Tecumseh DIY

I bet that all of you out there read my blog about Tecumseh and said to yourself: "That dude seems like an awesome ninja guy, I want dress like him," but then you were like: "OH no, I don't know how to make myself look like this cool guy!" And so  I am going to show you exactly how to make your wardrobe match Tecumseh's! 

Cool?

So we start off with the headpiece: 

What you need to create the headpiece:

A red square of fabric, with the measurements 

30cm base and 23 cm height.

You will later cut off the sides of the square on an angle, creating a triangle. 

Yarn:

Orange Yarn, White yarn, and a thinner yarn that can be two colours, I used a skinny orange yarn that had little pieces of white thread sewn in, and finally lots of brown yarn. 

The brown yarn will be used for the hair, so you can use as much as you 

 see fit. For the orange yarn, depending on the size of your head you will need 5 strands that are between 75cm and 90cm. 

Depending on how much you would like to see used, the orange/white yarn can be as long as you like. However you shall need one strand that is about 10 cm long. This strand will be used for the design on the back of the hat.

The white yarn will be used also for the design. You will need one strand that is 36cm long, one that is 28cm long and finally one that is 18 cm long. 

Also, lots of hot glue, (& a glue gun!) as well as an optional needle and thread. Sometimes I find it easier to just use the glue gun if you are not going to be paying much close attention to the smaller details, but by all means feel free to use a needle and thread if you want your Tecumseh to look more professional.

Now if you see on the picture above, the orange yarn is used to hold the hat onto your head, bandanna style. Hold the 5 strands together and carefully loop a large strand of the orange/white yarn around it as many or as little times as you like. This will hold the orange yarn together.  Glue or sew the orange yarn onto the top of the bandanna ( the flat part opposite the tip of the triangle), leaving plenty hanging loose on the sides in order to tie it at the back of your head. 

The back of the bandanna:

This is where you use the carefully measured white yarn and orange/white strand. Starting with the biggest strand, the 36 cm one, arrange it in a pattern of your choice. I chose to use a triangle/arrow pattern, with the tips of my triangle/arrows pointing to the tip on the triangle of the bandanna.  

The Hair!

As I said before, using as much brown yarn as you like, you can place it strategically so it looks like Tecumseh Hair. I chose to place my yarn at the front sides of the bandanna. It gives the illusion that you have Tecumseh hair even though it is only a bit at the front. If you have lots of time on your hands and you would like to have Tecumseh hair around your whole head, you would to the same as you would for just the illusion:

Cut the hair up into clumps, maybe 40cm long per strand and maybe 2 dozen strands per clump. Tie each clump together with a little piece of yarn at the very top. Double knot it, we don't want this hair falling apart. Lay your bandanna down on a hard surface, with the design side down. Remember how we glued/sewed the orange bandana holder onto the side opposite the point? Well that is where you glue/sew the hair, except on the underside of the bandanna. You should glue/sew the top of the hair right under  the area where the orange thread is, if the orange thread was on the underside. Please remember to glue/sew it on the UNDERSIDE, not on the same side as the orange thread. 

And that is pretty much it. If you have other materials, like wooden beads, feathers, or earthy toned felt, you can add it on as part of the design. Really, there are no limits here, as long as the headpiece comes out looking somewhat like something Tecumseh would wear.  

Now the vest:

I had this vest at home, in my costume box, but if you don't have a costume you can make your own using a simple black vest or sweater and just embellish it with bits of felt, scraps of fabric, etc. I am sure that you would be able to find something like this at a thrift shop or a costume shop as well.

Just look at the unique details on the buttons! 

And so that's all! I think that you have all of the tools you need to succeed! Have fun becoming  Tecumseh!!!!!

More with Isaac Brock- in 1812

British North Americans were unsure about how they would fight off an American Invasion. British troops were busy fighting off Napoleon, in Europe. Very few men could be spared for Canada.
It was also a question of Loyalty.
Isaac Brock didn't know how many people would actually want to fight off the Americans. Ever since the American Revolution, many American settlers had moved north to Canada. These 'Late Loyalists' had formed a much bigger population that the trusty 'original Loyalists'.  Nobody knew if the 'Late Loyalists' truly had appreciation, respect and strong feelings for Britain- instead it was suspected that the 'Late Loyalists' only came to upper Canada for the land. Some feared that the Late Loyalists would welcome the American Invasion!
Following the Invasion, some military members left British Forces. Several of the deserters joined the Americans, proving that the suspicion of disloyalty among Late Loyalists was too true.
By this time, the overall mood in upper Canada was pretty negative and depressing.
But not for the ever positive Isaac Brock.
Very little people thought that Upper Canada could ever be properly defended.
But my little happy- go -lucky friend here, Mr. Brock, refused to listen.

