Mother and Child

Express Service

Pei called me from college while I was on my way to work on Thursday morning.  She needed a tote bag and a softie owl in her sorority colors for her new sorority sister.  She needs them by Sunday.  And she is a 3-hours drive away from home! 

Here I have a ton to do at work, going for my chiropractic treatment 3 times a week, in the midst of planning a baby shower for a coworker in mid September.  Everything else in my life took a step back.  I had to focus on my 2 new projects. 

Pei once asked me ... "Why is your craft corner so full of stuffs?"  Well, you see I was able to complete both her 'Express Service' projects without having to make a single trip to the craft store.  I found EVERYTHING I need in my own little 'Hobby Lobby'.  By Thursday evening, I had the tote bag pattern cut out in red with a yellow fabric for the lining.  I even managed to complete an embroidery of an owl (sorority mascot of course!) on the front of the bag.

Between a full day's work on Friday, one more visit to the Chiropractor, Bailey's training classes, bringing Bailey to her very first doggie birthday party (yes I am serious ... Bailey attended her classmate, Kobi's birthday party) and doing a little household chore in the kitchen, I was able to complete my 2 projects ... with a little time spare to watch Sarah Richardson's Room Service!

Mike and I will make our 3 hours drive to Pei's college this afternoon.

Thought for the day (by Franklin P. Jones) - Children are unpredictable.  You never know what inconsistency they are going to catch you in next !

My next project ... wash cloth lollipops.  These will be presented as center pieces at the baby shower.  Each guest will take one home as one of the party favors.  Do check back, I will be posting more pictures.

 

Krystal Glass' Benefit

I was REALLY EXCITED!!  I had 16 LOVELY! items for the Krystal's benefit. 

Sshh! ... I went to bed at 3am ... I was up my entire Friday evening and the unearthly hours of Saturday morning ... gently pressed Tracy's adorable 'Hearts Delight' doll quilt to take out a couple little creases it picked up from making the long trip across the Atlantic, Tracy's mother-in-law, Grethe's crocheted pot holders and cross-stitched set of towels came all ready for auction (beautifully bundled together with pretty ribbons & tag).  I put Marie Smith's handmade natural skin care products into a pretty basket (I added a small bunch of pretty flowers), Tania Howell's lovely tote bag, cards, gift tags & magnets were put together as a delightful pack.  Ok now, I am running out of adjectives to describe all the wonderful items I received.  Jo's hand-embroidered set of boy's & girl's t-shirts, Valerie's baby wool jacket, trendy fabric retro apron and heavily beaded & embroidered evening dress, Teresa's tote handbags, Laney's rug hooks, Natalie's apron, Shelley's beaded bracelet, Beverly's handmade notecards & gift tags, Melissa's bracelet & earring set and of course my teacup pin cushion ... each and every item brought so much joy to my heart.  I had them each cellophane wrapped, tagged and they ALL went to auction! 

I have yet to receive Val's backpack and Clara's necklaces but plan to send them over to Krystal as soon as I get them. 

It was a l-o-n-g drive to the Pasadena Convention Center where Krystal's benefit was held.  The drive was made more challenging with lighted signs along the highway usually reserved for Amber Alerts flashing an ominous message "HURRICANE FORMING NEAR GULF.  KEEP YOUR TANKS FULL!"  Category 4 Hurricane Dean was forming near the Gulf.  Mike, Pei, Bailey and I survived Hurricane Rita in 2005 without much incident but hurricane season has become stressful season for me!

Yes, that's Krystal, Alec and me!  Krystal's pink t-shirt read "Check your front ..." and at the back of the t-shirt, it says "it may cover your back!"  How true!

There was a good size crowd at Krystal's benefit.  Good music, good BBQ and beer ... I couldn't describe the beer, Mike and I did ice tea!  Raffle ticket jars were filling up and I believe cash donation boxes were also filling up (I couldn't see through the wooden boxes!)  There were MANY! great items up for auction.  When I last checked, some 50+ people have taken a bid number to participate in the auction.  During the first half of the auction, much money was raised and everyone was having a fun time.  Mike and I had to rush off ... I need to be home before dark at hurricane season!

Once again, I send out my heartfelt gratitude to all my friends in the crafty blog world.  You have all touched me deeply with your kindness and generosity.  You all deserve double credit for reaching out to help ... a stranger.   

Is It Christmas Already!?

I was having a really rough time ... so much aches and pains ... Chiropractor gave little relief ... Doctors could not tell me what's wrong ... steroids and pain medication made me nauseous ... feeling so sick ... Houston weather was not helping one bit with record high heat ... YUCKS!!

Despite all these, my spirits were up because I was receiving so many packages ... is it Christmas already!?  The packages contained your wonderful donations for Krystal and Alec.  My friends at work also bought up a bunch of tickets for the raffles that will happen at the benefit this Saturday.  That great feeling made me jump right off my bed and into crafting mode!   

 

So what is my contribution to the Krystal's auction?  I had wanted to make a set of 'mother and daughter' bags but that inspiration didn't come about so I ended up making this teacup pin cushion c/w an antique-looking tape measure and a pair of embroidery scissors. 

Of course when Pei noticed I was no longer sick in bed but up and crafting away, she had some projects for me too!  Pei will be moving into a new dorm, one with a little living room and wanted some cushions.  She bought the fabrics some weeks ago, just waiting for me to get well :)

While I was working on Pei's cushions, I wanted to surprise her with another set of cushion covers.  I used some silk material.  Pei really love these comfy cushions and now wants some bedding to match!

Now, can someone tell me why I gave that girl options!?

Let's Go To A Different Auction !

 

Due to lack of experience & knowledge with Ebay auctions, Tracy (yes, she is that angel who lives in that far away country, she heard my cry for help and has since been working relentlessly in our bid to help Krystal & Alec) and I have decided that we will NOT be doing our auction for Krystal & Alec online @ Ebay.

We would like everyone who wants to help Krystal & Alec to send your donations to * info deleted 08/17/07.  Pictures and write-ups on your donations can be forwarded to my email address ~ * info deleted 08/17/07 or to Tracy.

Family and friends of Krystal & Alec are organizing a benefit for them @ the Pasadena Convention Center, Houston on Saturday, August 18 ~ Download benefit_flyer1.pdf.  All your donations sent to me will be included in the auction planned for this benefit.  If you are in the Houston area on August 18, please, please come by!

I will be keeping tab on all our donors, their donations and monies raised.  This information will be posted here after the benefit and you will all receive a pair of first class round-the-world airtickets ... ok, no airtickets! (but it sure felt good for a brief moment!)