Be Merry and Bright

Welcome Holiday Season!

Thanksgiving is next week and Christmas will soon follow.  I hope this season will be one you can embrace with an open heart.  There is so much vying for attention throughout the holidays.  I tend to get caught up everything celebratory and all things that homey.  

But I know for so many the holidays are a reminder of what is not peaceful and gratitude is hard to come by.

Last week there was a picture in my local paper of scores of people lined up around the building of the Community Action House waiting for food. They have a food bank and many people utilize it on a monthly basis.  (The Community Action House is an organization that was formed decades ago to help fight poverty in the West Michigan area. Throughout the years it has joined forces with local churches, Hope College and the Center for Faithful Leadership to maximize their impact for the good. Click on the link to learn more about Community Action House and all the many ways they assist people.)

Trouble is no stranger in my home.  We've faced uncertain times before and needed the encouragement and help from others.  Every story is different but experiencing need is something many people live with every day.

This year I have created a new Christmas card design.  The inspiration is from the song White Christmas.  There is a lyric in the song that says, "May your days be merry and bright."

I started to think "What would being merry and bright look like?" 

Helping replentish the shelves at the Community Action House with food and personal items would qualify for  being merry and bright, right?  I have given to the food bank before and will continue to do so.  

But I had a crazy idea...what if you did it with me?

With every purchase of a set of 10 cards I will donate 2 items for the food pantry at the Community Action House.  My goal is to fill as many grocery bags as possible.  What a lot of people may not know is that a large percentage of children in the area use the free and reduced lunch programs at their school.  Their parents depend on them getting fed while during the school day.  When there is no school, there often is no breakfast or lunch for these kids.  That's why the holidays can be very difficult for many families and why I want to try to help keep the shelves full so families in need can care for their children.

This opportunity is obviously time sensitive so as many of you who would like to order a set of 10 cards (notecard size) with envelops I will gather 2 items to fill a grocery bag for the food bank.  If you place an order from today through December 6th I will be able to get your cards to you in time for them to be used prior to Christmas day.

A set of 10 cards is $15

Sharing your holiday wishes to those you love and helping people in need is a great way to be merry and bright. At the end of this initiative I will let you know just how much we were able to gather together.

Let me know if you would like to order a set!

May you be MERRY and BRIGHT!

Blessings
Randi

Time for More Fun!

Welcome Back!

It's been several weeks since I last presented some fun things.  Many of you kindly placed orders from my blog this summer.  I had a blast sharing my work with you and am very grateful that so many of you made purchases. Thank you! 

Now it's time for more fun. I've done my best to capture pictures of what is available if you would like to make an order!  Perhaps you are looking for something a little different or special for a friend?   

Most of the supplies that I use are vintage.  Each piece is typically one of a kind.  If you find something you would like to order but it has already sold I will do my best to make a product very similar to what you see here in these photo's. Please contact me if you like what you see and would like to have it!!  If you already know me, you'll know how to contact me, otherwise you can leave me a message at randihelm88@gmail.com.

Thank you for taking the time to visit!

Randi    

Vintage Ribbon Necklaces

I had a lot of fun creating these little lovelies!  Taking old used keys and antique spoons I added vintage jewelry scraps to create a one of a kind look. I love these necklaces because although they are rough, scratched and tarnished the look is old world glamour meets everyday functionality.  They are strung on a simple black ribbon and would look great layered with other necklaces. ($22 each)

Christmas Cards

 I've decided that I love Gnomes!  I don't really know why but I guess it's because they look a little like small Santa's.  This card is inspired by my two sweet sisters and my dear friend Jeanette.  May we always laugh stupidly at all things Gnome!  (A story for another time.)  I'll be Gnome for Christmas!  

My first year I was married we had a red pick up truck. Like so many newly weds, the first year is full of learning new things about your spouse.  I didn't know I married someone who never liked to go and get Christmas trees!  So my sister and I went four wheeling through the mud and I picked out my own!  The card below is a reflection of that memory!  (BTW:  My husband came with me every year after that!)

Like last year they are roughly 4" by 5", single sided and include an envelop.  (Set of 10 is $15)

Scrabble Ornament.

I am a big fan of words. Using old scrabble pieces I made these sweet little ornaments.  Love, Hope and Merry are the theme.  ($4)

Photo/Card Holder

Ok so these have been some of my favorite things to create. Old door knobs or salt and pepper shakers were re-purposed into a pretty photo or card display.  ($7-$12)

Rustic Signs

Yes my word theme continues here in these rustic signs. They capture universal sentiments.  Perfect for any home.  They are around 18" long on rustic wood, held up by thick twine.  Current signs read:  Crabby Happens, Lovely, Be Still, Hug Often, Grateful and Smile...it helps.  ($8)

Burlap Table Runner

Basic and simple. This table runner is made out of burlap and bright red fabric.  It will brighten up any table setting. ($15)

Dish Towel

 These dish towels are designed with a childish rendition of a rein deer simply celebrating, Noel!  Vintage scraps are added to brighten and cheer!  ($5 each)

Old Ladle Candle Holders

I love the notion that things from days gone by have a place in my home today.  These are fun, well used, and full of character old ladles, mounted on rustic wood planks. Now they are one of a kind candle holders.  ($15 Candle included)

Simple Picture Frame

Keeping with the theme of days gone by, this frame is adorned with a little touch of old.  Vintage fabric scraps and buttons along with a burlap star give it a little something special. The opening is big enough for a 4"x6" picture.  It can be hung on a wall or stand upright. ($10)

Thank you again for visiting.  I am grateful that you have taken the time.  Let me know if there is something here that you would like!   ~ Randi