Our Ornament Fundraiser - The potential impact of ONE!

I wanted to say a special THANK YOU to those who have purchased and/or shared about our Ornament Fundraiser to support the FLUFF Project! Each and every ornament sold helps us in the continued outreach of providing stuffed friends to children in foster care. 

I wanted to share a closer look at some ways the funds can be used to help us continue to give in this way.

Poly-Fil stuffing to stuff the handmade toys I sew. Purchased from Jo-Ann's 32oz. pkg. $8.99

Some projects also call for pillow forms. 

Doll Panels like these....Hello Tokyo from Contemporary Cloth Inc. 

-OR- Storybook from Fabric Outlet range in price from $5.50 and up.

Additional fabric yardage is used for backing panels and creating stuffed toys from scratch too. While I am a careful clearance and sale shopper, even when discounted, good quality fabric averages $5-$8 a yard. 

Many PDF pattern designers have generously provided their patterns as a donation to the FLUFF project, I do also purchase patterns specifically for the project as well. The price of patterns can range from $1-$10 each. I am of course able to reuse these and also try and use free tutorials found on-line as well, to affordably expand the selection we provide. 

Other expenses include, felt & wool felt, thread, embroidery floss, needles, buttons, appliques, interfacing and a variety of tools that occasionally need to be replaced such as rotary blades, turning tools and the like.

Finally, in addition to the handmade items that are regularly contributed to the FLUFF Project, we also watch for deals on store bought stuffed toys. One excellent and inexpensive option are the $5 Kohl's Cares stuffed toys.

Locally, the money from the sale of these items goes to our Children's Hospital, which is doing great things within our community and beyond.....something we are very proud to support!

****Now, I think it's important that I say, our family is more than happy to contribute to these expenses, as we have and will continue to. This is simply an opportunity for those who would like to support our efforts while getting a special holiday gift at the same time.****

To find out more about the beautiful, keepsake ornaments available for purchase now - December 1st with the $$ raised poured back into our FLUFF Project, see the Ornament Fundraiser album here. You can email me directly with any questions or to place your order. 

THANK YOU for helping us to give back even more!

Holiday Fundraiser to support Hopeful Threads/FLUFF Project!

My friends at Quantum Jewelry have offered me a very special opportunity to use their beautiful, SnowWonders® Snowflakes Christmas Ornaments for a fundraiser for Hopeful Threads! 

They believe strongly in giving back, and have very tender hearts for children in need, and so they would like to show their support for the ongoing outreach efforts of Hopeful Threads and the FLUFF Project by offering these beautifully crafted keepsakes to you and your families. From now through December 1, 2013, you can purchase any of their SnowWonders® Snowflakes Ornaments, and know that you are also helping Hopeful Threads! For each $15 ornament ordered through me, Hopeful Threads will receive $10 to put towards the FLUFF Project! This is a HUGE blessing, especially as we go into the holidays and would like to make sure plenty of stuffed friends are on hand for the kiddos! 

***UPDATE!!!*** Just received this message from my friend Tammy at Quantum Jewelry regarding our Ornament Fundraiser posted about this morning... "Kristy, I just got word from an anonymous donor that they will match 5.00 to each ornament ordered. THAT means you keep the full 15.00 for each ornament sold!!!!!! Great news for a MONDAY! Loving it!" 

I don't know what to say! THANK YOU!!!! Both the Quantum Jewelry family and this generous anonymous donor!!! 

SPORTS. CAREER. HOBBY. SEASONAL. 

Here's a glimpse at some of the intricately detailed and personally themed ornaments available...

 And my personal favorite with thimbles, needles and scissors, perfect for the Seamstress!

These beautiful ornaments are a unique & personal gift for all those on your holiday shopping list!

To order, you can check out the individual options in the "Ornament Fundraiser Album" on the Hopeful Threads facebook page or see the complete selection at SnowWonders.com . Then, email me with the name(s) of the ornament(s) you'd like to order. I will invoice you and then forward your paid order on to Quantum for delivery. (orders must come through me for Hopeful Threads to receive our portion)
Further details in the "Ornament Fundraiser Album".

