We mountaineers have many avenues for artistic expression. Most of the the things we made in the past were tied to functional necessities. Great pride was taken in the handicrafts—in the beauty of the wood in a chair, the inlay and carving on a rifle, the stitchery, design and variety of color in a quilt or a vegetable-dyed coverlet. There was also fine craftsmanship in the items that were beyond functional necessities, such as fiddles, banjos, and dulcimers that were played with skill. Appalachian people have created or perpetuated some of the most beautiful songs in folk music, have preserved the great British ballads and made new ones based on local tragedies. Numerous Appalachians have made a name for themselves in folk and country music. We have re-told the Old World tales about Jack and giants, witches and dragons and made up new tales. We have also been masters of the simile and metaphor sometimes in archaic language, such as “He’d cross hell on a rotten rail to get a drink of liquor,” or “He looks like the hind wheels of hard times.” These are statements that involve the imagination.
—Loyal Jones Appalachian Values
I was reminded of the excerpt above when I was helping Granny find something in the back room. After we’d found what she was looking for we started going through a cabinet that hadn’t been opened in a while.
She was amazed by all the things I pulled out that she’d made. Of course there were crotched items, but there was also small bowls, dolls, and scrubbers.
Granny said “I’ve made so many things I can’t remember them all.” I replied “That’s the truth and there’s beauty in all of them even the kitchen scrubbers.”
That first part also reminds me of a guest post Don Casada wrote back in 2010: “Craftmanship And Cultivation Of Beauty – Lingering Legacies Of Early Mountaineers.” If you missed the post you can go here to read it. Don highlights some of the beauty that can be found at old homeplaces in the form of chimneys, walls, and flowers.
The two sayings shared by Jones bring a smile to my face. I love our rich colorful language—and as he said our sayings always spark the imagination.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a used copy of Appalachian Values written by Loyal Jones. Leave a comment on this post to be entered. *Giveaway ends December 5, 2022.
Last night’s video: The BEST Coconut Bonbons! Made with Honey – So Perfect for Christmas!
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I have crocheted doilies, hankies with tatted edges, & quilts from my great grandmother. I still have the beautiful little plum corduroy jumpers with calico shirts that my grandmother (her daughter) made for me & my sis. She would make us matching little outfits & what a seamstress! She also knitted us hats & mittens. I have heard tell that my other grandmother could crochet beautiful things, but nothing survived. She died at 53 & left behind a very poor family of 10 kids. Somehow, my parents didn’t inherit a crafty, creative bone in their bodies. My dad can build/repair anything in a car or house, but he is not a creator. My mother can’t do any of it & has no hobbies. My dad’s eldest sister got the crafty skills from my grandmother. My favorite time at Thanksgiving was after the dessert dishes were cleared from the table. She would bring out a little stool & all us girls would get to stand up on it & be measured. We knew we were being measured for XMAS GIFTS! That was so exciting. She would find in-style patterns & sew us beautiful outfits. For a girl that lived poor, & in hand me downs, that was the most exciting feeling. Knowing that someone was going to make something fitted to your body & it would be ALL yours and never anyone else’s before. We never had clothes that were ‘acceptable’ to the cool kids. #1 we were poor, #2 my parents were fairly conservative & the styles in the 80s weren’t things they approved of. Sometimes we would get a beautiful hand knit sweater, or it could be a sewed outfit. It never failed to please. I am a crafty/creative person & need these skills/hobbies to keep myself from being overwhelmed by the blues. I knit, quilt, crochet, spin yarn, make soap, paint gourds, embroider, tat a bit, hairpin lace a bit, and this weekend I took a basket making class. My friend & I did great & our baskets looked professional. But boy oh boy, I’d have to take out a 2nd mortgage to pay for supplies. Why are craft supplies so darn expensive??? used to be you made it yourself to have it cheaper. Not anymore.
This was a very enjoyable post to read today. The mentioned book sounds like an interesting and inspiring read.
