Spotlight on charitible crafting...

With the news coverage of the tragedy in Haiti, I felt compelled to share one of my favorite things about the crafting community-their chartible hearts and hands! Charitable crafting is not new and one of my favorite craft books (shown above) shares the inspiring history of my favorite craft: quilting. Quilting bees have been the social network of women (and men!) for centuries and during the Civil War, they have been credited with saving lives with their donated quilts. Through the decades, quilts have comforted victims of fires, forced the world to pay attention to the AIDS epidemic, and wrapped newborns in their warmth. "Quilting for Peace" by Katherine Bell (check out the amazing website for the book!) shares these stories and highlights 15 charitable projects that you can complete for your home or can donate. While I treasure many of my crafty books, this books has been one that I have recommended over and over again (and was the first craft book to make me cry!). The projects are not new or even difficult, however, when it comes to chartible crafting, that is the point. Anyone can utilize their skills or develop new skills while participating in these projects. One of my 2010 challenges to myself is to encorporate a charitable function to my business and to my personal life (hopefully, these can intersect!)

I made my son a quilt for his new toddler bed from a simple pattern in this book...

Do you not have time to craft or feel like you have nothing to contribute? Do you feel like shopping is the only thing you can do well? Well, I have the perfect solution for you! Craft Hope has been inspiring me for a long time but they recently set up a shop where Etsy artists and sellers can contribute items to be sold with the proceeds going to Doctors without Borders. Check out this fabulous shop, buy yourself something great, and know that you are playing an important role in the world of charitable crafting.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

How will YOU respond to the need in your community and around the world? Share with me your favorite charitable crafting projects! I look forward to hearing what keeps YOU motivated...