So Much to be Thankful for!

Leading up to the Thanksgiving holiday season, I know that many of us spent time thinking about all the wonderful things we should be thankful for this past year. 

In my home, one area that is often taken for granted is saluting our troops for keeping us safe.  This isn't done intentionally...it's just that there aren't any current family members in the service, so there isn't a constant reminder for the security I take for granted.

However, there are many people on this blog and in my life who help remind people like me.  Alex Graywolfe was kind enough to share details with us about a Cards for Troops effort.  Check this out!!!

She writes...

I had a wonderful time picking up the cards for the troops from my mailbox by proxy of my husband, as I am in a cast right now.  It took the cards quite some time to arrive, and I started to worry as the end date was coming close.  After reaching out to Elena, the packages started to arrive.  I hadn't told my husband about what I had volunteered to coordinated, so his first words were: "How much did these cost?!"

Once the initial shock was over and I had explained the situation, he thought this was a very cool idea especially since he used to be in the military himself.  So then he started checking the mail daily!   

 

Boxes and boxes of cards kept arriving!!!!

I didn't pull them out of the boxes until I knew they were all here in my house, so that I could count and box up these beautiful creations of love at one time.

 

 

I took one night off from scrapbooking and chatting online and grabbed all the boxes and put them out on my coffee table. I then started counting and sorting by size. I counted over 400 cards. My husband was amazed. It was also incredible that we couldn't take one picture of all the cards at once because there were simply too many!

 

 

 

 

The variety of styles was touching and inspiring.  I know that when these reach all of the families, they are going to be touched by the spirit of the holidays and know that they are not alone in the love they have for the men and women who are spending these and many other holidays away from home. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know that this is just one small day in the life of a soldier and their family...not to mention all of the days that they will miss such as christmases and anniversarys, babies being born to first steps and birthdays. 

  

But these small 4.5 x 5.5 inch pieces of paper we call christmas cards are going to make one big memory for these famlies this year.

 

Also, don't forget that Christine posted information on MISSION VALENTINE in a previous blog post to help make another holiday extra special for our troops.  Cards must be sent by December 1st.  

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to your family, please have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day,we hope that you enjoy the time with your friends and loved ones over the next few days.

We also want to take a moment and thank all of the wonderful volunteers who help to make Charity Wings what it is. Without your time and dedication we could not do all of the good works that we do throughout the year! It's with your help that we are able to reach much futher than we could if we did not have all of you working with us!

Again have a very wonderful Thanksgiving!

Sheila and Elena

Do You Want to go to CHA?

Well you can, virtually!!!

 

Scrapbook Royalty/Charity Wings will be streaming LIVE from the Show Floor at CHA and you can tag along!!!  We have so much planned for this unique event. 

Saturday, Sunday and Monday, we will be streaming live with interviews from your favorite manufacturers--Unity Stamp Company, Jenni Bowlin, Teresa Collins, The Girls Paperie, Tattered Angels, Bazill, Creative Imaginations, My Minds Eye, Prima, Donna Salazar and many many more!!

And get this, new releases are being donated by the manufacturers and put on eBay to benefit Crops of Luv.   Crops of Luv organizes crops where participants create memory books for the families of children with life threatening illnesses.  You can bid on the new releases and all profits will go to Crops of Luv!  Plus, you will be the first on your block to play with all the new designs!!!

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On January 29, 30 and 31, 2011, you are invited to join Charity Wings at the “Charity Wings Parlor” on the floor at Winter CHA 2011.  (A link will be sent to you upon paid registration.)  We will be there each day from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm!

So you ask, what do I get for my $45 registration?

• 3 Days of fun at the virtual “Charity Wings Parlor” at CHA.
• A Swap Bag of Goodies and at least FIVE Makes and Takes from the industries leading designers and manufacturers.
• You’ll be one of the first to see the NEW RELEASES.
• First crack at the fantastic new releases being auctioned on eBay.
• Exclusive interviews with designers and the Charity Wings icons!!!
• Exciting impromptu interviews and sights from the show floor!

