"Chaser" The Amazing Border Collie from South Carolina

Today while reading our local community paper, The Pontotoc Progress, which is published weekly, there was an article in the magazine insert about a border collier from South Carolina.

Old World Christmas Border Collie Ornament

The article said that “Chaser” a border collie in Spartanburg, knows the names of 1,022 different items, believed to be the largest vocabulary for any dog. His owner, John W. Pilley, a psychologist, spent four to five hours a day teaching the pooch the names of hundreds of toys, which she can fetch by name……….next week I’m sending my grand kids over for training…..they can’t find anything.

West Virginia Road Kill Cook-Off Sept 24, 2011

The West Virginia Road Kill Cook-Off is one of the region’s most exciting and fun annual events. In years past, the Food Network, the Travel Channel and the Discovery Channel have all done filming of this wild and wacky festival! If you’ve ever wanted to taste exotic dishes like squirrel gravy over biscuits, teriyaki marinated bear or deer sausage, this is the place!

The grub served is not really roadkill….the dishes are all crazy named recipes made of weird meats……an armadillo concoction was a winner in 2009!

The Old World Christmas Armadillo ornament is new for 2011. It is made of mouth blown, hand painted glass. The Hang Tag Reads: “Armadillo” is a Spanish word meaning “little armored one.” They are the only mammals that have bony plates that cover their back, head, legs and tail. Since they can roll into a ball to defend themselves, they symbolize protection and setting boundaries.

Wikipedia: Wikipedia: The North American Nine-banded Armadillo tends to jump straight in the air when surprised, and consequently often collides with the undercarriage or fenders of passing vehicles.

I only have one question…….how the heck do you skin an Armadillo????

Here's your wreath Clemson Tigers! Southern Charm Wreaths has created a special orange and purple deco poly mesh wreath just for you Tigers.

The Clemson Tigers field nineteen athletic teams. In men's sports there are: football, basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis, golf, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross-country, and swimming and diving. For women's sports, there are: basketball, soccer, tennis, volleyball, track and field (indoor and outdoor), cross-country, swimming and diving, and rowing. (Wikipedia)

And, if you need Christmas ornaments just for the Tiger fan, we have them! The Clemson University Football ornament from Merck Family's Old World Christmas is the perfect gift. Or you could add it to the beautiful Tiger wreath.

The Tiger Paw logo was introduced at a press conference on July 21, 1970, it was created by John Antonio and developed by Helen Weaver of Henderson Advertising in Greenville, South Carolina, from a mold of a Bengal Tiger in the St. Louis Zoo.

The Clemson Tiger wreath is a creation by Julie at Southern Charm Wreaths. I believe she may be a Tiger fan))) Check out her website for more of her charming creations.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to browse our huge collection of Collegiate Christmas ornaments and wreath making supplies.

The Three Bears

No...this post isn't about the fairy tale The Three Bears, but it is about three NEW bear Christmas ornaments from Old World Christmas for 2011.

The Honey Bear Cub 12364

The Panda Cub 12357

Koala Bear 12356

But, come to think of it. Any one or ALL of these ornaments would make great keepsake gifts to go along with gifting a copy of the beloved fairy tale "The Three Bears" or "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."

The history of the famous tale is very interesting and can be read on Wikipedia. It actually dates back into the 1800's.

Flopsy Bunny Christmas Ornament

Who doesn't remember the tales about Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail and Peter Rabbit! As a little girl, in addition to the Beatrix Potter book, I had the 45 record of the Peter in Mr. McGregor's garden. I must have played it a thousand times on my portable record player that folded up as a little case.

This new Flopsy Christmas ornament from Old World Christmas would make a great keepsake for Easter. Just package it in an Easter basket with one of the Beatrix Potter books sure to delight any small child. Also would make a perfect baby shower gift accompanied by a book.

