It is amazing what just 5 ladies have accomplished already in our tiny charity crafting group. Our senior mobile home community has over 400+ homes and probably close to 1,000 residents. We only have 4 of our own ladies, plus 1 sister-in-law from a nearby community, in our Friday morning (10 to Noon) sessions at our clubhouse.
One of our women does not even attend the sessions, due to other commitments, but every other month since we began, she drops off a huge lawn/leaf bag filled with her work for preemies.
We began back on 4/3/09. In the beginning, we worked on preemie hats and sweaters, and little by little, added things for the homeless (fingerless gloves, caps/hats, scarves) and for a local long-term care center (lap throws, shawls, and more).
Sometimes it's hard to believe we have already made several hundred items, and have outgrown the original two totes I designated at home for these items.
Although we began as a knit-and-crochet group, we have expanded. Some residents drop off VCR tapes, decks of cards, and puzzle books, for the long-term care center.
One person who just does not do needlework figured out how to cut scarves out of fleece lap throws, fringe them (again, just cutting them), and ends up with warm scarves for the homeless. She doesn't do one single stitch!
So it does not matter if you do not knit or crochet or sew. There is something each of us can do for those in need, locally. It all begins with just a thought, and then one item, and then one more, and on and on. It's a wonderful feeling.
I rarely post twice in one day, but I received a comment on my earlier post from this evening. This comment was from a gal who thought she was un-crafty. I don't think there is such a thing. I had to go back through my posts because I covered this, happily, last year. I'm putting the links to five posts that show you how to get some great ideas, especially if you think you are like Kelly. The five links are below.
The first post explains why you, too, can find something special that you can make. Chcek out "You are craftier than you think you are."
The second and third posts detail two sites filled with all kinds of easy-to-do craft projects, many from recycled things you already have in your house - CraftBits and FaveCrafts. Be sure to check them out.
The fourth post is one that covers quick and easy gag or novely gift ideas. Worth looking into.
And the last one is something many of you will be happy to discover for your gifts: Recycled gift bows!
Have fun. Remember, everyone has some skills, so just don't give up - keep surfing these sites and you'll find a few that are easy for you!
TIP: The biggest tip I can give you is to check out the kids' projects. Many, many times, I have found some great ideas that are supposedly for children but which I ended up using myself. So whenever you visit a crafter's site, always check out the area for kids.