Plus, you’ll be getting a signed item from one of the designers at CHA.

Wow, doesn’t that sound fun!!!  I know I’ll be sending my registration for sure!!! 

It’ll be just like being there!

To register, click here.

A little bit about me

As Christine had previously mentioned, she and I are the new blog writers for Scrapbook Royalty.  It's been a lot of fun to take on this role as I have been inspired and motivated to take on my own crafting for a cause effort.  (Quick update:  In 5 days of cards sales, we've raised $900 to benefit my friend and her family).

I'm not very good about writing about myself, but I will attempt to paint a quick picture of my history in paper-crafting and my passion for service.  So here's a little bit about me...

 

One of my good friends took this picture of me, and I think it captures everything about my personality.  I believe of in the pursuit of self-happiness as my way of life, and I achieve this most by working with others to positively affect the community. 

I have intentionally pursued a career in the non-profit sector - I have worked in smaller, local non-profits; in the federal government; and now at an academic medical center.  My current role provides me with the chance to create opportunities for our staff to engage in community service, and you can imagine how great it is to see your peers learning to use their skills to give back (and enjoying it!).

Paper-crafting, specifically scrapbooking, is a hobby I was introduced to about 10 years ago, and I have been hooked ever since (I'm sure you all can relate)!  

It actually got to a point where I had so much inventory and so many requests for custom items, that I officially launched my own custom scrapbook company in 2007.  I focus a lot of my work on ethnic and culturally specific items - a void I still see in the scrapbook market.  I often have to create my own little embellishments to add that extra touch, but I love the challenge :)

Well, I hope that gives you a little insight into why I decided to actively take part in the work that Scrapbook Royalty does.  I'm constantly amazed by the good deeds members are doing with a hobby I love.  


I know that I will only continue finding ways to do more because of all the great work that you all share and I write about.  So far, the biggest lesson I have learned is that it isn't too hard to start....you just need a creative spark!

Though I'm not on the West Coast, I'm super happy to represent Chicago and the Midwest and hope that I can creatively engage the talented individuals in my area!  So watch out West Coast for I'm hoping to flood this blog with fun events we're having here!  

Have You Noticed? (plus a giveaway)

Scrapbook Royalty/Charity Wings has two new blog writers!!!

Today we’ll talk about me, Christine Nay and Nubia can introduce herself later.

I live in Boise, Idaho, with my doggie, Chloe, and my cat, Tuxie.  I love all types of crafting but now my favorite is cards and altered art.  I love the vintage/shabby chic style but have been known to go with cute and fun sometimes.  Check out my blog at Change of Heart Creations.

I met Elena and Sheila while at Brave Girls Camp in July and told them that I would like to volunteer for Scrapbook Royalty in a way that I could help through the internet since I don’t live near them.  When they asked for a blog writer, I knew that was the spot for me.  I was happy when they decided to have Nubia and I both write for the blog.  She has been wonderful to work with; picking up the slack when I don’t have the time.

I have really enjoyed blogging for Scrapbook Royalty.  Most of all, I like hearing about the wonderful women who are making Scrapbook Royalty a great organization, including the SR principals and other volunteers.  The donors and the participants in the crops and other events are an integral part of the success of SR as well.

Nubia and I would love to have suggestions for craft related charity events that we could post on the blog.  Any suggestions, please just drop us an email.

Now, did somebody say giveaway? 

Well yes!!!  We are giving away a Westcott prize pack (8 inch titanium nonstick scissors and an awesome craft knife).

Yay!!!  How cool is that?  Westcott is such a great sponsor!

Become a follower and leave us a comment by next Thursday, Thanksgiving Day and the winner will be announced in the newsletter on Friday.  Do you know what that means?  You’ll need to sign up for the newsletter so you’ll know if you’ve won! You can do that on the upper left sidebar.

So, start commenting!!!

A weekend of Fun, Friendship and Fundraising!

