Help Japan

It's hard to find the right words.
For too many in northeastern Japan, this Sunday is a devastating one.

If you are able, consider helping with a donation.

// American Red Cross
// Doctors without Borders
// The Salvation Army
// Oxfam
// Global Living
// Care
// ShelterBox

// More ways to help (The New York Times)


This great poster was designed by James White. James is donating 100% of sales proceeds to help relief efforts in Japan. Buy here.

I'm Loving:: Art4Heart

An absolutely awesome initiative by Beth-Emily and Kelly Smith is Art4Heart: a collaborative art auction to help raise funds for the Premiers Flood Relief Appeal.
Every item has been kindly donated by its creator and there is a wonderful assortment of illustrations, prints, jewelery and much more to auction away, all made by an impressive line up of some of the brightest young Australian artists.
The auctions are being run until January 27th. Check up here for the exact schedule.


Some more:
** For lots and lots of art related efforts and other great things that are happening now around Australia, check out Daydream Lily.
** If you are located in South Australia, check out Adelaide Now's list of events and ways to help.
** Last but not least: This absolutely made my day: Foxes Lane Flood relief auction (would you?...)

Queensland Floods: Etsy Love

Sometimes, in a big crisis, a little ray of light brings new hope.
For the last couple of days we see so many people, communities, and organizations, who come together to lend a helping hand with the flood crisis in Queensland and now also in NSW and Victoria.
It is heartwarming to witness the great work the so many volunteers are doing - cleaning, preparing and delivering food, and donating goods and money.

As in many times before, the warm Etsian community have stepped up to do their bit for the people affected by the destruction; The DUST Team (Down Under street team) have set up a new collective shop - 'Etsian Australian Flood Appeal' with so many wonderful items that have been donated by different Etsy sellers. The BrisStyle Etsy team also has an appeal to help raise donations for flood victims.
All proceeds from the Flood Appeal shop and The BrisStyle appeal go to the Queensland Premier's Relief fund. It is a wonderful way to contribute in an easy, simple way.


** So many other great things and efforts are happening at the moment, Pip of Meet me at Mikes had compiled a great list of other ways to help. Check it out as well.



Some of the great items that had been donated to the Flood Appeal shop and The BrisStyle appeal: /// Chocolate Moose Kisses 5 Gift Tags by 3GIRLS and a goat /// Titanium Ring Two Curls by Marjon Scheffer, /// Storybook Orange Paper Garland by 3GIRLS and a goat /// Screen Print (Gocco) - Stuff No. 1 by Magic Jelly for the Etsian Australian Flood Appeal /// Polaroid Camera Brooch by Hungry Designs /// Swimming staple blank notebook by Geritom71 for the Etsian Australian Flood Appeal /// Rock n Roll Retro Ladies Note Paper Set by Jellygnite

Friday Finds:: Hope for Haiti

Following yesterday's post, This week's Friday Finds is about Hope for Haiti at Etsy.
More and more sellers at Etsy are donating proceeds to the different organizations who help in Haiti. The Hearts For Haiti Collective, for example, was able to raise more than $8,500 already which is absolutely fantastic!

This is a great and easy way for you to donate but of course you can also check here for more ways for you to help.

From upper left corner: you plus me sitting in a tree by Kojo Designs, Love Cloud by Claudia Pearson, Le manege by Serpentine, i HEART you, Spring '10 Heart of Gold peasant top by Georgia Grace Designs, Misty Mountain Hop by Eeeniebean, Wine Cork Wreath by JennerationFix, HELP HAITI Super Big Fluffy Peony Flower Hair Clips Fuschia Hot Pink Magenta by My Belle Boutique, Urban Scrawl - Set of 4 Ceramic Coasters by Coasting Along, Zip It Up -- Zipper Leaf Brooch by Bogate, Big Bang Soap - scented with Clary Sage EO and made with organic ingredients by Smells and Bells, Ellie by luckylife, PRINTABLE POSTER / heart / calligraphy by bubbo, Black Vanilla Glycerin Soap by The Queer Etsy Street Team Collective, Irish Crochet and How To Make It by Wee Designs, Out on the Town Flashy Cuff by Hearts for Haiti>


Happy Friday everyone!

Hope for Haiti

Haiti always seemed to me like a magical place, the kind of dream vacation-island with white beaches, clear blue waters, coconut trees, colorful houses and happy beats of music in the streets.

It should have been like that but in reality, Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

It's been over a week since a 7.0 major earthquake struck southern Haiti. The biggest need now is money. Money to buy basic and medical supplies, money to restore damaged hospitals and schools and money to rebuild the many many homes that were destroyed.

There is a long list of organizations who help Haiti such as Doctors Without Borders, Partners in Health and so many others. Take a minute to check out who's doing what and how you can contribute, volunteer or donate supplies.

Many artists, craters and designers are holding fundraisers, auctions or donating portions of their sales to these efforts.

Here are some of the greatest opportunities for you to donate and stand for Haiti while embracing the craters and artists:

The Charity Print Auctions group on Flickr are a group of photographers who will donate 100% of the highest bid on their artworks to the Red Cross. The beautiful seagull photo above is one of the great photographs you will find there.

Indiefixx is coordinating a silent auction of items that have been donated by indie crafters and artists with 100% of the profits to go to the Red Cross International Response Fund.

Many Etsy sellers, including ourselves, are donating portions of their sales to different organizations. There are so many so it is hard to mention everyone. Victoria of sfgirlbybay published a great list of the many of sellers. Check it out!

Photographers For Haiti published a special fund-raising collection of captivating images to benefit the people of Haiti. Your purchase price will be donated in full to the American Red Cross

International Response Fund for Haiti relief.

I know there are many many other beautiful acts going on so if you know of others donating, please comment with your information. Thank you, and please spread the word!

Photograph: Haiti Appeal: Pigeons & Shadows by LJ