Crafting for Charity

Today, I mailed off a couple packages. One of them has been a LONG time coming, and is in fact about 10 days late for the final deadline. I hope that's OK. . . I finished it ages ago, but didn't manage to mail it before today. C'est la vie. It was one of several craft-related charity/group projects that I have participated in- specifically, it is a contribution to the installation art piece known as the Milkweed Project. No, I don't have a picture of my contribution. Sorry, sorry! I was so thrilled to be finally mailing it today that I forgot to photograph it for posterity. It was a simple thing though, so you haven't missed much. :) There are many photographs on the website however, of contributions from all over the world. I've enjoyed checking them out, and I really look forward to seeing how it all comes together!

The second package I mailed out was a red scarf for the Orphan Foundation of America's Red Scarf Project. I found out about this project from a friend, who learned of it through Craft Hope. Red hand-knit or crocheted scarves are donated to orphaned foster teens. I had some great red yarn leftover from another project, and it knit up very quickly. Again, I forgot to take a picture. I know, I know! Some photographer I am. It is a simple scarf though, mostly straight garter stitch. It's appealing for it's dense, cushiony softness, it's warmth, and it's deep garnet color, rather than for it's design. :) I hope it's new owner likes it. The deadline for this project is Valentine's Day, so there's still time if you'd like to make a scarf, too!

The other craft-related charitable project which I recently participated in was the Iraqi Bundles of Love (or IBOL) project. I blogged about it early on, but never posted pictures of our bundles. ("Our" meaning myself and a couple other wonderful ladies in a craft group I am in.) So, finally, here's a few photos of our finished bundles, ready to send:





(the above photos are by Kyddryn)



In addition, the boys and I participated in IBOL Sundae. It was delicious!


The IBOL project was exciting. It was so gratifying not only to help, but to see so much of the goodwill unfolding in Art's blog. I really enjoyed that. :)

Hmm. . . maybe it's time for a new charitable craft endeavor. . .
There's afghans for Afghans, or Artists Helping Children, or Project Linus, the local charity Tiny Stitches, or Warm the World. . .
Or, maybe I should just finish the numerous projects I've already got going. :P

Wordless Wednesday

(photo by Billy)

Skywatch Friday (Rockbrook edition)

Back when I was in college, I spent a couple summers as a camp counselor at a wonderful place called Rockbrook. Rockbrook Camp is a girls' summer camp that's been in operation in North Carolina since the 20s, and it's a remarkable experience.


When I decided I wanted to be a camp counselor for the summer, I applied to a ton of promising-looking summer camps. Several offered me the job, and from those I narrowed my prospects down to just four choice spots. Then I roped my Mom into a road trip to look at each camp in person and meet the people who would run the show.


We visited two great camps, and I felt my decision would be a difficult one. Next on the agenda was Rockbrook Camp for Girls, just outside of Brevard, NC. The drive there was gorgeous, on a twisty rhododendron-flanked mountain road. I started to get excited as we drove up the driveway- you could absolutely sense the history of the place, yet it felt very vital and natural at the same time. I took just three steps out of the car, breathed deep, turned to my Mom and said with absolute conviction, "THIS is the place."


And it was. It couldn't have been more perfect. From the setting, to the philosophy, from the campers, to my fellow staff, from the long-held traditions to the lively young enthusiasm all around, it was a brilliant time in my life. I wish I could have devoted more summers to that wonderful place.


At the end of last August, Rockbrook held a reunion retreat, for all alumni- campers and staff alike. Most of the people there had begun as campers, sometimes living every single summer of their childhoods there, then graduating to counselors when the time came. Some women were there with their mothers, who had also spent summers as Rockbrook Girls. It was a delightful weekend. I so hope they do it again. I spent just two lovely summers there, teaching arts and crafts and shepherding unruly bunches of pre-teen girls through camp adventures. Yet somehow, Rockbrook is a part of me, has grown it's roots into my soul just as it obviously does with so many girls and women it touches. I look forward to visiting again.

These Skywatch sunset photos were taken August 29, 2009 from the hill at Rockbrook Camp, NC.

See more Skywatch photos from all over the world! Visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/