for the nielsons – auction #1: retro print half apron

**UPDATE #2- SECOND AUCTION ITEM: due to the response to the apron, I will be posting an additional handmade goody for auction (I'll be up late and waking early so wish me luck).

Thank you for your bids so far, sweet readers!

Preparing for this post, I was reading through older posts from Stephanie's and CJane's blogs, getting to know these neat families even better.  Something I couldn't help thinking about was that all those posts were before August 16, 2008.  How normal and daily and crafty and charmed their days were.  And then there was August 16, 2008.  A day they couldn't see coming in all those posts. The day that will forever mark their lives in one way or another. 

I know from personal experience how much one day can change the course of your entire life as you imagined it.  Which is why I was compelled to put myself out here for this auction.  I normally don't sell the things I make.  And I have no clue how many actual readers I have – maybe only a small circle, but I know you are loyal.  And I'm hoping that you won't leave me out here with crickets chirping or my mom will have to save the day with a bid (you would, right, mom?).  The funds will go to the Nielson's medical bills (projected to be in the millions), their household management, and no doubt to their children's care (who are currently living with Stephanie's sister).

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So here it is: a reversible, 100% cotton half apron made using one of my most-linked tutorials – Nana's Reversible Half-Apron, and a handmade note card to accompany it. This would make an awesome kitchen shower gift, christmas gift, best friend gift, or to-yourself gift.  Handmade.  With love.  By me.  Aren't you in the mood for a little package on your doorstep?

 

And because I love throwing in extras, I'll give you your choice: 1) one of my favorite vintage finds – Betty Crocker's Parties for Children (blogged about here)

OR 2) a small stack of decorating magazines from my stash (doesn't everyone love decorating magazines?).

So how does this work?  Simply, actually

How to bid: Bid using the comments section – you can choose to use your actual name, or "anonymous" and email me your info (crystal0901 [at] hotmail [dot] com).

How much to bid: Bid in increments of $1 or more (I'll start at $10, the next bid could be $11, and so on)

When will this end? Bidding for both auctions will end at 6 PM Eastern on Friday, August 29.

Payment:  There are a few methods floating out there, including a Paypal account dedicated to them, and several bank accounts dedicated to them.  We can work that out at the end.

I will cover shipping of the items.

They have a long road ahead.  Whether it's a prayer, a link to this post, or a bid, please do what you can. 

**For those wanting to donate directly to their fund, visit Nie's Recovery site.**