Order yours and support the FLUFF Project to provide stuffed friends for children in foster care!

EMAIL ME with any questions at all!
And THANK YOU for allowing your holiday shopping to help Hopeful Threads!
 

Give Hope - "Thirty-One" products with a purpose!

Today I want to share with you about a business idea that was developed in a mother's heart and continues for the sole purpose of providing for children in need. If you've been around Hopeful Threads for long, then you probably aren't a stranger to it, but it ties in to our "Give Hope" efforts this month and I believe so strongly in what she is doing, that I want to share with you again!

Assisting Adoption was created by an adoptive mother looking for a way to support other families on the fundraising journey of adoption. Currently, she is doing this by way of selling Thrity-One products.

It's simple really, the family that is adopting, or better yet, a friend or family member that wants to support them on their journey, hosts a Thirty-One event. This can be a home show where folks gather together to discuss the products or an on-line party like I hosted here last month in support of China Little Flower.

After the order is complete, my friend then donates her commission to the adopting family or organization allowing her to give back in a way that is very meaningful to her and her family.
( I know, isn't she the BOMB!?!? )

In addition to the commission $ for the family/organization, (this is how the Hopeful Threads fundraiser funded a month's salary for one of the nannies at China Little Flower!) the host/hostess receives benefits and free products as well based on the amount of the overall party sales.

That is how I earned this PILE of drawstring "Cinch Sacs" and totes to be filled with goodies for children in foster care this month!!!

That's right....these didn't cost me a PENNY!!!! 

The fundraiser earned enough "hostess credit" to pay for these in full! PLUS, earn me a few 1/2 price and designated free items for gifts for my family! Not bad huh!?!?! And remember, this is IN ADDITION to the $$ raised for one of my favorite organizations!

"Thirty-One" products are really incredible too! Very well made and functional, everything I have received has exceeded my expectations! It delights me to be able to give such quality items to the children in foster care in our community! I know it will provide at least a glimmer of HOPE to them on a very difficult day and that pleases my heart.

If you are adopting or support an organization that provides for children in need, orphans or adopting families and would like more information about hosting your own party as a fundraiser, be sure to check out her website....she's GREAT at her job and will do whatever she can to help your event be a success!

  If you are a person that enjoys "Thirty-One" products, perhaps you'll consider shopping from any one of her current fundraisers whenever it is time for you to place an order. You don't have to know the family to support what they are doing....and what a blessing this surprise gift would be!
A simple and inexpensive way to "Give Hope". My girls and I are having so much fun getting these stuffed with goodies to deliver! More on that throughout the week with lots more simple ideas for how you can help too.  Bless & Be Blessed, Kristy

FINAL DAY for Little Flower Fundraiser!

"If you find it in your heart to care for somebody else, you will have succeeded." - Maya Angelou

Today is the FINAL DAY to participate in the Little Flower Fundraiser. 

If you haven't taken a look yet, you don't want to miss it!

And please spread the word to provide an even greater support for this incredible organization and the special care they give. Thank you!

Little Flower needs our support.

I want to help spread the word about their work and gain some funding for them.

The amazing staff and nannies work tirelessly around the clock to help some of the most fragile and vulnerable children in their area. Take a moment to read this post about the way the caregivers give above and beyond. They are truly amazing!

They give even when they know the end result may seem hopeless to others.

And these babies and children KNOW they are loved!

All images from Little Flower blog.

While I'd be most delighted if anyone interested simply made a donation, my "Thirty-One" friend and I thought it might be a greater incentive if everyone were able to get something they could use or gift at the same time....hence the Thirty-One Fundraiser.

It's a great month to purchase from Thirty-One as the special will get you any one of several items of your choice for Only $5 with every $31 ordered!

Ordering is easy and will remain open through next Wednesday, July 18th.

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

 You can read all the details about the fundraiser here.

***Don't need anything yourself??? Then purchase a Thermal Tote ($18) or Cinch Sac ($20) and have it "ship to host" and our family will gladly fill it with school supplies and donate it to a child in foster care in our county in your honor!***

Bless & Be Blessed,
Kristy

The REASON behind it + GIVEAWAY!

