Post Christmas Wishes!

Good Morning Everyone!

Just wanted to say how sorry I am to have not sent out 

Christmas wishes.  Unfortunately, the respiratory

thing I mentioned on the 17th only got worse,

resulting in two trips to the DR.  I really thought I

was developing pneumonia.  They gave me a breathing

treatment and medicine on the first trip.  After 5 days I

was having bad reactions to that and really not getting

any better, so the day after Christmas I got a new antibiotic 

and am finally starting to feel a little better.  Nothing was

really ready for Christmas - not the baking, the wrapping,

or the Christmas tree.  The tree was finally decorated by

Hollis and Lehmer Christmas Eve.  

Regardless of all the sick drama with me, we still had

a wonderful time.  Avery was just adorable and if

you will bear with me I'd like to share a few

pictures.  The block above is covered with my favorite

pictures of him since his birth.  The bottom has a

picture of Hollis, Paul, and Avery.  His

name and date of birth are stamped on the top.

I had so much fun making it.  I think it will be

my annual ornament for him.

This was the picture for Hollis and Paul's

Christmas card.  The huge Stieff bear is Hollis'.

When she was just a few years old, I found that

wonderful bear at an antique shoppe for just a

small amount.  What a treasure.  Even his growler

still works.

Here he is in his Christmas PJ's being read

"The Night Before Christmas".  Lehmer read this to

Cameron and Hollis on Christmas Eve for years.

So, the tradition continues.  Unfortunately, his Daddy,

Paul had to work on Christmas Eve.  I hope

that next year Avery will stay up later, so Paul

can take over.

Lastly, a picture of him in his "Radio Flyer"

push wagon - a gift from Lehmer and I and his

Uncle Cameron.

Our beautiful Christmas tree that got decorated

just in time.

To all of my friends out there, I wish you

"Merriness" for the rest of the year and

for all of your "New Year".

Sandra

Merry Christmas Ya'll

Good Evening Everyone!

I'm feeling a little better today.  My stress level

has  been over the top lately as I am sure you

could tell.  To add to that, my dish washer 

chose the week before the busiest cooking

week of the year to croak.  So,

instead of doing Christmas things last night,

Lehmer and I were out in the madness on 

a Friday night making a hasty decision about

a dishwasher.  Thank goodness they can

install it on Wednesday.  To add insult to injury,

I gave a lousy upper respiratory thing going on

(but a little better today due to lots of meds).

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Now, for the good news - the tree is finally up

and it smells so good (even with the respiratory

thing I can still smell it).  Makes me happy indeed.  

Even got a little decorating done today, but there

are boxes everywhere.  I sure hope we do  not

have any unexpected guests.  Went to my

friend's house today and cut lots of magnolia

for decorating.  I have plenty of boxwood and

holly on our property, so it is just a matter of

picking it.

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Going to Richmond tomorrow to see my sweet

Avery and celebrate my sweet Hollis' birthday. 

I am lugging all of my ingredients, pans,

and recipes so I can bake while babysitting

Monday and Tuesday.  This should be

interesting, but hopefully he will take

some good naps for me.

Anyway, just checking in with all of you

and thanking you for all of your sweet

comments of late.  To Mouse - I wanted to

say that I didn't dare mention how many

candles will be on her cake.  You know how

women are about those numbers, even though

she is still so young. 

Take care and "Be Merry"!!

Sandra

Happy Birthday

Good Morning Everyone!!

This is a wonderful day -

Hollis' Birthday. 

 She came almost a month early, so she

 was our Christmas present that year.  

~~HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLLIS~~

HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY.

Wishing Thee Merriness

Good Evening Everyone!

Are you as overwhelmed as I am?  I have ten days to

get my Christmas act together, and things are

not going too well around here.  I haven't put

a dent in my shopping (with the exception of

Avery of course), the tree is on the back porch

(not in the house), and not a single decoration is

in place.  I do have a beautiful boxwood wreath on

my front door, due to the generosity of my dear

friend Ethel.  We always have a massive wreath covered

with tiny white lights hanging from a huge 

tree in our front yard.  I replaced all the lights last year

because many were not working.  Well, guess what -- 

plugged it in this afternoon and two strands are not 

working. What a pain!!  All of the strands have to come off

and the bad ones replaced.  I have said many, many bad 

words over the years due to Christmas lights.  

