European Colonial Figures

Learn about the clothing worn by Europeans when they first came to the Americas. Create a historic, miniature figure wearing authentic attire of the period.

• 1.

  Research the clothing that was worn by European immigrants when they started to come to the American continents. Discover how religious beliefs and cultural history influenced clothing designs for men, women, and children. These directions are for making a female figure in a simple dress. Modify the steps as needed to create other attire.

• 2.

  Fold a sheet of Crayola Shaper Paper™ in half and in half again. Cut along folds to make four small sheets.

• 3.

  Place a paper cup upside down on a flat surface covered with newspaper. Dip one small sheet quickly into a bowl of water. Attach short edge of sheet vertically to top edge of cup pleating the top together to form one-third of the skirt.

• 4.

  Repeat Step 3 twice, attaching two more panels to complete the skirt.

• 5.

  Crumple a paper towel into a ball to place on top of the cup. Cut the last quarter sheet in half vertically. Dip in water and attach the short end at the waist. Stretch the piece around to the other side of the waist. Hold in place for a minute or until t

• 6.

  Cut the last small paper in half. Dip into water and roll into small tubes to create arms. Flatten one end. Attach flat ends to top sides of torso.

• 7.

  Fold a second sheet of Shaper Paper in half and in half again. Cut out one-quarter sheet. Cut it in half vertically. Dip each piece in water and attach the short ends at the front waist. Stretch the pieces over and around to the back of the waist. These p

• 8.

  Cut out another quarter sheet and cut it in half. Attach the short ends to make one long vertical sheet. Fold this sheet in half and cut along vertical line. Dip into water and fold in half and in half again lengthwise to create a belt. Wrap around the wa

• 9.

  Crumple a half paper towel into a small ball to create the head. Cut another quarter sheet in half horizontally. Dip in water and cover the head, wrapping it tightly around the paper towel ball. Set aside.

• 10.

  Fold a third sheet of Shaper Paper in half and in half again. Cut out one-quarter sheet and cut it in half vertically. Dip one section in water and fold in half. Set head on top of figure. Wrap newly folded sheet around the head, meeting two corners to cr

• 11.

  Fold another quarter sheet in half horizontally. To make a hat, draw a circle about 2.5 inches (6 cm) in diameter. Draw another circle, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) in diameter, on cardboard. Cut out all circles. Place the smaller circle in the center of the big

• 12.

  Decorate your figure and its apparel with Crayola Watercolor Paints. Air-dry the paint. Orally describe the clothing, culture, and period it represents to your classmates.

Benefits

• Students research clothing of historic European cultures and religions to learn the influence on clothing of early immigrants to North America.
• Students reproduce an authentic costume on a figure showing details of clothing worn by an immigrant from a specific European country and time period.
• Students orally share their research findings and details about their replicas with classmates.

Adaptations

• Research and create designs for different hats, dresses, and sashes for different customs and time periods.
• Create historic dioramas with your figure showing home construction, candle making, farming, weaving, or cooking, for example. Reproduce a colonial house or wagon for your figure.
• Write a story about your figure, giving it a historically accurate name and activities.
• Try decorating the figure with Crayola Markers or Tempera Paints. Use bits of recycled fabric or craft materials to embellish it.
• Assessment. Students carefully follow directions for making their figures. Students explain the influence of other religions and cultures on clothing styles. The figure is dressed in authentic clothing for the culture and time period.