We’re enjoying a refreshing taste of fall! I love these late summer days, when the light takes on a certain golden quality and the air has a particularly delicious edge. I even heard some geese calling yesterday, a sure and welcome sign that fall is on the way!
This summer, though…oh! It’s been highlighted by precious family times, watermelons, canning garden produce until we’re running low on jars, fresh bouquets, completing memorizing the book of Philippians, and so many more of God’s wonderful gifts to the full. In amongst the abundant everyday, there have also been some very special occasions!
Today I’d like to share about one of them…a delightful gathering hosted by my sister-in-love, Catherine! After reading an article about a group of people meeting to swap unneeded items and grow community, Catherine had a unique idea. What about hosting a homespun swap, where the participants all brought something handmade to exchange? She mentioned it to several creative friends and laid plans for mid-August. Of course, we were very excited! And, it fit beautifully with the urge I’ve had to be more consistently producing with my hands.
Invitations went out several weeks in advance, to give enough time for special preparation. Families were invited to attend for a meal and fellowship together, while the main event – the Swap itself– was specifically for the ladies.
Each lady was asked to bring a handmade item, wrapped as a gift. Catherine didn’t give any requirements for the type of item. It just had to be handmade! She did make sure to mention that foods or purchased handmade items were included, to accommodate busy mothers or those without time or skills for detailed handcrafts, which I love! So thoughtful! ♥
One of the most fun and interesting things about preparing for this event is that, of course, we didn’t know who would receive our gift. It was fun considering the different ages, personalities, and styles among our friends who would be there, but also challenging to try to create a gift that any one of them would be happy to receive! Finally, I decided just to make something that I would enjoy myself, hoping that she would love it as well! 🙂
On the day of the Homespun Swap, things were hopping at our house! My mom, sister, and I were finishing up last minute details on our gifts, wrapping and labeling everything with a little extra thought. And then, it was time to head to the Swap!
It was a cozy, rainy day and we were greeted by such a comfy atmosphere. Catherine had even carved an intricate, welcoming watermelon! Everyone brought food to share, potluck style, and the kitchen was filled with delicious dishes. We all enjoyed getting our plates, then gathering throughout the house and porch to eat and visit. Then there was dessert! Homemade ice cream was served on the porch, along with a counter-full of blueberry cobbler, peach pies, cherry crisp (made with fresh Azure cherries!!), some of the best peanut butter cookies ever, and these adorable raspberry hand-pies.
When everyone had eaten their fill, the ladies began to excitedly gather toward the living room, where the gifts were being labeled with numbers. Corresponding numbers were put into a basket and when all was ready, Catherine passed the basket around the room. We each picked a number and received the gift that went with it. I picked out number 4!
The gifts of various sizes and shapes, were wrapped in different ways, but I loved how many were wrapped in brown paper bags adorned with colorful bits of ribbon and lace, definitely lending to the homespun charm. It was exciting to anticipate what must be in each of those brown paper packages!
When everyone had their selected gift, we opened them together. Oooo’s and ahhhhh’s erupted from around the room as the wrappings were removed! Then, it was time to enjoy seeing what everyone had received!
The variety of crafts and ideas represented was inspiring! Among the gifts, there was an apron, a macrame plant hanger, crocheted dish cloths, an embroidered tea towel, a hand-woven tea towel, lotion and lip balm, a pail of homegrown figs, two different bags, a delicate, lighted garden display made out of polymer clay, black walnut ink with goose feather quills, a brownie mix, and more! I made a quilted tablerunner (look for a Project Profile, hopefully to come!), which was enthusiastically received, and I was very excited to take home a beautifully packaged bottle of homemade vanilla extract. I’m looking forward to baking with it!
It’s encouraging to think of how this Homespun Swap reflects the unique gifts God has given to each of us…and how we can use them for His glory! Just as each of us thought of something special to make and share, even so He gives us unique opportunities to bless others, and He works in each one.
“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all…” (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)
It need not be something grand. You may be very good at noticing when someone is hurting. You may cook really good food. You may love to write notes. You may be especially in tune to remembering birthdays. Each gift is useful and valuable in God’s service, showing love to others and bringing Him glory!
The Homespun Swap was a wonderful success – many thanks to Catherine and family for their hospitality! And, if you’re looking for a unique way to foster community and have a fun outlet for creativity, I hope you’re inspired by her lovely idea!
Your turn! Please share! Have you ever hosted a swap event? What are your favorite ways to build and strengthen your local friendships? What gifts are you cultivating in this season?
Thank you for being here, friend!
Because of Jesus,
Maggie ♥
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