Do You Craft?

Do you craft? Any kind of craft. Making cards, sewing, jewelry making, wood working, wreath making, knitting, painting...anything at all! We are looking for donations. To be sold at our Love for Blue Fundraiser. And if they're not sold there, to be added to our Etsy Shop on May 1, 2016.

What kind of items are we looking for? Anything. Honestly. As long as it's some shade of blue. To go towards our Love For Blue project. Or anything in purple. To benefit our Caring for the Caregivers project. Here are a few examples, of what we're looking for. But honestly, we'll accept any donation.

Tutus of any style, are always a good thing. I'm yet to meet a little girl, who doesn't want to dress up. And they really are fun items.  In the past, I've made similar items. As well, as the ones you stuff with petals, pom poms, and bells.

 

Hair bows. I can't tell you, how many times I'm asked for these. And I have no clue, how to make them. I guess I could look up a Youtube video. But I am by no means a "Bow Master." Do you know of anyone who makes bows? I'd even be happy, to buy some!

Headbands. Oh, headbands...how the masses love you! I make the ones with flowers. And my Mom crochets different appliques for them too. But I know, there are "Master Headband" makers out there. Again, I'd totally be willing to buy some...

 

Do you sew? Do you know how much I struggle, to find little boy items to sell? I'd love something like this! I once, made two very similar items. For my friends' sons. But a gal, can't do it all on her own....

Aprons, oh how I love thee! And so do, many of our customers. I'm ALWAYS asked for aprons. Full aprons, half aprons, kid aprons...they want it all! Do you sew?

Jewelry is ALWAYS a big seller. Something I've wanted to learn how to make. For a long time. But do I really have those kinds of skills? I don't know. Do you make jewelry. Of any kind. We could definitely use some! We have the cancer jewelry, that was donated. But lots of people are looking for handmade baubles.

 

Do you crochet? Would you like to donate a little item. A hat, stuffed toy, or maybe a baby blanket. We'd take it all! I know my Mom and I eat, sleep, and do everything else...with a crochet hook in our hands. But even we, can only make so many items!

 

Honestly, anything you can think of, we'd accept. Embroidered towels, crochet purses, bow holders, painted boxes, handmade dresses. Whatever your talent is, we'd love to have a piece of you handcrafted goods...to add to our shop.

 

If you'd like to make a donation leave me a comment, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or contact me on Facebook. Also, if you'd like to donate materials, we'd happily accept them too! ❤❤❤

 



Volunteers Wanted

On this week's Wishful Wednesday, I'm looking for volunteers. Of all sorts. For our upcoming fundraiser. Actually, we're calling it a "Day of Celebration." Honestly, I can't think of a better way to put it.

 

Yes, we're fundraising. Yes, it will be a day, full of hard work. But we want it, to be a day of celebration. Of my Dad's life. Of his vision. Of our community. Of the New Mexico Cancer Community. And of the children of our community.

We could use all the help, we can get. From our entire community. In terms of spreading the word, about our upcoming fundraiser. In any way possible. Do you want to hand out flyers? Can you share on your social media? Do you know people, who would want to join us?

Maybe you have some skills, that we can use that day. Cooking, setting up, tearing down, selling our items, or helping me with the last minute details. Do you know a person, or business, that would like to sponsor us? Maybe they can donate an item for our raffle. Or food items. Maybe help us with some of the costs, associated with our fundraiser. 

 

This quote, reminds me of my Dad. He was all about giving back. It's one of the things, I admire the most, about my Dad. And one of the lessons, that I value most in life. In a ton of ways, I was more prepared this year. For our fundraiser, than I was last year. I had a T-shirt design, saved in December. Flyers made in January. I was out and about, getting things done. Then I got sick. And everything came to a screeching stop.

The thought has crossed my mind. A few times. Cancel the event. Postpone it. Reschedule. But that is not what my Dad taught me. He taught me, when things get tough, we get tougher. We somehow, pull together, and tackle this beast. And that's what I'm going to do.

