Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Zebra Butterflies and Christmas Thimbles

Volume 18 Issue 12, December 2021

What's New in December?

Here we are at the end of the year already, and this year seemed to have flown by. I guess that’s what happens as you get older. Everything becomes a blur, and the next thing you know, you’re singing Auld Lang Syne.

We didn’t have time to travel much in November, so the last trip we took was to Savannah. We stuck close to home and worked on the yard and cutting brush back that was trying to overtake the yard. It’s a never ending task list when you live in Florida.

I hope that your holidays are filled with fun, good friends and cheer. I hope that you can find a way to get together in the midst of a continuing pandemic, and that you’re blessed with a prosperous holiday season for those of you who sell.

A zebra butterfly on my jatropha in the back yard.

 

What’s New

 

New Earrings:  In addition to fractal earrings, I added some pretty flowers and other colorful beads.

Thimbles: New Christmas and great grandma thimbles, as well as faith-based thimbles with bible verses.

New Book: The Joy of Jewelry Making Create for fun. Sell for Profit is now available on Amazon in both paperback and ebook formats.

If you're interested, go to www.julielcleveland.com where you can read about my new fiction book series that is in the works. 

You will find all of my beads, canes and finished jewelry on my website. www.bluemorningexpressions.com

Until next month,

Julie







Things to Look Forward To:

 

New Products:

Pushpins: I have too many themes to mention here, but from teachers to nurses to friends, I am doing designs as quickly as I can.

Statement Beads: Working on large beads for ZOOM calls and being on camera. Both earrings and pendant necklaces.

Prints and Posters: Bible verse posters and other art featuring hot rods and more are in production.

  



 


 

Friday, November 26, 2021

Countdown to Christmas 2021 Week 11

 


Come One, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2021

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

Countdown to Christmas 2021 Midweek 10

 

Christmas Around the World – Raise a Pint!

The biggest celebration for the Irish is Christmas. This starts on the 8th of December and continues until the 6th of January. Since Ireland is predominantly Catholic, the majority of the celebrations surround the Catholic Church and their holiday calendar. The Christmas Eve and Christmas Day mass is widely attended, and there are prayers said for the dead while the graves are decorated with wreathes of holly and ivy. They light candles to show Mary that there is room for her and Jesus in their homes, and they focus on the crib as the main part of their decorations.

The Irish celebrate St. Stephens Day, which is the day after Christmas and is the equivalent to Boxing Day. The gifts are given to the employees and then everyone enjoys a day of horse racing and football. The Wren Boys Procession takes place on St. Stephens Day. This is a traditional walk around town carrying a long pole with a holly bush tied on the end. Originally, they would hunt and kill a wren and put him in this holly bush, and then walk around from house to house singing about the wren. They would dress up in homemade costumes and may be accompanied by harmonicas or accordions.

'The wren, the wren, the king of all birds
On St. Stephen's day was caught in the furze.'

They also asked for money. For themselves.

The wren is the smallest bird in Ireland and has the loudest voice. The little wren is the king of all birds, and it is said to have boasted that it flew higher than an eagle. Mainly because it was perched upon the head of an eagle when it took flight.

Wrens were often hunted during the medieval times, but now, they no longer stick a poor wren in the holly bush when they go singing about town.



The Wren Boys

San Nioclás brings presents to the children on the 6th of January, which is Little Christmas in the Irish tradition.  Santa is said to enjoy mince pie and a pint of Guinness rather than cookies and milk. Children place sacks out for their gifts.The 6th is the Feast of Epiphany, and the men cook while the women have the day off. The women will take the day off to gather with their friends and chat, have tea, sew or just relax. Tea and cakes go a long way on the 6th.

The Puritans took hold of Ireland in the 17th Century and completely cancelled Christmas because they deemed it a waste and vulgar. While it was banned, there were soldiers that were given the task of going from home to home to make sure no one was enjoying themselves during this time of the year. King Charles II had more of a sense of humor, so when he was crowned king, he lifted the ban on the celebration and things went back to where they were before the Puritans had Cromwell at their bidding.

