Kirsten's Craft Book: A Look at Crafts from the Past With Projects You Can Make Today (American Girls Collection) (Paperback)

~ Jodi Evert (Author, Editor), Geri Strigenz Bourget (Illustrator), Mark Salisbury (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 3-6-An unusual craft book. Introductions to each chapter provide a historical perspective, transporting readers to Kirsten's 19th-century world. The 16 activities are then categorized by household items: braided rugs and quilted potholders; toys yarn dolls; and Indian arts, such as clay beads. The individual projects list materials needed and step-by-step directions. In most instances, they are clear and will require little adult interpretation. Adult assistance is suggested when sharp tools are needed. Full-color photographs and diagrams further assist young crafters, and full-size patterns are provided. Overall, this collection of handicraft ideas will appeal primarily to youngsters who are fans of the series.
Beth Irish, Orange Public Library, CA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Make the same bunny pincushion, braided rug, and other crafts that Kirsten enjoyed in 1854 using this craft book. It's full simple step by step instructions, historical fun facts, and full color photographs and illustrations.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
  
• Paperback: 44 pages
• Publisher: Pleasant Company Publications; 1st edition (September 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1562471120
• ISBN-13: 978-1562471125
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #37,548 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #1 in	Books > Children's Books > Series > Historical > American Girl > Kirsten
  #82 in	Books > Children's Books > Arts & Music > Crafts & Hobbies

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A mixed bag, April 28, 2003

By	Kurt A. Johnson (North-Central Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This interesting craft book is part of the American Girls Pastimes series, and focuses on the sort of crafts that would have been done during the time of Kirsten Larson, 1854. The book has five chapters, each with three or four crafts: A Frontier Household (braided mat, dried herbs and flowers, and onion-skin dye), A Stitch in Time (patchwork pillow, bunny pincushion, and quilted potholder), Pioneer Playthings (yarn doll, chromatrope toy, and magic wallet), Swedish Traditions (midsummer wreath, Dala horse, and stenciled box), and Arts From the Indians (leather pouch, clay bead necklace, calendar stick, and owner stick). Each of these crafts is covered in one to two pages, and includes a list of materials needed and step-by-step instructions.

It's rather hard to rate this book. Some of the crafts are fun and well spelled out, whereas others are not. For example, the directions for making the Dala horse can be boiled down to "1) model a horse out of clay, 2) paint it red, and 3) paint traditional designs on it." I'm sorry, but these instructions are way too little to help in making such a thing.

So, I would suggest that you get this book through your local public library, rather than spending your own money on it. My daughter and I give it a very guarded recommendation.