I just wanted to quickly post a bit about the reason behind the Little Flower fundraiser.

First and foremost....Little Flower needs our support.

I wanted to help spread the word about their work and gain some funding for them.

The amazing staff and nannies work tirelessly around the clock to help some of the most fragile and vulnerable children in their area. Take a moment to read this post about the way the caregivers give above and beyond. They are truly amazing!

They give even when they know the end result may seem hopeless to others.

And these babies and children KNOW they are loved!

All images from Little Flower blog.

While I'd be most delighted if anyone interested simply made a donation, my "Thirty-One" friend and I thought it might be a greater incentive if everyone were able to get something they could use or gift at the same time....hence the Thirty-One Fundraiser.

It's a great month to purchase from Thirty-One as the special will get you any one of the items pictured for Only $5 with every $31 ordered!

Ordering is easy and will remain open through next Wednesday, July 18th.

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

 You can read all the details about the fundraiser here.

To expand the outreach and help gain even more exposure for Little Flower, I am offering this Mini-Organizer from Thirty-One as a GIVEAWAY!

This is the perfect craft-room organizer to hold all of your accessories in a convenient, easy-to-move way! It has 5 pockets around the outside and plenty of space on the inside to store your current working projects. The handle means you can take with you anywhere you go too! You're gonna love it! :)

Here's how to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner to be announced Tuesday, July 17th.

Thank you for your help getting the word out and for showing your support of Little Flower and the incredible care they provide!

Blessings,

Kristy 

Little Flower Fundraiser OPEN!!!

REMINDER!!!

Our Little Flower fundraiser is OPEN and ready for your support!

Hopefully if you have been around here for a bit you have heard about China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. Little Flower is a very special organization that cares for some of the most fragile of Chinese orphans. 

Little Flower cares for a variety of needs. The list of projects includes:

1. Hospice care for orphans
2. Group educational foster care
3. Special Care for infants
4. Long-term care for severely disabled children
5. Special causes

You can learn more and/or make a donation here.

I have found a unique way to combine several things that are important to me and I'm very excited to share this with you and would be delighted to have your support!

Another image that rests on the sidebar of my blog is this,

Assisting Adoption was created by an adoptive mother (and dear friend of mine!) who knows first hand the challenges adopting families face. Her purpose is to provide an easy and profitable fundraiser for them through Thirty-One Product parties, where she donates her commission to their adoption fund. If you are in the adoption process, know someone who is or would like to support an adopting family when you purchase Thirty-One products, you'll want to read more!

So, I asked my friend if she would allow me to host a party for Little Flower.

I asked Little Flower if it would be okay if I fund-raised for them this way.

All has been approved and this is where YOU come in! :)

From July 1st - July 15th I am hosting a Thirty-One Fundraiser event for Little Flower. The goal is to provide a month's salary for one of the incredible Nannies there. The month's salary is equivalent to $283 USD. The Thirty-One order total must reach $1150 for the commission rate donated by my friend to cover this amount, so that is what we are aiming for. 

Of course, if you have the heart and resources to help cover a month's salary for a Nanny independently, you can do so here, and that would be AMAZING!

+++ IN ADDITION +++

To include yet another thing that is near to the hearts of our family, I will be using a large portion of any hostess credit earned to purchase drawstring bags like these from Thirty-One for foster children in our community.

****AND!****

If we reach the goal, I will also purchase another bag to be given away here! :)

If we are fortunate enough to reach our goal multiple times, I will purchase a bag to be given away here for each time we do!

So here's how it works:

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificate purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

For the month of July, there is a special incentive when you order from Thirty-One too! :) It just keeps getting better doesn't it!?

For every $31 you spend you get to choose one of FIVE items for only $5!

These items include the Zipper Pouch, Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote, Thermal Tote, Littles Carry-All Caddy or Mini Zipper Pouch. 

That means you could buy that bag or gift you have been wanting and get the perfect lunch tote for one of your kid's for the new school year for ONLY $5!
When you've reached the $31 mark with your order, simply place the $5 item of your choice in your cart and it will show up at the discounted price. Easy! There is also $5 personalization all month long too if you want your items personalized. :) 

Here's a pic of a couple of my favorite Thirty-One items all packed up for a day at the zoo.

