DIY Valentine Projects - Money Origami Heart

This money origami heart looks very complicated but the tutorial makes it look easy. I have got to try this tomorrow. It is too late to tackle it tonight. I found this over on HomemadeGiftsMadeEasy. The tutorial is at this link. If this one looks too complicated, scroll down on Stephanie's post for a link to a simpler version of a money origami heart.

The photos are especially well laid out and crisp. If you have trouble with still photo shots, they even have a video tutorial you can follow.

I really love this one. I have often known folks who hate it when they are given cash as a gift. But they love it when it is folded or presented in a unique way.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Fifty Zillion Prayers a Day

Sometimes I feel like I've said fifty zillion prayers a day. Those are the days I really feel tuned in to the Lord. On days like that, which most recently was yesterday, I find that I am saying a quick prayer for almost every action I take.

I was running errands between 8am and 9am and had two hours of errands to cram into one hour's time. I had to get the car back in time for my nephew to use it for work. Traffic seemed especially crazy and unpredictable. Drivers were making very strange moves. I found myself saying, here and there, "Please take care of that driver, Lord, and get him safely to where he is going," and "Bless whoever laid out these road repair cones with some common sense, please, Lord" and "Lord, I am depending on you to get me back home in time, even though it looks like it's going to be a close call."

I love the days when I have enough sense and focus to speak to the Lord often. It makes up for all the days when I do not have that sense.

All too often, life truly gets in the way. I rush here and there, pushing ever forward, often going two steps forward and one step back. Those are the days I need his help more than ever. Wouldn't you think that on those days I'd remember that?

Father, I am grateful that I can come to you for every action in every day, but I pray that you will bless me with a clearer mind and soul so that I will come to you even more often than I do now.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Clips or Bookmarks

I realize that I have featured a bookmark once each week since I began this series. They are great little tuck-in gifts for anyone on a gift list. This is because they can be used for any kind of book including fiction, spiritual, text books, cook books, patterns, and more. This project does require a smidgeon of sewing but I think you'll agree it is so small an amount that almost anyone, including me, can do this much.

The tutorial is over at Mique's ThirtyHandmadeDays, at this link. Allison, a guest writer, also includes a file you can download for the little cards to go with them. Each of the four designs has different wording.

These can tuck into a card for mailing or giving, as well.

Although she uses a hot glue gun, I'm sure other adhesives would work as well if they claim to bond to felt.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Etched Shot Glasses for Your Guy(s)

These are really pretty easy to make and you can definitely customize them to fit your favorite guy's interests. I found these over at FaveCrafts, at this link. The tutorial is easy to follow.

If you can cut or use a stencil, the etching method is pretty easy these days. Today's products have taken all the "complicated" out of the process.

I can picture these with just hearts for love, or with hearts, spades, diamonds and clubs for the card loving man. Any sport can be represented, of course. Even his initials would work!

For the partying couple or household, these are really great. I wish I had seen these and included them in my Christmas DIY series, but hey, at least we found them!

I did a search to find out how much the etching products run online. The cream is less than $10 plus S&H and the other tools run $30 on up to $125. Obviously, financially-challenged as I am, I would take the low road and use a brush and the cream. I am grateful that the tutorial offered all those options so folks can choose from high-end, high-tech tools for etching, or low-budget stuff for those of us who are beginners at this craft. I found the cream at Etchworld, by the way.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Praying with Others, One Way or Another

Sometimes I want to tap into the power of praying with others but the moment is not right. I know that Christ told us that he is with us when we pray with others, in the verse
"For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.”   Matthew 18:20 (NASV)

Still, there are times when I do not want to bare my soul, or my reasons for needing prayer, to even my closest of friends. At those times, I turn to online websites where folks can submit a prayer intention and have others pray for them, anonymously. It is comforting to know that others care even if they do not know who I am and who they are praying for. I, as well, pray for them. Even if it is online, it is still two or more, gathered in his name.

Another way I gather prayers at times is when I am out doing errands. Many, many times I have given a complete stranger one of my plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses. Sometimes it's because of something I overheard them say, and I sense a need. Other times it is a way of saying Thank You because they did something nice for me, like letting me move in front of them in line when I only have one item.

At those times, when I hand them a cross, I always tell them I'll keep them in my prayers and I ask that they do the same for me as well. Almost always, they love the cross and they thank me and sincerely promise to pray for me in return. I always trust that they will. I never see them again, but for a brief moment, our lives touched, our hearts touched, and in prayer, our souls touched.

Sweet Jesus, thank you for the words you've given us, words of hope, passed on through the Bible. Help us to remember that it only takes one other person to pray with us in order to know that you are there, in person, to help us and to hear our prayers.

