I know. It sounds nuts. But in reality this is a very helpful tool that is used for many women that are in need. Many of them have illnesses that are life-threatening, and others have problems that require hysterectomies. Either way, these women lose their ability to have children and this can be a devastating situation. The other issue women face is the feeling of losing their femininity – their unique “woman-ness.” Losing a uterus is a life-altering experience.

Project Uterus

Hystersisters – Hysterectomy Recovery Support Web Site

Basic Knitted Uterus – Free Pattern

Knitted Uterus – Complete with Fallopian Tubes & Ovaries – Free Pattern

Not everyone is an accomplished crafter. But there are many crafts that aren’t really all that crafty. And they are just as good for helping. “Hugs and Hopes for Sick Kids,” is a charity that needs the “less-crafty” among us to jump in and help out.

So what can you do to help sick children? Keep in mind these are children that are fighting for their lives. They have serious illnesses. They need a smile. A laugh. Something to entertain them and that will allow them to think about something else than the hospital or the illness itself. Cards are a great way to start – handmade cards can be made pretty fancy – there are lots of ways to decorate a card! Teddy bears, birthday boxes and many other ideas are needed by these kids.

If you would love to help, but the idea of sending something directly to a child makes you uncomfortable (some people have a big heart but can’t handle the issue of terminally ill children), parents need help too. You can be a listening ear and support to a parent who is trying to stay even during a horribly difficult time.

If you feel called to this way of reaching out, be certain to read their “Getting Started” page. It is important to understand the policies of this organization so that the appropriate steps are taken to help. It’s easy – just be on the same page as the organizers of this selfless work.

Hugs and Hope for Sick Children

Hugs and Hopes – Getting Started

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

Crafting for charity usually brings to mind the skills and talents of knitting, crocheting, and sewing. But any craft can be employed for helping others. And if you have no talent (well, first of all you are wrong because we all have some talent – you just need to find it!), or don’t feel your skills are ready yet, there is an organization that needs you and your friends to paint murals for sick kids.

Paint-A-Mural is an organization that assists communities so that people can come together and turn a bleak hospital wall (or any number of other walls), into something to delight the eye of a child.

One side benefit, is that when these people come together for the Paint-A-Mural events, bonds are created, thus strengthening the community itself. It is a wonderful project for a company to present to its employees, and it would give some nice press coverage for the donating company.

There are various “packages” that can be used by groups. More than one mural is an option if the group is large. There are seven designs to choose from and it will be sectioned off for the number of people that are participating.

Paint-A-Mural does reserve the right to approve of the location of the mural, but the list of possible recepients is quite large. They are also looking for people to help with putting together murals for terminally ill children.

Check out Paint-A-Mural. It could be the perfect crafting experience for you as you donate your time for others. Its fun, easy, and can brighten the day for many, many people.

Paint-A-Mural