Gingerbread for Christmas & Folksy Friday

Well the title says it all, this weeks Folksy Friday is all about Gingerbread, click on the links to take you to Folksy shops.

So where did gingerbread originate?  There are lots of theories almost as many as there are gingerbread men.  Some say it originated in the Middle East, from where wonderful spices were brought to the western world, but there are also references that go as far back as the ancient Greeks and Egyptians.
Queen Elizabeth I who's reign was 1558 – 1603 is often credited with the invention of the gingerbread man.  She would have gingerbread men made for visiting dignitaries in their own likenesses.

Felt Gingerbread chefs 

by

 The Crafting Gardener

Gingerbread was so popular that William Shakespeare wrote in Love’s Labor’s Lost, “An I had but one penny in the world, thou shouldst have it to buy gingerbread.”

Ceramic Gingerbread Man

by

The Dottery Potter

We like to see Gingerbread men as decorations for trees and on cards to send to family and friends.

Gingerbread Cards

     by

   Stephanie Short Stationery

The smell of it baking, mmmm conjures the memories Christmas time. The aroma the tastes and sight of Gingerbread Men, Women and Houses are a feast for the eyes and delicious on the taste buds.

Gingerbread Men Bookends

 by

We Love to Make

 Some say the tradition of making decorated gingerbread houses started in Germany in the early 1800s. According to certain researchers, the first gingerbread houses were the result of the well-known fairy tale "Hansel & Gretel" after the Brothers Grimm published Hansel and Gretel in 1812.

Wrapping Paper

by

Jane Crick 

But some say that The Brothers Grimm used the House in their story because it was already a popular tradition. 

Gingerbread House

 by

 Handcrafted by Picto

Gingerbread House Hanger

 by

Handcrafted by Picto 

Click on the links under the above photo's to take you the Folksy Shops where you can see more deliciousness.

I'm off to have a yummy bit of Gingerbread with my coffee.

Jan x 
 

Robins appear when Loved Ones are Near, Hearts for Christmas and Folksy Friday

Yesterday was an icy day with a smattering of snow but as it often is in the UK it doesn't last long, it rained all evening and washed it all away so today is wet and grey but no slippy ice.

Bbrrrr icy car window

  I've been putting the bird feeders out and they have been much used. 

I've also been painting some hearts, 

I thought Robins would suit this time of year.

Robin on a branch

A Large Hanging Heart with a Robin and Holly, 

this heart is 14cm at it's widest and tallest.

Robin in the Snow

This is another Large Heart with the Robin in the Snow, these 2 Large Hearts are painted plain blue on the back.

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These next two are Small Hearts, just 6cm tall and at the widest.

Robin in the Snow

Robins appear when loved ones are near

These small Hearts are double sided, the back of the Heart has the quote 

'Robins appear when Loved Ones are Near'

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A quartet of Robins

 Here are all 4 Hearts together, there's a big difference in size, they all have a pretty ribbon for hanging up and are finished off with varnish and a shimmer of sparkle. 

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You may find these in my Folksy Shop or in my Etsy Shop, you can always contact me via the shops or leave a comment.

Now as it's # FOLKSY FRIDAY I want to show you a few more Robins from the Folksy Folk, I'll pop their shop link under the photo's.

A Lovely Mug Cosy for those cold winter days, you can get this from Hook and Loop

This gorgeous necklace can be had at  Claire Gent Design

Happy Cards to make you smile from the lovely Tilly Print

Thank you for joining me.

Jan x