DIY Valentine Projects - Woven Straw Hearts & Motifs

Small and simple as these are, I can easily see them used in many ways for your gift list. We posted earlier this month about Rena's origami heart corner bookmark and then I saw this and had to post this one, too. The link is here at TheCheeseThief.

Rena's tutorial is a video on YouTube and you'll have no trouble following the instructions.

In case you think these are too simple for gifts, she gives you an idea or two in her post as to how you might use them.

I'm also thinking they'd work as earrings (dangle or otherwise), key ring attachments for your guy, attachments to tie clips, magnets, and so much more. There's no limit to where these cuties will turn up.

So simple; so easy; so smart!

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - 22 Valentine Wreaths

If you're looking for an easy and different way to make a Valentine wreath, here's a page that shows 22 different DIY tutorials. They use everything including cupcake liners, felt scraps, coffee filters, clothespins, fabric squares, toilet paper tubes, and more.

Laurie has set up a page with the photos and links for all 22 projects at this link. From there you can go to whichever tutorial interests you.

Wreaths are a two-way street. You can make them to brighten your own space for the season, or you can make them to give as gifts.

I love the wide variety here. Nothing could be simpler than the clothespin wreath. And the fleece/fabric scraps wreath, Item 2, claims it can be made in an hour and no gluing or sewing required.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Gift Basket Printable

This basket is from a printable file and all you do is cut, fold, tape or glue. It is great for smaller, lightweight gifts like most of the projects we've already covered in our series.

The file and tutorial are over at Craftbits at this link.

It's such a treat to be able to simply print and assemble gift boxes and baskets right at home. Great looking containers cost money and I'd rather put that into supplies for the gifts.

Also, this one is so attractive that it's almost a gift in itself. I can picture some female keeping it on her dresser long after Valentine's Day for her little odds and ends.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Our Group's 2011 Distribution Totals - Amazing!

Last year, our small group of less than a dozen dedicated crafters managed to somehow make and distribute the following:

Homeless: 112 hats, 53 scarves, 30 pr gloves, 3 blankets

Nursing Homes: 88 shawls, 51 lap throws, 6 pr slippers

Preemies: 111 hats, 42 blankets

Babies: 56 blankets & quilts, 44 hats, 26 shirts & jackets, 9 pr booties 2 pr mittens

This doesn't count gently used items donated by residents, which we also distributed, including 119 decks of cards and almost 800 magazines (700+ were in a series of organized binders). We really enjoyed doing this and hope to be able to do this for a long time to come.

We only promise to work for 2 hrs every Friday morning, together. However, most of us cannot help working a little during the week, off and on. Still, isn't it amazing at how things so small can add up to such a large difference in a needy person's life?

DIY Valentine Projects - 2-Ingredient Fudge Hearts

Ok, here's the treat you've been waiting for to make for Valentine gifts. There are only two ingredients and it doesn't require a candy thermometer or an oven. I cannot believe how easy this is to make. The recipe and tutorial is at this link, over at CookiesAndCups.

It's a quick treat to make for absolutely anyone on your gift list. Even diabetics might be tempted to eat just one and watch their sugar intake the rest of the day.

I realize some guys are so macho they hate anything pink, but come on, ladies, would that color pink keep them away from anything labeled "fudge"?

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post where Shelly has it typed out in typical recipe-card style, making it easy to print and keep. However, once you know how it's made, you won't even need to write this one down.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Origami Heart Bookmark

I can't think of many men, women or children who wouldn't love a heart-shaped bookmark. Scared of origami? Well, this tutorial is completely visual. It's a step by step in video. Even I had no trouble following it because I could stop it, back it up, go forward, etc., etc., etc.

The video tutorial is here at this link, on TheCheeseThief. Rena does a wonderful job of showing just how to make the folds. There are no difficult diagrams.

Do NOT click on the "buttons" that say "Download." Those are for something else. Click on her video or scroll through the text and click on the link to her YouTube site.

By varying the colors of the papers you use, you can easily suit anyone on your list. These are cute enough and small enough to tuck into a card.

This corner bookmark DIY was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

Why I Must Pray, Often, Each Day

It has been a few days since I last posted to the Prayer or faith-based area of my blog. This doesn't mean that I have not prayed in the past three days. There are many, many times throughout each and every day when I pray.

I must, you see. I could not get through life and stay sane otherwise.

Prayer stabilizes me. It soothes and comforts me. It helps me to focus and to keep things in perspective.

Sometimes I am in traffic and see a driver make a reckless move and I send up a quick prayer. Usually, it is something like, "Please, Lord, keep him safe and please keep everyone in his path safe, as well." I realize that there must be times that someone, behind their steering wheel, is probably praying about me in the same way. So, I try not to judge and merely to pray for protection all around.