Last weekend was the 2nd Annual 3Day Crop, it took place at the lovely Scrap Retreat House located in the French Valley area of Temecula. It was a location designed just for this type of event. At 11am the doors were opened to 12 wonderful ladies. The group included Liz Goldsberry, Helene Barnes, Cheryl Lindsay, Shannah Tenner, Ingrid Konupek, Bella Fontes, Terri Valdez, Laurie McCarthy, Teri Kincade, Beth Oliver, Bev Allaire, and Kathie Taylor.

Each of the participants have worked hard over the last 9 months to raise their donations! Collectively they raised over $17,000.00, with money still coming in! The money raised from this fundraiser will be going to support the Inland Empire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Breast Cancer Foundation.

The group was treated to a wide range of surprises over the weekend, we had Cheryl McAdams coming in from Tattered Angels to do a make and take for them, and Laura Miller from Desert Scrapper's Retreats and Dove Chocolitiers stopped by with treats for the whole group! As well as a masseuse to ease those aches and pains from scrapping the weekend away.

Yvonne Ojeda, the Education Director from the Inland Empire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen stopped by to talk with the ladies, I have to say, I think we shocked her a bit. We celebrated raising not only money for a great cause, but also the beginning of new friendships. The house was filled will joy and laughter all weekend long!

They also received a ton of goodies..,both handmade items and items donated from different companies. A big thank you needs to go out to Tattered Angels, Westcott, Making Memories, Maya Road, Cosmo Cricket, Mimi's Cafe and Chilis for their kind donations!

I have to take a moment and acknowledge the most wonderful of volunteers Aunt B, she is Terri Valdez's auntie and a 13 year Breast Cancer survivor. She is a cleaning maniac! I could not have done this event without her! This is her second year heading up the kitchen for us and I don't know what I would do if she wasn't there to keep us clean and on track!

It was so hard to leave at the end of the event...it was truly something I wanted to just go on and on and on! A huge thank you also needs to go to these wonderful women who participated in the event. They are truly amazing and my heroes!

Seaside Soiree Raffle Winner…

 

is………….

Brandon Owens!!!

Wow, you are so lucky and you’ll have such a wonderful time scrapping and creating with these lovely women.  I’m so jealous! 

The product of your inspiration

Last week, I sheepishly put out a call for help in my first ever crafty friendraiser.  Some of you have reached out about sending cards, and I greatly appreciate any help that may come our way.

I knew that I didn't want to wait too long to launch the friendraiser especially since the dance studio was holding a benefit mixer this weekend, so I reached out to a few friends and asked them to help me out.

We even got a novice to join us....he just wanted to do whatever he could do to support.  So, of course, we put him to work!!!

In two days, our crew created over 340 cards and 30 sets of gift tags.  We even had a friend donate some custom made shoe bags (for dance shoes). 

So on Monday, we officially launched the friendraiser!!

On our first day, we raised $250!!  

Here's hoping we knock that first figure out of the water and fast!

Additionally, I'm SUPER happy to share -- Elisa is officially out of the coma and seems to be on the path to recovery.  May the prayers and great progress continue!

Mission Valentine

Archway and Operation Write Home are partnering to make sure that our service members have plenty of Valentine cards and cookies—sweets for sweets!

So your mission, if you decide to take it, is to make a few Valentine’s Day cards (using the guidelines below) and send them to one of the shippers.  If you would like you children to craft along with you, have these put their name on the back and right a little message to the service member.  That’s right, there cards will go directly to a war hero.

Valentine’s cards must be sent to your shipper by December 1.  Christmas cards are already on their way to our service members so they can send them back home in time for Christmas.

Here are a few guidelines for making cards for the troops.  Remember that these cards are for the express purpose of a service member to send to their family at home.

