Sunday, December 25, 2011

Merry Christmas

Tikki guarding the stockings before delivery!
We at Craft 4 Change hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday, filled with happiness and love.  You blessed so many people with the beautiful stockings you created.  God bless all of you.

Friday, December 9, 2011

A Whole Lotta' Love

You have outdone yourselves!  A big pile of LOVE!
Wow!  YOU were very generous, by creating 177 stockings for our latest project, "The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney with Care".  In fact, you were so generous that we were able to share the love with another organization that was also in need of stockings.

Not only were we able to supply the need of 120+ stockings for St. John's Shelter, but we were able to donate the remaining 50 to the children of Serna Village, which is part of Cottage Housing, Inc. They (Cottage Housing, Inc.) are a transitional housing program for formerly homeless families, located in Sacramento.

Robyne, Rachele (St. John's), Debra and youngest volunteer, Ella

Craft 4 Change could not have accomplished this task without YOU, our loyal crafters.  Thank you doesn't even begin to say enough.  ~~Blessings~~

Please check our Facebook Page for more pictures!!!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

So many stockings!

We have received so many beautiful stockings over the last few days...as soon as they are counted and pictures taken, we will post!  They will be delivered next week!  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Stocking Sighting!

Wow!  Such fun and creative stockings have arrived here at Craft 4 Change.  These are just a few examples...check them out! Thanks so much to our crafty ladies. We couldn't do this without you!

There is still plenty of time to participate.  Deadline is December 1st.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Remembering...

Craft 4 Change wants to thank all of our service men and women who have served our country and those who continue to do so.  This day is for you.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

One month to go!

Hard to believe it is November 1st already...where does the time go?  SO, you know what that means, right?  One month until our deadline of December 1st for "The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care"! 

We've seen some pretty ones already, can't wait for the rest of them. 

Let us know when you are finished and we will make arrangements to collect them.  Email us at  Craft4change@hotmail.com or send us a message on our Facebook page!  Thank you so much!

Monday, October 31, 2011

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Making a difference

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
  ~~ Harriet Tubman ~~

We are changing the world...one life at a time! 

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

2 crafty ladies + pretty fabric = stockings!

Look at this pretty fabric recently purchased by two of our loyal crafty ladies!  It won't be long and this stash will be turned into beautiful stockings for the women and children at St. John's Shelter.  We can hardly wait to see the finished product.  Thanks so much!

There is still time to participate in "The Stockings Were Hung by the Chimney With Care" ~~ Deadline isn't until December 1st. 

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Happy Birthday!

Craft 4 Change turns one year old today! It was October 13, 2010 that we launched this blog with our first project, "Wrap Them in Love".  We really didn't know what to expect, but the results have been amazing. 

In the last year, YOU created 120 scarves for women and children living in a shelter, 24 purses, 9 pairs of earrings, 5 necklaces and 3 bracelets for girls who didn't have accessories for their prom, 90 bright and colorful pillowcases for children with cancer and 95 cooling neck scarves for our deployed soldiers.  WOW!  Thank you doesn't even begin to express our gratitude.  We are humbled by your generosity.

We have had readers from all over the world. Our blog has traveled from the United States and Canada, to the United Kingdom, Germany and Russia.  People from Australia, South Africa and India have read our blog.  Readers from Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan.  It is amazing, the power of the Internet and how far it can take you.

Thank you to our "followers" and those of you who "LIKE" us on Facebook.  We appreciate ALL of you, whether you craft or not.  Like the saying goes, "It takes a village", and we could not do what we do without all of your support.

So, as we continue to make a difference, "one life at a time", take time to reflect on your own blessings.  We, here at Craft 4 Change have many.

Project 5 is still underway and we have had a few "stocking sightings"...keep up the great work.

Here's to another creative year ahead!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

She Sews Stockings!

One of our loyal crafters has already started sewing stockings for Project 5.  They are adorable!  We can't wait to see the rest of them.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Don't sew?  Don't worry!  You can embellish purchased ones with all kinds of things.  Glitter glue, ribbons, small ornaments, etc.  Use your imagination.  View some of our links for ideas.  Have fun with it!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care" ~~ Project 5

"In the hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there."  Or, so how the rhyme goes.  But not everyone will have a stocking to hang this Christmas.

We at Craft 4 Change would like to change that, by teaming up once again with St. John's Shelter for Women and Children.  Our first project ("Wrap Them in Love") was so well received that they contacted us and asked if we would be willing to help again.  This time by providing Christmas Stockings.  Of course, we said. "YES!"