One of my prayers, every night, before bed, is to thank God for everyone who has ever helped us, tried to help us, or wanted to help us, in any way, shape or form, whether I know about it or not. I also ask the Lord to bless these people abundantly.

When I am feeling clumsy, which happens too often now that I am 72, as I retrieve the ice cubes from the floor and try to soothe the cat who bolted out of their way, I pray for peace and serenity in my heart to replace whatever has apparently stressed me out.

Often I hear about someone who is having a hard time in one way or another, and I send up a quick pray for their earthly peace and well-being.

What I love is that the more I pray, quietly, spontaneously, personally, I feel closer and closer to the Lord. Prayer, after all, is nothing more than a personal conversation with God.

Father, thank you for the faith you have blessed me with and for being there to hear my prayers and my chats with you, at any moment. I love that I do not need to worry about whether you are available when I need you. I pray that I will always be willing to make myself available when you need me, in return, to help you with something here on earth.

DIY Valentine Projects - Card Verse Ideas

Wow, did I find a treasure when I went searching for some free verses and quotes for DIY Valentine cards. This site, Imag-e-nation, has plenty of free verses and quotes and much more. Unlike some sites that I found, this one has no restrictions on how you use their words. The link is here, but be sure to look around the site for their other goodies after you choose the words you want for your handmade cards. I list a few of these options below.

The verses and thoughts are wide-ranging in style. Some are brief and funny while others are longer and sensitive. Some rhyme and some do not. I even saw a wonderful Bible verse from Corinthians. There is something for everyone on your heart-day card list.

If you click on Card Making Ideas across the top of the page, you'll find some links that include free printables and a list with the meanings of various flowers when given as gifts.

Imag-e-nation sells card-making and crafting supplies in the UK. Their site is very user friendly in that you can opt to have the prices displayed in the currency of your choice. Just scroll down the left side and select from five options. This was a very nice surprise and tells me something about their customer service attitude.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Heart Motif to Paint on Shirt

Isn't this the prettiest motif you've seen for painting onto a shirt for a Valentine gift? The pattern is a downloadable file and the tutorial tells you how to do the simple transfer and paint processes.

This project is found at this link on AllFreeCrafts.

This would work on a sweatshirt, a tee, or even a tote or pillow. I like that it doesn't require sewing or embroidering. These days, the supplies that are available for painting and tracing are readily found in many shops. You might even have some on hand.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Bath Fizzies

There are a lot of recipes for bath fizzies all over the internet. I liked these because of the special way they are packed and presented. This makes a difference when you want something special for Valentine gifts.

The tutorial is over at ThisLittlePiggy at this link. I think Dianna posted it.

These are easy enough for some kids to make.

The recipe is a Martha Stewart version and the tutorial includes that link in the post. In the recipe, when it calls for a "pipette" to drop the food coloring, I imagine you could use a simple medicine dropper. At the recipe site, it shows yet another way to shape the fizzies and/or present them.

Some men also love this soothing touch to a bath. When using epsom salts, it is especially comforting. It only requires the right colors.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Printable Gift Box

Tonight I found a page of free printables, some of which are for Valentine's Day. There is a Valentine wreath but my favorite is a "favor" or gift box. The box assembles to about 7 inches long. This size can hold a lot of goodies or one decent-size goody. The download is at MyGraphico at this link. It is for personal use only!

If you are reading this, you have a PC, and probably a printer. I love things like this which can be printed right in our homes. Cardstock is so easy to get these days, too.

I was thinking of all the things that could fit into this box. Candies, of course, come to mind. But jewelry does, too. Cash would fit easily as well. The simplest gifts look so much better in an attractive box like this.

This site also offers other printables for Valentine's Day, as well. The main gallery with thumbnails to click on is at this link. I noticed a heart wreath that can be printed, plus some bookmarks and cards.

This project was found in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

When Trouble Comes in Bunches

I've been worried these past few days about a dear cyber-friend who is having a bunch of troubles. We had all begun feeling very good about her DM being cancer-free and then, Bingo, the cancer indicators suddenly rose again without warning. Over a period of 48 hours or so, she also faced knowing that her adult daughter would need to have her leg amputated. This, after a year or so of all sorts of medical efforts to avoid this following a horrendous auto accident the daughter had been involved in. Also, in this same 48 hours or so, my friend learned that the mobile home deal she'd hoped would be approved fell through.

What do you say to someone at a time like that? "I'll pray for you" is the obvious first statement. Even though that helps in ways we might never know about here on earth, sometimes it feels so small an effort during troubles like these.

We've all been through times when troubles come in bunches.

