Now For Some GLITTER!

"PEACE ON EARTH"
This wreath is in various shades of purple.
The balls, leaves and "Peace" message are all glittered!
I purchased all the items for this wreath, after Christmas last year.
It is big and beautiful!

But as I always tell you, the pictures are not as lovely as the products.



"ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH"
I also purchased all the items for this wreath last year.
She is silver and full of glitter and Glory!

"I BELIEVE"
The theme the birth of our Saviour.
Again, every thing was purchased last year.

These 2 ornaments were purchased last year.
I loved them and knew that I would incorporate them into a wreath!
If you look closely, you will see them in the wreath above.

"IT CAME UPON THE MIDNIGHT CLEAR"
I featured this wreath earlier, then realized that I hadn't finished it!
It is a lovely quilted piece that I purchased at a yard sale!
I added my touch and it is now adorned with gold glittered stars.
And it lights up!

"THE SWEET SMELL OF GINGERBREAD"
Christmas isn't Christmas without the
sweet smell of gingerbread!

I purchased the glittered gingerbread men after the holidays last year.
I purchased and made glittered buttons (using a 40 o/o off coupon)
and adorned him with candy canes.
and used gingerbread ribbon that I found in my ribbon drawer.

"JINGLE BELL SANTA"
This small wreath is adorable.
It was made from bells purchased after Christmas last year,
and all the other items were in
my crafting supply containers.




"LARGE ROSE CENTERPIECE"

This lovely centerpiece was designed from
items that I had in my crafting containers.

This photo shows you that there are 3 ruby red
candle holders in the center.
I put in 3 battery flicker lights.
You can also burn real candles, if desired.

"SMALL SLEIGH ARRANGEMENT"
I found the sleigh in our donated items.
The rest was in my crafting supply containers.

"SANTA"S PRACTICE RUN"
This arrangement is very special to me. I inherited the fiber optic Santa and sleigh
from my Aunt Helen's estate last year. She was a wonderful, loving
Christian, I decided that she would be pleased if I created
an arrangement and donated it to our Guild. I made a little snowman and created
a snow scene with trees and birds.
It will look lovely placed anywhere and perfect for someone in
a nursing home!

"HO HO SANTA"
I found a wooden egg and holder in my Spring crafting supplies.
I saw Santa right away!

Here is a side view, so you can see he is indeed an egg!

As you can see, I've been busy in my basement, making wreaths...why in the basement?...because glitter, glitter, glitter, is everywhere! I even managed to get some on the wreaths!! I have made 7 wreaths, at this time, but can only show you 6...the 7Th, must wait until candy canes go on sale. It will be adorable and pictured later!

Did you ever wonder how hard it must be to create Christmas crafts in July, August, September and October??? Believe me when I tell you that it is a challenge. Most of us go shopping after Christmas for items on sale up to 80 o/o off. And we ALWAYS use coupons! If we were not bargain shoppers, we could not sell these items at the unbelievable low prices that we do. Also, many of you donate items to us, and most of you would not recognize them after we have designed them into a one of a kind craft.

And lastly...I recently bought a lovely little book titled, "Whispers of Encouragement". I'd like to start sharing a verse with you at the close of each posting.

Imagination

The most beautiful world is always
entered through the imagination.
If you wish to be something you
are not---something fine, noble,
Good--you shut your eyes, and for
one dreamy moment
you are that
which you long to be.

HELEN KELLER

Enjoy your day, and if you enjoyed what you saw, please take a moment and click on comment on the bottom of each posting and let us know. Dee

The knitting needles have been clicking!

Carolyn has been very busy making more beautiful
hand knitted items that you will NOT find in any dept. store.
If you are looking for quality hand knit items,
come early for a good selection.

Above is a lovely cranberry sleeveless sweater.

This photo shows the design in the center.

Molly being a cool cat, loves "girly" things.
So she posed with this hand knit bag that
Carolyn made. This bag is fully lined with 3 inside pockets,
one for keys and a double pocket for your cell phone and sunglasses.

Carolyn made some warm cozy slippers.
The top ones are called "Dorm Slippers" and
the bottom ones will stretch to fit.

I (Dee), made these counted cross stitch
wide mouth lids for canning.

