George E. Jack School -- Standish, Maine. Welcomes Jacqueline Briggs Martin In preparation for a visit from author Jacqueline Briggs Martin, students at the George E. Jack School in Standish, Maine enjoyed a number of projects, with the help of their art teacher, related to books by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. One of the books Grandmother Bryant's Pocket is set during the colonial days in Maine. The students made apple head dolls, pockets, Gentlemen's leather pouches, and collected recipes using herbs and craft projects that relate to colonial times.

 

Perhaps others would like to try them. The following instructions taken from the booklet prepared by the fifth graders, called "Herbal Recipes and Crafts."

Dried Apple Head Dolls

With the help of an adult carve a simple face--eyes, nose, mouth, on a peeled fresh apple. Place in a sunny, airy spot for 4-6 weeks. A craft stick makes a good name tag and handle for turning. As the apple dries, it forms a wrinkly face. A sturdy paper cup or cardboard yarn cone can be used for the body. Glue on a dress and yarn hair, etc.

Gentlemen's Leather Pouch In Colonial times, men carried leather pouches for valuable coins and mementos. These simple pouches were secured with a drawstring and worn around the neck. Cut circles of soft leather. These circles can be 4 to 8 inches in diameter. Punch holes 3/4 inch apart around the edge. Weave a shoe lace through the holes. Pull the shoe lace tight and tie to form the pouch.

Catnip Mouse Toy

Using scrap fabric cut a circle that is 5 inches in diameter. Fold the circle in half and hand sew a neat overcast seam. Stop about one inch from the end. Stuff the half circle with dried catnip leaves. Finish sewing the seam. Add yarn tail and whiskers. It is now ready for your cat to play with.

Many of the activities focused on one of their favorite books Grandmother Bryant's Pocket.

The students drew pictures after reading Washing the Willow Tree Loon. And in general it seemed the children had a good time reading and enjoying the books by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. The author enjoyed her visit as well.