The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-02-04
HOMEMADE FURNIrURE.

For years there had stood in kitch-
en- wot of, couple of old wooden
chairs. The legs had been sawed off
at some remote period. They were
such comfortable chairs, too. broad.
well-sloped backs and wide rounded
seats, slightly followed out. Between
them stood an ancient wash-stand
about twenty-five inches square, with
q drawer six inches deep. There had
once been n sort of railing on two
sides and an upright board at the back.
But the railing had long since disap-
peared. so also had the board which.
in its 'palmy days, was n shelf on
which the pitcher reposed when the
bowl was being used for the toilet.
The owner of these articles was Il
woman who believed the best house
keeper was the one possessing the most
utility. The neighbors were refurnish-
inc their parlors. The state OF her
finances would not allow her to do so,
vet new furniture she was determined
TO have if it was made from old. Those
two chairs were covered with strong
unbleached muslin and stuffed with
good curled hair. Casters were put
into the legs which also received two
or three coats of asphaltum yarnish.
The best quality of nonpareil velvetecn
was purchased at dollar and
quarter per yard. 1t was brocaded,
not stamped, and it was used to cover
the back on both sides. A roll at the
top confined apparently by handsome
tassels; the seat, and a scant plating
below the seat, finished with very
pretty, ball-fringe with some silk in it,
which cost only twenty-five cents per
yard. The handsome tassels were
made from dress-fringe with little
chenille, TO heighten the effect; half a
yard of velveteen made the pillow roll
One chair was of myrtle green-the
other deep cardinal
An old cane-seated low rocker was
revarnished, and little walnut stain
put into the varnish concealed all
scratches and saved the hard work of
scrapng the old varnish of. From
the Skirt of an old broadcloth Prince
Albert coat, n good material was found
TO make the top of cushion for the
seat, and the covering for slumber-
roll. At furnishing store there was
found some lengthwise scraps of cardi-
nal mommie cloth. A strip two inches
wide was laid diagonally over the
pieces of cloth designed for the cushion
and roll, and button-holed securely
down with shaded green single zephyr,
and at intervals of two inches daisies
were worked in point russo stitch in q
light shade of zephyr. A dozen or so
morning-glory shaped leaves were cut
from some green velveteen and grace
fully disposed on either side of the
cardinal strip. Two or three flowers
were cut from the cardinal cloth and
grouped with the leaves. The leaves
were button-holed down with the
shaded green; the flowers, with shaded
cardinal, with stamens of bright yell
low split zephyr. Stems were put in
where needed with lighter green. A
puff of mommie cloth three inches
deep finished the cushion, and the
slumber-roll had the ends drawn to-
gother and finished with handsome
tassels. Thus, at an expense not eX-
ceeding ten dollars, three pretty and
useful chairs were added to the parlor
The wash-stand before mentioned, was
furnished with shelf and all traces of
railing and back were obliterated. 1t
then received couple OF coats of
asphaltum varnish, and some drop
handles were put into the drawer.
Tho top and shelf were covered with
green felt, and around three sides OF
the drawer fringe was nailed with
brass-headed nails. The shelf held Il
small jar. which was once used for
pickles. 1t was OF common crochery
ware, vanished with asplaltum, and
before the second coat was dry, Il
package Of diamond dye-gold dust
was spriukled over and slightly pressed
in with tho fingers, producing an effect
resembling gold lacquer. A band of
red velvet paper pasted diagonally upon
the Jar and held there by varnish.
When the varnish was quite dry q
border OF gold paint, Il sixteenth of an
inch wide was put above the red paper,
and u row of large field daisies painted
Just above ii. conventional daisies
without foliage. A brlliant-hued but
ter1y was poised above them. In the
lower corner. right-hand side, there
were three blue flags, with their sharp.
stiff leaves. Another pretty stand of
oval shape had a cover stretched over
it tightly A handsome design of
leaves and flowers was appliqued on
one side. and some deep ball-fringe
tackled around. The expense for the
two stands with decorated jar was only
about two dollars. SO for the sum of
twelve dollars-thc price of an ordin-
airy wicker chair, the parlor was pref
tily furnished Good housekeeping.