Oh yes...did I forget to tell you that we will have
special home canned treats?
More about them later!

The Craft Guild Imagineers are continuing to create daily at home and weekly at church, to make this the BIGGEST and BEST, Christmas Bazaar ever! Tell your friends and neighbors to pull up our web site at bethanycraftguild.com to see some of our creations and to mark their calendar for Friday, December 3RD. We will be open from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm, to accommodate everyone who works outside the home.

We plan to serve breakfast, lunch and dinner AND we are planning a special Santa Shop for our little shoppers! More details later!

Our group is very unique! We do NOT have vendor tables, everything that you see has been created be approximately 12 Imagineers!

This year we will also have a very nice section of Attic Treasures.

Can't wait?...neither can we...so we have to get busy crafting!

p.s. The next posting will have 7 lovely wreaths and more Christmas items, that I have been working on at home. This is the year of "Glitter", you should see my basement!...George kicked me out of the Dinning room!...too messy!


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THE DASH

Monday, September 13

Hi Everyone...

I hope you will bear with me as my family and I have had a very difficult week. We buried my nephew today. He was just 50 and a victim of the economy. David was laid off from his job, his wife worked at the same place and 4 weeks later she was laid off. their home in which they were very proud of was next...they lost their home. Finding their selves homeless with a 12 year old daughter, they moved in with David's Sister, Gail and her husband. A month ago David's unemployment stopped, 2 weeks ago his wife's unemployment stopped. Neither had been able to find employment. Last Wednesday morning, his wife found him. David died of a heart attack in his sleep.

This made me realize that David is just one of thousands...who has died or actually kill their self, because of what has happened beyond their control, to their life.

What I am asking is simply this: "Love your neighbor as your Brother." If you know of any family that has fallen prey to the economy...help them in what ever manner you can. No matter how small or how large, do something to help the person or family. Food, money, encouragement, prayer, help to find employment, just do something!

I learned a lot about my nephew today, that I did not know. Oh, I have always loved him! He was very special. All of my sister, Betty's children are "My Favorite!", because each of them has a special quality about them that is unique. Today, I learned that David was always helping his friends in need, rebuilding old friendships, always making new friends, a coach on his daughter's softball team. He loved the Phillie's, camping, playing horseshoes, and much more that I did not know! He enjoyed and loved life and he loved his family. His daughter, Debbie was the "apple of his eye". I don't think David attended church, I'm not sure, but this I do know, that he lived a Christian life and he knew God as his Holy Father.

David is the 2ND Son that my sister has buried. Her 1st Son, Sonnie, died suddenly when he was just 7. He was a sunny little boy and we miss him still! I can not imagine the anguish that a Mother feels, losing her children. She is a widow, having lost a wonderful Irish husband and Father to their children. I am asking prayers for her pain and the pain of David's wife, Terry, daughter, Debbie, his siblings and family. Betty told me that she believes that the Lord will never give her more than she can bear.

A United Methodist Pastor, in New Jersey did the service. I'm sorry but I don't remember her name. It was a beautiful service and the rooms were filled with photos of David smiling with his friends and family. It felt warm and comforting, sitting there and listening to her speak of David and his Holy Father. She read a poem titled "The Dash" by Linda Ellis. As soon as we arrived home, I searched for it on the Internet. I'd like to share it with you.

The Dash
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak
At the funeral of a friend.
He referred to the dates on her tomestone
From the beginning to the end.

He noted that first came the date of her birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all of the time
that she spent alive on the Earth.
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line was worth.

For it matters not how much we own;
the cars, the house, the cash,
What matters is how we live and love
And how we spend our dash.

So think about this long and hard.
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love the people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read
With your life's actions to rehash
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent you dash?

On the drive home from New Jersey, I fully realized how much I love my family and how very proud I am of each and every one of them. They are a wonderful Blessing in my life and I intend to tell them that more often!

Thanks for "listening." Dee

More Creations from the Imagineer's!

Barb and Carole working on Gingerbread ornaments.

Gail putting cinnamon apple slices into a dehydrator.

Someone donated this black iron sled to me (Dee).
I had fun creating Santa being pulled by a reindeer.
There is a tree on the back of the sleigh that lights.

