Collections: A Show of Hands

I always seem to be attracted to carvings of hands.
I guess you could say they're a bit eerie,
but I find them infatuating.

They might be glove or mitten forms, artists' hand models,

 or hands of statues or dolls. 

Be they functional or decorative,

there's something about a replica of the human hand.

Oh, the positive power of hands as they're 
stretched out in welcome,

extended in friendship or hospitality, 

and raised in praise or supplication!
They can reach out to help,

give generously, and 

offer peace, love, or hope.

Lend one and see for yourself!

Here are other posts in my "Collections" series:
Vintage Pyrex
Baking Pies with Pie Birds
Vintage Buttons

Warm, Cozy Mittens- Upcycled by Second Season

During our recent day at the Fall Foliage Festival in Jim Thorpe, PA,

I met Susan Wise and her fabulous upcycled mittens!

Her business, Second Season, is all about giving new purpose to old sweaters.

Most of us know the song, "My Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music, right?

Well, it came right to mind when I saw all of these "...warm woolen mittens!"

Each pair is meticulously crafted from a gently-used sweater, then lined with fleece.

Just perfect to keep your hands toasty during cold winters!

Susan can also create "Memory Mittens" from a sweater you may have

that once belonged to a loved one. Such a nice keepsake to use and treasure!

Here's the Second Season
Website and Facebook page.

A Fabulous Fall Foliage Festival in Jim Thorpe, PA

Aaaah, the endearing town of Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania!

We visited in October this year for their annual Fall Foliage Festival.

What a treat! This cozy town is tucked between the mountains,

which provide a picturesque backdrop for captivating hometown architecture.

We spotted entries for the Scarecrow Competition throughout the town!

Continuous live music on 4 different stages, like here at the gazebo. 

Lots of shopping with canopied handcrafted artists.

Check out this beautifully crafted pottery!
I did a feature post entitled
"Play with Clay- Robin Nidelcheff's Gorgeous Pottery."

Lovin' these upcycled mittens by Second Season!

Read my feature, "Warm, Cozy Mittens- Upcycled by Second Season."

You can take a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway!

Here's the website!

This is a fantastic festival you don't want to miss!

Smitten With These Mittens!

ZenFrogCreations

Yes, indeed, I'm smitten with these mittens!

Every handmade one of them is straight from Etsy.

Whether knitted, crocheted, felted or up-cycled from old sweaters,

they're here to warm hands and hearts!

(Click on the link below each to take you right to its Etsy shop.) 

NordicMittens

OldWoolNew

hatsbyalyssa

MuttonsMittens

WoolenDream

reewesit

FeltedFriends