Purify the Soul

The Christmas Whitewashing is the time of the year that the farmers go through and whitewash their fences, homes and barns in an effort to start fresh. The Catholic Church did this symbolically by purifying their souls and waiting for Christ. This is a new year type tradition where all will start the new year without blemish.

Whitewashed cottage

The celebration of Christmas in Ireland is much more of a traditional religious ceremony rather than frivolous and fun. This is due to the religious nature of their nation.

Christmas Food

The women bake seed cake for each person. They also make a pudding for each day of Epiphany. The Christmas Eve meal is served and then the table is wiped clean before it is set again. This second setting includes a loaf of caraway seed bread and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a lighted candle. This table is set for Mary, so that she would have food and shelter. The door is left unlocked in order to offer room for Mary and Joseph, or any other traveler in need of shelter.



Christmas pudding. Traditionally, the candles must stay lit until someone named Mary puts them out.



Mince pies and Guinness – Santa’s idea of a feast

All this celebration is not complete until you add gifts to the mix. Maybe you can find something in these lovely gifts that would bring a smile to the face of someone you love.

Mocha Brown Weathered Wood in Coachella Valley Wildlife Preserve Art Print

Colleen Cornelius 



Copper 16th Note Necklace And Earrings, Music Jewelry Set

The Singing Beader



Autumn Spiced Patinated Leaf Earrings with Czech and Swarovski Glass Beads

Victorian Style Treasures



Crocheted Baby Booties Infant Girl in Coffee&Ivory 3 - 9 mo



Fall Flower Earrings, Copper Yellow Copal Crystals Handmade Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs 



EXTRA Large Buckeye Burl Large Long Earrings



Jewelry Set - Gemstone Necklace - Amber Horizontal Necklace



Merry Christmas Sticker Label for HERSHEY’S KISSES chocolates – Set of 240

Adore by Nat



Swarovski Bronze Pearl Autumn Acorn Antique Brass Post Earrings

Kats All That

Craters Of The Moon - Metal Print




Looking for something different?
Here are more links to additional beautiful, handmade gifts.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6

Week 7

Week 8
Week 9
Week 10


Argentina
Australia
France
China

Mexico
Netherlands
Germany 
Italy
Russia

Raise a pint of Guinness in fare thee well ,and let us be about our journey. We only have two more stops and so much more to see!

Enjoy

Julie and Harry

Friday, November 19, 2021

Countdown to Christmas 2021 Week 10

 


Come One, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2021

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Countdown to Christmas 2021 Midweek 9

 

Christmas Around the World – Putin on the Ritz

We can give Vladimir Putin credit for running around showing off his bare chest, particularly when it comes to riding horseback and other manly activities. We can also give him credit for putting Christmas back into the thoughts of the Russians by attending Christmas liturgy every Christmas. Thankfully, the Russians appear to be following his leadership on the Christmas celebration and not the need to show off pecs and abs.

As of 1917, the Bolsheviks banned Christmas celebrations, and the Russian Christmas soon gave way to Festival of Winter and the New Year was the celebration. The tree decorations and the presents were now a symbol of the New Year. Since most of the Christians occupying Russia were Orthodox, they followed the Advent calendar, only their rendition was 40 days as opposed to the more traditional 24 days. Advent begins on the 28th of November and runs until the 7th of January, which is the date that Orthodox Russian Christmas celebrate Christmas. The small handful of Catholics in the country celebrate on the traditional 25th of December. The Orthodox use the old Julian Calendar as their guide to the dates for holidays.

Russian Christmas starts on the 31st of December and goes until the 10th of January. This is the time that the entire country celebrates the holidays with parties, food, gifting, fasting and celebrations. Those who fast can start as many as 39 days prior to Christmas Eve (January 6th), and they continue the fast until the first star appears in the sky on Christmas Eve. Then there are meals of hot porridge (sochivo) filled with fruits and berries. It can also include walnuts, grapes, poppy seeds and honey. The porridge is served in a common bowl. There can also be porridge tossing, which is a spoonful is thrown up to the ceiling and if it sticks, you will have good luck. If it doesn’t, someone is on the cleaning committee.

