{Cherished Christmas Ornaments from 90 Year Old Mother-In-Law}

Just would love to share with you some of our most cherished Christmas ornaments. Created by my dear Mother-in-law when she was 90 years of age. She presented us with these sweet embroidered Christmas decorations. When we lived in Cornuda (TV), Italy she did pass away at the age of 94+ and she's made many a tablecloth for her family members and for brides to be that worked at the nursing home. Often she complained that even if she would reach the age of 100, she would still not be able to finish all the requests. Isn't that great? The other day, daughter Liz and I discussed her handwork and as of today, also Liz keeps some of her pulled thread tablecloths, as I do. They are treasures and have since become a family heirloom. Do you have pieces like that from your dear Mother or Mother-in-law?

Hand embroidered with love by my 90-year old Mother-in-law...

Hanging on our indoor shutters in the living room.

I've used some red ribbon to weave them together for hanging.

Simple cross-stitch but very pretty and even more so considering it's done by 90-year old hands...

Love to hear about your heirloom keepsakes for Christmas!

{YOUR Christmas Charity - Fabulous Felines Fundraising}

On Monday a parcel arrived from Greece with some of the cutest feline faces captured in high quality photography by Joan from the blog Gods Little People. This is from the Fabulous Felines Fundraising and would also make YOUR best Christmas Charity ever. You can find her Etsy Saints & Apostles handmade fineries on her blog's sidebar.

This cuty is TODDY and you can read about his rescue here: Mystery boys.

Dear Joan has rescued and cared for some 40 felines, hence she needs this FABULOUS FELINES FUNDRAISING.

Paying for all the needed care such as veterinary costs, and the food takes up ever more for her.

The time she spends on Gods Little People is a labour of love in itself!

So PLEASE do stop by at her blog and try to help her out.

The way Joan does wrap her fineries is a gift in itself... She has a HUGE heart.

The signature label from Saints & Apostles adorns the second parcel.

'Animals share with us the privilege of having a soul.' Quote Pythagoras

Signature tag from Saints & Apostles

Beautiful folded blank cards with envelops...

This is Ellie, a miracle kitten that was found at the age of 10 days and in what shape!

View her video: Off to see the world.

This is Rosie and she definitely did come back from near death read: What further happened....

Life for Rosie as it should be, read: Life as it should be.

New day for Rosie to explore, read: A new day to explore.

In July I did receive a parcel from Greece with a regal gift! Joan designed and made this silk couture evening bag for me. You can read about it here: {Parcel from Greece with Regal Gift}. Joan is a very talented lady and I am fortunate for having such a treasure made by her loving hands.

This time she added a beautiful lingerie bag... with red roses!

Boutique quality by Saints & Apostles...

THANKS Joan for all you do and may God bless you for such unselfish kindness!

{Giovanni Raspini Silver Christmas Balls + 500 Posts}

Just would like to thank all my loyal readers from 148 countries again, for making it a reality that yesterday I launched my 500th post. Especially for this Christmas season it has a special meaning. Something to really be grateful for, being healthy and managing to do what I want to do. Enjoy some of my most favorite Christmas decorations in solid silver from Giovanni Raspini, Italy. These upscale silver Christmas balls were available at my Zen Cart Boutique Mariette's Back to Basics. Shown below are my personal balls and angel.

The special 925/000 solid silver angels were also available at Mariette's Back to Basics.

Nothing else works like candles for this special season...

Photo is from the Giovanni Raspini book.

143 countries since July, 2010...

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Giovanni Raspini Silver Christmas Balls previous post