Kid's Crafts: Crafts for the July 24 Holiday, Pioneer Day

Pioneer Day, otherwise known as The Days of '47, celebrates the arrival of the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. Occurring on July 24, Pioneer Day is an officially recognized state holiday in Utah. Celebrated by Latter-day Saints all over the world, It's a great time for dressing up like pioneers, doing a craft, and joining in family fun.

Pioneer Day kid's craft-button toy. This craft is so old that it's probably been around since before the pioneers crossed the plains! It's a really fun craft that's quick to make and that even adults enjoy.

Craft Supplies-Colorful, large or medium-large button, 2 feet of string or twine per button.

Craft Directions-Thread one end of string through one buttonhole and the other end through the hole next to the buttonhole just used. Tie the two ends together in a knot, and then slide the button to the center.

To Use-Let the button hang down. Holding the ends of the string between thumbs and fingers, rotate the wrists so that the button and string is twirled, tightening the string until taut. When the string is tight, pull the hands apart quickly until the string is untwisted, and then quickly bring them back together again to rewind the string, causing the button to spin.

Pioneer Day kid's craft- yarn dolls. This cute craft can be made as boy or girl dolls, depending on what accessories are added.

Craft Supplies-Skein of yarn, 7" cardboard square, scissors, (optional: glue, small buttons or felt pieces, small feathers).

Craft Directions-Wrap yarn around cardboard multiple times. Cut the yarn at one end and remove from cardboard. Keep strands together and lay out flat (14" long). Twist the yarn at the center point, (as if you were wringing water out of it) and then fold in half, twisting one behind the other, shaping the doubled end into a tight "u" to form the head. (Visit TheCraftyClassroom.com if you need photos of what this will look like.) Where the neck should be, tie off with a piece of scrap yarn. Keeping all knots on the same side when tying, separate several strands to the sides for arms and strands at the bottom to form two legs. Tie off with scrap yarn at what would be the waist, then tie off at elbows and wrists on the arms, and knees and ankles on the legs. Glue small buttons or felt on for eyes. Allow glue to dry.

To Use-Play with like any doll. Girls can glue a scrap of fabric on for an apron, while boys can glue feathers to the head to make an Indian.

Pioneer Day kid's craft-painted peanuts. This is a fun craft that everyone will enjoy. Just be sure to have lots of peanuts on hand, because there's no doubt some of them will end up eaten instead of painted.

Craft Supplies-Unshelled peanuts, paint brush, glue, craft paint in various colors, odds and ends of fabric, feathers, beads, or whatever is on hand.

Craft Directions-Glue peanuts together, if desired, to make people, monsters, etc. Paint eyes, nose, mouth and other features onto shell. Add bits of fabric, feathers, and such. Let dry.

To Use-Give out prizes for the most creative Painted Peanut.

Pioneer Day can be such an enjoyable time for families, and the celebration wouldn't be complete without a craft for the little people. It might even turn out that some of the "little" people working on a craft will be bigger than expected, because even adults can't resist the fun on Pioneer Day.

Other articles by this author:
Coloring Pictures for Pioneer Day

Sources:
The Bookshelf for Boys and Girls, Vol. 5, Things to Make and Things to Do. New York: University Society, 1955. Print.
TheCraftyClassroom.com
Personal experience.