Recently, fell upon your you tube posts, Celebrating Appalachia. Based on your video comments, I also discovered Blind Pig and the Acorn and Stacey Creek Creations. For several generations, my family is from coastal SC. Many of your stories and way of life were common in my mother’s and her mother’s rural coastal upbringing. Your many posts are a blessing. In my perspective, your posts and video clips pull out the joy in our hearts and give us wonderful reflection. At the end of my day, I find myself gravitating to your videos to seek a peaceful closure of the day. Your current lifestyle is a vivid reminder in 2022 of my childhood memories. Thank you for keeping those older habits and traditions in the forefront. A strong will, determination, and heartfelt intentions prevail in your lifestyle. When you share, we all glow inside.
I love the old ways so much. My Grandmother made all sorts of crafts to sell and she quilted and sewed too. My other Grandmother was an excellent seamstress and made so many clothes for people. I never tire of learning and remembering about old ways.
It’s so sweet of you to share these wonderful books, Tipper!!
Loyal E Jones was living in Brasstown, Clay County between Marion Myers and Willard Hampton in the 1950 census. He lives with his parents George and Millie. He is 22 years old and listed as a farm helper.
Is Mr. Jones still alive. If he is he will be 95 on January 5th, 2023
I’d love to have some of the things that were made by some of my ancestors, especially the things they made out of feed sacks. They used them to make so many things. I’ve seen pillow cases, handkerchiefs, and a dress too. They were so beautiful! 🙂 Our people were so resourceful. I love that they made use of everything and didn’t waste anything. Waste was a sin at our house growing up, but nowadays a lot of people don’t seem to care about preservation.
Would love to win the book, Appalachian Values. I would so enjoy it! I remember going to my grandmother’s when I was a child & looking through her “special trunk.” She had all kinds of interesting things she had made in there like dolls made with empty spindles of thread, Xmas things she had made with buckeyes, acorns, moss, miniature Xmas trees make from small twigs & pine cones strung into a perfect wreath. I even found my little silver bells that she would tie on my shoe strings so she could hear where I was at all times. She used them for Xmas items after I grew up. Wonderful memories! So many memories in that magical trunk. I have that trunk now & it contains MY special things and so memories are passed on.
Another great blog post, Tipper! Thank you!!
I have a copy of Appalachian Values signed by Loyal Jones; so don’t put my name in the drawing, please.
I’d love to have a copy of Appalachian values.
My grandpa Shuman was a very talented man. He made splint oak baskets and sold them to bring some money in to take care of his family. My mother told me that he got an order from the Sistersville, WV high school for two huge baskets that were dragged on runners down the halls of the high school as the janitor would empty the waste baskets into them. Her two younger brothers Carl and Ervin had to sit together in the basket and hold up the side splints as grandpa was weaving them in and out. My most treasured object is a splint oak basket about 3 ft. by 18 inches. It has a hoop handle on each end and it was my bassinet when I was a baby and now sits atop a pie safe in my bedroom.
My dad worked in a steel mill but was also a great carpenter. He built one aunts home, remodeled another aunts home and built kitchen cabinets for people. He ever built all of his married children a highchair for their children.
Mom, like Granny, crocheted doilies and I remember when I was a small child she would have them throughout the house. She starched them with Argo starch and shaped some of them around water glasses.
My aunt Louise was a great quilter. She was a retired garment factory worker and she often brought scrap fabric home from work and because she was so short she would sit on a padded nail keg at her sewing machine and make the most beautiful quilts and comforters. It’s been 50 years but I still have the comforter she made for me when I graduated from high school.
My mom had some of the best little descriptive sayings. Here are a few of my favorites.
“That woman wasn’t wearing enough to flag a handcar”.
“There wasn’t enough food on her table to physic a jaybird”.
“I feel like I was sent for and couldn’t go”.
“You look like something the cat dragged in”.
When someone often blamed others for something mom would say “I suppose if the old cat had kittens that would be his/her fault too”.
My grandma Jessie McPeek used several but most are not appropriate to share. I will share one that my
aunt Hester Mae told me. When she and her sisters Louise and Evelyn were young teenagers they were sitting around the table and discussing a local lady who had a really bad reputation. Apparently the lady was telling people she was pregnant but didn’t know who the father was. My young, innocent aunts couldn’t understand how the lady couldn’t know the identity of the father. My grandma who had been listening to the conversation said “Well girls, let me tell ya, when you’ve been through a briar patch you don’t know which briar scratched ya!”.
