{"title":"Crafts › Kits","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-amish-quilt-pattern-bookmark","title":"Amish Quilt Pattern Bookmark","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eAmish Quilt Pattern Bookmark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Amish Cross-Stitch Bookmark is beautiful, with striking colors and traditional Amish designs. The kit includes a natural color 14-count Ribband bookmark, floss, graph, needle, instructions, and history. The design features four quilt patterns on black backgrounds. Finished size is 2 inches by 7-1\/2 inches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #cc0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Cross-stitch is one of the oldest forms of needlework and was very popular during the days of early America. Young girls everywhere practiced this timeless craft, learning the virtue of patience and developing a fine skill. Amish quilts are traditionally made of solid color fabrics, and although early examples were often very plain, the quilt stitches used to hold the layers of fabric together was very intricate and decorative.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \"Child Life in Colonial Days\" by Alice Morse Early (1899) states that Mrs. Sara Wilson kept a boarding school in Philadelphia prior to the American Revolution and advertised: \"Young ladies may be educated in a genteel manner, and pains taken to teach them in regard to their behavior, on reasonable terms. They may be taught all sorts of fine needlework, viz., working on catgut or flowering muslin, satin stitch, quince stitch, tent stitch, cross-stitch, open work, tambour, embroidering curtains or chairs, writing and cyphering.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e \"L'encyclopEdie due Point de Croix\" (Prima Donna Editions), a French document, states: \"The oldest pieces of work, dated from around 850 B.C. came from Central Asia. But the real cross-stitch history starts in the Middle Ages. It was proven that between the 10th and 13th centuries, the Castilian, when waiting for long times, were copying charts from rugs that their husbands were bringing back from the Orient between two crusades.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 x 8 x 0.25\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431503949,"sku":"CRAFT1HF301","price":11.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/20260129_131924.jpg?v=1769722002"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-beginning-quilting-kit","title":"Beginning Quilting Kit","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eBeginning Quilting Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Beginning Quilting Kit (4102) includes fabric, batting, stuffing, needle, thread, and instructions for a small pillow, doll blanket, and pot holder. This is a great kit for those who want to learn the basic skills of quilting, but are not ready to make a full-size quilt. The best part about our quilting kit is that it appeals to both children and adults.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eThe word \"quilting\" comes from the Latin word \"culcita,\" which means a \"cushion\" or \"stuffed mattress.\" There are two particular types of quilting. One is called \"wadding,\" or English quilting, and the other type is called \"cord,\" or Italian quilting. English quilting is the type most people are familiar with. It is the kind of quilting that describes two pieces of fabric on the outside and one layer of cotton or wool batting on the inside. The outside top piece is usually the \"patchwork\" piece with a design and the underneath side is plain. Stitching is done through all three layers and can be sewn intricately with beautiful designs or can be as plain as diagonal rows across the entire quilt. The sewing of the three layers together is the part that is actually referred to as the quilting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe other type, Italian quilting, normally only uses the two pieces of fabric and no batting. The two pieces of fabric are laid together and the stitching is done in narrow lines on either side of a cord in a pattern such as a heart or some geometric design. A variation of this type of quilting is known as \"padded quilting\" or \"trapunto quilting.\" This kind of quilting was historically done on white linen and featured lovely patterns of leaves, shells, circles, and other designs. Many of the patterns used in trapunto quilting have been handed down from generation to generation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly American quilts were made as useful items for the home and were not thought of as beautiful works of art. Quilting was merely done to keep the fabric and inside layer together to be used as a warm blanket on bedding. Over time, women proceeded to make quilting as beautiful as other needle crafts in the past. Beautiful stitching in white thread upon a plain white material has come to be regarded as one of the most beautiful types of quilts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eQuilting was practiced in ancient Greece, Egypt, China, and India as well as other places. Quilted fabric was used for clothing as well as for beds. English and Dutch colonists influenced the American quilt probably more than any other culture. Quilting in America has never ceased.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA quilting frame (which is not to be confused with a loom) can take up much space. An Early American woman would have the quilt top finished, gather her friends and neighbors together for a \"quilting bee,\" and this piece of equipment would be set up until the quilting was finished. Quilting bees were a cherished event when women could get together, talk, and share stories with one another.