Rice and wheat porridges make up the end of the fasting.

The end of the fast is celebrated with the commencement of a 12 course meal. The courses in this meal are representative of the apostles, and the meal consists of fish, vegetables and dried fruits. It does not contain meat. They are really big on sauerkraut in Russia, and along with mushrooms, potatoes and beet root soup, the meal is a vegetarian delight. Dessert on the other hand consists of gingerbread, honeybread cookies and fruit pies. A cup of Vzvar is a welcome addition to the table. This drink is boiled fruit and honey that makes a sweet drink. The Vzvar means boil up, but the traditional meaning is the baby Jesus.

The traditional use of a white tablecloth and hay on the floor symbolizes the manager and Jesus’ birth.

After the meal, everyone heads off to church services. Dishes do not get washed until they return from the services, even if it is 5 a.m.

Around this time, Father Frost shows up for all the kiddies. He is accompanied by his granddaughter, Snegurochka. The children traditionally stand around the Christmas tree holding hands and calling for Father Frost and Snegurochka to appear. Magically, the tree lights up and there they are!



The most traditional gift delivering figure of the Russian traditions is the grandmotherly Babushka. It is said that she was visited by the Wise Men who were looking for directions that would take them to Jesus. She declined to accompany them on their journey, so now, out of regret, she wanders around bringing gifts to all the children because she neglected to take gifts to Jesus.



Babushka sends kisses to all the boys and girls






The Russians love their decorated trees, and the sight  this tree filled with lights in Moscow’s Red Square is a beautiful sight.



Maybe you can find something here for those on your gift list.

Green and White Artisan Enamel Earrings, Handmade Lampwork Jewelry




Crocheted Irish Knit Sweater &Headband Deep Sage





Climbing Rose Bush and Palm Tree Solvang California



Copper Cactus Jade V Chain Adjustable Charm




Czech Teal Green Crystal Entwined Male and Female Heart Necklace

KatsAllThat





Christmas Fox Earrings, Faux Vintage Tin Snowflakes Handmade Jewelry
Shadow Dog Designs 



Tree of Life Earrings - Peridot Bicone Crystals - Chose Silvertone or Gold



Bright Green Crystal And White Pearl Short Length Necklace With Sterling Silver, 17 Inches



Merry Christmas Holiday Gift Tags with Red and Green Ribbon
AdorebyNat


The Colonnade Restaurant 10 x 18 Fine Art Print Tampa




Green and Black Fractal Earrings for Women with Swarovski Crystals


Looking for something different?
Here are more links to additional beautiful, handmade gifts.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6

Week 7

Week 8
Week 9

Argentina
Australia
France
China

Mexico
Netherlands
Germany 

Italy


Kiss Babushka good-bye, dress warm and let’s head off to our next destination. The time is growing short, and we only have three more stops before this tour ends.

Enjoy

Julie and Little Harry



Friday, November 12, 2021

Countdown to Christmas 2021 Week 9

 


Come One, Come All!
Let's stuff some stockings in 2021

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Wednesday, November 10, 2021

 

Christmas Around the World – When in Rome

From the 17th of December until the 6th day of January, Christmas is celebrated throughout the regions of Italy. The first eight days of celebration is the Novena, which consists of days of caroling and door to door good cheer from children of all ages. It may be accompanied by shepherds and their musical instruments or simply poetry reading from children. Novena is a Catholic term that means nine, and it represents dedication to the church. The readings and songs are derived from the Catholic prayer books. The original novena was derived from the Greeks who observed nine days of mourning after the death of a loved one. It later was incorporated into the church as a tribute to the church of Acts where the apostles and Mary prayed for nine days after the Last Supper.

Novena as it is expressed here is the anticipation of the arrival of Christ that will be ended with a large feast.

Eight days prior to Christmas, there are musical celebrations in the homes of carpenters, and there are musical tributes played at the Shrine of Mary. This is the heralding in of the church services that happen before Christmas in the Catholic Church. At this time, the children dress up as shepherds and go back to caroling. They are given money to buy Christmas presents from the homes that they sing at.

