September - A Time to Remember and More!

     September is filled with many special days, many of them just for fun.  However, September 11 will always be a day to remember and honor those who perished at the hands of terrorists in New York City when the airliners crashed into the World Trade Center, killing the occupants in those buildings and the rescue workers who tried to save them; in Pennsylvania when the airline passengers chose to crash the terrorist-controlled plane rather than let it reach the White House, and those in the Pentagon. It was a sad day for America and for the world.  Let us always remember the victims and their families and that great loss.
     Today is Labor Day in the United States,  established to honor workers and give them a holiday from their labors.  It is ironic that while businesses and government offices are closed, those in the retail industry are super busy at work today with Labor Day sales in stores across the nation.
     And then on the lighter side, you might be surprised to know that this is National Chicken Month!  Just did a search among my Boomers and Beyond Etsy friends, and here are a few items to represent the chickens!

Mister PenQuin

Button Divas

Herons Treasures

Jills Treasure Chest

The third week in September is National Flower Week.  It has been a rather barren summer for flowers in many parts of the country due to the extreme lack of rain this summer.  Now we are getting the effects of Hurricane Isaac in the mid west, and lo and behold a few flowers have perked up in our yard.  The flowers below are always fresh and beautiful since they don't depend on the rain and sun to keep them lovely!

Vintage earrings from Nonnie 60

JN Originals

Lovely tulips from Yankee Girl

A gorgeous flower pendant from Zuda Gay

And in the fourth week of September, we celebrate dogs, one of my favorites!  What joy and company dogs bring to families and service to those in need.  Here are just a few items featuring dogs.

Diane Clancy

Nature in Pastels

Scottie Acres

Six Sisters Art

September 15 is Make a Hat day.  Several of the Boomers and Beyond team members have made the adorable hats shown below.

Big Island Rose

CB Basement

Stitches by Julie

Turtle Treasures

It won't be long until the first day of Autumn.  These beautiful paintings and photos are just a small sample of the beauty that awaits us as the leaves begin to change color.

On a Whimsey

The Creators Palette

Backroom Treasures

Beth Peardon Prods

Whatever days you choose to celebrate in September, may they bring joy and fun, or humility and thoughtfulness, to your lives.  

This post written by Pam Todd, a proud member of the Boomers and Beyond Etsy Street Team, whose Etsy shop, Bags and More by Pam, features high quality, reasonably priced hand-crocheted items for people, pets, and homes.

The Art of Retiring!

With my tongue in my cheek I thought of our illustrious leader, Nonnie who is due to retire in the next couple of weeks.  This is always a huge, sometimes scary, decision to take.  It is always something in the distant future and then! Here it is!  Many of us in the BBEST team have reached, or are reaching, retirement age.  Or rather, the next stage in our lives – sounds better!  Gone are the days when the slippers came out, you sat down and that was that.

I once read these words and they rang so true.

“Some of us need a challenge, something to keep us excited about life. Too many still need money. Many need both.

Well, it turns out that we never retire for good... not until we expire for good!"

Those words could be used to describe so many of us, including myself!  Although I have ‘retired’ from a life when I used to get up and go to the office with all the stress that could be thrown at me, I do find myself busier than ever!  Not one to sit still, I recently started a very (thankfully!) successful business venture with my daughter.  My husband is running his own show in the line of business that he is in.  In between, I try to create wax paintings when I can.  Both of us can’t see ourselves ever retiring.  I guess the joy of being able to do, afford to do something that is dear to our hearts, keeps us motivated and just plain gives us the incentive to get up to another glorious day. To me, that is what it is all about.

So, I would like to dedicate this post to Nonnie.  Nonnie, I am sure you will love your ‘retirement’ and become so busy doing all the things YOU want to do that you will wonder how on earth you had the time to go to work!

We in the BBEST team are such a talented crowd not only creating the most amazing artifacts whilst still working but also when we have retired from busy walks of life.

Here are a few examples showing the diversity of this team I feel so honoured to count amongst my friends.

