Are you a cat lover? Is your best friend known for purring and winding about between your ankles when you are trying to walk? Does he or she know all of your secrets and just sit looking wisely about the room? Lots of us have cats that mean all the world to us. I don’t know that I would legitimately call them a soulmate, but for the purposes of this little cloth pin, it works just fine.

This is a free pattern found on the Internet that lists all of the supplies you need with detailed instructions. The pin is adorable. It is easy to make, won’t set you back financially, and would be a wonderful gift, but there is no way I would give this away!

After you have printed this pattern to make, visit Patti’s Web site. She has dolls for sale as well as patterns for other dolls. They are completely original and really impressive. She even has courses on CD to teach you about dollmaking, if you are new to the craft. I think you will enjoy the site.

Soul Mates Pin Doll

Patti’s Dolls

Michaels is well-known as a one-stop craft supply store. It has everything! I used to live near a Michaels and there were so many tempting things in that store… I could have shopped for hours - sometimes I did. Whether it is knit, crochet, beadwork, painting, glass crafts, floral design, stamping, scrapbooking, or paper crafts (and a whole lot more to be quite honest!), Michaels will have it.

Becoming a member of the Web site is free and very easy. When you are a member you can choose newsletters about your favorite crafts. Then a page is created for you that lists individual preferences and keeps track, for you, of your projects, techniques, and ideas. You can even add dates to it - don’t forget to make that craft for a special birthday! It is a wonderful personalized page for crafters.

Michaels

I found a blog that is entirely dedicated to crafting for the benefit of others in need. I like the premise of this blog because it issues a challenge and it provides community for the crafters that have joined and become a part of that community.

The blog is called “25 Things For Charity.” The goal is to make 25 things (handcrafted items) for charity in a 12 month period. Although 12 months is obviously a year, it is a rotating project, which means you can join any time.

That 25 things, averages out to roughly two a month. For little items, that is easy - chemo hats and toys are pretty fast projects. But some of these crafters are making beautifully handknit prayer shawls, quilts, and other complex projects.

I believe that the success of these people in accomplishing their goal of 25 things in a 12 month period, comes from the support of each other. It is a perfect situation for crafters who work for charity.

Check them out. 25 Things for Charity will welcome you and let you join at any time. I know you will enjoy the projects, the community, and the purpose of this blog.

25 Things For Charity

When I first found this site I was attracted simply because of the name.  Chickadee Crafts was a name I had to investigate - I love chickadees - they are sweet, gentle, and a bright spot in our winters.  They are always cheerful - just like the crafter who creates for charity.  Admittedly, I had expectations from the site based on my feelings about a bird.

I am pleased to report that I was not disappointed.  Actually, I found more than I expected.  This site is a wonderful resource for the crafter who does charity work.  Rachelle Draney, owner of Chickadee Crafts, has some ideas for crafters who work to reach out to others. 

• Crafts for Charity Tips - This is a page put together by Rachelle that guides crafters who wish to involve themselves in charity work, but are unsure of what to do with the finished projects.  She has several suggestions and hopes to hear from others for other ideas.
• Humanitarian Projects - This page has several categories that are commonly used by charity crafters, complete with links to wonderful patterns that Rachelle has developed herself.  The patterns are adorable.  They are either crocheted or sewn, and the patterns on this page are free of charge.  They are downloadable in .pdf format.

The rest of the site is loaded with other patterns that Rachelle has designed.  The prices are reasonable for the patterns and they are very unique.  I am absolutely enchanted with the Ladybug Bear - take a look - you won’t find a cuter bear and the pattern is very inexpensive.

I hope you will visit Rachelle at Chickadee Crafts.  She can help you with your crafting for charity and supply you with some new ideas.  While you are there, sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about the site.

Chickadee Crafts