Quilting Bees, now Charming Bees!
By Laurie Dawe
Originally the name Quilting Bees came from the buzzing sound that emanated from a group when they sat together sewing patches; trading recipes; talking about the weather, friends, happy events and celebrations. For five years now, a group of women in Sedona have gathered at the “hive” to do just that, but instead of sewing quilts we create Kindness Charms. The charms are dangly chains made up of earrings, embellishments, beads, charms, and at least one glass or ceramic heart. The components are lovingly attached to a decorative fob saying “Take Me Home and Spread Kindness”. And my, oh my, have we ever made and distributed a lot of them! (Thousands!) Over the years they have appeared all over the world, from the Kingdom of Tonga to the Great Wall of China. From remote hiking trails to monasteries in Bhutan. And best of all, when the spirit moves us, they have been given to people who seem to need a “pick me up” or a hug. We have been overjoyed with the responses we have received on our webpage from recipients. They have lifted spirits around the globe. To date we have had a hand in creating “charming groups” all over the US, including Sandy Hook (site of the terrible school tragedy), and a group of teenage friends in Alaska. We are always looking for more “bling” to add to our chains. Several ladies have donated the jewelry collection of a deceased loved one. Some of the charms made using this jewelry are then left in places that had a special meaning to that person. These are especially heartwarming moments for us all, knowing that the spirit lives on in jewelry they wore and treasured.
You may not be a charmer, or a quilter, but you can formulate a group to make greeting cards, baked goods, stuff teddy bears, knit hats and scarves, or do any of a number of things to brighten the lives of those less fortunate and feel really good in the process. Happiness is all about connections, sharing, and making the world a better place, one small step at a time.
You may not be a charmer, or a quilter, but you can formulate a group to make greeting cards, baked goods, stuff teddy bears, knit hats and scarves, or do any of a number of things to brighten the lives of those less fortunate and feel really good in the process. Happiness is all about connections, sharing, and making the world a better place, one small step at a time.