BEAD BRACELET MINISTRY

It is my privilege to do this "Bead Bracelet" ministry.   It started years ago.  People would send their cast-off jewelry that we would re-purpose into craft projects.  I had bead necklaces that started to accumulate.  Finally I thought maybe I could do something with them besides craft projects.  So now when I receive such I cut apart and put them into little baggies, as you see on the table above.  The girls work on paper/plastic plates to keep beads from going everywhere.  This was a teen camp, but as you can see here, we had all ages. Every time I do this the ladies/girls are always so pleased to have a new bracelet (girls will be girls, right?) and especially that they got to make it themselves.  I told them these beads were an expression of God's love because people from the west care about them and send the materials for us to do this.  Thank you to you who have done so.  I couldn't do this ministry without your help.  It is always a blessing to see their smiles and they all say thank you.

CD DISC PAINTING by Maria Amora

My sweet friend, Karen Merrill shared this with me and I just love it.  I have several CD crafts on my Pinterest board called "CD/Record Crafts" so had to add this one to it.  I'll put the link in the comments in case you want to see more.

CREATING BACKGROUNDS by Terri Kahrs

You'll love what this lady does.  Terri is one of my favorite artists and a friend on Facebook.  I've gone thru her videos and they really added to my art. 

FEATHER EMBELLISHMENT VIDEO by Emilia Wilbur

I love this idea for doing your own feathers by Emilia Wilbur.  I've done these myself before, but when I came across this video I thought you all might enjoy trying it as well.

UKRAINE WOMEN'S CONFERENCE ~ CRAFTING FUN

 At the end of last month the ladies had a women's conference at our church, Bethany Church of Bucha.  We had a nice turn-out.

 Here I'm instructing the ladies in our first session.  After 18 years in this church I know them all.

 We had crafts on two days.  The first was to create hearts to give to children at the local psychiatric hospital.  Of course, they all had Bible verses and pretty decorations plus a ribbon to hang it up.  These were given with Samaritan's Purse boxes.  Quite thrilling for the kids.

 Crafting is always a fun time of fellowship and though this was a ladies group we also had a few younger ones get in on the fun.

 This is my sweet friend Olya.  I usually take pictures so I'm rarely in them, but my husband Jeff was around with his camera this time.

 And in case you are wondering what that is hanging around my neck, my sweet Facebook friend, Merrie Hogle made me a name tag with my name in Ukrainian on it.

 Our second day of crafts the ladies made hearts for themselves to take home as a reminder of our two days of talks and fellowship.  What a blessing it was.

And even this little guy made a heart.  He was around both days to "help out."  I just love what I get to do in sharing the joy of creativity.  I couldn't do it without all the generous and loving people who
send the materials.  I am so grateful to all of you and for the privilege of doing this work.