Apron Patterns + Tutorials & #Sewing Aprons For Haiti

17 May posted by

 

Dear Creatives, I am starting to sew some aprons for Haiti using a pattern & tutorial I came across. This volunteer apron project is going on at Craft Hope until the end of May if you haven’t heard of it. It is for a great cause & I did a little round up of easy to do apron tutorials! Yes, you can make one in ten minutes or more if you want to join in. I promise to share what I make, but being so busy this week I don’t have time for pictures, editing…  { all about the apron project & address at end of post} First up the tutorials & patterns.

This is a 10 minute apron tutorial for a pillow case apron from Betz White.

Quick & Easy Apron Tutorial via Feathered Nest

& if you’d like to do some searching here is a round-up of round-ups! So many to choose from.

Tutorial  & Pattern Round Ups 

Craft Hope Project # 17

It is unlikely that the average Haitian woman will ever receive anything that is special and pretty, something just for herself. Daily life for the Haitian woman is grueling and backbreaking. Most have to carry 5-gallon buckets of water on their heads from miles away. Cooking is done in a pit in the ground from handmade charcoal. The few pieces of clothing they have are washed in the river and hung to dry. To receive something as precious as an apron made with love from pretty new fabrics would go a long way in making a Haitian women feel special. We would love for you to join us as we sew and collect aprons for the women of Haiti!

Craft Hope on Facebook – Aprons for Haiti

Guidelines for Project Apron:

  • –Pretty-but-practical full or half aprons (nothing too frilly, ruffly or lacey)
  • –Washable fabrics only please
  • –Pockets are a plus
  • –You may include a handwritten note with your apron if you like. Someone will be available to translate when we deliver the aprons

Please send all aprons to:
HAITI BY HAND
3333 Benton Road
Cedar Hill TN 37032
–Contact Rebecca at haitibyhand@att.net with any questions.

For more information about Haiti by Hand please visit their blog at www.haitibyhand.typepad.com

Deadline: May 31, 2012

If you are just learning to sew Aprons are a great starter project! Join in if you like!

Do you sew?

Have you heard of Craft Hope? Have you done any other projects for Craft Hope? 

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Filed Under: Charities, Crafts, Patterns, Sewing

Heart of Haiti

26 Apr posted by

 

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

Dear Creatives, I have to share a little bit of why Heart of Haiti has touched me so much & why I want to help spread the word to help Haitian artisans to rebuild their lives. My grandma was from a large family, life wasn’t simple on the farm in Texas. As an older woman who still had struggles, but had all the necessities needed she taught me to be understanding & helping to others in need. Something I carry with me to this day.

 It was the earthquake of Dec. 22, 2003 when we experienced the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.5.

Paso Robles, CA Earthquake 2003Wiki Pedia

 

Flash back to 2003 & the Paso Robles, CA Earthquake; with grate fear that day we both (Krissy & I) ran down the hall to get Sammie who was then still just a baby, floors rocking like a ship at sea in a storm, walls moving, feeling dizzy & not knowing where we would be safe as this was the most violent earthquake we had experienced. We were lucky, with only minor damages to our home & no injuries, but someone I knew wasn’t as lucky. A young man who worked for me at the time, I saw on  tv during the news, his fiancee was in the downtown brick building that totally collapsed. She was killed in the earthquake.

Later while attending the services which packed the church I could only image the heartache for this family & my co worker. Now when I hear of natural disasters I have a taste of the devastation & pain it can cause.  Here our town square was rebuilt, but two lost their lives that day & 40 others injured. This wasn’t my first big earthquake, but it was the first where I knew a person that lost their life. I can’t imagine if I lost everything &  how we would rebuild or survive!

  January 12, 2010 Haiti Earthquake 7.0

Haiti 2010 Earthquake {Wiki Pedia}

90 percent of the town’s buildings had been destroyed. 3 million people had been affected by the quake

Now, fast forward to today! Helping Heart of Haiti.

 

 

The loss of life & of Haiti was far worse than I have seen in my lifetime, I applaud & support Macy’s Heart of Haiti program! Supporting so many, just like Pascale. ( her story above) I hope you will too! Know we can help in such a simple way by supporting this program. To find out more about it visit Macy’s Heart of Haiti where you can see videos of artisan communities & how its done, or simple make a purchase to give someone special this mother’s day. There are so many choices, not just jewelry to give that special mom or mom to be. From vases, frames, pot holders, serving ware……

 

Here are only a  few examples of the beautiful craftsmanship of Heart of Haiti.

All the items are beautifully hand crafted from the artisans of Haiti. This mother’s day I am giving Krissy a follow your heart necklace as a reminder of how blessed we were that day & to share the memory of my grandmother, along with my mom who have been gone from our lives, but their messages are still carried in our heart. To reach out & help others in need, along with being taught to follow our passions. I sincerely hope you join me in helping to continue to help Haiti rebuild their communities.

{Heart of Haiti} Listen to the stories, meet the artisans, find out how its helping & to make a purchase.

