Creative Gifts

 

“I’ve made whatever God inspires me to make—to give to other people.” Laura Irirk considers herself a “maker” and believes that creating gifts is the plan God has for her life. Finding exactly the right gift to give requires her to consider the person for whom she is making the gift. “Maybe I can’t offer my friend a job,” she says, “but I can craft her a resume and at the same time petition God for her employment.

Laura doesn’t sell her crafts because she has no desire to create the same item over and over again. She chooses instead to present unique, one-of-a kind gifts, designed for one-of-a kind friends. Over the years those creations have included a Christmas board game, baby socks, a wedding album, handwritten letters, quilts, masks, a porcupine (using the Rya rug stitch), wedding favor soaps, chocolate chip cookies and a sign made from railroad board with numbers inside a pocket to welcome home a child from a year at college. She finds designing, learning new skills, and bringing them to fruition exhilarating.

One time when making a scrapbook for a friend she realized she had left no room for photographs. The fun of designing from scratch had filled the entire page with artwork. It turned out to be perfect for that particular friend.

A gift from Laura leaves no doubt in a person’s mind. “You matter to me,” is the message that comes from her heart and hands. “I’m thinking of you specifically.”

It is definitely a blessing to be one of Laura’s friends.