Once, I remember, back in 2004. My DS was in CA and I was here, in NV. Her Parkinsons was causing multiple falls in a single month; paramedics were often at her little rented bungalow. The family agreed with her decision to enter long-term care, for safety reasons. Our car could not make the trip to her home so that we could empty it to enable her 40-yr long landlord, a dear friend, to offer it for another rental. We had to borrow money to rent a vehicle. The same week we were dealing with that, in the summer's 118 heat, the A/C went out in our mobile home. We could not get it fixed until we got back. We asked a friend to stop in daily during those four days to feed the cat and let some air into the house during the day. The three of us left - me, Jane (a dear family friend and roomie) and Jane's son who would be helpful with large items in the house. The day after we got there, we got a call that the cat-sitter-of-sorts could not get into the house with the key we'd left. He'd drafted neighbors to try to get into one of the windows. No luck. For the next three days, we worried sick about whether the cat would survive our absence and the excessive heat.

To make a long story short, everything worked out, of course. The kitty had found the coolest spot in the house; there was still some water left in his bowl, but his crunchies were down to a teaspoonful - still, we all made it.

Troubles often do come in bunches. People of faith know that everything works out in the long run. However, when we are in the middle of a mess, or a bunch of messes, we often wish we could see the light at the end of that dark tunnel.

All I can do is pray for strength and patience for my friend. And I will do so with all my heart and soul.

Dear Father, please hear my prayer for this friend who you have helped in so many ways in the past. She needs you desperately right now. Hold her in the palms of your hands and close to your loving heart, and bring her and her loved ones through this dark time.

DIY Valentine Projects -Thumbprint Bookmarks

These are so cute and so easy for some folks on your list, the ones you want to remember with a token but useful gift. They are small enough to tuck into a card, or to give with a book. The tutorial is at this link, by Lila at SweetAndLovelyCrafts.

Her instructions and photos are clear and well-detailed. These are easy enough for those of you who want something the kids can help with. They are easy enough for some craft-challenged grownups, too!

Depending on the colors you use, they work for men, women and kids. Lila shows several different sayings and graphics that you can use, so there's sure to be something for everyone on your list.

This is part of my series (1/15-2/14) of Valentine projects.

This came in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

For other projects in this series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Hearts on Pillowcases, etc.

Don't let the photo limit your imagination on this one. These cute hearts require no sewing and can be any theme you wish. Check my suggestions below for gals, guys, and kids. Malia, over on YesterdayOnTuesday, shares an excellent tutorial, here, with well-detailed photos and instructions for this project.

Although the tutorial focuses on girly colors, you can easily use darker reds.

For the guys, you could use plaids or checks with reds.

For kids, you could use some of their fave outgrown clothes, the ones with dinosaur or cartoon or superhero prints.

It doesn't have to be a pillowcase, either. Give your most beloved crafter a tote covered with hearts. There is no limit to the ways you can use this technique.

You can use remnants from the fabric department or old blouses, shirts, and even curtains and other things in your rag-bag if they are crisp and of the right colors.

This came in one of my daily e-newsletters from CraftGossip.

For other projects in my series, just look along the right sidebar for the label "Valentine Projects." I will post only tips that do not require knitting, crocheting, machine sewing, tatting, embroidery, or any other skilled technique.

If you are feeling lazy, check my Etsy shop for items for your gift list.

DIY Valentine Projects - Solid Perfume

I found a tutorial for quick and easy handmade solid perfume. What a great Valentine gift this makes for our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects.

Be sure to read the comments on the tutorial post, here, at Instructables. There are lots of tips submitted by readers about types of oils for various fragrances. There are also tips about what you can use for containers for the fragrant balm.

These are wonderful for token gifts for lots of folks you want to gift with something special and personal.

I was very surprised to see, in the comments on that page, other oils that can be used instead of the one listed in the recipe.

Making Routine Prayers Less Routine - Part 1

Most of us pray in one of two ways - with routine prayers or with spontaneous prayers.

There is a place in our spiritual life for both.

With routine prayers, the words have already been written or documented by someone in the past and have stood the test of time. They are good, honest, from-the-heart prayers. These include standards such as the Lord's Prayer, given to us by God's son himself. It includes simple childhood prayers like Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, and many more. Each religion or faith has its own.

Sometimes, after we have said these words over and over, through the weeks and months and years of our lives, they become so routine we really don't even hear the words we are saying. At those times, if I realize I have been praying without attention, I try to vary them.

One way is to change the emphasis on one word in each sentence or phrase. So, instead of saying Now I lay me down to sleep, for example, someone could say, one night, NOW I lay me down to sleep, and another night, Now I lay ME down to sleep. Or, one night, we could say God BLESS everyone, and another night, God bless EVERYone.

This small change sort of wakes up the brain and the soul. Suddenly, we're thinking once more of the words we are saying.

