Team EtsyChai and Judaica

I guess it had to happen. I finally filled my home with so much yard sale finds that I had to take a break. Taking a break to me means finding something else to do since I never could keep still. Creating is just my nature. As a member of Team EtsyChai, I always felt sort of lame since I usually don't do much in the way of Judaica,that is, until now. I make these absorbent, thirsty stone coasters and thought "What if I write some sort of Hebrew phrase on them? That would be Judaica!" From that humble beginning, the Shalom stone coasters was born. I do other coasters of the local wildlife, too, but this is my first venture into Judaica. EtsyChai is a great team. It is the Etsy Jewish Street team. We have members representing all types of arts and crafts. It is inspiring, and for a person living far from my peeps, it gives me the sense of belonging I needed. Here are some things from some of the members.

A New Treasure Unearthed

I am a collector. I collect different things like old percolators, compacts, bottles, cast iron skillets, deviled egg plates, and cornbread pans. Cornbread pans are the coolest looking thing I have on my walls. I just love them. Today, while out and about, I came up with this beauty, a Beauty Bake glass cornbread pan in excellent condition. It makes 6 corn muffins shaped like ears of corn and has "Beauty Bake" written on both sides. It is incredible. Now, I just have to find a place to hang it on the wall....

Live Oak Trees

There are so many different types of oak trees in the US. Many are majestic and tall, with incredible beauty. Their lumber is sought after for its beauty and strength. Here in Florida, like many other parts of the south, we have the Live Oak tree. They are sturdy with low lying branches and can live for over one hundred years. They have deep roots and a spreading crown. You often see them in the cattle fields in rural Florida, one tree standing proudly in the middle of a large field, providing shade for the animals there. Another common oak tree in our area is the Laurel Oak. It stands straight and tall and can make pretty lumber. It doesn't have the hardiness of the live oak, nor does it have its longevity. Recently, after a lightening strike, one of these trees came down. We were able to have some of the wood cut into slices. The slices are 12 inches or so wide and 2 inches thick. The bark is thick and beautiful. Nothing has been done to this wood yet. They still need sanding but should turn out beautifully. These slices can make great cutting surfaces or, if polished, beautiful table centerpieces. Hopefully, we will be able to offer them in the Metal,Woods, N' Water shop on Etsy.

The Magic of Books

Books have been my first love. They have got me through some of the hardest times of my life by giving me a place to escape and taught me to cook, sew, and be a better person. I am shocked and saddened when I hear people predict that books will someday be a thing of the past since Amazon and other online book sellers offer books online. Too busy? Listen to book. You can and I've tried it, but honestly, it's not the same. There is something truly summer-scrumptious about sitting on the front porch or on the beach with a book. The words are tasty morsels waiting to be devoured, each one special. A good story is the perfect escape from the everyday; it can take you across the globe and back in time. Often times, the story is so good that you become a part of it and saddened when it ends. I keep my favorite old books in my bookcase. Like old friends, I check on them every so often, keep them dusted, and glance through the pages that I know so well. Someone once told me their daughter was having a hard time reading. She didn't have any learning problems, she just hadn't discovered books yet. I told the woman to take her little girl to the library; make a special day of it and do that once a week or every other week. So simple a remedy that she hadn't even thought of it. Most local libraries have a section for children with a story time. The commercial book stores have them, too. Some even have coffee shops inside making the special treat easy to get. What a wonderful way to introduce someone to the magic of books!

Dixie County Humane Society

Today I took a ride up the the Dixie County Humane Society. They hold a yard sale every Friday and Saturday. They have 2 buildings full of fun finds, everything from furniture to jewelry, crafting items, and antiques. Today they even had a McCoy Cookie Jar in great condition and the most lovely Grandmother's Flower Garden Quilt. The quilt is hand-pieced and hand-quilted. A beautiful specimen. All the proceeds from the yard sale goes to the medical needs and food for the dogs and cats they rescue. They hold an adoption day and a vaccine clinic. It's a great place to buy dog and cat toys, flea meds, and what have you.