Box Craft.

What I may call “box craft” is the art of using wooden boxes in the making of simple furniture. A grocer can usually supply suitable boxes for such articles as those illustrated.

The curtained “pedestal” is for shoes. It is made from two square boxes, each box holding two rows of shoes, held in position, under toe and instep, by an expanding curtain rod stretched tightly. The front curtain is held on the same type of rod. The top and sides may be painted after sandpapering the wood, or plain or matching material may be stretched over and lacked in position.

A slightly more ambitious effort is the low box ottoman. Two or three boxes are placed side by side and the top lightly padded with kapoc. (Or a fat squab will provide a really comfortable window seat). Furniture braid gives a professional finish to the top and also holds the skirt gathers in position. Special furniture tacks are best for fixing the braid. Use the boxes for what you will—shoes, shoe cleaners, books. Shelves can easily be added if desired. To link up ottoman and window, the side curtains can be made longer to reach the top of the ottoman.

If you have a dainty petticoat dressing-table, use a box as foundation for a matching stool. Just pad the top and make a gathered skirt.

The attractivess of this type of furniture depends on the cover material. If possible make it match something clse in the room, e.g., cushions or curtains. Don't do a rough job, or you will miss the dainty effect, no matter how charming the chintz you have chosen.

Box furniture can help to solve the furnishing problems in the family house, where the children's belongings always seem to overflow the available cupboard and drawer space. Make them (or, better still, let them help to make) box furniture for bedroom and playroom. Children are always pleased to have cupboards “of their very own,” and will be more tidy when these are provided. For the play-room, materials must be serviceable, but they should nevertheless be pleasant to the eye.