I started crocheting about 40 years ago. My grandmother taught me during a time  in the 60's when I was very young  and it made quite an impression on me. I only learned by sight. Over the years I have learned to read patterns and have made some great items. I have given them as gifts for baby showers, bridal showers, birthdays. It is just a great feeling to make something out of nothing-not meaning that yarn is nothing, but you get what I am saying!  I guess that is the creative side coming out.

My grandmother told me stories of the depression era where women would reuse anything they could to make new items-quilts were sewn out of old clothes pieces-sweaters unraveled and the yarn reused to make new afghans or slippers. I didnt grasp the idea of new items being made out of old items because I wasnt living in that era-it was easy to go buy yarn so it really didnt hit home for me until years later. I moved in next to a senior housing complex as my first apartment and at the ripe old age of 18. I met and became friends with several women there that crocheted & knitted. They told me that due to their limited budgets, they purchased yarn at local garage sales/thrift stores/2nd hand stores and saved them until they had enough to complete a project. The women made absolutely beautiful items-they loved to get together and share patterns and just chat. I found that they really loved the craft but sometimes couldnt afford to buy the yarn so I made a point of donating when I could to the local senior center. They were so appreciative and made such beautiful items. Most of their completed items would be donated back to the community to local raffles for the schools, or a charity events to help raise money for a much needed cause. They truly just loved doing it-making something out of nothing! I still donate yarn to the seniors as my way of giving back to them. I know that there are a few sellers on ebay that are seniors and they are making and selling items to supplement their incomes.

They also had a group that got together once a week and quilted-the quilting was making something out of old clothes and using every piece of material they had. Some of the patterns are absolutely gorgeous. I cannot sew well but enough to get me by as a hobby. I admire the work, the time, the love and dedication that it takes to put those quilts together. Presently, I am learning new techniques and it has become another interest.

I recently had the opportunity to sit with a group of women and learn the art of card making & scrap booking. There are so many different papers to choose from as well as the little decoratives (die cuts) to go on them.  There are classes that get together and scrapbook. These people have huge attache cases full of paper, punches, dots, ribbons & accessories. This is becoming a very popular craft. I see the most beautiful pieces are made with old photos that add charm and character to the final piece. It is a great way of saving those old photos and to pass down to future generations.

There are alot of different websights out there for every need in crocheting, knitting, making afghans, quilting, sewing, scrapbooking & cardmaking-the list is endless.  There are so many places online that you can purchase items for your crafts-take a few minutes and google the items you are looking for-you would be surprised at where you find great deals on most arts & crafts supplies! One great place is right here on ebay-there is literally something for everyone. I have found great deals on different projects that I make and alot of very dedicated people who create those are selling complete items as well. You have to decide if the price that they are charging is within your budget. I have seen alot of people that only list their completed items and are starting the bid at cost-the cost of what they paid for the supplies-anything above that is a bonus for them-most of those sellers are just selling the items that they love to make as a hobby. Kind of reminds me of the seniors at the center. I wish you well in your future projects and have fun in your creativity! Check out some of the great listings on ebay as well-you never know, you may just be supporting one of those seniors that is trying to supplement their income!

If you get the chance, walk in to your local senior center-chat with some of the people there-see what kind of items you could donate to them to help in their projects. I know it would be truly appreciated! And just think-one day, YOU may be one of those seniors!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you have found even 1 item in here helpful, please vote yes on my guide.  Thank you!