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly American quilting required much labor, careful piecing, and many complex stitches (which later quilters thought too excruciating). Women from this time period, however, reveled in the difficulties of patchwork quilting. They shared designs, bits of calico, and discussions regarding quilting with much more enthusiasm than in the late 1800s. Many women today still enjoy the intricacies of detailed quilting. Others simply enjoy the patchwork part and use a sewing machine to do the quilting.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.5 x 8.5 x 0.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431569485,"sku":"CRAFT1HF302","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_4.jpg?v=1769791634"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-native-american-dream-catcher","title":"Historic Folk Toys: Craft, 'Native American Dream Catcher'","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eNative American Dream Catcher Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Native American Dream Catcher Kit includes fiber rush to simulate willow branches that were traditionally used to create Ojibwe (Chippewa) dream catchers. The kit also includes waxed linen (which is like sinew), feathers, beads, instructions, and history. Making a dream catcher is fun for all ages! Girl scouts, boy scouts, educational workshop, and summer camp participants (as well as other groups and individuals) will enjoy this craft activity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHistorical Background: Since people began having compelling dreams, they have at times placed a great deal of significance on their \"night visions.\" Nearly every culture in man's history has assigned meanings to dreams and associated them with the spiritual world. Dreams continue to play an important part in many individuals' lives.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the centuries, dreams have been given many meanings by Native Americans. Because of this, many Native American legends have been created based solely on dreams. Among these is the legend of the dream catcher.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe dream catcher is a \"power object\" that is hung over or near a person's bed. In one custom, the dream catcher must also be placed where the morning light will shine on it. The spiritual nature of a dream catcher is to attract dreams to its web. Bad dreams are \"caught\" and prevented from traveling into a sleeper's head. On the other hand, good dreams are able to find their way through the web and into the slumbering mind of the dreamer. When the morning light hits the dream catcher, any bad dreams that have been caught during the night vanish.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany tribes believed that the night air was filled with both good and bad dreams. The purpose of the dream catcher to them was to move freely in the air and catch any dreams that happened to float by. Again, all bad dreams were caught by the web while all good dreams were capable of traveling on to the owner.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe size of the opening in the web's center was also believed to determine the number of dreams one desired to receive. To many, this opening paralleled the changes that might occur in one's lifetime. Dream catchers were also used to help people remember their dreams. While some people today will look upon a dream catcher as a decorative ornament, others will regard it as a serious tool.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA dream catcher is created from a hoop with a weaving that looks much like a spider's web. The hoop was usually made from a slender willow branch, and animal sinew was used to make the webbing. Different tribes used various materials for their dream catchers, depending on what was readily available. Oftentimes, beads were attached at the bottom of the dream catcher. Beads could be seeds, pieces of carved wood, small seashells, and\/or small stones.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDream catchers were small in size. The width of the dream catcher was usually 3 to 5 inches. While one may see larger diameter dream catchers today, they are \"beyond the scope of tradition.\" And according to tradition, dream catchers must be made entirely from natural materials. Not all dream catchers were circular either! In parts of the northeastern United States and Canada, it was customary to use teardrop hoops to create dream catchers that resembled snowshoes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eMany tribal cultures also placed special meanings on the items used to make a dream catcher. One such item was using a bird's feather, which represented \"breath\" or \"air.\" Feathers were considered important because they \"caught\" the bad (unimportant) dreams and allowed good (important) dreams to slide down the feather and into a person's head.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAccording to one legend, the Native American dream catcher comes from the Ojibwe (Chippewa) tribe. Long ago in ancient times, the clans of the Ojibwe Nation were located in a land called \"Turtle Island\" (North America). Here old Ojibwe storytellers recounted the tales of Asibikaashi (or Spider Woman) and her dream catcher.