Pioneer Christmas Crafts

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

The 15 Christmas crafts in this collection were inspired by those made
by Canadian settlers in the 1800s. These simple crafts could easily be
completed by young people, with adult intervention when needed. Because
the original crafts were constructed out of materials found in pioneer
homes, the emphasis is on recycling household items or purchasing
inexpensive supplies from a craft or hardware store. The use of
materials or tools that may be dangerous (e.g., an iron, oven, or sharp
cutting tool) is indicated by a hand symbol either in the materials list
or the instructions.

The authors—a mother-and-daughter team—have provided easy-to-follow
instructions that are aided by colorful illustrations and photographs.
They also provide a brief historical context for each craft, suggesting
modern adaptations or alternative uses. Included are instructions to
make kitchen crafts, such as pomander balls and cookie-cutter
decorations, along with less-commonly found instructions for birchbark
boxes and homemade checkerboards. The book has an uncluttered design,
with a two-page spread for each craft that includes a bright photograph
of the finished product. This delightful book is more appropriate for
home use than school, and would provide some wonderful pre-Christmas
activities for families. Recommended.