Friday's Find

Well, what I found this week was a package on my doorstep! Inside were these awesome craft books from Lark Publishing. Apparently, the upcycled slippers that I worked so hard on for the Craft Hope book won't be included after all.

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The enclosed (very nice) note said that the charity they had found for my project didn't work out after all, and that they were unable to find another that would be a good match. I am disappointed. Really disappointed. And trying hard not to feel like a Negative Nelly about the whole thing. Once I get over that, I'm sure I will enjoy looking at the books.

Bye, Bye Beanies!

What??? I didn't tell you that my adorable project 3 organic cotton beanies have top knots?? Silly me!!

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All 10 of my little hats arrived in Texas today, where they will wait for all their *relatives* to arrive before being bundled up and heading off to India at the end of the month!

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I had made all of the "normal" ones- in natural and pink and blue and green- when my mother said, "Wouldn't it just be perfect to add some in more exotic colors?" She was so right! The paprika and cumin spice up the bundle perfectly. Thanks, Mom!!

Beanies, Baby

I'm up to my ears in cute little organic baby beanies! I love the pattern I created, and I so wish I had a real newborn handy to try these on. The caps I've made so far are destined for children's homes in India thanks to Craft Hope and The Miracle Foundation; I'm so excited to finish them up and send them on their way. There's still time to get involved in project 3- beanies, booties and blankies are needed, and the deadline is July 25th. Read more and sign up to participate right HERE!

Not *Just* A Slipper

Yep, the cat's out of the bag; I'm making an upcycled child's slipper as my Craft Hope project. I have my husband to thank for this fantastic idea- he scored major points with this one!
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The beauty of making these out of upcycled fabric, though, is not just to add an ecofriendly twist. I wanted a scuff slipper or slip-on flip flop style with some of the strength and durability of an actual shoe.

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I haven't been told which charity or organization I am matched up with yet, but in my mind it is a place where bare feet are the norm. I wanted to make something that would be comfy and protect little piggies at the same time.

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I will have more photos of my finished prototype pair later this week. My mother has already put in her request for an adult sized set! Do you think this is an idea I should explore further for my Etsy shop? Be honest!

The First Step

I just couldn't resist this street art photo found searching Google for "Good News" images. No, my news has absolutely NOTHING to do with fried dough, but I do have good news to share!
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Remember my post about Craft Hope from the other day? Well, it seems that Jade Sims is teaming up with Lark Books to do a Craft Hope publication! The current plan is that 26 designers will each be paired up with 26 charitable organizations. Each designer will create and share a pattern or tutorial for an item that would be most useful in their designated shelter/organization/orphanage/program. The hope and mission of the book is that crafters by the hundreds of dozens will unite and create the items contained in the pages...and send them off to the places where they are so desperately needed.
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My news? I have been chosen as one of the 26 designers to submit a project! My project has changed about 4 times in the last 2 days, but I *think* I have it nailed down for now. The next "deadline" is June 26th. On or before that date I must have a detailed project description and sketch /photo ready to submit to the Lark editors. This promises to be a long and exciting roller coaster ride- I sure hope you will join me for the adventure :)

Craft Hope: Join the Movement!

I recently received a very exciting message from Jade Sims, founder of Craft Hope. While I can't share the details of our exchange yet (I don't want to jinx anything!!), I CAN share this wonderful woman's work and dream with you!

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From the Craft Hope website, "Craft Hope is a faith-based, love inspired project designed to share handmade crafts with those less fortunate. It is our hope to combine our love for crafting and desire to help others into a project to make a difference around the world".
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Their first project, making and sending handmade pillowcase dresses and shorts to a shelter in Mexico, was a huge success. You can read about it right HERE.
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Project 2 is currently drawing to a close, with a deadline of just one more week! For this project, Craft Hope has coordinated the effort to make and gather 207 handmade dolls to be sent to an orphanage in Nicaragua.
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Tutorials are provided for each project, and this is such a wonderful way to put your crafty skills and big hearts to work for the greater good. Sign up for the newsletter to be kept up to date with new projects, or write to Jade for more information at jade@crafthope.com
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Stay tuned here for the details of how I am hoping to be involved in Craft Hope. I should have some info to share by early next week!
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Have you done any crafting for charity? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a comment!