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAsibikaashi was a spiritual being that helped the Ojibwe of all ages bring giizis (the sun) back to them and end the night. Right before dawn, she would build her lodge so that one could see if they were awake to see the sunrise reflect on the morning dew. The sparkling light on the dew was a miracle made by a spiritual presence to the Ojibwe.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAsibikaashi took care of the Ojibwe in many important respects, especially babies. When the Ojibwe Nation migrated to other North American regions, it became difficult for Asibikaashi to get around and protect her children. To help Asibikaashi get to all of her children, mothers (as well as sisters and grandmothers) began making dream catchers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt was traditional for Ojibwe women to make circular hoops of willow. The circle represented the path the sun (giizis) traveled each day across the sky. Another tradition was to hang a feather from the center of the web. To them, the feather was an essential item for it represented life and allowed good dreams to flow through the web to the dreamer. As the Ojibwe continued to travel to other parts of North America, the lore and practice of using dream catchers spread to other tribes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo honor Asibikaashi, the web weaving connected to the hoop at eight points. These points represented Spider Woman's eight legs. Sometimes seven points were used to represent the Seven Prophecies.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs stated earlier, there are many legends that describe the dream catcher's origin. Here is one such legend:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA spider was quietly spinning his web beside the sleeping space of Nokomis, the grandmother. Each day, Nokomis watched the spider quietly spin his web. One day as she watched him, her grandson came to her and saw the spider. \"Nokomis-iya!\" he shouted when he saw the spider. He moved towards it with the intent to kill the spider. \"No-keegwa,\" the grandmother whispered, \"do not hurt him.\" The little boy asked, \"Nokomis, why do you protect this spider?\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe old woman smiled, but did not answer her grandson. After the boy had left, the spider went to Nokomis and thanked her for saving his life. \"You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift.\" Then the spider smiled and left the grandmother, spinning a web as he went. Soon the moon glistened on a magical, silvery web that moved gently in the window.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"See how I spin?\" the spider said. \"Watch and learn, for this web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the web's hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf you like reading dream catcher legends, here is another one:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eLong ago when the world was young, an old Lakota spiritual leader had a vision while on a mountain's summit. In his vision, Iktomi (the great trickster and teacher of wisdom) appeared in the form of a spider. Iktomi spoke to the old man in a sacred language. As Iktomi spoke, the spider picked up the spiritual leader's hoop of feathers, horsehair, and beads and began to spin a web.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHe spoke to the elder about the cycles of life: how we begin our lives as infants, pass through childhood, and become adults. \"Finally, we grow to old age where we must again be taken care of like infants, thus completing the cycle of life,\" said Iktomi. \"But,\" the spider said as he continued to spin his web, \"in each time of life there are many forces. Some are good and some are bad. If you listen to the good forces, they will guide you in the right direction of life. But, if you listen to the bad forces, they will steer you in the wrong direction and hurt you. These forces can either help you or hinder your path to harmony with Nature.\" As the spider spoke, he continued to weave a web on the spiritual leader's hoop.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen Iktomi had finished speaking, he gave the elder the web weaving and said, \"The web is a perfect circle with a hole in the center. Use the web to help your people reach their goals, make good use of their ideas, dreams and visions. If you believe in the Great Spirit, the web will catch your bad dreams and your good dreams will travel through the hole.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor those who like reading poetry, here is a dream catcher poem by an unknown author:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe dream net has been made\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eFor many generations\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhere spirit dreams have played.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHung over the cradle board,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eOr in the lodge up high,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe dream net catches bad dreams,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhile good dreams slip on by.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eBad dreams become entangled\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eAmong the sinew thread.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eGood dreams slip through the center hole,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eWhile you dream upon your bed.