Handmade Treasures Sale 2011

Each year, on the Saturday close to the beginning of Advent, we hold an "open house" Handmade Treasures Sale for charity. My husband takes care of morning tea/lunch, and I ask my creative family and friends to contribute to the sale. Last Saturday, we held our fifth sale and although the heavy rain probably kept many away, those who came seemed to have a good time . Most popular were the home made palmiers, chocolate cake and freshly made sandwiches , marinated mushrooms and feta cheese prepared by Jim. Other than the food, there was an amazing display of really beautiful work by local artists, embroiderers and talented artisans - all handmade with love ... quilts, handbags, clothing, jewellery, cards, mixed media art, embroidery, dolls, crochet, smocking, knitting, textiles, sewing accessories, Christmas decorations, kitchen accessories, jams, pickles, home made chocolates, rum butter, Christmas puddings and cakes .... and lots more.

We were also fortunate to have the support of the Hunter East Timor Sisters with wonderful handwoven tais made by women in East Timor.

Together, we made a substantial amount of money for the charity "Give Love to Children" which is a locally based charity supporting programs for disadvantaged children here in Newcastle and abroad. The charity's current projects are to provide free vision and hearing screenings for primary school students in low income status schools in the Hunter area, and to support a school for street kids in the Philippines. Thanks to all who came to the sale, to those who helped, and to all the talented contributors - supporting children in need is truly in the spirit of Christmas.

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