ves, dissolve gum, black paint, copal varnish, &c. Any articles,
such as an old tea-caddy, flower-pots, fire-screens, screens of all
descriptions, work-boxes, &c., may be ornamented with these simple
materials. Select perfect leaves, dry and press them between the
leaves of books; rub the surface of the article to be ornamented with
fine sand paper, then give it a coat of fine black paint, which should
be procured mixed at a colour shop.

When dry rub smooth with pumice-stone, and give two other coats. Dry.
Arrange leaves in any manner and variety, according to taste. Gum the
leaves on the under side, and press them upon their places. Then
dissolve some isinglass in hot water, and brush it over the work. Dry.
Give three coats of copal varnish, allowing ample time for each coat
to dry. Articles thus ornamented last for years, and are very
pleasing.

2507. Ornamental Leather Work.

An excellent imitation of carved oak, suitable for frames, boxes,
vases, and ornaments in endless variety, may be made of a description
of leather called basil. The art consists in simply cutting out this
material in imitation of natural objects, and in impressing upon it by
simple tools, either with or without the aid of heat, such marks and
characteristics as are necessary to the imitation. The rules given
with regard to the imitation of leaves and flowers apply to ornamental
leather work. Begin with a simple object, and proceed by degrees to
those that are more complicated.

Cut out an ivy or an oak leaf, and impress the veins upon it; then
arrange these in groups, and affix them to frames, or otherwise. The
tools required are ivory or steel points of various sizes, punches,
and tin shapes, such as are used for confectionery. The points may be
made out of the handles of old tooth-brushes. Before cutting out the
leaves the leather should be well soaked in water, until it is quite
pliable. When dry, it will retain the artistic shape. Leaves and stems
are fastened together by means of liquid glue, and varnished with any
of the drying varnishes, or with sealing-wax dissolved to a suitable
consistency in spirits of wine. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits of
stems of trees, &c., may severally be used to aid in the formation of
groups of buds, flowers, seed-vessels, &c.

2508. Black Paper Patterns.

Mix some lamp-black with sweet oil. With a piece of flannel cover
sh