Call for Bracelets! 7,000 Bracelets for Hope

"To encircle the wrist of someone who is supporting a loved one battling rare and genetic disorders is such a small thing that can make a big difference."
— Erin Prais-Hintz, Tesori Trovati Jewelry, Stevens, Point, WI

The Global Genes project sponsors the fundraiser 7,000 Bracelets for Hope. Their mission is to put a blue bracelet (as in 'blue genes' - get it?) on every caregiver of someone dealing with a rare genetic disease.

You might recall that back in July we did a push for the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope project with our blue themed painting that month. Perhaps you have a blue bracelet waiting for a good home. Or maybe you have some blue beads that are screaming to be made into a blue bracelet to bring cheer to someone. I would like to encourage you to email Lisa James, Manager of Community Development for the Global Genes organization and offer her your help.

"On behalf of the Global Genes|RARE Project team, once again, we would like to thank everyone for their continued support of our 7,000 'Bracelets for Hope' program, many of you have recently contributed to help with our backlog of bracelet requests and we are working on promoting these donations through our 7K Blog on our website as well as our social media channels such as Facebook (with nearly 30,000 followers), Twitter and Pinterest.

 

"We have a current need of 40 bracelets and we would be so grateful if you are in a position to provide us with additional donations. Part of our program is to encourage the bracelet recipients to share their story and pictures with us so that we can post a blog on our website letting our contributors know the impact of their donation  - giving hope and support to a family afffected by rare disease. As this is an ongoing program we have immediate requests and requests coming in all year round.  We are grateful for any support.

"We would also appreciate you sharing this information with others - friends, family and those in your jewelry/craft community.  One of the ways we have received support is through Blog Hops.  If you would be willing to host a Blog-Hop in support of the 7K program or create a charity challenge with other artists or artist groups, we would be glad to promote this through our website and social media channels.  Please let me know as soon as possible.  Also,we would be glad to send you a tax deductible receipt for the full value of your donation, upon request.  

 

"As always, thank you for helping to give hope and support to families that are affected by rare disease by supporting the efforts of the Global Genes |RARE Project's 7000 'Bracelets for Hope'.

Check out their new website. So many of our faithful readers and contributors have quotes there (like mine above) as to why they support this cause. Plus there is a great list of jewelry designers and artists who have contributed in the past. Is your name in that list? It just does my heart good to see the names of so many that I admire all pulling together for this cause.

Perhaps you would like to host a blog hop on your site (or participate in the one that Sue Kennedy of SueBeads is hosting!), or maybe gather some friends and family and some blue beads and have a little crafting session to support the cause. I am on my way right now to South Haven, Michigan to be with my best friend Heather Powers and help her with the Inspired by Nature retreat. As part of my creative sessions, I plan to make as many blue bracelets as I can to donate. Whatever way you can help will be appreciated and will brighten the day of those who are struggling with rare genetic diseases in their family, giving hope and letting them know that there are people thinking of them.

There is a donation form on the right side of the 7,000 Bracelets for Hope web page. Lisa says that using this form is a great way for people to sign up to donate and to give information about themselves or their business so that we can promote them in connection with Art Bead Scene. You can find the donation form here:
http://globalgenes.org/7000-bracelets-for-hope/

 Send your donations of blue bracelets, preferably adjustable in size, to this address:

Global Genes Project
24701 La Plaza, Suite 201
Dana Point, CA, 92629 

Contact Lisa James with any questions.

Wrapped Bangles

Wrapped Bangles

Supplies:

Plastic bangle
2 feet silk sari ribbon
Accent bead
4" headpin

Instructions:
Step 1. Starting about 2 inches from the end of the sari ribbon, press it firmly on the bangle. Begin wrapping the longest end of the ribbon.
Step 2. Continue to wrap around the bracelet until the bangle is completely covered.
Step 3. Tie the two loose ends in a knot. Trim the excess ribbon.
Step 4. String the accent bead onto the headpin.
Step 5. Hold the accent bead close to the bangle and begin wrapping the wire around the bangle. With pliers push the end of the wire close the bangle.