CTION

In construction, the first thing to teach a child is how to handle the
material. To do this, use small quantities and attempt only simple
articles. Reed is the simplest thing to begin with, and the easiest of
all basket-work models is the napkin ring. Soak all the reed and dry it
with a cloth before using.

1 Napkin Ring No. I

_Problem_--To construct a napkin ring of reed.

_Material_--No. 2 reed, 7 feet.

Take one end of the reed and form a loop two inches in diameter, and
wind the reed three times to form the ring. Hold it in the left hand.
Pass the loose end over the curve and through the circle. Pull it taut
enough to make it lie in a natural curve. Repeat this movement--over
and over, round and round--allowing the strands always to follow the
valley between the two former laps. When the foundation is covered,
clip the end where it finishes up, press it into place in the groove,
drop a little glue over the point at which it is pressed in, and bind
the ring with a string to hold the end in position. When the glue has
dried, remove the string.

[Illustration: No. I No. II
REED NAPKIN RINGS]

When the napkin ring has been made, the child has learned the principle
involved in constructing a basket handle.

2 Napkin Ring No. II

_Problem_--To construct a napkin ring of No. 5 reed. (See
page 75.)

_Material_--No. 5 reed, 2-1/2 feet.

In using No. 5 reed, form the loop two inches in diameter, but have the
ring of only one thickness, and proceed as in ring No. 1. This will
make a napkin ring of different appearance because the windings are
fewer and the reed thicker.

3 Mat

_Problem_--To construct a simple mat of reed.

_Material_--No. 4 reed: eight spokes, 9 inches long; one
spoke, 6 inches long. Weavers of No. 2 reed.

[Illustration: Figure 1 Figure 2
TO START A REED MAT OR SIMPLE BASKET]

Place together, at right angles, two groups of four spokes of No. 4
reed. To the under group add the six-inch spoke of No. 4 reed (Figure
1). Hold the spokes firmly in the left hand. Take the No. 2 weaver and
insert it under the thumb. Wind the weaver diagonally over the crossing
point in both directions (Figure 2). Then wind the weaver over and
under alternate groups of spokes, three times around. Hold both spokes
and weaver firmly in place with the left hand. Separate into single
spokes now and continue weaving until your mat is four inches in
diame