They drive me crazy.

I'm trying to be optimistic that tomorrow will be a very

productive day and my "Merriness" will return.

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 ANNOUNCEMENT 

Our last day to ship will be Friday,

December 16th.  I know I should have

announced this sooner, but time just got

away from me.  Faye and I will be taking a 

much needed Christmas break.  I need time to 

get ready to spend time with one of the

reasons for my "Merriness".

Many Merry Stitches,

Sandra

MORE GOODIES FOR SALE

Good Afternoon Everyone!

To all of you who have ordered from last

night's post, thank you very much.  Today

I am offering you a few more goodies.

Please note that I have also put some new

things in my ETSY Shoppe - in particular my 

Santa and Lady Silhouette 

Ornaments.

Just click on my ETSY shoppe in the left

side bar.  If you like these and don't want to

go through ETSY, just email or call me.

I also added and re listed a few publications.

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"Tiny Oval Boxes"

Unfortunately, I am sold out of the "Stitching Lady"

Ornament, but I have a few of the "Horn Blower"

and "Lady Silhouette".  These tiny little oval

paper mache boxes have been painted and

decoupaged.  A hole is drilled at the top for

the hanging cord and a little ball of bees' wax

is inside.  They are so sweet.  We used to sell

many of these at the shop.

They measure 1 1/2" High, 1 1/8" Wide, 

and 7/8" Deep -- tiny little treasures!
I have two of each.

 $9.00 which includes the shipping. 

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"Paper Mache Sheep"

Isn't he cute!  I used to have these for sale in the 

Shoppe too.  I made them using an antique cookie

cutter.  He measures a mere 2 1/2" Wide X 1 1/4" Tall.

He is adorned with a tinsel garland with a brass bell

hanging from it.  I think you will love him.

 $5.50 which includes the shipping.  I have 

eight of him.

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"Holly Star" Ornaments

I made these out of wool felt, and hand painted both

the front and the back.  They have wire hangers and

rusty bells for embellishment.  There is a special

finish applied to preserve the paint.  I think they 

will make a very primitive addition to your tree.

They measure 4 1/2" High X 3 1/2" Wide.

 $9.50 which includes the shipping.

This shows the front and the back.

I have eight of these.

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Well, I think that is enough for now.  I need to do

some baking for my Garden Club Christmas Party.

So much to do - so little time!!

Many Merry Stitches,

Sandra

Stuff for Sale

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I am back home but only for a short time.

Will be heading back to Richmond, this time

to help our son, Cameron, move to a new 

home.  We will be going on Friday and will be

either helping him or babysitting Avery

until next Wednesday.  So, while I have

a few minutes, I wanted to offer you a few

good deals.  Also, I want to update

my Etsy site with my new books and some

handmade items, time permitting.  

All of these items are first come, first serve.

I take Paypal, Visa, MC, and personal 

checks.  You can call or email me your

information.  Your complete email address

is needed for Paypal.  If you want to use

a credit card, you can send all the information

in separate emails for security.

"Candy Container Santa"

He has a sack on his back to load him up with

whatever you want.  He is 10" X 3 1/4" at

his widest point and is only $12.00 which

includes shipping.  I only have one.

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Next is a great little Santa ornament.

I call him

"Santa Bearing Gifts"

He is going to visit both good and

bad little girls and boys because he has

sticks and candy canes.   He is 8" X 3" and

is $11.50 which includes shipping.

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Next are these great Red Aged Glass

Bead garlands.  The garland is 6'

long and is $7.50 which includes shipping.

I have four of these.

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I did some mini Christmas Journals, which

would make wonderful little gifts.  The designs

are all "vintage" which I have aged and 

decoupaged on to these tiny books.  They 

measure  approximately 4" High X 3" Wide

The first one is my 

"Holly Santa"

I have three of these.  Next is 

"Blue Santa".  

I only have one of these.

Lastly, I have this adorable "Daddy Snowman

and Babies".  I have three of these, each trimmed

differently.   Please specify the trim you want -

rick rack, ribbon, torn fabric.

specify the trim you want.  
"Daddy Snowman and Babies"

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Do you like "vintage style" Christmas ornaments?