The Organizing Utility Tote is the first bag I've found that can carry ALL the water bottles we need for our big family! And the Lil' Expressions Mini Zipper Pouch peeking out the top there is personalized with a cute little image resembling each of my kiddos....love it! Grammie loves her's like this too, it makes a perfect gift! :)

So look around the easy to read PDF summer catalog here, and let me know if you have any questions.The fundraiser will close July 18th at which point your orders will be processed.

This is my idea of a WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

And I'm hopeful that it will be a great success!

Feel free to share with others, and thank you in advance for doing so!

Kristy

Fundraiser to support Little Flower!

Hopefully if you have been around here for a bit you have heard about China Little Flower/Little Flower Projects. Little Flower is a very special organization that cares for some of the most fragile of Chinese orphans. 

Little Flower cares for a variety of needs. The list of projects includes:

1. Hospice care for orphans
2. Group educational foster care
3. Special Care for infants
4. Long-term care for severely disabled children
5. Special causes

You can learn more and/or make a donation here.

I have found a unique way to combine several things that are important to me and I'm very excited to share this with you and would be delighted to have your support!

Another image that rests on the sidebar of my blog is this,

Assisting Adoption was created by an adoptive mother (and dear friend of mine!) who knows first hand the challenges adopting families face. Her purpose is to provide an easy and profitable fundraiser for them through Thirty-One Product parties, where she donates her commission to their adoption fund. If you are in the adoption process, know someone who is or would like to support an adopting family when you purchase Thirty-One products, you'll want to read more!

So, I asked my friend if she would allow me to host a party for Little Flower.

I asked Little Flower if it would be okay if I fund-raised for them this way.

All has been approved and this is where YOU come in! :)

From July 1st - July 15th I am hosting a Thirty-One Fundraiser event for Little Flower. The goal is to provide a month's salary for one of the incredible Nannies there. The month's salary is equivalent to $283 USD. The Thirty-One order total must reach $1150 for the commission rate donated by my friend to cover this amount, so that is what we are aiming for. 

Of course, if you have the heart and resources to help cover a month's salary for a Nanny independently, you can do so here, and that would be AMAZING!

+++ IN ADDITION +++

To include yet another thing that is near to the hearts of our family, I will be using a large portion of any hostess credit earned to purchase drawstring bags like these from Thirty-One for foster children in our community.

****AND!****

If we reach the goal, I will also purchase another bag to be given away here! :)

If we are fortunate enough to reach our goal multiple times, I will purchase a bag to be given away here for each time we do!

So here's how it works:

• Visit the Thirty-One site here
• Select "My Parties"
• Choose the Hopeful Threads/Kristy Smith party for Little Flower
• Place your order directly through Thirty-One who will then ship your items directly to you once the party closes. (*Please Note* Gift Certificates purchases are unfortunately not applicable.)
• Enjoy your new items and know that you helped support Little Flower at the same time!  

For the month of July, there is a special incentive when you order from Thirty-One too! :) It just keeps getting better doesn't it!?

For every $31 you spend you get to choose one of FIVE items for only $5!

These items include the Zipper Pouch, Cinch-It-Up Thermal Tote, Thermal Tote, Littles Carry-All Caddy or Mini Zipper Pouch. 

That means you could buy that bag or gift you have been wanting and get the perfect lunch tote for one of your kid's for the new school year for ONLY $5!
When you've reached the $31 mark with your order, simply place the $5 item of your choice in your cart and it will show up at the discounted price. Easy! There is also $5 personalization all month long too if you want your items personalized. :)

Here's a pic of a couple of my favorite Thirty-One items all packed up for a day at the zoo.

The Organizing Utility Tote is the first bag I've found that can carry ALL the water bottles we need for our big family! And the Lil' Expressions Mini Zipper Pouch peeking out the top there is personalized with a cute little image resembling each of my kiddos....love it! Grammie loves her's like this too, it makes a perfect gift! :)

So look around the easy to read PDF summer catalog here, and let me know if you have any questions.The fundraiser will open 1 WEEK from today on Sunday, July 1st.  ***Monday, July 2nd....delay due to mid-western storms effecting Thirty-One Headquarters.***

This is my idea of a WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN! WIN!

