The First Noel

This classic Christmas carol was penned in the 1800s and has a Cornish beginning. It is a traditional English carol that uses the word Noel as a synonym for Christmas, and that did not become vogue until a more modern time in England. You know, the 1800s. 

By 1871, it was part of the traditional Christmas celebration, and English composer, John Stainer, arranged it into a four-part hymn that we sing to this day.

From the Cornish Songbook of 1929:

O well, O well, the Angels did say

To shepherds there in the fields did lay;
Late in the night a-folding their sheep,
A winter's night, both cold and bleak.
Refrain
O well, O well, O well, O well,
Born is the King of Israel.

From a more modern version:

The first Noel, the angels say

To Bethlehem's shepherds as they lay.
At midnight watch, when keeping sheep,
The winter wild, the light snow deep.
Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.

The shepherds rose, and saw a star

Bright in the East, beyond them far,
Its beauty gave them great delight,
This star it set now day nor night.

Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.

Now by the light of this bright star

Three wise men came from country far;
They sought a king, such their intent,
The star their guide where'er it went.

Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.

Then drawing nigh to the northwest,

O'er Bethlehem town it took its rest;
The wise men learnt its cause of stay,
And found the place where Jesus lay.

Refrain
Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
Born is the King of Israel.

From Elvis to Molly Ringwald, this song has been a favorite of numerous voices, so it was hard to make a selection. I reached deep into my childhood and bring you this one. My mom has this album, so the image is as fresh to me as the snow in the background he is standing in.

Shall we see what Santa has to put in our stockings this year?

Montana Blue Earrings Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal

Treasures of Jewels 

Blue Pot Holder Set of 2

RSS Designs in Fiber 

Hand Knit Cobalt Blue Hooded Cowl

Crafting Memories 

She is Ready to Pop Sticker Labels

Adore by Nat 

Etched Ink Blue Lampwork Beads Frosted Sea Glass Beads

Covergirl Beads 

Cairn Terriers Hand Sanitizer Holder

SewAmazin 

Bracelets for Women

Blue Morning Expressions 

Royal Blue Cats Eye Faceted Glass Beaded Coil Wrap Bracelet

Diane’s Dangles 

Once In A Blue Moon Art Print

Colleen Cornelius

Cerulean Blue Faceted Agate Bali Copper OOAK 21 inch Necklace

KatsAllThat 

Blue Swarovski Necklace

LadyGreenEyesJewelry 

Blue Gemstone Necklace For Women

SolanaKaiDesigns 

Yellow and Blue Necklace

The Singing Beader 

Unusual Afzelia Burl Pendant Necklace Beaded Exotic Wood Handmade

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd

Crochet Infant Boy Sweater

Magdalene Knits

SEMI TRUCK CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT HANDMADE FROM MAPLE WOOD

Kevs Krafts 

Blue Flowers Handmade Earrings

Shadow Dog Designs 

Lapis Lazuli Earrings

Blonde Peach Jewelry 

Purple Flower Painting, Batik Art, Original Watercolor Batik on Japanese Rice Paper

MarciaMcKinzieArt

Don’t see what you are looking for? Maybe you will find it in some of the following showcases or ask one of our talented artists to design something special for you.
Week 1
Week 2

Here are more shopping opportunities for you:

O Holy Night
Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie

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Countdown to Christmas 2017 Week 2

Ring the bells!
Join the countdown and add your handmade goodies to the wish lists.

An InLinkz Link-up

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O’ Holy Night

In 1847  Adolphe Adam composed this carol to the words of Placide Cappeau’s Minuit, chrétiens, which translates to Midnight, Christians.
This poem had been penned to celebrate the renovation of the church organ in Roquemaure. It is interesting to note that Cappeau did this as a commission work and was not the least bit interested in religion or Christmas.
It was relatively shortly after the work was written that Adam wrote the music, and it was performed in the Roquemaure church by a local opera singer.
John Dwight, a Unitarian minister eventually took the text and translated it, composed it and arranged it to become the familiar tune we know today. It was written in two different English versions.
The words were written to reflect the birth of Christ and the redemption of man.
This is John Dwight’s version:

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,

It is the night of our dear Saviour's birth.

Long lay the world in sin and error pining,

Till He appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices,

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!

O night divine, O night when Christ was born;

O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,

Here come the wise men from the Orient land.

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;

In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weaknesses no stranger,

Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!

Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;

His law is love and His gospel is peace.

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;

And in His name all oppression shall cease.

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

His power and glory evermore proclaim.

Enjoy this classic from a very talented artist!

Speaking of talented artists, let’s take a look at what our very own talented artists have to offer for us this year when it comes to getting stocking stuffers and other gifts for friends and family.

Snowman Christmas Cards with Season’s Greetings Phrase

Adore by Nat 

Cream Pearl Red Heart Charm Bracelet

Treasures of Jewels

Christmas Red Bronze Clear Swarovski Pewter Bow Women's Earrings

LadyGreenEyesJewelry 

Red Bead Bracelet For Her

SolanaKaiDesigns 

Coiled Rope Hot Mat For Your Table

Wyvern Designs 

Laser Wood Maple Leaf Pendant

The Singing Beader 

Ruby Red Apple On Black And White Art Print

Colleen Cornelius

BACKWOODS CAMPING SCENE WITH CAMPFIRE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT

