The 500 Year celebration of the Decorated Christmas Tree!
“Christmas Traditions” New product line now available.
About a year ago I was introduced to the fascinating commemorative event. It started me on a captivating journey into the Christian efforts of a 500 year old tradition! As I began researching the subject, it was surprising to learn about the many customs that have evolved through the centuries surrounding the Christmas tree. Quickly, I experienced a strong connection as the story unfolded.
Last November, I was privileged to be the artist chosen by the National Christmas Tree Association to illustrate the celebration of the event. In the weeks that followed, the challenge to depict the various traditions began. The decorated fir tree originated in Riga, Latvia (northern Europe) in the 1500s and the custom has continued these many years to be the central focus of Christmas traditions today. Perhaps, like me, as you read the recorded facts, you will come to sense the strong Christian influence, continually at work impacting the decorative elements.
The Christmas tree traditions are conveyed in a series of six classic storybook style, illustrations of the popular decorations over five centuries. The glass ornaments, cards and textiles also include six children in period costume. Within all of the designs, the popular trend of decorative text, enhance the images with historic dates and details.
Products include dinnerware (Canterbury Potteries), glass ornaments, cards, limited edition prints (Fine Art LTD.) and high quality quilting fabric. All are accompanied with the printed story of each century’s significant decorative contribution.
Availability:
Country Door & Bass Pro shops – dinnerware
Fine Art LTD. – Glass ornaments, cards & prints
Quilting Treasures – Quilt fabric available March, 2011, exclusively in quilt shops
Riga – Be sure to watch this, it’s really fun!
I’m planning my Christmas holiday now.
First – go to Bass Pro Shops and buy JWK dishes.
Second – Pick up ornaments from Fine Art’s Limited.
Third – Enjoy a festive holiday and share the 500 year old tree story with my grandchildren!
Thank you for such a delightful way to celebrate!
Awe, that’s the nice-est! Yes, interesting story, you can read the whole thing on fabric at market!
Too bad we have to wait until “next” year for the fabric!
Oh well; I guess that will give me plenty of time to create a new quilt for next year’s Christmas celebrations.
The Gerald R. Ford Museum here in Grand Rapids, Michigan
has a Christmas Event every year where our Quilt Guild has the opportunity to have their Christmas Quilts displayed in the lobby.
I will have two of them there this year! Maybe I can have one next Christmas with fabrics from your “Christmas Traditions” line!
What a great way to celebrate!
Thanks for the inspiration!!
Oooh yes Elly! Be sure to send pictures too of this years event, your quilts, please. Congrats!
Janet, I remember when you were researching this commemorative design. It turned out gorgeous!
Hugs,
Diane
You do? Thank you again Diane.
Wow! Turned out awesome! I hope you are thrilled with the project. It is simply wonderful, congratulations!
Thank you Melissa. There is a certain sense of accomplishment. And, it is an interesting story that I would not have otherwise discover, possibly.
Ooooh, how pretty! I went to every single link. How interesting and you do the tradition proud justice! Your designs are fantastic! Thank you, what a talent!
Hi Norma – Thanks, I tried, especially in keeping the Christmas tree history facts straight!
This is fabulous Janet! There is a Bass Pro Shop very close and I want a set of these dishes! I’m sure they will have samples of your fabric at Quilt Market and I can’t wait to see them.
Hi Phyllis – Thanks very much. I’m sure that you are probably in Houston by now. Hope you have a great time.
Janet this is truly the best! OMG girl, you amaze me with the talent you have!!! I love those illustrations! And the dishes~sigh~
hugs to you…
always stunning – Janet, it is such delight to see your (he)art – oh so lovely!
terri
Wonderful! What a whole lot of work, but so worth it! Will miss you at Quilt Market this time. . .
joan
OMG..everything came out really darling!!!!
Just beautiful!! The dinnerware is so elegant!!
love them all!
I am just now catching up on your blog… What wonderful news! Gorgeous, of course! I am going to have to find those dishes, too. So proud of your achievements! A beautiful job!
Hi Sharyn – Thanks very much.