Like much of the country, of Europe, of the World, we are horrified about all that is going on in Ukraine and feel so powerless to help. They feel so close and yet are so far away.
We feel we must do what we can, which isn't a lot, but we did our second shop for products to go to Ukraine today. They need the money, yes, but they also need THINGS. They need things for people forced to flee and suffering and they cannot always buy what they need there. We again took a load of baby wipes, nappies, baby milk and, and I feel most passionate about this, sanitary supplies. I cannot imagine how the women feel to be fleeing their homes, leaving their men folk behind, trying to be brave and strong for their children and often elderly relatives too and having to worry about the indignity of periods without the means to do anything bout it.
For local people we took ours to the large drop off at Castle Point where it is now so well organised and they have lists of the things they need, but basically warm clothes, blankets, baby food, nappies, wipes, sanitary protection and medicine. In the UK you are not allowed to bulk but paracetamol and Ibuprofen and it is something I never ever buy here because I bulk buy it in America where you can buy as many of each as you want. We had to shop in several shops to get even a small amount of each to donate.
Most of you will know that I am on the creative team for Pickleberrypop and it is a very close 'family' there. Two of our wonderful designers are Ukrainian. Natalie from Turamisu Designs who, for the moment, is still in her home, and Olya from Jamin Olya Designs who has been forced to flee her home. Faye who own Pickleberrypop has sent out newsletters saying hat people can support these two girls by buying from their stores. They will get the money directly nd PBP are taking no commission or transfer costs. It all goes to the girls so please, if you can and you can use some beautiful digital designs, please support their stores.
These are the direct links to their stores.
Tiramisu designs
Jasmin Olya Designs
and technically I ought not to share this as it is not my work but her heart sings out in it. This was made by Natalie herself using her own products at her Tiramisu's store and her heart shines out through it.
and using this collection featuring Ukraine's flower, the sunflower
If you can please support these girls.
I have no scrapping to share today - my heart hasn't been in it. But I do have news. Yesterday we went to visit the amazing Jackey and her husband as she had contacted me via here (she is a regular reader) and was getting rid of a lot of her scrapping supplies and wanted them to go to a scrapper. I cannot begin to tell you how generous she was and I left with so many wonderful things which will be even more special as they came from her. I was very touched to be given them and they will be put to very good use.
However, the most amazing part was finding out they were both miniaturists and they took us into their doll's house room. Oh my goodness. I love my dollhouse and I think it's quite good as dolls houses go and it has been a labour of love for us both. However, theirs were on a whole new level. There were so many. A huge beautifully furnished big house which was all lit and so tasteful. A lighthouse - yes with light and accommodation, a fully working mill with water wheel, a shop, a Romany caravan and, my favourite of all, an adobe house which was so authentic from the build to every single item inside. The attention to detail was incredible in all of them. We have been to many dollhouse fairs and exhibitions over the past 22 years, here and in the USA and I have never ever seen more beautiful work of such excellent standard. We haven't been able to stop talking about it. It was a real privilege to see it. And her generosity even went to the miniatures oo and I have new food for our house and the equipment to make the curtains I have never dared to tackle.
If you are reading this thank you so much Jackey. I am thrilled.
Today I am thankful for
- the generosity of friends
- people working together to help others across the world
- the fact that I am in a warm, safe home, with my loved one, not in fear of my life. That must never ever be taken for granted.
