Busy preparations for the CHA Craft & Hobby Tradeshow in Anaheim in two weeks! There are many events happening and one of them I am participating in is the Giving Tree. The theme of the tradeshow is The Power of Creative Community.

"To coincide with the theme, CHA is creating the Community Park in booth #1939 that will serve as an exhibiting area for nine charities, and attendee lounge, a drop off point for a school supply drive for the Kids In Need Foundation..." Designers could choose from nine very worthwhile charities to create an ornament representing the charity to hang on the tree. The ornament will then go to the charity to be used as an auction item or donor appreciation gift.

I chose ConKerr Cancer: "ConKerr Cancer donates handmade sewn pillowcases for chronically ill children in hospitals in order to make their stay as pleasant as possible."

I was inspired by all of the charities but this one touched my heart, I could imagine all of the cozy pretty pillowcases sewn with love and care and the little heads that rest on them. A dear friend's child was one of those children and I thought of her as I designed this special project.

I sewed up a tiny pillowcase and quilt, needle felted a wee mouse to sleep on the pillowcase, dreaming "Wish upon a ..." To create is a gift, to create for a worthwhile gift is a most treasured gift, "handmade from the heart."

I have so very many talented designer friends, Elaine Schmidt just has a new Simplicity pattern released, #1931, beautiful and stylish shaggy rugs made from fleece. Fleece is cut in strips attached to a canvas back, a great way to use up fleece remnants. Elaine comments that any patterned fleece can be used as the pattern disappears and it is the overall color effect that is achieved.

 Her inspiring gorgeous ribbon book is also part of a give away with Quayside Publishing and Crafts 'n Coffee. This book has 700 photographs with a detailed how to sections and a comprehensive guide of all types of ribbon and designs to create! The STYROFOAM TM collection offered along with the book give away will give you the opportunity to create some stunning projects like the beribboned topiary trees. Elaine definitely sews up "oh sew pretty" things!

(photo compliments of Elaine Schmidt)

(photo compliments of Quayside Publishing)