What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry and paintings and is made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.

 

What life lessons have you taken from your special grandma, mom, step mom or mother figure? How are you honoring them this Mother’s Day?

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

 

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Filed Under: art, Charities, Crafts, Gifts, Inspired Living

New Sponsors & Valentine Gift Ideas

11 Feb posted by

 

Dear Creatives, I wanted you to meet a few new sponsors to Dear Creatives. I am excited to share them with you as I know they are going to have items you are going to love, discounts you can appreciate & more. Please know that every time you visit a sponsor, decide to make a purchase by buying something for yourself or as a gift it helps me be able to write Dear Creatives. A win, win. I don’t always talk about my sponsors they are on the side bar yet sometimes I blog about their products,the whole while always sharing my honest opinion. If I try products or do a review of products it is the same, always given with an honest opinion!

First up Magazines.com

 

Have you ever flipped through a Victoria Magazine? It is romantic, full of flowers, gardens & pretty things that would make you fall in love every time you see it!?

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Some of my favorite things to do on a rainy day is curl up on the couch & flip through some of my favorite magazines! So I welcome my newest sponsor Magazines.com with their special offer for you! Another favorite thing of mine is passing on savings like this $5 off Coupon for Magazines.com

 

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iconMartha Stewart is one of my craft magazines. Although I love a few others just as much & saw more, I thought I’d share they carried her.  What is your favorite craft magazine? Or are you like me & have way more than one?

 
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iconWhen I am not swooning over blogs, visiting blogging friends along with meeting new bloggers, I also enjoy reading about them & their authors. I have a few copies of Artful Blogging laying around. Do you? If you haven’t read this magazine it is total eye candy. (& they have gift cards) Save up to 85% + Free Shipping on the perfect Valentine’s Day Gift! Shop by recipient, personality or price at the Magazines.com Gift Center.

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Next up Jessica Simpson!

 

 

Yes, a little fashion is needed in my wardrobe.
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When looking at sponsors I really wanted to add some fashion sponsors, so I could pass on savings & discounts to you. Sometimes when working with arts & crafts along with being a mom you really can forget to stay fashion forward. Now I don’t going around in a robe all day or pretty dresses like one, but it is nice to find pretty things a dress up a bit every now & then.

 

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After working all day in clothes that get hit with glue, paint & the likes I always clean up prior to picking up Sammie from school. Even if it is just nice jeans & a pretty blouse.

 

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Or jeans & a tee with a cute sweater along with pumps. Perfect for running errands. Then there is the occasional party or lunch / dinner with the Mr.

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Now this is something I would wear out with a little jacket or sweater, perfect for a Valentines lunch or dinner.  { hint, hint to the Mr. }What about you? What type of clothing do you enjoy wearing? The reasons I loved Jessica Simpsons site, high end yet affordable, along with offering free shipping over $100.

Being a mom I prefer to be a seasonal shopper. I don’t have time to run around all the time, not to mention I live in a smaller town. So if you shop like me, not shopping that often, but season to season with clothes you are going to love Jessica Simpson’s site & sales. I have always loved her shoes & handbags!  { a girl can never have too many can she?}

To see more Shop for the latest styles at JessicaSimpsonCollection.com!

 

 

 Last, but certainly not least Sierra Club

 

Lastly you know how I love nature, right? Well Sierra Club is another one of my affiliate sponsors. I am sure to share more about Sierra Club & how they help nature, but did you know; John Muir (1838-1914) was America’s most famous and influential naturalist and conservationist, was founder of Sierra Club. I really feel we need to do our daily part to help nature. Here is how you can help them today!

Sign a Sierra Club petition to protect America’s lakes, rivers and streams.

Or sponsor them on behalf of someone & gift it to your nature lover. What a sweet Valentine’s gift to give a gift that gives back along with supporting nature. You can even find out about how you can sponsor a specific animal or national park.  Coming up in April is Earth Day so you can even visit Sierra Club to  Find out about Earth Day events in your area.

 

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Join their organization &  Make a difference — join Sierra Club today!
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I hope you enjoyed meeting my new sponsors & remember to visit them every so often or even today if you have time. If you are interested in sponsoring me, have a shop you want on my site or want to sponsor a giveaway~ just email me via contact information on sidebar!

What do you usually give your Valentine?

How to help children by sending a Valentine see this post:

Hope Unlimited Valentine Project & see some  free printable s to share! It’ll only cost you a Stamp & Envelope along with a moment of your time!

Have something crafty, creative to share link up on my Feature Friday Link Up! or peek around for more Valentine posts via side bar!

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Filed Under: Charities, discounts, Gifts, Nature

Valentines Freebies & A Special Valentine Cause

9 Feb posted by

 

Dear Creatives, More Sweet Printable s! A round up for loving, printing & sending a Valentine for a special cause.

Shut the front door & say you love me, with a kiss! 18 free via Thankyoucardsshopblog AmyIsTheParty

Whether you like cute or classic there is one sure to please you!

