Residents work on picture frames

Although the schedule said the residents were going to make firefly glow jars, they didn't seem to mind switching to another project.

Heidi Schuh, Mission at Castle Rock Rehabilitation Center activities director and volunteer coordinator, said she had planned on purchasing the items for the craft, but got caught up with other work-related activities.

Knowing she still had to provide a craft for the residents, Schuh went into the craft closet to see what she had on hand. She quickly remembered the wooden picture frames, painting materials and ribbons she had bought previously and decided the residents could paint picture frames.

As the residents arrived, they decided if they wanted to paint a square frame with a heart shape in the middle or a square frame with a square shape in the middle. The majority of the residents picked the frame with the heart.

Next, the residents decided what color they wanted to paint their frames. They picked from pink, purple, green and white. Most painted their frame pink or purple.

"Once we're done painting them, we can decorate them with ribbons and bows," Schuh said. "You can paint it any way you want it."

Schuh encouraged the residents to use multiple colors on the frame. She suggested they use other colors to give it a distressed look or paint stripes or patterns on them. Most of the residents decided to stick with one color.

While painting, the ladies gave each other advice or ideas on how to paint and decorate their frames.

Former patient Sharon Patterson was helping residents pick their supplies or by helping them paint the sides. The was also on hand to crack jokes when an opportunity presented itself and while they were literally waiting for the paint to dry.

"I'm a volunteer who was a patient," Parrerson said. "They just can't get rid of me."

Once the paint had dried, the residents finished the project by tying ribbons to the frames or gluing bow or flowers to the frames.

The residents were happy with the finished product.