Hopes for Spring

It seems a little odd to be talking and thinking about spring in mid-January.  Here in Phoenix, a recent cold snap and rainstorm have combined to finally bring numerous leaves down off the trees - we'll see buds for new leaves on those same trees within just a couple of weeks.  I grew up in Michigan and Ohio - I know what winter is for most of the country.  And I also know that in the midst of a white, cold, snowy, icy winter, one needs hope. 




I made a treasury, or collection of items, on Etsy.com today and entitled it "A Little Bird Told Me . . ."  It's full of birds with secrets to tell, and one of those secrets is that, however cold it is now, and however long winter lasts, spring will return as it always does. 




Take a look at my treasury if you're in need of a brighter perspective.  I'm going to go watch the birds.






https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTI1NDYxMHwyNzI0NjEwNzk3/a-little-bird-told-me

Hands to Work, Hearts to God

I believe this was a Shaker homily - hands to work, hearts to God - but it is certainly appropriate for anyone who believes that God should have the first claim on our hearts.  I was able to turn it into the theme for a lovely little primitive penny rug with a hand and heart in the center.  It could be used as a candle mat, but I like its simplicity all on its own.  What do you think?

https://www.etsy.com/listing/217447403/penny-rug-hands-to-work-hearts-to-god?

Christmas is over - or is it?

According to the calendar, the Christmas season has passed.  However, as I learned as a young bride oh-so-many years ago, it doesn't have to be.  At my early October wedding, one of the best gifts my husband and I received was a set of Christmas ornaments.  Every year when we decorate the tree, we are reminded of the wonderful couple, still friends of ours, who gave them to us.  Next time you're wondering what to give as a wedding gift, consider Christmas tree ornaments.  It may be the most memorable gift the couple receives!

Saltbox House Penny Rug

A saltbox house is one with a long pitched roof on the back of the house.  It has two stories in the front, but only one in the back.  In fact, sometimes the edge of the roof on the back of the house was less than six feet off the ground.




The most likely explanation for this uniquely Colonial American development was that adding a lean-to on the back of the house was an inexpensive way to enlarge the house to accommodate a growing family.  Queen Anne's "story tax" may have also had something to do with it - it cost more to have a fully two-storied house than one that was half and half, like a saltbox.




A larger house also meant more room for gatherings of family, friends, and perhaps fellow worshippers  in home church meetings.  Especially in New England, winters are long and cold meaning people would need indoor spaces in which to gather.


I have made a primitive penny rug or candlemat reflecting these values and developments and listed it on Etsy.  You can see it here:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/212748402/saltbox-house-penny-rug-wool-blend-felt?.  Let me know what you think of it.

Show a Little Love

Mother Teresa. Even to non-Catholics like me, her name lives on, synonomous with the pure love for others, which is true charity. She spent most of her long life serving the desperately poor people in Calcutta, India without apparent concern for her health or safety.  Several sayings have been attributed to this admirable woman, including the exhortation to "do small things with great love."

How different would our lives be if we implemented this in our daily lives?  It's something to think about.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/212570382/wool-blend-felt-penny-rug-do-small?ref=listing-shop-header-0

Willow Trees - A Primitive Icon

The willow tree, like the colonial saltbox house, is an icon of primitive style décor.  Have you ever wondered why?  Stephanie Baker gave a great definition of what primitive style is in a 2008 blog post (http://www.primitive-folk-art.com/what-is-primitive-folk-art/) but doesn’t say why willow trees are a part of the tradition.  Oddly enough, in English folklore, the willow tree is considered to be potentially evil, capable of uprooting itself and following people! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willow#Culture)  Perhaps the early American settlers decided to set aside the old ways and start new traditions here in the New World.  At any rate, willow trees are and will probably always be associated with the warmth and hospitality inherent in primitive works of art, both old and new.

I have listed a new penny rug or candle mat with a willow in the middle.  It is black and tan, made of wool blend felt, and can be viewed at https://www.etsy.com/listing/212328339/primitive-willow-penny-rug-black-and-tan?.  Take a look and let me know what you think!

 

Wrong time for patriotism?

Is there ever a wrong time of year for national pride?  Yesterday, the 6th of November, I listed an Americana themed penny rug on etsy.com (https://www.etsy.com/listing/209987931/americana-penny-rug-wool-blend-felt-red?),  It's not the "season" for patriotism, at least not according to the usual calendar, but Veteran's Day is next week.  Let's not forget those who paid a high price, and often the ultimate price, in serving our country and what it stands for.  Military service runs in my family, and I am so proud of my grandfather, uncles, and cousins who have served our nation, including my best friend and her husband.  Wave the flag with pride, Americans!  There is never a wrong time of year to display your patriotism - some are just stronger than others.

Jyl
JylMilnerCreates