The Miracle of Snowflakes

As I was trying to come up with some new winter garden flags and had decided I wanted to design a snowflake monogram flag I started scanning the web for inspiration.  I came across a website about a most incredible man whom I am surprised is not more widely known.  His name is Wilson A Bentley otherwise known as "Snowflake Bentley"  This wonderful quote by him from his website http://snowflakebentley.com/index.htm got my attention. 

"Under the microscope, I found that snowflakes were miracles of beauty; and it seemed a shame that this beauty should not be seen and appreciated by others. Every crystal was a masterpiece of design and no one design was ever repeated., When a snowflake melted, that design was forever lost. Just that much beauty was gone, without leaving any record behind."
Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley 1925




He captured over 5000 snowflakes and photographed them.  It was he who came to the conclusion that no two snowflakes are alike.  Do check out the website for lots of wonderful information and gifts pertaining to snowflakes.

 

I can remember as a child catching snow on my mittens and trying to study an individual flake.  They are truly very magical.  This decorative yard flag is in honor of all those little miracles. 

Winter Solstice 2013

Even though I've already had enough cold weather, winter hasn't even officially started.  This year the winter solstice is Saturday December 21st at 12:11 PM (EST).  Although, obviously, I am not a fan of winter, I do look forward to the winter solstice as I know its uphill from there.  As that is the shortest day of the year, I know from then on the days will be getting longer.

As the holidays come and go and the decorative holiday flags come down it will be time to put up our winter garden flags .  This category of decorative flags is very versatile and many can be displayed from Thanksgiving right through Valentine's Day .  We even have one of our very nice mini flags actually called Winter Solstice.

As ironically as it is, even though we have already had frigid temperatures this year, the weather people are predicting temperatures in the 70's for us this Saturday on the winter solstice.  So put on your shorts or coats, depending on the weather where you are and shop our decorative winter flags at Custom Flags and Gifts.  Also stock up on Christmas flags for next year as they are all still 10% through December.

Happy Solstice and Happy Shopping.

 

 



Visit our store to buy our decorative yard flags to enhance your outdoor decor.


Winter Solstice Garden FlagWinter Solstice Garden Flaghttp://www.flagsandgifts.com/winter-solstice-appliqued-garden-flag

Personalize your Holiday Flag

The holiday season is fully upon us.  Most people already have their houses decorated with lights, their trees are up and adorned and their Christmas garden flags are in their yard. Seasonal flags are both fun and beautiful and come in many different themes.  A personalized holiday flag is definitely one way to make sure yours is truly unique and special.  Many decorative flags can have names added. You can make it formal with a family last name or in some cases more casual with first names. The choice is yours. Adding names to your decorative holiday flag is a great way for you to offer Season's Greetings to all who pass by with a very personal touch. These can also make great gifts. 

Thank you for reading,
Josie and Marilee
Custom Flags and GiftsPeace Love Joy Snowman Garden Flag

Christmas Flags

Christmas is such a wonderful time of year.  I love all the decorations.  There are so many different themes and types from Nativity Scenes to Snowmen. Christmas Flags too, are just as versatile.  Holiday flags come in such a variety of designs from whimsical to those with a more traditional religious message.  These seasonal flags are great for adding to your outdoor holiday decor.  They can even be used as beautiful indoor wall art.

Through December you can save 10% on all our seasonal flags.  Thats savings on all our holiday yard flags including Christmas garden flags and house flags plus decorative winter flags. Visit us at www.FlagsandGifts.com to start shopping and save.  View your cart before checkout and apply the code "holiday" to see your savings.

We have a great collection of seasonal flags.  Here are a few:

 Happy Holiday Season
Josie and Marilee
Custom Flags and Gifts

Thanksgiving - A Time for Friends and Family

Custom Flags and Gifts would like to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving. To me as far back as I can remember, Thanksgiving has always been a relatively laid back day spent with friends and family and centered around preparing and consuming large quantities of good food. It was one of those few precious days in the year that you could pretty much be assured, unless you were a nurse or policeman, that you and all your family members would have the day off from work to spend the entire day participation in this American tradition. Anymore that is not necessarily the case.