Kevs Krafts 

Crocheted Newborn Hat Baby Girl Beanie

Magdalene Knits

Christmas Snowman Thimble

Blue Morning Expressions 

Red Berry Beads Handmade Lampwork Glass Berries Half Hole 432bb

Covergirl Beads 

Jingle Bells Red and Gold Swirls Pet Scrunchie Neck Ruffle

SewAmazin 

Red Dangle Earrings

Blonde Peach Jewelry

Red Green and Gold Holiday Beadwoven Superduo Cuff Handmade Bracelet

KatsAllThat 

Rare Bloodwood Exotic Wood Dangle Earrings

ExoticWoodJewelryAnd 

Hanging Pot Holder and Basket Set in Red and White Cottons

RSSDesignsInFiber

Red Glass Earrings

PrettyGonzo

Bat Mitzvah Kippah Kippot Headcovering Chapel Cap

lindab142 

Cranberry Quartz, Swarovski Pearl Beaded Bracelet

Crafting Memories

Red Sherpa Bead and Pearl Necklace

Shadow Dog Designs

Ruby Red Faceted Glass Heart Charm Sterling Earrings

Diane’s Dangles

Don’t see what you are looking for? Maybe you will find it in some of the following showcases or ask one of our talented artists to design something special for you.
Week 1

Hurry because handmade sells out fast, and when they are gone, they are gone! Buy now.
Enjoy!
Julie

Technorati Tags: bluemorningexpressions,blue morning expressions,handmade beads,lampwork beads,handmade jewelry,handmade necklaces,handmade bracelets,handmade earrings,shop handmade,vintage postcards,vintage gifts,handmade christmas gifts,christmas shopping,christmas ornaments,bracelets,necklaces,earrings,knit sweater,knit cowl,neckwarmer,jewelry,christmas carols

Countdown to Christmas 2017 Week 1

Ring the bells!
It's time for  the Countdown to Christmas 2017 

An InLinkz Link-up

get the InLinkz code   < Get your code here and share on your blog!

Skipped a Month and Studied American History

Volume 14 Issue 9, September 2017

What's New in September?

Blu and I have been doing this since August of 2004, and every month, like clockwork, I put out a monthly newsletter. Except last month. I don’t know whether the vacation I took in July fried my little brain or what happened, but I forgot!

I took my first trip to New Jersey to see family in July and then spent a few days wandering back home. I stopped at places like Williamsburg, Jamestown and York Town, and I spent an afternoon on tour at Civil War sites. I have been watching TURN, Washington’s Spies since it started, and I thought I would go and see some of the places they shot the show from. My sister took me to Revolutionary sites in NJ and I saw the Statue of Liberty. All in all, I had a fascinating July, and utterly forgot what I was doing when I got home.

I took a lot of photos, but most are just snapshots of a trip. However, I saw some beautiful scenery as I drove through Virginia. What a gorgeous state. I even saw the NSA, Quantico and D.C. rush hour traffic. Truly frightening.

This is General George Washington's church pew in Williamsburg. This is the Bruton Parish Church that has been in service since 1660. It was a fascinating thought to be where Washington, Jefferson and Henry worshipped. I included a link, in case you are interested.

Bracelets: I have gone charm bracelet crazy with the production of a handful of holiday themed charm bracelets. So far, I have Halloween and Christmas, but there are more on the bead board.

Key rings: Since I started, I have had key rings on my To Do list. Well, I got one done! There are many more that will go in my Amazon store.

Thimbles: Starting Christmas 2017 thimbles now.

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

Until next month,

Julie & Blu

Things to Look Forward To:

New Products:

Hotrod magnets: I am finishing up the hotrod magnets, and I have a couple dozen done, but not featured in the shop.

Tote Bags: These are all around prints, so that means that my patterns can completely cover the bag. My supplier is also doing t-shirts, but I have not designed for them yet.

Print Pieces: I am working on canvases and posters. I have been working on putting together the Scenes from a Car Show series into print.

PS – for those who follow along with our Countdowns to Christmas, this year, we will start on September 15 at noon EST.

Cane buyers! I have had to stop shipping canes as long as the weather is in the 90s. Things were getting baked. Until the temps drop a bit, I have to put the canes on hold. I apologize for the inconvenience.

Baby Birds and Hiking Trails

Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2017

What's New in July?

Wow, it’s getting hot out! In that, I am looking for some cool shade to be in when I am outside, and Blu is lounging on the front porch sharing his water dish with the brazen squirrels.

All of this has slowed down my flower planting, but I am enjoying massive blooms from the bush daisies and the black eyed susans we planted last month. The birds are frolicking in the bird bath when Blu isn’t trying to drink out of it or the squirrels aren’t using it as their own backyard pool.

With all of the heat, I watch the yard through my window more than I play in it. From my window, I can see a lot of interesting characters wandering through. Like these guys:

Baby wrens wadded up into a mess in the fork of a tree waiting on mom to come and feed them bugs. See all five?

New this month:

Pillows: One of my suppliers just offered up a new array of STUFFED pillows for me to create from, and now, I am offering a ton of beach themed home décor in my shop. They also offer matching shower curtains and towels, so those are in limited supply at the moment as I create more patterns.

Travel Book: I published my first book in a series of travel books. It is now available on Amazon and features a tour of Yosemite.

Thimbles: Giraffes and flamingoes are the theme for this month!

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

Until next month,

Julie & Blu

Things to Look Forward To:

Hotrod magnets: I am finishing up the hotrod magnets, and I have a couple dozen done, but not featured in the shop.

Tote Bags: These are all around prints, so that means that my patterns can completely cover the bag. My supplier is also doing t-shirts, but I have not designed for them yet.

Print Pieces: I am working on canvases and posters. I have been working on putting together the Scenes from a Car Show series into print.