Size 4″ x 5 1/2″ (width – height)

The “Drummer Drumming” verse refers to the town watchmen that patrolled the streets, and were known as “Waits”.  By the 18th century, the term also applied to the strolling musicians who were rewarded for their performances during the Christmas festivities.  Interestingly, the European drum was actually a derivation of the instrument that originated in the Middle East and was brought back from the Crusades.  The uniforms worn by the “Waits” were developed and patterned after the exotic clothing of an elite fighting corps of the Turkish Empire.  Their colorful costume was the inspiration for the uniforms eventually worn by current day marching bands.

Size 4″ x 5 1/2″ (width – height)

Shepherds traditionally played pipes to keep themselves entertained while tending their flocks at night.  The pipes they played were adapted from simple flutes by adding an “air bladder” made of animal skins which functioned as a reservoir to contain air. The player squeezed the bag in order to produce continuous air flow, breathed into the ‘blowpipe’, and at the same time fingered the flute to produce the music. The sound produced could be quite loud and would carry over a long distance. The Scottish bagpipe is the pipe’s current day descendant.

The pipe being played by the angel depicted here, however, is only of the simple flute.

Size 4″ x 5 1/2″ (width – height)

Another dance performed during the Twelfth Night celebrations was called a “carole” which was derived from the Greek word chorus.  The ceremonial dance was also accompanied with singing.  The carole was a simple round dance and after the Crusades it took on more sophisticated choreography, and was associated with songs about love, marriage and virtues.  By the 15th century, the dance came to be known as the “branle” and the carole was known only for its association with its former songs.  The carole eventually included songs specific to the Christmas story and became known as Christmas carols.

Size 4″ x 5 1/2″ (width – height)

The “Lord Leaping” verse refers to a dance – likely the gavotte –  performed by the gentry of the upper class at Twelfth Night festivities.  The dance was of French origin and consisted of a hop, a step, another step and a jump. Costumed participants danced during the interludes between courses of the Christmas feasts. This dance was a popular part of  Twelfth Night celebrations until the end of the 18th century.

Size 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ (length – height)

Size 5 1/2″ x 7 1/2″ (length – height)

A box of ‘sweet memories’ is never out of season. It’s a perennial favorite and is sure to please anytime especially for Valentine’s Day. Just imagine the favorable response you’ll receive when your sweetheart opens this 0ne-of-a-kind creation and realizes that you went out of your way to find such an unique way to show your affection. The heart shaped candy box contains quilled hearts numerous candy and chocolate-like elements and even a miniature “Love” shaker box filled with opalescent hearts.

Size: 5″ x 7″ (length – height)

Send this hand crafted, paper art card as a long-lasting TREAT to tell someone they’re precious and very special.  So much more personal than an electronic tweet, don’t you think?!!

Size 5″ x 7″ (length – height)

Size: 5″ x 7″ (length – height)

For the ‘All Things Pink’ girl on your shopping list, this card is a must.  A beautiful way to welcome loved ones and friends into the Christmas season.

Size: 4″ x 5 1/2″ (width – height)

What ‘daddy’ wouldn’t melt when reminded of the loving hugs he’s received form his little girl over the years. And no matter how many years its been you will ‘Always’ be ‘Daddy’s’ little ‘Girl’. There’s just something so captivating tender and heartwarming about the love of a daughter for her daddy. So whether this card is sent on Father’s Day or as a Thinking of You remembrance anytime of the year you can be sure it will flood any father’s heart with fond memories of his special little girl. This card was unintentionally patterned after a long lost photo of a daughter’s loving embrace of her father from many years ago – a photo which Rosa just recently came across while rummaging through one of her own memory boxes. Another unique attribute of this card is that all of the figures are cut by hand making each a one-of-a-kind creation.