Table mats, wash cloths, and similar articles can be made from
candle-wicking. For lamp mats, cushion covers, and other articles the
material may be dyed and woven in two colors, or in two tones of one
color. A number of squares can be joined to make a hammock pillow. By
stringing a close warp with white or colored wicking and weaving over
and under one string with the same material, a coarse canvas can be
made, upon which the children can cross-stitch a pretty border and
center piece, or an all-over pattern by copying the kindergarten
designs, or even initials and monograms. Most of the canvas sold at the
stores, even the old Java canvas of our childhood days, is too fine for
little children to work upon. In canvas made of candle-wicking by the
child himself, the squares are large, and to this there is the added
pleasure of the child being able to say when the work is finished, "I
did it all myself."

[Sidenote: _Rope silk, or ropetine_]

Beautiful silk canvas can be made of rope silk and cross-stitched with
another color or tone, or with chenille, making a velvet figure. This
material is, of course, more expensive. Two colors or two tones may be
woven with chenille and silk in a kindergarten design. Beautiful holiday
and birthday gifts can be made from these materials, such as mats,
cushion covers, and sachet cases. Glove, mouchoir, necktie, fan, and
trinket boxes can be made by weaving the top, bottom, and sides in
panels. Foundation boxes, which may be purchased for a few cents, are
excellent for this purpose, or they can be made very well at home from
three-ply cardboard. Make the hinges of ribbon and line the boxes with
silk of a corresponding or contrasting color.

[Sidenote: _Carpet ravelings_]

Carpet ravelings may be obtained from the carpet stores, or pieces of
carpet can be raveled by the children. Let them have the pleasure and
benefit which come from sorting the ravelings. It is an excellent lesson
in color, besides developing the patience, concentration,
discrimination, and judgment so much to be desired in other work. After
the wool is sorted--not before, because it is not all fast color--dip in
water, wring, and let the children straighten it gently, one piece at a
time. This will make it as smooth and soft as new wool. Procure some
small boxes--shoe boxes are a good size--place one color in a box with a
sample fastened outside at one end, and pile them upon a low shelf or
window sill. Train the ch