Kirsten's Midsummer Wreath

Thank you for joining us for our program today. We are so happy that you are here!

For today’s program, we will be making a Midsummer Wreath, a craft brought to us by one of American Girl’s first characters, Kirsten. Kirsten’s story takes place in 1854 in Minnesota .

Today’s craft can be found in Kirsten’s Craft Book: A Look at Crafts from the Past with Projects You Can Make Today. The following directions make one wreath. We hope you enjoy Kirsten’s Midsummer Wreath.

Materials

  • Bundle of reeds, 1 inch thick and 2 feet long (available in most craft stores)

  • Roasting pan

  • Paper towels

  • Twine

  • Scissors

  • Piece of ribbon, 5 feet long

  • Dried flowers

  • Extra ribbon for bows

Directions

  1. Soak the reeds in a roasting pan of warm water until they’re flexible, about 15 minutes.

  2. Dry the excess water from the reeds, and then bend them into a circle, overlapping the ends.

  3. Have a partner (such as your parent or friend) help you tie the reeds together with twine. Tie tight double knots, and then cut off the extra twine.

  4. Let the reeds dry for about 15 minutes, and then tie 1 end of the 5-foot ribbon around the wreath.

  5. Wrap the ribbon loosely around the wreath. Leave gaps so. that the reeds show through.

  6. Cut the flower stems to 3 inches. Weave the flowers into the wreath, or tie them on with ribbon. Add ribbon bows, and your wreath is finished!

Did You Know: The Larsons decorates their home with branches and wildflowers to celebrate Midsummer. Today, Midsummer is celebrated on June 24. In Sweden, this day is so long that the sun stays out all night! Everyone wants to be outside picnicking, singing and dancing around a maypole.

Photo of Kirsten’s Midsummer Wreath | 1994 | American Girl, LLC., U.S.

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Kaya’s Granola Bars with Dried Fruit and Seeds