Vol. XVII, No. 8. 
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK 
December 1915 
RECENT addition to the goodly 
collection of literature on the sub- 
ject of china painting is The China 
Painter's A. B. C, a Primer for 
Beginners by Mrs. C. C. Filkins of 
Buffalo, profusely illustrated with 
small flowers in color and many 
illustrations in black and white. 
The various steps in the art of china 
painting are described in detail. 
The book is inexpensive and should be of considerable value 
to the beginner. 
* * * 
It has been some time since we have received letters of 
advice or suggestion from our subscribers. Can it be that we 
have attained such a height of perfection that there remains 
no criticism to make. That can hardly be the case though 
we strive continually toward that ideal. Perhaps we have 
all been too busy. But the Editor would appreciate any ideas 
or suggestions for improving Keramic Studio and making it 
more helpful and especially would she welcome a letter from 
some of our clever letter writers that would give her the start- 
ing point for an editorial. Tell us what you like and what you 
do not like about Keramic Studio. It will be mutually helpful. 
* * * 
We would like material for a "Beginner's corner" in Ker- 
amic Studio, little helpful articles or suggestions from those 
who have had some experience in teaching. We would be 
glad to pay for such articles and hope to start the department 
in the January issue. To collect enough material to make 
a good start, we will offer the following prizes for articles sent 
in by December 6th: 
First prize — Year's subscription to Keramic Studio or 
$4.00 in color studies. 
Second prize — Nine months subscription to Keramic 
Studio or $3.00 in color studies. 
Third prize — six months subscription to Keramic Studio 
or $2.00 in color studies. 
All articles to be not over 600 words or under 200. Shorter 
notes paid for in cash if accepted. 
* * * 
Designs for little things to make are much needed both 
in conventional and naturalistic decoration, also sheets of 
small motifs with sections of application. We have an over 
supply of plate designs and arrangements for larger pieces, 
also of studies of flowers, so do not wish contributions of that 
nature at present. 
* * * 
We must apologize to many of the Ceramic Clubs for 
keeping their illustrations of exhibits so long before publish- 
ing in Keramic Studio. But the truth of the matter is that 
we just cannot get them in any quicker. There is so much 
material waiting to be used. But it really does not make a 
great deal of difference as the illustrations are always interest- 
ing whether delayed in showing or not. 
* * * 
A suggestion has been made for a dinner set that appeals 
to us as quite unique and attractive. It is called a Musical 
Set, the decoration to consist of a band of gold on the edge 
and below in gold the bars of the base and treble clefs with 
the notes of the first line or more of the good old songs such 
as "Drink to me only with thine eyes," "Should auld acquain- 
tance be forgot," etc. If desired the words also could be used 
as a border of heavy lettering below or above the bars, or of 
small lettering between the clefs. Another suggestion was 
a literary set using familiar quotations or proverbs making- 
fancy lettering that would make a solid border of the desired 
depth separating the words by a decorative unit such as a book, 
ink bottle, hand with pen, etc., or some object connected with 
the quotation, the same unit being used in every case on 
one object. In the same way a Fish or Game set could be 
made by using quotations referring to the fish, sea-river or 
lake, or to the various birds, sky, field and woods, and separ- 
ating words with fish or bird units in gold. Enamel could be 
introduced into the notes, units, etc., if desired, but it seems 
as if the scheme of white and gold would be best. Other sets 
could be worked out in the same manner. 
* * * 
The Editor is still making collections of stamps for her 
son and renews the offer of last year to exchange Robineau 
Porcelains or Keramic Studio publications, if preferred, for 
stamp collections. No common one and two cent stamps 
accepted but anything else in good condition. Catalogue 
price allowed — would like them before Christmas. 
■f •? 
NEWARK KERAMIC CLUB 
Jetta Ehlers 
For the benefit of other clubs who might be interested 
in the planning of study courses, a brief outline of that fol- 
lowed by our Newark Keramic Club last season is given. The 
subject for the course was "color." Mrs. L. Vance Phillips 
who has been making a special study of this branch of art 
work was the lecturer and critic for the season and under her 
skillful guidance the course was planned and carried through. 
The first problem was: "Geometrical design for six-inch 
tile, to be carried out in three values of one hue with a touch 
of complimentary" The making of a color chart using Prof. 
Muensel's plan of five colors followed this and made us ac- 
quainted with a new color theory. The next problem was a 
design for a tea caddy, the color scheme to be an analogous 
one using three values. The making of a more complicated 
color chart followed and proved most important. Another 
interesting problem was the designing of a small covered box, 
using a trial color scheme. A cracker jar design to be expressed 
in three hues, three values, three chromas and three areas was 
still another problem of much interest. More color chart 
work followed and so on through many interesting experiments 
and stunts. We cannot speak too highly of the value of con- 
centrated effort for the entire season on one subject as the 
plan has proved so successful in our own society. We realize 
that the study course is the time which keeps the club alive. 
It develops and advances the weaker worker and it keeps 
the stronger and more advanced one from getting in a rut. 
Various workers have come to us each with some fresh message 
and with a consequent broadening of viewpoint, for us. We 
sometimes wish that other clubs would give of their experience 
to our mutual profit. 
