The Washington herald., 1912-01-31

KEPT VERY SIMPLE
Stenciling Is Satisfactory Means Of
Decorating.

The environment OF a young child has
much TO do with the forming Of its ideas
and appreciation. OF the beautiful 1t
therefore behooves every mother TO see
to it that the nursery Is artistic and
simple. The decoration should be under
stood by the child, rejecting the every
day interests Of his young hfe-all the
story-book friends are welcome guests
In the nursery, and tits an endless de-
light 70 a small girl or boy II some of
these figures appear in the decoration OF
the room. s
Stenciling is one Of the simplest and
most satisfactory means OF decorating
the nursery, and we are giving on the
page a goose girl stencil TO be used on
various accessories in the nursery. The
goose girl in her big hat with a flock of
geese may form a border on the door
hangings. window curtains, table cover,
or on the bedspread. The materials for
any Of these articles should. OF course,
be washable. Unbleached cotton cloth is
an excellent fabric for stenciling and is
inexpensive, Or IL one prefers, linen in
soft ecru color may be used.
Process Not DImcuIt.
The process of stenciling is not dIficult,
and good results are certain II care is
taken and the directions carefully fol-
lowed.
The first step is to prepare tho stencil,
which is made on a special stendll paper
which may be purchased at any artists
material shop. Place a piece OF carbon
paper with the black side next the stem
ell paper, and over this lay the design
cut from the page and fasten It In each
corner with thumb tacks.
Go over the different parts OF the de-
sign with a stiletto or hard, sharp pencil,
then remove the paper and carbon and
cut out of the stencil all spots that are
blackened in the design.
To cut the stencil lay II on n piece Of
glass or marble and use a sharp PEN
knife or a stencil knife. and be careful
TO cut the edges smooth.
In stenciling materials that are to be
laundered the color holds better IL the
fabric is first soaked for several hours
in a strong solution OF salt and water,
and when nearly dry iron II, and be sure
1t Is absolutely dry before applying the
color.
The stenciling Is done on a fat board
with one or two sheets Of blotting paper
under the fabric, which should be
smoothed out carefully and fastened with
thumb tacks. Then place the stencil the
desired width from the edge Of the fabric |
end pin il firmly in place, having the
pins standing upright and driven in with
a tiny tack hammer or with the finger;
Be sure to use enough pins. especially |
on the thin connecting strips.
Dye Found satIsfactory.
AS to the color, there are various
things-oil paints. tapestry color. and
dyes being the best. For IaunderabIe ar |
ticles the dye has been found satlsfac- !
tory. The tube dyes are first diluted IN |
hot water strained and cooled and then |
" ia nf |
the color. ....t--
In preparing the dyes have enough I
color mixed to do the whole piece, as It |
Is difficult to obtain the same color again
and II the work cannot be done at ONE
sitting then put the color in a corked
bottle and shake it well before pouring
Il back into the dish for the next using.
There are special round brushes for
stenciling, but any brush having stiff,
short bristles gives quite as good re-
suits. Us separate brush for each
color.
Good results depend upon the care
taken in applying the color. Have as lit
lie paint on the brush as possible and
Ttpe it each time on a piece Of old
white cotton cloth before applying 1t to
he fabric. Hold the brush in a vertical
position. Be careful that the color does
not spread under the edge of the stem
II When the color is dry, remove the
stencil, wipe the under side OF It with a
lean cloth and place it the desired dis
ance from the first motif and proceed
Is before directed.
The color used in the stencil should
with the rest OF the room,
simple color schemes are the best in
border OF this kind-perhaps the goose
sfrl and geese in Delft blue and the
background and finishing stripes In
yreen, or the girl and geese in rose and
he rest in dark brown, or orange and a
'oft brown are pleasing on a tan fabric.