Get a Button


<div align="center"><a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/" _mce_href="http://www.craftbuds.com/" title="Craft Buds" target="_blank"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_28rjkKlVwNo/TXaULxtMcrI/AAAAAAAABhk/sX1GvXNlqt8/craft-buds-button.jpg" alt="Craft Buds" style="border:none;" _mce_style="border: none;" /></a></div> <p>	<div align="center"><a href="http://www.craftbuds.com/" _mce_href="http://www.craftbuds.com/" title="Craft Buds" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8162/7351689002_7671e8f785_m.jpg" alt="Craft Book Month at Craft Buds" style="border:none;" _mce_style="border: none;" /></a></div> <p>

Sewing Hope: Missional Crafts by Jessica K.

July 11, 2011

By Lindsay

Some people craft for their business, and others just create for fun. Jessica Kenenske has paired both her love for crafts and running a business with a mission: to help raise money for those in need. Read on for a great and inspiring story! (There’s also a giveaway at the end of this post.)

1) Tell me a little bit about your handmade shop and how/when you got started?

I’ve been selling my handmade stuff for probably about 6 years now. I started out creating and selling handmade dolls, softies, pillows & etc., using all vintage materials. I did that for a while and even had a couple segments on HGTV that aired about a year ago.

In 2008, I had my first (long awaited) child and then 22 months later I got pregnant with my second, so I was a little pre-occupied for a few years there! When I finally started getting back into crafting again I wasn’t that interested in making dolls anymore and found myself designing and making handbags….over an over again. I never get tired of them because, well, because I’m a girl and the possibilities are endless with bags!

It allows me the creative outlet to do something I love and to raise money for a mission that is close to my heart.

2) What is the overall purpose or vision behind your shop?

One of my best friends spent 5 years as a missionary in Haiti. Being able to see the people and their needs through her eyes has really given me a heart for that country. During her time in Haiti she met Roberteau Desilhomme who grew up in a village in the Mountains of Haiti called Fond Baptiste. Roberteau and his wife Carolyn have taken first aid and cultural development and amazingly were given an unfinished building to be used as a medical clinic. They are now in need of supplies to make the building usable. They have a doctor, and a few nurses willing to give of their time. Together they will help to care for physical and spiritual needs of those who come through the clinic.

My friend will be visiting Haiti again this summer, along with some others from my church who went last summer constructing a roof for the clinic, and will bring any funds raised to be sure they are used to help with this clinic. I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Roberteau this year, his passion for his ministry is very inspiring and I wish to do whatever I can to help.

I have found that I am WAY more productive and inspired to keep creating product to sell when I know it can help someone in need. It feels much more purposeful.

3) Do you have any advice for someone who is looking to raise money for a charitable organization through their craft or handmade store?

I have participated in fundraising events like auctions and live music shows. It is a lot of work and sometimes it’s like pulling teeth to get people to donate items and/or their time but it’s definitely worth it. Fundraising events are a great way to raise money if you’re willing to do the work.

The only advice I have at this point (I’m pretty new at this) for someone interested in crafting for a cause is, please just do it. There are so many people in need in this world. What we spend a week for coffee could save someone’s life, so even if you sold one thing, that could change someone’s world. It seems like a selfless act, but really, it will totally bless you too.

Thanks Jessica, for sharing your story!

Be sure to check out Jessica’s website, blog, and Etsy shop, where 100% of the proceeds go to help the clinic in Fond Baptiste, Haiti.

Giveaway!

Craft Buds is so impressed with Jessica’s mission and quality handcrafted bags that we are giving away this adorable bag from her shop to one lucky reader!

To enter:

1. Visit A Winding Road on Etsy. Leave a comment telling us your favorite bag! (1 entry)

2. For a bonus entry, follow Jessica’s blog and leave another comment. (1 entry)

3. If you make a purchase from Jessica’s shop, come back here and leave 2 comments! (2 bonus entries, and a huge warm/fuzzy feeling)

That’s 4 possible entries! This giveaway closes on Friday, July 15 at 11:59pm (EST). Giveaway open worldwide; one winner will be chosen via Random.org.

