Community Voices for Health

By: Rachel Ventura

I love love love to get crafty!! Many moons ago, I worked at a child-care center and I believe that this is where the hobby began. I loved designing bulletin boards and birthday walls and decorating the calendar and parent letter every month! I could sit for hours making arts and crafts projects, whether accompanied by children or by myself!

After leaving that position, I had a desk job and didn’t have much time or need to craft. That is, until I got engaged and started wedding planning! I really wanted to contribute to my wedding in some way and decided to hand make a few things, like the card box, favors, and save the dates! Also, my mother made the table runners, my sister-in-law made the invitations, and my aunt did all the flowers! Not only did I save a ton of money, but the wedding felt more personal and had an added level of love, which made an amazing day that much more special.

Once I had children, my crafting outlet was thoroughly revamped! I began making birthday invitations and decorations, Halloween costumes, plus lots of things around the house. I’ve even sold a few of my creations on Etsy! It really is a fun outlet for me. Since the birth of Pinterest, the possibilities are now endless!!

I also love a challenge, which seems to happen every Halloween! But I really do love it! Two years ago, when my daughter was 20 months old, she really wanted to be Jessie from Toy Story. Of course, Jessie costumes do not come that small. So, I made it. Now, I do not own a sewing machine nor do I know how to use one. So everything I sew, I do by hand. I really love how the costume came out!!

Last year, my daughter’s choice was Snow White. Easy peasy, no sewing involved for that one…or so I thought. Come to find out, Princess Snow White wanted her 5-month-old brother to be Prince Charming. How could I argue that? So, I was back at it again. This one seemed a little trickier and I actually sort of haphazardly put it together. But once again, I was very happy with the outcome.

These days, my daughter is completely obsessed with the movie Wreck It Ralph. The girl seriously loves Vanellope Von Schweetz. So, we decided that’s who she’ll be for next Halloween. I’m not sure if the costume will be available in stores, so I decided to make it. I know it’s only June, but I’m a planner and I’m already about 80% done with the construction of this costume and I cannot wait to see her in it!! I got the sweatshirt, leggings, and skirt on clearance at Kohl’s. I sewed pink shoelaces onto the sweatshirt and will sew the ribbon onto the leggings. I’m going to use a hot glue gun to mount the buttons (which I just got for 50% off at Jo-Ann’s!) to clips to put in her hair. My aunt got the boots on clearance at JC Penney. Viola! You have Vanellope!

In addition to Halloween costumes, my house is filled with things I have created. I love that I can custom make pieces, just the way that I want them, and display them in my home. It takes a lot of time and patience, but to me, it’s worth it. I get to have the decor that I truly want while also saving a lot of money! Here are a few of my favorites!

Some people read, some do yoga, some shop (I do this too! Ha!), but for me, it’s really all about crafts! Seriously, if I’ve had a bad day, there’s nothing I’d rather do then sit down with my glue gun and some paint. It’s my happy place! What have you crafted lately?