Anzac Day

Ode graphic from here

The Ode is a traditional recitation on Anzac Day April 25th in Australia

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

Judy

Felt Poppies for Anzac Day

It is only in recent years that people have been wearing poppies for Anzac Day - they are usually only worn on Remembrance Day in November.

While I was in town yesterday, I saw a lady wearing a lovely knitted poppy brooch, and thought I would try and make one out of felt to wear to tomorrow's commemorative service. 

Out of one square of felt I was able to make five felt poppy brooches.

These were quickly made, by cutting out a 5 petal flower shape in two different sizes.  I sewed a black button to the centre of the smaller flower and then wrapped black feathers wool around the button to give the appearance of the stamens.  The larger flower shape was slightly gathered before sewing the smaller shape to it.

For ease of wear, I just sewed a little safety pin to the back of the felt flower

As Rosemary is the normal floral tribute for remembrance on Anzac Day I thought maybe I could combine the two, and add a sprig of rosemary behind the felt poppy

I will be sharing the felt poppy brooches with my sisters and friends.

Check out this link here to see the fantastic handmade poppies (over 200,000) in Melbourne

Anzac Day - On the 25th of April 1915, Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the allied expedition that set out the capture the Gallipoli peninsula.  These became known as the Anzacs and April 25th quickly became the day that Australians remembered the sacrifices of all those that have died in military operations.

Judy

Easter, Anzac Day, Craft and Clearance Sale

The title says it all, a lot has been happening the last few weeks.

This Easter we celebrated the Leeton Sunrice Festival in my town - it occurs every two years and brings a lot of  festivities and fun to the town which enforces the recognition of the contribution the rice industry has to the region.

I love the street parade - and this year they had over 80 entries

A lot of vintage machinery and cars

Last Friday April 25th was Anzac Day, when we remember all Australians and New Zealanders "who served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations" and "the contribution and suffering of all those who have served.

'ANZAC' stands for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps.

My friend Ray painted this Poppies painting, the red poppy is a symbol of war remembrance.

My new fun craft has been experimenting with the loom bands.  My niece and nephew gave me a craft lesson, rather than the other way around before Easter, and I am hooked.  What fun!

The following photos are examples of the loom items that the kids have made during the school holidays.

Lastly, I have been busy with my online store, organising a huge clearance sale.  Over the years, the online store has diversified into carrying a lot of products.  I have decided to go back to the original concept, and just stock buttons, bells and rusty products.  So, everything else is being marked down to sell.  If you are after a bargain, check out the online store (Cat 'n Cart Crafts) as I am trying to keep prices under $5.00, so there are a lot of bargains.

Until next time

Judy

ANZAC Day - Lest We Forget

 

Lest We Forget. 

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

Judy

A Day to Remember

Every year on this day, April 25th, we show our gratitude for the men and women who fought to keep Australia a free country by commemorating our Anzac's.  Most of us are related to, or know someone who served in a World War or who are even now, serving in the Australian armed forces.

It is the day to publicly show our respect, by attending the many dawn services and Anzac Day marches.  In my home town, it is a very moving ceremony, and although the weather is usually terrible, I will certainly be there to say "THANK YOU".

My mother was in the "Australian Women's Land Army", during the war.

Join the Women's Land Army, 1943, courtesy of Australian War Memorial

"The aim of the AWLA was to replace the male farm workers who had either enlisted in the armed services or were working in other essential war work such as munitions. The AWLA was not an enlisted service, but rather a voluntary group whose members were paid by the farmer, rather than the government or military forces. Membership of the AWLA was open to women who were British subjects and between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Housed in hostels in farming areas, members were given formal farming instruction and were initially supplied with uniform, bedding etc. Members were not engaged in domestic work rather they undertook most types of work involved with primary industries "

Source: The Australian Women's Register

On the 24th April, 1995 my mother was awarded The Civilian Service Medal 1939-1945 which recognises the service of eligible civilians in Australia during World War II.

This medal is for civilians who served in arduous circumstances in support of the war effort as part of organisations with military-like arrangements and conditions of service. The Civilian Service Medal was created in 1994 after many years of campaigning for recognition of the Australian Women's Land Army's service to the nation.

Can you tell I am very proud? 

Take the time today, to talk to and show your appreciation to our diggers. We should all be thankful

Judy