[Illustration: Fig. 83.--Slip on a small brass curtain ring.]
Begin the next row by slipping a ring on the first and second strands, placing it the same distance below the first row of rings that the first row of rings is below the line of nails (Letter C, Fig. 83). Bring the third and fourth strands together with a ring, the fifth and sixth, continuing the original pairing of the strands until the row is complete. The third row of rings brings together again the second and fourth strands, the third and sixth, as in the first row, and the fourth row of rings goes back to pairing the first and second, third and fourth strands.
Below the last row of rings wrap and tie the strands together, then untwist the ends of the rope up to where it is tied and fray it out until it becomes fluffy. Make the head of the tassel by wrapping closely with twine a short distance below the ring, or you may slip on several of the brass rings as a finish.
The board on which you make your netting need not be any longer than is convenient to handle, for when one part of the netting is finished it can be taken off the nails and new strands added to carry on the work.
Fig. 84 is an ornamental design suitable for decorating a wooden chest or, if sewed on cloth, for a hanging. By studying the design you can easily reproduce it without the aid of description or other diagram.
[Illustration: Fig. 84.--Ornamental design.]
YOUR enthusiasm will begin when you find how easily the splint can be cut and shaped after it has soaked for a while in water. It is delightful to work with, almost as soft and pliable as ribbon, while having more substance. Although there is apparently such diversity in the material shown in the illustration, it all comes from one roll of splint, which is uniform in width and thickness.
[Illustration: Weaving the sides of basket with long weaver.]
A basket measuring about six inches in diameter and three inches in height is a convenient size on which to learn.
put two pieces to soak in a bowlful of cold water, and let them remain twenty minutes. Have ready a clean lap-board, a pair of large scissors, and an old towel. The lap-board not only serves for a work-table, but also keeps the water out of your lap.