The day after Thanksgiving has long been called among avid shoppers Black Friday and is known as the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season. The term “Black Friday” was coined in the 1960s to mark the kickoff to the Christmas shopping season. “Black” refers to retail businesses moving from the “red” to the “black,” back when records were kept by hand, and red ink indicated a loss, and black a profit. More and more each year Black Friday has been slowly creeping into the precious holiday hours of Thanksgiving Thursday. Lots of retail stores have started greedily opening their doors on Thanksgiving Day trying to snatch up those holiday dollars forcing employees away from their families and the precious little time they have to spend with them. It also entices prospective shoppers, in hopes of catching the holy grail of savings, out of the house and cutting short their time of relaxation and family bonding. The more we participate in this practice the more retail stores will continue to open on this holiday and stealing from their employees the treasured traditions of this holiday.

There are so many days available for shopping and so few holidays and limited time to spend with those that matter most to us. I hope you all will enjoy your friends and families this Thanksgiving
and save the shopping for another day.

Have a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Marilee & Josie
Custom Flags and Gifts
Online source for unique decorative yard flags and photo gifts.

Fall for Autumn Garden Flags

Autumn is just about everybody's favorite time of year.  The Indian Summer weather is the absolute best there is and there's always such an abundance of things to do . There are Fall Festivals galore throughout October and November. All kinds of Octoberfests, art shows and craft shows, one of which I would like to have a booth with our custom flags in next year.  Of course we can't forget, there is also all the fun Halloween activities that can be enjoyed with your children or grandchildren. 

Fall garden flags are as fun and versatile as its activites.  Many of them such as Autumn Leaves and Leaf  Bouquet applique flags show the beauty of the season.  Where some like the Happy Fall Scrarecrow Flag and the Halloween flags show the whimsical side.  There are also the seasonal bird flags for this time of year like Premiere's Fall Feathered Friends Garden and House Flag.  These are all flags that can be found at our Custom Flags and Gifts website. 

Decorative flags are such a great way to add that special touch to your outdoor decor.  They add a bit of your personality through whatever flag you choose.  So go ahead and Fall for Autumn Garden Flags, you will be glad you did.

Leaf Bouquet Applique Garden Flag

Fall Feathered Friends House Flag

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

The month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We all know someone who has suffered from breast cancer.  It is estimated that 232,340 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and I was surprised to read that the median age at diagnosis is 61. The survival rate of  breast cancer patients is wonderfully high if the cancer is found early.  This in itself makes awareness so very important.  To encourage women to get regular screenings and educate them on the options.  There are several awareness groups and organizations that not only provide education but also to give support and let patients and their loved ones know they are not alone. 

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month we have come out with a new custom garden flag that lets you show your love and support to someone you know that has been diagnosed with or survived breast cancer.  This breast cancer awareness flag will be on sale for a special price the whole month of October.



Breast Cancer Awareness Custom Flag

Breast Cancer Awareness Custom Flag

 



 

We also have the Pink Ribbon Garden Flag by Premiere Designs that can also be personalized with the name of a loved one or yourself ,that has been struck with this disease.  We are offering free personalization of this flag through this month.  The cost is normally $10.




Pink Ribbon Garden Fag

 

 

Thank you for reading and remember to Think Pink.

 

Josie and Marilee

Custom Flags and Gifts

Spook-tacular Halloween Garden Flags

bThe Halloween season is definitely upon us. People are so creative with their yard decoration for this holiday as I see more popping up each day and it is definitely time to put out the Halloween garden flags.  Decorative flags for this holiday are great fun and there are so many to choose from.  Or if you are someone who doesn't like to have to change out your flags real often there are plenty of fall flags that are suitable for Halloween and all season long.

At Custom Flags and gifts not only do we have seasonal flags by favorite brands, we also have a brand new custom Halloween flag that is very fun and unique and has been very popular.  Come visit our garden flag store and see what holiday goodies you can find.

Custom Halloween Garden Flag

 

 

Trick or Treaters Garden Flag

So what is applique?

Having sewn all my life and being into crafting , just like anyone well versed in an activity, it is such a big part of your world, you forget not everyone knows or understands what certain things are or means.  In the garden flag world applique plays a big part.  Many flag people prefer the applique flags because of their bold simplicity and durability if its quality work. 

One definition of applique that I saw, described it as ornamental needlework in which pieces of fabric are sewn onto a large piece of fabric to form pictures or patterns.  I thought that described it pretty well.  Usually a column of embroidery stiches borders each of the pieces .  Embroidery is often used throughout the applique design to add accents and details such as the pupil of an eye or stem of a flower. 

