Today I’d like to continue my new series of blog entries to help support the grassroots 350 Project. Click the above image to read about the movement on their website. Essentially it’s an effort to prop up the local brick and mortar businesses as we weather this period of economic “challenges”.

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For the next installment I would like to feature the entire Galveston island. In September 2008 they took a direct hit from hurricane Ike and suffered damage from minor to devastating all over the island. Last weekend I went to Galveston just to spend a quick couple of days away from the big city for my birthday. What I discovered is that the island is just now getting back to “normal” and that the local economy is struggling to hold itself up.

In one of the photos below you can see the line that indicates the height of the floodwaters in that area of the city, and many of the business (and trees!) were destroyed around there. Now that some of the places are opening up I want to encourage anyone thinking of going on a nice beach vacation to consider Galveston Island, TX.



There is a lot to do in Galveston, it’s just a quick drive from Houston (less than an hour if the traffic cooperates), and the people are wonderful there. Here is a map showing how easy it is to visit: (click for biggy!)



There are always festivals and shows and even a great Mardi Gras celebration. Check out the city’s website for more information:

Galveston, Texas

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Innernet Craft Island

And if you are too far away to make it to Galveston, here are some crafty blogs around the Internet that make you feel like you are on a wonderful vacation:

About Family Crafts
As a parent, one of the biggest crafting dilemmas you may face is what to do with all the wonderful masterpieces your child creates. How do you display each piece so it gets the attention it deserves?

Vickie Howell-Craft.Rock.Love
Vickie's 10 Craft Tips for Busy Parents!

The Impatient Crafter
Madge shares the 411 on how she made a gorgeous crystal, rubber and exposed wire collar inspired by African jewelry.

The Artful Crafter
If you’re a polymer clay beginner or just want a quick professional looking project, use molds!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Dada Mosaic, or is it surreal? You be the judge.

Mixed Media Artist
Do not fear...making altered books will not cause lightning to strike you!

Cross Stitch at About.com
What do you do with odds and ends of embroidery floss? Read these ideas and share your own.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Have you thought of starting your own craft weblog? Here is why crafting rocks when it comes to niche blogging.

Craftside-A behind-the-scenes peek at a crafty world
This week at Craftside there is the latest episode of Look, Learn & Create featuring the fabulous cloth doll artist, Patti Medaris Culea, a fun vegan recipe for Frushi (fruit sushi), a how-to on making a tennis ball training tool, and an Illustrator tutorial to make a digital word ATC and as always a bunch of questions that if you answer you are entered to win a free book!

Cathie Filian
When you need a crafty break - whip up this quick and easy snack of homemade hummus and baked bagel chips.

Aileen's Musings
Aileen gives you a sneek peek at some felt banners she's making for a swap, and tells you how to make easy rolled felt flowers to use as embellishments.