If so, here are 20 candle clips for only $14.00

which includes shipping.  These are not old (but
made like the old ones) and
 do not include the candle. 

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Last but not least, I have a great salt glaze

Santa.  

He measures approximately 8" X 3 1/4".

$18.00 which includes shipping.
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Hope you enjoyed my little Christmas
Shoppe.  I will be loading things on my
Etsy site too.  
Many Merry Stitches,
Sandra

Something Free For You

Good Afternoon Everyone!
I have a little something special for you
or a special something for someone else.
It will only take a little stitching time,
an expensive jar, and a special treat.
This idea came from this inspiration
piece in my collection.  I found this
wonderful "vintage" jar at a fantastic
antique store in Ruckersville, Virginia.
You really must go if ever in the area.  It
is fantastic.  In the middle of no where
really, but well worth the trip.

Here is my interpretation.   I made these in
all colors for the different reasons to have
goodies around, Christmas, Halloween,
Easter, Valentine's Day etc.  Such a fun project.
"Goodies Jar Wrap"

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"Many Merry Stitches",

Sandra

Thanksgiving Coma

Good Afternoon Everyone!

We are all suffering from food comas today,

but it certainly was worth it.  I was so exhausted

after cooking for mostly two days, doing a 

little decorating, and all the little things you

need to do.  Things like getting your serving

pieces out and ready to use, napkins ironed,

setting the table, a flower arrangement for

my big turkey soup tureen.  All the things that

I traditionally do and I so love doing it all.

We had a large group all gathered together

and it was wonderful.  The grandchildren

are tiny now.  I don't know what we will do

when they all need a chair at the table.

Oh, well, I'll worry about that another year.

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I just have to share this precious photo.

This was the first time Avery had seen his

little cousins.  It was so sweet to see how

much these little girls wanted to be with

him.  They were so excited, but I think it

was too much excitement for Avery.

Just look at how little Addyson and Piper are trying

to console him.  Addyson is about 2 1/2 and Piper is

about 9 months.  It is unbelievable how they reacted

to him being upset.  Of course, when he drops his

bottom lip, we all just melt.  Cameron, our son, was the

photographer again.  His timing was just perfect.

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Well, it will be back to work tomorrow for me, but

I am going to enjoy having them for one more day.

Hollis and and Paul will be leaving in the morning

and the house will feel so empty.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the Thanksgiving

holiday.  

Many Merry Stitches,

Sandra

New Stuff

Good Afternoon Everyone!

I know many of you have already started preparing

for Thanksgiving.  Not I!!  I've just finished my

last publication for 2011 and it will be on its way

to my Automatic Shoppes today.  Yeah!!

So here they are in all their Christmas glory.

Sweet little projects that can be stitched in just

a few hours.  The finishing is also easy.  You

know me, if it isn't simple to finish than it isn't

a Homespun Elegance project.

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"MERRY BIRDIES"

$8.00

and

"Rounds 'A Plenty I - Christmas"

$9.00

 This is a side view so that you can see that the design

goes all the way around.

A closeup so you can see the Amber Pearl Star

button at the top.

These designs are stitched on a 27 Count linen

banding.  I used Weeks Dye Works Pearl

Cotton and "Merlot Houndstooth" felted wool

for the top and the bottom.  Even a good 

quality wool felt would work for the top and

bottom.  We also have an Embellishment Pack

that includes one length of the linen banding

and the "Amber Pearl Star" button.

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I hope all of you have a great evening.  I can now

start my Thanksgiving preparations.  Lehmer and

I are so excited.  We will be spending Thanksgiving

with our family and we have 

 two new sweet babies to add to our joy -

Avery and Piper.  Piper is my sister's third little 
granddaughter.  We are definitely going to need a 

bigger dining room table soon.
We have been so blessed and are so thankful.
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Well, no "Merry Stitches" for me tonight.
The kitchen is calling.
"Merry Stitches" to you though,
Sandra

Freebie

Good Evening Everyone!

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

Hollis and I got out this weekend to do

a little Christmas shopping.  We are 

very grateful to Paul, Avery's Dad, for

doing a little babysitting.  Proud to

report that he was pretty good, so maybe

we will be able to talk Paul into it again.

I think our main mission was finding

Avery's first Christmas outfit and we

were very successful.  Cannot wait to

share pictures.  He is going to be so cute.

