We’re going to learn how to make a Civil War style upcycled necklace inspired by the book Little Women set in the same period. Also, add my American Civil War or War Between the States Unit Study and Lapbook to your study.
We are going to make one that you can personalize by using photos printed from Google, pages from an old book like I did, or even your photos.
I opted to go with the ribbon-style necklace to keep it simple.
The most common types of clasps for necklaces during this period were typically hooks, box clasps, bolt rings, or pin and barrel.
Pendants were placed on ribbons to wear.
Also, they fit like a loose choker.
These were sometimes cameos.
And that were carved, portraying scenes or people from biblical and mythological stories.
Sometimes they wore mourning brooches which were a tribute to the subject, with an inscription, t initials, a lock of hair, a cameo, or a silhouette of a loved one.
Books About the Civil War or Set In the American Civil War
20 American Civil War Books & Resources
Your kids will love these resources and hands-on to learn about the American Civil War.
In 1861, America is on the cusp of war, and young Jethro Creighton is just nine-years-old. His brother, Tom, and his cousin, Eb, are both of fighting age. As Jethro's family is pulled into the conflict between the North and the South, loyalties are divided, dreams are threatened, and their bonds are put to the test in this heart-wrenching, coming of age story.
History comes alive for kids like no textbook can in this epic account of the American Civil War that's perfect for history buffs and reluctant readers!From courageous cavalry rides deep into enemy territory to harrowing covert missions undertaken by spies and soldiers, the events of the American Civil War were filled with daring figures and amazing feats. This exhilarating overview covers the biggest battles as well as captivating lesser-known moments to entertain kids with unbelievable (and totally true) tales of one of America's most fascinating conflicts.History buff, Civil War reenactor, and popular blogger Ben Thompson uses his extensive knowledge and vivid storytelling style to bring the Civil War to life in this first book in a thrilling new series featuring incredible people, events, and civilizations. Get ready to learn just how awesome history can be!
Grown-up Meg, tomboyish Jo, timid Beth, and precocious Amy. The four March sisters couldn't be more different. But with their father away at war, and their mother working to support the family, they have to rely on one another. Whether they're putting on a play, forming a secret society, or there's one thing they can't help wondering: Will Father return home safely?
Canadian-born Emma Edmonds loved the thrill of adventure and chasing freedom, so in 1861 when the Civil War began, she enlisted in the Union Army. With cropped hair and men’s clothing, Emma transformed herself into a peddler, slave, bookkeeper and more, seamlessly gathering information and safely escaping each time. This fictionalized biography about the daring exploits of a cunning master of disguise, risking discovery and death for the sake of freedom, will inspire readers for generations to come.
Earnest, plain-spoken sixteen-year-old Jeff Bussey has finally gotten his father’s consent to join the Union volunteers. It’s 1861 in Linn County, Kansas, and Jeff is eager to fight for the North before the war is over, which he’s sure will be soon.
But weeks turn to months, the marches through fields and woods prove endless, hunger and exhaustion seem to take up permanent residence in Jeff’s bones, and he learns what it really means to fight in battle—and to lose friends. When he finds himself among enemy troops, he’ll have to put this life on the line to advance the Union cause.
Thoroughly researched and based on firsthand accounts, Rifles for Watie “should hold a place with the best Civil War fiction for young people” (The Horn Book).
A strong choice for independent reading and for sharing in a classroom and for homeschooling. As a homeschool cooperative teacher commented: "The book has launched many discussions in our class. When a person is on one side of a conflict, it is important to remember that people on the other side are also people. Jeff is a perfect model for how treating people with respect can happen even in war."
In this brilliant fictional tour de force, which the New York Times called "a deft, poignant novel," Newbery Medal-winning author Paul Fleischman re-creates the first great battle of the Civil War from the points of view of sixteen participants.
Northern and Southern, male and female, white and black. Here are voices that tell of the dreams of glory, the grim reality, the hopes, horror, and folly of a nation discovering the true nature of war.
Willie might be too young to be a fighter, but he's brave enough to be a drummer.Ten-year-old Willie Johnston is too young to be a soldier in Mr. Lincoln's army. So he joins as a drummer boy, instead. Part of Willie's job is rousing the troops in the morning with his drum—the other part is being the last to retreat in battles. In this true story, Willie shows he's brave enough to keep beating his drum, but will he be lucky enough to survive the war?"Scrupulously researched and overflowing with evocative detail . . . Willie's tale is authentic and engaging."—Kirkus Reviews
A fictionalized biography of Anna Blair Ethridge, a Union Army nurse.
Very popular among reenactors, this book explains what was worn, by whom, and in what combinations. With more than 300 photographs, it provides invaluable information on the dress styles and designs of women's clothing in the 19th century. It also includes descriptions of accessories and construction tips for those involved with reenactments and living history. Now in use extensively in the Hollywood film industry.
Unforgettable History! Great Battles for Boys is the bestselling history series that sends young readers “into the fight.” Boys learn about the military leaders, weapons, and strategies that won—or lost—history's most important military battles.
Twelve-year-old Will wants to be a drummer in the Union army, but he's stuck far from the fighting in his sleepy hometown of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Then the Union and Confederate armies meet in Gettysburg, and Will and his family are caught up in the ferocious fighting. From delivering important messages and helping captured slaves escape Confederate soldiers to even saving a young soldier's life, Will takes readers on a journey through one of the Civil War's most significant battles. And when the fighting is finally over, Will witnesses President Lincoln deliver his famous Gettysburg Address, and he knows firsthand the truth behind his words.
