Creating for a Cause: Craft Hope

I know some of our members have participated in this in the past, but I wanted to spread the word to all our blog readers. If you've ever wanted to make something for a child in need, Craft Hope is here. The fourth project -- sock monkeys for preschoolers at a burn camp -- is underway, and you don't have to be an amazing seamstress to get in on the action. Now through September 18, you can send handmade sock critters to the folks at Craft Hope to distribute to the campers in California. If you're well-versed in the world of socks-into-stuffies like FriedOkra or a newbie like the rest of us, your contributions are still welcomed. See the site for details.

If anyone decides to contribute, please send us pictures, and we'll show them off here. If you're participating in any other causes by donating handmade goods, tell us about that, too! Contact us through the team page or the group email address.

Autism Awareness

April is Autism Awareness Month, and today is World Autism Awareness Day. This is a cause that is near and dear to my heart because my 10-year-old sister is on the autism spectrum. I am only one of several members of the Disciples of Etsy Team that has been affected by autism. Art By Betty Refour has an entire section of her shop as well as a few other items dedicated to raising awareness of the disorder, which includes this gorgeous painting among several others:

Landscape Number 4 - Autism Awareness

Just as a personal plug, I'm donating 10% of all April sales in my Etsy shop to Autism Speaks in honor of my sister. If you live in Tulsa, you can also support the Autism Center of Tulsa by dining at the Qdoba near 51st and Yale every Monday and Thursday evening or all day Saturday before April 30. Take this flyer with you, and 10% of your check will go to the center.

If you are another team member affected by autism or doing something to support the cause, let me know and I'll add you here.