dered with a monogram in the upper point, and a little
pattern or motto in the lower. Lay the double coverings one on each
side of the tin, and cross the outside one with narrow ribbons,
arranged as in the picture. Overhand firmly all around; finish the top
with a plaited ribbon and a little bow and loop to hang it by, and the
bottom with a bullion fringe of the color of the ribbon.

[Illustration: CARTE-DE-VISITE RECEIVER.]

A PAIR OF BELLOWS.

There seems no end to the pretty devices which proficients in painting
can accomplish. We saw not long since a pair of wooden bellows which
had been decorated with a painting of a tiny owl sitting on a bough,
and the motto "Blow, blow, thou bitter wind." Why should not some of
you try your hands at something similar? Wood fires, thank heaven, are
much more common than they used to be, and most of you must know a
cozy chimney corner where a pretty pair of bellows would be valued.

A DOOR-PANEL.

A great bunch of field-flowers, or fruit-boughs, or Virginia-creeper,
painted in water-paints on the panel of an ordinary door, is another
nice thing for you young artists to attempt. Perhaps you will object
that a picture on a door can hardly be called a Christmas present; but
we don't know.

Anything which loving fingers can make, and loving hearts enjoy, is a
gift worthy of Christmas or any other time.

A SACHET IN WATER-COLORS.

Another dainty idea for you who can paint is a small perfume-case of
white or pale-colored silk or satin, on which is painted a bunch of
flowers or a little motto. The flowers must be small ones, such as
forget-me-nots or purple and white violets. A great deal of white
paint--body color, as it is called--should be mixed with the color, to
make it thick enough not to soak and stain the silk along the edges of
the pattern. Some people paint the whole design in solid white, let
it dry, and then put on the color over the white. Others mix a little
ox-gall with the paint.

DECORATED CANDLES.

The large wax or composition candles, of a firm texture, are best
for purposes of decoration. Water-color paints can be used, or those
powders which come for coloring wax flowers. In either case it will
be necessary to use a little ox-gall to give the paint consistency.
A band of solid tint--crimson, black, blue or gold--is usually put
around the middle of the candle, with a pattern in flowers or small
bright points above and below. Spirals of blue forget-