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eThis is an ancient legend,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eSince dreams will never cease,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eHang this dream net above your bed,\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eDream on, and be at peace.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, dream catchers are still used to protect us from bad dreams and have remained a spiritual tool for many who seek happiness and wisdom in life. With our Native American Dream Catcher Kit (6008), you can weave a web that will snare your bad dreams and allow only good dreams to pass through its hole to you as you sleep.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The feather of an owl was used by the Ojibwe to gain wisdom from their dream catchers. An eagle feather was used to gain courage. Women usually preferred using owl feathers while the men usually used eagle feathers.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.75 x 8.5 x 0.25\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431602253,"sku":"CRAFT1HF304","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF304.jpg?v=1537126733"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-early-american-flag-cross-stitch","title":"Early American Flag Cross-Stitch","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eEarly American Flag Cross-Stitch\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCreate a piece of history with our original Early American Cross-Stitch Flag Kit. Based on the Stars and Stripes Flag attributed to Betsy Ross, this historical cross-stitch looks beautiful when framed or can be made into a pillow. Kit includes 9\" x 12\" 14-count Aida cloth, 3 colors (5 skeins) of embroidery floss, cross-stitch needle, color graph, instructions and history. Also includes optional felt for stars. Finished design is 7-5\/8\" x 5-5\/8.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Samplers were mostly used as a notebook of ideas and stitches in the 16th century. During the 17th century, this was not as important a feature because books were being published featuring models and embroidery motifs. By the 18th century, samplers had become just a piece of decorative art. Today, the sampler is still ornamental, but is generally used to portray ancestral information or personal feelings in rhymes or verse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCross-stitch is a form of embroidery, indeed one of the oldest forms of embroidery. The ancient Egyptians and Phrygians used cross-stitch. It was also used in Austria, Denmark, the Greek Islands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, and Turkey. The word \"sampler\" comes from the Latin word \"exemplum\" (\"model to imitate\"). The French word for sampler is \"marquoirs\" from \"point de Marque,\" which means \"cross-stitch\" because it marked clothes. The Italian word for sampler is \"imparaticci,\" which means \"practice for young girls.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"There was one piece of needlework which was done by every little girl who was carefully brought up: she sewed a sampler.\" This statement from \"Child Life in Colonial Days\" says it all. The sampler was an important part of every young girl's life. To grow up into a useful woman, a girl must learn to sew and making a sampler was a must! A sampler usually featured the alphabet and numerals, and often a Biblical scripture verse, a small picture or two, and the name and date of the maker. Samplers made by older girls might feature a collection of stitches they wanted to remember, or stitches of a particular alphabet style. These works were done on strong, loosely woven canvas with colored silk threads or wool threads. Needlework, such as stitching a sampler, was also taught in most schools for girls, along with spinning, knitting, straw-works, embroidery, cross-stitch, openwork, and tambour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe oldest surviving sampler is dated 1598 and is known as the \"Jane Bostocke's Sampler.\" This sampler is now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. The oldest surviving American sampler was stitched by Loara Standish (circa 1636). Most of the samplers, including hers, that have survived in America have been from the North due to several factors. The heat and humidity in parts of the South deteriorated the fabric (if insects did not get to it first). The North also produced more samplers than the South because northern girls were indoors more during the winter months and needed an occupation, whereas girls in the South were outside, learning to ride horses, fish, and taking long walks. General Sherman and his Union army destroyed much property in the South, including many forms of needlework and, after the Civil War, there was a shortage of many materials and the time that was available for needlework was now used for practical sewing or repairing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.25 x 8.75 x 0.5\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431667789,"sku":"CRAFT1HF305","price":23.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF305.jpg?v=1769717529"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-early-american-sampler","title":"Early American Sampler","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eEarly American Sampler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Early American Sampler is a classic, counted cross-stitch sampler kit including a 9-inch by 12-inch piece of 11-count Aida cloth, floss, needle, graph, instructions, and history. (Frame shown is not included.)