Major General Isaac Brock, his thoughts on General William Hull's proclamation & the Defence of Canada

When the war of 1812 first started, Isaac Brock was the administrator and major general of upper Canada. For quite a few years, Major General Isaac Brock was asking the British Government for a command in Europe. He really wanted to join the fight against Monsieur Napoleon Bonaparte. But soon after, when  war broke out with the Americans, he was determined to stay and defend the colony.

Major General Isaac Brock 

However, Brock still was concerned about Napoleon. His concern showed in his response to General William Hull's proclamation, ( another Proclamation, written by Isaac Brock).

In his Proclamation, he sought out to remind people of how good the benefits are under British Rule.
He touched at the dangers of siding with Americans. He also suggested that if Britain was to lose the war, America may be able to repay their debt by returning Canada to the French.

William Hull & Sandwich

Hello my passionate readers.
I am General William Hull.
Yes, Yes. Control your excitement.
 Now this little piece of history that I am writing  is all about an invasion.
This invasion takes place on July 12th, 1812. 

The invasion

I, General William Hull, am commander of the Northwestern Army of the United States. 
I know, it's quite a mouthful. 
Anyways, we (I had a force of 2000 men) invaded Canada. 
We sandwiched ourselves in Sandwich, which is now present day Windsor. 
From this point, we distributed an excellent proclamation to convince residents that our invasion was good, and hopefully get them to not oppose it.  

Here is my Proclamation:
INHABITANTS OF CANADA!
 After thirty years of Peace and prosperity, the united States have been driven to Arms. The injuries and aggressions, the insults and indignities of Great Britain have once more left them no alternative but manly resistance or unconditional submission. The army under my Command has invaded your Country and the standard of the United States waves on the territory of Canada. To the peaceful, unoffending inhabitant, It brings neither danger nor difficulty. I come to find enemies not to make them, I come to protect you not to injure you.

Separated by an immense ocean and an extensive Wilderness from Great Britain you have no participation in her counsels no interest in her conduct. You have felt her Tyranny, you have seen her injustice, but I do not ask you to avenge the one or redress the other. The United States are sufficiently powerful to afford you every security consistent with their rights and your expectations. I tender you the invaluable blessings of Civil, Political, and Religious Liberty, and their necessary result, individual and general, prosperity: That liberty which gave decision to our counsels and energy to our conduct in our struggle for INDEPENDENCE and which conducted us safely and triumphantly thro’ the stormy period of the Revolution...

In the name of my Country and by the authority of my Government I promise protection to your persons, property and rightsRemain at your homes, Pursue your peaceful and customary avocations. Raise not your hands against your brethern, many of your fathers fought for the freedom and Independence we now enjoy Being children therefore of the same family with us, and heirs to the same Heritage, the arrival of an army of Friends must be hailed by you with a cordial welcome, You will be emancipated from Tyranny and oppression and restored to the dignified status of freemen...If contrary to your own interest and the just expectation of my country, you should take part in the approaching contest, you will be considered and treated as enemies and the horrors, and calamities of War will stalk before you.

If the barbarous and Savage policy of great Britain be pursued, and the savages are let loose to murder our Citizens and butcher our women and children, this war, will be a war of extermination.

The first stroke with the Tomahawk the first attempt with the Scalping Knife will be the signal for one indiscriminate scene of desolation, No white man found fighting by the Side of an Indian will be taken prisoner Instant destruction will be his Lot.....

I doubt not your courage and firmness; I will not doubt your attachment to Liberty. If you tender your services voluntarily they will be accepted readily.

The United States offers you Peace, Liberty and Security your choice lies between these and War, Slavery, and destruction, Choose then, but choose wisely; and may he who knows the justice of our cause, and who holds in his hand the fate of Nations, guide you to a result the most compatible, with your rights and interests, your peace and prosperity.

