Team Craftnicity: Giving Back

Some think that the concept of giving back is misguided; that a phrase like "giving back to the community" assumes that the community actually gave you something to begin with.

Others of us know what we've been given -- from water to the light of the moon. Some of us know that giving doesn't have to be linear. Some of us practice serial reciprocity or paying it forward. Some of us like Kelee Katillac, really get it. Kelee uses interior design to give back and she's putting out the invitation to other creatives -- artists, crafters, designers, DIYers -- to use your creativity to help others.

So I'm going to take her up on the call and invite you to join me. I'd like to pick you to be part of my team -- Team Craftnicity -- where we find ways to use what we do with our hands to show what's in our hearts.

My heart says create memories. Back in 1996, a 70,000-pound tractor-trailer truck barrelled through a highway construction site. When he came to a stop, 8 people were dead -- one was my husband. More than 15 people were injured -- one was my then 22-month-old son and one was me.

Since my son has no memory of his father, I'm helping him bring memories of his father to "life." We'll use decoupage as a creative bridge; each glued picture telling a story and healing his heart. I'd like to answer Kelee's invitation to give back by helping others remember -- a birth parent, a deceased child, a lost dream.

What's in your heart? How will you give back? Share it with us. And don't forget to share your experiences, comments and ideas at the Katillac Shack. Just mention Team Craftnicity.

(Photo courtesy of Kelee Katillac)

Comments

[Kelee Katillac]

Thank-you L'Tanya for your vision and lead on this! We all have so much to give. Creatives "make" change happen! I am excited to see and hear about your hand-making change project. Beautiful.
love to you ethnic, boundless, seamed and seamless artisans...kelee

[Becky]

I'm in! but I'm so scatter brained that I can't pick just one project. In the past I have donated fabric to local quilting groups at Community Centers and knitted little caps for babies at the hospital. Hubby and I often donate goods to the PTA Thrift stores and Habitat Stores. And usually with out getting a receipt. (That may be crazy when it comes to tax time but whatever - it's a gift!)

Is there some project we as a group can do?

[L'Tanya]

Becky, you've done some thoughtful things. We'll each do what's in our hearts and hopefully share pictures, thoughts and comments about it. Maybe down the road a bit a group project could work.

If you want, I can help you narrow down a project.

[Kelee Katillac]

Hi Becky ad L'Tanya!

Becky: It would be a great contribution to Design Gives Back to create a list of projects--like those you have been involved in with contact numbers and websites. Just a one-two line description of the need
and what you did...your testimonial inspires people to take action and do something themselves.That may be your contribution! Or a great start and much needed. We are creating a list of websites with project needs and opportunities.