AMERICAN MUSEUM GUIDE LEAFLETS 



The principal materials required are bleached beeswax, cotton 

 batting of good quality, annealed and stiff iron wire of various sizes, 

 and a few tools, such as are shown in the cut. Fingers must do the rest; 

 tools will not give mechanical ability any more than brushes and colors 

 will make an artist. For delicate leaves, or the petals of flowers , mous- 

 seline de soie, the mysterious "fabric" of the Mintorns, is needed. This 

 was formerly used in making leaves, but has given way to the more 

 practical and economical method of Akeley. The agate burnisher, a tool 

 used by gilders, is rather a luxury and a home-made tool of brass or iron 

 will serve the purpose. The use of this is to smooth down rough spots, 



TOOLS USED IN MAKING LEAVES AND FLOWERS OF WAX 



or points, and to weld together leaves like those of the pitcher plant that 

 are made in two or more parts. 



Do not be discouraged if your first efforts are not successful, or not 

 as successful as you expected. Printed directions can give you only 

 general principles; something depends on natural aptitude, much on 

 care and patience. Try something easy first. 



WAX LEAVES 



In making artificial foliage the individual leaf is the preparator's 

 first concern. A fresh leaf makes the best model, though one preserved 



