Good morning, dear friends.
Like you, my heart has been heavy for Japan. I don't have words, really. We're all processing this devastation in our own way. I'm still pretty speechless and heartbroken. Helping in a productive way, collectively, is a great salve for this sort of heartbreak, I think. Don't you?
There are some wonderful projects brewing out there to help gather up aid for our friends in Japan. They are very much in need of all the help that can be offered. I was happy to get an email from Lynn of Satsuma Press, asking if I might donate something to a raffle she has set up to help, it's called Hearts + Hands, a raffle for Japan. In just 48 hours more than 60 artists agreed to contribute work to the cause, and the list is still growing.
100% of proceeds from the Hearts + Hands raffle will go to aid for Japan, specifically Save the Children and Shelter Box. Each raffle ticket is $10, and gives you a chance to win a donated piece of art from one of the makers in the sidebar (a wonderful lineup). More details are forthcoming on the site, including posts about each piece that will be raffled. I hope you'll head over and show your support. Not that any of us need it, but the opportunity to receive something handmade as a thank you for contributing is a generous and beautiful incentive. I'll share more details about what I plan be contribute to Hearts + Hands very soon.
I'll be contributing on my own as well. I've just about wrapped up work on a special decal design that I'll be listing in my shop at the end of the week. 100% of sales for this design will go to aid for Japan. Essentially, this means I'm giving a decal to each lovely person who decides to contribute a bit of aid to Japan through my shop. Details about the organization I've chosen to give to will be given at the end of the week when I post and list the decal. I hope you'll check back in with me then and spread the word.
In the mean time, some truly amazing work has been donated for an online auction taking place March 24th-27th, Handmade for Japan. I hope you'll pay these lovely folks a visit. I'm looking forward to placing bids on some beautiful work. It makes me smile to see so many great makers lending a hand through what comes from their heart.
Hoping you're well and safe, S