Father, the mere fact that I take the time to pray is, I hope, pleasing to you. But please accept these small changes in the way I pray as evidence that I truly care about what I am saying at these times.

DIY Valentine Projects - Felt Fortune Cookies

Aren't these great? And they are so easy to make. This is a little token gift that works for men, women and children alike as part of our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects. You can tuck candies inside, too.

These are on the Martha Stewart website, at this link. I have links, below, for places to get free sayings for inside the cookies, if you are creatively-challenged in that way.

Be sure the read the Comments on the Martha Steward post because they discuss things like the best adhesives to use for the combo of wire and felt. I almost missed that myself. I'm glad that I took the time to read them.

Here are two places to get free sayings for inside the cookies.

This first site includes sayings related to five different categories: love, motivational, corporate, general and funny.

The second site includes over 600 sayings submitted by various people.

Even though these are red and pink in the photo, they could be any color, for any celebration, so this project is definitely a keeper.

DIY Valentine Projects - Paper Heart Garland or Trims

This is definitely quick and easy and a cute idea for Valentine trims, decor and any other way you choose to use it. The post is at this link is here at How About Orange.

It is part of our series (1/15-2/14) of handmade Valentine projects.

Although posted as a paper heart garland, I'm sure lots of you have already decided on other uses for these hearts already. I can see these at a work station or hanging in your window at home.

This method is great for anyone who cannot cut a decent heart to save her life (me).

Although Jessica says it is a project to do with the kids, I do not see anything wrong with busy adults taking advantage of the tutorial.

I found this project in my daily e-newsletter from CraftGossip.

Starting Tomorrow, Handmade Valentine Gifts

Tomorrow I hope to begin posting for a few weeks with links to quick and easy projects suitable for Valentine gifts.

As with the Christmas series, none of these will require special crafting skills such as crocheting, knitting, or even a lot of sewing.

The Beginnings of Wisdom Come So Late in Life

Many times I have posted on this Blog about my inability to keep quiet when arguments begin. Most times, it is when I feel I can help the person see or do what I think is right.

I wrote last February about Turning the Other Cheek. I wrote in December of 2010 about When Silence is Golden. I posted several times in 2011, most recently in October, about Praying Instead of Speaking.

Obviously, this is not something I find easy to do. I do not seem to be a willing pupil of the Lord's in this area of my life. Yet, my prayers have been answered a little more each day. It has been many weeks since a heated argument with one person, in particular. Today, unfortunately, I let myself go and shouted and ranted and, of course, got nowhere.

I thought back to my beloved Mother, gone now since '94. She was 76 when she passed away. A year or two before that, she confessed to me that she had finally, in her early 70s, learned when to just give in and keep quiet. She said that she did this especially when saying something wouldn't help anyway.

I thought back to my beloved long-time friend, Jane, gone now three years. She was 80 when she passed on. She, too, had confessed to me that she finally learned to stop fighting a losing battle with people who weren't going to hear her words no matter how true or heartfelt they were. She said she had come to this conclusion during her 70s.

Well, here it is - my own 70s. Slowly, ever so slowly, I am learning this lesson as well. But why does it take so long for us to gain this wisdom? I think it's simply because we are human beings with our own free will. This free will is a wondrous gift from God. However, this free will can cause us to be very stubborn at times.

The good news is that when I looked back, last year, I posted once a month, at one point, every month. Then I managed to get through the rest of October, November, and December, until today. Yes, this is very good news. Does that mean I am finally "growing up" in the ways of the Lord, finally gaining wisdom? Perhaps. Only time will tell.

All right, my Sweet Lord, I guess I am finally getting the message. Still, I ask for your continued patience with me while I make some even greater distance between these episodes. I might be slow to learn, but I truly, truly want to learn this lesson well and to please you by doing so.

Crazy Crafters Wanted for New TV Show!

I found this post via my daily CraftGossip e-newsletter. Go to this link for the scoop on this new TV show.

They are looking for crazy crafters. This includes everything from hoarding, addictions, and more. I won't re-write everything in the post - it says it better than I can, and includes the email addy for contacting the show. I just wanted to share this with anyone who might be interested.

I'm not inclined to want TV crews poking around my home but an awful lot of crafters are far more adventurous than I am. For the folks would enjoy it, this sounds like heaven. Good luck!

Sharing, Caring, and Normal Life - Fitting It All In

Sometimes a few of my well-meaning friends advise me to think about curbing my need to help others. They feel that I am stressing myself out or stretching myself too thin when I do these things.

In a way I am stressed and I do have too much on my plate. But it is not because of my helping others. That part brings me so much joy at the end of the night. Just knowing that I was able to do something, no matter how small, for someone who God placed on my life's path, warms my heart so much.

