Russian on the Bench Take #2

Thanks so much everyone for your well wishes- feeling much better today- of course the homemade cinnamon rolls this morning, walk in the sunshine this afternoon, and a little crafting time can do for you!  I am going to crawl into bed soon, but I wanted to share another couple of pictures from my Russian learning with you since me getting sick meant no cooking with mama this weekend.

 

 

The first pictures is my set of Matryoshka that I got at Ellis Island a couple years ago when I went to visit my younger sis that lives in Brooklyn.  My great-grandmama came through Ellis Island when sometime when she was 8 or 10 years old.  This gift shop had all of these wonderful folk gifts from different cultures and I could not resist this set since it has the storytelling element of the folktale "The Gigantic Turnip"- it beat a I Love NY t-shirt for sure!  The boys love to bring it down from the mantle and play with it.  I also like that it has the farming element to it since my families trade heritage on my mama's side is farming.

 

 

The second picture is of my anniversary ring that my hubby gave to me a couple years ago.  It is a Russian Poesy Ring.  I have been in-love with poesy rings forever.  If you have not heard of them before this is from a popular Poesy Ring website Sapphire Lane:

Poesy (n): A short poem or sentiment decoratively inscribed on rings or jewelry, particularly in the Middle Ages - usually a romantic gift or token of friendship.  The frequent mention of poesy rings in William Shakespeare's plays, attests to their popularity in 16th Century England:  "Is this a prologue, or the Poesy of a ring?"

Tradition has it that words which touch the skin have a particular power. Poesy Rings were traditionally given in sterling silver as engagement rings, and then replaced with the same ring in gold upon marriage.  Platinum is given upon marriage or anniversary.  Sterling Silver Poesy Rings are also given as friendship rings, promise rings, engagement rings, purity rings, and wedding/anniversary rings.

Mine says "Ot Dushi" which in Russian means "From my Soul"- it is a favorite ring that I always wear- combines my Russian soul with my soul mate- I love many rings from Sapphire Lane- they use lost wax method of casting the rings.  Perfect for Valentines- wink and nudge your partners!

I finished the project for Once Upon a Table today and just have to photograph and write the tutorial for you this week.  I got the thumbs up from the boys on it- they had fun playing with it today- I kept finding it in fun spots in the house!  Look forward to sharing it with.  Till then keep crafting and storytelling with those kiddos in your lap!

Check back tomorrow to sign-up for you chance to win the January Herbal Roots Zine!