Tags: craft for charity, craft fundraising, craft hope, crafts for a cause, crafts for charity, crafts for fundraising, etsy crafts, Etsy fundraising, fundraising. fundraising events, haiti, handbags, Jessica Kenenske, mission fundraising, missional, non-profit, purses

88 Responses to Sewing Hope: Missional Crafts by Jessica K.

sabina@Slip Stitches & More on July 11, 2011 at 12:19 pm

I’m following the winding road

sabinabintbenjamin@gmail.com

sabina@Slip Stitches & More on July 11, 2011 at 12:20 pm

I like the Curvy Vintage Style Clutch

Note: sorry if my comment printed more than once.

sabinabintbenjamin@gmail.com

Kristy - Hopeful Threads on July 11, 2011 at 12:24 pm

Thanks for introducing us to this shop! I LOVE seeing folks use their talent to help others! I “heart” the etsy shop and follow A Winding Road blog now!

Kristy - Hopeful Threads on July 11, 2011 at 12:25 pm

Gorgeous giveaway too! I love the Little Girls Strawberry Tote and posted about it on my facebook page!

Lorie Smith on July 11, 2011 at 12:31 pm

I love the curvy vintage style clutch…all of her bags are amazing!

Lorie

Katy on July 11, 2011 at 12:44 pm

I like the ruffle pocket tote bag.

Sunnybec on July 11, 2011 at 12:46 pm

I like Colourful Floral, but they are all nice.

Amy on July 11, 2011 at 1:04 pm

Love the Navy Ticking Buttercup Bag.

Christy on July 11, 2011 at 1:36 pm

I love the blue nautical one with the big button.

Wendy Hatton on July 11, 2011 at 1:50 pm

I like the Curvy Vintage Style Clutch, very pretty colour

Wendy Hatton on July 11, 2011 at 2:02 pm

I am following Jessica’s blog

Vanessa on July 11, 2011 at 5:03 pm

I’m really loving all the wood hoop handle bags, especially the one up for grabs and the gray and yellow floral

Vanessa on July 11, 2011 at 5:03 pm

I’m a follower of Jessica’s blog!

MaryBeth on July 11, 2011 at 5:17 pm

I really like the blue nautical print purse in the Etsy shop. Thanks for the chance to win.

Jocelyn on July 11, 2011 at 5:17 pm

My favorite bag is the Wood Hoop Handle purse. Love the colors;.

MaryBeth on July 11, 2011 at 5:17 pm

I’m a new follower of Jessica’s blog. Thanks for the chance to win.

Debra on July 11, 2011 at 5:56 pm

I’m in love with the yellow chevron bag!

Jenny on July 11, 2011 at 6:47 pm

great feature! i really like the curvy vintage style clutch. so cute!

Rachel on July 11, 2011 at 7:33 pm

I love Jessica’s shop! I’m already following her blog . . .

Rachel on July 11, 2011 at 7:34 pm

. . . and my favorite bag is the yellow chevron tote!

Mary on Lake Pulaski on July 11, 2011 at 7:48 pm

My favorite bag is the Rain Drop Tote Bag with Front Pocket!

kris on July 11, 2011 at 8:03 pm

i’m torn between the one in this giveaway and the rain drop tote bag. what a cool artisan & story!

suzee on July 11, 2011 at 8:07 pm

Love the ruffled pocket tote bag!

suzee on July 11, 2011 at 8:09 pm

following her blog = )

Mama Lusco on July 11, 2011 at 8:50 pm

Great shop and mission! I like the Yellow Chevron tote. Thank you

Sue D on July 11, 2011 at 9:15 pm

I like the navy ticking Buttercup bag.

Sue D on July 11, 2011 at 9:18 pm

I follow Jessica’s blog.

annabelle g on July 11, 2011 at 10:41 pm

I love the colorful foral bag , so pretty

hueisei on July 11, 2011 at 11:21 pm

I am now following A Winding Road..
Such a lovely blog..

hueisei on July 11, 2011 at 11:22 pm

All the bags are so lovely..
I adore the Nautical Print ‘Buttercup’ Bag and Yellow Chevron Tote Bag with Front Pocket…..

