Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-18
IDEAS FOR XMAS GIFTS
Clever Suggestions for Things Out of the
Common.
"New'' Old Brass Articles Hints in
Making Mats and Bags-The
Burnt Wood.

DO give me some ideas about what to
give for Christmas presents. I seem to have
exhausted my own stock entirely, and my
list is only two-thirds filled" Such is the
plant that came to me yesterday, and as
we'll as can I will re-enthuse the asker.
for of making Christmas gifts. there is no
end. now that outside friends and mere ac-
quaintances are included among those to
be remembered, with only trife, perhaps,
but that requires thought, selection and
final decision. Often, indeed, the lesser
things require most thought for something
suitable, with either sentiment or humor
about it to show the giver's interest, is not
always to be had, and superficial shopper
may weary himself with little accomplished
after ALL At random then, l will speak of
various things that have caught my atten-
ton of late and leave the choice to each
readers taste, with all the beautiful,
dainty, costly or inexpensive books that
1cod the market and always make welcome
gifts, something to hold a few select ones
is also welcome, and quite varied are the
book racks that can now be bought. A few
years ago there was almost a dearth of
ANYTHING pretty of this kind to be found,
but now probable demand has brought
forth the inevitable supply.
WOed is the Latest.
The newest thing, perhaps, is of wood
with burnt design, with without color;
at one place they can be ordered in the
brown tones only, with any authors head
one may choose burnt on each end, SCROLL
like border surrounding it and decorating
the sides
When set of books is given they may
be placed on one of them if not too many
in number. and the idea is quite pleasing
Other holders for books are made by COW
erinS the forms which are of heavy tin or
something of the kind, and which may be
gotten at any stationers. Some charming
effects are found in this way. Handsome
brocades. edged with narrow metal gimp,
are the handsomest coverings made but
figured silk, cretonne or colored linen en-
brotdered are all pretty if used in suitable
surroundings. 1 have seen one pair quite
heavily embroidered on red silk of firm
texture with gold thread sparsely intro
duced, and the result was excellent. The
pattern is easily secured by marking the
shape on paper from the forms themselves
turning in the edges and usually overland
ing them.
, In the Useful Denim.
Still another pretty rack is a modern
frame, like the ones which slide to hold
more or fewer books. and this is covered
with green denim. On each end is design
worked in heavy white silk outlined with
gold thread, and the edges are finished in
brass lacks with antique finish.
By the way, l have been told that bright
brass may be dulled TO the desirable "an-
tque' shade by soaking it in salt wa
Ter snort time, an accidental discovery
that has been quite useful betimes. The
burnt wood work is likely to be overdone
judging by the quantity on the market, but
like everything there is great choice in
the articles one sees in such numbers. All
kinds of small things are attractive in
shape, but often the colOrs put on are too
strong. and glaring effects are the result.
The best | have seen is with dull rich tones
that harmonic well with the browns of
the scOrched wood, or without any added
color. A brown stain is used that enriches
the burnt decorlt inn