DAINTY TRIFLES FOR A ROOM

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1916, 26 November 1913, Page 2

DAINTY TRIFLES FOR A ROOM

SCENTED FLOWER CUSHIONS. Each year sees sofa cushions growing more luxurious and artistic. The latest fad is tho adopting of large scented cushions, made upon the same principle as tho familiar sachet bags, which are delicately perfumed by the especial, i'ragranee usedi by their o'wilers, who often have special scents manufactured exclusively for their own use. The' American woman has, however, improved .upon the artificially manufactured perfumes, and iiils the cushions that- adorn her boudoir with, sweetsmelling flowers' and'fragrant, leaves, which have been purposely dried and prepared ■.-after the niuiiiicr of- i>otpotirri. This effect*is delicious, for as ones sinks back 'sniongst a nest cf cushions, one becomes aware of the sweet odour of some delicate scent.' Rose leaves, violets, sweet jasmine, lavender, clover, carnations, lemon verbena, sweet thyme, l ' and evc-n hops are used for these flower cushions. The filling of these is made by gathering quantities of the sweetest-smelling •blossoms that are to bo. obtained. Theso are put into a large basin and covered -with a- layer of salt, winch is carefully ■sprinkled over them. They are then left a day,' and a-fresh layer is added every other day until sufficient of the pot-pourri is made. Tho leaves are -then . scattered with a little trifle extract' of jlolet, and the pot-pourri encased in a' strip .of glazed cambric, over, .which is put another ornamental silk or muslin covering. A roso pillow is made by gathering rose petals, oil a warm, sunny day. After drying them thoroughly they are sprinkled witli a tablcspoonful of powdered orris root- and a dozen or rnoro drops of otto of roses is shaken amongst them, caro being taken to use only the best otto of roses for the purpose, as inferior brand's will not hold the fragrance of dried petals, which all too soon become not only stale," but sour as well. Tho covers in which theso cushions arc put call for great variety and taste. Beautiful specimens are to bo obtained .embroidered in lovely colouring, representing tho various flowers that are used iu this, filling:' these are in muslin or satin, the flowers being worked in coloured silks or ribbon. A beautiful rose cushion has a cream background, worked with a eloso wreath of , tiny red ribbon roses and! green leaves. A violet cushion has a muslin cover beautifully embroidered with little bunches of violets -or single blossoms scattered oyer it. Clover, too, makes an exceptionally beautiful design; whilst hop pillows are encased in dull green and autumn brown covers, embroidered in hops. Other cushions are hand-painted with masses of roses, ornamented with hn applique design made by cutting tho floral pattern, from ,a_.piecc of well-de-signed flowered si!lr;'6a s .'cretonne, and stitching it on to 4 Mid" cushion cover; whilst a beautiful' effect il obtained by hand-painted flowers-.'outlined in silk embroidery. Stencilled designs.are also useful for those whoso knowledge of drawing is limited, and the materials for these can l .bo easily procured.