The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-03-08
GOLDEN PORTIERs.
Curtains of Net Strung with Pale
Yellow and Deep Orange Tinted
Shells Make Charming Amber
Draperies for BOudOtrs, Moorish
Corners or Window Seats.


The '.Drapery club originated in the
studio of a smart New England girl,
whose artistic designs and very unique
work brought her fame and money. The
handsome winter studio in the big city
was filed with the summers rare col
lection from beaches, marshes and rocky
fern lands. From Maine to Florida she
had gathered shells, MOSES, grasses and
curios.
The club met once a week After stu
do class office and school work was
done in the large dining room of a
friends house; and on the big square
table they laid their plans, drawings and
latest designs. A speciality was hang
ings for the new and pretty boudoirs;
or the Moorish corners, the lovely win
dow seats and corners curtained away
from drawing rooms and libraries,
Designs of old French work, as seen
in palaces, relics of Louis XIV; Floren-
tine designs or hensington; cloth, silk,
lace and ribbon effects; all manner of
artistic decoration in water color and
oils were used. Many orders were filled
for fashionable homes and Slp-toWn stu
dos; but the very latest and most unique
of all was the golden net portiere." The
first one completed and hung was in the
artists studio. The device was perfect.
Between the sitting and work rooms was
a nIrmy golden and Oriental curtain, so
beautiful and delicate, we stood amazed.
But it proved strong, durable and prac-
teal. The foundation was of fish net,
the finest mesh and the best quality,
upon which was fastened in rows about
six inches apart each way, the golden
shells of our northern shores, Hundreds
and hundreds We're SeWed to the net
with linen thread. the exact color Of
the fisherman'S tWineS.
The shells are small transparent and of
many shades of gold, from pale cream
to deep orange They must be carelessly
s3-Y-1r rod on
or tint like stars in the sky, of all mag
nitudes. A hole is easily made in each
shell for the needle, with small aWl
or heated hat pin, piercing 1t IN the top,
or side. if you choose; but the effect is
graceful and pretty with one stitch only,
near the top of the shell.
The exact measure must be taken for
the portiere allowing six or eight inches
for the hem on the net. and the usual
fall at the top over the rod of gilt. The
portiere is edged with deep fringe by
macreme cord, lightly knotted in a doz,,
en- strands; and on each knot is seWed
a small cluster of shells. Low in the
doorway a large bow of yellow ribbon
fastens the net securely, while II IS
sewed or tied to the pole ait the top with
cord or Irvine.
For a window seat curtain or InaIltel
drapery. the effect is beautiful. 1t is far
better to curtain southern or eastern
windows. and doors with this golden
shell net than to hide its glory IN a
Swallowed corner, for the sunshine across
the transparent bit of color IS wonderful.
Lamp shades can be made OF these same
dainty shells, by sewing them in rows
on black or white lace. At the least jar
in the room they tremble and shake like
golden beads The children sew them on
bands of pale ribbons for necklaces, an 1C
all summer we pick them up on sandy
beaches. pretty as pearls and dainty as
the most exquisite ornaments. The ORA
perry club is now busily at work, dur,
ing the long evenings at home, making
s golden net from the contributions OF
last i' summer. but are not able to fill al
their orders" for '96. o,r,,,