Rabecca (on the right)  She is one of my Operation Christmas Child Shoebox recipients.  She lives in Malawi Africa with her family.  We have been in touch a few times now.  It's nice to have a visual of whom I am praying for.   Please pray that her family gets fertilizer for their maize garden, & that she can continue her schooling.  Pray that her "school's" needs will be met.  If you would like to donate to her school, send me a message at the email listed, & I will forward the information.  Put" Needs for Rabecca" in the SUBJECT LINE.  Thank you!!!momras44 @hotmail.com

1Thessalonians 5:11- Therefore, encourage one another  and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY! 
Thanks for checking in!  I have 500 views since  creating my blog-"SHARE," if you like!

NEW:  MONTHLY POST ON HOW TO "RECYCLE FOR CROCHET PROJECTS!"
May~Tips for paper clips
1. Pull them open & use as a "stitch marker."
2. Push loose yarn thru the crochet.
3. Make a "bookmark." Please see my post here for a sample of a bookmark.  How many different kinds can you make?

Please send your item that you recycle, and tell me HOW you incorporate it into a Crochet Project.  I will post ideas in upcoming Blog posts every 3rd week of each month, starting in June.  I will not post any confidential information, such as your username or email address.

SEND IDEAS TO: momras44@hotmail.com

A good man obtains favor from the Lord; but the Lord condemns a crafty man! Proverbs 12:2 NIV

Let's see how many different ideas we can come up with!

SOAP HOLDER/WASHING CLOTH:  I took my plain small size washcloth (see prev. post), & made it into this!

4.25 MM (G6) hook, thin multi-colored yarn.  Dbl. Croc. a square 5 in wide by 3 in. long.  Try not to make stitches too tight! (at least the last row) Then, single Croc. 5 rows of another color onto this piece.  You will see it gathering up to form a cozy secton.  Add a thin ribbon by inserting it through the holes in the crochet all around piece, in the last row of Croc.  You can insert a bar of soap and pull the ribbon drawstring & tie a bow.  DON'T FORGET TO PUT YOUR SOAP IN A ZIPLOC BAGGIE!
These are a nice "hostess" gift or for someone going on a trip!

Crafty little kits/stickers/more!  Joanne's Fabric shop this week for some clearance goodies to use for your crafts or Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes.  Get them for .10 cents-$1.97 pack.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!  Nothing is "warmer" than a mother's LOVE~ not even a crocheted blanket!

http://www.fosterfocusmag.com/

Check out the Nation's only "online" Foster care magazine.
Thanks to Chris for posting my blog on his Facebook fan page!

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus.  Romans 15:5

Handicrafts open the door to friendships and creativity! Did you enjoy my blog?  Were you inspired through the Bible references?  Please put CROCHET in the Subject line-- If you would like to contact me, you can email me: momras44@hotmail.com
Thank you!

http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOX ITEM IDEAS-
Besides making things like toys, hats, scarf, tote bag, you can buy items to add to your box.  The Dollar Tree store has alot of multi-PACKS, WHICH HELPS WHEN PACKING MORE THAN 1 BOX! Items shown are; school supplies, tissues, toothpaste & brush, floss, soap (in baggie), beanie baby toy, socks, headband, reading book, candy (hard candy, lollipop, gum)in baggie.  This was fr a girl age 5-9 yrs.  Please put your label on the box.  Some churches have red& green boxes to pack in.  If you donate the postage online, you will get an email as to "what country" your box went to!  Do include a letter/picture in your box.  Some children can answer them.  If you have anymore questions, please see the link I will post.  Thank you!(I help co-ordinate the donations at church.This is a wonderful way to show your love, & help others learn about Jesus & His love!)
WHY AM I TALKING ABOUT CHRISTMAS GIVING NOW? For those of you who are "new" to this ministry, now is the time to start planning for your boxes.  You can be making things to put in them(see blog!), buying @ clearance sales, picking up something each time you shop & stashing it.  You will be surprised how much you can accumulate until churches start collecting donations (usually by August-September).    Ask God what he would have you donate this year! PS/I did hear from one of my shoebox recipients last year.  Maybe I'll post more on her later. 

Double Crochet started

BEGINNERS-Part 1, Group #3-Making your first row,  hold hook with right hand & bring yarn from "ball of yarn" over the top of hook with your left hand(it will be closest to hook) .  Pull loop through the one already on the hook & slightly tighten. It is your first "chain stitch."  Keep doing that until it's as long as you want, for your project.  I have some suggestions on the length in project notes on blog.

Double Crochet-(start 2nd row) Put the hook into the loop that is 2nd from the hook, wrap yarn from ball around hook, as shown above(you dont see my left hand holding, as I am snapping pic.)  Pull it through the loop. Wrap yarn from ball around hook again & pull it through the 2 hooks on hook. (See next section called, Double Crochet for picture & look for blog project to see more)

BEGINNERS PART 1 Cont'd

BEGINNERS INFO-Part 1 How to start Foundation Row, chain stitch