Thursday, March 5, 2015

St. Paddy's & Giveaways!

I cannot believe we are already into the month of March!!!  This year is flying by!  I guess you know that means it's time for my St. Patrick's Tree!!!


I have several cross stitched ornaments, as well as an assortment of bought cuties!  I even have green beads from Mal's St. Paddy's Day Parade, that is held annually in Jackson, MS.  I have a few Irish trinkets from that parade, as well.  One interesting tid-bit about the parade: some of you are readers--and if you like hilarious books, you will be familiar with the Sweet Potato Queens!  Jill Conner Brown is the originator of The Sweet Potato Queens, and they originally marched in the Mal's Parade.  (They've had a parting of ways and now march in another parade....but still in Jackson!)

Anyway, sorry for that little tangent!!!!

This sweet little freebie was from Sylvia.  I changed it just a little bit but I think it's so cute!


This is a cute freebie from Plum Street Samplers.  I really love the colors!


This is a sweet Prairie Schooler from Prairie Year Rounds.  (No, I didn't make it round!!!)


I got this precious freebie from Feathers in the Nest.  I can't find it on her blog at the moment. Jennifer suggested pinks and greens, so that's what I used.  It's really a fun one!


This was a tiny little free design that I just kept adding stuff to--ribbon, buttons, etc.  I don't know where I found this, but you could do something similar with any shamrock pattern.


I made this little pillow to display a very old family piece...this little pin belonged to my great aunt--we were very close to her.  We called her "Nannie" and my cousin recently gave me this little pin, to fashion into an ornament.  It has 3 little wire "leaves" and there was fine green thread woven on those leaves.  Only a small portion of the green thread is left.  I thought it was really sweet, so I decided this would be a way to preserve it. The little "bisque" pipe is sewed on and is labeled "Japan".  I liked the plaid blue and green ribbon and the green buttons to finish it.


You may remember that I participated in the Grow Your Blog event this year, and had so much fun visiting other blogs and seeing all the lovelies that people are creating!  I found the cutest blog, The Lady of the House Speaking.  Pamela is an Anglophile and she had the funniest post about Hyacinth Bucket from Keeping Up Appearances!!  I love that show! Anyway, Pamela's husband is in the Navy and they live in Washington state now.  She put together a lovely box of local treats and I was lucky enough to be the winner!!!  She included Seattle chocolate, Marionberry Jam, wonderfully scented handmade soap, and a precious heart ornament! (That heart will have a place of honor on one (or more) of my trees!!  She also included a sweet note on a postcard of her city, which looks like a wonderful place to live.  I just love everything!  Thank you so much!!  I linked her blog above--please check it out!  She is very creative and interesting!!!  I have really enjoyed following her blog!


OK...speaking of Giveaways...my blogoversary is March 22nd!  I cannot believe that I have had my blog for a year!!!  In ways this year has flown by!  There have been ups and downs, BUT, all is great and I have really enjoyed my blogging!  Thank you to those who read my blog.  I guess I was nervous that no one would really want to hear what goes on here in MS, but it's been such a lovely experience.  I feel like I know so many of you and I really enjoy hearing from you and seeing what you're doing!  
All of this is leading to a Blogoversary Giveaway!  I've got my thinking cap on and will announce the Giveaway on my next post!  So check back and take advantage of it, whatever it may be!! HAHA

**I also need to mention that Nancy of Victorian Motto Sampler Shoppe is having a wonderful giveaway, too!  Be sure to check it out!  Look at her gorgeous floss colors!!


Thank you for stopping by and come back soon!
Frances





13 comments:

Brigitte said...

All your little ornaments are so lovely. And I also love the way how you finished them with gorgeous shamrock fabrics and ribbons.

Annette-California said...

Awe you had a Nannie in your family! Love what you did with your Nannie's
(great aunt) pin. Your St. Patty's tree is Beautiful & FANTASTIC!!!
I LOVE all your sweet ornaments and the way you select the perfect fabrics, trims.....Gorgeous!!
love Annette
ps thank you for the links....

Vickie said...

What a fantastic idea to preserve and admire your aunt's pin.

Kay said...

I never tire of seeing your special trees, I especially like the way you have preserved your aunt's pin on an ornament. Congratulations on winning a giveaway, although I have not heard of Marionberry Jam before. x

Jacqueline Morris said...

Now you know I am a huge fan of your marvellous decorated trees....WOW!!! Goodness! I love your St Patrick's day themed tree...mite brilliant! Such cute stitches, lovely shades of green... Ha ha kiss me! Lol
Your fantastic to come up with these brilliant trees!!
I seriously cannot believe that your Blogoversary is fast approaching...WOW!!! That has come around really quickly..see what happens when your having such fun!!
Congratulations in advance!! My my I have been with you a long time!! And let me tell you I LOVE your blog!!
Smiles :)

Ariadne said...

I have also stitched Sylvia's whole year SAL where you got the ladybug from!It is lovely! It has been a year of bloging for you so congratulations!AriadnefromGreece!

Justine said...

Has it really only been a year Frances? I love your blog and especially your tree ornaments. Your St Paddy's tree is beautiful!

diamondc said...

Frances: I love this tree, all your ornaments are so sweet.
I do have Irish blood streaming in my veins.
I have read the Sweet Potato Queens what a hoot that they are.
What a lovely package you have won.

Blessings
Catherine

diamondc said...

Frances: I love this tree, all your ornaments are so sweet.
I do have Irish blood streaming in my veins.
I have read the Sweet Potato Queens what a hoot that they are.
What a lovely package you have won.

Blessings
Catherine

Sheryl said...

Love your St. patrick's tree, so original and interesting. Lovely ornaments all finished differently.

Angela Tucker said...

Your ornaments are beautiful! The fabrics are all so different, but perfect for each one. I think the ladybug is my favorite. :-)

Pamela said...

Thanks for the link! I really enjoyed putting together your package. I hope your blogoversary giveaway is one of your beautiful cross-stitched pieces! Have a great week.

Carol said...

What a wonderful assortment of St. Patrick's Day ornaments you've created, Frances--the tree is so cheery :) And what a nice package from Pamela--enjoy!!