The Spare Room

Craft Activities

The Spare Room, by Jenny Land, illustration
In the nineteenth century, there were not any televisions, no computers, no telephones. There were no labor-saving devices like dishwashers, vacuum cleaners, or washing machines. We live in a time today where entertainment is technology-based and easy to find. For Susannah, entertainment was often mixed with practicality, and this can be seen in both the men’s and the women’s handcrafts mentioned in the book.

Depending on class resources, one or all of the following activities can be experimented with in the classroom for both boys and girls. It will help give context to the story and will provide fun, hands-on activities for all students to try.

1) Stenciling

In the story, Susannah notices that the Worth’s have a pineapple stenciling design in their home. Intrigued and charmed by the work, she asks her parents for permission to stencil some patterns in her home by herself.

Stenciling was a popular decorative tool used in the 19th century. For those who couldn't afford fancy wallpaper but wanted to bring pattern and color to their home, stenciling was a great solution. For the more wealthy, a traveling artist would be hired to do the stenciling. For those who were not as wealthy, the stenciling was done by the women in the home.

Materials

  • Muslin Square
  • Paint
  • Stencils
  • Paint Brushes
  • Paper Towel
  • Masking Tape


Instructions

  1. Tape down the cloth
  2. Tape down selected stencil over cloth
  3. Dip the brush into the paint
  4. Dab the excess paint off on the paper towel
  5. Dot the paint onto the fabric in the stencil outlines
  6. Remove stencil carefully
  7. Hang cloth to dry
  8. Wash stencil

Stencil designs can be self-designed, or simple decorative store-bought stencils.

Some common historically accurate designs include many floral patterns, with either many leaf shapes or a simple flower and leaf shapes, pineapple patterns, willow tree patterns, and other repetitive, nature-inspired designs.

2) Woodworking

In the story, woodworking is a prominent hobby and craft among the male characters. Sam, Jacob, and Mr. Allen all participate in this task and all are noted within the story as being relatively skilled in the craft. Sam makes snowshoes for Susannah, Jacob makes an intricate box for Sam, and Mr. Allen makes a small writing desk for Susannah.

Woodworking is not a skill that can be acquired overnight, but it is an activity that can be done by classes with the resources to do so. This activity would be fun and informative for both genders, but the boys in the class will appreciate the connection to the men from the story. It's a great activity for students who are hands on and creative, and will help all students gain context and appreciation.

3) Candle-making

In the story, Susannah mentions often how she must stop writing as she will run out of candle. In this day and age, running out of candle isn't a problem, as we have electricity to light our homes. If we want to stay up in the dark and write, we simply need to flick on the lamp at our desk and do so. For Susannah, however, light came from the flame of a candle, and she was required to time her activities in the dark to the length of time the candle would burn.

To experience this for yourself, try making your own candles! Directions on simple candle-making can be found in all sorts of craft books and online, and the process is quite simple and manageable for students as long as safety precautions are followed (hot wax!). The materials are cheap and easily obtained.

This site gives detailed instructions, material lists, and precautions for candle-making: www.pioneerthinking.com/crafts/crafts-candles/dipped.html

For an extra bit of fun at experiencing Susannah's world, try using your candle to write by one night, instead of a flashlight or desk lamp. Or save them for when the power goes out some night and you need to finish homework or write in your own diary!

4) More

Other handcrafts to try that are mentioned in the book include sewing, weaving, quilting, embroidering, and knitting. Consider giving students a simple short project, and perhaps ask a volunteer to come into the classroom to assist or to demonstrate the craft.

The Spare Room

By Jenny Land

Published by Voyage
Publication Date: Nov. 1, 2012
ISBN: 978-1-9384060-1-0
224 pp./softcover

An imprint of
Brigantine Media
Brigantine Media, 211 North Ave., St. Johnsbury, Vermont USA 05819
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