We've got the permits. I talked with my friend Amber, about the T-shirts. I've been collecting donations. Flyers are being handed out. And I'm trying my best, to spread the word. One way or another, we'll get there. And hopefully, we'll have people that show up.

This event, is not about me. Or my struggles. It's about celebrating my Dad's life. Raising up the people, around us. Making a path, that will be easier, for the next family to travel. Life isn't about our accomplishments. As proud as we may be of them. It's about lifting others up. Giving a hand, when it's needed most. It's about helping others, to succeed.

That is what gets me through my days. It's the inspiration, that I lean on. We're 17 days, away from our event. I'm feeling overwhelmed. But I know, we can make it. Somehow, we'll make it. We have God on our side. A supportive community. And a purpose.

I keep thinking, about the kids in our community. Who will benefit from our scholarship fund. I'm doing this, for them. They deserve it. It's what my Dad taught me. The youth, is our future. And we have to believe in them. And invest in them.

I'm also staying tough, for the New Mexico Cancer Community. All the people we've met along the way. Because they deserve it. They fight, every single day, for their lives. Some struggle, more than others. We are all in a family. It's a group, that you never thought you'd be a part of. And now, you are a lifelong member. You want to carry the next family, through their tough time.

I think about all the families, who struggled. While we were in and out of the hospital. I can still see nurses and doctors, putting money together. To order pizza. For families. Who came from out of town. Their loved one dying. The kids, hanging out in the Family Room. Sleeping on the floor. I do it for them.

Please, if you'd like to volunteer, in any way...let me know. Contact me here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. It's all about the people, we can help. And hold up, during the toughest time, of their lives. Let's make our 2nd Annual Memorial Love For Blue Fundraiser a success! ❤❤❤

Hey There Monkey!

My Dad and I, had this hilarious connection to monkeys. When I was born, I was a pretty hairy baby. And my Dad called me, his little monkey. I remember my Dad, liking to buy me, stuffed monkeys. All the time! As I'd grow out of my dresses, he'd put them on my monkeys. :)

When I got older, I'd call my Dad, "Daddy Monkey." When this series of commercials came out, I told my Dad, it reminded me of him. I was away at college. And he laughed. Every single time I'd see the commercial, I'd laugh. And when I'd move back home, to take care of my Dad, and we saw these commercials...I'd tell him, that he was on TV!

When my Dad went to the hospital in December 2010, I'd buy him a stuffed monkey. From the hospital's Gift Shop. Every single time, after that, when we were in the hospital...I'd buy my Dad a stuffed monkey. We got a nice little collection. In just a short time. And my Dad LOVED them!

During the last few weeks of his life, my Dad was in bed a lot! He'd look out his bedroom window. And I'd attempt, to make my parents' bedroom, a little more fun, for my Daddy. I'd go out and buy some of these solar toys. And I'd put them in the window. For a few years, I've been buying them for my grandma. And she enjoys them so much! My Dad thought, they were pretty fun too!

For hours he'd watch them dance around. He'd tell me, to never forget to take him some, to his grave. And I still find myself, looking for new characters. Every store I go to, I look for them. If you would like to donate some, for our fundraiser, I'd gladly except them!

I'd also put up my Dad's Birthday cards, flowers, and his collection of monkeys. He'd tell me, that he really enjoyed those monkeys. That every single time, he saw a monkey, he smiled. And he thought of me. And our fun relationship. When I see monkeys, I think of my Daddy too!

There's just something about them. The silliness behind them, remind me, of how silly my Daddy could be too! I'm hoping to sell some monkey items, at our fundraiser, in April. And I'm looking for donations. Here are a couple of things, that I found. But we're open to anything, and everything!

I see these bracelets everywhere! In fact, my Dad is the one, that bought me my first one. We were at Walgreen's one day. Picking up his prescriptions. And he saw them. He threw a couple in our basket. Because I'm ALWAYS wearing bracelets! And he liked them. The expression on the monkey's face, makes me think of my Dad's silly smile.

