At this time of year there is much focus on the giving of gifts. It’s a wonderful, fuzzy feeling you get when you see someone you care about opens a gift you put time or thought into. However, I honestly, wish people would be in this mindset all year through, don’t you? Just think of what a better world it would be if we did. Today, we’re having a Christmas Finding Home celebration to keep that spirit alive.
If you’re new to what our Finding Home program is all about, let me sum it up for you:
A month has flown by since my family and I launched our Finding Home program and we couldn’t be more excited to be back at it with two new chapters. In my last post about this program, I shared we did a triple gift delivery of three furniture pieces to three different deserving families. This time, I’m not only sharing the happy ending of two more of those three stories, but inviting you to the beginning of Finding Home Episode 2.
In my last update, I shared the story of the blue chest of drawers delivered to one deserving couple. Today, I’m proud to share with you the other two stories from our program beginning.
Lynne sent in her nomination for Taylor & Lindsey. They are a military family with three little
Today’s the day! I feel like a kid that’s been waiting to open a BIG birthday present, but instead I’m getting the sheer joy of giving presents to others. My family and I launched our Finding Home program a just over a week ago on my birthday with the intent of doing more for others. Join with us as we share our triple gift for the wrap up of our program launch.
In case you missed the original post about the Finding Home program, head over to catch up and even nominate someone you think is a fit. This chest of drawers above as originally seen in this post, was one of my favorite hand-painted pieces. It was chosen to be the first of, hopefully, many gifts to those who
“‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” – the words of Jesus from Acts 20:35 that I have heard throughout my life and wholeheartedly agree with. Nothing can compare to the joy that can be found in seeing someone delight in sacrificial love. Have you ever had that blessing bestowed upon you? I may not have been blessed with riches, and that is beyond fine with me. However, one thing I’ve always asked God that I have enough that I can share with others. My friends, today is all about Finding Home.
Have you ever had a longing in your heart to do something to make a difference in a BIG way. I kind of eluded to my desire in my New Beginnings post I did a few weeks back. I have other dreams that can not be acted on as of yet as I see God still working things out. However, one heart-felt leading that I did get was to
Not often do I get a chance to just take a minute to reflect with you and just step back and relax. I have been trying to look at my year ahead and figure out my goals and where I want to be this time next year. Time is something I always am saying I never have enough of, so when I had the opportunity to review a product by JORD, I excitedly jumped at the chance. Why? Let me explain…
*post sponsored by JORD Wood Watches – opinions are all my own (see full disclosure)
I had seen their gorgeous wood watches here and there on various fronts and loved that not only were their products pleasing to the eye, but actually made with life in mind. And…who can resist jewelry made out of wood? This may just make me change my motto, “Tools over jewels”.
The fall season is full upon us and our feathered friends will be either heading south or getting ready for the winter months ahead. Why not create a backyard oasis that will have them coming back for more? We are avid bird lovers in our home. We were delighted when a friend of mine gave us this DIY bird feeder made from a piece of firewood and rope. How easy is that?
Did you know that if you provide a back yard feast, birds will remember your yard as a place to return to when they come back from migrating? It’s a sweet reunion each season. Also, the birds that overwinter will love you for the protein packed goodies.
It’s birthday season in our home, which means beginning in January we have one birthday a month until June when there is two celebrations. This year will be different since I am expecting in early May, so we’ll have two in May and two in June. I am completely anxious for spring!!
Much like Christmas (and my Handmade Holiday series), birthday time around here means homemade or purposeful gifts.
My youngest boy is so wanting to be like his older brother, so I decided to give him a messenger bag just like his brother’s…
…with all the fixings to go bird watching – a favorite pastime in my family.
I will never deny that I am a thrifty person and this project is not exception. After all, Thomas Edison said it best, “The scope of thrift is limitless.” My kind of man.
All the materials for this bag came from second-hand purchases or were made at home, (minus the velcro & thread). Just time and creativity were all that were needed.
The basic pattern idea came from One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric!
I like boxed-corner bags for their ability to open wide and stand on their own when using a sturdy fabric.
I found all the fabric at Goodwill ($1 a yard minus my 20% off coupon = cheap!)and it was brand new denim, pinstripe blue, and sort of stretch cotton canvas for the lining – all found at different times. Never miss an opportunity to peruse the aisles of fabric for great finds!
See how it sits up all by itself so that my toddler-turned-big-boy can reach in for his equipment. I added a cut of thin foam to line the base which adds to the sturdiness.
Now for the fun bird graphic. Did you know there is no need to buy the expensive inkjet fabric sheets and that you can make your own?
See the tutorial here at Infarrantly Creative.
With the idea of giving my little guy a bird-watching bag, I wanted to add that theme to the outside, but definitely my style is vintage, so off to my all-time favorite graphics site, The Graphics Fairy for this adorable yellow bird image.
One last tidbit. I never throw anything that purpose away and it always pays off. I couldn’t find, for the life of me, a sliding adjustable clip for the strap at JoAnns or ANYWHERE! I didn’t have time to order it online, so I went to my stash of deconstructed purses, which includes all sort of hardware, and found exactly what I needed. A cast-off dog collar I found in my yard.
You see, my neighbor has an escape artist husky dog that chews out of the collar in a matter of hours and left this one in my yard. It had the exact hardware I needed – bingo!! I love it when things work out like that.
I’m not sure which he liked more out of the set, but he can’t wait to take it out and put it to use…just like his big brother.
Got questions? I’d love to help you if you need it!
Only a few more days until we get to “officially” celebrate the birth of Christ, but why wait? I love to pray over the people I’ll be gifting to, and, of course, for those I know and love who need a prayer.
Next to wood, my favorite sewing/stitching/crafting medium is felt, particularly wool felt. It’s so scrumptiously soft and is very forgiving. My focus is mainly for children today (why not, I have 6 of them), with some simple ideas for the young at heart.
Ready for the last week of Handmade Holidays? Let’s go! (You can find the links to the previous 3 weeks below)
Need a cake to celebrate Christ’s birth? How about a felt one?!
For a healthier treat, how about a garden?
…perfect for picking!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you and I hope you find time to really focus and be thankful for all of your blessings. Each year has ups and downs and the fact I’m still here should count for something!
Celebrating Christmas comes once a year (although we should celebrate the birth of our Savior all year long), and I love to try to make it so absolutely special for my family.
Because we make our gifts, it’s always fun to get my husband & kids involved, and work on projects together. Our favorite medium by far is WOOD.
Last week I shared Natural Bath & Body Gifts with recipes.
Ready for some woody fun?
My gang loves to give each other gifts, and instead of buying things for them to give each other, we encourage them to make the gifts they give. This usually entails working with them to create the gift, and that’s perfect for us to get to spend some quality time together.
My oldest son amazed me at the gifts he made for his siblings:
A Peg Bead Counter – just some dowel, beads, and a block of wood. Most all of the supplies can be found at your local craft store.
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