Twenty four hours before Christmas Eve, there is a fast that will last until Christmas Eve, which will end in a feast without meat. The Feast of the Seven Fishes – cenone – is celebrated on Christmas Eve, and it is considered a way of paying penance by fasting from certain foods. The meal is served late in the evening, and the participants wait for the arrival of Christ at midnight.

Cenone can be filled with seafood, eel, mushrooms, truffles, clams, linguini, foccacia, seafood pie, tuna, soups and octopus stew. The Feast of the Seven Fishes can be interpreted as the Seven Deadly Sins, the Seven Sacraments or other interpretations depending upon the region the meal is being served. There is also a lot of deep frying going on on Christmas Eve in the Italian homes. Followed by desserts of Christmas cookies and pastries.

The Crib

The Italian Christmas celebration would not be right if it did not include a nativity scene of some sort. The presepio is the centerpiece of the celebration. It depicts the traditional manger scene, but goes on to add more non-traditional figures to the crib. This can include other figures, animals, scenic pieces, trees and angels. The figures are highly detailed and usually handcarved.

There is great care in creating the crib or ceppo for the holiday, and some have very strict rules about how it will be created. The traditional method is to design it on a triangular piece of wood and add the Holy family. Then build a wooden frame with a pyramid several feet high that will become home to paper, pine cones, glitter, flags, ornaments and small trees that represent the Christmas tree. There may be a tree for each child in the family. Some presepio will have candles on the corners that will be lit. The wooden frame will be held up with shelves that will house gifts, candy or anything else that the family wants to add. There will be a star or a small doll that is hung at the apex of the frame. The triangle is a the forerunner to the Christmas tree and is known as the ceppo, which means Tree of Light.

A presepio.

Urn of Fate

Gift giving is done in a few different ways for the Italian families. The Urn of Fate is a large bowl that houses all the gifts that are brought to the Christmas Eve celebration. Those gifts are all thrown in the bowl, and they have no names attached to them. Everyone chooses a gift until they are all gone. This makes it all a surprise.

Children traditionally hang their stockings out on the 5th of January, so they can be filled by Befana. She is a witch that was originally asked by the Magi for directions to Bethlehem. She was asked to join them on their quest to see the King, but she refused. Later, a shepherd asked her to come along with him, and she refused him as well. She then was greeted by a great light in the sky and decided that maybe she should have gone along with them. In an effort to catch up, she took toys that had belonged to son that she had lost and jumped on her broomstick to try and catch up with the rest. She failed, so now she spends eternity going from house to house with toys while she searches for the Baby Jesus.

Befena

We have the Italians to thank for the wonderful Christmas carols and nativity scenes that are part of the common household celebrations of Christmas.

Christmas Day is spent going to church, and the pope gives a noon blessing to the crowds in Vatican City.

 

Maybe you can find something in this dazzling list of gift ideas that would be perfect to drop into the Urn of Fate.

Cranberry Red Czech Crystal Bracelet, Artisan Beaded Jewelry

Victorian Style Treasures



Red and Blue Merry Christmas Holiday Gift Tags

Adore by Nat



Quartz Red Green Double Strand Necklace Natural Stone



Crocheted Christmas Red Jumper Infant w Snowflake Applique and Matching Hat



Red Crystal Kippah



Bloodwood, Exotic Wood Oval Earrings





Red And Silver Large Hole Bead Earrings



Red Black Chunky Necklace, Magnesite Onyx Handmade Statement Jewelry

Shadow Dog Designs 



ButterflyInTheAttic's Artist Shop



Red 3-Strand Memory Wire Cuff Bracelet with Dangles



Red Flower Beaded Bracelets for Women with Dyed Red Shell Beads





Looking for something different?
Here are more links to additional beautiful, handmade gifts.

Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Week 6

Week 7

Week 8

Argentina
Australia
France
China

Mexico

Netherlands 

Germany 

Finish your pizza, drink your champagne and let’s move to our next stop. We only have a few more stops!

Enjoy,

Julie and Harry