eparation for making them is to prepare
the design. Simple designs work out better than fussy ones and are
more likely to be within the ability of the amateur. Having
determined the size of the tray, draw on paper an oblong to
represent it. Inside this oblong, draw another one to represent
the lines along which the metal is to be bent up to form the
sides. Inside this there should be drawn still another oblong to
represent the margin up to which the background is to be worked.
The trays shown are 5-3/4 by 6-3/4 in., the small ash tray 4 by 4
in., the long pen and pencil tray 4-3/4 by 9-1/2 in. The second
oblong was 3/4 in. inside the first on all, and the third one 1/4
in. inside the second on all.

If the decoration is to have two parts alike--symmetrical--divide
the space with a line down the middle. Draw one-half the design
free hand, then fold along this line and trace the second half
from this one. If the lines have been drawn with soft pencil,
rubbing the back of the paper with a knife handle will force
enough of the lead to the second side so that the outline can be
determined. Four-part symmetry will require two lines and two
foldings, etc.

For the metal working there will be needed a pair of tin shears,
two spikes, file, flat and round-nosed pliers, screw-driver and
sheet copper of No. 23 gauge. Proceed as follows: 1. Cut off a
piece of copper so that it shall have 1/2 in. extra metal on each
of the four sides. 2. With a piece of carbon paper trace upon the
copper lines that

[Illustration: Articles Made from Copper]

shall represent the margin of the tray proper and the lines along
which the upturned sides of the tray are to be bent; also trace
the decorative design. 3. With a nail make a series of holes in
the extra margin, about 3/4-in. apart and large enough to take in
a 3/4-in. slim screw. 4. Fasten the metal to a thick board by
inserting screws in these holes. 5. With a 20-penny wire nail that
has the sharpness of its point filed off, stamp the background
promiscuously. By holding the nail about 1/4 in. above the work
and striking it with the hammer, at the same time striving to keep
it at 1/4 in. above the metal, very rapid progress can be made.
This stamping lowers the background and at the same time raises
the design. 6. Chase or stamp along the border of the design and
background, using a nail filed to chisel edge. This is to make a
clean, sharp division between background and design. 7. When