I would love to read “Appalachian Values”. I’m sure it would refresh my memory of things my grandparents used to say.
I was lucky enough to win one of these books and I will tell you it’s a treasure! Appalachian folks are so talented, creative and smart! My brother was also blessed to be talented to do so much with his hands. He made the most beautiful hunting knives with the handles made out of deer antlers. He also took wood from the barn at our old homeplace and made crosses. I hang my cross on the Christmas tree every year. He passed in 2018 but his memory lives on. I used to joke with him and tell him he got all the talent in the family, and he really did. Have a blessed day everyone!!
I especially love to hear the tales from the old folks’ history – or i did, not i’m one of the. . .never mind. My son one time took a tape recorder and interviewed my dad out on the back deck. Then he made CDs of it for Christmas gifts.
Good morning!
I love those sayings. They are so descriptive. Even though I was born and lived my entire life in the West, knowing I come from Appalachian stock and the rich culture that comes with it gives me a peace I can’t describe. I guess part of that is I know that the people I come from were just tougher than nails and no matter what, they made the best of whatever came their way. That makes me feel that, no matter what happens, I can make it through.
I love going thru boxes and cabinets and sometimes the complete building, I went through a wood shop of my brother’s a few years ago before he died, he had gotten disabled and couldn’t do the work himself and I found several things that were interesting and still have some of them.
Our ancestors, much more than we, had a tussel I suspect with handcrafted beauty apart from usefulness. (Natural beauty was different because personal pride did not apply.) ‘Showing off’ as in being prideful or boastful in accomplishment was not their way. Nor was wanting to be seen to be more gifted or more blessed with worldly goods. So to make useful things pretty was a comfortable middle; the use tempered the display while satisfying creativity.
I am so intrigued by this beautiful lifestyle. I would love this
I’d love to read the book! It’s so true how handy us mountain folks can be. My daddy couldn’t find a bass fiddle he liked enough to be willing to pay what they wanted…so he made one. He also wanted to be able to hit a little drum beat so he attached an old banjo head to the front. If you can’t buy it, make it!
My grandmother used to tat; I’ve got doilies she made and handkerchiefs that she tatted a lace edging for. All beautiful things!
Love Loyal Jones and his great collection of stories. Long ago, I used an essay he wrote entitled “Appalachian Values” as a reading assignment. Students were asked to share the article with a grandparent (or an older neighbor) and to write an essay on the experience. i will always remember a sweet girl name Sally. She had read the Jones essay to her family (She was the only member of her family to attend high school.) and reported that her grandfather had said, “That’s good stuff. It’s like reading the Bible.”
Some of those old sayings are very colorful. The mental imagery they evoke says so much more than the words alone.
I would love to be the recipient of the book, Appalachian Values. I know it would be a treasure. Mama always had a special place where she kept all of her “valuables.” This title reminded me of that. This is such a wonderful message that I totally relate to. I love hand crafted things, old chimneys, rock walls, Spring when unexpected little flower surprises appear, yes, I love Nature and I love Appalachia. I also paint pictures of the old timey ways, old mountain homes, the mountains, furry wild creatures that live in the woods, and mountain streams and waterfalls, well houses, and all kinds of things that I love and miss. I thank God for the good memories He gives me and for my love and ability to paint things that remind me of life in Appalachia.
We so enjoy all that you share! the Appalachian Values book is intriguing. blessings to you, Tipper, for the encouragement you are as you share the beauty of daily living.
Oh, how I would love to have this book. It seems these days folks values have changed greatly since I was a boy. My best to the whole Blind Pig family.
There is such lasting poetry in handmade objects, in words and phrases.