 Flopsy 12350

According to Wikipedia: In The Flopsy Bunnies, Benjamin Bunny and his cousins Peter and Flopsy are adult rabbits. Benjamin and Flopsy are married, and the parents of six children called simply The Flopsy Bunnies. Food is not always readily available to the large family and they are forced to resort to Mr. McGregor's rubbish heap of rotten vegetables for sustenance. Mr. McGregor catches the six Flopsy Bunnies after they fall asleep in the rubbish heap and puts them in a sack, intending to sell them for tobacco. When McGregor is distracted for a moment, the sextet is freed by Thomasina Tittlemouse, a woodmouse, and the sack filled with rotten vegetables by Benjamin and Flopsy. At home, Mr. McGregor receives a sharp scolding from his wife when she discovers the vegetables and believes her husband is playing a trick on her.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more great ornaments that are perfect as Easter basket treats!

Pet Rat

Well I don't think his name is Ben, but he's a Pet Rat! New from Old World Christmas 2011.

 

Pet Rat 12349

Wikipedia: The fancy rat is a domesticated brown rat, which is the most common type of pet rat.  
 Fancy rats are commonly sold as pets in stores and by breeders. In fiction, pet brown rats tend to be depicted as tamed rather than domesticated, akin to when a character befriends a wolf. As tamed pets, they have played roles that vary from evil, to ambiguous, to lovable.

Old World Christmas Ornaments - Uniquely Different!

I mean really.....how often do you find an exquisite glass ornament in the form of a Llama in your favorite department store! Old World Christmas just never ceases to surprise me with the new styles from year to year. The Llama is one of those ornaments))

 Llama 12284

A traditionally dressed Quechua girl with a llama in Cuzco
Wikipedia Image

According to Wikipedia: Llamas are very social animals and like to live with other llamas as a herd. Overall, the fiber produced by a llama is very soft and is naturally lanolin free. Llamas are intelligent and can learn simple tasks after a few repetitions. When using a pack, llamas can carry about 25% to 30% of their body weight for several miles.


Llamas which are well-socialized and trained to halter and lead after weaning are very friendly and pleasant to be around. They are extremely curious and most will approach people easily.

Visit us at Trendy Tree to see more unique offerings from Old World Christmas for 2011!

Cash Cow Christmas Ornament

The Cash Cow

Cash Cow Christmas Ornament
12265 Merck Family's Old World Christmas
Introduced 2011
Made of mouth blown, hand painted glass. Measures approximately 4"

According to Wikipedia: In business, a cash cow is a product or a business unit that generates unusually high profit margins: so high that it is responsible for a large amount of a company's operating profit. This profit far exceeds the amount necessary to maintain the cash cow business, and the excess is used by the business for other purposes.

"Cash cow" is also used sarcastically by sales & business people to describe a customer or organization that has no control over its spending. Quite often used to describe government departments like: Foreign Aid; Highways & Social Security, where the spending is out of proportion to the services or goods received

Arriving soon to Trendy Tree!

The Republican Elephant and Democratic Donkey are Christmas ornaments from Old World Christmas new to Trendy Tree for this year.

According to Fact Monster:

Ever wondered what the story was behind these two famous party animals?

The now-famous Democratic donkey was first associated with Democrat Andrew Jackson's 1828 presidential campaign. His opponents called him a jackass (a donkey), and Jackson decided to use the image of the strong-willed animal on his campaign posters. Later, cartoonist Thomas Nast used the Democratic donkey in newspaper cartoons and made the symbol famous.

Wikipedia Image

Nast invented another famous symbol—the Republican elephant. In a cartoon that appeared in Harper's Weekly in 1874, Nast drew a donkey clothed in lion's skin, scaring away all the animals at the zoo. One of those animals, the elephant, was labeled “The Republican Vote.” That's all it took for the elephant to become associated with the Republican Party. (image from Wikipedia)



Democrats today say the donkey is smart and brave, while Republicans say the elephant is strong and dignified.

The Hungry Squirrel

The Hungry Squirrel Christmas ornament from Old World Christmas was purchased this week by a very nice customer named Linda. She seemed very excited that she had been able to find this ornament. It's a new ornament that just came out last year by Old World. The Hungry Squirrel is gray, and holding an acorn. The first version of the squirrel ornament is more of a reddish brown.

Known for its playfulness and bushy tail, the squirrel is found on every continent except Australia and Antarctica. Its tail can be used for balance, as a form of a parachute when falling from a high tree, or as a blanket in cold weather.

