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Monday, December 23, 2013

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!!

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for a peek at your decorating. Looks so warm and cozy. Wishing you a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.

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  2. Pam, your home looks lovely and oh so very inviting. I like many of the same things as you do. Seems like bottle brush trees have multiplied in my home. I have some from my husband's train set when he was a child- so probably about 60 years old!

    I have a question. Did you make the log cabin runner in the 2nd photo? The reason I ask ... I have one almost exactly like it (same colors, pattern and no binding). I bought it at a quilt show before I knew how to quilt and lived in a suburb of Chicago. Thinking maybe I bought it from you. Just wondering.

    Always enjoy your posts. Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas.

    Charlotte from CA

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  3. So festive!! Love all your Christmas Vignettes.

    Merry Christmas, Pam and your love ones.

    Carolyn

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  4. What a delightful home tour, Pam. You have such a wonderful eye for putting together your decor. It is beautifully prim, tasteful, and homey. : )

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  5. It is lovely to see your decorating, Pam. Thanks for the tour! Wishing you and your family a very Happy Christmas. Thank you for all the inspiration this year.

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  6. your home looks wonderful Pam. Have a blessed Christmas x

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  7. Love all your decorating. I use to make dolls and vend and many shows also, that went by the wayside when I learned to quilt, but recently I've got the yearning to make them again for family members, but unfortunately gave away all my old patterns. Do you think you'd ever re-publish your doll patterns again? I bet they would be a big hit.

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  8. Everything looks fabulous. I can't believe how many things we have the same. I also used to make dolls before I caught the quilting bug. What was the name of your pattern company? I bet I bought some of your patterns! What a hoot.

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  9. Thanks for letting us see your House Decorations. Very nice.

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  10. Thanks for sharing pictures of all your beautiful decorations. Your house must be like Christmas Alive. I love the Christmas angel doll.

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  11. Your home is certainly ready for Christmas - so beautiful!!! Have a blessed Christmas!!!

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  12. Thanks for the tour of your home! Love it. I also like the idea of storing decorations according to rooms (why didn't I think of that?). Merry Christmas!

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  13. Lovely to see your home. Your Christmas decorating is wonderful. I just love the warm feeling it gives. AND thanks for displaying your Carolina Lily Dolly quilt from Quilts Remembered patterns!!! Best to you and your family! Annemarie Yohnk

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