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Blog entry
Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 12
Tick . . . tick . . . tick. According to the Christmas clock, there are now only 13 (!!!) days until Christmas! It’s hard to believe that December is already here and, with it, the last week of the Countdown to Christmas 2018. The Countdown has been graciously hosted by Julie and Blue of Blue Morning Expressions on their The Blu Print blog. Yes, week 12 has come and gone and 45 artisan handmade and vintage items from 15 artists were left in its wake, any of which will be perfect for a Christmas gift that was individually handmade from the heart. Help Santa make it a HANDMADE Christmas this year!
Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 10
Here we are at Week 10 of the Countdown to Christmas. Only two more weeks left! The Countdown is a chance for mostly handmade artists to share three of their beautiful gift ideas and for all to browse and, hopefully, purchase. The ever ticking Christmas clock doesn’t let up - according to it, Santa will start his journey in only 27 days! Need a perfect start to your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the place to do just that! A good motto to follow: SHOP EARLY, SHOP OFTEN! And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE!
Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 9
Wow! Can you believe that Week 9 of the Countdown to Christmas has come and gone . . . and there are only 3 more weeks left. The Countdown is a chance for artists, mostly handmade, to share some of their beautiful work and for all to browse and, hopefully, purchase. According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, Santa will make his yearly visit to all good girls and boys in only 34 days! Need an perfect start for your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the place to do just that! A good motto to follow: Shop early, shop often! And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE!
Handmade Gift Ideas - Three for Thursday
When I was browsing the internet the other day, looking for nothing in particular, I stumbled across this quote:
Something Handmade is So Much More Meaningful
It caught my eye, because, being a handmade jewelry artist myself, I promote buying handmade whenever I can, through my own work or the work of others artist friends. Handmade items ARE more meaningful . . . and are often one of a kind . . . and always have a small piece of the artist’s soul buried in them.
Make It an Artisan Handmade Christmas - Week 8
Can you believe that week 8 of the Countdown to Christmas has already come nad gone. Week 8!!! Only four more to go. What was left behind this week was a unique sampling of artisan handmade items for all to browse and, hopefully buy. According to the ever ticking Christmas clock, Santa will make his yearly visit in only 41 days! Need an excellent start your Christmas shopping? The Countdown is the perfect place to do just that! A good motto to follow: shop early, shop often! And, most of all, SHOP HANDMADE!
Christmas is Almost Here! - Wonderful Handmade Wednesday on Indiemade
What more can I say, but “Christmas is almost here!” Today I’m sharing some beautiful holiday cheer, many of which are one of a kind items, from a bevy of talented Indiemade artists. I hope you enjoy these creations, any of which will make a perfect Christmas gift for that special loved one.
Countdown to Christmas - Week 12 - Wales
The Mari Lwyd entering a bar as part of Christmas celebrations in Llantrisant; photo by visitwales.com
Y Nadolig (Christmas) celebrations in modern times in Wales are similar to the celebrations in the rest of Great Britain. Several days before Christmas, a small tree (sometimes artificial) is hung with lights, ornaments and trinkets. Paper decorations and streamers often lavishly decorate the rooms of the house. Gifts are exchanged on Christmas Day. The Christmas meal traditionally consists of roast turkey with all the trimmings, a wide array of vegetables, followed by a Christmas pudding with brandy sauce. BUT . . . it is the older traditions that are the most interesting to me, some of which are still practiced, some of which are making a comeback and one, thankfully, that has fallen by the wayside (for obvious reasons, as you will see). As with all traditions, the same tradition can be different in different parts of the country. I chose my favorite to share here.
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.
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.
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.