Thank you for a bringing this beautiful language to us. Some of the sayings I grew up with and my mother was from the Sandhills!! Enjoy you and your family so much! Take care and God bless ❣️
I love, love, love coconut!! My Mother loved coconut and made the best coconut cake. Of course, she would get a real coconut before Christmas. Crack it with a hammer, pour out the milk and extract the meat of the coconut out. She used the old box type shredder to shred the coconut and oh my goodness how my brother and I loved that fresh coconut. Your chocolate covered Coconut Bonbons look fantastic. I printed out that recipe and will make those before Christmas to take to our Sunday School Christmas Party coming up in a couple weeks. Thanks so much Tipper, for showing us how you make these treats!!
Just the Beauty of the Mountains and the area is enough to take your breath away and I miss it so much.
Not Appalachia related, but I recently heard a TV show host say, “Groceries are higher than Willie Nelson on a Snoop Dog tour bus”.
There must be a wordsmith from these parts who could finish “Groceries are higher than…..”
Loyal Jones could paint pictures with words. Both of the Casada brothers can too. I’ve used Mr Jones descriptions several times in sermons to get a point across and stick it in the minds of listeners.
I would have loved to be with you to share the beautiful discoveries in the long forgotten box.
The Appalachian language and dialect has always fascinated me even as a child. Tipper, Your bon bons look amazing. I may add them to my Christmas goodies list this year. Thank you for sharing. Blessings now and always.
love the statements by Loyal Jones! I think Appalachia has some of the best craftsmen(women) around. Granny is a prime example especially as most of her work is for family and made with love
I would love to have a copy of this book
Yes I have noted n artistic twist to many everyday use items in the mountains too.
I would like to read Appalachian Values, please enter me in the drawing.
I enjoy Blind Pig and the Acorn so much, I read a Bible devotional then pick up my phone and read the BPA each morning.
Hope everyone has a Blessed Day!!!
Those quotes were such a lovely way to start the day! Thank you, Tipper!
The loving care taken in making practical necessities also brings to mind
something that we “modern” people may sometimes get so wrong. For example,
in ancient cultures things of such beauty have been unearthed at archeological digs and
we seem to jump to some conclusion that ancient peoples were simply starving
and/or having to spend so much time to provide food for themselves,
how could they have had time to create such beautiful things?
And yet, quite the opposite is true! We make the mistake of thinking
we are so advanced and smarter – but not at all. People of the past
who had to make things out of necessity were so creative in their thinking
and their actions! We are pretty much put to shame in today’s world
with cheap and unimaginative items we buy today out of “convenience”.
But oh how “convenience” has dulled our imaginations!
I think imagination is such an important part of ourselves!
Thank you for keeping your regional culture alive and well!
God Bless you!
I would love that book. It is fun to go through old boxes & trunks full of memories.
My grandma and my aunt’s all did tatting, embroidery, Crocheting, and quilting. They were all very artistic, but were limited to useful things when it came to their artistic expression. Sadly, not many of their things survived because they starched things in flour and water, and this would cause the threads to deteriorate over time. I have saved a few things from them, and I treasure them so much!
Tipper,
It always amazed me how the people of the Appalachia’s “made do” with what was available. My Mother actually used newspapers to cut patterns to make garments for we seven children. She would have one of us stand up and she would hold the newspaper against us to get the measurements. Move, and you got reprimanded!
Shirts, pants, you name it, and Mom could make it. Mom was a master craftsperson at whatever she set her head to do.
Appalachian Values sounds like an interesting book.
Some that crack me up here goes- you’re as PURTY as a rooster with socks on- that don’t cut the mustard- if you’re we airing on me YOURE backing up- move cause your daddy wasn’t no glass maker- why he’s as tight as Dick’s hatband- they are crazier than a outhouse rat- if it rains Miss Thing will drown- wet behind the ears- crap in one hand and wish in the other and see which fills first- THEYD steal the Lord’s supper- THEYD steak pennies off a dead man’s eyes- they’re a sticky five fingered bandit- SHES as dull as a butter knife- they’re meaner than 2 hell’s! Lol just a few… have a good one all you BP&A folks. A few popular folks from my way- MEL STREET, RALPH STANLEY, SAM ELLIOTT lived here awhile too…
I would love to read about Appalachian values.
my birthday is today – i would love to be a winner!
