Archive for category: Resources

By Lt. Katherine Hernandez
Salinas, CA Corps – Golden State Division

As we discover the power our tongues have and identify ways in which we can better control it, let us create a lovely door hanging wreath. As we gather together and begin to create something beautiful, may we be reminded how important it is to be intentional about using the words that come out of our mouth in a way that will bless and uplift others. As you create this door hanging decoration, be reminded how powerful a simple “hello” or “welcome” can be to someone when done out of love.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Grapevine wreath (the one I used was 18” in diameter)
• Mix of faux flowers and foliage
• Greenery
• Wired Ribbon
• Wooden lettering (optional) I used the word Hello.
• Paint for the wooded lettering (I used white, but you can paint the lettering any color you want) (this is optional as well)
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks
• Floral wire
• Wire cutters
• Jute rope for hanging wreath (optional)

Step 1:
Start by painting your wooden lettering (this step is optional, as you do not need to add lettering to your wreath. I did, as I wanted to give my wreath a little something extra). You only need to paint the front and the sides, don’t worry about painting the back part (no one will see it). You may also need to give the lettering two or three coats of paint, depending on how dark you want it to be. Once painted, set aside and let it dry.

Step 2:
Cut the flowers and greenery. Then roughly arrange them on the wreath- this will give you an idea of spacing and placement. You can arrange the flowers and greenery however you like. I arranged mine on half of one side of the wreath. You can arrange them on the bottom, top, all around, etc.
When I begin to arrange my flowers and greenery, I start with the greenery first, then I add the flowers and other foliage. Once I like the placement of it, I start to hot glue it all to the wreath. Again, I begin with the greenery, then move to the flowers, and lastly the other foliage.

Step 3:
Make a bow using the wired ribbon. Once you have your bow made, you can attach it to the wreath using floral wire or using the glue gun.  

Step 4:
It’s time to attach our painted wooden sign. You can attach it using floral wire or using the glue gun. You can place your wooden sign wherever you like.

Step 5:
Cut some jute rope and hot glue it to the back of the wreath in order to hang it, unless you already have a metal door wreath hanger.

There you have it! you just created a beautiful door hanging wreath. You can now hang it on your front door (or any other place you like around your home).

I hope that you had a fun time creating this beautiful door decoration. I pray that it blesses your heart, as well as those who enter your home.

Download printable directions:

By Major Gaylene Yardley
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary
Southwest Division

Note: This craft coordinates with this month’s devotional and Bible Study.

Supplies Needed:

• Bar of soap for each participant
• A nail (to carve the soap with)

Everyone will carve a cross, heart, Bible verse or anything that will serve as a reminder that forgiveness is an important part our our spiritual lives.

Here are easy instructions on how to do soap carving: https://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Soap-Carving

By Major Harryette Raihl
Divisional Women’s Ministries Secretary
Southern California Division

Supplies Needed:
(6) 6 mm beads (smaller beads or larger beads vary the size of the cross)
(10) spacer seed beads
Gold/silver jump ring (found with jewelry making supplies in stores)
Jewelry Wire (wire sized to fit through the beads are used)
*Necklace chain if you want to attach the beaded cross pendant.

There are many different ways to do these beaded crosses. You will find some designers harder to follow and some easier. The following directions are the ones that work the best and quickest for me and look the nicest in my opinion!

Instructions:

1.Fold the cut wire in half. (Cut wire about 8 inches to allow extra)

2.Lace one seed bead on the wire then twist tight.

3. On BOTH wires put one big bead, then one little seed bead, then a big bead, etc. so three big beads and three seed beads are on the wires.

4. Separate the wire. On one wire string, place one seed bead, then one big, then one seed bead THEN…skip seed bead and put wire through the big bead very tight with no slack. On the other wire do the same.

5. Then add one seed bead on each wire and twist very tight.

6. Add big bead through BOTH wires and then add little seed bead.

7. ON one wire add the jump ring and thread wire back through the large bead. Then wrap several times around to secure the jump ring. Cut the wire and if necessary, thread back through hold so that no sharp wires are exposed.

8. The wire that is left can be twisted around the large bead and then cut off so that no shape wires are exposed.

Once the cross is completed simply lace through the necklace chain.

These directions seem a little complicated at first, but once you have done once and experienced what ways work best and easiest for you, the crosses can be made rather quickly. This is a relatively inexpensive craft since you usually buy the supplies in bulk so that you may make many at a time.

Download printable directions of this craft:

By Captain Hilda Parks
Renton, WA Corps
Northwest Division

A great way to unplug is to craft. Here is an easy craft that you can make and enjoy during your “unplugged” times.

Materials: 
Plant
Mug 
Decorative Napkins
Mod podge 
paint brush

Instructions: 

• Pick any small plant from your patio or buy a small one at any grocery store. 
• Chose any mug and floral napkins that you like, preferable ones with flowers so you can cut the pattern.  
• Once cut attach one by one to the mug, using the mod podge, then cover the mug entirely with your patterns in a thin layer of mod podge using a brush or even your fingers.
• Once all covered add a full coat of mod podge.
• Allow to dry 24 hours then enjoy with your favorite plant.