Problem XII
Problem XII
A PORTFOLIO
Time: 6 hours.Materials: Newsboard, vellum, cover paper, lining paper, tape.
(A). This portfolio consists of two foundation pieces of newsboard, covered and lined with paper and joined by a back of vellum. Let the size and shape of these covers be determined by the use to which they are to be put. They may be for drawings, maps, compositions, etc. The size of the newsboard will practically be the size of the finished portfolio, and should be somewhat larger than the papers it is to hold.
Plan the back, which consists of two pieces of vellum, wide enough to allow for the space desired between the covers, and also to lap onto each cover at least one inch. One piece of vellum should be long enough to lap over the ends of the newsboard about ½ an inch, and the other piece should be about ⅛ of an inch shorter than the newsboard.
Plan the cover paper to be large enough to allow for ½ inch lap to fold over the three free edges, but remember to allow a margin of vellum to show at the other edge. Plan the lining paper to be small enough to allow the foundation to extend beyond it at least ⅛ of an inch on all sides.
Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces and lay out and cut all parts. (See Plate XXXIX.) Place the newsboard foundations on the short piece of vellum the proper distance apart, with equal amounts of vellum extending under each. The newsboard, of course, will extend at each end a trifle beyond the vellum. When the proper position is determined, draw pencil lines lengthwise of the vellum indicatingthe edge of each cover. Put paste on the vellum and rub down well onto the newsboard forming the inside of the hinge. To make sure that the upper and lower edges of the covers are in a continuous straight line, place a rule or straight edge against one cover, extending across and beyond the vellum; place the second cover against the rule and the edges will be in a straight line. (See Plate XL.) Paste the second piece of vellum onto the outside and turn the projecting ends over the newsboard, pasting them down.
Plate XXXIX.Dimensioned sketchesof the parts of a portfolio.
Plate XXXIX.Dimensioned sketchesof the parts of a portfolio.
Properly place one foundation piece on the cover paper, allowing the vellum to show where it laps onto the newsboard, and draw around it. The amount of vellum which is to show is a problem in space division. Just how much will look well on the particular cover under consideration should be carefully thought out.
Apply paste to the cover paper, noting that it requires more skill to spread paste uniformly on a heavy paper than on vellum or lining paper. Place one piece of newsboard on the paper as previously marked, turn them over and rub down. A piece of cloth held in the hand and used for rubbing the surface prevents finger marks; or the rubbing may be done on a piece of paper laid over the surface. The cover paper should cling firmly to the foundation at every point and this should be assured before proceeding. Apply paste to the projecting laps, fold them over and rub down. Treat the other half in the same manner.
Plate XL.Pasting the newsboardto the vellum back.
Plate XL.Pasting the newsboardto the vellum back.
It is desirable to tie the portfolio together on one side at least. For this purpose secure tape of harmonizing color and ⅜ or ½ inch in width. About ½ an inch from and parallel to the front edges cut a slit through both paper and newsboard of the same length as the width of the tape. (This needs to be done with a knife or, better yet, with a chisel.) Insert a piece of tape from 6 to 9 inches long in each slit and securely paste at least 1 inch to the inside of the newsboard, allowing the greater length to project from the outside. Paste the lining paper on the inside of each half and this willcover the pasted end of the tape. The portfolio is then complete.
(B). By a different arrangement of tape the same kind of portfolio may be used as a magazine holder or cover for a paper book or pamphlet. Plan the newsboard foundations to project ⅛ of an inch beyond the book on three sides. The space between the two pieces of newsboard should be at least an inch greater than the thickness of the book so that the covers will lie flat when the book is inside. It will be seen that with so wide a space the inner edge of the newsboard will not extend as far back as the back of the book, and in planning the newsboard it should actually be narrower than the book. Make dimensioned sketches of all pieces and lay out and cut all parts.
Plate XLI.A magazine in a stiff cover.
Plate XLI.A magazine in a stiff cover.
Construct the covers as for the portfolio, but insert the tape as follows: About ¾ of an inch from both upper and lower edges of the back cover, and just where the cover paper laps onto the vellum, make slits of the same width as the tape and parallel to the edges. Push one end of the tape through from the outside and paste, with the end turned toward the edge. Carry the tape over the adjacent edgealong inside of the cover and over the opposite edge where it should be inserted in the second slit and pasted on the inside as at the other end. A little slackness of tape is not objectionable. The lining paper may come to the edge of the tape, or, with more difficulty, be slipped under it.
Plate XLII.Simple borders suitable for use on a portfolio.
Plate XLII.Simple borders suitable for use on a portfolio.
When one cover of the book has been placed under the tape, it should hold it securely. (See Plate XLI.)
If desired, there is here an excellent opportunity for the application of a cover design. This may consist of simple straight line borders in lower grades, or of more elaborate designs in upper grades. (See Plate XLII.) Lettering also may be used either singly or combined with decorative figures. The design should be carefully planned before any attempt is made to place it upon the finished cover. Erasures are always noticeable and should be avoided. It isrecommended that straight lines should be drawn with a rule, and the distance of the border from the edge measured either with a rule or a piece of paper. The decoration may be applied with ink, crayons, or water color. Common ink diluted gives the effect of a darker tone of the color of the paper and as it is easily obtained it is on the whole a satisfactory medium. (See Plate XLIII.)
Plate XLIII.Some cover designs made by students at the Sloyd TrainingSchool, Boston, Mass.
Plate XLIII.Some cover designs made by students at the Sloyd TrainingSchool, Boston, Mass.