You might be retired but that all important tool called a laptop is still needing our attention!  What a pretty cover this makes.

Laptop sleeve by  Stitches by Julie

Now you don’t have to get up so early you might be able to enjoy sights like this one.

Moonlight at the Beach by HeronKate

Or find the time to spend more on your garden or attending to your flower displays?

All the Flowers in a Row by  Yankee Girl

Going out and need that extra splash to go with your outfit?

Opal and Solid Gold Wire Pendant by  Anna’s Jewelry

Even at this stage there could be times when you can’t see the wood for the trees (is that right?).

Forest through the Trees by Mystic Silks

Imagine what you could do with these threads!  Let the imagination flow.

Pearl  fine yarn by Sassa Lynne

Last, but by no means least, I have to include this amazingly beautiful stained glass panel by Nonnie.  If this is what retirement might mean, go for it and all our BBEST wishes!

Stained Glass Panel by  Stained Glass by Nonnie

St George for England!!!!!

St. George's Day is on 23 April. It is England's national day.

Who was St George?

St. George is the patron saint of England. His emblem, a red cross on a white background, is the flag of England, and part of the British flag. St George's emblem was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. The king's soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.   

Like England, every country within the United Kingdom has its own patron saint who in times of great peril is called upon to help save the country from its enemies. For instant, Wales has St David, St Patrick for Northern Ireland and St Andrew for Scotland.

Who was the real St George and what did he do to become England's patron saint?

St. George was born in Turkey sometime in the third century. At the age of seventeen he joined the Roman army and became renowned for his bravery and feats of arms. The most famous story of St. George is that he slew a Dragon somewhere in Libya. On one of his missions, St. George was sent to England. While in England he heard about the horrible persecutions of Christians in Rome. Returning to Rome, George pleaded for mercy for the Christians, but in the end was himself beheaded when he refused to renounce his faith. In 1222 AD, the Council of Oxford declared St. George as the Patron Saint of England (replacing Edward the Confessor).

St George is always depicted as a knight carrying a shield with a red cross (or a banner with a red cross), generally sitting upon a horse and always killing a dragon. 

How does England celebrate St George's Day?

By tradition, 23 April is the day for a red rose in the button hole, the national flower. However, unlike other countries, England does not celebrate it like Americans celebrate 4 July with fireworks. In fact, you are more likely to see big St Patrick parades in England celebrating Ireland's National Day, more than you would see any sign of St Georges Day being celebrated.

For most people in England St George's Day is just another ordinary working day.

Factoid!

Shakespeare was born on 23 April 1564 and he died on the same day in 1616.

Whilst not all of the following, strictly speaking, have much to do with St George and the Dragon you will have to admit they do have something to do with dragons!

 Pink Dragon Silk Scarf by AltheaP

 New Dragon’s Blood Soap by AJs Country Cottage

Sewing Pattern – Little Fairytale Dragon by Fantasy Creations

Vintage St George and the Dragon by Nonnie’s Treasures

Red Vintage Dragon by  ByTheWayside

Like what you see?  Why not ‘pop’ over to see other fantastic items from the BBEST Team on Etsy!

BBEST Bookies

I’ll bet you didn’t know that the first week in March is Return a Borrowed Book Week.  As a recovering librarian, I’ve seen the stigma, pain, and disgust associated with book felony, and would like to extend a hand of support to any who suffer from this malady.  This is the chance to get right with your friends, relatives, teachers and libraries:  make atonement!  Return your delinquent materials during this time of amnesty – librarians will look the other way and no pejorative remarks will be made!

It’s also a good time to mention our BBEST bookies.  We’ve got a few authors in our midst.  One of them is our own Myfanwy Hart, who’ll autograph your copy of her how-to book on tools and felt making, entitled The Embellisher:  Let’s Get Started!  Although nearly unpronounceable (to Yanks, anyway), Myfwany’s name is popping up more and more frequently in craft circles, so you’d better order your first edition before she becomes too famous!