The part that stresses me is that fact that I have truly become very lazy about organizing the rest of my time, my space, and my obligations. I have simply let it all fall in and around me. I do whatever is most urgent. I do not do things in the wisest order. I need a great deal of help with this part of my life. And, I think it's time I asked the Lord himself for help in this matter.

Father, you know I love helping those who need my help. You also know I would be able to do it better if I could get the rest of my life in order. Help me, please, to organize my life and my thoughts so that I can do your will to an amazing degree. Help me to fit it all in, the way you know it will best work for both of us.

Coupon Heaven!

Earlier this week, I blogged about a great site I discovered, called Recyclebank.

Basically, this is a site which promotes recycling and green activities to help our environment. BUT it is NOT boring! It is so much fun.

For example, you get points for reading about how Kashi recycles their cartons, and about how other manufacturers or companies help the atmosphere.

Each thing you read, or each mini-quiz you answer, or each "pledge" you take, earns you points. I just love it. A "pledge" is no big deal - there are no "pledge--police" - it's between you and yourself.

But today, I really got excited because I went back in and used some more of my points. I had seen offers there for Clean Well products and Earth Friendly products and today I opened another window and searched to see which stores nearby carried them - Fresh & Easy is nearby and they stock them, so I lassoed those coupons for sure...here's what I collected from the Recyclebank site this week:

January 09, 2012
Friskies Can Food for Cats - 2 free cans

January 11, 2012
Kashi - Save $2 On Any One Kashi® Food
Earth Friendly Products - $2 Off Any Product
Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food - Buy two (2) 3oz cans of Fancy Feast® Gourmet Cat Food, Get one (1) FREE, up to $0.80
CleanWell - $1.50 Off Any CleanWell Product 4oz. or Larger, or 40 ct. Canister
Macy's - $10 Off Your Next $50 In-Store Purchase

I checked the Kashi prices today at the store and that coupon will get me a BIG box of Kashi cereal for half off!

The reason I got the Macy's coupon is because for the past two months we wanted to get Frank a new shaver and when I saw the Macy's offer, I checked their site and found that they have exactly the one he wants, for $49.99 - we'll pick up a candy bar for a dollar to make it $50 before tax, and that should enable us to use the coupon.

I'm going back in tomorrow and get more coupons for the cat food - it just dawned on me that the "add to cart" function included a place to state how many coupons you wanted. Shoot - I think I have enough points to buy for my little guy for the week.

Now I've got to go back in, do some more "green" and "recycle" thingies at their site, and build my points back up.

Earning Easy Rewards from Recyclebank

There is a site that I have meant to share with you for a while and keep forgetting to do so. I must do it now while it's on my mind. This is not really a review because I really like this site and what it does. It is mostly a "sharing" post.

Recyclebank informs you about green options while offering fun ways to learn about how to help the environment and save while you are at it. There are over 3 million folks registered currently. That is a lot of people who are already trying to help those around them while they are helping themselves.

Basically, you register, you visit their site and earn points and collect rewards for simply caring about the world around you. You can earn points several ways and more are added all the time.

You can earn points by reading about a green topic. I haven't read a boring topic yet.

You can earn points by answering brief quizzes. The quizzes are fun and informative. They are very simple and quick. You don't need to be afraid that you will answer incorrectly. You will still get your points because they will let you know the correct answer afterwards. Their whole goal is to inform you.

You can earn points by pledging to take a green action. Don't worry - there are no green police to watch that you fulfill your pledge - it is between you and yourself alone. But the pledges are all sensible and you will want to fulfill many of them.

Many of these are interactive.

Once you are registered, you will receive regular emails. Some will advise you that there are some new actions to review so you can earn more points. Once you begin to accumulate points, you will receive a weekly email detailing the points you earn each week.

What can you do with your points? Just today, I printed out a coupon for two free cans of Friskies for my beloved Tigger. There are some rewards I want to get but I have to check a few stores locally first to be sure I can find somewhere to use the coupons.

Rewards are always changing or being added. Some of the reward sponsors that you might recognize are: Kiss My Face, Q-Tips, Green Mountain Coffee, Ruby Tuesday, Macy's, and K-Mart. See what I mean? The rewards are useful and desirable.

Okay, I did my good deed for the day. Now you've got to treat yourself to some information and some points. Hop on over to Recyclebank and check it out.

Oh, and did I mention that you also get points for referring folks if they sign up? What fun it is to help ourselves while we are helping others. It doesn't cost any of us a penny. How great is that?

Thrift Store Yarn Bonanza's for Charity Crafters

Many of us who do charity crafting either knit or crochet. We almost always begin using the leftovers in our own stash. Once in a while, after word gets around, folks drop yarn off to us. This is all good and most welcome. But it only works for a while.

