276 ARTISTIC P1THWORK. 



be placed on the plate and gradually moulded with 

 the fingers until it grows like the pattern drawing, 

 the base, stem, and upper part, each to be of pro- 

 portionate size. 



It is best to form the whole thing somewhat 

 roughly at first, taking pieces of clay off here and 

 adding there, until we are satisfied that the propor- 

 tion of each part is correct, and then the shaping 

 can be more carefully .done until a plain cross, 

 smooth on all sides and perfectly upright, is the 

 result. The model must be set aside to become 

 quite dry, which will take a week or two, or perhaps 

 less if it is kept in a warm room. 



Some strong white flour paste or the Phaste- 

 bynde paste and a small stiff brush will be needed, 

 also a small pointed piece of wood to assist one's 

 fingers in placing the pith upon the model will be 

 required for the next stage of the work. 



Dipping the brush in the paste, place some along 

 the edges of the upper part of the cross, and then, 

 selecting one of the largest pieces of pith, place it 

 firmly on the edge of the upper part of the cross, 

 pressing it gently to make it adhere, which it 

 readily will if the paste is properly adhesive ; in 



