Feel good gifting

I wanted to get a blog out before everyone ran out and bought Christmas gifts this year. In the past, I've enjoyed giving gifts that also help someone/something else. A few years ago many people got Invisible Children bracelets, and although they weren't the most awesome, I found that everyone liked the idea that they were made by African children/women, and the proceeds went straight back there. So, I thought -- why not give others some feel good gift options? I will try not to go on and on and on....buttttt I'm not making an promises :)

1. Toms Shoes. duh.  You've got to be living under a rock...ok, a big rock... not to know about Tom's shoes. Website here They've really gotten creative, and there's a shoe for everyone! Even the babies! I personally want some cordones. Mom, are you reading this? :)

2. Scarfs by Worn. Order here These scarves are made by refugee women living here in the U.S. This project is headed by Catholic Charities Fort Worth, any my very dear friend Sara works there. This is such a neat website, be sure to read about The Women and Our Movement. 

  the website does better justice. 

3. (Red). Shop (Red) products here

Help raise money for an Aids Free Generation in 2015 by shopping at the Product(red) store. You're bound to find something on someone's list. They have Red Beats by Dre, Red iPhone covers, Red Belvedeer, Red strollers, Red Converse....there's no reason not to find something on someone's Santa list! 

4. One Hope Wino's shop here!

This is pretty neat. 50% of the proceeds go to one cause of your choice: Fight Against Autism, Supporting Our Planet, Fighting Against Breast Cancer, Supporting Our Troops, Fighting Against Aids, or Supporting Children's Hospitals. This would be a neat gift to take to a house party, or to add to a wine lover's gift basket. OR to buy for yourself :)

5. World Vision. Click click click

Guys -- I can't even begin to tell you about this awesome organization. You want to buy a cow for a small village? Go for it. You want to provide money for a well to provide fresh water? Why not! You want to sponsor a young child's education or provide money for necessary medications? Be my guest. There are over 100 unique gifts you can provide, and when donating for a gift, you make a donation with your gift recipient's name. This is such a cool idea for the person that has everything (yes, Dad, I mean you!). 

6. Invisible Children. I.C. Store

I truly believe this organization -- that began with young men traveling with no plan and a videocamera -- made me want to pursue social work. So, needless to say, I have a very soft spot in my heart for this organization. If you haven't seen the film, you really should. The LRA is still strong in Africa. Anyway -- buy the film, buy a shirt, messenger bag, or bracelet. 

7. World Wildlife Fund Animal Lover's Gift

This is so sweet. For those that cry EVERY TIME that awful ASPCA commercial featuring the SADDEST Sarah McLachlan song EVER, this may be the best gift. You can pick a species, from giraffe's to seahorses, and pick a $25, $50, or $100 donation in someone's name. With a $50 donation, you will get a plush animal, photo, and adoption certificate. Who wouldn't want this little guy?

8. Blank Cards. Autism Unicef

The autism cards are drawn by children with autism. 

UNICEF aims to improve the lives of children world wide.

9. Feeding America feedingamerica.org

Buy a needy family groceries for needy families. You can donate anywhere from $25  to $1,000. This would be great for those that want to see local cities benefit from our charitable efforts. 

10. Eco-Generation Kids For the Greeny's out there!

These kids tee's are made with water based inks and dyes. And they're cute :) 

11. Alzheimer's Association For those that love purple.

25 % of al proceeds benefit the Alzheimer's Association. It's $20.00. It's unique. Did I mention it's purple? 

12. Same Sky wrap bracelet www.samesky.com

This is really cool -- 100%, yes, 100% - total, all, everything, EVERY CENT, goes back to this company. Rwandan women hat survived the 1994 genocide make these bracelets. 

Hope you guys have gotten some good gifting ideas. Happy holidays! 

Yearnin' for Fall Yarn Wreath

Ok guys -- fall is here - with the fickle weather and all :) I wanted to do a wreath that is versatile and can be used throughout the year if desired.

Supplies: foam wreath (mine was 10 inches), yarn (I got the cheapest kind I could find, it was $6. Note: I bought two, however only used one), hot glue gun (or Fabritack [not shown]), fabric cutting scissors, felt (.35 cents a sheet!), felt balls or buttons for the center of the flowers. Not shown: highlighter/marker/pen for tracing.

Step One: Print out a template for a felt 3D flower. Mine was a poppy flower template found on good ole google. And I have found other poppy templates I will try later. Anyhow --

Using your desired writing utensil, trace the template. Then cut out the pieces. TIP: Cut INSIDE of the outline, that way you don't have any of your highlighter/pen/pencil on your cutout. Cut out all of the pieces (there are 4 layers, and one leaf that is optional).

They will end up looking like so. Beautimus! This really doesn't take much time. From there, take your hot glue gun and attach the four layers. Then, attach the center of our flower (felt ball/button/whatever you pick!) using the hot glue gun. I am officially in love with these.

Now on to the wreath part. Get ready to use up a lot of your patience. This will take a lot of time, so I suggest doing this over the span of 2-4 days. I think I worked on it for 3 days, a little at a time. Tie the wreath around the wreath, then wrap it around several times. You want to keep the yarn tight and try to keep it neat. Mine didn't start out so neat, so that's where I placed my flowers :)

It gets easier and more neat as it goes. Just to reiterate - this takes quite some time...in order to keep it fun, spread it out over a few days or longer. I used the whole package of yarn. Make sure you can't see any of the underlying white of the wreath. The good thing about it is you can adjust as you go. And - I made sure I kept my yarn in place by using my thumb as I wrapped it.

TADAHHHHHH!!! I want to make a few with other colors. This is a fairly inexpensive gift and it's always better to get a CUTE handmade gift than a cheapie bought gift.

Until next time --
stay crafty :)