Once bitten by the charity crafting bug, a victim needs more and more yarn. Making all those scarves, hats, gloves, lapghans, shawls, preemie clothes and baby blankies gobbles up the yarn faster than most of us can accumulate it.

Not only that, many of us cannot afford to buy new skeins to satisfy the growing need.

Two of the gals in our Friday morning charity crafting group are, to me, thrift store goddesses. These two are experts. They take their meager charity yarn budget and hit the list of stores they have accumulated over the past two or three years. I have marveled at their tales of their finds.

Most recently, one wise shopper said that she really made a buy at this one particular store this past week. For $10, she almost literally dragged two huge bags of yarn of all colors to her SUV. She said that she had carefully nurtured a relationship with one of the clerks who tries to put some aside for her, knowing she will make her rounds every few weeks.

I am now getting very eager to tell my own thrift shop yarn-bargain story. This coming week, my SSA will hit and I hope to squeeze $10 or $20 out of it to hit at least four shops in my immediate area. I can't afford as much for gas as others do, but if I make a careful loop of these four shops, I should be able to do it.

Of course, if I spend it all on a bonanza in one shop, that will be even better.

Qualifying for Assistance Programs

Although I have written at times about some assistance programs our household has used, I need to make something clear. We are very careful to only accept the help we are qualified for. When we no longer need the help, we get off the program.

Once, for instance, last year, we were on food stamps for a few months. Each month, as mandated, we sent copies of my nephew's part time pay stubs and my social security deposits. Once we were at the limit, we stopped immediately.

I honestly believe that God helps those who help themselves. In our society, there are many programs which can help us in various stages of need. There is no reason to not use them, if we qualify.

Another time, when a dear family friend in the household was in deep need of an access ramp to our mobile home, we found she qualified for a wonderful metal ramp that an agency built for her. It enabled her to use a scooter and added to the dwindling quality of life she was constantly facing. We were very fortunate that time.

There have been other times when we were not qualified for some programs because we were honest in our declarations.

However, it is not that way with everyone. I have overheard some conversations when folks were entering or leaving. I have heard them discussing which income they do not intend to declare, or which family members they do not plan to mention.

I am not patting myself on the back. I am just plain scared to cross the Lord by lying blatantly when I need his help. I won't say it hasn't been tempting at times to withhold some information which would disqualify us. These days, however, I need to have the Lord's blessing as strongly as I can get it.

So, when I mention the few times we accept or use a program or two, it is only when we truly need it and if we truly qualify for it. I am too chicken to do otherwise.

Dear Father, thank you for the times you have led us to the sources of help when we have needed it.

The Need for Photo Variety in Etsy Shops

A friend asked me today about a problem she was having uploading her photos to her Etsy shop. It turned out to be an easy fix. Her photos were the proper format - Etsy will only allow jpg uploads. However, the files were too large and all she needed to do was compress them.

I visited her shop to see how it was coming along, and I made a few suggestions to her about some additional photos she might want to add.

Etsy shoppers need to know all about whatever we put in our shops. They are not in a store. They cannot pick up, feel, smell, or otherwise get any sensory idea of the quality of our work.

Etsy allows five photos per item. I try to use at least three different views of each item.

For instance, with my bell towel hangers, I have images of the bells clustered together, plus a photo of each of two different towels inside the bell hangers, plus a photo of the inside of the bell, showing the towel holder loop.

With my Home Sweet Home hanging, I show a closeup of the signage, plus a photo of the braided hanging loop, a photo of the lace trimming, and a photo of the whole sign.

One good marketing reason for the variety of angles and views is that the more photos of different views that the visitor has to click on, the longer they are staying and thinking about the item.

Be sure that each photo is a slightly different view, though. Five photos of almost the same angles will just be boring and overkill.

Photos alone will not sell an item, but they can entice the visitor to think about it a little longer, and hopefully to buy.

Accepting Help Gracefully

I've written twice before about my resistance to accepting help from others. Back in 2008, I mentioned that I thought it was because of pride. Then, in 2009, I thought it was because of arrogance. Tonight, I went back and read those posts again. I think I have made a lot of progress. The Lord seems to have answered my prayers for help in accepting help from others.

Thursday, for instance, a friend and his wife and I drove around (he was driving his van) trying to find places for them to sign up for occasional bags of free groceries. I had promised to show him these places a while ago, and decided that I'd better do this while I had a free morning.

He had the patience of a saint, trite as that sounds. Because of his patience, and after we'd made three stops, miles apart, we came home with some most welcome additions to the pantry. We didn't get tons of meat and produce, but we got some things to fill in the gaps and to extend what we had in our kitchens, to add a little variety to a very plain low-income selection.

