Counting The Days 'Till Christmas

Cross Stitch design by Blackbird Designs

As we count the days until Christmas arrives, we make our lists and check them twice....a much different list than  Ol' Saint Nick, huh?!  My many to-do lists keep me organized and on track.  (I live by my to-do lists!)  Why is it so satisfying to cross things off a list?  I don't know, but for me it is.  I must say, things are in pretty good shape for the coming festivities, thanks in large part to my DH, daughter and son who really pitch in and help a lot.  Every day, the house smells divine as our daughter has taken over all the cookie baking.....Bless Her Heart!  I've been trying to take some time off from work to prepare for the holiday, and I wanted to update my blog, but didn't quite know what to post.  I've had more than a few email requests to share pictures of my home all decked out for the holiday which is not something I would normally think to do myself  because I wouldn't occur to me that anyone would want to see it....nothing special, ya know, but I'm happy to oblige.  

I love grouping things in old treenware.  The little Longaberger basket is full of dark chocolate M&M's.   I LOVE dark chocolate!!  I made the little cinnamon gingerbread men many moons ago.  I'm amazed they've lasted this long.  Know what else I love?  Bottle brush trees!

This is one of my favorite Christmas decorations and I have had it for years and years.  Every time I open the boxes of Christmas decor (which I have sorted into boxes for each room in the house...I'm organized to a fault!), it's like seeing an old friend.  Since I can't draw a stick person to save my life, let alone paint something, I collect lovely works of tole painting like this one.  I so admire the art and the artist.

The sweet little quilt on the wall designed by Annemarie Yohnk of Quilts Remembered

This grouping is in my kitchen and the tree is one of three in the house.  This one and another are pencil trees, so no assembly required, and they're small.  This tree holds all my favorite ornaments that I've made or collected over the years.  The bowl on the floor is for Bella, our Yorkie.  We kid that she has her meals under the tree like at the Walnut Room at Marshall Fields, which was a beautiful store in downtown Chicago.  

Many years ago, I started my career doing craft shows and I made lots and lots of dolls.  Eventually, I began designing them, which turned into my first pattern company.  Chef Santa, on the right, was one of my designs.

Cross stitch design by Blackbird Designs

Elsewhere in the house, here are a few of my favorite vignettes.

Cross stitch design by Blackbird Designs

This angel was the last doll I designed back in the day.  I never did make it into a pattern, so here she is....a one-of-a-kind remembrance of my doll making days.  She has a patriotic twin, and that pattern was completed.  I enjoyed making dolls, but once I learned to quilt, I never made another doll again.

I almost didn't become a quilter....it's true!  I honestly didn't think I could do it, but three friends convinced me to give it a try, and if not for their encouragement, I'm not sure what would have happened.  My heartfelt thanks to Mary Mc, Lynn, and Nancy...you know who you are!

This angel's message is to "Rejoice".....and to remember the Reason for the Season!

Merry Christmas to All!!