So, get out those sewing machines, knitting needles, crochet hooks or glue guns!  This is easy! There are so many options...no need to sew anything if you don't want to. Purchase inexpensive ones and embellish them.  Glue or sew on all kinds of things.  Recycle old ones you no longer want by adding some "love" to them.

Use your imagination or look at these cute ideas here. Or, here.

Let us know when you are finished and we'll let you know where to send or drop them off.  No need to fill them...just make them!

Deadline is December 1st. Completed.

Friday, September 2, 2011

Labor Day Weekend

Hello crafters! 

Hard to believe that September is here and you know what that means?  Christmas is just around the corner!  (a hint at our next project). 

Take time to enjoy your family and friends over this long holiday weekend and be ready to start "laboring" again on Tuesday!

Blessings.

Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Monday, August 22, 2011

Friends

"If you go looking for a friend, you're going to find they're very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere." ~~Zig Ziglar~~  

We can't do this without YOU...friends on Facebook, followers on our blog and especially, the people who craft for us or spread the word about Craft 4 Change.

New project coming soon!

Monday, August 1, 2011

Scarves for soldiers delivered!

On Saturday, July 30th, Craft 4 Change attended the meeting of the Sacramento Blue Star Moms in Roseville.  It was there that we presented them with the 95 cooling neck scarves and 26 "Thank You" notes that were created by YOU, our loyal crafters.  They were very appreciative of your hard work and thoughtfulness that went into making them. These items will be included in care packages that are sent to deployed soldiers in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Sacramento Blue Star Moms are a very active group of ladies that are dedicated not only to their deployed children, but to all soldiers (active, retired and fallen), veterans and their families.  If you are interested in joining them, they can be contacted through their website.

Again, we could have not achieved this endeavor without YOU...have a great summer.  Check back in early September for our next project.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"LIKE US"

We here at Craft 4 Change sure do LOVE our faithful crafters...so, head on over to Facebook and search for us.  Then, be sure to "Like Us".

We will be delivering the cooling scarves and notes to Blue Star Moms on Saturday, July 30th. 

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Thanks for your service!

This is what 95 scarves and 26 thank-you notes looks like!

As we thank our soldiers for their service...we also thank YOU for your service.  Craft 4 Change has done it again!  YOU created 95 cooling scarves and 26 notes were written by children.  What a wonderful way to teach our kids how to give back.  We have great crafters and great moms as well!

These items will be delivered to the Sacramento Blue Star Moms at the end of the month, during their next meeting.  We hope to be able to take some pictures of that event. 


Since the Blue Star Moms will be keeping our blog listed on their website, we have decided to extend the deadline, in case we have new crafters join us for this project.  Project completed.

Thank you notes written by children!

We will be taking a break for the summer to give everyone a chance to take a vacation, spend time with loved ones or just "hang out". 

Check back with us late August to see the next project.  Have a great summer!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Independence Day!

We thought it be fitting to wish everyone a safe and fun 4th of July celebration as "Scarves for Soldiers" wraps up.
As soon as we have a final count we will be posting along with pictures.  Thank you all.

Thursday, June 2, 2011

Project 4: Scarves for Soldiers...UPDATE!

It seems like we need to clear up something regarding the fabric to be used for the scarves.  PLEASE, only beige, tan or sage green fabric can be used by the military for these scarves.  The links to the instructions aren't very clear, as a picture shows "fun" fabrics...sorry about the confusion.

NEW UPDATE:  We changed the links on the cooling scarves with better instructions.  Another version here.

Thanks for your support!

Monday, May 30, 2011

"Scarves for Soldiers" -- Project 4

Craft 4 Change and Sacramento Blue Star Moms are teaming up for our next project by sending care packages to our deployed soldiers.  They (SBSM) collect items year round to send. Some of items included are:  candy, gum, powered drink mixes, beef jerky and personal hygiene items.  You can see the complete list on their website.

How can we help?  By making cooling neck and/or sand scarves to be added to the packages.  How do we do this?  Easy!  Here are some instructions for the cooling scarves and here are the ones for the sand scarves. 

So, you don't sew?  Still want to help?  You can purchase the fabric/cooling granules and find a friend who sews!  Get together and have fun! 

Still not sure?  Ok...here is an easy-peasy way to get you and your kids involved.  Make cards or write short notes to be included with the care package.  One thing for sure, the packages ALWAYS include a note/card from home.  See how easy this can be? 