I'd LOVE to sell these. But I don't know where you can buy them. I've contacted the company. And hope to hear from them soon. Because online, they start at $4 a bracelet! And I haven't been able to find these monkey bracelets, at the store anymore. I just find the other animals.

 

I think these little cups are cute. They are $13.48, per dozen. So cute! I LOVE their silly grins. Honestly, these cups, totally made my morning!

 

These girly monkey cups, are $15.50 a dozen. I think they are adorable! The little girl monkeys, make me want to have a birthday party. For myself. And I'm not really into that sort of thing. But these cups are so cute!

 

These cute and colorful monkeys, are $17.99 a dozen. And I think they'd be fun, to add to our sale. My Dad LOVED things like this! In fact, I bought him 3 hanging monkeys, in December 2014. When we were hospitalized over the holidays. For weeks, they hung in our hospital room!

 

 

These cuties, made me laugh, when I saw them. They are $9.73, for 100. And are about an inch tall. But seriously, they are cute! The one that is laying down, with it's hands behind it's ears, reminds me of my Daddy. That's the way he liked to lay in bed. In the hospital, at home, wherever!

 

So there you go. I'm looking for some sponsors. To add to the items, that we are going to sell. Monkeys, remind me of my Daddy. Just like school buses do. Model cars, from Danbury Mint. Driving caps, still bring tears to my eyes. Mini tools, were his favorite! Coin collections, make me smile. And double chocolate donuts, make my heart sing. :) Those were all favorites of my Daddy.

 

And we want the Love for Blue Fundraiser, to represent my Daddy. We want to have things, that remind us, of him. That bring a smile to our faces. And to the people that will be there. If you are interested, in sponsoring us, please leave me a comment here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or contact me on Facebook.

 

This is our BIG fundraiser, for the year. And we want to raise, as much money, as possible. To be able, to continue supporting those people, touched by cancer. To help fund, research. And to continue, supporting our community. Our goal is, to grow our scholarship fund. To double it, for next year. Thank You, for continuing to read our blog! And have a very Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤

Supplies And Decorations

Have you clicked on our Sponsors Welcome Tab? I generally list, things that we could use. Items that we need. But today, I'm going to talk a little more about that. About the basic supplies, we need for our 2nd Annual Love for Blue Fundraiser. We are officially, a month away, from the big day!

We need paper goods. Like napkins, plates, bowls, plastic ware, and coffee cups. We need it all! Decorations would help too!

I found these plastic blue plates. 192 plates, for $24. A pretty good deal. A little more sturdy, than your average plates.

Same can be said for these bowls. You can get 240 plastic blue bowls, for $24. We could use these for stew, Frito pie, and fruit.

480 blue napkins, for $24. You ALWAYS need napkins. We could probably use a bunch of these guys!

We also used a number of blue tablecloths, last year. I think I bought 20, and used them all! These tablecloths are $48, for 48. We actually use them all year long! I put them on the tables, when we are selling at Craft Fairs. Adds to the blue, and grabs people's attention.

I found the blue utensils too. You get 16 sets, for $1. That's 16 forks, knives, and spoons. A pretty good deal.

Then it would be nice, to get some help with the decorations. We used balloons, last year. To line the trail. And to place at the entrance of the park. We could definitely use some help here. I think I bought 30-40 balloons, last year. They are $20, for 20. And with these balloons, you don't have to pay, to have them filled.

And we used some of these smaller balloons, as well. To line the trail. And to sell. These were great! They are $24, for 24 balloons.

We also used some streamers. To decorate the sitting areas, around the trail. And to decorate the area, where we sold our items. You can get 2 rolls, for $1.

These weights were also very helpful. I used them on the tables. And to hold down some of the balloons. They are $24, for 24 weights.