In the meantime, this couple had some free coupons for a buffet and they offered to take my nephew (he's 55) and I to lunch that same day. My nephew was supposed to work to cover someone's shift but they cancelled the shift suddenly. Unexpectedly, I had nothing prepared for us for lunch or dinner and no cash to buy it with right then. This was a treat in two ways - we had not been "out" to eat in several months, plus eating at a buffet just after Noon would surely fill us and we could just snack in the evening or have a can of soup.

Instead of my usual "you shouldn't" and "we really can't impose," this time I thanked them happily, called my nephew and told him to be ready when we got to the house. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our friends seemed to thoroughly enjoy our company as well.

Later that night, I realized that at one point, I wondered why they would bother to include us and then I realized I had helped them to get on the list for free food once a month. Prior to that, they had no knowledge of where to go and how to approach these centers. They ended up, also, with a list of other places. This will help them immensely in the coming months. He is hoping to begin picking up side money doing some handyman jobs in our community.

I mentioned this to a friend and she said she had noticed that many times, lately, she and her husband had received unexpected favors. Many times, it did not come from someone they had helped directly. However, they have a habit, like I do, of helping anyone who comes to them if it is something they can honestly help with.

Father, thank you so much for all the help others have extended to our household, and thank you, too, for trusting me enough to send folks my way so that I can help them in your name.

Question for Plastic Canvas Crafters About "Nubbies"

Most of you know that I usually crochet, but there are some plastic canvas projects I also make. When I make my plastic canvas and satin ribbon crosses, I have no problem with what I call "nubbies" because the edges are left ragged and uncut.

However, when I make the cross-in-my-pocket items or magnets or anything else, I go crazy with the "nubbies."

"Nubbies" are what I call the little smidgeons of pieces on the sides of the pieces of canvas. Most times, I cut them off while leaning forward over a little trash basket. Even then, there are sure to be a few (or a few dozen) of those little poppy-seed size pieces of plastic that fly onto the carpet. I am forever using the carpet sweeper to get them up so that they do not get into Tigger's fur. Plastic, no matter what size, in a pet's belly, turns as hard as glass and is as damaging. Even without the beloved cat, walking in one's bare feet over those "nubbies" is not pleasant.

So, my question:

How do each of YOU deal with the "nubbies"?

I do not have enough room, at present, to lay pieces flat and slice with a crafter's knife or tool, so that's out for now. I cannot wait for some practical, realistic replies.

Slow Start to 2012 Posts but Happy New Year to All

I seem to be getting a really slow start on my blog posts this year. Hopefully, I can do something useful tomorrow. For tonight, I just wanted to write something brief, hoping it will kick-start me into action.

The blog posts are the only things that are slow to start, however.

Craft-wise, I am trying to finish some crocheted slippers I promised some folks for Christmas and otherwise. Four pair are for one particular family and I have two of the four pair finished. Two other pairs are for two of our Friday morning Charity Crafters. It's just something I've done since our group started - made each member a pair.

Also, a local minister ordered 100 of my plastic canvas with satin ribbon crosses. I have the plastic canvas rectangles cut now, as of an hour ago. Tomorrow, I begin cutting the cross shapes. That takes a while, perhaps two or three days. Saturday, I need to run to Joann's for the satin ribbon. They should be finished in a week to 10 days.

Charity Crafting moves along, always. We have another new member. Until now, only one of us has ever seen her. About a month ago, she saw one of our members in their mobile home community while Louise was making something for our group. She became interested. She knits and has already donated six pairs of crocheted slippers, baby blankies, and more. She plans to come over this Friday and we'll all get a chance to meet her.

Prayer-wise, even when I do not post about it at the end of the day, there is never a day that goes by without my saying not just one, but many prayers. Feeling connected with the Lord in these one-on-one conversations helps me make it through each day. Praying frequently, about big things and little things alike, keeps my spirits up. The way I figure it, when I pray about it, I have placed the concern in God's hands and I can move on to other things, trusting that he is working on it for me.

Then there was our monthly mobile home community newsletter which I write, edit, print and staple, on a volunteer basis, at the end of each month. In December, only a short week ago, I ran really late on that. Normally, it's two days, tops, time-wise. This time, I had trouble with both the dedicated laser printer and with my personal ink jet printer. Drums, toner, cartridges; duplex printing half of the job, single sided the rest of the job. It took me almost five days, because of dealing with the printer issues, to get it out of my hands.

So, although my posts are starting slow, my days surely are not running slow. In fact, I like it better that way because it keeps my mind sharp. Or, at least I think it does - maybe I'm fooling myself.

No matter.

I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone a wonderful 2012!