| This program looks at crafts historically linked to the New England States. Clay Lobster - The chief lobster fisheries in the U.S. are located in New England, especially in Maine. Lobsters are crustaceans, all have a pair of pincers called chelapeds, or "claws"; one is a heavier crusher claw, the other a smaller feeding claw. We always picture lobsters as red - but did you know that most start out as other colors, even blue/green, and only turn red when they are boiled. Braided Rug - Recycling is not a new idea. The American folk art of rug braiding originated in New England in the 1820's. Resourceful women cut wool strips from used clothing and blankets; then recycled them into braided floor rugs. Rhode Island Penny Rug - The Rhode Island Red Chicken is the state bird of Rhode Island, the home of the first Penny Rug. This rug got its name because coins were used as templates to cut wool circles from used blankets and clothing. The circles were then stitched in a decorative pattern to a wool background with a blanket stitch. Penny Rugs were also used as bed coverings and table runners. Tic-Tac-Toe - The Rhode Island Red shows up again in this fun game. Store the game pieces in their own coop too. Maple Soap - New England is known for its abundance of trees, including the beautiful maple. Maples are known not just for their beautiful colored leaves in the fall, but also for maple syrup. Our soap has both the maple shape and scent. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to the Middle Atlantic states. Garden State Flowers - New Jersey's nickname is "The Garden State," and for good reason. One million acres, about 20%, of New Jersey is productive farmland. And in this segment we celebrate its beautiful flowers. Pizza Game - The origin of pizza actually goes back to ancient times, but pizza, as we know it today, began in Naples, Italy, when in the late 1800s an Italian baker created a dish for visiting royalty. To show his patriotism the baker chose to top flat bread with food that would represent the colors of Italy: red tomato, white mozzarella cheese and green basil. By the beginning of the 1900's pizza made it's way to the cities of the U.S., especially New York and Chicago, through Italian immigrants. Big Apple Jewelry - NYC is known as "the Big Apple." This popular nickname reminds us the city's prominence and size. Here we incorporate apples into bookmarks and jewelry; in fact, they make great teachers' gifts. Pennsylvania Dutch Wood Plate - Many of the inhabitants of Lancaster County are Amish, a religion that is known for humility, family and community, and separation from the world. Although Lancaster Amish are Pennsylvania Dutch, all Pennsylvania Dutch are not Amish. The Pennsylvania Dutch live in Central Pennsylvania and their common bond is a mainly German background. The plate we make here is one of many traditional designs found in this region. Blue Hen Pottery - The Blue Hen chicken was adopted as Delaware's official state bird in 1939. Sometime during the 1400's a potter in Germany bought inexpensive wood to fire his kiln. This wood was from crates in which fish had been salted. When the potter opened his kiln he expected to take out his pots, glaze them and fire the pottery again as usual; but to his surprise, he found that the stoneware was completely finished with a beautiful clear glaze after only one firing. The salt in the wood had left the glaze. When the colonists came to this country, they brought salt-glazed stoneware and the unique technique for making it. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to America's Southeast region. Cinnamon Log Cabin - Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains are many log homes. As towns were settled it was difficult to bring building materials into the mountains, so often the local trees were used to create log cabins; but none smell as sweet as our cinnamon house. Palmetto Bug - Tribute to one of many bugs that flourish in warm, humid climates. Cardinal and Dogwood Sachet - Both Virginia and North Carolina share the same state bird and flower: the cardinal and the dogwood. In fact cardinals are the most popular state bird all across the United States, found in 7 different states. Kitty Hawk - On December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers made the world's first powered airplane flight in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Tramp Art - An American folk art consisting of chip carving on cigar boxes and fruit crates. Soldiers of the Civil War passed around the carving technique. It is generally incorrect that tramps and hobos did this work as payment for rooms and meals, but that is where the name came from. