Woodstock Hippie

Woodstock Hippie

his CELIStial Art’s Woodstock Hippie ornaments limited-edition set commemorates the 50^th anniversary of the Woodstock Rock Festival. Thus, I reminisced about The Sixties as I was designing them. Notably, this era transformed the world through peace, love, and music. Hence, I dug a couple of old favorite vinyl records for inspiration. Intoxicated with the music, I recalled memories of my dad, and older siblings. Even more, the stories my husband had shared with me from his hippie years. Unlike my other characters, which are based on fantasy, these are based on history. Although not the history I learned from books, but my own history. Therefore, these one-of-a-kind ornaments are very dear to my heart.

These charming characters are the ideal gift for the Baby Boomers on your holiday list. Moreover, they will surely delight music lovers of all ages. Certainly, suitable for any occasion, you can gift them individually or as a pair.

Inspiration for the Woodstock Hippie Ornament

Woodstock

Woodstock was a music festival held from August 15 to August 18, 1969. Its sponsors advertised it as an Aquarian Exposition, three days of peace and music. Thousands of people made their way to the dairy farm of Max Yasgur, in Bethel, New York. August 2019 marked the 50^th anniversary of this historic event. So, I set off in a journey to design a unique ornament that would celebrate it.

Memories from The Sixties

I was barely entering my teen years and living in Venezuela at the time when Woodstock took place. Thus, I personally did not experience this moment in popular music history. Nevertheless, I did experience the buzz and fuzz that this unique milestone generated. My dad, a renaissance man, would bring home the latest music albums, books, and art pieces. Certainly, these were to add to his collections. But most important, he would use them to teach us about the world around us.

During our dinner conversations, we would explore topics from science to religion, and everything in between. Surely, no topic was off the table. Thus, it was no surprise that during those days, our dinner discussions centered around Woodstock. By then, thanks to dad, we children were familiar with the music of the time. Including, the bands and musicians that performed at Woodstock. Therefore, dad would fill our home with the music of Joan Baez, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and The Who. Also, Jimi Hendrix, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, would play in the background as we decided which one was our favorite song.

In another part of the world, Mount Vernon, Ohio, my future husband, was coming out of his teenage years. Not surprisingly, his looks screamed hippie. Specifically, his beautiful hair down to his shoulders, blue jean overalls, and a peace sign tattoo on his pinky finger. Inasmuch as, he seriously considered making the trek to Bethel, New York, so to be part of this one-of-a-lifetime experience. Therefore, he tried to cobble his way there. Although, he had little luck. Disappointingly, he settled to experience the event like the rest of the world. And so, he watched in on TV with a group of friends.

Celebrating the Woodstock Hippies’ Era

During the summer of 2019, my husband, a music lover, helped a friend organize a Woodstock 50^th Anniversary celebration. So, across our friend’s front yard, they set up a sound system in a small green area. That day, we were able to enjoy all the music of those three remarkable days from 50 years ago. Unlike the Woodstock hippies, we enjoyed a sophisticated menu of fancy cheeses and the likes. Additionally, we had the pleasure of meeting two friends of friends who had attended Woodstock in person. Thus, we had the opportunity of hearing first hand anecdotes of those three special days of peace and music. In view of this celebration, I decided to immortalize this iconic moment in music history, with these limited-edition ornaments. Indeed, they represent a young couple of hippies, one of the many thousands who attended Woodstock.

Woodstock Hippie Ornament Design Process

Woodstock Hippie Man Design

I designed the Woodstock hippie man ornament inspired by photos of my husband, and my older brother younger years. So, I dressed him in bell-bottom blue jeans embroidered with flowers coming down the side seams. Next, I added a large buckle belt, which holds the jeans at the waist. Also, I made him a long leather vest that he wears over a multi green tones tie-dye or batik shirt. Then, I gave him hair down to his shoulders. To achieve an authentic hippie’s look, I tied a bandana around his head. Finally, he wears a peace sign necklace and a man’s purse that complete his outfit.

Woodstock Hippie Woman Design

Like the hippie man ornament, I designed the hippie woman ornament based on pictures of my older sister earlier adulthood. So, I dressed her in a yellow tones long flower pattern dress. Then, I added a knitted off-white shawl, and a hair ribbon. Next, I decorated her long hair with daisies and gave her a flower to hold, like a flower child. Finally, she wears a peace sign necklace that completes her outfit.

Specifications

Year Designed

2019 – Limited Edition

Size

Actual size may vary, approximately 3.0” x 3.0” x 4.5”

Materials

Cardboard tubes, fabric, ribbons, paint, hardware, hemp, charms, yarn, cardstock, lace, and plastic flowers

Note: The Woodstock Hippie Woman and Woodstock Hippie Man ornaments are sold separate.

Note:  Given the handmade nature of the ornament, all ornaments are different. The pictures depict just one sample of the ornament.