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It probably isn't proper for me to reissue a

"Freebie" graph that I did last year, but

because I had so few followers at that 

time, I have decided to offer it again to

those who never saw it.

"BLESSINGS TO ALL"

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I have a few of these green frames left.  If you

would like a frame and an Olde Brass Angel

button, the set is $19.00 

(which includes shipping).  I accept

personal checks, MC, Visa, and Paypal. 

Just email or call me if you are interested.

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My last Christmas design will be ready in a

few days, so I will be sharing soon.  I know

everyone is thinking of Thanksgiving now,

but I hope you have time for a few

"Merry Stitches."

Sandra

Some Goodies!

Good Evening Everyone!

You will not believe what happened this

week.  I went to Hollis' on Sunday to babysit

for Avery as usual.  By early afternoon Hollis 

starts feeling sick and Paul is at work and he is 

also sick.  We all thought they had food poisoning 

from their dinner out the night before, so I wasn't  

 really concerned about getting sick.  Besides I 

  had to take care of Avery.

Well, by Tuesday afternoon I am sick, so

sick that Lehmer has to come get me on

Wednesday.  Anyway I am finally feeling

better.  It has been a long time since I have

had an intestinal virus, and hope it will be

even longer before it happens again. 

The most important thing is that Avery is

still OK.  

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Wanted to share a little glimpse of

something I am working on.  I hope to

get these ready in time for your gift giving.

Do you like Scherenschnitte - paper cutting?

I do and I particularly love silhouettes.

These will make lovely Christmas 

decorations or just as Cupboard Hangers.

There will be other silhouettes, not just

pretty ladies.

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I ask you, is this not one of the cutest things

you have ever seen.  Fat and sassy he is!!

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Thanks for taking a break from your stitching

to read my blog.

Many Merry Stitches,

Sandra

Autumn Decorating

Good Morning Everyone!

It is going to be a beautiful day in Virginia, and

I am heading back to Richmond in a few minutes

to take care of Avery.  I so look forward to these

few days a week with him.  He is changing so

quickly and growing so much.  I want the

growing to slow down a little, but I think he is

in charge of that.  

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Some more Autumn decorating!

 This is our sweet but weird Marly.  Still hanging in

there at about 15 years old.  

 Do we have leaves or what.  There are millions

more to come since we are surrounded by woods.

If you look closely you can see where the

squirrels are snacking on my pretty pumpkin.

 Next week I will

be pulling out my turkey collection.  I'll have

to share that with you.  Don't you love that little

squirrel in the first picture.  I have had him for years and 

he has appeared in many photo shots.  He

is a windup toy and scoots around a bit when wound

up.  Hard to believe that he still works after all of

his years.  Hope I still work that well when I'm his 

age.  HaHa!

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Thanks for all of your sweet comments about my

"Merry Birdies".  They will be ready by the end

of next week.  I'll be showing you the other two

publications next week too.

"Many Merry Stitches"

to all of you!

Sandra

New Stuff

Good Evening Everyone!

Another beautiful Autumn day here in

Virginia.  A little on the chilly side and

more than a little windy.  It is snowing

leaves in our yard.  I really need to take a

picture of our yard when it is in leaf

overload.  Poor Lehmer, he spends 

so much time trying to get rid of the

leaves.  It is a thankless job, but thank

goodness for leaf blowers and that

he can blow them into our woods.

Bagging them is out of the question.

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I have had requests for a complete 

viewing of my "Merry Birdies".  Since

I hope to release them later next week or

the beginning of the following week, I

decided to go ahead and show them to you.

  I do think they are cute and definitely a

 quick stitch.

"Merry Birdies"

Also, I know many of you are starting

to think about your Christmas 

shopping.  With that in mind, I decided

to do a Christmas scissor fob ~

"Santa Profile".

The heart is made out of wood and I have 

decoupaged it with one of my original

little paintings.  Nicely aged and sealed

for durability.  Waxed linen thread

is attached for your scissors.

Sorry, scissors not included!

Measures 2 5/8" high X 1 3/8" wide.

If you would like one of these, they

are $11.50, shipping included.

Just email or call.  We take Visa, MC,

Paypal, money orders, and personal checks.

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Wishing you a wonderful weekend with

 "Many Happy Stitches",

Sandra