Liz Plummer prints wonderful covers for Moleskin pocket books.  I’ve found these little books essential when traveling – just stick one in purse or bookbag and write down all your good ideas.   

Long-time BBESTer Judy, aka Mr. Penquin, has wonderful foldable books that are  intriguing gifts for all ages.  At JN Originals, she also makes beautiful wool needle books for the stitchers in our lives. 

 

Book Wraps makes folios and book covers.  Her delightful stitched journal covers make room for a pen or pencil in a little pocket in the back.

BBESTers also offer bookmarks, book plates, vintage books, pins using book illustrations and all kinds of wonderful things book-related.  You can see them all by searching BBEST books.

Holiday Treasures

Boomers love their holidays, and craft like crazy to prove it!  Here’s just a sample of holiday decorations by the BBEST team, from goats’ milk soap to melting snowmen, and mini quilts to doggy scarves.  Clicking on the links below the tree will take you directly to the items shown.  You can see many more possibilities by searching BBEST holidays on Etsy.  Happy shopping!

Row one:  Pretty little angel topper by Nonnie.

Row two:  Christmas seals pendant by fireflyglassdesign; melted snowman ornament by uniqueXpression.

Row three:  recycled felt wreath ornament by maddyandme; white snowflake glass ornaments by Chris1; peace crane stained glass dove by DianasStainedGlass

Row four:  fabric origami crane ornament by Asianexpressions; Santa star ornament by Artsyclay; retro bear in a box ornament by birose ; mini quilt ornament by PocketComfort.

Row five:  poinsetta window cling by clingingimages; doggy holiday scarf by bagsandmorebypam; wine cozy by blazingneedles; holiday pendant by Chauncey

Row six: starburst temari ball by luckygirltrading; Santa card block print by Sixsisters; gingerbread man soap by aromafields; Smokin’ Santa assemblage by JunkyardGypsy; borosilicate glass ornament by gimmebeads ; angels beaded ornament by jstinson

Row seven: holiday snow note cards by pdforiginalartworks.

Art from Found Objects

I'm continuing in the vein of Joonie's previous post regarding vintage stuff . . .

I always love to see art that uses various found objects and repurposes them to create something entirely new.  Joon mentioned a restaurant supply store she loves to visit.  I've had luck at local Habitat for Humanity Restore and a place called The Scrap Exchange not far from where I live in Raleigh, NC.  These are all terrific resources for finding good materials for art projects. 

BBESTers are among the most talented reuse artists.  HeronKate has a wonderful assemblage in her shop called The Pearl Diver.  This piece is composed of a mannequin, natural sea sponges,  pearl "drops" from a Victorian window decoration, shells, beads, a piece of Chinese play money, glitter, and frogs.  I've been antiquing with Kate and she knows where all the good stuff is.

You can always expect the unexpected from The Junkyard Gypsy.  This is Annabelle the Anteater.  She is composed of  a vintage gas nozzle, vintage jello molds and a beautiful vintage tin.   All Junky's creations are at least 75% vintage or antique materials, and contain at least one piece that was destined for the local landfill.

Other great BBEST recyclers include LuckyGirlTrading, who finished off a bottle of Southern Comfort (not really) and made it into a neat little serving plate.  LuckyGirl adds rubber feet to her slumped bottles and suggests these as the perfect gift for someone who has everything.  She's got vanilla bottles for teabag rests, bar glasses for spoon rests, and a blue tequila bottle for a snack plate.

Karen loves finding vintage photos, and uses them in the mixed media collages in her shop  LemachiGallery.   She adds fabrics, foil, lutradur and other fun stuff to layer her pieces into works of art.  She loved the look of pride in the mother's eyes in this piece called Sunflower Family, and added some lace and acrylic medium for texture to get the result she wanted. 

In addition to making art from recycled materials, these four BBEST artists all have something else in common.  If you've figured out what it is, please say so in your comments!

Treasured BBEST Friends

BBEST Blog Authors

This is a short, but sweet tribute
to the wonderful contributors
I have been privileged to work with
this past year as blog coordinator.

