appropriate nor pleasant. We therefore think a few hints on the making of floral designs from 
fresh flowers will not be unacceptable. 
The engravings show three of the most common designs, wreath, crown and cross ; next to 
these, the anchor is most frequently used. The outline engravings show the forms made of wire, 
and the lower engravings the designs finished. These wire forms can be obtained at very little 
cost, of nearly all florists and wire-workers ; a full set costs but, very little, and can be 
used scores of times. These wire frames are filled with damp moss, well packed in, and 
secured at certain points with light twine or thread, if necessary, to keep the moss in 
place. Obtain a package of the common wooden tooth-picks, sharpened at both ends, 
and divide them in the middle ; cut the stems of the flowers short and fasten them to these 
picks with a fine wire or thread, as shown in the engraving. Of course, these little 
wooden spikes can be easily made, but they cost comparatively nothing. Insert these 
picks in the moss, which will keep the flower in just the position desired. Foliage 
may be treated in the same manner. A little taste, experience and patience will soon 
enable any one to make these designs in a rapid and artistic manner; It is well to get a few of 
the most common designs and keep on hand, so as to be in readiness for any occasion. 
FOR THE CHURCH. 
All church decoration should be neat and simple. It is better to have too little than too much. 
The church should not be made to resemble a vast conservatory nor an evergreen bower, but 
should appear like a church tastefully decorated in honor of Him whose temple it is. The 
wreaths should not be large and heavy, as this gives a gloomy appearance, but light and airy, 
and a few flowers or bright berries have an enlivening effect, especially if the evergreens are 
dark, as our arborvitaes and hemlocks are in winter. 
Most ladies, we presume, understand the making of wreaths. Procure strong cord, and 
fasten both ends to some stationary objects. Then, having the evergreens cut into small 
branches, fasten them to the main cord by winding with a smaller twine, working in the flowers 
at the same time. Crosses, and other designs can be made of straw-board and covered as 
previously described ; or if any object very large is required, the design can be cut from boards. 
Letters covered with rice are very pretty among dark evergreens. 
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