IlERAMIC STUDIO 
45 
reached the left corner is touching it. Draw Hghtly straight 
back on that corner and repeat the motion from that corner, 
onl3^ reversing it, so that the right corner is touching at the 
end. Alternate in this way until sufficiently sharpened on 
the outside, being sure to hold the tool at the proper angle. 
The chief point is to grind all parts equally, making a smooth, 
even cutting bevel. The inside is sharpened by holding the 
tool with the forefinger and thumb of the left hand just as near 
the corners of the cutting edge as possible. This protects the 
fingers of the right hand holding the slip, which is rubbed on 
the inside up and down, at the same time rolling the tool from 
side to side. All these movements should be practised verv 
slowly until mastered. 
The hardest and most important part in sharpening the 
V tool is to get it evenly sharp to the very bottom of the V. 
The two outside edges are sharpened separately like flat tools. 
All are finished with the Arkansas stone. 
The object in sharpening the tools about a third as much 
on the inside, is to give a slight lever movement and adapt 
them more easily to the varying planes of the carving. 
be high enough to be able to stand when working but it is 
desirable to have a stool also. It is important to have the work 
at the right height and to be comfortable. It is impossible 
to do free, vigorous work in a cramped position. The propor- 
tions given in the illustration are for a bench of average size. 
If it is not possible to have a bench, a strong kitchen 
table will do if the legs are screwed to the floor with metal 
knees." For light work a device like illus. 9 can be clamped 
on any table; or even a plain board, and the work fastened to 
it with blocks and screws as in illus. 8. Light work may even 
be glued on the board, or bench, with a sheet of thin paper 
between. It is easily pried apart with a chisel afterwards. 
Holes maj^ be bored in the bench, or board, and pegs inserted 
to hold the work, using wooden wedges for tightening, if neces- 
sary. 
When the tools are sharpened they must be handled 
with care and not allowed to come in contact with each other 
or other metal, as nothing will dull them more quickl3^ When 
not in use they should be kept in a rack or case of canton 
flannel or leather, like illus. 5 and 6. 
A regular carving bench is, of couurse, best for working 
on. Illus. 7 shows a strong, serviceable one, easily made by 
anyone with some knowledge of carpenter's tools. It shotdd 
A steady bench, or table; the worl; securely fastened, 
and sharp tools, are the three points of idtal importance in 
doing good carving. 
The Guild of Arts and Crafts of New York held their 
annual exhibition at the Guild House, 109 East 23rd Street, 
from April 3rd to April 8th inclusive. 
The work of the exhibitors was better arranged than in 
previous years, excepting the jewelrj^ which suffered for lack 
of space. The different crafts were well represented by many 
well known works. Noticeably attractive were the braided 
palm baskets from the Spring Farm Industries, Mass., and the 
hanging mirrors made by Daniel Murphy. Mrs. M. Talbot 
White exhibited some pottery and a small raffia basket, won- 
derful in color and technique. Miss Francis had some of her 
well known baskets and some Russian homespun pillow cases. 
Mrs. C. Busck a very nice chair, both back and seat were made 
of tooled leather. Dr. Busck and Mr. Rodgers and some 
workers from Hull House exhibited some good metal work; Mr. 
