The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-05-22
SAVE YOUR SILVER

All must feel in measure grateful
to the genius who first conceived the
idea OF utilizing the silver ornaments
of worn-out pocketbooks and bags
with which to make picture frames.
Indeed. many of these pieces are
really things of beauty. both ins design
and hand modelling, and have been no
small item in the original cost of the
card case or pocketbook. 1t has always
been felt TO be a pity 10 sell them for
old silver, when so little Is realized,
and a made-over book is expensive
and seldom thoroughly satisfactory,
says the Washington Times. The
shapes and styles OF the leather parts,
as is true OF almost everything, great
ly change and the old bit of silver
somehow doesn't seem 10 fit In well.
Then, after their first usefulness is
over is the time to take them to re-
liable jeweler and have them made in
to a picture frame or mirror.
The imagination can readily follow
the manner in which IL is done. Both of
the silver pieces Vt will be remembered.
are nodded in the shape OF right an
gle. with one side longer than the
other. They form, therefore. when rlac-
ed together. the right angles being di-
agonal in position. rectsngie, Which
is just the shape desired 10 surround a
cabinet photograph. Usually they are
shade of velvet deep crimson or blue.
and have the back so arranged that
they may stand uprightly. Such frames
are never hung. Where the Two pieces
come together little soldering Is skill
fully placed so that the Joining is al
most imperceptible.
The fancy mirrors that are made out
Of NJ 81 no al nyf
ly pretty. For them. however 1t is nee
essary TO have at least four pieces, and
they are prettiest when the corners are
rounded. 1t Ia also desirable for them
TO be OF nearly the same width
throughout and the design promi-
nent one. They are then placed around
mirror on a background OF gay vel
vet and very often arranged to stand
uprightly.
A quainter idea is II one has the
means. to attach to one a handle made
out of one of the old silver knitting
needle cases which were used by our
grandmothers. and which. upon occa-
slons, were so discreetly tucked by
them I'm front of their boGices They
are very long and shap ID like a small
cornucopla extending into "A little curve
at the downward end. Tor the handle
of a mirror of such design as those
made from the referred to pieces OF
silver nothing could be smarter. OF
course. not every family has one of
these needle cases in -eldiness TO put
TO such "A use, but they can sometimes
be found and bought for rather "a small
price at one of the antique shops. al
though they are now becoming scarce.
such mirrors are artistic en1 luxuri-
Gus and appear well wnen lying Upon
drawing room tables. A visitor is sure
TO pick II up and examine II while ar
ranging her veil ana pince-nez to per
fection before she Is greeted by the
hostess. Bag clasps also can be readily
made into mirrors, and. being quite
large. but two OF them are required. In
fact. II is amusing 10 note how many
women are now choosing their pocket
books and similar articles with an
eve to their later usefulness. They also
Do a good deal of Saving up" One
woman buys always the same style OF
pocket book. and so accumulates a
good number OF Identical pieces of sill
yer. She says: Like Gilpin's wife, she
has a frugal mind