Handmade Signs and a Special Piece for the Camp Homewood Fundraiser

I finally completed a special project yesterday. A friend is organizing a fundraising garage sale and farmers’ market to benefit the camp where we volunteer, and I decided to join in with a table of handmade items. I had imagined a table overflowing with signs and shabby-chic décor, but life and time had other plans. At the eleventh hour I’m doing everything I can to prepare, though I won’t be able to finish half of what I originally planned.

Despite the scramble, I managed to complete the one item I really wanted to create: a piece I’ve named “Margaret’s Verse.”

Margaret and her husband Alf were the ones God used to begin this camp many years ago. The ministry’s humble beginnings included a small boat, limited supplies, and a tremendous amount of faith. Eventually property became available and the site that now hosts Camp Homewood was developed. Over the years it has grown into a year‑round facility that welcomes thousands of campers every season.

God has blessed Margaret and Alf with long, full lives; they are now in their mid‑90s. Margaret remains spirited, and her faith is rooted deeply in Scripture. She has countless stories about how God has done seemingly impossible things in her life and in the life of the camp.

Here in our circle, we often refer to a particular verse as “Margaret’s Verse.” In the flow of conversation she’ll often reach out and grab your arm—with an unexpected strength—look you straight in the eye, and say, “But you know, ‘Our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or imagine’ — Ephesians 3:20.” She applies that verse to nearly every topic, and having watched God’s faithfulness for over ninety years, she speaks it with sincere conviction.

The finished sign reads the verse in a clean, readable style and is designed to be both decorative and meaningful—perfect as a reminder of faith and hope for a home, cabin, or community space.

Because she has watched God at work for so many decades, Margaret’s words carry authority and warmth. That combination inspired me to craft a piece that would honor her testimony and encourage others.

In addition to “Margaret’s Verse,” I’ve been experimenting with signs made using antique windows as frames. I love the character that old windows bring—each has its own story and imperfections that add charm to a handmade sign.

One design was inspired by sign‑making artists whose work I admire, and it features a chalkboard panel on one side so the owner can change messages or greetings seasonally. The combination of aged wood, hand-painted lettering, and functional chalk surface makes it versatile and attractive.

Right now one of these window signs sits in my entryway, but it will be at the sale this weekend. I rarely list such large pieces in my Etsy shop, but I plan to add a few to give people the option to purchase online. Each window is a unique size, so every piece will be one of a kind. Once I have more items listed on Etsy, proceeds from sales for the remainder of this month will be donated to the ministry of Camp Homewood.

For those nearby, the fundraising sale will be held on Saturday, September 22, at 451 7th Ave, Campbell River, BC. We’d love to see you—stop by, say hello, and enjoy coffee and cinnamon buns while you browse the tables. It’s a community event with a heart for supporting a long‑standing camp ministry.

Camp Homewood has been a place of growth, joy, and spiritual formation for many families over the years. Supporting this fundraiser helps keep that legacy alive and accessible for future generations of campers.

Thank you for your interest in handmade pieces and for supporting ministries like Camp Homewood. If you’re unable to attend the sale but would like information about purchasing a window sign or another handmade item, I’ll continue adding listings to my Etsy shop and will note that proceeds are designated for the camp during the fundraiser period.