Nature in Handcraft 



39 



Three-ply wood of any kind probably makes the best covers since it will 

 not warp. And it is easy to cut through one ply for the construction and 

 decorating purposes. Bass wood may also be used if it is to be decorated with 

 a chip carved design or carved with a chisel. 



Small Notebook 



Since this book is to be small enough to fit into a pocket, 3" x 4" is a 

 convenient size. The cover should be made of wood or a material that will 

 not bend, such as cardboard or cork, in order to make it firm enough to 

 carry loose leaves. 



An attractive cover may also be made by staining it with a walnut or 

 mahogany stain and applique a design cut from scrap leather. Since leather 

 comes in all colors it is possible to cut out a flower, leaf, fruit, or other 

 nature motifs. 



Construction 



On the left side of the top cover draw a line a little over J4" wide from 

 the edge and cut along with a knife. If the cover is made of three-ply 

 wood, chip of! one ply along the narrow strip to make a depression for the 

 back of the cover. If bass wood is used, cut away about 1/16 of an inch. 

 Take the back cover, draw a line down the right hand side of it and again 

 cut away the narrow strip. You will then be ready to fasten the cover to- 

 gether. 



Cut a piece of leather the length of the book and twice the width of 

 one of the narrow strips you have chipped ofT, plus about J4 of an inch to 

 allow for the leaves. Nail it on to the two covers with small tacks or up- 

 holstery nails. 



Since the book is to be carried in the field for observation notes, the filler 

 can be made of loose leaves that may be filed away or destroyed after the 

 information has been recorded in the permanent notebook. The pages are 

 held in place by tying a leather thong or a piece of tape around the back 

 and inserting the pages under it. Each page should be labeled one for 

 birds, one for trees, flowers, etc., as shown in diagram B. 



