O Star of Wonder
Today is the feast of Epiphany when we remember the wise men or magi who guided by a star were led to the infant Jesus and presented him with gifts.
I was in a supermarket just after Christmas and was led to buy these stars, they were left in a box on the shelf abandoned, unloved and reduced for a quick sale, so thinking that perhaps they could be embellished with a piece of tatting, I purchased them, and now extremely pleased I did. I used the middle piece of a pattern designed by Jane (only I can't find it on her pattern page!). The only difference is that I added beads. It is a pattern that I have fond memories of as it is mainly self closing mock rings, 6 of them and a few split rings, ten years ago I “cut my teeth” on learning how to make SCMRs with this pattern.
I was in a supermarket just after Christmas and was led to buy these stars, they were left in a box on the shelf abandoned, unloved and reduced for a quick sale, so thinking that perhaps they could be embellished with a piece of tatting, I purchased them, and now extremely pleased I did. I used the middle piece of a pattern designed by Jane (only I can't find it on her pattern page!). The only difference is that I added beads. It is a pattern that I have fond memories of as it is mainly self closing mock rings, 6 of them and a few split rings, ten years ago I “cut my teeth” on learning how to make SCMRs with this pattern.
The gifts these travellers from the East gave were.
Gold
(this is one of the gold stars which were also included in the box)
Frankincense and MyrrhI was given the Frankincense and Myrrh recently from someone who had been to Dubai.
Today also marks the end of Christmas in our homes, all the decorations come down, otherwise there will be bad luck! In church however our nativity scenes usually remain until Candlemas.O star of wonder, star of night,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.
(the chorus from the carol We Three Kings)
The one thing that the visit of the Magi reminds me of is a very amusing sketch by the late Joyce Grenfell entitled Nursery School - The Nativity Play
Soon I will blog the gold stars with their tatting on - just looking for some suitable colours.
Soon I will blog the gold stars with their tatting on - just looking for some suitable colours.
Hope you are all joining in with the TIAS linked to Jane's Blog, its only the second day so you can catch up if you haven't started yet.
Oh, didn't they work out well - your stars. Love those.
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that frankincense and myrrh came in that form! - somehow I always thought they were mysterious, "unguent-y" substances, borne aloft in theose elaborate urns seen in the pictures of the Magi!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you do with the lumps of rock? - burn them, for the fragrance?
That is really cool, Sally! Love the star ornaments embellished with tatting! Wow, that frankincense and myrrh look kind of neat... I guess...I don't even know what they are. I've asked people to tell me what they are and no one seems to know! What are they!!!??? Do tell, Sally! Don't hold back on me now! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGosh I wish I felt good enough to participate in this round of TIAS! I've always wanted to do one of Jane's, but this time I'm just too tired after everything else I need to do. Bummer! Really...it's a bummer.
Love the stars, Sally! Wish I'd thought of that!
ReplyDeleteMy shuttles are wound for the T.I.A.S. I haven't started yet, because of a nasty stomach bug... hopefully today.
The stars turned out really sweet! Thanks for sharing all about the taking down of the tree, etc.
ReplyDeleteFrankinscense and Myrhh were used long ago for rubbing in wounds and for embalming the dead. The pieces I have can be put into a censer (incense burner - known as a thurible in churth which are swung on a chain). In church the smoke from the censer rises and that is to symbolise our prayers rising to God. Apart from that it is a lovely smell, nowadays with aromatherapy, the old frangrances have come back into fashion all to help with our health and well-being.
ReplyDeleteSorry you are feeling so tired tattingchic, sounds like you need a bit of "me time" or aromatherapy!
Poor Diane, that will lay you low for a day or two. I haven't started the TIAS yet - an Epiphany sermon awaits!
How wonderful! They are so pretty. Loved reading your blog. Have a Blessed Day!
ReplyDelete