How fitting that this project starts on May 30th (Memorial Day) and ends on July 4th!  COMPLETED.

So, let's get started and show our troops some love!

When you are finished, contact us and we will provide you the information on where to send your items.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Smiles Delivered!

All 90 of your beautiful and creative pillowcases were delivered to Kathy Bismson, of ConKerr Cancer last Thursday.  She was sew (pun intended!) happy to receive them, as she will be making a delivery to Sutter Medical Center in Sacramento soon. 

Again, we at Craft 4 Change want to thank you for your generous and continued support to help those in need.

Be on the lookout for our next project to be announced...Memorial Day!  (that should be a hint!)

Monday, May 16, 2011

New feature!

We have added a new feature on our blog.  You can sign up using your email to be automatically notified of a new post.  If we don't post...no email from us! 

This cool new feature is located on the left side of the blog,
"Follow by Email".
Just enter your email and you will get a confirmation to your email address to get you started.  It is easy!

Monday, May 9, 2011

Sew Many Smiles!

As we collected and counted all of the pillowcases, there were tears of joy that will soon be turned into big smiles!  YOU created 90 pillowcases for "A Case for Smiles", our latest project for Craft 4 Change.  We can't wait to deliver them to ConKerr Cancer this week. 

You were all so thoughtful and creative, with something for all age groups, both boys and girls.  Everything from Hannah Montana, High School Musical and Care Bears to comic book characters to ladybugs and butterflies.  Trains and planes, hats and bats!  Fun frogs and bugs and summer themes and bold graphics for teens.  You have outdone yourselves! 

There aren't enough words to describe our gratitude here at Craft 4 Change.  "Thank you" doesn't seem enough, but know it comes from our hearts.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Pillowcases, pillowcases, and more pillowcases!

Just received a box and several bags of beautiful pillowcases...as soon as they are counted we will post pictures and a grand total!  Smiles galore!

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Pretty Pillowcases!


Just wanted to share what some of our crafty ladies have been up to.  Great job!  And  keep those pictures coming. 

There is still plenty of time to participate in this project. The deadline is April 30th Complete

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"A Case for Smiles" update!

Many of you were wanting to know the specific washing instructions for the pillowcases.  After contacting the ConKerr Cancer representative, here they are:

Please use a gentle type of soap with no dyes or perfumes and please NO dryer sheets!  The children who are receiving them have a very low immune system and their skin is very sensitive.  Thank you for your interest.

Also, please take pictures and email them to us before you package them up!  We'd like to post them.

Thursday, March 10, 2011

"A Case for Smiles" -- Project 3

Time to get crafting!  For this project we will be working with ConKerr Cancer to help put smiles upon the faces of children battling life changing illnesses in the hospital, by providing bright and cheery handmade pillowcases for them. 

If you sew… please use bright/cheerful/beautiful COTTON fabric to make your pillowcases. 

If you knit, crochet or tat… please make a lace border or embellishment to add to an already new pillowcase.


If you embroider… please stitch up something sweet or inspiring on a new pillowcase.


If you do none of the above…you can use fabric pens/paints to write an uplifting message or draw a picture on the border of a new pillowcase (Please, not on the center as people with low immunity have very sensitive skin).


Please follow the ConKerr Cancer link for these instructions…they are VERY specific! 


Get creative!  These are for all kinds of kids...girls, boys, young children and teens!  Here are a few ideas.  Have fun with it!


Our pillowcases will be given to the Sacramento Chapter of ConKerr Cancer, who will deliver them to the children at Sutter Medical Center, UC Davis and Shriners Children's Hospitals


Deadline is April 30  Complete.



To let us know when you are finished, send us an email and we will let you know where to send or drop off your pillowcases.

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

March on!

March is "National Craft Month"...how appropriate for Craft 4 Change.  Our next project will be announced soon...very soon!  Keep checking back!

Friday, February 18, 2011

Wishes Granted!










Thanks to all of you "Fairy Godmothers" who participated in our latest project for "Cinderella's Closet" by lending your crafty skills to beautiful accessories. 

Look at all of the beautiful purses, necklaces, bracelets and earrings! 
We ended up with 24 purses, 9 pairs of earrings, 5 necklaces and 3 bracelets.  One person even donated a beautiful pair of shoes! Wow!





They were delivered to Ashley Downton, Development Associate for WEAVE, Inc. on Friday afternoon and they were very much appreciated.  The girls who receive them will know just how much love went into creating these wonderful items.


