The Supplement

The Supplement illustrates a very pretty frame

The supplement this month illustrates a very pretty frame which could be made in various ways. The combination suggested is one of fretwork, applied Tarsia and embossed metal.

A board is cut to the required size. This board acts as the backing for the entire frame. To fit over it, a trellis work of oak, cut with a fret-saw, is made. This may be in four pieces, which when they have been mitred will be put in position and fastened with one or two small brads. This gives an opportunity to mark out through the trellis work the squares on the board, which it is intended to decorate. A pencil is drawn round each of the squares, close to the wood. The fretwork is then taken off and laid aside.

Veneers of the proper colours are next cut cut carefully, according to the pattern. Ordinary scissors will do for this purpose. In the centre of the alternate squares, a little space is inclosed, to be matted or frosted with a woodcarving tool. When the veneers are stuck in position—seccotine will do excellently for this —and the oak trellis is replaced— the outer part of the frame is complete.

Next we take a square of metal, pewter, zinc or aluminium which fits the centre space or rather exceeds it a little. Pewter will be found an excellent material to work, and zinc has many good points. Aluminium, though really no more expensive, is apt to crack on the surface when worked. The design is transferred on to the sheet of metal and with the pearl punch for the berries, the raising tool for the leaves, and a No. 13 raiser the embossing is carried out. For full particulars of this work, however, readers must be referred to the lessons in Metalwork which are now appearing month by month. The centre is now cut from the metal, a narrow margin being left all round it.

Four pieces of moulding with one edge rabbeted are now all that is required to complete the frame with the exception of a mirror with bevelled edges. First the metal is put down in its proper place, then the borders are laid over the edges of it and put into position. Next the mirror is placed in the centre and finally the pieces of moulding are placed between the mirror which they hold, and the metal the edges of which they overlap.