 

 

 

TheRubberPunkin

20 free Valentines printable s all different styles, like the examples above all lined up in one spot for the picking! via this post TheStylist.com

 

 

Hope Unlimited Valentine's Project

Now, that you have the 411 on getting your free Valentines how about connecting to a cause that will only cost you a stamp & envelope to put your extra Valentine’s in! I met Vicki from Vickidesigner.com via a blog hop {she has a free printable too! } & found out about a great cause Hope Unlimited For Children & Hope Unlimited’s Annual Valentine Project!  (Vicki has a wonderful write up of the cause along with the freebie on her post).

Hope Unlimited has a special way of helping restore children, along with healing from past abuse with their program. There is a celebration of renewed hope. Hope Unlimited is about transformation. Their stories of a tragic beginnings absolutely overwhelmed by a triumphant end. This is a ministry, along with celebration of new life & hope where Valentine’s are passed out on the Day of Love. To find out more about this cause visit links above. You can send the cards all the way up until April & you can send many in one package! Then Hope Unlimited will get them to children in Brazil for their day of love!

To simply share love, happiness & hope you can by sending a Valentine’s Card. Help these girls celebrate their new beginning!

Send your Valentines to:

Please send your cards marked “Valentine Project”

Hope Unlimited for Children, PO Box 2707, Los Alamitos, CA 90720

 
Grab the address & button, share, tweet & blog your own post too. I’ll be back with the Valentine’s Cards I’ve been making so stay tuned.
UPDATE:
 I found out that you can link up with others who are supporting this cause at Susan’s blog My Place Is Yours. I also found out the children speak Brazilian Portuguese, but cards can be translated (or) Also you could write:

Sua amiga (Your friend)
Com amor (With love)
Deus te abençoe. (God bless you.)
Você é uma menina linda!  (You are a beautiful young lady!)
Saiba que você é amada. (Know that you are loved.)

Don’t forget to subscribe via Rss, or one of the other new choices on the side bar since GFC is no longer.

Please see related Valentines posts for more freebies!

Printable Valentine Freebies

Vintage Valentine Printables

{ & more links via these two posts}

 

Do you have any causes near & dear to your heart?

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Filed Under: Charities

Breast Cancer Awareness & Hope

24 Oct posted by

 

Dear Creatives, As most of you know it is Breast Cancer Awareness month. Today I wanted to stop & share some pink inspiration & ways you can help for a great cause!

Dawn McVey

I found this via Dawn Mcvey”s blog Rasberry Suite where she is sharing all kinds of wonderful paper crafting goodness just being released by Papertrey Ink.

The wonderful thing about this set of stamps is all the proceeds will be donated to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Livestrong the Lance Armstrong Foundation. How great is that! You can even purchase the die cut ribbon from the same link. If you love paper crafting / card making be sure & visit Dawns blog as it has lots of inspiration & she shares the products she used to make the cards.

 

 

Warriors In Pink

 

I know when I am taking Sammie off to school to drop her off & then back to start my blogging or crafting I could use a “green” travel mug that is supporting ” pink”.  The best part is 100% of net proceeds ($8.50 each) goes to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. Warriors In Pink is also selling scarfs, tees, hoodies & hats… all to help for the cure!

 

 

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I think the key to helping is bringing awareness, donating, making purchases that give back, participate in a walk, crafting for the cause, wearing pink……! There are so many ways to help! Remember it is up to you to do self exams & make appointments for mammograms! & remember to check with your local radiology offices many are having reduced fees in the month of October for mammograms, I know ours is!

Here is a list of Organizations to help for the Breast Cancer Cause:

 

 

Pinterest

Ladies & Gentlemen it is time to do something to help! Has Breast Cancer touched you or someone you love or loved in some way?

Do you have another way someone can help? List it with a comment!

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Filed Under: Charities, Crafts

Craft Hope: Caring, Crafting, Giving Back

5 Oct posted by

 

Dear Creatives, Craft Hope is an organization that is {spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time} They could use some help with their last project of the year so I wanted to share with you about Craft Hope s latest project! Project 15: Sock Monkeys for victims of the Texas wildfires. The main requirement is that they are handmade. Once again, this is a great project for kids. Clothing is optional on the monkeys. But it would be great to “add a tutu or a scarf, “as stated by Jade. “It is getting chilly out.”

The deadline for Project 15 is November 24, 2011. Thanksgiving. This will be Craft Hope s last project for 2011 so jump on board!

Craft Hope

 

Craft Hope has a list of tutorials if you have never made a sock monkey* the one from their book is free & it seems like it would be an easy project to do! What a great way to give back. To find out more about Craft Hope visit their site.

Here is where to mail your completed sock monkey s :

Jade Sims
2305 Brookhollow Terrace
Georgetown, TX 78626

Ready, set, create!

Have you done a craft project for a good cause before?

This would be the perfect chance to create & give back for this year & follow along with Craft Hope for next years projects!

Craft Hope Spreading seeds of hope one stitch at a time

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Filed Under: Charities, Crafts, Sewing