Just a quick note regarding “Made for China”- I’ll be responding to those who have e-mailed me with their projects (hopefully today!).
Thanks everyone, we have approximately 162 gifts already filled! Check out the left side bar and the stats I am updating daily. I appreciate those who have responded- although I won’t “hold you to it”, it just gives me good sense of what to expect .
Thank you…
to everyone that have offered their time and craftiness to my “Made for China” effort.
(AND if you didn’t respond to my post last week regarding this project, I am taking anyone who wants to join in!)
It really has encouraged me and made me just so excited to contribute to a cause that I feel very strongly toward…children. Whether they are here in our own country or far away, a small gesture of kindness I believe can bring joy to the recipient AND the giver. I know it won’t cure some of the deeper problems some of these kids may/have endure, but kids never forget kindness.
And so, kind readers, here are the details:
On my left side bar, you will see a section marked “Pages”. This is where I have provided tutorials for all the projects that will be given to children, ages infant-12. Each project has its’ own “page” and you will see the project title- just click on it. I have included specifics with each project, noting gender and total needed.
All gifts need to arrive at my home no later than March 20th. My sister will be leaving on the 25th and I would just like time to organize everything- if we are short on anything, I will make sure to bring up the count.
Please e-mail me carolshack(at)yahoo(dot)com with what you would like to make and the approximate number of gifts you can make. I will then send you my address and of course gratitude.
As gifts arrive, I will post photos so that we all can see the craftiness of others. You will be able to view these items under the “Pages” heading.
My main goal was to create easy and fun projects. Hopefully a lot of the supplies needed can be found in your own “stash”. I also wanted to recommend projects that didn’t necessarily require a sewing machine or a profound expertise.
I really want there to be a lot of creative freedom. So, if you want to make a doll and have a great pattern- use it! I am just providing categories and ideas as a guideline. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me.
My other goal is to send my sister with at least 325 gifts. I know it’s a lot, that’s why I wanted to create gifts that were simple, fun, and a kid would like.
After my sister’s trip, you can be sure that I will post photos of her trip and especially with the children. It’s only through the generosity of you all that we can make this happen. Again, thank you.
Here are some thoughts from my sister, Susan, who will be delivering our gifts:
I wanted to thank everyone for donating your time and resources to make a unique gift for an orphan in China. As many of you know, my husband and I adopted a little girl from Hunan Province in July 2005. After visiting the orphanage Jane lived in the first 8 months of her life, I couldn’t just walk away without getting involved in helping the literally millions of children who are left behind. I’ve been working with an organization called Living Hope International that actually has 3 of their own orphanages. There are approximately 120 children under the care of LHI. All of these children come from horrific backgrounds and have either been abandoned because of financial reasons or death. They come to the orphanage with nothing.
In March, I will be visiting the LHI orphanages as well as a couple orphanges run by the Chinese government (including Jane’s orphanage). Some of the government orphanges house as many as 500 children! None of these children have anything personal that they can call their own.
I think it’s so wonderful for you to want to participate in adding a ray of sunsine in the life of an orphan. This child will have something to hold on to or play with! In addition, when and if, he/she is adopted, he will have something to bring home with him. As a parent, I appreciated the fact that someone in Jane’s orphanage actually kept and boxed the clothes she had on when she was found. It’s a link to her past that will be very meaningful to her later on in life. I think it’s the same for whatever gift is given by YOU. I’m sure the adoptive parents will appreciate knowing that someone spent the time making a gift for their child. Later on, it’ll be such a keepsake. As for the older children who will probably never be adopted, they will appreciate a gift that is THEIRS. They are given the necessities, but nothing more. It’ll make them feel like someone really cares about them.
Thanks again! I will send pictures from our trip.
Susan
This coming Tuesday I will be posting all of the details regarding my
“Made for China” effort.
Thanks to everyone who has responded and all those that I hope will respond!
You will notice on my left side bar a category entitled “Pages”. This is where I will post the approximately 6 tutorials I am currently photographing (it’s sunny today, so I am taking advantage of the light).
The above friend I just made and it literally took me 15 minutes to paint. The idea is to allow you crafters to use your talents, but not necessarily take a whole day or week to produce something. My aim is to create simple gifts for kids that will make them smile. Obviously this will not solve any problems they may have- but let’s be honest, kids love “stuff”!
Anyway, I will also use the “Pages” sidebar to post photos of crafts that will hopefully start arriving in about 6 weeks. I thought it would be exciting to see how a community via the internet can participate in an activity. Alright, better go before the sun disappears!
It seems like the 2nd half of the school year my kids are invited to a lot more birthday parties. Although I do purchase some of my gifts, I do like to make them as well (if time allows). Anyway, I thought an apron would be great and this will also be included in her gift…perfect for a 9 year old in the kitchen!
Okay, and now I need to share something that worked for me this morning that has me SO happy.
The time I detest the most is the morning when we all have to rush out the door by 8am to get to school. My kids’ school has no bus service so I take them everyday. Anyway, I often get agitated and the worst comes out of me mostly in the morning. I hate it. I created a schedule for my 2 oldest kids to refer to and know what is expected from them.
I know this is nothing new. I realized my agitation stemmed from the fact that I was the only one looking at the clock and my kids were just going in slow motion with no cares in the world. It was beautiful today. Just the way I like the morning- bustling, but no crying, frustrations, and most of all me agitated! Besides, kids love to know what is expected of them and keeping themselves accountable…whether its to a clock, parent, or whatever. This method also encouraged my kindergartner to “tell time” and read.
So if I can recommend this to anyone whether you use it for yourself or for kids- you will be much happier or at least on time.
Don’t forget my MADE FOR CHINA effort. More details and projects will be revealed next Tuesday.
Two years this summer will mark the event of Jane’s arrival into our family. Some of you may wonder who I am talking about and I am glad to let you know-she is my sweet and feisty niece my sister and brother-in-law adopted from China.
You’ll also remember that I watched her last Spring while my sister went to China to visit orphanages (both private and government). My sister Susan (above) has been an advocate in raising funds for children in China and basically just caring for them. I thought it would be really cool to send homemade treasures for my sister to give out to the children she will visit, they really don’t have anything personal.
I need help with some ideas. I am figuring 300 children will be seen by my sister. The ages will range from infant to 12 years…
Some of my ideas:
cuffs
little blankets (like little 12×18, soft , crib blankets)
Any ideas? Any help? I am figuring that I will narrow done the gifts to 3 or 4 ideas. Once I make my decision, I will list them and if anyone would like to help, I would be thrilled! I will send necessary patterns to helpers and just ask you buy the fabric/use what you have and send the finished product to me. Of course you can make more than one gift- I would love if everyone could make at least 5 of what they make, but of course I will take what I can get.
I know there are a lot of generous souls out there and think this would be a great way for some to get involved with an international need.
I promise I will share my sister’s photos of the trip and the children with their gifts.
Thanks- and I would LOVE to hear from YOU! I will see how the response goes and then list the projects in about a week.
An updated note: Thanks to all who have already responded! I am totally jazzed about this project. If you would like to grab a badge and post it on your blog, that would be great!
I began my third fabric collage this past weekend. Along with this project, I am also juggling my “mini-swap” projects, birthday gift, and THE SHIRT (had to rip out more seams, taking a break)…
I also am struggling with some kid things that just has me down. I am so grateful to have the above projects to keep me going and not falling apart in tears all of the time.
Anyway, thanks to everyone who has given me feedback on these little ditties…they are fun and keeps me connected with my kids when otherwise I (occasionally) need my distance. I thought I would link back to the original inspiration.