Kentucky Wildweeds-Goldenrod

Kentucky Wild Weeds

I’m back!!!!  In this issue I’ll be discussing our state flower-Goldenrod.  The genus name solidago comes from the latin word solide which means “to make whole”.  After the Boston Tea Party the colonists drank goldenrod tea and called it Liberty Tea.

Goldenrod tea is used as an antiseptic treatment for urinary tract infections, a gargle for sore throats or just a relaxing cup of tea.  The flowers can also be infused into an oil or ointment to disinfect and treat skin infections, and to relieve pain.

Some people blame this beautiful plant for their late Summer allergies but the real culprit is ragweed, which blooms at the same time.  The flowers of ragweed are not easily seen so our poor Goldenrod gets the blame.  It is possible to be allergic if you have allergies to any plant in the daisy family, but allergic reactions would result from direct contact with the plant, not airborne pollen.

Goldenrods are now in bloom so it’s time to gather flowers!

TeamBluegrass - Welcome New Team Members, September 2010 Edition

It's been an incredible last few months with TeamBluegrass! We've had so many fabulous new KY artisans join the team and we wanted to introduce everyone to the new members.

anibur - Amanda's Designs. Lovely beaded jewelry using semi precious stones, pearls and more. Anibur on Etsy

CircesHouse - Whitney and Paul create awesome silver work using gemstones and semi precious stones. CircesHouse on Etsy

ashleyduncan - Ashley creates wonderful wire wrapped rings and mandala earrings. AshleyDuncan on Etsy

kahori - Kerri is a very talented artist with an eye for kabuki and fantasy art. kahori01 on Etsy

needlesandkims - Kim makes fabulous needle felting items, from bags to brooches to bracelets and more! NeedlesAndKims on Etsy

knobcreekmetalarts - Eric and his partner are wizards with sheet metal! Just be careful who's around when you show off their "Happy Guy" wine holder. KnobCreekMetalArts on Etsy

scperkins - Sarah is an incredibly talented photographer with a flair for natural items. SCPerkins on Etsy

formd - Who knew concrete could be so fun and funky? Kyle did. Check out his shop full of modern accessories! Formd on Etsy

jorgensenstudio - Be careful how long you stay in Joanna's show full of amazing silver jewelry, or your checkbook may run away from fear. Jorgensenstudio on Etsy

hfgifts - Chelsea has a fresh, fun approach to jewelry and accessories. You could get a fun wine stopper to go with your Happy Guy wine stand! HFGifts on Etsy

fatrabbit1 - Robin has an eye for vintage flair, especially coats and hats. fatrabbit1 on Etsy

Welcome everyone to TeamBluegrass, and please forgive me if I left someone out by accident. I was distracted by all the wonderful things our team creates!

Kelly

Our September Giveaway-Just in Time for Fall

Here in the Louisville area we had a brief snap of cool weather and for a moment, it felt like fall! It was so welcome after the 90 degree temps we've had all summer. Thinking of cooler weather ahead, it's a great time to think about decorating for fall. And we have just the giveaway for you!

This month we are featuring the shop of Wandering Whimsies with creations by Belinda Johnston.

Belinda has graciously donated a set of large handcrafted country pumpkins. They will be perfect for Autumn and Halloween decorating!


"This set of large fabric pumpkins will look wonderful nestled atop your cupboard or sideboard with leaves and grubby pillar candles! Or as a table centerpiece, or along your mantle. They are the perfect touch for your Autumn decorating!

Each pumpkin is sewn from warm and natural quilt batting, painted a shade of harvest orange, coffee stained and baked dry in the oven.

The leaves are sewn from a variety of green plaid or check fabric with layers of batting and then coffee stained. (Shown with green checks). A single leaf is added to each pumpkin, along with rusty wire tendrils and a wood stem cut from a tree branch.

Each pumpkin has been sprinkled along the top with German glass glitter
--- just like the dew on the pumpkins in the fields.

Each pumpkin is approximately 5 1/2 - 7 inches in diameter and is unique from any other in the set."

The value of this giveaway is $24.95.

Wow, there is a lot of detail that goes into creating these special pumpkins. Need a set of your own? Here are the ways to enter!

1. Visit the WanderingWhimsies etsy shop and leave a comment here about any of the items in Belinda's shop. Or tell us something you would like to see Belinda create.

2. Follow the Bluegrass etsy team blog if you are not already a follower. Let us know you are following by commenting below. (one chance to win)

3. Subscribe to the Bluegrass etsy emails from this blog if you are not already a subscriber. Let us know you have subscribed in a comment below. (one chance to win)

4. Post about this contest on your own blog and leave us the link below for your blog. (one chance to win)

5. Tweet about this contest from your twitter account and leave us your twitter name. (one chance to win)

6. Make a purchase from Wandering Whimsies for 3 chances to win. List the transaction ID in three separate comments below.

This contest ends on September 30th. Good luck!

August Giveaway Winner is Named!

Congratulations to blogger A + M + S from California, our winner of the Miss Daisy W giveaway for the month of August. I know that Gail has contacted you about your prize. Congratulations on behalf of Miss Daisy W and the Bluegrass Etsy Team.

Our new giveaway for the month of September should be up tomorrow! Stay tuned!