I found this article entitled the Art of Stay Making while perusing Peterson’s Magazine. This article is dated 1855 and gives instructions on how to make stays for corsets. I thought this could be useful for those making authentic costumes or for doll’s clothing. In pursuing our intention of givingContinue Reading

A crafts project from 1855 using the seeds of the muskmelon, which can include the varieties of honeydew and cantaloupe. The article is found in Peterson’s magazine. Take a needle and thread and string through one end of the seed, (just near enough the end not to break the seed)Continue Reading

An interesting article from the perspective of a “bachelor uncle” on the pros and cons of being the second born. Of course at the end of the article he gives his reason of why he is such an expert on the topic. His article was published 1855 in Harper’s MonthlyContinue Reading

The favorite cosmetic for removing freckles in Paris is an ounce of alum and an ounce of lemon-juice in a pint of rose-water.Continue Reading

When plain tortoise-shell combs are defaced, the polish may be removed by rubbing them with pulverized rotten-stone and oil. The rotten-stone should be sifted through muslin; then polish with jeweller’s rouge, or with sifted magnesia. Meanings of Word or Phrases used Jeweller’s rouge – Red powdered haematite, iron(III) oxide. ItContinue Reading