By Ken Sakamoto, Star-Bulletin
Sara Rebennack shows the handmade magnets, envelopes
and memory books from past meetings of the
Good Things Group at Borders.
Borders Waikele began sponsoring the group about six months ago, with the blessing of the good living expert, whose name is associated with a television program, a magazine and K-Mart linens. Good Things Groups from state to state embody the do-it-yourself and do-it-beautifully philosophy that built the Stewart empire.
Stewart's organization provides some of the materials that go into the group's projects.
Three months ago, Rebennack and her equally crafty partner Jody Wilkinson taught participants how to fold envelopes from magazine pages.
Last month, the group learned to make Halloween magnets. The basic ideas can be applied to any occasion, whether it's making your own envelopes and stationery for birthdays or party invitations, or making magnets to fit party themes or as individual gifts.
Participation in the group is free.
"There's a core group of three or four women who come every time," Rebennack said. "Other people will hear our announcement in the store and walk over to check it out."
She said there's a lot of interest from people thinking ahead to Christmas.
Rebennack started her own Christmas shopping and crafting in September.
"I'm an early shopper because I have to ship gifts home to Chicago."
Materials can be found at WalMart, Honolulu Craft Supply or Ben Franklin Crafts:
Make a Christmas tree magnet: You will need: Green Foamies craft foam, scissors, Tacky Glue, Sharpie fine-point markers or craft paint, glitter, flatback rhinestones, adhesive magnets.
To assemble: Cut out tree shapes from the craft foam. Decorate them with the markers, paint, glitter or rhinestones. Be creative.
Glue one or two magnets on the back, then display your art on the refrigerator, or share them with friends.
Make a memory book: You will need: Thick construction paper or handmade paper in your choice of color; plain white paper; hole punch; raffia; markers, rubber stamps, stickers or other decorating items; photograph corner holders.
To assemble: Cut out two sheets of construction paper in the size you want your book to be. These will be the covers of the book.
Cut sheets of white paper slightly smaller. You do not have to restrict yourself to square or rectangle shapes.
Place the white sheets inside the two covers and line up one edge. Punch several holes in the edge, then thread the raffia through the holes in a pattern to secure the pages. Tie the raffia ends in a bow.
Decorate the covers with the markers, etc., or use the photo holders to put a favorite photograph on the front of the book.