And I'm hopeful that it will be a great success!

Feel free to share with others, and thank you in advance for doing so!

Kristy

Monthly Finale - Recap & Opportunities

I wanted to offer a quick recap of opportunities to support Fundraising that we have discussed this month. Feel free to leave a comment with any other fundraising opportunities you are personally aware of and remember to look for opportunities to use your personal gifts and talents to give back!

UPCOMING AUCTIONS

These auctions could use and would welcome your donations of hand-crafted items.

Love Without Boundaries Art Auction - Submissions due by April 1, 2012

Hidden Treasures "Tiniest Unroe" Auction - Open April 1-7, 2012

EXTRA SEWING OPPORTUNITIES

Bibs for Cleft Surgery Trip

Blankets for Project Linus

FUNDRAISING FAMILIES

 The Peduzzi Family

Ten For Orphans
Claire Bear

Team Ashley - Choose Joy Auction

BUSINESSES GIVING BACK

Just Love Coffee 

 Assisting Adoption - Thirty-One Products

Delicate Fortress

 Be A Voice

Create H.O.P.E. Designs
Assunta Store

Because....Every Stitch Matters!

The Choose Joy Auction & Benefit

  Wow. I don't even know where to begin here. 

I've been following Ashley's creative blog for a while now. Her style, inspiration and playful personality are nothing short of contagious.

Her story took an especially difficult turn the end of 2011 and has left her fighting a battle with a very serious type of Cancer. I can only imagine the things that pass through her mind these days, but a very special group of her friends and fans known as "Team Ashley" have decided that $$ shouldn't be one of those things. They have organized a two day auction FULL, and I mean FULL, of amazing items for you to bid on, with the money raised going to Ashley and her family.

Click the image above to find out more!

Get well wishes and prayers coming your way Ashley!

Hugs,

Medical Expense Fundraiser - Claire Bear

This may not be the first time many of you have heard about the strong and brave Claire Bear. I first learned of her from the creatively talented memory catcher, Becky Higgins, here.

source

Take the time to read the background and you'll learn that Claire experienced a terrible, terrible accident in December that took her ability to walk. This has created some large and unplanned expenses for her family. Becky Higgins decided to take this matter into her own hands...love that!

Jump over to Becky's blog here and learn more.

And follow Claire's determined recovery and supportive family on their blog here. You can help in a variety of ways from encouraging notes, financial donations and/or donated items for sale. See the "How You Can Help" page here.

Big hugs to you and your family Claire!

Be A Voice!

Another opportunity for those needing a special fundraiser or looking to support those who are fundraising, check out Be A Voice.

You can find Fundraising information here.

You can also find the lovely items available for purchase in their shop. Items like this...

This outreach was begun by a very special family who has adopted internationally twice now. Understanding the challenges that coming up with the large adoption expense can create, they set about finding a way they could use what they have, where they are to help. And they are doing just that!

Follow the blog here.
Find them on facebook here.

LOVE .....Without Boundaries

Get your sewing machines oiled and your fabric laundered.....you're gonna want in on this!!!

May I introduce to you a phenomenal organization doing some amazing work for some of the most fragile in China, Love Without Boundaries. 

 Each year, Love Without Boundaries holds a very special auction. It's called the Born In My Heart Art Auction. This year the auction is scheduled for April 12-17. 

THEY NEED YOU!!!

They need you to contribute items to be bid on by April 1st.

They need you to spread the word about the auction far and wide.

They need you to bid on the lovely items being auctioned.

WHY????

Because the $$ raised helps fund life saving and life changing surgeries for children in urgent need.

Get all the details about the auction HERE.

Get details about other ways to Get Involved here.

You can see my contribution for last year here, and you can bet I'm stitching up something special again this year! That's my way of kissing these sweet faces, holding these sweet hands and cheering on their amazing and loving caregivers....the least I can do!

I hope you will get to know more about Love Without Boundaries and find a way that you can specifically contribute to their beautiful outreach.

EVERY STITCH MATTERS!