CAMP CREATE CHRISTMAS

Spending time at the Whatever Craft House is always one of the most life-giving experiences.  This is my 3rd Camp Create - I went once as a camper 4 years ago, and one other time as a helper last year.  When Meg texted and asked if I wanted to teach cookie decorating at a Christmas themed Camp Create, I practically jumped out of my skin with excitement.  What could be better?!?

Seeing the house all done up for Christmas was pure delight.

The first night that we were all together, we did a Favorite Things exchange where everyone brought 3 of their favorite items and came home with 3 different gifts.  It was a great way to get to know people and really break the ice.

The rest of the weekend was full of crafting fun that included Laura of Pitter Patter Art teaching us all how to make a Kindness Advent of things to do as a family to serve others.  It is always amazing to see how differently everyone does the "same" craft.

(I still need to add my envelopes!)

Meg lead several crafts including wreaths, signs and bead garlands. It is really the coziest crafting.

Ashley came in for Saturday and taught us how to make beautiful gold-foiled ornaments.  After having read her blog for over 8 years, it was such a treat to meet her in person.

I taught cookie decorating to a rowdy group who learned the basics of cutting out cookies and the various types of frostings that I use.  (Here's a blog post I wrote years ago with my recipes if you are interested!) We flooded and piped and basically went nuts with sprinkles - a good evening in my books.

Apparently, I use weird facial expressions while teaching.
And when cutting the storied Rainbow Cake.

Jessica Thompson taught us from God's word about our worthiness and the Good News that is wrapped up in the Christmas story that was given to ordinary people while highlighting the women in particular.  She reminded us that we are not what others think of us.  We are loved, accepted and free in Christ.  He has done the work.  We are fully known and loved.  It was such a gift to have her words poured over us all.

The other thing we did a lot of was eat.  So much good food, because Kimberlee is a Food Jedi Master.  I am currently having to detox from the amount of sugar, and we ended with a breakfast bang where she laid out all of the leftovers including cheesecake, bread pudding and pasta shells.  Delish. They also let me make a charcuterie board to have out one evening.

As a special bonus this time, one of my dear friends from Little Rock got a spot and traveled to and from with me.  It was such a treat to share one of my favorite places with Nicole.

There aren't enough words for how grateful I am that Meg and Kimberlee include me in helping to host this experience.  They have become real friends, and spending time working alongside them is such a joy.  Plus we laugh and laugh and laugh.

And the other helpers also MADE this experience.  This group has a LOT of personality, but ultimately, I was amazed by the hearts of each woman and the ways they have each allowed the Lord to lead in their lives.  EVERYONE has hard stuff, but there is so much beautiful shining through. 

It is brave to come to a place where you know no one and show up hoping for the best, and this group totally did that.  There were some pre-established relationships, but I was amazed at how well everyone meshed and the joy that it was to be learning and crafting together.  These ladies each blessed me with their openness and enthusiasm and sincerity.



I never imagined that decorating sugar cookies could lead me to here.  The Lord works in mysterious ways, and I am SO glad he does.  Christmas did indeed come early, and my heart is jingling all the way.



If you are interested in attending a Camp Create someday, then make sure you are following Meg on Instagram - she always lets everyone know the dates and details there!

CAMP CREATE

Two and a half years ago, I went to Camp Create as a camper and had the most wonderful time.  Last November, Meg reached out to ask if I would want to come teach cookies at this year's Camp Create, and I absolutely jumped at the chance.  In fact, being asked back was more than a dream come true!



To say that Camp Create is a most magical environment is the understatement of the year.

The Craft House is so beautiful, with color and unique touches tucked around every crafty corner.

It didn't hurt that the weather was Kansas spring perfection.

We ate the most delicious food prepared by Kimberlee, who is certainly a hostess with the mostest.



Jenny Randle spoke to us throughout our time about our creativity and identity in Christ and urged us to listen to what God is speaking into our lives.  She was so encouraging, and she also invested deeply in each person who was there.  I'm looking forward to diving into her book!

On Friday, Megan Wells of MakeWells led us in a Funky Florals workshop.  She is so gifted, and we all sat around her like little artsy disciples.  I need to finish my florals, because creating like this is really soothing, and Megan made it so accessible.  She has online classes as well, if you are interested in learning for yourself!  I think I'm going to sign up for hand-lettering next.

(my WIP)

They let me make a cream tart, which turned out super fun.  Baking for a group of kind, enthusiastic women is my kind of gig.



We also headed out antiquing to find a few treasures - I scored a navy blue gumball machine that called out to me from its shelf. (though I forgot to photograph it 🤷🏻‍♀️)

Saturday night, I was up, teaching cookies.  It was SO FUN to have such avid learners waiting to practice and create.  We did rainbows and unicorns with lots of sprinkles, and everyone did great.






Meg also sprinkled in other crafts throughout our time, including lots of pom poms, a fabric covered necklace and a wood sign.

The women who came from literally all corners of the country were such a joy to spend time with.  It is scary to come someplace without knowing anyone, as almost everyone of this group did.  And yet, there is such commonality under the umbrellas of crafts and Jesus that everyone melded so well together.  People were vulnerable and gentle with one another, and I stand amazed to see what God wants to do in each of these lives.  

Meg has truly created a special environment, and we are all so blessed to enjoy the fruits of her labor.  She is every bit as wonderful (and then some!) as I thought she might be when reading her blog all those years ago, and hanging out with her and the other helpers was such a treat!  

Camp Create came at a really great time for me - in the midst of a challenging season.  It felt like a gift from the Lord to be in a place where I got to cultivate some of the gifts that he has given me and connect with like-minded women.  Crafting and cookies come easily, which was a welcome change of pace from so many other things that make up my daily life.

So - thank you, Meg, from the bottom of my heart for the invite, and many thanks to all of the other amazing women that I spent those precious days with.  Your hearts are all so dear - thank you for sharing them with me!