Merry Christmas Plates

The series of Christmas Plates, started in 1983, were a different design each year, and according to Nancy Pattern Lamb, they were usually painted by her, since each edition was limited. The back of the the blue and gray 6 inch plate, which appears to be inspired by Martha's Flowers, has the "M" signature that belongs to the artist, Mary Greer Suits . It bears the hand painted date 1985 on the back as well. The second Merry Christmas plate is the same size as the first and mimics the Over the Hills pattern of stoneware, but appears to have been done by Nancy Patterson Lamb as her initial is on the backside.
There were also "Happy Day" plates created in a variety of patterns.  The "M" which is often seen on the back of the hand-painted plates was Mary's initial.  There were various messages written on the plates--"Happy Birthday," "Happy Anniversary," "I Love You," "Thank You," "Congratulations, and "Happy Mother's Day."  Sometimes the plates had a personalized message painted on them too.

Merry Christmas, 1985

Merry Christmas, 1984