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November 2016
Think Red for Artisan Christmas Gifts - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
The color combination of red and green is closely associated with Christmas - for example, Santa’s red clothing and green holly with red berries. But how did this come about? From ancient history to modern time, color has been an integral part of cultural awareness and even an understanding of life; it touched all members of society and conveyed deeper messages (such as, only royalty could wear the color purple). Red and green as Christian symbolism can be traced back to Medieval Miracle Plays and rood screen painters. The color combination can be traced to the Mabinogion, a collection of Welsh stories from the 13th century. And these stories were probably based on an oral tradition that dates back to the pre-Christian Celts many centuries before where a half-red, half-green tree figures prominently in one of the tales. In pre-Christian times, red and green represented male (red) and female (green), strength and harmony, desire and fertility.
Countdown to Christmas - Week 11 - Vietnam
Laughing Santas in Hanoi; photo courtesy of Crossing Travel
Christmas in Socialist Republic of Vietnam has had a tumultuous history. Even though the traditional Vietnamese religions are Buddhism and the Chinese philosophies of Taoism and Confucianism, Christmas is one of the four most important festivals of the Vietnamese year. The other three religious celebrations include the birthday of Buddha, Tet the Lunar New Year and the Mid-autumn Festival. During the French rule (1887-1954), many people in French Indochina (as Vietnam was known then) became Christians, mainly Catholics. After the Vietnam War came to an end in 1975 and a Communist government took over, Christians celebrated Christmas very quietly in their own homes. But, with economic reforms and more liberal policies in the late 1980’s, Christmas began to be celebrated openly again. Even though only 8% - 10% of Vietnamese are Christians, Christmas is celebrated by all religions in Vietnam. Christmas Eve, rather than Christmas Day (which is NOT a national holiday), is the most important day for parties, socializing and elaborate dinners and is a blend of many religious influences.
Ancient Symbols in a Modern World - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
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Symbols have always had a great significance in the lives of humans, from pre-historic times to modern man. Since ancient symbols are ingrained into our lives, most people don't realize these symbols are everywhere. From the logos of modern companies (Starbucks with their mermaid), to television shows (spirals in True Detective) and movies (Legendary Pictures with their Celtic knot logo) from religious books and texts (The Bible, The Koran) to decorations on buildings (sunbursts and dolphins), ancient symbols are everywhere.
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 10 - Latvia
Ziemassvetki mumming in Latvia; photo courtesy Vienkocu Parks
The Republic of Latvia is one of the three Baltic states in Northern Europe. Despite the main religion being Christianity, many traditions survive from the ancient pagan celebrations of the Ziemas saulgrieži (winter solstice), the longest night of the year. The people of the Baltics were the last pagans of Europe, until the German crusaders arrived in the 13th century. Over the centuries the old pagan traditions, characteristic to many Northern European countries, have blended and mixed with the Christian ones and are celebrated during Ziemassvētki, literally meaning winter festival, but also used to denote Christmas. Since the winter solstice and Christmas happen very close together, the rebirth of the Sun Maiden is celebrated on December 25, along with the birth of the Christ Child. Ziemassvētki is a mix of ethnic, religious and modern traditions all about light coming back into life.
Christmas Gift Ideas - New Jewelry from Shadow Dog Designs
Thanksgiving is almost here and Christmas is not far behind. To help with your holiday gift giving, I decided to showcase seven of my new necklaces and pairs of earrings along with three Christmas / winter earrings. Each design here is one of a kind, except for the Christmas earrings. Some designs are more boho flavored and some are more classic. So if a person on your list loves unique artisan jewelry, one (or more) of these choices will be perfect. And, while you're at it, how about something for yourself?
Earthy Browns Abound - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
Despite the grass in our back yard staying an amazing green so far into the year, I can see the slide of winter colors beginning to show up. Pretty soon our back yard, the arroyo behind the house and the desert over all will be clothed in the many varied shades of warm earthy browns with tinges of other subtle colors. Waiting . . . waiting . . . waiting . . . . for the brilliance of spring.
“Earthy Browns Abound” is the theme of this week’s “Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade. I hope you enjoy the beautifully earthy artisan creations featured here. And, please, support handmade artisan this holiday season.
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 9 - Fiji
Photo courtesy of fijiislands.com
The Republic of Fiji is a South Pacific island country located approximately 1,300 miles to the northeast of New Zealand. One of the most economically prosperous countries of the South Pacific region, Fiji has become a favored vacation spot, and is perhaps best known for its year-round tropical weather. While some parts of the world are celebrating a white Christmas by making snowmen and cooking hot dinners with all the trimmings, Christmas in Fiji is a different experience entirely. The warm and sunny weather means sand rather than snow. Traditional lovo cooked meats and seafood are prepared all over the island.
Countdown to Christmas 2016 - Week 8 - Luxembourg
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Chreschtmaart in Luxembourg City; photo courtesy of visitluxembourg.com
The Grand-Duche de Luxembourg is a very small independent country in Europe; it is just a little smaller than the U.S. state of Rhode Island. Germany is located to the east, France to the south, and Belgium to the west. From the beginning of December, streets and store windows in all major cities are richly decorated and lighted. Large Chrëschtbeemchen (Christmas trees) can be found most public squares. Outdoor Chrëschtmaart (Christmas markets) can be found throughout the country. From wooden huts that are set up in town squares, a wide variety of locally produced arts and crafts, such as candles, nutcrackers, Christmas tree decorations and manger scenes, are sold. Glühwein, a popular spiced wine served hot in special mugs, is a regular part of the menu at Christmas markets all through Europe. Foods to be purchased may include various soups (with or without Mettwurscht, a local sausage specialty), crepes, fresh bakery goods and Lëtzebuerger Grillwurscht, another type of sausage. Concerts are given in bandstands and on special stages set up for the Christmas markets. Local bands, brass quartets, string trios, choirs, and soloists all contribute to the holiday atmosphere. To get an idea of the beauty of the Christmas market in Luxembourg City, check out this short video: Luxembourg Christmas market . (My bags are packed!)
New, One of a Kind Handmade Jewelry by Shadow Dog Designs
It has been almost a month since I shared handmade jewelry from my Indiemade shop. Arts festivals, company and a bit of traveling has kept me very busy. But I have a short break now between shows, so decided to feature the new, one of a kind necklaces and earrings which can be found in my shop. A few have already sold, but I wanted to share them, just the same. I hope you enjoy these twelve unique beauties:
Yellers, Browns and Goldens - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
The other day, as I was pondering the theme of this week’s “Wonderful Handmade Wednesday" blog post, I ran across a very colorful quote from Roy Bean talking about autumn in the desert: “And Fall, with her yeller harvest moon and the hills growin' brown and golden under a sinkin' sun.” Aha, I thought! The handmade theme of earthy yellers, browns and goldens was then set in my mind.
