"having" is a funny thing....

[Kari Miller]

When I have a lot I feel guilty and sloppy. When I don't have "enough" I feel scared and afraid. Where is the balance. I think we are given much so much is to be expected....Share the burden of plenty. Thats my conviction today...

I am starting this 29days of giving today. It is also the second Artsy party I am giving...
Syncrhronicity...
A few months ago I was showing my friend my hoards of crafting and art supplies... It spills from my studio into the garage, a spare closet and into the office. I have more than I can use ever. I can't just pitch it. It still has use and potential...Plus I have never been one to relish throwing away.. It all seems so wasteful and senseless.

So I decided to give Artsy Parties at my house.
I host a party each month for artsy people to use up my supplies to create stuff. Free.
They bring essentials, I pick a theme to help organize the supplies.
We had a great time making cards to give. They used up supplies.. It was great.

Sometimes finding your purpose isn't about making a grand gesture it's about finding opportunity to be grand. This brought many smiles to some friends that hadn't gotten out in a while, laughter to my girlfriend going through Chemo, new pretties for another friend who is having financial troubles...
I had five people last month, tonight I expect 8.
God is good and He's waiting for you to seize the opportunity....
I can't wait for tonight...it's my opportunity to be grand. I'll post pictures...

I told my hubby about this project and he brought me tea.... :) My first gift.

[Kari Miller]

We had our Artsy party tonight. What ablast. We made fall centerpieces. One of my guests wanted to pay me for my investment.. I said othing was purchased specifically and this is my gift to you. They all brought wine and laughter and that was what was shared. Everyone made a beautiful centerpeice...They were all different it was great fun! I shared the 29 days of giving website and a great discussion started. WE are talking bout having a gift table round robin. Selected neighbors put together a Gift table...Things they are giving away. Then on one day we travel to each others houses to get something we may have wanted and give away our stuff...
Interesting concept.

[Peter]

Love this post Kari, thanks for sharing.
Your Artsy Parties are indeed a grand way of seizing an opportunity.
namaste
Peter

[Meliors]

that sounds so much fun!

[Jan]

this is a fabulous idea ... I too hate to throw away and I love crafts, so I might think about having an artsy party

[Jan Post]

This is a grand idea! I have enough craft supplies to open a store! Once I took a whole bunch of art supplies to a football party. I knew many of the wives could care less about the game and could use a good distraction. Even the younger girls joined us and made things. I know that if God created us in His image, then we all have this creative spirit waiting to be developed. The wheels are starting to spin again to see if this is something I can do on a regular basis too!!!

[Stacey S.]

what a great idea!! my mom and i are planning on having all the kids (there are a lot of them) in our family over for a crafty day around December to make ornaments and handmade gifts. fun fun! you think you have a lot of stuff you should see our attic!!! crazy!! I may have to use your idea and do it once a month!!