Let The Crafting Begin

Every summer I look forward to a return visit with some teacher friends (we all once worked together). They come to the lake for relaxation, good eats, fine conversations, and making crafts. We have been on hiatus the past three years but this year we were able to all be together though missing one member, Julia who passed away. Each year some lake neighbors are also able to join our group.  

In the past, we have taken turns coming up with a craft and making sure everyone has the right supplies. Thrift and dollar stores are one of our most valuable resources as well as the use of Bernie and Linda's extensive craft supplies. 

Some of our previous creative endeavors from years past include (left to right front of picture) cake stand (plate glued on a wine glass for a base), wine glass (decorative wire and beads glued on), spoon (decorative wire and beads glued on),  original poems (typed on decorative paper and framed) and napkin note cards. 

Then there were the addictive paper gift boxes (made from cardstock) which we couldn't seem to stop making once we got the hang of it.

And let's not forget the wine bags made from jean pant legs and khaki pants.

And one year went for a fall theme. We decorated Styrofoam pumpkins starting with our favorite quote and then letting our imagination take its course with glitter, Derwent Watercolor Pens and Pitt Artist Pens.

You'd think we'd run out of ideas but NEVER. One year we decorated plain color gift bags from the Dollar Store using our extensive scrapbooking supplies and made marbleized paper using shaving cream. I have learned to "look the other way" at the creative mess made with so many supplies spread out. I will say they all clean up good. Here's  Julia from one year intently working on decorating her bag.

This year Bernie with Linda's help led us on another wine bottle activity turning wine bottles into a "bit fancy" with wrapping paper and accordion folds.

These two Pinterest links will give almost the same effect as what we did.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/813392382696442788/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mama_mila_/video/7037789218814414081

Note-empty wine bottles can be paper wrapped/decorated as shown in the above photo but then add fairy lights as another creative touch.

Lastly, we made hanging gnome pots getting into an early Christmas start. 

Looking forward to next year's crafters' gathering sharing and learning new things.