Judy Nolan has been generously kind
enough to take over the blog
reins for the new year.
Thank you all, and I look forward to
seeing both these and new authors'
articles in the months ahead.

Thank you to all who read and comment.
It's a considerable amount of work to create
a post, from choosing and developing a theme,
to composing the text and gathering the photos,
to cutting and pasting links.

I encourage you all to follow in the path
of our guest blog authors and volunteer
for at least one post this year.

Speaking now from my
experience in my
administrative seat, I add...
if writing a post is not your
forte, there are many ways
you can contribute to the
continuing success of
your BBEST group.

We have a large team and a vital
administration with a small core
of regular participants working
behind the scenes and I know you all
agree that the benefits of belonging
to this particular etsy team are,
for lack of a better descriptor, priceless.

Now we welcome a new team leader, Nonnie.
Please take a few minutes of your time
and think about how you can
more actively
share your talents
with your bbest friends.

It's rewarding. It's inspiring.
It's fun.
But most of all,
it's what makes a team a team.

It's a win, win, win situation.

Until next time...

ox
joon

ps. thewildhare, a wonderful guest author,
is missing from my treasury
only because her shop is on vacation.
I tried to grab a sold, but that doesn't work.
When the treasury opens, and I grab a spot,
I will announce this
one on the weekly thread.

Thank you all, again, for your support this past year.
Here's to the future.
Best wishes, Nonnie and Judy
and to all who contribute to this truly great team.

Bastille Day – Le 14 Juillet (tomorrow!)

On 14 July, France will celebrate its national holiday in commemoration of the storming of the Bastille prison, which took place in 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution.

Whilst the Americans have 4 July, the French have 14 July or, as it is more commonly known, Bastille Day.

The French recognise Bastille Day as the end of the monarchy and beginning of the modern of the republic. The real meaning being that it was now recognised that the power could be held by the common people and no longer, by the aristocracy or monarchy.

In 1789 a group of angry Parisians stormed a prison called the Bastille marking the start of the French revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. France faced a major financial crisis, triggered by the cost of intervening in the American War of Independence and exacerbated by an unequal system of taxation. Although the Bastille only held seven prisoners at the time of its capture, the storming of the prison was a symbol of liberty and the fight against oppression for all French citizens; like the Tricolore flag, it symbolized the Republic's three ideals: Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity for all French citizens. It marked the end of absolute monarchy, the birth of the sovereign Nation, and, eventually, the creation of the (First) Republic, in 1792.

I am sure many of you will have read Charles Dickens’ famous novel, A Tale of Two Cities? Remember, Madame De Farge and her knitting as she sat in court? ‘Off with their heads’ became a regular call whenever another member of the upper classes was brought in to answer for their misdeeds and misgoverning of the masses.

The national emblem/flag of France is the Tricolore which came into being at the time of the French revolution. This striking flag made up of red, white and blue stripes came to signify what the French had fought so hard for, liberté, égalité, fraternité meaning liberty, equality and fraternity or brotherhood.

Have a look at some of the following examples of French influenced pieces or items that are red, white and blue which I thought fitted this subject matter!

French Lavender Oil Landscape by Fauve Studio

This is a wonderful impressionistic view of the French countryside, idyllic!

Mystic Revolution Eye Candy - handmade soap by In A Lather

How patriotically French looking and suitable for le 14 Juillet!

Red, White and Blue Heart Pin by Artsy Clay

This tricolore heart is equally at home in America as it is in France!

Red, White and Blue Business Card Holder by Designs by Christine

Could the Revolutionaries have used this to be more businesslike?

Red, White and Blue buttons by Circle in the Sand

Madame De Farge could well have used some of these surely?

Violet Sees the Eiffel Tower by Coffee Pot People

The Eiffel Tower is as French as Big Ben is British!

Emerald Fleur de Lis earrings by Magdalene Jewels

So pretty and soooo chic and French!

And so, my BBEST friends, we raise a glass or two in honour of our French comrades to commemorate their French Revolution, Bastille Day….

Vive La France!