Various designs may be worked out in wire. You can for this purpose use copper, phosphor-bronze, and galvanized iron wire. Among the most ornamental objects, perhaps, are hanging flower-baskets. First cut a length of wire; form it into a bottom ring. Next cut off a number of pieces of equal length; bend them into a long, narrow horse-shoe shape; loop the bottom ends round the lower ring of wire. Turn the ends well round the lower ring. When this is done, take another length of wire and lace it in and out, keeping the upper parts of the wire at equal distances from each other. Bend the upper edge outwards into a graceful curve. Then lace the bottom with strands of wire, crossing each other in the lozenge shape. To suspend, arrange three simple strands of wire, or three chains, at equal distances from the upper ring, and fasten them into a common ring at the top, as in Fig. 129.

Fig. 129. - Wire Basket.

You may find it useful in making cages for keeping pets, to use wire for the fronts of such cages. They are readily made by boring holes in the opposite sides of a frame, and drawing the wires through; the size or thickness of the wire depending on the size of the frame. Turn the ends down to prevent them from drawing out. Do not use copper wires where animals are in question; they will, however, do for ornamental work. In using galvanized iron wire, there is no positive necessity to paint it, but it preserves it better, and frequently makes it more ornamental. Enamel paints are well suited for this kind of work.