Uncle Peter’s Corner

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 31, 6 February 1937, Page 16 (Supplement)

Uncle Peter’s Corner

Fig.—a—Fun With Fir Cones. You can make many different things out of fir cones which are amusing both as toys and as table decorations. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to start right away and make some mascots parties about Christmas time? Picture 1 shows a jolly little fir cone man. His body is a smooth, hard fir cone, and his arms and legs are cut out of thin cardboard and a little glue. Note the stick—it helps to support the figure. The head can be cut from a cork, but it is more amusing if it is modelled in wax. The hair and beard are made of bristles from an old brush, and the hearf is attached with a piece of wire, after which it is painted in bright

colours, and finally given a hat made of thin cardboard. Picture 111 is a candle stick, also made of a smooth, solid fir cone. Cut the top off the cone, and then stick it firmly on to a little wooden base. Now hollow' out the inside of the cono until there is sufficient room to insert a candle. You have only to paint and bronze the whole candlestick, and you have a pretty table —decoration—but take care not to let the candle burn too low’, as tho candlestick might easily catch fire. Looser and more * ‘bristly ’ ’ fir cones are splendid for making fantastical figures. Pictures IV shows a most

alarming cannibal! His head and body are made of wax, painted black, and his headdress and “skirt” are made from half a cone. His legs are of wire around which is wound black wool, while his feet are two solid pieces of cardboard. His arms aro also cardboard and tho spear is mado of wood. If you have a little imagination you can fit him up with necklaces and earrings of wire, and a gaily painted shield. Look at the picture! Picture Vis a vicious cat. The body is made of three cones hold together with wire, the legs are also of W'ire, around which is wound black wool. Its head and paws are made of wax. Th?s fir cone cat is very amusing to have,

because the longer it stands, the mor« the cones “bristle”—and a . result the cat looks more ar*l more angry! Finally picture VI shows the Loch Ness monster in person! It is mado from many cones held together, with wire. The legs arc of cardboard and the fins of thin card stuck on, and painted in bright colours. The eyes can bo made of beads and the teeth of white w’ood shavings, stuck in ono by one, while tho darting tongue is nothing moro nor less than a piece of wire! Paint it in gay colours, and it will be sure to attract attention! . But these aro just examples. I am sure you will be able to invent many different models now you have the idea.