The Civil War may be over, but for twelve-year-old Will Page, the pain and bitterness haven’t ended. How could they have, when the Yankees were responsible for the deaths of everyone in his entire immediate family? And now Will has to leave his comfortable home in the Shenandoah Valley and live with relatives he has never met, people struggling to eke out a living on their farm in the war-torn Virginia Piedmont. But the worst of it is that Will’s uncle Jed had refused to fight for the Confederacy. At first, Will regards his uncle as a traitor—or at least a coward. But as they work side by side, Will begins to respect the man. And when he sees his uncle stand up for what he believes in, Will realizes that he must rethink his definition of honor and courage.
Born into slavery, young Harriet Tubman knew only hard work and hunger. Escape seemed impossible - certainly dangerous. Yet Harriet did escape North, by the secret route called the Underground Railroad. Harriet didn't forget her people. Again and again she risked her life to lead them on the same secret, dangerous journey.
This first volume of Shelby Foote's classic narrative of the Civil War opens with Jefferson Davis’s farewell to the United Senate and ends on the bloody battlefields of Antietam and Perryville, as the full, horrible scope of America’s great war becomes clear. Exhaustively researched and masterfully written, Foote’s epic account of the Civil War unfolds like a classic novel.
History explodes in this activity guide spanning the turmoil preceding secession, the first shots fired at Fort Sumter, the fierce battles on land and sea, and finally the Confederate surrender at Appomattox. Making butternut dye for a Rebel uniform, learning drills and signals with flags, decoding wigwag, baking hardtack, reenacting battles, and making a medicine kit bring this pivotal period in our nation’s history to life. Fascinating sidebars tell of slaves escaping on the Underground Railroad, the adventures of nine-year-old drummer boy Johnny Clem, animal mascots who traveled with the troops, and friendships between enemies.
Cannon fire! That's what Jack and Annie hear when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the time of the American Civil War. There they meet a famous nurse named Clara Barton and do their best to help wounded soldiers. It is their hardest journey in time yet—and the one that will make the most difference to their own lives!
The stars of the Big Dipper have led a runaway slave family to Deacon Fuller's house, a stop on the Underground Railroad. Will Tommy Fuller be able to hide the runaways from a search party—or will the secret passengers be discovered and their hope for freedom destroyed?
This simple, unvarnished account recalls the courageous life of Harriet Tubman, one of the best-known “conductors” on the Underground Railroad. First published in 1869 and privately printed to raise funds for “the Moses of her people,” Sarah Bradford’s memorable biography recalls the former slave’s grim childhood; her perilous experiences leading slaves into Canada; her efforts as a Civil War nurse, cook, and scout for the Union Army; and her post-conflict endeavors to aid and educate former slaves.
You will also find interesting facts, more ideas for hands-on civil war activities, and a few resources as always to add to your unit and give your child a well-rounded study.
7 Little Women Book Facts
- Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women in just 10 days.
- Little Women was published in two parts. The first half was published in 1868 as Little Women: Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The Story Of Their Lives. In 1869 the second half was published.
- There are two sequels to the book- Little Men, published in 1871, and Jo’s Boys in 1886.
- Fans can still visit Orchard House in Concord Massachusetts where Louisa May Alcott wrote Little Women.
- The sisters in Little Women- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy are based on Alcott’s actual siblings.
- The book has been adapted to the big screen six times. The first time in 1917 and most recently in 2019.
- Ms. Alcott did not want to write a novel for girls. She preferred different topics and was considered a tomboy, but she did it to please her father and help his writing career.
If you do not already have a copy of Little Women be sure to grab one, it will be a well-loved addition to read-aloud or personal reading time.
Next, look at some of these hands-on Civil War activities.
Hands-on Civil War Activities
- Stop by and check out my Free Amazing American Civil War Lapbook and Hands-on Unit Study for a deeper dive into the subject.
- Try this yummy-looking recipe for Civil War Era Rock Candy.
- Make a Civil War Housewife like soldiers would have carried into battle to mend their own clothes on the field.
- Whip up a batch of Fun American Civil War Crafts for Kids and Make Raspberry Jam.
- Civil War Era Honey Soap.
Finally, look how to make this fun upcycled Civil War style necklace.
How to Make a Civil War Style Upcycled Necklace
You will need:
- Jewelry pendant trays and cabochons
- Velvet ribbon
- Mod Podge
- pages from Little Women that are beyond redeemable
- E6000 adhesive
First, find a picture that is small enough to fit within the cabochon (glass covering on the pendant).
I had several copies of Little Women on hand and one with a broken spine and torn cover.
So, I moved the cabochon around over pictures once I found one I liked and made sure that it fit within the frame.
You can also take a snippet of text if you like.
Cut the picture out carefully.
Paint the back of the cabochon with Mod Podge, or water down school glue with 1 part water to 2 parts glue for a homemade Mod Podge.
Press your picture into it and paint another coat on the back, be sure to smooth out any air bubbles.
Allow to dry completely.
Add a dab of good glue like e6000 to the pendant and press the prepared cabochon onto it, lay a few books or something heavy on top of it for a few minutes to press it down tightly.
Thread ribbon through the top and you can either size it and add these ribbon crimps to each end to connect the necklace with a clasp or simply leave the ribbon long and tie it.
