52 little things week 28

This week I have been revisiting an idea from  week 2, fish bowl beads. This one is all sparkly and blue and I do so hope it brings a big smile to the face of a brave kid.

This year I have been making a special bead each week for BCCA - Beads of Courage. Beads of Courage in the UK is an arts in medicine program the helps children find their voice to speak about their personal journey through Cancer treatment.

Each treatment, be it Chemo, a blood transfusion, physio, has a signifying bead and with each treatment the child is given the corresponding bead for their string. Some kids end up with several strings, hundreds of beads, and their beads speak volumes. Special one of a kind beads like this fish bowl are made by glass artists like myself and donated to the program as Act of Courage beads. These extra special handmade beads are given to children as markers for exceptional experiences to reward and acknowledge their bravery and strength.

If you would like to know more about Beads of Courage here in the UK please visit the BCCA Facebook page or pop over to Just Giving where I currently have a page open for fundraising.

Have a great week, Jolene xx

52 little things week 25

Meet Delores, she is my week 25 bead for Beads of Courage UK in the 52 little things project I'm doing this year.

To find out more about Beads of Courage here in the UK please visit the BCCA Facebook page as they are the fabulous little family run charity that manages and fully funds the program in Oncology wards in hospitals all across the country.

I'd also like to give a shout out for the 2013 Summer Beadathon that I will be hosting in my studio on the 26th/27th July.

A wonderful group of glass artists will be gathering here in Middlesex to work in shifts for a whole 24 hours to make Act of Courage beads to donate to BCCA for BoC kids.

Please take a moment to visit our Just Giving Page and sponsor us a pound or two if you can. All funds raised will go straight to BCCA.

Have a wonderful week, Jo x