 Hungry Squirrel 12277 - Old World Christmas 

Linda sent me a couple of photos of the reason she had wanted the Hungry Squirrel.

These pics are just adorable!! He looks like he could have been the model for the ornament!

Thanks to Linda for sharing these cute photos! Our customers are the best! This is what makes an online business so much fun! When someone takes time out of their busy day to share just a moment of their life, you haven't just made a sale for the day.....you have a new friend. I should have asked if this cute little fellow has a name! Will find out and get back to you)))

Large Elephant Christmas Ornament

Large Elephant 12159

Merck Family's Old World Christmas

The Elephant Christmas ornament makes a great keepsake for circus and zoo visits. Great birthday party "happy" too!

Elephants have long been symbols of strength, fidelity, wisdom, protection, and prosperity. In many cultures they are considered sacred animals. When shown with their trunks up, elephants are believed to bring good luck, and even to be the granters of wishes.

Shop for more great zoo and circus animals from Old World Christmas at Trendy Tree!

Puppy Love Christmas Ornament New for 2010

Puppy Love Christmas Ornament

12321 Merck Family Old World Christmas
Introduced 2010

Made of mouth blown, hand painted glass, measures approximately 3 1/2"
As devoted companions, dogs are loving, loyal and intelligent, and as puppies they are also playful and adorable. These delightful hand-painted and glittered glass puppies have become playmates, and will stay forever young as a delightful keepsake for your tree.

Visit Trendy Tree to see our large collection of dog and cat ornaments!

Shepherds Christmas Ornament New for 2010

Shepherds Christmas Ornament

24126 Merck Family Old World Christmas

Mouth blown, hand painted collectible Christmas ornament. Two shepherds with two small white lambs.
Measures approximately 4 1/2"

Introduced 2010
The Shepherds ornament reminds us of Christ's birth in a manger in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Upon learning of Jesus' birth from the angels, the awe-struck shepherds hastened to the stable to worship the newborn King.

See more Bible style Christmas ornaments at Trendy Tree!

Cheshire Cat Back in Stock at Trendy Tree!

Cheshire Cat Christmas Ornament

12052

Merck Family's Old World Christmas

3 1/2"
The Cheshire Cat: In the well-known children's story, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the grinning Cheshire Cat teases Alice with his riddles, provoking her curiosity. He magically appears and disappears into thin air as one of the curious characters who inhabit Alice''s fanciful dream world.

Browse through our huge collection of Old World Christmas ornaments at Trendy Tree!

Springtime Lamb Christmas Ornament Just Arrived!

Springtime Lamb Christmas Ornament

12336  Merck Family Old World Christmas

Introduced 2010

Made of mouth blown, hand painted glass, measures approximately 2 1/2"

" ....And the lion shall lay down with the lamb;" says the Bible when peace reigns throughout the world. The lamb symbolizes innocence, gentleness and purity. This glass lamb ornament signifies the heartfelt wish at Christmas for peace on earth and goodwill toward men.

Browse through hundreds of Old World Christmas Ornaments at Trendy Tree!

The Red Fox 12189

In many Native American cultures, the fox is thought to be wise, due to its cunning nature. It is also considered a trickster for the same reason. Foxes are adaptable and opportunistic, but are also family-oriented, often forming life-long attachments when raising their young.

Shepherds New for 2010

Shepherds 24126

The Shepherds ornament reminds us of Christ's birth in a manger in a lowly stable in Bethlehem. Upon learning of Jesus' birth from the angels, the awe-struck shepherds hastened to the stable to worship the newborn King.

Panther New for 2010

Panther 12313 New for 2010

Panther is a common name applied to leopards, pumas, and other big, wild roaring cats. They are solitary hunters that may only eat once a week and sleep as much as 18 hours a day. Panters are admired for their agility, cunning and strength.

Old English Sheepdog New for 2010

Old English Sheepdog 12310

Dogs selflessly give humans their unconditional love and loyalty. Old English Sheepdogs are gentle, friendly smart and protecting making them great family pets and guardians. Serving as faithful companions, they enjoy the status as "man's best friend."

