Pincushion Exchange and Brainstorming For Fundraiser

I love getting packages in the mail.  Yesterday was an especially great mail day.   I received my package from my pincushion exchange partner Karen. She sent me an adorable Yo Yo pin cushion, a blue fish beaded bookmark and a stickpin to match. She also sent me some fantastic gingher embroidery scissors.  What a great package!

Receiving a gift in the mail can always turn a stressful day into a cheery one.  I’m a little overwhelmed at the moment.  I have another exchange coming up at the end of the month, a pile of sewing to finish, and after devoting time to a garage sale, a very messy house.  Just when it was looking like I may get my head above water, I was asked to help out with a fundraiser for my youngest daughter’s school.

Every year in October they have an auction.  Each classroom creates a work of collaborative work of art to be auctioned off at a sit-down dinner.  They also create a themed basket.  Last year I worked on the basket.  The artwork is more in line with my interests.  I would really enjoy contributing in this way, but the auction is less than a month away and the committee decided to do furniture this year.  I could come up with a piece of furniture on my own in that time frame, involving 34 kids is a bit challenging.

I just received the call last night.  The room mother’s want something that will be a real stand out.  Neither of them have any art experience.  They have a piece of furniture in mind that I haven’t seen yet.  I normally put a lot of pressure on myself to perform.  I do like to be challenged, but I’m working with a lot of unknowns.  I know the quality of work my daughter can do, but not the other kids in her class.  I’ve actually never been able to go to the auction because we don’t have a babysitter.  All those things combined have me a little stressed right now.

I am brainstorming today and pulling out bits and pieces for inspiration.  I’m a visual creator, so when I start designing something, I need all of the pieces around me.  I like to stack them up.  It’s messy.  

I was really hoping to do some cleaning and organizing this weekend.  Sigh! I guess it will have wait