A fernery with its bright green plants, will add a spot of cheer to any room, at any season of the year. If you love plants and are capable of doing the simplest kind of wood work, you will want to make this project.

Use an old discarded packing case that is made of 3/4" lumber, and if possible, select one made of knotty white pine.

This fernery is made up of two parts: the top box for the plants and a box type pedestal. It was so designed to simplify the construction as much as possible.

The length you make this fernery will depend upon where you want to use it. Make it about 10 deep and 10" wide at the top and have a taper to all sides.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. 1: Cut out the sides and ends to the correct dimensions.

Step No. 2: Nail the sides on to the end pieces; then fit and nail the bottom in place. Use common wire nails, about 21/2" long.

Step No. 3: Cut strips for the panel effect out of 1/4"x1" wood. Nail these in place with 1" brads (nails with small heads). Put the up and down pieces in place first.

Step No. 4: Make a pedestal the size of the bottom part of the fernery. This is constructed the same way you made the upper box, only without the panel effect.

Step No. 5: Paint the entire job with three coats of oil paint in some color that will harmonize with the bright green of plants. Follow the directions on the can.

If this fernery is to be used inside the house, it is then advisable to line the inside of the top box with metal, or place a metal tray under the top box to catch the drip when watering the plants. Another method is to stand the potted plants inside the top box. Saucers can be placed under each pot to catch the drip.

If you should prefer to mix your own paint rather than purchasing same, for this project, it is not a difficult task. The first coat should be made with about one-half turpentine and one-half raw linseed oil and a small amount of drier. After this coat, putty up all nail holes or open joints. The second coat should contain less turpentine and more oil and just a little drier. The third coat should have no turpentine at all; use nothing but raw linseed oil and a little drier. Of course, color is added to each coat of whatever shade you wish.