Funky Five: Back To School

1. School Bus Piggy Bank by Anderson Woodworks

2. Pencil Pouch Tutorial by gwenny penny

3. Magnetic Vertex Pen by Sawdust and Bullets

4. School House Bird House by Flock To Our House

5. Composition Notebook Cover by Cassidy's Cottage

Crafts for a Cause

Saw this on the Create: blog & just had to share. When things are no longer at the forefront of the newscast, we tend to forget all the needs here at home. Click here to download supply list (includes shipping address). Click image for a larger view.

Martha Pullen Sewing Awards

Martha Campbell Pullen fronts an heirloom sewing business, as well as the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion. She founded & began publishing the magazine Sew Beautiful in 1987 & began sharing her love of heirloom sewing with public television audiences through her Martha’s Sewing Room series, which airs on 73 percent of American PBS stations.

This summer, the company is celebrating the art of sewing in its many forms with the Martha Pullen Sewing Awards! In partnership with F+W Media, Martha Pullen wants to recognize & reward the skills, passion & love that go into creating an item from scratch. To that end, you are invited to showcase your creations by entering their sewing competition that is open from July 1 to October 1, 2011. Seven winners in different categories will win $200 gift certificates to the Martha Pullen store & one Grand Prize winner will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the Martha Pullen School of Art Fashion, as well as a mention in Sew Beautiful magazine & website.

Whether you were born with a needle & thread in hand or only recently discovered your love for sewing, Martha Pullen wants to recognize & reward your passion. All contest details & guidelines can be found on Martha Pullen's website.

Donations Needed

My Aunt Judy teaches at Happy ISD in Happy, Texas - the town without a frown. Happy is a small farming community and the school has little funding. In addition to teaching six subjects, my Aunt directs One Act Play, coaches various UIL events, oversees junior high & high school student councils, and more.

The Sr. Class of Happy High School will be hosting the Silent Auction during their Community Halloween Carnival on October 24. Proceeds will go into the Sr. Class fund. At the end of the year, this money will go towards paying the rentals on caps & gowns, paying for 25 graduation invitations for each Senior, the Sr. class gift, etc.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS: The Sr. class is asking for donations for the Silent Auction. In return, your business will be advertised on flyers & posters displayed in the area & on the school's website. Also, each item will be tagged with your information. This a great way to support a small school with a tax-deductible donation that will further promote your company!

If you'd like to donate an item, please send to: Judy Howell, P.O. Box 425, Happy, Texas 79042. Items must be received before October 24.