I know- It is quite long, but isn't it interesting???
Quite well written too- if I do say so myself!
It's been fun!
Until next time, this has been General William Hull telling you about an
INVASION!!!

War Hawks!!!

Hello. It is me again, the reporter who travelled back in time. Today I am going to tell you about War Hawks. 
The War Hawks are a more immediate cause of the War of 1812.  Made up of a group of American Politicians, from the Western & Southern States, the War hawks believed that the United States should expand it's borders. 
 British North America and the First Nations in the Ohio Valley were just obstacles in their way. The War Hawks thought that they should take over these territories . 


Here is a famous statement by former US president Thomas Jefferson in 1812.
'The Acquisition of Canada this year, as far as the neighbourhood of Quebec, will be mere matter of marching, and will give us experience for the attack of Halifax the next and the final expulsion of England from the American Continent."

Now what I think this means:
Well, expulsion means depriving membership, or expelling someone. So the American's want to gain Canada, so they plan to attack Halifax, which will expel the British from what they American's think is  their own Continent. 
The 4th President of the United States, James Madison, was greatly influenced by The War Hawks, and on June 19th 1812, he declared war on Britain.


Thanks for reading my articles. I hope that I will find a way out of here soon, and I can get back to writing boring old news stories in 2012!

Tecumseh!!!

Hello. According to my name-tag, I am a live action news reporter. So now you think that I will tell you about all the current events in the news. Wrong! I have actually travelled back in time using a time machine that my wacky boss created. Time travel is not a pleasant. experience; I am still suffering from an upset stomach. And there is no Pepto Bismal here!!!   As soon as I get back to 2012, I am going to find myself a new employer. Anyways, while I'm here I decided to write a little news story. So I am going to tell you about some causes of the war of 1812, this guy named Tecumseh, and First Nations Alliances. You all know about the American revolution, right? Okay perfect.  
Right after the American Revolution, the people in Britain encouraged the First Nations in the west to keep a large expanse of space for their own personal use. Therefore, the Americans could not expand.
Now we get into a fun game of accusations. 
1:American's accused the British of encouraging the First Nations to be hostile toward them.


The American's believed that the British supported Tecumseh, an influential first nations leader, and his efforts to to protect the First Nations Land.
Tecumseh opposed the movement of Settlers onto the First Nations land, and to stop further settlements, he created an alliance of First Nations. The wise advice he shared with his alliances was to not sell any more land to the Americans. 
 And that is all I have for you today. Next time I will have lots of interesting information on War Hawks.

The second short story written by Napoleon Bonaparte

Story 2: The Blockade will not stop me, Napoleon Bonaparte from conquering Europe! 

Hello, Bonjour again my friends. I have some news about the war strategy that Britain has concocted. They are using their failing Navy to Blockade Europe. This 'Blockade' prevents other countries from trading with France! This was supposed to hurt me. No, no, wait. It was supposed to hurt my war effort. But.... The American Economy is also suffering! They lost a major market for their goods. Maybe now the American's will turn to us as Allies and we can fight against Britain together...

The United States is already mad at Britain about this 'Impressment'. You see, a bunch of British Navy Sailers deserted Britain to go work in The United States American Merchant Navy. The American Merchant Navy had better pay and conditions than The British Navy that was protecting the shores of the English Channel. A merchant navy is used for trade and business, instead of war. The angry British began stopping American Ships at sea to search for their deserters. The British even began Impressing, (forcing), American Sailers to work in the British Navy!! 

A short story written by Napoleon Bonaparte

Story 1: 1793, Monsieur Bonaparte defends himself. 

Ah. Bonjour. My name is Napoleon Bonaparte. You may have heard some rumours about  me. Just to clear the air, I am not some evil genius wacko guy that is super short. No No! I am Napoleon Bonaparte: Man with a Plan! And that plan is a brilliant one if I do say so myself. It is to conquer all of Europe! Oui, I know to some of you it sounds like a horrible plan but it is not at all. I am a successful military leader, what plan could be bad when it comes out of my mouth? Well, actually, don't answer that question. Anyways, one of my top sources has informed me that Britain's main priority is go to war with my country, France!You see, those British think that we are going to invade England through the English Channel. Interesting.............

Until next time, this has been Napoleon Bonaparte