Crafts and Curios from NOfkantsCurios

Cherry Blossom For Japan!

This week I would like to take a moment to reflect and remember the poor people of Japan, following the terrible and ongoing events that have befallen the country and the lasting effects it will have on its people for many, many years to come.

I don't think anyone who has been watching the events unfold, can fail to be touched by their plight and hold those around them a little closer and cherish the fact they are near and safe.

My lovely Boss and his wife, who's son lives in Japan with his Japanese wife and of course her extended family, are beside themselves with worry. He teaches English in a Japanese school and although he contacted them following the initial earthquake and Tsunami, to say they were safe in Tokyo, of course the ongoing events, with the stricken Fukushima nuclear power plant and numerous after shocks, is a terrible strain on all of them.

My heart goes out to all those poor people who have been effected and continue to suffer the effects of this disaster, so I have dedicated my Folksy Friday this week to them and wanted to showcase something the Japanese people themselves hold in high regard, being the Cherry Blossom.

In Japan, the Cherry Blossom is known as Sakura and although not entirely indigenous to Japan, is considered a much loved cultural icon, and the blossoming of the trees is greeted with a euphoric ceremonial reception, known as Hanami, where every moment of their short, transient beauty is cherished for its splendor and purity.

The Japanese hold the Cherry Blossom in such high regard, as its exceptional beauty is so short lived, its transient beauty being symbolic of human life, a reminder of our humanity and mortality.

Cherry Blossom Gallery.

I have personally attempted to reflect, in my own small way, some of the beauty of the cherry blossom in crochet and bead work, to create a Picture and an ACEO, all of the proceeds of my two items will be going to the Japan Appeal.

I also have other items scattered throughout my shop where 50% of the proceeds will be going to the Japan appeal, those items will either have a blossom or oriental theme within them.

Donations can be made directly to the appeal, via the Red Cross 'here'

I have searched out some other wonderful Cherry Blossom creations to show you

today, and with kind permission of the crafters in question, have featured them in my blog today.

These items were chosen for their cherry blossom beauty and are not necessarily charity items, although a couple are and are indicated as such.

Please just click on the pictures to be taken to the shops in question, for full details of their wonderful and beautiful items.

Beautiful Hair Accessories that look so life like!

A stunning ACEO by a lovely lady and talented crafter.

A beautiful and delicate tote bag featuring the blossom and a visiting butterfly.

A painting the captures the wonderful array of cherry blossom's colours.

A very life like hair accessory in felt, beautiful in texture too.

A gorgeous cushion in silk kimono fabric. The lovely Lynn is also donating £1.00 or each cushion sold to the Japan appeal, please see her listings for the full details.

A simply stunning painting and calligraphy framed picture to grace any home.

Beautiful Glass painting, which is also supporting the fund raising events for Japan!

Delicate and gorgeous hair accessory.

A beautiful Card to send all our heartfelt best wishes to all those affected.

There are many people on Folksy fund raising for the earthquake appeal in Japan and also in New Zealand, and also for Red Nose Day events, so if you would like to seek these people out on folksy, they have made comment within the Folksy Forums.

I hope you have enjoyed my beautiful Cherry Blossom finds today.