We could use a ton of these bags! To put our packets together. For people participating in the 5K Run/Walk. And for the Car Show. Even for our sale. You get 72 bags, for $36.

These larger bags, would also be helpful for our sale. You get 36 bags, for $36. These would be great when we sell blankets, larger dolls, or have bigger orders.

These smaller bags, would be really helpful. Many times, we sell lots of little items. You get 108 bags, for $36.

We'd also like to get a couple of these banners. They are $15 each. And potentially, we'd like to have 1 or 2 banners, made for our event. With my Dad's picture, and "Love for Blue," printed on them. Something we can use for years. And that we are able to use, at Craft Fairs, as well as our big fundraisers.

There are other costs too. Like coffee cups. Printing our flyers. Postage. Printing signs for the Car Show. Getting our permits. Lots of permits. If you would like to help, with any of these things, please let me know. You can leave me a message here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com,) or reach me on Facebook. Thanks for all your support! ❤❤❤

Food And Drink Donations

We are getting close, to our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue Fundraiser. And we are trying to get, as many donations, as possible. That way, most of the money we raise, goes directly to supporting the Presbyterian Cancer Center, Cancer Services of New Mexico, the American Cancer Association, the Love for Blue Scholarship Fund, and our Caring for the Caregivers Boxes.

I think it's important, to also reach out to our community. And I want to make a list, of the items we are hoping to get. The items, that we are going to be selling, at our fundraiser.

1. Hamburger Patties
2. Hamburger Buns
3. Sliced Cheese
4. Hotdogs
5. Hotdog Buns
6. Nacho Cheese
7. Chips
8. Bottled Water
9. Sodas
10. Coffee
11. Baked Goods
12. Donuts
13. Items to make cookies
14. Items to make cupcakes
15. Ketchup
16. Mustard
17. Relish
18. Lettuce
19. Tomatoes
20. Onions
21. Green Chili
22. Fresh Fruit
23. Tortillas
24. Items to make breakfast burritos
25. Items to make Frito pie
26. Ice
27. Snack foods
28. Kid drinks
29. Candy
30. Gum

If there is anything you'd like to donate, please get in touch with me. All donations, no matter how large or small, are greatly appreciated! Remember, we're doing this for our community. To give back to those, who are currently struggling. Whether they are going through cancer, are taking care of someone with cancer, or are benefitting from our scholarship fund.

You can leave me a message here, send me an e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or you can reach me on Facebook. I'm able to pick-up any donated items. Also, if you would like to prepare something, for our sale, let me know. We need all the help, we can get! Thanks again! ❤❤❤

2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk Fundraiser

I wanted to share a little more, about our plans. For our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk. This year, we've had more time, to plan. And to get things together. I've also asked, more people to help out.

First and foremost, we will have a 5K Fun Run/Walk. On April 23, 2016. At the Valle Del Bosque Park. Located at Sunset and Sunset Gardens SW. It comes out to, 4 times, around the trail. The entry fee is $25. Which will include a t-shirt.

Next, we will be having a Car Show. Same location. Again, the registration is $25. And will also include a t-shirt. And one voting ticket. We will be selling tickets, to vote on people's favorite car. For $1. And will have a 1st place prize.

There will also be food for sale. Hamburgers, hotdogs, nachos, frito pie, desserts, drinks, and snacks. We are asking for help, on the day of, to cook. Also to set up, and tear down.

My Mom and I, will also be hosting a sale. Where we will be selling the items we collect. And also our craft items. With the money going towards our scholarship fund.

Lastly, we'll be hosting a raffle. I am making a blanket. And we have begun to collect items, from the community. Gift cards, donated items, and such. With the tickets costing $2.

If there is anything, that you are interested in helping out with, please let me know. Volunteering on the day off. Advertising. Collecting items for us. Donating items. Helping to organize the event. If you would like to participate, let me know. You can always contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), and on Facebook.