Thank you for becoming a bright and cheerful addition to my mornings. Neighbors across the miles.
Sounds to be an good read.
Looking at the rock walls on Don’s post made me think of the Poinsett Bridge at Travelers Rest, SC This is a rock bridge built in 1820 and is known as the oldest surviving bridge in SC. I have always been amazed to look back and see the craftsmanship of things built in the past by workers using primitive tools when compared to the tools of today. I like to look at things at the upstate SC parks that were built by the CCC men. Google the Poinsett Bridge to see it.
Picturesque speech is universally appreciated because it is both humorous and descriptive. Who knows where the phrase “eating high on the hog” came from? Everybody knows what it means. Or “as ugly as a mud fence.” Or “grinning like a jackass eating briars.” Or “He’s so lazy he wouldn’t strike a lick at a snake.” Or “Root, hog, or die pore” I heard all of these, and more, growing up. Some are not fit to print.
My grandmother is long gone but I just set out her Christmas doilies. They are so dainty and beautiful. I also have two plain white pillowcases that she added red and green stitchery to. I’m not sure what this is called but it sure is beautiful. I wish she were still around to show me how to make such beautiful handmade items or to take the plain white and make it festive.
Thanks for the post, Tipper.
I always look forward to The Blind Pig and the Acorn posts. I am amazed how people can tell their stories so eloquently. yall truly have a special gift. I watched you making the coconut bonbons last night and I will be making some this year.My Mama loved making candy for Christmas gifts. I miss her so much♡ Merry Christmas to all♡
PS…..I’m so excited, I bought 5 bars of Corrie’s soaps this morning, can’t wait to get it!
My husband and I are always admiring some old building and as we admire we try to relive how it would’ve been done hundreds of years ago, and we always end with “they sure don’t make it like that nowadays!” 31 yrs ago, when I was 26 yrs old we got a loan to build our home ourselves, using Sweat Equity as our down payment, I wonder if they even do that nowadays? We had two guys help put up the shell, with windows, and doors. One of them had a heart attack at 39 so it ended up being just being my husband and the lead carpenter. And this was done while my husband and I still worked, (he was a mailman.) Our stick built house is as sturdy as they come. Is it perfect, no, but all the imperfections are our own imperfections, that we could live with, not someone else’s, that were just short changing us! Some days I don’t know how we even did it, but every day I’m proud we did it!
Oh those old wonderful pieces of crochet. I have some gifted me by my late Mother-in-law…precious and for sure will be passed on. God Bless you and yours this beautiful chilly December morn.
Though I didn’t grow up in Appalachia, my family in the Piedmont of NC had the same values.
I am interested in your heritage and the items that have made, as I grew up in a predominately German/Scandinavian heritage area of the country. My parents clearly remembered the Great Depression which affected them as they made many things and lived frugally. I received my first sewing machine at Christmas when I was 12 and I made most of my own clothes after receiving such a wonderful gift. I eventually made my own wedding dress.
I’m going to try the coconut bonbons! They look delicious.
Today I just want to tell you how blessed I feel to have you each day for bringing my Appalachain memories. Thank you, Tipper.
I love all things Appalachian! I would truly enjoy Appalachian Values! I watch all of your videos even Bob when I don’t comment. if I watch on tv I can’t comment. if I watch on my phone I can s Lol and do. God bless you and yours❤❤
Honestly, I have learned about so many books from your Thankful November posts. I will be looking for these to add to my collection of Appalachian books.
The desire to create resides deep within the core of many Appalachians.
This time of year always makes me think of past times. When I think about my life it is clear the things that are most valuable in my life have nothing to do with money. My mom crocheted for a little while and I still have some of the dish rags she made. When she asked if I wanted some she commented on how they weren’t perfect because the sides aren’t even but now that she is gone I wouldn’t take any amount of money for them and I think they are perfect.
What your Mom said illustrates another Appalachian value that Loyal Jones also wrote about in that book.
There is a religious tradition of deliberately marring human creations in some small way. I forget if that was Shakers or not but may have been.