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The history of April Fool's Day or All Fool's Day is
uncertain, but the current thinking is that it began
around 1582 in France with the reform of the calendar
under Charles IX. The Gregorian Calendar was
introduced, and New Year's Day was moved from
March 25 - April 1 (new year's week) to January 1.
Communication traveled slowly in those days and
some people were only informed of the change
several years later. Still others, who were more
rebellious refused to acknowledge the change and
continued to celebrate on the last day of the former
celebration, April 1. These people were labeled "fools"
by the general populace, were subject to ridicule and
sent on "fool errands," sent invitations to nonexistent
parties and had other practical jokes played upon
them. This harassment evolved over time and a
custom of prank-playing continue on the first day of
April. So go for it! Think up a fun practical joke today in
honor of the new year.
| Artist Spotlight - Isaac Childs |
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Isaac Childs, the founder and designer of Rustico,
developed his line of leather products for both quality
and consistency. Rustico is based in Orem, Utah and
has an extensive array of leather journals, log books,
binder covers, hospitality items and accessories.
Rustico is recognized as a leader in the custom
handmade leather journal industry. Every product
represents the highest quality of both materials and
craftsmanship. Their design and manufacturing team
consists of highly skilled artisans who each bring to
the table many years of experience. The handmade
touch, look and feel is exemplified in every aspect of
every leather journal, log book, photo album, and
leather accessory they offer.
The pages in many of their sketchbooks, leather
journals, and photo albums are hand torn and folded
to specific sizes. The paper is acid free and reflects
the unique texture of old fashioned paper presses.
The leather covers are cut from top grain hides and
are bound by hand to the paper using a binding style
that has been tried and true for centuries. Quality is
checked and re-checked through every step of the
process, ensuring only the finest leather products
leave their facility.
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| Carin's Corner - Is Your Baby's Nursery Green? |
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There isn't a more important room to make green than
the nursery.
Almost always a room is revitalized for a new baby. As
newborns spend
a lot of time in their rooms it is a crucial environment
to make as
pure as possible. Organic, natural and green sources
are becoming
more readily available but sometimes take time to
research. I
mention some companies just to encourage you on
your search.
Start with organic or non-toxic paints. Look for paints
that have no
VOC's. There are organic paint companies
(www.yolocolorhouse.com
for instance). You can order over the internet if there
isn't a
dealer in your area. Sherwin Williams and other large
paint companies
now have a line of paints with no or low VOC's.
Next consider flooring. Most new carpet and
underpad off gas for
many weeks or months. Consider a cork floor or
bamboo; both are
green, easily available and will not contaminate the air
your baby
breathes. If you are refinishing a wood floor or putting
down a new
one remember to use a non-toxic sealers and glue.
Again these can be
found on the internet if you can't find a source locally.
Finally
look for cotton sheets, bedding and clothing
(www.garnethill.com)
You can be proud of the green start you give your baby
and he or she
will be forever grateful.
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| Joke of the Month |
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Marjorie was visiting her parents with her new
husband, a Navy frogman, when he drew her aside.
"I don't think your mother likes me," he said. "I was
explaining that I can't wear my wedding ring when I
dive, because barracudas are attracted to shiny things
and might bite off my finger.
And she said, 'Well, can't you wear it on a chain
around your neck?' "
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Ruth's Ramblings |
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It's still not quite spring here yet, but as I'm writing this
my daffodils are finally poking their leaves up out of
the ground even though they've been snowed on a
couple of times. The ski season is winding down with
the last day being at the end of this week. I hope
everyone got to come and enjoy the great snow this
year. It was a wonderful season and the skiing was
great.
We're all thinking about the busy summer season
coming up. Rebekah and I are heading off to Las
Vegas at the end of the month to the ACRE show
which is the newest American Craft market. Last year,
we found tons of new, fun stuff and I'm sure this year
will be even better.
We're starting to see new work coming in from our
orders we placed in Philadelphia. So keep an eye on
our "What's New" page to see what's arrived. I think
everyone will love the featured artist's work this month.
The rustic leather work of Isaac Child's is the perfect
accent for any home and he makes some great men's
gifts ( which are so hard to find, right girls?).
Don't forget that Whitefish Gallery Nights is beginning
again on May 1st. It's the first Thursday of every month
from 6:00 to 9:00 pm and we have lots of wonderful
artists lined up. There are 14 galleries participating
this year so come to downtown Whitefish on the first
Thursday night of each month to see lots of wonderful,
local art.
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