Well, I have been away for awhile.  I guess the simplest way to say it is that "life intervened dramatically" in my plans for the summer.  I was just getting excited about this blog and had plans for several posts when my world turned pretty much upside down.  I'm getting back on my feet, but it has not been a fun or productive summer for me.  I apologize to those of you who might have visited and found nothing and more nothing.  I was so sure I was going to be posting regularly that I even put the blog address on my new business cards. 

I am currently gearing up for Fall shows and have some new things to share over the next few weeks, so I hope you will stop back to see what is here.  I ran across some pictures I want to post and am working on some design ideas that I'd like to share.

So far, my Fall schedule looks like this:

Friday, October 12, 2012   Scandinavian Coffee, Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave, Ames, IA.  The Scandinavian Coffee runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 13, 2012  "Taste of Norway" event in the Des Moines, IA metro area, sponsored by the local Daughters of Norway chapter.  This year they are at a new location:  Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, 1240 66th St., Windsor Heights, IA.  "Taste of Norway" will run from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 27, 2012  Capital Hill Lutheran Church Annual Fall Festival Bazaar, East 5th & Des Moines Street (just a short distance west of the State Capital building) in Des Moines, IA.  The Bazaar will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.



 

Woven Paper Star Ornament

One of the traditional Scandinavian designs that I work with are Woven Paper Star Ornaments.  I make them and I teach people to make these woven three-dimensional stars (below).  They are known throughout Scandinavian countries and much of northern Europe.  Many cultures lay claim to these tranditional Christmas ornaments, calling them Nordic Stars, Swedish Stars, German Stars, and "Julestjernen" (Danish for "Christmas Star"), among other names.  Traditional woven stars are made of paper and are usually red or white.  The star in this picture is white, but the lighting makes it look more of an ivory color.

My heritage is half Danish and my husband is of Norwegian and German decent, so I feel connected to these ornaments and enjoy passing on a piece of my heritage when I'm teaching others to make the stars. 

I will be demonstrating how to make stars this coming weekend, June 1 & 2, 2012, at the Scandinavian Days festival in Story City, Iowa.  I invite you to stop and say "Hello" and if you have time, we'll make a star together.  I will be located in Heritage Hall from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m on Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.  Take a look at the Scandinavian Days web page for more information. I'll have a special gift for anyone who stops by my table and tells me you read this on my blog.

For next time, you should know that I am not content with using these wonderful stars just as Christmas ornaments or only using traditional colors.  In my next post I'll show you some of the ways I've adapted this tranditional ornament to a life beyond the Christmas season by using it in new ways and in modern designs.

Welcome! -- or Velkommen!

I've just created this page today and will be adding content soon.  You'll be able to see my newest designs, my show schedule, and (I hope) at least a partial catalog of available works.  I specialize in Scandinavian Heritage designs, but also include a wide variety of other themes.  Thanks for stopping by, and please check back for updates.

Mange Tak! 
(Many Thanks!)

Nadine