardboard mark out a circle
-having the same radius as the case, and another circle with a radius 1/8
-in. larger. Cut this out as shown in Fig. 103. Now cut a slot a little
-more than half-way across the case from the front, at a level suitable
-for the seat, and into this slide the seat. If the slot has not been cut
-far enough across, go on cutting till the seat fits correctly in the
-case. Then glue it in position.
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 102.]
-
-[Illustration: FIG. 103.]
-
-All that is now required is a coat of paint, and any ornamentation you
-may care to add.
-
-
-In conclusion we would point out once more what we stated at the
-beginning--namely, that the examples given are intended merely to
-suggest ways and means of making countless other articles.
-
-
- Printed by The Edinburgh Art Printing Co. Ltd.
- Edinburgh
-
-
-
-
- * * * * * *
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber's note:
-
-Illustrations have been moved to logical locations between
-paragraphs.
-
-The following suspected error was changed in the text: on page
-69, changed "somethng" to "something"
-
-
-
-***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TOY-MAKING AT HOME***
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