High quality applique is essential to ensure the pieces are properly sewn so that they don't fray and cause holes.  We buy a lot of our applique flags from Flagcenter in Richmond, Va.  The quality is outstanding and their designs are classic.  We recently got a new order of autumn flags and also some holiday flags, they were all the applique decorative flags.  Here are a couple of the fall garden flags we got.

Welcome Pumpkin Fall Garden Flag

Welcome to our Nut House Applique Garden Flag

 

 

Come visit our store at www.FlagsandGifts.com

 

Thanks for reading.

Josie and Marilee

Custom Flags and Gifts





Decorative Fall Garden Flags

Fall Feathered Friends Garden Flag



 

Although I continue to be in denial that summer is over , it doesn't stop the fact that the Autumn Equinox is just days away.  It is time to shop for fall garden flags for your yard.  Autumn flags, like the season itself, are very colorful.  Many of them can be hung all the way from the end of summer to to Christmas like our Fall Feathered Friends Flag.  We have this flag in both the smaller garden flag size and the larger house flag.



 



  Our Happy Fall Custom Photo Flag from our line of Custom Flags could also be hung all season. This flag features a picture of your family that you provide and wishes all who see it a happy fall.










There are so many more autumn garden flags.  I will show you more next time.  To see them now and to shop for your new decorative fall flag.  Visit us at www.FlagsandGifts.com

Thank you for reading.
Josie and Marilee
Custom Flags and Gifts

Garden Flags for Frogs

I have always loved frogs and a number of years back  was so thrilled when our tiny pond started attracting them.  Along with our decorative flags they were a great addition to our outdoor fun.  Every year there were more of them in all sizes, babies to rather large adults..  I loved watching them and hearing them at night. 

A few years back , rather abrubtly the numbers dropped to only a couple and even those you could tell were not healthy.  I started hearing about the plight of frogs and did a little reading.  It is really rather shocking.  According to SavetheFrog.com :

"Amphibians are without a doubt the most endangered group of animals on the planet: nearly 1/3 of the world's 6,485 species are on the brink of extinction. There are six major factors negatively affecting amphibians, and all are due to human activity: habitat destruction, infectious diseases, pollution & pesticides, climate change, invasive species, and over-harvesting for the pet and food trades. "

You may want to check this site out.  It is filled with information and ideas on what you can do to help. 

By displaying one of the many frog garden flags that are available you may make someone else fall in love with frogs and take an interest in taking steps to help save them.  Here are the flags we have at Custom Flags and Gifts.

Hanging Tree Frog Garden Flag

Mr Holiday Frog Christmas Garden Flag

Frog Welcome Garden Flag

Thank you for reading.
Josie and Marilee
www.FlagsandGifts.com

Personalized Garden Flags with a Homey Feel

In my last post I spoke about in between flags.  This time of year we are not in full swing of either season so I don't want to display a flip flop garden flag or yet an atumn leaves applique flag.  I like decorative flags with a homey feel and this is a good time to put these in the yard.  Many of these can become a personalized flag by adding your family name or first names.  Here are some we have at our www.FlagsandGifts.com store.  We have a Home Sweet Home House Flag, pineapple garden flags, Peace and Grace House Flag and Warmth of Home House Flag and all these decorative flags can be personalized.

Home Sweet Home House Flag

Thank you for reading our Custom Flags and Gifts Blog
Josie and Marilee

Garden Flags for In Between

Although Labor Day marks the end of summer in so many ways REALLY summer is not over till the Autumnal Equinox sings, which this year is Monday September 23rd.  So its not quite time for fall flags yet.  Maybe you are ready for a change though, maybe that summer garden flag has been up for a while.  You are ready for a new In Between decorative flag.  A flag to fly between the holidays and between when a season is in full swing.  There are many to choose from at Custom Flags and Gifts.

Most of our Custom Monogram Flags would work except for perhaps our Flip Flop Monogram Flag.  There are several bird flags good for this time of year and several Pineapple Welcome Flags.  Plus I always tell people, there are no Flag Police.  If you want to hang a summer flag in the middle of a snow storm, then do it!  Garden Flags are a way for you to express yourself to fly what you want.

When shopping at www.flagsandgifts.com be sure and create an account so you can receive your points from our new Customer Rewards Point System.

Birchtree Song Birds

Welcome Pineapple FlagsPineapple Welcome Flag

 

 

As always, thank you for reading.

