A waste-basket, when properly made, is one of the most attractive articles that the young carpenter can make for the home. There are six pieces in the basket illustrated, which are laced together near the top with strips of white leather, which is also used to fasten on the two large rings that serve as handles.

The six side pieces should be from one-quarter to three-eighths of an inch thick. Square them up all exactly the same size, and then use the compasses to draw the half circle at the bottom of each piece and the quarter circle at each of the upper corners. Do not mark one board from another, but use the compasses on each one separately. Six quarter-inch holes must now be bored in each piece as indicated, due care being taken not to tear off any splinters.

The marking out of the bottom is very simple. On a large piece of smooth paper draw a straight line A - C exactly twelve inches long Place the point of the compasses at A and draw a half circle through the center point B. Then place the compasses at C and draw another half circle through B, after which place the point at B and draw a full circle through A and C. Join up the points where the circles cut each other and you will have a perfect six-sided figure, which, by the way, is called a hexagon. Remember you do not have to change the compasses once after they are properly set.

Saw out the bottom accordingly, and test the edges with the square, in order to make sure that the sides will stand straight when they are fastened on. Stain all of the pieces the color desired and finish with a thin coat of shellac, which should be well rubbed with wax when dry - all as previously described. Each side piece is now to be fastened onto the bottom board with two screws or nails, the positions of which should first be measured and marked out, so as to have them evenly spaced. When the sides are attached, lace the pieces together at the top, tying the knots inside. Go to the furniture store and get a dozen nails with large fancy heads and drive them in just to one side of the other nails, so as to cover them up and also serve as a decoration.