And of course, feel free to spread the word. It's the only way, we will make this event, a success! Please share this post on your social media. And if you know of anyone, that is interested in donating items, please let me know. Happy Friday! ❤❤❤   

Bags For Our 5K Run/Walk

I'm always looking for new things. To share with everyone. Items that I think, could make our Fundraiser a bit better. Things I'm selling, to try and raise money. Items that might be useful, to you.

I've been doing that a lot lately. As we try and decide, what to include in a "registration packet." I'd like to be able, to hand out some sort of bag. Filled with our t-shirt, a bracelet, and maybe a heart. More on that later. I've been working on them!

I think it would be easier for us, if we could pre-assemble the packets. It would make for a faster registration process. And I think it would look nice. So here we go...

I found these totes. Which are perfect! They are blue, have the cancer support ribbon, and are just a nice looking bag. Except they are a little pricey. At least for what we are doing. $28 for a dozen. Maybe it would be a good investment to sell. They really are a nice looking bag.

I found these. For $162, for 100. Actually, the bags come out to be, $1.12 each. But you have to pay a $50 set up fee. Ugh! I know. But you do get to customize these bags. For the same price. We can add our logo. Or just "Love for Blue."

I also came across these backpack style bags. For 100, we'd pay $141. That would be, about $0.90 a bag. It includes customizing the bag, as well.. And I think these would be kind of useful, on the day of the event. Something, to keep all your belongings together, while you walk or run.

So there you go. I found a few items. But I would greatly appreciate a sponsor, or two. We could also include your business name and/or logo. Let me know, if you are able to help. My e-mail address is LoveForBlue2015@aol.com. ❤❤❤

Craft Supplies

Over social media, I've had quite a few people ask, "How can I help?" I'm trying to keep a running list, here on Wishful Wednesdays. But I'll be a little more specific, the closer we get to our 2nd Annual Memorial Love For Blue 5K Run/Walk.

Today, I'm going to talk a little bit, about craft supplies. A large bulk, of our fundraising, comes from crafts. Items that my Mom and I make. And then sell at local Craft Fairs, Farmers' Markets, and on our Etsy Shop.

We usually, just eat up the costs. Of supplies. And donate our time. All of our blue items, and everything in our Etsy Shop, is donated. By the two of us. We buy the supplies, make the items, and sell them. Taking 100% of the money, and putting it back into our foundation.

I know, not everyone is interested in buying blankets, toys, and sweaters from us. But there are lots of people that would like to support us. And this is one of the most obvious ways, I can think of. Helping us with craft supplies.

Obviously, we use a lot of yarn. A LOT! Blankets use anywhere from 2 skeins of baby yarn, to 10 skeins of regular yarn. Dolls can take 2 or more, skeins of yarn. So yarn is a good place to start. We use mostly Red Heart. But from time to time, will use Baby Bernat, I Love This Yarn, or Caron Simply Soft.

Along with toy making, come the little things. Like safety eyes. I buy all our safety eyes, at Hobby Lobby. The manager, already knows me. Well. Because I usually buy 50 packs, at a time!

We also use a ton of buttons! For everything from sweaters, to our Lalaloopsy Dolls. All sizes and shapes. Bought everywhere from Wal-Mart, to Michael's.

Keeping with toy making, and sometimes pillow making...we go through boxes and boxes of stuffing. We buy ours at Hobby Lobby. Again, they know me well. And I ALWAYS, use a coupon. A big box, can make 3 dolls, or a handful of amigurumi toys, or a few sets of pillows.

My Mom also uses quite a bit of crochet thread. I think she uses 2 1/2 rolls, for a doily. One colored, one white, and half a green. She also uses thread for her baby dresses.

Cotton yarn is also a big expense. I make a lot of dishcloths, and potholders. Sometimes baby booties. And newborn hats.

We also sew. Making aprons, dolls, and other small notions. Fabric is always welcomed. We also make baby blankets, burp clothes, and wipe boxes.