1. No glitter. Seriously. It's a hazard for our heroes, so we won't send cards with any glitter that will flake off the card. Read more.
2. A2 sized cards. Most efficient for our shipping dollars, so we strongly recommend A2 (4.25" x 5.5" - half a sheet of cardstock). Read more.
3. No store bought. Yep, pretty straightforward. Our heroes don't like them, so we send them our cards filled with love and creativity! Read more.
4. Watch the deadlines. We have to mail cards 5-6 weeks ahead of a holiday, so check out the deadlines posted on our homepage, on the left side. Those are the very last last last dates, so aim for a couple weeks earlier if at all possible, since we start shipping 8 weeks ahead.
5. Any quantity. One card to 100 to 500 — every card matters! We recommend quality over quantity...relax, do your best, and pour lots of love into each card!
6. Limit multiples. Some folks like to make a lot of one design. While that's fine, it becomes a big problem in one particular instance: holiday cards. If you want to make a lot of those (over 30), please send them 8 weeks ahead (or more). That allows us to mix them into the most boxes; we often end up with 100 of one design arriving the last week, and if most of those holiday boxes had already been sent in weeks prior, those multiples will have to wait until next year.
7. NEW: Do not violate copyright laws. If you use photography or illustrations on your cards, it must be your own, or you must have written permission to use them. We don't want OWH in trouble for copyright violation! This includes repurposing store bought cards or using art from magazines or books as a hero image on your card. Consult angel policies for your stamp manufacturers if you have questions on the usage of their images; this point is about using printed copyrighted images. [read more]
8. NEW: Have kids make AnyHero cards. When making cards with children, please have them make AnyHero cards. Most children have the want-to but not the able-to when it comes to making use-able cards that our heroes will want to write home on. There are a few exceptions, and you can get more on that here. [read more]
9. NEW: Do not handwrite sentiments. If you don't have a sentiment stamp to go with your card, feel free to let it be a card with no sentiment. Do not handwrite sentiments outside or inside the cards. We've gotten some emails from heroes' spouses indicating a momentary panic when a card from their husband had a woman's handwriting on it - and we want to avoid even a second of angst for these dear spouses! [read more]

You can read more suggestions here.

I hope you decide to participate.  Now, I’ll be back later this week with a contest involving cards for our heroes.

Scrapbook Royalty on Etsy

Have  you wondered how you can help Scrapbook Royalty/Charity Wings but don’t have time to organize a crop or event?  It’s easier than you think!!!

 

 

You can donate your handmade items, vintage goods or craft supplies to Charity Wings  on Etsy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You don’t have anything to donate, you say?  Head on over to the store and do some shopping!!!

 

 

 

All proceeds from Charity Wings on Etsy are split between Charity Wings and a selected worthy cause.  Currently, proceeds are being donated to A Place to Bark, a no kill foster and adoption rescue operated by Bernie Berlin, mixed media artist.

Do you see anything you like?  Each of these items are currently available for purchase at Charity Wings on Etsy.

 

 

 

 

 

To donate items,  contact our Head Etsy Fairy, Jennifer Priest at jennifer@scrapbookroyalty.org.  New items are listed on the 5th of every month.  I’m going to try to get some things ready!!!

I hope you all have a good weekend!!!

A call for help from Chicago

Never did I imagine I would post a request for help from the members of this blog for something so personal, but I must.  I think the universe has an unbelievable way of putting you in touch with people who need to be in your world at specific times.

Therefore, after seeing all the incredible work you all do, I hope you won't mind helping me out with this little request.

I want to introduce you all to a beautiful spirit named Elisa.

Besides scrapbooking, one of my other hobbies is Latin dancing (salsa, bachata, cha cha cha, etc), which is where I met Elisa.

A couple of weeks ago now, Elisa went into a coma unexpectedly from some serious health complications (as is always the case).  Knowing that there is nothing more that I can do for her health besides pray and support her loved ones, I am still left feeling pretty helpless.

So, rather than focusing on a larger sized crafting for a cause event (as I had planned for in the Spring), I asked the dance studio if they would be okay with me setting up a bin with homemade cards.  All proceeds from the cards sold would go directly to the family to at least help cover some of the medical bills.

And so, I have a call out to help me keep the bin full!