Marilee & Josie

Custom Flags and Gifts

Custom Photo Dog Flags for Your Beloved Mutt

These past few years have been the first time in my life that I haven't owned a dog.  I loved them all like family and each and every one of them was a mixed breed dog.  They were all smart and loving, although my last one had a bit of an attitude, I loved her still. We have created a couple Custom Photo Dog Flags so that you can brag about your own mixed breed dog.  If you own more than one, get one of these decorative dog flags for each one. Buy your flag at www.FlagsandGifts.com and upload your photo.  Also don't forget to type in your dog's name.  These dog flags really are great fun.   

Mixed Breed Custom Photo Flag

Best Friend-Pet Custom Photo Flag

Mutts Custom Photo Flag

 Thank you for reading our Custom Flags and Gifts blog. Marilee & Josie

National Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is Sunday September 8th.  Surprise them with a special gift of a personalized garden flag.

Grandparents Day was founded by Marian McQuade, a housewife in West Virginia.  Her main motive was to champion the lonely elderly in nursing homes and hoped to inspire grandchildren to develop more of a relationship with their grandparents and take advantage of their knowledge and wisdom.  In 1978, Jimmy Carter proclaimed National Grandparents Day would be celebrated the first Sunday after Labor Day.

Custom Flags and Gifts has a great variety of decorative flags and custom flags that can be personalized to make great gifts for grandparents.  We also have photo gifts that would make keepsakes for years to come.  Any personalizations shown can easily be changed to suit the situation.  Grandma can be changed to Grandpa, Grandparents to Grandma, etc.

Grandma's Favorite Monster Decorative Photo Tile

Grandkids Loved Here Garden Flag

Grandkids Spoiled Here Garden Flag

Frugal Fridays at Custom Flags and Gifts

We've noticed Fridays on the internet seem to be a popular day to offer great deals.  So starting today, Custom Flags and Gifts is joining in.  Each week will be different.  We might choose select garden flags to put on sale at a great price, offer a free gift or give a discount on your entire order. So check us out every Friday and add to your decorative flag collection and save.  Also a great opportunity to stock up on gifts for upcoming holidays.

This week's special is a popular summer flag and a back to school flag, both at 30% off.  Go to our website at www.FlagsandGifts.com to see what they are.

Happy Frugal Friday!

Thanks for reading.
Josie and Marilee

Happy Birthday Garden Flags

No matter how old I get I still think birthdays are fun.  I don't necessarily want my birthday to hurry up and get here, but once its here, I want to do something fun.  More than anything, I love other people's birthdays. Combine that with the fact that my daughter loves throwing parties and needless to say we do a lot of birthday parties.

A custom birthday flag has become a  part of our decor at every party.  They can be so much fun.  We recently threw a surprise party for a friend that just turned 60 and made a Happy Birthday flag that displayed a collage of pictures of her through the years.  For my grandson's birthdays we have made a variey of flags with pictures of him in the hilarious expressions that toddlers make and then add funny captions. There are also a great variey of  garden flags from all the popular flag makers that can become a personalized birthday flag simply by adding someone's name.  These flags also are handy for hanging outside to help people locate your party.

The possibilities for custom flags are endless and can be so much fun.  Check out what is available at www.FlagsandGifts.com   If you have an idea for a custom flag that you do not see at our site, please contact us and we will do our best to make your idea work.

Here are some of the Birthday Garden Flags we have at Custom Flags and Gifts.




Happy Birthday Garden Flag

Happy Birthday Garden Flag

http://www.flagsandgifts.com/Have-a-Happy-Birthday-Garden-Flag?filter_name=birthday

Birthday Confetti Garden Flag

Custom Photo Birthday Flag

 

 

 

To thank our readers we are offering 10% off your entire order at www.FlagsandGifts.com

When you are finished shopping view your cart type in the Coupon Code:  "blog" and click apply to see your savings.

Back to School Garden Flags

As Labor Day quickly approaches we are nearing the end of another summer.  In many parts of the country Back to School decorative flags are already displayed in front yards and children are back in the classroom.  We are among some of the more traditional areas that don't go back till after Labor Day so there is still time to purchase a garden flag or house flag to celebrate the milestone. 

We have some great flags available:



School Bus House Flag




Back to School Flag

School Time Applique Garden Flag

School Days Garden Flag

 

 



We want to thank you for reading our Custom Flags and Gifts Blog.  In appreciation, we are offering 10% off your entire order.  When viewing your shopping cart apply the coupon code "blog" to see your savings.

 

Josie and Marilee

www.FlagsandGifts.com