Dee bought this quilted piece and
covered the edge with greens and white lights.
I named it "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear".

This cute little doll was made by
Mary Buser.

This sweet arrangement was created by Dee.
The photo really does not show it's beauty.
The balls are shiny silver and glitter red.

This lovely rose creation was done by Dee.
The black iron foundation piece was donated
to me.

This Snowman was painted and decorated by Dee.

This "Welcome" board was made by Carolyn.

You would never know it, but this is a gourd!
She is a Russian Babushka doll.
Her face was painted by Gail,
and Dee created her outfit and necklace.

This snowman was handmade by Dee.
His snowball filled watering can says "Think Spring"!
He is holding his garden hoe in his other hand.

I never feel that my camera shows the full beauty and detail of the craft that we make, however, I do hope that you enjoy seeing some of the items we are creating. Many items shown are simply one of a kind, so if you see something you like, plan to attend our bazaar.
There will be many more surprises to come. We have great fun creating something out of nothing, and letting our imagination take over and the Lord guide our hands.

If you view our postings, we would love to have you comment on what you see. Please click on "Comment" at the bottom of the postings.




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The Workshop is Busy!

These are just some of our Craft Guild ladies.
Left to right: Barb, Carolyn, Carole, Ruth, Gail and Khris.

More of Carolyn's fine knitting!
This is a cowl neck scarf, that can be pulled up to cover your head.
Very New York!

Three different designs of scarfs.

Look at the lovely pattern in
this hat and scarf set.

Another lovely hat and scarf set.
If you are looking for a one a a kind, lovely handmade gift,
come early, these will go fast!

How many times have you wished you had a wristlet...
so your fingers could be free?
You'll find them at the Christmas bazaar!

A lovely selection of scarfs.

Don't they just make you think of feel warm and snuggly,
when you're out in the cold?

A lovely lady unknown to us made this quilt, however,
she died before it was completed and her family
donated it to us to complete. Dee just sewed on the green trim that was already pinned on.
Thank You dear Angel!
It will fit a twin bed or
be great for a coverlet to keep you warm when
you're watching TV etc.

These are 2 Welcome decors, that can be hung on a door or wall.
Made by Dee and Ruth.
Ruth will be adorning hers with snowflakes.

Gail cut out and painted this gourd.
A great gift to display for year round.

This gal is ready for a snowball battle!
She was created by Gail and Carolyn knit her
a lovely hat and scarf .

Join us on Wednesday mornings from 9:00 am to noon. You will have a great time!

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Busy Hands for Christmas!

Who doesn't love a teddy bear? This cutie comes with a wardrobe of hand knit sweaters and scarfs and may even have a hat or two when he goes home...or is this a girl?
We'll let you do the naming!
A great gift for boys or girls and Gramma's too!

Carolyn Weidemann loves to knit! Here are some lovely vests that she has created. This is a lovely soft blue chenille.

The close up shows the color and peg button detail of the vest above. It is in the same pattern as the first one shown.

A beautiful teal blue with button closing.

This is a multicolor in rust tone. Just beautiful and notice the brass closing detail.

You do not have to go to a specialty shop and pay high prices for lovely hand knit "one of a kind" sweaters. We will have them at our Christmas Bazaar at very reasonable prices, only $25 each. I will show you more of Carolyn's creations at a later posting.

This jolly snowman with flower earmuffs was created by Gail Hartsough.

This is a Christmas mouse made from a gourd! He has furry ears and a Santa hat.

Gail loves to paint and one of her favorites is to create something from a gourd! She looks at it's shape and then she creates! She gets many requests for bird houses and will rarely paint them as the squirrels love them too! So we suggest that you hang this indoors or on your screened patio.

This is another Christmas mouse. His face is dimensional and his tail is the stem!

One of my favorites is this pear. It would look lovely in your kitchen or dinning room.

Mother and child gourd giraffes!

Gail Hartsough loves to paint! We have featured painted gourds and her best seller, giraffes.
For the first time she has created a Mother and child giraffe!

We have many wonderful new ideas for you and we will be busy every Wednesday morning from 9:00 am to noon. Come and join the fun!


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