Alli on July 12, 2011 at 2:24 am

My favorite is the wood hoop gray and floral purse. What a nice shop!

Mary on July 12, 2011 at 4:59 am

Wow she is amazing – my favourite bag in her shop is the wood hoop handle bag in colourful floral it is delicious.

Mary on July 12, 2011 at 5:00 am

I’m following her blog too.

kajira on July 12, 2011 at 6:18 am

i love Yellow Chevron Tote Bag with Front Pocket

Keri Schorah on July 12, 2011 at 7:44 am

Amazing post and woman! I love her raindrop tote on the etsy site! Unique colors! Thanks for this chance and I’m inspired to give give give…some more!

Evelene Sterling on July 12, 2011 at 8:00 am

I love the Raindrop tote bag. Thanks for a chance to win a cute bag.

esterling1923 at gmail dot com

Evelene Sterling on July 12, 2011 at 8:03 am

I am a new follower of her blog A Winding Road.

esterling1923 at gmail dot com

The Hungry Crafter on July 12, 2011 at 9:44 am

What a great story! Her bags are great — and affordable too! I’m a sucker for the wood handles — my favorite is the Wood Hoop Handle Purse/Handbag – colorful floral. Thanks!

christy on July 12, 2011 at 10:27 am

i love the Nautical Print ‘Buttercup’ Bag

Jessica on July 12, 2011 at 10:41 am

They are all awesome! I especially love the gray and yellow floral wood hoop handle purse!

Lee on July 12, 2011 at 11:28 am

I love the nautical buttercup bag! great bags!

Lee on July 12, 2011 at 11:28 am

i am a new follower of a winding road

lynn on July 12, 2011 at 11:40 am

i love the raindrop tote bag! (they’re all beautiful)

lynn on July 12, 2011 at 11:41 am

i’m a follower of a winding road.

KC on July 12, 2011 at 11:45 am

I actually like this one the best! Though, they’re all wonderful.

dee on July 12, 2011 at 2:41 pm

I am following her on etsy and I love the yellow Chevron tote bag.
ladeedacreations.com

dee on July 12, 2011 at 2:42 pm

Following her blog!

Kimberlee on July 12, 2011 at 4:02 pm

I love her Raindrop Tote Bag. Great designs and fabrics to chose from!
~Kimberlee
SpunkyDiva at live.com

Alicia on July 12, 2011 at 4:17 pm

Love the Nautical buttercup bag! Super cute!

Rhonda on July 12, 2011 at 4:20 pm

I like the bag with wood handles and yellow & gray fabric

Ruth on July 12, 2011 at 4:49 pm

That bag is so lovely I’ve pinned it! And it is the best bag on the Winding Road Etsy site.

Ruth on July 12, 2011 at 4:58 pm

I’m following!

Deborah in Atlanta on July 12, 2011 at 7:40 pm

Since I always seem to carry simply everything in my bags, I love the Raindrop Tote Bag with Front Pocket

Deborah in Atlanta on July 12, 2011 at 7:41 pm

I’m a follower of Jessica’s blog

Diana on July 12, 2011 at 7:48 pm

I visited her shop and this bag is actually my favorite! RESERVED – All Proceeds go to charity

Diana on July 12, 2011 at 7:50 pm

I follow her blog via GFC as Diana Z

Bev C on July 12, 2011 at 7:58 pm

Love that little Strawberry bag.
Happy days.
Bev.xoxo

Beth T. on July 13, 2011 at 1:17 am

She has so many great bags. I think my favorite is the Ruffled Tote. Thanks for the giveaway.

Gill on July 13, 2011 at 4:13 am

I love the Raindrop Tote Bag!
Thanks!

Tiffany on July 13, 2011 at 6:51 am

Wow… that is a hard choice. Tied for my favorite are this bag being given away and the gray and yellow floral – total cuteness

Tiffany on July 13, 2011 at 6:52 am

I’m now a follower of Jessica’s blog!

