In My Studio This Week- Soldering and more soldering

I haven't been able to pick up a paint brush this week- busy with other projects. I miss the painting, of course, but also enjoy the other art projects. Lots of Etsy orders to fill- all soldered glass ornaments and charms, so I have been using the soldering iron instead of the watercolor brushes. Mostly Blue Star Banner charms and ornaments and a lot of ornaments with photos on them. I really enjoy soldering and making these ornaments and charms, but they do take me away from my painting and I was in such a painting groove lately. I think I spread myself too thin, artistically speaking, but I like so many art forms. I want to try it all! Some of the photos I get from people for charms and ornaments are fun to see- old wedding photos, baby pictures, pictures of deployed husbands...Anyway, my studio is a mess of soldering tools, and I will be back at it today while my unfinished watercolors wait a few feet away. Soon!

The Blue Star Service Banner

The Blue Star Banner is displayed by families of service men and women serving during times of war. These flags can also be displayed in churches, schools, and businesses with members serving in the Armed Forces.

The Blue Star Banner or Service Flag has been used since WWI. It was originally designed in 1917 by Army Captain Robert Queisser of the 5th Ohio Infantry in honor of his two sons serving on the front line at the time. The banner includes a blue star for each active duty service member in the family. A gold star is displayed for service members killed in action. The gold star honors service members who have made the supreme sacrifice for our country.

During WWII, the Service flag gained popularity and they were hand made by mothers of military men and women across America. We are a military family and we have a Blue Star Banner hanging in the front window of our house. Ours has two stars to honor our two sons in the United States Air Force.