I am not one to buy a lot of souvenirs anymore. But on this trip, there were lots of wooden souvenirs and I really had to restrain myself. Wood and glass are two things I love collecting (which is one of the reasons I was so tempted to buy that Christmas carving in Moscow).
This first souvenir is from Finland and is made of Juniper wood. (Did I mention how hard it was to find something beginning with 'J'?)
This is a trivet. It is about eight inches diameter.
In Novgorod we went to a small shop where they teach wood arts. (no pics allowed) I purchased this spoon (left) as a souvenir and doubt I will use it for its intended purpose as a spatula. In the museum we sat and made little trinkets to ward off evil spirits. Made of birch bark with little peas inside, it is essentially a rattle. Here is mine on the right:
Tolkien Bonus: J is for the Jewels of Feanor. The three Simarilli jewels created by Feanor shine with the light of the Two Trees.
Novgorod-That is where that church is! The trivet looks good and I think it must be light. Love the scene you show here from Tolkien
ReplyDeleteChurch? Refresh my memory as I have read so many comments I am getting lost, lol. The trivet is light and is getting a lot of use. As for the clip, I figured jewels are bought on vacation. On this trip I also resisted buying any amber, which is everywhere.
DeleteLove that trivet! And Denise, that was a great J post. 😉
ReplyDeleteThe trivet is getting a lot of use. Glad you liked the post.
DeleteI never use trivets, but I might well use that one. I find the video clips a bit small when they have wording on like this one does. Have to go to YouTube and see if it's any better.
ReplyDeleteI had to watch the video in full screen mode. Otherwise, forget it. I use the trivet on my dining table. I have granite in the kitchen so it is not necessary.
DeleteI, too, think the trivet is lovely. Russian folk artifacts generally are. i love their folk tales painted onto eggs and have a few for my tree at christmas time. anne stenhouse, Novels Now.
DeleteWow, that trivet is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the 2015 A to Z Challenge!
A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
http://pensuasion.blogspot.com
And useful. The shop in Helsinki had all sorts of wooden crafts. It's probably a good thing that I pack in a small suitcase.
DeleteLove the trivet. Out in Oregon you find a lot of things made of Myrtle wood which is a deeper brown than the Juniper here. I love wooden utensils and use them all the time in the kitchen. Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
ReplyDeleteI have a lovely serving tray made of Myrtle wood that I bought in Oregon in 1975. I hate to use it because it is so nice I don't want to ruin it. I do have some lovely wooden spoons I purchased in Nova Scotia. Did I say how much I love wood?
DeleteAre you supposed to wear the rattle to ward off the spirits, like an amulet around your neck?
ReplyDeleteYes, you are supposed to wear it. I let my grandson play with it. No evil spirits here.
DeleteWhat a great post! I like to use trivets as well.
ReplyDeletehttp://enchantedfantasies.blogspot.com/
Thank you.
DeleteI just love the trivet!
ReplyDeletehttp://nilabose.blogspot.com/
Glad you like it. It is different than my common everyday cloth ones.
DeleteThe trivet is beautiful. I bought a wooden bird when I was in Helsinki. I don't know if it's juniper though. It's some type of light wood.
ReplyDeleteThere were so many beautiful wood items there. I know that many items were made from juniper.
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