Christmas Ornaments that Represent Good Luck

Many of the Old World Christmas ornaments have special emphasis on good luck.....here's a few.

12331 Gecko - New for 2010

Geckos are almost universally regarded as a sign of good luck and they are welcomed into homes where they feed on insects. The traditional gecko circle is a symbol of keeping one eye on the past while focusing the other on the future.

 12130 Christmas Ham

Pigs have long been considered by many to bring good luck and prosperity. The German word "dickbauch" means fat stomach, and its is spoken often in December. Tradition says you must eat well on Christmas Eve to avoid being haunted that night and to insure prosperity in the New Year!

More Pigs!

12121 Big Pig Solid or Spotted

12338 Lucky Pig  New for 2010

12157 Little Elephant

Elephants have long been symbols of strength, fidelity, wisdom, protection and prosperity. In many cultures they are considered sacred animals. When shown with their trunks up, elephants are believed to bring good luck, and even to be the granters of wishes.

12159 Large Elephant

32025 Pretzel

The Pretzel: Sixth-century Italian monks gave pretzels to children as rewards for attending church. The pretzel's twists signify arms crossed in prayer. Pretzels are believed to bring good luck, prosperity, and spiritual wholeness.

 28089 Bunch of Carrots New for 2010

The glass Carrots ornament is truly a decoration that can bring a tear to an old woman's eye. Long ago carrot ornaments were very popular as traditional gifts for brides. They were believed to bring the bride good luck in the kitchen.

28051 Small Acorns 

Acorns have long been considered good luck symbols. They also represent the rebirth of life, which is where we get the old saying: "From little acorns come mighty oaks."

28076 Double Mushrooms

Mushrooms are associated with nature and the beauty of the forest. Finding a mushroom in the woods is like finding a lucky penny - good fortune is just around the corner! And a double mushroom is twice as lucky. The Lucky Mushrooms ornament symbolizes the hope for good fortune in the coming year.

36110 Chrysanthemum

In many Asian countries, the Chrysanthemum is a good-luck symbol signifying happiness wealth and longevity. It also represents an easy retirement. With beautifully radiating petals, the Chrysanthemum symbolizes the sun.

12267 Christmas Spider Retired

One Christmas long ago, eager spiders left cobwebs on an old woman''s tree. When the Christ Child came to bless the tree, he turned the webs into silver and gold. Since that time, Christmas trees have been hung with tinsel, and it is considered good luck to have a spider among the decorations on your tree.

12048 Grasshopper

 The Grasshopper is a creature that thrives in warm weather and reminds us to enjoy the delights of summer. Even though it is portrayed as irresponsible in Aesop's fable "The Grasshopper and the Ant," the Grasshopper is considered to be a symbol of abundance and good luck

12082 Mr. Ladybug

Retired

Ladybugs are known to bring good luck. They signal good weather and a good harvest. If a Ladybug lands on your hand, make a wish, and then watch it fly away. Your good fortune will come from that direction.

18050 Chickadees in Nest Retired

Legend has it that prosperity will come to any home that finds a bird's nest nestled among the branches of the family's Christmas tree. As a symbol of good luck, this ornament makes a special gift which brings hopes of good fortune and best wishes.

12283 Lucky Cricket

In many countries, the cricket is an auspicious symbol of good luck. If found inside a house, it signifies peace and plenty for those who live there and must not be killed. In folklore, to hear a cricket chirping, means impending rain or good fortune and upcoming financial gain.

12122 Froggy Retired

Frogs have long denoted good luck in business. Since a frog only travels forward, he is always progressing and as such he represents a prosperous future. So a frog ornament is often given as a gift at graduations, weddings, or to someone beginning a new business venture.

12179 Clam Shell

In many cultures, the shell is universally recognized as a positive feminine symbol which represents birth, life, resurrection, love and good luck. In China, the shell is one of the Eight Good Prophetic Symbols and signifies a prosperous journey.

12039 Sea Horse

In Ancient Greece and Rome, sea horses were believed to pull the chariots of the sea gods. With this association, they symbolized the power of the water. Superstition held that they also protected against fever. Today, sea horses remain good luck symbols for fishermen.