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.
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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.
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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.
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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
but the students read and enjoyed other books as well.
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.
Visit the website of the George E. Jack School in Standish, Maine or