The long of it is that I didn't make the US flag because I have a short attention span, and to make 50 identical stars already had me yawning and thinking, "we could do without Alaska, and who ever even goes to Arkansas unless it's a storm chaser and there is a tornado coming." The more states I was eliminating in my mind, pretty soon all I had was the original 10 colonies. [Just seeing if you were paying attention] I knew I still wanted to make a flag, just not of that proportion. Pretty soon sister, Cheryl, was talking about her farm in West By God, and how she wanted to make a "barn quilt" to hang on her out buildings. The plan was launched. I would make small wooden nationality flags for each of the grandchildren for Christmas, and their parents-as time permitted. Well, as far as I got...here they are!
Denmark
France
Germany
Germany
Germany
Great Britain
Italy
Ireland
Ireland
Mexico
Norway
Pennant of State of Ohio
Slovakia
Slovakia
Sweden
Sweden
As far as I know, we don't have Mexican ancestry, but sometimes, if your best friend is Dora, the Explorer, you adopt as needed (and as requested).
When I talk about short attention span, it is not entirely accurate. The hours I spent working on these flags, uninterrupted (except to change the radio station if the Christmas music got a little stale) shows that I could never be diagnosed with ADHD. These flags were such a pleasure to create. Some are made out of old plaster lath board, shipping crates, Habitat castoffs, street finds and beadboard. Most of the paints were donated by friends. I said prayers for each of the kids as I made their flag. Hopefully, they will treasure them in the years to come, as something made with love by their grandmother; grateful that their ancestors, adventured to a new world in search of a better future for their children.
Someday I will make the 4'x8' American flag and hang it on the fence next to the playhouse where it belongs. I still may omit Alaska though.
Grateful that my family landed here,
La Verne
Family Heritage Flag Project (copyrighted)
hope&salvage
Flags available by request
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