photo by Helen Ravenel

The Crafty Ladies are shown in the fellowship hall at First United Methodist Church of the Isle of Palms. Bottom row from left: Joan Harvey, Gerda Karig, Dee Dee harper, June Murphy and Alma Kiser. Top row from left: Carolyn Walters, Theresa Owens, Bernice Wolfensberger, Anne McLeod, Diana Timmerman and Marilyn Lipscomb.

photo by Helen Ravenel

Anne McLeod and Theresa Owens show off beaded eyeglass holders that will be for sale during the Tea Room.

“It is an outlet for so many people,” explained Anne McLeod.

The Crafty Ladies meet every Wednesday in the fellowship hall of First United Methodist Church of the Isle of Palms. From 10 a.m.- 2 p.m., they take things apart, glue on embellishments, sew, paint— beautify things.

They bring their own lunch and former long-time leader June Murphy explained that the group started shortly after Hurricane Hugo when the church flooded. The minister at the time had decided to have a tea room and the ladies were already making crafts. “So we had crafts in conjunction with the tea room,” said Murphy.

Over the years the number of members has waxed and waned.

The Crafty Ladies have been working every Wednesday since September so they can display their items for sale at the Tea Room, which takes place March 23-26.

“Everything we sell goes back into the community,” said Murphy, noting that the group keeps all of the money in the East Cooper area.

In the past two years, the group has given almost $10,000 to the following organizations: United Methodist Relief Center, ECCO, East Cooper Meals on Wheels, Lowcountry Orphan Relief and Love Inc.

Member Joan Harvey said, “It makes us feel good that we’re helping someone. When two or three are gathered together, they can do a whole lot.”

One does not need to be a member of the church to attend. “We are open to anyone interested in crafting,” McLeod said.

Teresa Owens, who splits her time between San Francisco and the Isle of Palms, talked about the group. “Coming to a group once a week and bringing things to completion is a confidence builder,” she said, displaying the beaded eyeglass holders she had made that will be put up for sale.

Participants range in age and the emphasis is on enjoying each other’s company. It also provides a nice, social outing.

If you want to go

First United Methodist Church of the Isle of PalmsTea Room

Twenty-First Avenue at Palm Boulevard

March 23- 26

11:30 a.m.- 2 p.m.

886-6610