Trimmings are also a big expense. Everything from rick rack, to ribbon, and lace. We use them for sewing, and finishing our items.

We make tutus as well. And go through a ton of elastic, and tulle. Both by the yard. And by the spool. Thank goodness, for sales at Hobby Lobby!

Along with the traditional tutus, we make some, that are stuffed. With things like bells, pom poms, and flower petals.

Oh, and my Mom uses a bunch of beads. And buckles. For her dolls. All her Native dolls, take tons of these supplies!

Lastly, flowers and headbands. I make and sell, a ton of these! Mostly buying flowers from the Dollar Tree, headbands on eBay, and also using a few essentials...like felt.

That covers a lot of what we do. Making everything from Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, to baby dresses. If you'd like to donate something, you can always contact me on here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook.

I do want to say a HUGE Thank You to those of you, who have sent gift cards, to us. I have met so many, amazing people, through our blog, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at local sales. Many people want to reach out and help. And let me tell you, at times, it's overwhelming. To know, so many people support our cause. And want to help us.

Every little bit, helps. I promise, nothing is too small. I recently got a card, from a little girl. With a $5 Dollar Tree gift card inside. It made me cry. Honestly, to know that a little girl wanted to help. It was just so heartwarming. And I want to say Thank You, to every person, that has reached out to us! ❤❤❤

Looking for Jewels

We're gathering our items, donations, and supplies...for our 2nd Annual Memorial Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk. I've been posting about it, all month. And will continue, until April. You may have also noticed, our new tab, on the top of the page. At anytime, click on it, to see what we're looking for. Maybe you can help us out.

Other than our walk, we are also planning to sell food, have a Car Show, a raffle, sell some homemade items, and sell donated items. We are also sticking to our plan, of having blue items. We want people to remember, our reasons, for our fundraiser. Ultimately, we want to be a part, of the cure of colon cancer.

There are many things, that my Mom and I create. We crochet, sew, and do other crafts. One thing neither of us do, is make jewelry. And I know, people are always looking at jewelry. I know I am! And we'd like to have a few handmade, blue pieces, to sell at our Love for Blue 5K Run/Walk.

If you are a jewelry maker, and would like to donate something, please let me know. Either on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. And please share this, with as many people as you can!

Here are a few pieces, that I came across on Etsy. And just adore! But honestly, we'll be happy, with any and all donations!

I like the simplicity of this necklace. And the color is stunning! I found it here, for $21. I'm serious when I say, this necklace, almost makes me want to learn, how to make jewelry!

This necklace is selling for $25. And honestly, it is so beautiful! It has just enough detail, with the lace. But it's simple. Something that can be worn daily.

I came across this bracelet, and it's perfect for so many reasons! This bracelet is $20.50. And I know, someone like my Mom would enjoy it. I'm actually thinking, of asking the seller, to make me one with "Love" or "Blue." For my Mom.

The second I laid eyes, on this bracelet, I was in love! I'm not lying. It's just a stunning piece. For $39.95, you honestly can't go wrong. The lapis is beautiful. The design is simple. It's a gorgeous piece!

These are also gorgeous. For $25.99, you can own these earrings. I like the design. The wrapped wire, reminds me of a bird's nest. And the beads, make these earrings, simple enough...to wear daily. That's my kind of earring!

For $10.50, these are some cute earrings! Something I like to wear every single day. Small, but with a little whimsy. They'd also be perfect, for the little lady in your life!

For $24.99, this would be the perfect box, to keep all your baubles. Actually, I've begun making, a few jewelry boxes. For our sale. This one, just speaks to me!

So if you are a jewelry maker, or know one, would you consider a small donation? We are continuing to raise funds, to support other cancer patients in New Mexico, to help find a cure for colon cancer, and to continue giving back to our community.

I hope you'll take a minute, to consider a donation. Nothing is too small. We're all working, towards making our world, a better place. If you would like to contact me...you can always leave a message on our blog, contact me via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Happy Wednesday! ❤❤❤