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to states in the deep South. Gator Bulletin Board - Alligators were almost hunted to extinction, but today they have made a comeback. Alligators have a short blunt round snout and are found in the southeast U.S., especially Florida, and in China. Believe it or not, they are afraid of humans when found in the wild. Gator Message Center - Alligators can be found in every fresh body of water from lakes to swamps and marshes. Fruit Slice Votive - Citrus fruits are a major part of the South's economy. The Spanish explorers brought the first plants. Today, citrus plants, such as oranges and grapefruits, are the most important group of all tropical and sub tropical plants. Mardi Gras Mask - Mardi Gras is a traditional holiday celebrated in many of the southern states of the USA. The most famous celebration takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, originated by its French settlers. Mardi Gras means Fat Tuesday, which is the day before Ash Wednesday, leading to the days of fasting before Easter Sunday in the Catholic religion. Sea Shell Frame - Did you know you're not really hearing the ocean when you put a shell up to your ear? What you hear is the constant noise around you that you tend to ignore. When you put anything against your ear, even a glass, it strengthens a certain group of frequencies of sound; so you hear just outside noise. Textured Shells - The size and shape of a shell determines the sounds you hear when you put it up to your ear. The shell is the hard outer cover secreted by the animal to protect itself. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
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"Hightly Recommended. Each segment gives a summary of the
folktale or symbol followed by directions with modeling for making each
item. Presenters are ethnically diverse. Directions are clear and show
additional techniques for making the crafts more sophisticated. Safety
warnings are provided when necessary." -School Library Journal This program presents five craft projects related to folktales. Paul Bunyan Puppet Theater - Paul Bunyan is a myth or folktale about a very large lumberjack and his best friend, Babe, the Blue Ox. Legend says that Paul grew out of his father's clothes by the time he was one week old and that the tracks he and Babe made running around Minnesota made the 10,000 lakes. Turtle Maraca - A study of folklore would not be complete without mentioning some of the symbols common to the Native American tribes. These are not "tall tales" but animal symbols, which were used to portray certain characteristics. The turtle represents the heart of the soul, the keeper of life and the symbol of women. Pecos Bill Tornado - Everyone in the Wild West knew that Pecos Bill could ride anything. Once he decided to ride a tornado, starting in Kansas, and when it couldn't throw Bill it headed west to California and rained itself out, making so much water it created the Grand Canyon. Finally Bill fell off and hit the ground so hard that it sank below sea level. Folks call the spot he fell Death Valley. Buffalo Bill Vest - William Frederick Cody, known as Buffalo Bill, was a buffalo hunter, U.S. Army scout, and an Indian fighter. But he is probably best known as the man who gave the Wild West its name. His Wild West Show helped create the image of the Wild, Wild West. Johnny Appleseed - Johnny Appleseed's real name was John Chapman from Leominster, Massachusetts. He spent his life planting apple seeds across the country. His dream was a land where apple trees would blossom everywhere; so no one would go hungry. He created apple orchards in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Pennsylvania and Ohio, and after 200 years some of those trees still bear apples. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to the Midwest and Great Lakes' region. Great Lakes Collage - The Great Lakes hold one fourth of all of the fresh water in the world! No wonder so much activity revolves around the lakes in this region. Cow Weather Vane - Travel the roads of this region and you're sure to find all different breeds of cows especially the dairy cows that Wisconsin is famous for and the cheese made from the milk. Abe Lincoln Bank - Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the U.S., was born in 1809 in Kentucky, raised in Illinois, and nicknamed the Illinois Rail Splitter. He was also more widely known as Honest Abe, a perfect choice for our bank. States Book - Take a look at a map and see the various shapes created by the outline of each state. Those shapes are the basis for our book. Our first book is all about Ohio. Cardinal Tile - Cardinals are the state bird of Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. This bright crested red bird can't be missed and also can be recognized by its shrill song. Our cardinal is found on a tile made from beads. