Photo Memory Rag Quilt

 Photo Memory Rag Quilts. This one is done in sepia tone photos with alternating burlap squares and muslin back.

APRIL GIVEAWAY

APRIL GIVEAWAY...We will be giving away this Microwave Heating Pillow. To enter: Simply "LIKE"  our Blackberry Thyme FB fan page AND SHARE  giveaway on your Facebook! Winner will be randomly drawn on April 30, 2013.

#26 Random Acts of Kindness..why stop there

In the weeks following the heartwrenching tragedy of Newtown came the idea of #20 then #26 random acts of kindness. We all jumped on board buying coffees for 26 random people or handing out gift cards in restaurants or grocery stores It was our way of paying homage to those lives lost and at the time of year we all want the warmth of our families close. Along with our generosity came anger and the whys and a nation divided again on how to fix things. Is it gun control we need to fix? Is it better mental health? Is it better school policy on bullying? Is it censorship on video games? I don't know the answer to those questions. I do know that not having guns didn't stop Timothy McVeigh...he used fertilizer to make a bomb to kill 168 people in Oklahoma City but then maybe if Adam Lanza had not had easy access to an assault rifle this tragedy could have been avoided. I don't know. Yes, we need better heath care in this country and easier access to mental health but you can lead a horse to water..but you can't make him drink...as much as I believe we need better health care I don't know if that would helped. Again, Yes! we need better school policy on bullies! As a parent of a special needs child, my child was bullied and the administration didn't do much. It is one of the reasons I homeschool my children today. For me that is an easy fix..its not only the administration's responsibility to teach our children to respect and not hate and harm those who are different IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A PARENT! Is it violent video games? Yes, we have alot of violence in our culture now from tv to video games, but would taking them away curb the Dylan Klebolds or James Holmes'. I don't know.

What I do know is that we each have our own place and our own ability to make it a kinder more loving world. Show acceptance of those who are different not prejudice. Offer a hand in friendship. Don't stop at 26 acts of kindness show thoughtfulness 365 days a year. It doesn't have to be monetary it can be as simple as holding the door open for someone even if we are in a hurry, offering to share your umbrella in a rain storm with someone who forgot theirs, an errand for the elderly or sitting at the lunch table with unpopular kid who is eating alone. Simply open your heart.

Rice Microwave Heating Pads

Heat therapy is a non-invasive therapy to soothe sore muscles in your back, head, neck, shoulder, elbow, stomach, menstrual, leg, knee and feet. Grain Microwave Heating pads are the perfect way to get your heat therapy. Rice heating pads can also be infused with herbal scents for aromatherapy and additional benefits. Lavender and Vanilla will soothe and calm, Rosemary Mint soothe sore muscles, help headaches, peppermint helps to ease headache and eucalyptus help clear sinuses. Microwave Heating Pads are a great way to replace the corded heat pad and messy water bottles. Rice heating pads are safer than electric heating pads because they lose their heat gradually, whereas electric heating pads can catch fire during use or cause a drop in blood pressure if used for too long. Rice bags can also be infused with herbal scents for aromatherapy.

Different grains can be used to fill the heating pad...rice, corn, dried beans cherry pits and some use flax seed. I prefer rice as the grains are small and conform better to your body. Flax seed is also a small grain but it is primarily linseed oil which can cause fire. I would only use Flax seed as a cold compress pack. Rice also absorbs moisture... as we all who have gotten our cell phone wet know too well.... To add moist heat to your therapy lightly spritz your heating pad with water.

Heating Pads are multipurpose and reusable. Use them to soothe sore muscles, warm your feet, heat them up and take them to bed as a replacement for an electric blanket, warm your pets bed...the uses are endless.

Another great benefit of the heating pads are they serve a dual purpose. You can also put them in the freezer in a ziploc bag and use them for minor bumps, bruises and sprains. Please always seek a doctor's advice for anything more than minor pain, sprains or bumps.

Artfire Link Spotlight

We were spot lighted in the Artfire Link!

Courtesy of: Artfire LInk

A Beautiful Autumn Collection on Artfire

Autumn Orange

Curated By: luvncrafts

ArtFire.com

Handmade Gifts

GIVEAWAY..Enter to win a bar of our Candy Corn Soap

GIVEAWAY! we will be giving away a bar of our Candy Corn Soap on Oct 21. To enter the giveaway ...just like our Blackberry Thyme FB page, share the pic and leave us a comment! Good luck!