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSamplers were mostly used as a notebook of ideas and stitches in the 16th century. During the 17th century, this was not as important a feature because books were being published featuring models and embroidery motifs. By the 18th century, samplers had become just a piece of decorative art. Today, the sampler is still ornamental, but is generally used to portray ancestral information or personal feelings in rhymes or verse.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCross-stitch is a form of embroidery, indeed one of the oldest forms of embroidery. The ancient Egyptians and Phrygians used cross-stitch. It was also used in Austria, Denmark, the Greek Islands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, and Turkey. The word \"sampler\" comes from the Latin word \"exemplum\" (\"model to imitate\"). The French word for sampler is \"marquoirs\" from \"point de Marque,\" which means \"cross-stitch\" because it marked clothes. The Italian word for sampler is \"imparaticci,\" which means \"practice for young girls.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\"There was one piece of needlework which was done by every little girl who was carefully brought up: she sewed a sampler.\" This statement from \"Child Life in Colonial Days\" says it all. The sampler was an important part of every young girl's life. To grow up into a useful woman, a girl must learn to sew and making a sampler was a must! A sampler usually featured the alphabet and numerals, and often a Biblical scripture verse, a small picture or two, and the name and date of the maker. Samplers made by older girls might feature a collection of stitches they wanted to remember, or stitches of a particular alphabet style. These works were done on strong, loosely woven canvas with colored silk threads or wool threads. Needlework, such as stitching a sampler, was also taught in most schools for girls, along with spinning, knitting, straw-works, embroidery, cross-stitch, openwork, and tambour.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe oldest surviving sampler is dated 1598 and is known as the \"Jane Bostocke's Sampler.\" This sampler is now displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. The oldest surviving American sampler was stitched by Loara Standish (circa 1636). Most of the samplers, including hers, that have survived in America have been from the North due to several factors. The heat and humidity in parts of the South deteriorated the fabric (if insects did not get to it first). The North also produced more samplers than the South because northern girls were indoors more during the winter months and needed an occupation, whereas girls in the South were outside, learning to ride horses, fish, and taking long walks. General Sherman and his Union army destroyed much property in the South, including many forms of needlework and, after the Civil War, there was a shortage of many materials and the time that was available for needlework was now used for practical sewing or repairing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.75 x 9.5 x 0.25\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431766093,"sku":"CRAFT1HF306","price":16.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF306.jpg?v=1769717784"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-gods-eye-ojo-de-dios","title":"God's Eye Kit","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eGod's Eye Ojo de Dios\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur God's Eye Kit (Ojo de Dios) includes four dowels, two skeins of different colored yarn, instructions to make two God's Eyes, and history. Wrap the different colored yarn around two dowels that cross each other at the midpoints to make a southwestern Indian ceremonial shield that is traditionally known by its Spanish name, \"Ojo de Dios.\" This kit is a fun scout-group project or classroom activity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Ojo de Dios is Spanish for \"eye of God.\" According to Castilian Spanish, it is pronounced \"oh-ho-day-Dee-ohs\" (the \"j\" is silent or sometimes has a light \"h\" sound). Ojos de Dios (plural) were discovered by early Spaniards when they encountered the Huichol (pronounced \"wettchol\") Indians in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico. There they saw brightly woven yarn on simple frames of two crossed sticks.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Huichol Indians made these \"God's eyes\" to be placed on altars so that their gods would protect and watch over those who prayed at the altars. The Ojo de Dios is a symbol of the power of seeing and understanding unseen things. The four points of the crossed sticks represent earth, air, water, and fire.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOjos de Dios were also an important worship object for the Aymara Indians in what is now Bolivia, South America. Native American tribes in the southwestern region of the United States also adopted this object and its spiritual customs. The Navajo are known for their eight-sided Ojos de Dios. Today, Christians throughout the world have popularized this craft as a symbol for the one and only God.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen one makes a traditional Ojo de Dios, one is expressing a prayer that the \"Eye of God\" will watch over them or the person they are making it for (oftentimes a child). The Ojo de Dios is also a physical representation of praying for health, fortune, and a long life. To some Christians, it means a prayer for \"May the eye of God be upon you.