Russia- Expanding and Modernizing {1682-1900}

{Previous post on Russia - Changes in Russia 1350-1613}

 Peter the Great 1682-1725

Catherine the Great, Empress of Russia 1762-1796

Nicholas II becomes Tsar of Russia in 1894

Matryoskkas or Nesting Dolls

"The first Russian nesting doll (matryoshka) was born in 1890 in the workshop "Children's Education" situated in Abramtsevo estate new Moscow. The owner of Abramtsevo was Sava Mamontov - industrialist and a patron of the arts. The end of the 19 century in Russia was a time of great economic and cultural development. Mamontov was one of the first who patronized artist who were possessed by the idea of the creation of a new Russian style." -Russian Crafts

We read stories about nesting dolls and made cute paper ones.

Another great craft project is a Russian "nevalyashka" doll at Almost Unschoolers.