Ashley Downton and Robyne Cortes with items for Cinderella's Closet

Once again, your caring hearts and generous donations amaze us
at Craft 4 Change.  You're the best!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Tie one on!

Thought that would get your attention!  But no, it isn't what you think it might be. 

I know that we are still working on "Cinderella's Closet" until February 10th, but if any of you are "spring cleaning" and have extra craft supplies that need a home, I can use them on another project. 

What I need in particular are any extra or gently used bows (the kind you get on gift baskets, gifts, etc.) or spools of ribbon.

My women's group at my church is paring up with Twin Lakes Food Bank by providing Easter Baskets for needy children.  I would like to make pretty bows to tie on the baskets once they are wrapped with cellophane.  If you would like to make some yourself, that would be great too!

If you would like to donate supplies, send me an email and I will make arrangements to get them from you. I would need them by March 5th.   Thank you ~~ Robyne 

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Dreams coming true!

Check out what some of you crafty gals have been up to!  Just a sample of some of the beautiful purses that one of our crafters has made...so far (We hear that there are more!).  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We can't wait to see what the rest of you are up to!  Send us pictures if you can. 

There is still time to participate until February 10th. Project is complete.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Say you aren't crafty? There are other ways YOU can help!

Don't sew?  Knit? Crochet? Craft at all?  Still want to help?  YOU CAN! 

1 ~ "LIKE US" on Facebook
2 ~ Tell your friends...email, Facebook, Myspace, etc.
3 ~ Print our flyer and post them at your local library, school, church, meeting places, craft stores, etc.
4 ~ Email us any ideas you may have for future projects and charities
5 ~"Follow"  us on our blog

See?  There ARE ways to help that don't require glue guns, sewing machines, knitting needles or any other "crafty skills".  Like it says on our Humble Beginnings page, there are many people behind the scenes that make Craft 4 Change successful. 

There is still time to participate on "Making Dreams Come True".
Deadline is February, 10th. Completed.

Friday, January 21, 2011

St. John's at work...a yummy lunch!

My husband and I, along with another couple recently ate lunch at Plates Cafe in Sacramento.  Plates is one of the programs offered by St. John's Shelter for Women and Children (they were the recipients of the beautiful and creative scarves for Project 1). 

The food was delicious and affordable and the service was wonderful.  From the lady who greeted and seated us, to the cashier, cooks and servers, everyone did an excellent job.  It was nice to see a successful program at work.  All of the participants are working very hard to get back into the workplace and be self sufficient.  We would definitely eat there again, and I encourage all of you to do the same if given the chance.~~~Robyne

Plates Cafe is located at 14 Business Park Drive, Building 149, Sacramento, Calif.

They are open M-F from 11 am until 2 pm for lunch.  They also do catering.  

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

"Making Dreams Come True" -- Project 2

Do you remember your High School Prom or Homecoming?  Remember how special it was?  Well, for many girls it is only a dream, as their family cannot afford the dress, shoes, & accessories that they need for this special event.  So, many girls sit home and only dream.

We want to help make this dream come true. 

For this project, Craft 4 Change has teamed up with "Cinderella's Closet".  It is an ongoing project by WEAVE  that collects and provides "gently used" prom dresses, shoes and accessories to girls in need.  But, right now the closet is low on accessories.  This is where we come in.

They are in need of purses, costume jewelry, shawls and evening gloves.  So, get out those sewing machines, jewelry making supplies, or glue guns and start crafting! 

Purse ideas can be found here, here, here and lots of ideas here.  Check out your local fabric store for patterns too.
Shawl instructions are here.
Lot's of jewelry ideas here and here.  Also, here! 

You don't sew or make jewelry?  You still want to help?  Do you have any "gently used" evening bags or gloves?  EMBELLISH them!  Glue or hand sew on rhinestones, beaded or fur trim, etc.  Just remember not to purchase anything new...hit up those thrift stores for some great buys and add your own personal touches.

Remember, these are TEEN girls, so think classy but HIP!

Deadline is February 10th.  PROJECT COMPELETED.

Send us an email when you are finished and we will make arrangements to collect them.  Have fun!

Saturday, January 1, 2011

Happy New Year!

Craft 4 Change had a wonderful end to 2010 with the success of our first project.  Thanks to all of you who made this possible by creating beautiful scarves and a positive impact on the residents of St. John's Shelter.  Truly, we are blessed by your generosity.

We look forward to starting off 2011 with a bang!  New project announced on January 5th...stay tuned!