\"\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.25 x 11 x 1.75\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431798861,"sku":"CRAFT1HF307","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF307.jpg?v=1769719164"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-mini-cross-stitch-sampler","title":"Mini Cross Stitch Sampler Kit","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMini Cross Stitch Sampler\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis Mini Cross-Stitch Sampler Kit is a small, easy-to-stitch version of a sampler. A nice scout project for earning a sewing badge. Includes 6-inch x 6-inch, 11-count Aida cloth, tapestry needle, embroidery floss, color graph, history and instructions.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eSamplers were mostly used as a notebook of ideas and stitches in the 16th century. Young girls would sew alphabets and numbers with colored floss onto even-weave fabric so they would have patterns to follow later. They also sewed little pictures of trees, flowers and vines. Needlework, such as stitching a cross-stitch sampler, was taught in most early American schools for girls, along with spinning, knitting, straw-works, embroidery, openwork, and tambour. There were no books or printed sampler patterns until the 17th century.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eToday, samplers are still being stitched, but are generally used as decorations or art. Some samplers have family history sewn into them and some might have favorite rhymes or verses. Other cross-stitch and embroidery pieces may feature a special house with pretty borders and other small motifs.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 x 6.25 x 0.25\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431929933,"sku":"CRAFT1HF309","price":10.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF309.jpg?v=1769796266"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-my-first-tatting-kit","title":"My First Tatting Kit","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eMy First Tatting Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWith our My First Tatting Kit, you can learn to make lace edgings the old-fashioned way with a tatting shuttle. This package also includes a skein of Size 5 pearl cotton, history, and illustrated instructions. Take this kit with you on your next trip! While this craft may not be as easy as crocheting or knitting, it is definitely worth the practice to be able to make beautiful lace.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Tatting is actually a method of making lace by knotting. The knots are made on a carrier thread and then formed into rings and chains. The tatting continues until a lovely pattern is achieved. A long row of rings can be added to the edge of handkerchiefs, collars, linens, or any article of clothing. More intricate patterns are used to make doilies, place mats, decorations, stars, hearts, angles, wreaths, bookmarks, and the list could go on. There are many tatting pattern books available today for the tatting enthusiast.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTatting may have originated in 16th-century Italy. Tatting resembles macramé, which is considered to be one of the oldest types of lace. Examples of this kind of lace have been found in Egyptian tombs. Egyptian hieroglyphic texts give evidence that the method of manipulating thread with a shuttle (called a \"makouk\") into circles and rings was practiced. This may have been the craft that evolved into tatting. Tatting also resembles knotting, which is also made with a shuttle. Knotting may have spread from China westward after the Middle East was opened by Dutch trade routes.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTatting became very popular in England in the late-16th century. Previously, making lace involved using a pillow, many long wooden bobbins, lots of pins, needle and thread, and a net foundation. This was exhausting work. Tatted lace could, however, be made with just a shuttle, one's hands, and some thread. Tatting became most popular around 1850. Mlle. Elenore Riego de la Branchardiere was appointed as Artiste in Needlework to Her Royal Highness, the Princess of Wales. She was known as the \"queen of tatting\" and wrote 11 books on the subject between 1850 and 1868. She tatted with a shuttle and introduced \"joining with a needle\" in 1850. Needle tatting was first mentioned in \"The Ladies' Work-Table Book\" published in London, England, in 1843. Needle tatting uses a long blunt, non-tapered, five-inch needle. Other types of tatting that have been referenced are finger tatting and Japanese hook tatting. Finger tatting only involves the fingers and no shuttle or needle is required. Japanese hook tatting requires the use of a long, double-ended crochet hook.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eShuttle tatting was obviously very graceful to watch as the hands turned and moved back and forth with the shuttle. Women liked to show off their work and their fancy shuttles made of bone, ivory, mother of pearl, and ones studded with jewels. Tatting was so popular that some of the more prominent women had their portraits painted with shuttles. The National Gallery at London houses a portrait by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) of the Countess of Albemarle, which shows her tatting. Another painting in Versailes, by J.M. Nattier, is of Madame Adelaide of France. She is holding a rather large tatting shuttle in this painting. Most of the tatting shuttles we see today are small. Large shuttles were used in the 18th century for thicker cord, usually silk. A six-inch shuttle is recorded in Musee de Cluny in Paris, France, where the finest of the world's historic shuttles are to be found.