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to America's Appalachian region. Rush Weaving - Weaving a tight pattern from twisted leaves of rush or cattail makes natural rush chair seats. Here we use a similar technique with hemp fiber. Paper Quilt Wall Hanging - Starting with scraps of fabric and leftover clothing, quilting has always been a way to recycle fabric into a new use. Our pattern is an Amish design characterized by stark geometric shapes, black thread and fabric highlighting bold colors. Jacob's Ladder - Folk art plays a big part in the culture of Appalachia. Simple wooden toys were often created for children from scraps of wood and cloth. Clay Folk Doll - In Appalachia nothing goes to waste, and dolls are often made by hand for young children. This folk doll is a traditional Appalachian design. Basket Weaving - Baskets could be created for all different purposes and from natural materials found in the surrounding area. In the same spirit our basket actually can be made from fine hemp or cording or even floss. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PICA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to the Great Plains' states. Dream Catcher - The Lakota Native American tribe of the Plains' states developed the dream catcher. One day a child was going to kill a spider that was weaving a web. A Native American woman told the child to leave the spider alone. In return the spider told the woman he would thank her by weaving a web with a small center that would snag all the bad dreams while the good dreams would filter through and then glide down along the feathers. On the Range: Buffalo - Buffalo thrived on the Great Plains where at one time 30 million formed the biggest mass of large mammals ever found on the earth. Now the only buffalo are found in preserves. Buffalo are more accurately called bison. Quilled Sunflower - The sunflower is the state flower of Kansas. At one time it was considered a weed, but in 1903 was adopted as the state flower and is on the state's seal and flag. One of the most commercially valuable flowers, it yields sunflower oil and of course seeds. Wheat Bookmark - The Plains' states are known for their production of wheat, especially Kansas. Today, the United States is the world's third largest producer of wheat thanks to a group of Russian immigrants who settled in Kansas in 1873-74. Wheat is ground and made into flour for baking foods. Durum wheat is used to make pasta. Wheat can be puffed, flaked, or rolled to make breakfast cereals. Mt. Rushmore - One of the most famous landmarks in the U.S. is Mount Rushmore, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Here you find the sculpted faces of 4 American presidents: Theodore Roosevelt, George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson. Each face is 60 feet high and 500 feet up in the air. Sculptor Gutzon Borglum began drilling into the 5,725-foot mountain in 1927. Creation of the Shrine of Democracy took 14 years and cost $1 million dollars. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to America's western mountain states' region. Thunderbird - The Thunderbird was one of the spiritual animals for most Native American tribes. This symbol is still found in many Native American designs today. The Thunderbird is a large bird that produced thunder when flapping its wings. By opening and closing its eyes, Thunderbirds are also known to make lightning. Horseshoe - The horseshoe is a symbol of good luck when displayed with the open side up - it holds good fortune. It is a good symbol for the West, as horses play an important part in this region's economy, being the home to cowboys and rodeos. Relief Map - A relief map shows different elevations; so the mountain states were an appropriate place to choose to map out. Sand Frame - The dry climate of Nevada inspired this sand frame. In fact both the Mojave and Great Basin deserts extend into Nevada. Deserts are dry and arid though a common misconception is that they are lifeless. Many plants and animals have adapted to a lack of water in the desert; also temperatures can be very cool at night. All About Me, Scrapbook - The study of genealogy, or family history, is an important part of the Mormon religion, which has a large following in Utah. Genealogy is a big part of scrapbooking. Today, this is the fastest growing craft activity in the United States. