$10 Tote

I was at Wal-Mart the other day looking for some fabric to work on a little project when I found little packs of fabric. They were really cute patterns, and included two 1-yard pieces that complimented each other. The pack was only $10!

So, I set out to start a little project. I decided to make myself a little tote bag. It turned out pretty cute (and sturdy) so I thought I'd share. (sorry the pictures were taken very quickly and are kinda bland)

I put the shoes by the bag in the picture for size comparison.

I made the straps with the same fabric as the lining of the bag, and I used my favorite decorative stitch on my new machine to secure it in place. I also put pockets on both sides of the inside of the bag (these are great for my phone and keys).

If you would like any tips on how to make your $10 tote just comment on the post and let me know!

Fun Homemade Gifts

This Christmas I gave a lot of homemade gifts (due to the fact that I have no job, therefore no money). I actually ended up having a lot fun making these gifts and thought I would share a little with you.

I crocheted Granny Squares for all of the women in the family. These can be used as hot plates in the kitchen. I just did a basic solid granny square with multi-colored yarn (5 rounds) and then switched to a solid yarn that complimented the previous. With the solid yard I added one round of doubles and then a scalloped edge. The scalloped edge adds a nice touch to the basic square.

This is an older one that I made a little over a year ago for my mom.

I also made some over-sized pillows for my fiance's brother and another little girl. I took some fleece (with a cute pattern of course ... Hobby Lobby is my favorite place to get fabric around here) and cut large squares of equal size.  I didn't measure, but I would guess that it was about 25x35in. These are great because they can be used for laying on while watching TV or even a cushion to sit on while playing video games.

I think my favorite of the gifts would have to be the Organizer notebook that I made for one of my good friends. It is very simple to make, and they turn out very nice. The only items you will need are tabbed index cards (about a 5x7), small notepads, scrap-booking paper, a hole punch, tape and/or glue, index card rings/string/or something to combine the pages, and any stickers you may want to use. I got this idea from a blog I follow by Emily Rose, Simply Vintage Girl. I put a little of my own ideas in with the wonderful tutorial that she gives.

If you would like to try any of these and would like to have some tips and/or a tutorial please just comment on this post and I will work on getting that up for you  :)

PS. I got a new sewing machine so keep a look out for any sewing projects I may post in the near future.

Unto Him be the Glory!

Our Team :)

I returned home from beautiful Jamaica late Friday night. I have experienced a trip that will forever leave me changed. Seeing the contrast of the beauty of the beaches to the sadness and poverty in Canterbury left me speechless, and the faces of the people that I developed a passion to love and help will be forever etched in my memory.

The Community of Canterbury

The beautiful view on the way to Ocho Rios

I feel so blessed to have been a part of the missions team in Jamaica. Pastor Titus and Tammy were wonderful to work with, and we are very grateful for all they did to help us follow through with what we felt God was calling us to do. We were able to paint nails, give baby dolls, basketballs, food, flip flops, frame a porch, fix ceilings, and best of all present the gospel to people who desperately need Christ. As a team our goal was to share the love of Christ and the gospel with the people in Jamaica, and we were blessed to see 25 Jamaicans come to know Jesus Christ as their savior!

Saneika and Tiandra

In Canterbury, I became close with a few little girls: Tiandra, Omeica, and Saneika. I had talked with Tiandra some the first day we were there, but I didn't meet Omeica and Saneika until the second day. I helped Saneika with a bracelet, and then later Omeica and Saneika both started braiding or "platting" my hair. Tiandra jumped in and from that point on the three girls were like glue to me. To my knowledge the girls have not come to a full understanding of their sin nature and the need to accept Christ as their savior. They are young, and seeds have been planted. God's word will not turn void and I hope that one day those seeds will come to fruition, even if I don't personally get to see it happen. As we were leaving Canterbury on our last day of VBS, I was telling everyone goodbye with hopes that I would be able to see them next year. One little girl ran and jumped into my arms giving me the biggest hug I had gotten all week. I had played with her a few times, and comforted her after she had fallen and scraped her knee. I was enjoying the sweet hug as I told her goodbye when she leaned over and said "kiss me please". So, I gave her a kiss on the cheek and she did me the same. I can't explain the feelings that rushed in as my heart broke having to leave her there.

Omeica working on my hair :)

Micala : Another little girl I had the joy of talking with some

"So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up."
Galatians 6:9 NLT

Besides working in the community of Canterbury, we also spent a morning at the Robin's Nest Children's Home. We did various odd jobs to help out such as replacing light bulbs, doing laundry, and feeding some of the younger children. I enjoyed getting to help feed baby Asia. She is 10 months old and has adoptive parents in the States, but has not yet been able to go home with them. Please pray that the adoption process will speed up so that she can be with her new mommy and daddy.

Baby Asia

One of the children at the Robin's Nest preschool

The kids at the fence as we were leaving. They wanted to know if we were coming back tomorrow and it broke my heart to think that we wouldn't be able to spend more time with them before the end of the week.

We also had the priveledge of getting to know a very nice couple: Andrew and Tanesha. Andrew is the associate pastor of Bay Life Baptist in Jamaica. He and Tanesha will be getting married on the same day as Ben and I. We really enjoyed getting to know them throughout the week. They are both very sweet people and you can see the love of Christ in them. I count it a blessing to call them my friends.

Andrew and Tanesha with us after chapel at Fairview Bible College

Ben and I at a stop on the way to Ocho Rios

Ben and his new friends from the Bible College

Unto Him be the Glory!