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5 x 7.75 x 0.5\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583431962701,"sku":"CRAFT1HF310","price":16.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/cts_crsdler_21.jpg?v=1769796779"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-quilt-pattern-bookmark","title":"Quilt Pattern Bookmark","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eQuilt Pattern Bookmark\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur Quilt Pattern Cross-Stitch Bookmark Kit includes a 14-count Ribband bookmark, needle, floss, graph, instructions, and history. Finished bookmark size is 2 inches by 7-1\/2 inches. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e Counted cross-stitch is done on even-weave fabric like Aida cloth. This cloth is available in different count sizes ranging from 7 to 22. The number denotes the approximate number of fibers in an inch. The smaller the number, the larger the cross-stitch. \"Counted cross-stitch\" means that the crafter is counting the number of stitches and following a graph.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePearl cotton can be used for cross-stitch, but more often embroidery floss is used. Floss is made of mercerized cotton and has six strands that are loosely twisted together but easily separated. Two strands of floss are normally used with low- to medium-count Aida cloth and only one strand with the higher count fabric. A special tapestry needle with a blunt point and a larger eye is perfect for cross-stitch projects.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSome of the earlier cross-stitch works were not done on even-weave fabric and pictures may have been stamped or drawn onto the fabric. Today, many cross-stitch projects are meant to be framed for display purposes. Tea towels, pillowcases, tableware, doilies, etc., have been cross-stitched in the past just as a form of embellishment. There have been numerous publications featuring these kinds of cross-stitch projects. Cross-stitched bookmarks have become a popular American sewing project today. They are small and useful and can be simple or very ornate. They are also a nice keepsake article and make a wonderful gift either as a kit or a finished project.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 x 8.25 x 0.25\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583432028237,"sku":"CRAFT1HF311","price":11.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/files\/20260129_131903.jpg?v=1769711284"},{"product_id":"historic-folk-toys-craft-stars-and-stripes-flag-kit","title":"Stars and Stripes Flag Kit","description":"\u003cstrong\u003eStars and Stripes Flag Kit\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOur unique Early American Stars and Stripes Flag Kit lets you make one of five well-known, early American flags or create an original! Designed by Maggi Norris, this kit is licensed exclusively to Historical Folk Toys. Other union patterns and star templates are available in the Patterns section of our Web site. Approximate finished size of flag is 15-1\/2 inches by 10-3\/4 inches.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical Background:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e The United States flag originated in Philadelphia as a result of a resolution by the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777:\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eResolved, that the flag of the United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field representing a new constellation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis resolution did not say how many points the stars should have or how the stars should be arranged. Consequently, some flags had stars arranged in rows while others had the stars in a circle, sometimes with one star inside the circle. There were also flags that had the stars scattered on the blue field! The first Navy Flag had staggered stars arranged in alternate rows of threes and twos. Another Stars and Stripes flag had alternate rows of four, five, and four.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe types of stars used also varied. Some flags had the five-pointed stars we see today. Other flags used six-pointed stars and some flags actually had stars with eight points! No matter what kind of star was used or how the stars were arranged, the earliest American flags were always called \"Stars and Stripes.\" When you make your flag, you can either recreate a flag made long ago or have some fun creating your very own Stars and Stripes Flag!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #ff0000;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFun Fact:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eFrancis Scott Key wrote \"The Star Spangled Banner\" with a cedar pencil similar to the one we sell.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePACKAGE DIMENSIONS -\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5 x 9.25 x 0.75\"","brand":"Historical Folk Toys, LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":12583432093773,"sku":"CRAFT1HF312","price":17.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2187\/2175\/products\/CRAFT1HF312.jpg?v=1769715892"}],"url":"https:\/\/store.benningtonmuseum.org\/collections\/crafts-kits\/kids.oembed","provider":"Bennington Museum STORE","version":"1.0","type":"link"}