We're at the beginning of a wonderful journey!

I think we all would love to make a difference in the world.  We can't all save the world, but we can make a difference, because even a small gesture can make the world of difference to someone in need.  The beading world is a wonderful world to be a part of, and I'm thrilled to say I've been a part of it for almost 30 years.  There are some amazing and interesting people in it, and we are all very different, but as a whole, a very generous and giving group.

The project is a take off of the very successful “1,000 Bowls to Feed the Hungry”.  We are making 1,000 necklaces, beginning in August, and by early December, we will distribute them to the galleries that will be selling them for us.  They will be sold as an event during Sacramento’s very well attended “Second Saturday Art Walk”.  Thousands of people come out and visit multiple galleries in Downtown Sacramento to be a part of the amazing art scene that is alive and well here in Sacramento.

There will be at least 10 different people making the jewelry, but the primary body of work will be created by Gretchen Schueller and Kim Osibin.  The price points on the necklaces will be reasonable, to assure we make them affordable for everyone.  As of today, the price points for the necklaces will be $25, $50 and $100 each.  Several bead distributors are donating supplies so that we can keep costs down.  The net profits will be donated to several charities, including Blessings In a Backpack.   Blessingsinabackpack.org  They are a wonderful organization that helps feed school children that are on free or subsidized lunches at school, and often do not get to eat over the weekends.  This could possibly change since we just found out that a local food bank is already doing this on a local level.  We'll keep you posted.

Since not all of our supplies will be donated to us, we will begin making the necklaces at the beginning of August, regardless of donations.  Since we are making a hefty amount of jewelry, we will need 1,000 clasps, at least 2,000 crimp beads, spacers, design components, as well as a terrific amount of beads of all kinds.  The more we get donated, the more profit goes to our charity.  If you know of anyone or any company that you think would be good for us to ask for a donation, please let us know.  We have a couple of sponsors in place, and will talk about them in a later post.

We are hoping to get some attention from the bead community through social media as well as some of the bead magazines.  We have already had one other bead shop/gallery say that when we get this going, they will match our 1,000 necklaces in their community as well.  We hope this will inspire other communities to do similar projects.  If you want to do some good, start at home.