See and hear : the journal on audio-visual learning (1945)

The tcthniqiics for production are similar lo those aheady mentioned inider cellopliane and gelatin coated slides. (See 1946 April and May issues ot See & Hear.) To start, cut a piece of the trans- lucent paper to slide size. Be careful about finger prints. Erasures are not too satisfactory. Start over if errors are made. Now about using a pen on this paper. Because the frosted surface is rough the fine pen points which must necessarily be used to secure good detail work, catch on the roughened surface and splatter the drawing. Keep the strokes mov- ing towards you as you draw. Do not uses too much pressure. The colored India and slide inks are applied as in the cellophane slides. Slide crayons may also be used. Do not be dis- apjwinted if the value and shade of the colors change in projection; it is unfortunately true that the frosted surface of the paper causes a change in some of the colors as the light passes through them. Plastic Slides Plastic materials are coming into wider use in the production of hand- made lantern slides. One of the plas- tics which has been successfully used is the material called "lumarith."* It is light weight, inexpensive, easv • Secure from Visual Education Equipment, 10 Hill .Street, Newark 2, N. J. Approximately 65c per 16i/i!" X 20" sheet for clear lumarith, 85c per sheet for frosted lumarith. If lumarith is secured from other sources, be sure it is fireproof. Below: the versatile hinged cover glass, jed; the camel in silhouette; the tra lo draw upon, and it is unbreakable. Lumarith slides are used for the same purposes as are all the other slides previously mentioned. Because they are inexpensive they make a particularly good temporary slide e\en though the material cannot be used again. These slides are light in weight, durable, and can be easily transported. Frosted lumarith with India ink makes excellent map slides for blackboard projection. Lumarith can be used together with silhou- ettes, colored cellophane, with India ink, slide inks and slide crayons. Shipped in rolls, it is necessary to flatten the lumarith before starting production. Cut the lumarith to slide size. Use the same care in handling the lumarith as in all other mate- rials used for slide plates. The tech- niques needed for production of the frosted lumarith slides are identical to those for etched glass slides with one or two exceptions. In drawing, use a medium hard pencil with a light pressure. In coloring, also, use a light pressure in order to avoid the white line which will result from too much pressure. The slide cray- ons do not project with as great a brilliance as they do when used on etched glass. Slide ink is easily used on frosted lumarith as is colored In- dia ink. The slide ink projects with brilliance, and the India ink gives a soft effect. Slide plates of frosted lu- In it can he inserted the opaque ob- nsparency or typeiuritten direction. niaritli should Ix; protected with cover glass or clear lumarith. Clear lumarith is used in the same way as white cellophane is used. When India ink is used on clear lu- marith care must be taken that the lines are solid. On lumarith, the ink has a lendcnc) to thin out in spots which will project as a brown smudge. .Another successful plastic medi- um is the material called "Slide- craft."* Pencil, ink, crayon, or typ- ing may be used on this plastic ma- terial. The production techniques are the same as those outlined for lumarith or translucent paper slides. The material is fireproof and comes cut to slide size, Si^" x 4", and has a mat printed on the plate. You are now ready to experiment with many interesting and valuable types of handmade lantern slides. Of course, you will have to refer again and again to some of the spe- cific directions you have been told, but after a while, practice, providing it is good practice, will make perfect. There is no end to the ingenious ap- plications that you can create, and for which the handmade slide will serve you as a means of dramatic and interesting visualization. Try out for blackboard illustrations! Study the possibility of illustrating oral reports, book reports and jjanel discussions! Investigate the possi- bilities of including slide-effect foi feasible plays, or other creative dra- matic occasion. Yours is the oppor- tunity to develop the things that you want for occasions that you find yourself responsible for during the course of the school year. As you proceed through your work, we in- vite you to report outstanding suc- cesses and methods to the editors of See & Hear. • Obtainable from the Slide Craft Company, 257 Audley Street. South Orange, N. J. Box of 25 costs $2.00 and a box of 100 costs $fi.OO. About the Author • Mary E.sCher Brook.s is on lca\e from lltf National Girl Scout SlafT where she has held executive posts. Her interest iti visual education came through the preparation ot giapliic aids which she u,sed in training \oliinteer and professional workers. .She is now taking college \vork at Itidi- ana University and is a parl-litne sialf mem- her of the Buieati of .\iidio-\'isiial Aids. Pictures by the Pholographic Laboratory, Bureau of Audio-Visual Aids, Indiana U. 3 0 y SEE & HEAR