Write On: Festival of Trees Table & Tree

When I am not working or writing, I sometimes like to tinker with making things and I wanted to combine those two interests. As it happens, my wife, Jodi, is involved with the Festival of Trees, as she and her mother manage the table setting section. The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Hospice of the Rock River Valley in Sterling, and it is taking place this week (Nov. 15-21) at Northland Mall in Sterling. It involves a silent auction for decorated trees, tables and other items.

A couple of months ago, I made a table that our writing group Write On could put in the auction. I refinished the table and then designed the top using photos of book covers. Over the covers, I poured epoxy-resin creating a clear finish. Our hope is that the table provides inspiration to whomever wins the bid to either read or write. Included with the table are books written by our members, and a collection of stories written by our members, a leather-bound notebook, leather bookmarks, pens, and sticky notes.

Our writing group also decorated a tree that is up for bid. The theme for our tree is “What are your Gifts?”

Both projects are excellent ways for our little group to both help others in our community and to advertise our existence in hopes of gaining members.

I have a second table in the auction. Jodi found the metal frame, and I refinished some old tongue-and-groove barn boards to make the top. Jodi handled the decorating side.

These items will be up for bid the rest of this week, so be sure to get out to Northland Mall and support a great cause!