Fretwork, when carried out in good materials from good designs, can be highly artistic, especially when it embraces inlaying and overlaying with metals, xylonite and other hard substances which the fretsaw is able to deal with. To carry it out in a pleasing manner requires a good deal of practice, and much care. The Outfit. … Read more
THE site is the first item for consideration. It should be chosen so that plenty of sunshine and open surroundings are obtainable. Modern conveniences must be available if possible, and shopping, educational, recreation and travelling facilities are also important. The site having been chosen, the plan must be drawn up so that the most is … Read more
WHEN a man wishes advice on a subject of which he knows little, he consults an expert. If lie is ill, he goes to a doctor; if he wishes legal advice, he seeks the opinion of a lawyer; and if he is desirous of purchasing a house, he con-sults an architect. An architect is the … Read more
Tables are always needed. A nest of tables is almost indispensable, and small, low tables with book-shelves below mako a stand for a tea-tray or anything heavy. Of course the modern lounge must have a piano, wireless, and gramophone. Frame-less mirrors are used to give the appearance of space, but pictures on the walls are … Read more
To go into a room and have to force your way because there are several chairs in the vicinity of the door is not pleasant. Keep a clear space by the door for the sake of appearance as well as of comfort. It is just as unpleasant to open a door and walk into the … Read more
Your home is quite a complex assortment of materials and constructional techniques. In general terms a wider range of skills is needed to repair and maintain the house interior than is necessary for work on the exterior. However, there are two big advantages with indoor repairs: they are easy to get at, by and large, … Read more
Paper pattern pieces have several construction marks which are usually indicated by dots for darts, gathering, etc. These marks need to be transferred accurately onto the fabric and in a way that marks both layers of fabric simultaneously. This may be done by making tailor’s tack stitches or by using a tracing wheel and dressmaker’s … Read more
Buy a few, well-made garden tools to start with. Leave the more specialized equipment until necessary. You may then find you can borrow the particular tool, or rent it at an economical rate. When buying tools, make sure they are strong but not too heavy for comfort. Equipment such as large watering cans and wheelbarrows … Read more
Measuring Superficial Areas. Measurements are made across the widest and the narrowest parts of the plot, the two figures are added together and then divided by two. Two similar measurements are made across the greatest and least lengths of the plot and treated in the same manner. The average width and average length obtained by … Read more
Now just a word about trees from the purely aesthetic point of view. I know a suburban district where every house is of red brick, and when I visited the place last it seemed to me that every front garden had (a) one almond tree, (b) one purple-leaved plum, and (c) one laburnum. If there … Read more
In comparison with wood, metal is an expensive and difficult material in which to rectify cutting or machining errors. Therefore you should design any metalwork project very carefully before you begin. Designing requires a logical approach and a lot of practical knowledge relating to the project in mind; so learn to apply your mind to … Read more
Guidelines here are aspects, levels and contours, scale, balance and colour. An understanding of these will promote the final success of the shape of your garden and the right choice of plants and other features used to furnish it. Aspects A south-facing wall or fence is the most felicitous because it is protected from harsh … Read more
Whether you are moving into a new house or wish to alter the existing living area and re-furnish it a -dummy run- on paper will help to establish what is and what is not practicable. The object is to transfer what is in your mind’s eye to paper and subject it to hard dimensional proof. … Read more
Few of us ever get the chance to analyse the orientation of a house before it is built. Usually we have simply to make the best of what’s already there. Architects and builders rarely seem to consider the way the sun moves round a building, how much extra heat could be gained through the windows … Read more