*MERRY CHRISTMAS* Custom banner

*GIVE THANKS* Custom Banner

*Packaging my Banners*

I thought I will show you a picture of how I gift wrap my banners...they

are ALWAYS gift wrapped with seasonal decoration...

Smiles Ivonne

*Jolly* Banner

*The Story behind Belsnickel*

In the Rhine Provinces of Germany, Saint Nicholas was accompanied by Peltz Nickel, a boy with a blackened face, a beard, and rattling chains, who walked on all fours to represent the donkey the Christ child rode. The Christkind (Christ child) was represented by a little girl dressed in white. Peltz Nickel went from house to house with the Christkind to give each mother a beating rod with which to discipline her children during the coming year. From the diminutive, Christkindel, eventually came Kris Kringle – so cultures evolve.

I found this explanation online...this is how I remember the Belsnickel (Knecht Ruprecht)...he was a mean looking guy!!!

I remember, I was 6 years old and I was petrified of him, especially as he came to my house...I will NEVER forget this incident! My Parents booked St. Nikolaus and his Knecht Ruprecht...they come on the 6th of December of each year...I remember as they came to my house I was hiding behind a small sofa and hoped he would not call my name LOL BUT he did...so I was standing in front of St. Nikolaus and Knecht Ruprecht (German for Belsnickel) and he told me all the good and bad things I did over the year...OMG I was so scared...I almost cried and I was so relieved as they left...I told my Parents I would be good ALWAYS he he

It is so amazing how each country celebrates Christmas differently...as an example, in Germany we put our boots out on the 6th of December and St. Nikolaus will put nuts, candies and oranges in the boots...in the evening of December 24 the Christkind is coming...I attached some pics I found online...it is of the Nuernberger Christkindle Market...very famous! I had been to this place many times...it is about 1 hour away from my hometown.

On the 2nd picture you can see the *Christkind* she brings the kids the gifts...awww I want to be a kid again...oh and in Germany we are celebrating Christmas for 3 days and most people put their Christmas tree up 1 or 2 days before or on Christmas eve...

Hopefully you liked my little story :)

Smiles Ivonne

*NOEL* Finish

I finished this wonderful design by Threadwork Primitives last night...

I couldn't stop stitching LOL...I love the way it turned out...Nan, thank you

so much for offering another wonderful design of yours...you are awesome!!!

To find this pattern, just hop on over to Nan's blog :)

Can you feel the *Christmas Spirit*

Smiles Ivonne

*More Christmas Banners*

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*SLEIGH BELLS* BANNER

*Cross Stitch Freebie*

Nan aka Threadwork Primitives has a Chrismtas freebie woohoo...so lovely Nan...thank you so much!

Do you have your freebie already? Nan is one of my most fav. designers...she has lovely charts to offer...check them out :) and her work is outstanding!

Your XSBFF Ivonne

*Photo Shoot*

Kimberley and I had another Photo Shoot :) she is so photogenic...

Smiles Ivonne

*We Stood for Freedom*

We stood for freedom just like you
And loved the flag you cherish too
Our uniforms felt great to wear
You know the feel, and how you care.

In step we marched, the cadence way
The same is true with you today
Oh how we tried to do our best
As you do now, from test to test
How young we were and proud to be
Defenders of true liberty.

So many thoughts bind soldiers well
The facts may change, not how we jell
Each soldier past, and you now here
Do share what will not disappear
One thought now comes, straight from my heart
For soldiers home, who've done their part.

I'm honored to have served with you
May Godly peace, help get you through
And now I'll end with a request
Do ponder this, while home at rest
America, respect our day
Each veteran, helped freedom stay.

Roger J. Robicheau
Former U.S. Army Specialist Fifth Class

*CUSTOM MADE BANNER*

There is a sad story behind this banners...my Customer ordered

these 3 Banners from me a couple of weeks ago...

I heard she passed away...I will send the Banners because I know

2 Banners where made for someone she knew, maybe a Christmas gift? I hope

they will make it to the person she wanted them have...

R.I.P. Ruthie

*THREE EBAY LISTINGS*

Ebay listing...

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Ebay listing...

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Ebay listing...

*BE YE MERRY STITCHING*

I just finished this wonderful design *BE YE MERRY* ...the pattern designer of this chart is my dear friend Nan from Threadwork Primitives she does such wonderful designs and her work is

absolutely beautiful...you need to check out her blog...lot's of goodies :)

Smiles Ivonne