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Saturday 2 March 2013

The Wearing Of The Green

Ever since I put that old, chippy door in front of the corner windows in my family room, I get excited about a new occasion to decorate it.  It seems everything I put on it looks wonderful.  If you don't believe me about how easy this is to dress up, go get yourself an old door or window frame and try it yourself!

I had two goals in mind with my St. Patrick's day theme.  One was to showcase some of the things that matter to me from my Irish family and the other was to steal a little of Ireland's spring weather to cheer up this month of ice and snow. ~


I started out with an old wreath that is decorated with faux branches and moss covered rocks.  A bird in a burlap bow was placed up to one side.  I bought this wreath many years ago but you could duplicate the look with a grapevine wreath and some silk greenery and moss.

A vintage picture of my Grandma, as a sixteen year old graduating as a teacher, is tucked into the centre.  Beside her is a picture of my Grandad Jimmy and his two brothers.  A Celtic cross lays in front. ~


Grandma was very proud of this sterling pin that someone brought her straight from Ireland.  She firmly believed the green stone was a piece of the Blarney Stone.  I'm fairly sure they didn't go around hacking pieces of the stone off for jewellery but if it made her happy, who am I to disagree.  I've pinned it just above the family crest.

What a fun family we are!  We have a bloody hand for our crest.  There's no cheery leprechauns to be found on O'neill banners!  ~


My family is still pretty miffed about our lost castle so I've made a banner for my knights to rally around, while we wait to storm it and take it back. ~


The O'neills are direct descendants of the Irish king Brian Boru and I've added his harp to the banner, along with a shamrock.  Tir Eoghan O'neill is Irish Gaelic for Land Of The O'Neills.  The Graphics Fairy had a great print of Irish historical emblems for me to download and hang under the banner.

So, when you visit me this month, you'll have no doubts about exactly who's property this is!

You are now on the LAND OF THE O'NEILLS!

I'm sharing this week with:  Creative Bloggers Party & HopMonday FundayKnick Of Time TuesdayWhat's It WednesdayWow Us WednesdaysTransformation TuesdayTweak It TuesdayHomeTransformation Thursday,Thursday Favorite ThingsWildly Original Link Party

19 comments:

  1. I can't believe you would post about your lost castle without any further details! We need pictures. And further enlightenment. Vite vite!

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  2. What a great post - and our family's name is EGAN - which must derive from Eoghan?
    Learn something every day!!!
    XOX

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  3. Yes, yes...more about the castle! I'll help you storm it and take it back! What a fun post with lots of history and some great pictures too! I do love your new chippy door to decorate!

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  4. Love it and I love the chippy your highness! You're of royal stock! A bloody hand, lol I like that!

    My grandmother told me we were decended from the black prince, but she was known to stretch the truth so unless I see a legit family tree I ain't laying claim to that :)

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  5. your door looks great, maureen! love the vintage family pics!

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  6. What a great vignette! So much history there... My mom did the whole family tree for us a few years back. We are from English Royalty. Yeah, we probably took your castle! LOL

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  7. Maureen ... Love your wreath with the family memories. A beautiful way to honor, celebrate and remember your family history. Yes, everyone need a shabby door in front of a corner window to decorate. Wish I had one.
    Blessings,
    Audrey Z.
    @ Timeless Tresures

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  8. What wonderful family treasures! I like how you are displaying them and sharing the 'green' with us!
    hugs,
    Linda

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  9. What fun! Love family history. Decorating that is personal and not only stuff picked at the store is my favorite.

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  10. LOVED reading this Maureen..hahahaha, I'm actually still laughing.
    Great door decor.

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  11. What a fantastic vignette! Just love the old family photos and all the fun history to with them. Thanks for sharing!

    Jeanette @ Creating a Life

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  12. Wow. Interesting history!! I love that you have included all of this in your decor, it means so much more.

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  13. Oh, this is really, really fantastic! Love the family history you are able to put into this wreath---so meaningful to your family! Your creativity is quite impressive - hope to learn from you - following you now. Happy Creating, Catherine

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  14. When you left a comment on my blog I had absolutely no idea I was hearing from royalty! Now go get that castle back!

    :) Linda

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  15. I love the history of your family along with their treasures. I hope your family appreciates your creativeness, and ability to pass on the family history.
    Reuzeit Emporium Blog
    Reuzeit Emporium

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  16. This is so cool! I love that you know the history of your family!

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  17. What fun and interesting family information. Love the old photos and your stories that go with your family! have a great week! sandy :)

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  18. What a fun post! I like your wreath on the door and all the family history you shared. I agree with the rest; you must share more about the castle! Thanks for joining me at my HOME and have a great weekend.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  19. wow, more, more more, please tell us more.do you have any more photos. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo

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