CHAPTER IV.FRAMEWORK.
The beginning of any work is always its most important period. Begin right and you may succeed; begin wrong and you are certain to fail.
When a window display is conceived inthe fertile brain of the artist, his first work is to erect the framework for his creation. He must have something to build upon. Many trimmers—even some experienced ones who ought to know better—go to the wood pile when they wish to erect a framework. I advise every one to carry on hand a stock of standard pieces for frames. Almost any one who can handle a saw can make them himself, but a carpenter may be employed where necessary. Not a great variety of pieces are required, and the number of them depends on how many windows you have to trim. But with a supply of the regulation standard pieces you may construct an endless array of arches, pillars, shelving, centerpieces, pedestals, etc.
The trimmer who is driven to attack the wood pile when he starts to make a display is not only to be pitied, but is badly handicapped in his work. The amount of time consumed in building each special fixture in your window is detrimental to profitable trimming, and annoying to yourself and your employer. A well equipped fixture room is a money maker, as well as a time and labor saver.
The first system of standard pieces I will explain is that adapted and invented by the veteran decorator, Charles W. Morton. It is very simple. In many cases these fixtures for framework may be covered and trimmed in your room, in sections, and afterwards taken to the window, where they are easily put together. This is a wonderful assistance in making a rapid change.
These standard pieces are mostly made of half inch wood, and are covered with black cambric or painted. They are light in weight, strong and durable.
Each piece represents a useful stand in itself, and there is no limit to the variety of designs obtainable. The following is a brief description of the pieces:
Nos. 1, 2 and 3 on the first illustration are pedestals (or boxes). The size of smallest is one foot square (or a cube). The second size is one foot square and two feet high. The largest size is one foot square and three feet high.
No. 4 is a circle, two feet six inches in diameter, and made of 1-inch board.
No. 5 is a half circular stand, three feet high and one foot six inches in diameter, and covered with heavy paper.
No. 6 is what I call a cap. It measures one foot square at small end, three feet square at large end, and one foot six inches deep. It is a good fixture for laces, embroideries or notions.
No. 7 is a 1-inch pine board, one foot wide and eight feet long, or any length suitable for the window to be trimmed.
No. 8 is a round pillar, eight inches in diameter, and three feet six inches high.
No. 9 is a cap, eight inches in diameter at bottom, twelve inches at top, and ten inches high.
No. 10 is three half circles, each made one foot square, and boxed in, the small one measuring three feet six inches in diameter (outside measurement). The second one is five feet six inches in diameter, and the largest half circle seven feet six inches in diameter.
No. 11 is a half circle box, one foot high and two feet in diameter. The pyramid is one foot square at the base, and two feet high.
The second illustration shows a few devices, made of ½-inch wood, and measure about three feet high, and will suggest themselves for showing many lines, such as notions, jewelry, cutlery, hardware, etc.
The other illustrations give you a few examples of the many designs obtainable from this modern combination fixture.
Another set of standard pieces which has been quite largely used and is recommended by many decorators, is illustrated below.
The first illustration shows how to make pillars, stands, etc. They will need little explanation, but I will mention, for example, that A is made from two circular pieces of wood, 1, joined together by strips of wood, or lath. These circular pieces are very useful. The cone, C, is made by connecting the pieces 5 and 3 by strips or lath. D is a standard having 3 for its top. F is a useful stand employing the pieces 1 to 5 connected by short standards.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—FIRST ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—FIRST ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—FIRST ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—SECOND ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—SECOND ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—SECOND ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—THIRD ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—THIRD ILLUSTRATION.
STANDARD PIECES FOR FRAMEWORK—THIRD ILLUSTRATION.
HOW TO MAKE PILLARS, STANDS, SHELVES, ETC.
One thing is important. Do not use nails larger than is necessary to hold the structure together. Many novices spike their pieces together as firmly as if they were to endure to the end of time, and the consequence is that many pieces are broken and destroyed in taking the framework apart. Temporary security is all that is required, and by the exercise of a little care the frames will last for years.
HOW TO USE CIRCLES.
The second illustration shows the use of circles for arches, domes, etc., which may be built into a bewildering variety of effects. The stock pieces required are the full circle, A, the half circle, B, and the quarter circle, C. These should be sawed from 1-inch lumber, in a variety of sizes, and in connection with the uprights, for pillars, will enable you to make any sort of arch or dome you may desire.
HOW TO MAKE STAIRS.
The third illustration depicts the most useful centerpieces and fixtures known in window trimming. The stairs, or shelves, may be taken down and used in a variety of windows, and the same will apply to the other fixtures shown.
FRAMES, BACKGROUNDS AND CENTER-PIECES.
EASTER-EMBLEMS.
All the frames described are best made of pine, as soft wood is easier to tack or pin to. Provided they are perfect in form, they need not be well finished, as they willbe covered with puffings, pleatings and draperies.
These pieces may be added to by the preparation of smaller ones to be used as shown in the fourth and fifth illustrations. These can be used in almost endless variety and occasions will often arise when a corner or section of your window will appear bare, and may be furnished with some small, attractive design made from your stock pieces.
However, the first set of fixtures described is recommended as the most perfect and therefore the best for general use.