Christmas in August. Not so far fetched an idea since the days, weeks and months are flying past so fast. I felt I would work on Christmas in August and this past week that is exactly what I did. My girlfriend came over and we spent an entire day preparing Christmas ornaments to donate and sell at the local elementary school annual holiday sale. It is so fun to watch the kids do their Christmas shopping and we donate 50% of our sales money to the school funds. 
We aren't looking to get rich, merely pay for our supplies. These are some purchased snowflakes that we embellished with torn strips of fabric tied in a bow. I know it is hard to see them here but you can imagine how simple these are. We are trying to keep the price at 50 cents each for any of the ornaments we are decorating on a 5 foot tree. 
Here are simple ornament balls, plastic so no breakage, embellished with more fabrics and then tied with a loop. All of this takes a lot of time but we always think of the little first, second and third grade students looking to shop for just the right gifts they can afford. We usually make lots of various items which we plan on family members just loving what they get when they open their gifts. Bookmarks, towels, charms, note cards and tags, ornaments, and whatever else strikes our fancy. We try to cover all genders and ages which can be really challenging.
I also completed another gift item this week so I will share that soon.
The great outdoors is still requiring lots of my time and efforts as the weeding and plantings and yard re-do is taking lots more than I thought. I am grateful our weather has been very pleasant. We have not had any extreme heat unlike so much of the country. I think our elevation and all the pine and cedar trees are helping to keep it cool. We also are benefitting from what is called the "delta breeze".
Now I am off to get productive. I was found at the local Ben Franklin yesterday purchasing more fabrics and jewelry findings.
Wonderful Weekend to each of you...May you be enjoying your days relaxing and being creative...
P.S. Are you working on any Christmas projects? Can you share what they are?
I love what you're doing for the kids! A few years ago, I made bookmarks for the Christmas shop. They still have some left, but I need to come up with some items for this year's shop. I purchased some of those unbreakable ornaments a few years ago, but couldn't decide how to decorate them. Now I feel inspired!
ReplyDeleteSo nice to be able to use your creativity for the benefit of others. I posted a few Christmas items today that I have been crocheting. Everything I make is given away or donated to Operation Hope which is a charity my friend founded -- she usually participates in craft fairs and I like to give her things that she can sell. One year I donated 20 crocheted scarves to the cause. I think I will crochet some angels and pass them along too. Have a wonderful weekend. Best wishes, Tammy
ReplyDeleteWhat a truly lovely thing you're doing!!! :) To be honest, I can't even think about Christmas until after Thanksgiving! LOL Looking forward to Halloween and all the fun that comes with it!!! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are not kidding time does fly. So nice that you started early and such a beautiful thing you and your friend are doing for the kids.
ReplyDeletexxx
Marlene
First I had to go to your profile to see where the heck do you live that it is not smokin hot!!! It doesn't say, but I am figuring it must be by the north pole LOL! How great to make gifts for the kiddies to buy and kuddo's to you to get it done early. I am just thinking about getting going on Christmas and feel guilty every time I see a blog where someone thinks ahead!
ReplyDeleteCarol
I can just imagine the smiles on those kiddies' faces when they find the cute little creations you've made. Helping them to participate in the giving of Christmas, then donating back to the school is wonderful. Kudos.
ReplyDeleteI haven't even thought about Christmas yet...........
I love what you are doing for the kids. That is such a great idea. I have not even thought that far ahead. But you are right, it is almost here. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteall of your ornaments are absolutely charming! i think the kids will have a hard time choosing their favorite!! you're smart to get started early making these......! xox
ReplyDeleteGood for you and the pre christmas rush. But I'm really trying hard to hold summer back. The ornaments are a great idea.
ReplyDeleteHi Sweet Friend,
ReplyDeleteYour creations for the school sale are wonderful. So many great items for the little ones to purchase. I know the creating for this event must be very rewarding for you and your friend.
Yes, I have been working on Christmas for my shoppe for awhile now and still have miles to go before I have finished what I need. Doing all kinds of painted items from ornies to santas and snowmen etc.
So glad you have some cooler weather. We however here in Texas are in day 35 of triple digit temps. Tonight we are still at 104 degrees. So ready for Fall now!!
Thank you for stopping by and your anniversary wishes. Good luck in my giveaway.
Blessing to you,
Celestina Marie xo
Oh wow, can you come to my house and make all my Christmas decorations too? lol This is a fabulous post--and you are going to be all ready when the holidays actually arrive!!!
ReplyDeleteXO
Cindy
P.S. You have a heart of gold, my friend.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful to do this for the kids! The ornaments are beautiful and love the simplicity of fabric on them :)
ReplyDeleteSherry,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great thing to do. I am just amazed. Your kindness in doing this is so obvious. I taught and was a school psychologist for years and I can just see those little children (who had so little money) who would be thrilled to pick out a gift for their parents.
Hugs and much admiration!
Suz
Wow Sherry, How wonderful that you make all these precious gifts that the little ones can afford. Sounds like a perfect day crafting with your friend. Your sure to brighten some faces Christmas morning!
ReplyDeletehugs Lynn