Page:The Art of Modeling Flowers in Wax.djvu/24

 take the right thumb and forefinger, and mold it into a round or concave shape; this forms the cup or chalice of the Rose.

In the outside petals you must make a small tuck at the base of each, so as to contract them; this is done by turning the wax over at the bottom.

For ease in the construction of the flower, hold the stem with the foundation in the left hand, placing them on with the right thumb and forefinger, care being taken that you observe whether the petals are put on in regular or irregular numbers. In flowers that have five or ten petals in a row, you will find it easier in construction, as space is left for the succeeding row of petals by the preceding one.

Roses are very irregular in formation, the petals are generally bunched in tiers of two or three.

In the Rose-bud they seem to follow each other round the foundation and the petals inclining to one side.

No positive rule can be given in forming the Rose; much is left to the taste of the pupil. Copy the character of the flower. Should you find that it looks stiff or awkward, take the petals off and put them on in a different manner.

Be sure you adopt not the vulgar error of making the Roses too full-blown, as they lose their beauty after the cup-like appearance is gone.