What kinds of cards can you make to donate:

- Christmas

- Kwanzaa

- Hanukkah

- New Year's

- Valentine's Day

- Birthday
- Thank You

- Get well cards (left blank on the inside)....people will then also be left with the option of addressing that card to Elisa so that we can deliver them to her at a later time.

The possibilities are endless.....just create!

I would be humbled and very appreciative of your support!

Please email me at nchaidez@gmail.com if you are interested in sending out a card or two.  I will gladly shoot over my home address.  

If you don't have matching envelopes...I will take care of that.  Just please make sure no card is larger than 5x7 inches.

And if anything, some prayers would also be welcome.

Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!

A Glimmer of Gold

Allow us to introduce you to the amazing Liz Goldsberry, who is not only the very proud mama of Sheila, but also one of the amazing participants in the 3Day crop.

My daughter Sheila is the creative genius of this event and needless to say I am happy to support her endeavors in any way I can.  And what better way than to participate in an event where I not only get to do something I really enjoy and raise funds for a cause very close to my heart.

- Liz Goldsberry

As mentioned above, the 3Day crop holds a very special place in Liz's heart and it's only partly related to the fact that Sheila spearheaded it.

Sheila and I (my daughter Lisa lived too far away to assist) did home care for my mother who was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 1989 and fought the good fight until December 1, 1995.

 

For seven years, Liz and Sheila participated in a 24 hour scrapping event that turned into a breast cancer fundraiser in its second year.  I think we can only imagine the exhaustion that hits after 24 hours of scrapping!  Whew....that's amazing, ladies!

Knowing of the exhaustion that this 24 hour event left on the body....why did Liz continue to participate?

By participating in these events, our lives have been enriched by the new friends we have made and the scrapbooking community as a whole.....[and] I know the funds will not only go to research but also to help cancer patients (women and men alike) in all phases of their treatment from mammograms to helping pay their bills when they are not capable of doing so themselves.

And is fundraising difficult for Liz?  Not anymore! 


She boasts of an almost fool proof method to raise funds that she has perfected over the past decade (that sentence alone is unbelievable!).

I mail out letter to everyone on my Christmas card list (and everyone at work) and enclose a self-addressed envelope.

And no donation is too small or too large.  Giving is giving...and every little bit donated has easily helped her raise $2,000.00 each year.


So after giving back what should amount to almost $20,000 in a decade (yup, you read that right), what project does Liz hope to concentrate on at the 3Day crop?

I am a Scrapbooker and plan to use the time at the 3Day Crop to finish the book of our 44,000 mile roadtrip to Chicago (come back so I can meet you Liz!) and back in July and August for CHA.

And based on what I've learned so far.....Liz absolutely deserves a chance to relish in her fun roadtrips and memories.

Congratulations on another successful and inspiring year of fundraising, Liz!

The Season of Sharing

During the holiday season, we will be sharing ways that you can share the spirit of the season to help those in need.

First up is an organization that I just heard about, Operation Christmas Child.  Operation Christmas Child is operated by Samaritan’s Purse International Relief an organization that offers emergency relief, community development and vocational programs to impoverished people all over the world.

Operation Christmas Child collects shoe boxes filled with toys and supplies to be sent to children all over the world.   Last year they serviced 8 million children in 180 countries.  How can I help, you ask?

First, choose boy or girl and an age category.  Then pack a shoe box full of gifts including toys, school supplies and personal items such as candy, t-shirts, jewelry, toothbrush, soap, etc.    Next, include a check for at $7.00 to cover postage.

After you get your shoebox packed, you can drop it off at one of several drop off locations or you can mail it to Samaritan’s Purse.  The drop off locations are open the week of November 15-22.  Click here to find the location nearest you!  Before to participate, be sure to go to the Operation Christmas Child website for all the details.

Of course, this is just one of many organizations that you can donate to during the holiday season.  We will be back with more ideas!!!

If any of you have an organization to suggest, please leave a comment.

The 3-Day Crop Meets Helene Barnes

I would love for you to meet Helene Barnes. 