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to America's Southwest region. Turquoise Jewelry - Arizona and New Mexico supply turquoise. This ornamental gemstone is often used in Native American and Southwest designs combined with silver. Colors range from green blue to sky blue. Working turquoise mines are in New Mexico. Cowgirls and Cowboys - A true cowboy's job was to take care of cattle. His uniform was: a big hat for shade and protection from rain, a bandanna to protect his neck from sunburn, or over his mouth and nose to keep out dirt, and pointed toe boots to slip easily into the stirrup with high heels to keep his feet from slipping out, chaps, or leggings, to keep him warm, and spurs on his heels to make the horse move. Friendship Necklace - The Texas motto is "friendship." A necklace, which can be cut in half and shared by two friends, illustrates this motto. Lizard - Lizards are reptiles in the same category as snakes. Most have 4 legs with 5 toes, scaly skin; a mottled color, and are carnivores. The Gila monster is notorious for its venomous bite and large head. Southwest Clay Pot - The Anasazi people lived in homes that clung to canyon walls or perched on flat top hills. They worked with stone, plaster and sun dried brick. They created richly painted pottery with intricate animal and geometric designs. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to America's Pacific states' region Grapevine Pot - Vineyards occupy many acres of land in California, which is a major source of domestic wine for the U.S. Agriculture was the state's main industry until recently when related manufacturing grew. The success of grape growing is related to California's good soil, long growing season, and modern agricultural methods. Igloo - Igloo is the Inuit word for house. The Eskimos traditionally had three types of houses: a summer house, which was basically a tent; a winter house, which was usually partially dug into the ground and covered with earth; and a snow or ice house, which was a dome-shaped dwelling constructed of blocks of snow with a low tunnel entrance. Although an igloo can provide adequate protection for weeks in severe cold, it was used almost exclusively as a temporary shelter while traveling. Painted Can Totem - Native Americans in southern Alaska used an art form called a totem. Totem poles are carved from mature cedar trees and raised to represent a family-clan, its accomplishments, its adventures, and stories. Salmon Jewelry - Alaska has some of the best salmon fishing in the world and leads the nation in commercial fishing and food processing. Five types of salmon are found in Alaska: King, Sockeye, Pink, Chum and Coho. Mt McKinley - The highest mountain peak in the U.S., and all of North America, is Alaska's Mt. McKinley, at 20,320 feet. Here too we see the aurora borealis, a spectrum of color and light that radiates in the northern sky. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program looks at crafts historically linked to the island of Hawaii. Flower Lei - A flower lei has become a symbol of welcome for visitors to Hawaii. Different flowers and colors represent each island: Niihau - white; Kauai - Purple; Oahu - Yellow; Maui - Pink; Molokai - Green; Lanai - Orange: Kahoolawe - Grey; Big Island of Hawaii - Red. Bark Cloth - Bark or Tapa cloth was originally created by Polynesian settlers. The men would cut branches from the paper mulberry tree; the women would peel away the outer bark with shells. The inner bark was soaked in water until soft, and then beaten with wooden mallets until it was as thin as cloth. Tapa Cloth Mat - Tapa making is the same as Bark cloth; so for this project we concentrate on the design and colors rather than the material. Pineapple - Over 1/3 of the world's pineapples are grown in Hawaii. This tropical fruit is their major agricultural product and a basis for their principal industry - food processing. In history the pineapple was a symbol for welcome. Coral Reef - Coral reefs are found in tropical oceans near the equator. A reef is a coral community made up of thousands of different organisms living together. It is living and grows very slowly - only about 1 inch per hundred years! Vacation Scrapbook - Hawaii is one of the favorite destinations for travelers from all over the world. This scrapbook page is for your photos whether you actually visit this beautiful place or just imagine it. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |
| This program presents five craft projects related to patriotic designs. Clay Flag - What could be more patriotic than Old Glory, the "nickname" for the American Flag coined by Captain Stephen Driver in 1831. As he was leaving on a voyage, friends presented him with a flag of twenty-four stars. As the banner opened to the ocean breeze for the first time, he exclaimed "Old Glory!" After returning home he cherished the flag. Wood Fire Crackers - Celebrate America's birthday on July 4th with a sizzling craft. Let Freedom Ring - The American Eagle is the symbol of America for its strength and nobility. Red White and Blue Frame - Picture your favorite American in an easy to make clay frame. All American Tote - Red, White and Blue is the basis for this Americana design for saving notes, cards, and other papers. 07DR/CC Closed-Captioned PIA 30 min. |