Problem X
Problem X
POSTCARD HOLDER
Time: 8 hours.Materials: Newsboard, vellum, and lining paper.
Before beginning this holder, it may be well to have collections made of cards relating to a definite subject. Interest in the study of various industries, history, and geography is greatly increased by the use of pictures, and in many places sets of cards prepared for such a purpose may be purchased.
Plate XXXIV.The postcard holder partly open.
Plate XXXIV.The postcard holder partly open.
This holder consists of an outside case into which the inner holder slips. (See Plate XXXIV.) The size of the faces may be determined by individual pupils, but, if the blocks to be described later are used, it will be quite essential to have a uniform size so that the blocks may be used interchangeably among the pupils. For this reason, it is recommended that the broad faces of the outside be about oneinch larger in each direction than a postcard, and the narrow faces 1¼” wide.
Plan the foundation of a single piece of newsboard, as wide as the outside length of the holder, scored to divide it into the four faces above referred to, and a fifth division the exact size of one narrow face. Arrange these faces to be joined at their long edges with a narrow face on each end of the strip of newsboard so that when folded together one narrow face will be double, which gives greater stability to the shape of the holder. Plan a strip of vellum 2 inches wider than the length of the case, and long enough to extend around it, allowing for a lap at one corner. It will be found in putting on this vellum that it will require a piece longer than the sum of the width of the faces as, however closely it may be put on, it “takes up” at the corners. Therefore be generous with the lap as a little extra length does no harm.
For the inner holder plan a strip of newsboard ⅛” narrower than the case, scored to divide it into five parts. Two parts are to be of the same length as the case, alternating with two narrow faces ⅛” less than thickness of the case (that they may fit inside) and the fifth piece about one-half the length of the long faces.
Plan two strips of vellum to cover the narrow faces, and lap onto the adjoining faces about 1”. Allow ½” at each end to turn over the edges. For each of the three broad faces, plan a covering of lining paper which shall allow an edge of vellum to show at the joints, and shall lap over the other edges of the newsboard. Notice that these three pieces are of three different sizes.
Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces (See Plate XXXV) and lay out and cut all parts. Along the folding lines of both newsboard foundations, score and fold as explained in connection with the box.
Plate XXXV.Dimensioned sketches ofthe parts of the postcard holder.
Plate XXXV.Dimensioned sketches ofthe parts of the postcard holder.
When pasting the vellum onto the outside case, it will be found of great advantage to have blocks of wood to workaround. If there is a woodworking room in connection with the school, these blocks may well be made there. They should be at least the full length of the case and may project beyond the ends. Their thickness should be the width of thenarrow faces, and their width may be the same as that of the broad faces, or narrower. If narrower, the blocks may be slipped along as the vellum is being rubbed down.
The strip of vellum for covering the outside is so large that it is difficult for a child to cover it with paste, before a part of it has dried. It is better, therefore, to paste a little more than enough for one face at a time, rub this down, apply paste again, and so on to the end. By putting the paste a little beyond were it is needed there is a certainty of leaving no dry areas at the corners.
Plate XXXVI.An illustration of the method of covering the outside of the case when a block of wood is used.
Plate XXXVI.An illustration of the method of covering the outside of the case when a block of wood is used.
If blocks are to be used, paste together the two end divisions of the newsboard, put the block inside, and paste on the strip of vellum. Place one end of the vellum flush with one edge of the case, and cover one broad face first. (See Plate XXXVI.) Before rubbing down the vellum on the next face, be sure that it is pulled as closely as possible over the edge, leaving no wrinkles or loose places. When all the faces have been covered, there should remain a margin of vellum to lap onto the face first covered. If this is pasted down very closely, it will be almost invisible.
If no blocks are available, three faces should be covered before joining the two end pieces of newsboard, which should then be covered as one piece. Lay each face as it is being pasted so that one edge is at the edge of the desk or table, and allow the rest of the case to hang over the side. (See Plate XXXVII.) In this way the faces may be easily covered. Next make a longitudinal cut on the projecting vellum as far as the newsboard at each corner of the case. The resulting laps may then be easily pasted down onto the inside of the case.
Plate XXXVII.An illustration of the method of covering the outside of the case when no block of wood is available.
Plate XXXVII.An illustration of the method of covering the outside of the case when no block of wood is available.
Over the narrow faces of the inner holder paste the strips of vellum, cut for this purpose. Paste and fold their ends over the edges of the newsboard. These ends fit a little better if two slits are made in each at the fold of the newsboard. Cover the broad faces with the lining paper, turningand pasting the laps over the edges closely. The corners should be cut as in the flat objects described in previous articles. This inner part should not be pressed as a flat piece as this would cause the paper to crack open when folded for use.
If desired, the inside may be lined with white paper, in which case the pieces should be put in separately instead of in one long strip. This is difficult for any but most skillful workers.
B. A holder of similar construction, but of convenient size to hold note or letter paper makes an excellent filing case.