Happy Birthday, Juliette Gordon Low!

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Juliette Low PatchI’m going to guess that if you’re reading this site, you already know who Juliette Gordon Low is.  Today, aside from being Halloween, is her birthday.  This would be a great opportunity to teach your girls more about the history of Girl Scouting and the life of it’s founder, fondly known in her youth as “Daisy”.

Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, was born Juliette Magill Kinzie Gordon on October 31, 1860, in Savannah, Georgia.  On December 21, 1886, her parents’ 29th wedding anniversary, Juliette married William Mackay Low, a wealthy Englishman, at Christ Church in Savannah, Georgia. Although the couple moved to England, Juliette continued her travels and divided her time between the British Isles and America.

Here’s a few cool facts about her:

  • On July 3, 1948, President Harry S. Truman signed a bill authoring a stamp in honor of Juliette Gordon Low.  The stamp was one of the few dedicated to women.
  • During World War II, she had a “Liberty Ship” named in her honor.
  • In 1954, in Georgia, the city of Savannah honored her by naming a school for her.  A Juliette Low School also exists in Anaheim, CA.
  • On October 28, 1979, Juliette Low was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in Seneca Falls, NY.
  • On December 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill naming a new federal building in Savannah in honor of Juliette Low.  It was the second federal building in history to be named after a woman.
  • In 1992, a Georgia non-profit honored Juliette Low as one of the first Georgia Women of Achievement.  A bust of Juliette Low is displayed in the State Capitol.  In 2000, The Deaf World in Wax, a traveling exhibit, featured her as a famous deaf American.
  • On October 14, 2005, Juliette Low’s life work was immortalized in a commemorative, bronze-and-granite medallion as part of a new national monument in Washington, D.C.  The Extra Mile Points of Light Volunteer Pathway pays tribute to great Americans who build their dreams into movements that have created enduring change in America.  The monument’s medallions, laid into sidewalks adjacent to the White House, form a one-mile walking path.
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Etched Glass Canisters

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This is one of my favorite crafts to do even as an adult!  Etched Glass Canisters are a lovely gift or organizational container, and are super simple.  Even younger girls can make these with supervision.  Older girls may get a kick out of this craft since it is a more functional craft that can be used in many ways at home, in school lockers, etc.  Etched glass is completely dishwasher safe and the etching is permanent, so these items can be used for years.  Feel free to experiment with other glassware like drinking glasses, vases, and candle holders.

A word to the wise – I have not had good luck with frosted or colored glass, so for best results stick to the clear glass.  This tutorial will tell you how to do basic knock-out style lettering, but stencil kits can also be purchased from most craft stores for around $12 for a few pages worth of rub-on single use stencils.

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsDirections:

  1. Using the masking tape (or blue painters tape, both work fine) to make a rectangle about half an inch larger than the encased lettering.  Spell out the desired contents of the canister inside the taped rectangle (canisters can be used for all kinds of things in the kitchen, like rice, sugar, beans, etc, or for smaller craft items like buttons, safety pins, needles, etc.).
  2. Put on the plastic gloves for protection and apply a thick layer of the etching cream, within the masked off area.  Spread the cream evenly over the entire stenciled area, being careful not to extend outside the lines.  You should overlap the making tape boundary a little, but not over the outside edge.
  3. Follow the directions on the etching cream for how long to keep it on the glass.  Usually it ranges between 30 seconds and 5 minutes, depending on desired results.
  4. Without removing the stencil, wash off all of the etching cream with tap water.  Remove the tape and letters, then thoroughly clean the glass with dish soap or window cleaner.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Adult supervision is required when using the etching cream.
  2. Adults can allow younger girls to apply the desired stencils and take care of applying and removing the etching cream themselves.
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Clay Picture Frame & Pencil Cup Set

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This can be a fun project for older girls with a little more motor skills for the modeling of the clay.  Younger girls can still have a great time with this, but the finished product will not be as polished.  You can make the frame and cup themed for school mascots, holidays, seasons, or any other theme you want to tie a craft into.

Materials NeededMaterials Needed:

DirectionsFrame Directions:

  1. Flatten a piece of Model Magic® slightly larger than the frame, about ¼” thick.
  2. Cover the frame with the Model Magic®.
  3. Decorate the frame with additional pieces of Model Magic® as desired.
  4. Allow the modeling compound to air-dry.

DirectionsPencil Cup Directions:

  1. Roll a piece of Model Magic® flat, about ¼” thick.
  2. Cover a plastic cup with the Model Magic®.
  3. Decorate the cup with additional pieces of Model Magic® as desired.
  4. Allow the modeling compound to air-dry.

Safety TipsSafety Tips!

  1. Adult supervision is required.
  2. Have tweezers on hand in case of splinters from the wooden frame.

You can also use the Model Magic® to make figures for the tops of pencils to match the set.

Quick ShoppingQuick Shopping for This Project

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