Cake and Make Club

02 Oct Cake and Make Club

If Blog Abandonment were a sport, I would have a gold medal in it by now. There are days I will log in, start a post, belittle my writing, and end up saving my draft for later in hope the words will eventually flow like wine.  I’m laughing as I’m writing this because that last part never happens and I’m left with drafts and drafts of unshared ideas and projects.  I would like to say I will get better but pinky promises aren’t a business I like to make a habit of.  So I will leave it at the simple fact that I will try.

Speaking of pinky promises, I’ve reflected a lot lately on all of the clubs, groups, and teams I was a part of growing up.  Some were downright silly (New Kids on the Block Club NKOTB4EVA), others I quit before I should have (Daisys never turned into Brownies or Girl Scouts), and others I am actually proud to admit I belonged to.

There’s something to be said about belonging and things haven’t changed as I’ve gotten older.  I recently was invited to join an adult club that may be the best one yet. My friend Angela Instagram messaged me a couple months ago asking when my birthday was.  I wasn’t sure why she was asking, but quickly responded and waited anxiously for her reply.  She said she was starting a handmade birthday club and wanted to know if I would join.  I immediately said “of course” having no idea what that involved but didn’t want to miss out.  And I’m glad I agreed.

Angela managed to find 12 crafty friends, with birthdays in each of the months of the calendar year.  The idea is that you send a gift to each person during their birthday month and then you receive 11 handmade gifts the month of your birthday.  Pretty awesome, right?

Each of us sets up a Pinterest page of patterns, fabrics, designs and other goodies that we like.  Some pins are sewing related but others aren’t.  It is just a way to provide inspiration to the group when thinking about what to send.  We put a cap of $30 for each month that can be a combination of store-bought gifts and handmade ones.  I’ve only met 3 out of the 11 girls so it’s been fun getting to know everyone through Instagram and Pinterest.

This group started in July.  Here are the gifts that I’ve mailed out so far:

July: Angela, Cut to Pieces
+Oliver & S Pattern
+ Handmade Drawstring Bag made from Lizzy House’s Catnap fabric
+How ya Bean? card designed by my sister
+Fat quarters
+Thread cutter
+Washi Tape
+Essie Nail polish

August: Candice, Made with Love

+Handmade Feather Embroidery: Design inspired by the book Hoop-La
+Amy Butler Domestic Goddess Apron
+Handmade Fabric Magnets
+Lotta Jansdotter Card
+Thank You card designed by my sister
+Birthday Pencil and Washi Tape

September: Megan

+Handmade Mug Rug using Anna Maria Horner fabric
+Handmade Crinkle Toy (she is expecting a new little one soon)
+Handmade Fabric Magnets
+Anna Maria Horner Yardage and Ribbon
+Pinwheel Print Shop card
+Washi Tape

My birthday is in November so I can’t wait to share what comes my way.  These ladies are uber talented and I sometimes think I’m out of my league.  But what better way to celebrate someone than through handmade gifts?

Here’s my Pinterest Birthday Club page if you want to see what I’ve pinned.

Are there adult clubs/groups that you love to be a part of?