Helene decided to participate in the 3-Day Crop because she watched a friend’s mother battle breast cancer going from a vibrant, energetic woman to a beaten down lady and back to the beautiful woman she once was.  Helene decided to attend this event because she could combine her passion for scrapbooking with raising money for such a worthwhile organization—a win win situation.  She doesn’t want to sit back and watch another woman suffer.

Helene has begged, borrowed and almost stolen to raise her money for the 3-Day Crop.  I say almost stolen because she works for her local city police.  She sent an email to her agencies entire email list asking for donations.  She hosted a silent auction at a scrapbook event in Palm Springs where she put together eight baskets containing some fun scrappy supplies that she donated herself.  Then to finish up, she went from desk to desk asking for donations!!!  What a gal!

She has attended other events hosted by Susan G. Komen and has raised $10,000 to date.  WOW!  I sit in awe!!!

Some of the ladies have not quite raised their money and we would love if you found it in your heart to donate.  Just click here to be taken to the donation screen where you can select which participant that you would like to support!  I’m sure Helene would love your donation!

Great ideas for future causes

A friend of mine posted this link on facebook, and I knew I had to pass it along to everyone here.  These agencies could be great options for a smaller craft for a cause event! 

Mashable.com compiled a list of "Buy One, Give One" projects.  What does this mean exactly....well, when you buy an item the company sends you one and then also donates one.  The options and organizations are great -- and the donations range from local to global!

If you don't have time to take part in anything before the holidays and are still looking for little ways to make a difference (I know we all do what we can), these agencies might be a great option!

Also, you could double your impact by raising funds to purchase the items, and then rather than keeping what was sent - you donate to a local agency!

Super TERI-fic!!!!

Today's 3Day Crop participant introduction is for the super TERI-fic, Teri Kincaid!

Teri has joined the challenge to raise funds benefiting the Inland Empire Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. 

 

 

Her heart pulled her to the event after having volunteered with other Scrapbook Royalty events in the past. She not only had a great time meeting Sheila, Elena and Liz, she also knew that her participation in those events really benefited some incredible causes.

When the chance came to take part in a 3Day crop for breast cancer, Teri knew this was an event she could not and would not pass up.   

 

I am doing this for my grandmother who is a Breast Cancer survivor, myself who once had a breast cancer scare and all the daughters who may one day get this.  I want to help find a cure...I have had to work my tail off to raise this money, and I pray I am teaching my children that life is not just about self, it's about giving back to others.   

 

She also jokingly told us that she hopes the funds she raises help find a cure...well, that they support the scientific research that ultimately finds the cure.  Way to put it into perspective, Teri!  One never knows if that very next dollar bill will do exactly what you dream of.....so keep asking for more!!!

Though close to reaching her minimum goal of $2000...Teri really hopes to raise close to $3000!!!!!

I still need people's donations so if you have a few extra dollars or don't mind skipping a Starbucks run or two so you can donate, I would be very grateful.

However, don't even think that Teri hasn't been hustling to reach her goals.  She's been very creative....check out her many fundraising activities (definitely some out-of-the-box thinking!):

• Hosted a Bunco night where she gave out prizes donated by local restaurants.
• Sent and RESENT donation letters - Persistence should never be underestimated! 
• Helped host a Pat and Oscars fundraiser night with Beth Oliver and distributed fliers all over Temecula for the vent.
• Sold goody bags filled with great scrapbook prizes at the Dessert Scrappers week end retreat
• Garage sales
• Cupcakes sale - 2 of the cupcakes made were rainbow on the inside and, if chosen, resulted in a prize for the cupcake eater :)
• Donated two raffle baskets to another Dessert Scrappers weekend retreat - raised over $100

An avid crafter of all-kinds (check out her etsy store sold section), Teri expects to spend the 3Day crop working on her kids' albums.  Though further behind than she would like to be (I think we can all relate to this statement) she knows it will be nice to reminisce in the memories.

Consider donating to Teri's campaign and help her reach her goal.


Happy Scrapping, Teri!


P.S.  I think you might need to teach us all how to make zipper flowers!  Super cool!!!