… O and I changed my mind, the yellow chevron back is 100% my favorite

Libby Jones on July 13, 2011 at 6:54 am

I like the raindrop tote bag.

Libby Jones on July 13, 2011 at 6:57 am

I am following ‘a winding road’ now. Interesting front pockets.

Carissa on July 13, 2011 at 7:29 am

My favorite bag is the reserved one that’s in the giveaway – loving the print and the handles!

Carissa on July 13, 2011 at 7:30 am

I’m following Jessica’s blog

Michelle on July 13, 2011 at 10:28 am

I follow Jessica’s blog )

Michelle on July 13, 2011 at 10:29 am

I love the Nautical “Buttercup” bag and the yellow and gray Hoop handle bag :0)from her Etsy shoppe!

Carla G on July 13, 2011 at 2:06 pm

I love the Yellow Chevron Tote Bag! The yellow just makes it pop!

Carla G on July 13, 2011 at 2:09 pm

I am a new follower of Jessicas blog!

Heather Nash on July 13, 2011 at 3:15 pm

My favorite is the Raindrop Tote Bag with Front Pocket. VERY CUTE!

hnash10@gmail.com

Heather Nash on July 13, 2011 at 3:16 pm

I am a new follower of Jessica’s blog.

hnash10@gmail.com

Susan on July 13, 2011 at 4:27 pm

My favorite is actually this hoop handle purse. I just love the shape and the print. Thanks for the giveaway. But, more importantly, thanks for opening our eyes to little ways that we can be more giving.

Susan on July 13, 2011 at 4:35 pm

I’m now following the Winding Road. I consider myself a pretty generous person, but I’m hoping her blog will inspire me to be more productive in my crafting so I can give back a little bit more. Thanks!

Shanea on July 13, 2011 at 4:43 pm

I love the yellow chevron tote!

Peach Rainbow on July 14, 2011 at 3:21 am

I love the Navy Ticking ‘Buttercup’ Bag with Ruffle!

Sandy N. on July 14, 2011 at 10:39 am

Love the Colorful Floral bag. Thanks for the opportunity to win!=)

Yogiela on July 14, 2011 at 11:46 am

my favorite is woodhope bag!

Tammy/FancieStrands on July 14, 2011 at 12:25 pm

I love the Raindrop Tote Bag with Front Pocket.

Tammy/FancieStrands on July 14, 2011 at 12:26 pm

I follow Jessicas blog and left a comment.

Sarah C. on July 14, 2011 at 3:22 pm

I like the giveaway bag best but the little girl’s strawberry bag is cute too!

Sarah C. on July 14, 2011 at 3:24 pm

Following Jessica’s blog. Glad to have found it!

Erin on July 14, 2011 at 8:00 pm

My favourite is the Wood Hoop Purse!

Erin on July 14, 2011 at 8:02 pm

I followed jessica’s blog! (erin)

Tanya Stansberry on July 14, 2011 at 10:47 pm

I really like the curvy vintage style clutch.

Charlotte on July 15, 2011 at 6:27 am

Ooh! I love love LOVE the Navy Ticking Buttercup Bag, but they are all beautiful!

Fab giveaway, thanks

C x

Chris on July 15, 2011 at 2:12 pm

My favorite bag is definitely the nautical print one! Thanks for the giveaway.

Amber on July 16, 2011 at 11:55 am

I really like the yellow chevron bag!

TDM on February 20, 2012 at 10:31 pm

I’m not here to enter the giveaway. LOL! BUT I wanna say that your mission to save others/lives is something that we can all look up to.
I’m also planning to do the same. Only diff is, I am helping Animals in need because I think they too, deserve something better.

Search

Labels

Recent Posts

Follow

Facebook

Get a Button

Sponsors + Affiliates

Sewing Hope: Missional Crafts by Jessica K.

Giveaway!

88 Responses to Sewing Hope: Missional Crafts by Jessica K.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply