.INDUSTRIAL ART 



2982 



INDUSTRIAL ART 



Problem 5; A Butterfly Flower Stick. We 

 find the principle of balance illustrated in 

 many forms of nature. The human figure 

 itself is an example of symmetry. We have 

 two, eyes, two ears, two legs and two arms, 

 balanced upon a central axis. Birds in flight 

 are beautiful examples of perfect balance, for 

 without wings that are stretched on each side 

 of an axis, flight would be impossible. A but- 

 terfly suggests an exercise that well illustrates 

 symmetrical balance, and which will result in 

 an attractive decoration, to be used in con- 

 nection with a bowl of cut flowers. A 

 strawberry box is the basis of this bit of con- 

 struction. On a 2"x3" piece of paper, draw 

 the shape of a butterfly's wing. Cut out this 

 shape (Fig. 36). From a berry box remove 

 the strip that holds the top edges in place, 

 and cut away one of the sections of thin wood 

 from the side of the box. Rule a vertical 

 line down the middle of this section. On each 

 side of this line place the shape of the wing, 

 using as a pattern the shape cut from paper 

 (Fig. 37). With a pair of heavy shears cut 

 out these wooden shapes separately. From a 

 small pine stick about %" thick and 1%" long, 

 whittle a shape that resembles the body of 

 a butterfly (Fig. 38). Cut slits on each side 

 of the back of this body for the insertion of 

 wings, which also must be glued in place 

 (Fig. 39). Short lengths of fine wire, curled 



The butterfly may be painted either with oil 

 enamel paints or with opaque water colors. 

 Show card colors are excellent for such work, 

 but they are water colors, and if they are used, 



Fig.38 



Slits for insertion 

 of wi n 



ig.39 



at one end and stuck in the head, will suggest 

 antennae, or feelers. Another longer length of 

 wire is to be stuck through -the body of the 

 butterfly, as shown in Fig. 40. The other end 

 of this wire is then fastened to a twig, or small 

 stick (Fig. 40). Note the twist in the wire 

 un<l<>r the body that holds the butterfly in 

 position. 



the butterfly must 

 receive a coat of 

 varnish to protect 

 the colors from in- 

 jury by water. The 

 butterfly shown in 

 Fig. 41 may be painted a dark, intense blue, 

 with white and black markings. It may be 

 used in a bowl of nasturtiums, its color forming 

 a complementary harmony with the orange 

 tones of the flowers (see color plate, in article 

 COLOR) . 



Many beautiful color schemes may be ar- 

 ranged by combining these painted butterflies 

 with the right selection of flowers. A yellow 

 and black butterfly will look well with a bowl 

 of pansies; a black and dark-green butterfly, 

 with scarlet geraniums. The fine wire which 

 attaches the butterfly to the stick causes the 

 beautiful shape to vibrate, and apparently to 

 hover over the flowers in a surprisingly life- 

 like way. 



Problem 6; A Painted Match Box. If you 

 are handy with tools, you can make many 

 useful objects of wood and decorate them in 

 obedience to the principles of design and .color. 

 Oil paints are best for wooden objects. You 

 will need a cheap white paint for underlay, 

 or filler, and enameled paints in white and 

 colors for the finishing coats and the decora- 

 tions. The color chart with the article COLOR 

 will help you select beautiful color schemes 

 for these articles. 



To make the match box, you will need four 

 pieces of W white wood, cut in- the dimen- 



