As people get their bracelets in, I'm humbled by all the words of encouragement and compliments. Today we hit $23,000, close to the goal of $25,000 to donate on Monday.
I figured I'd explain the red buttons in full since we're so close to that goal. Each button is painted by hand- I load them into leather carriers, sand them, paint them, then bake them and cool them twice to harden the paint. They're not all perfect in any sense, but I didn't go with a red button from the factory for one big reason- these buttons aren't meant to stay red.
As time goes by and the bracelets are worn, the paint will chip and ding away. It's is not only a way for the bracelets to age in an even more unique manner, like the chipping and rusting of an old farm truck, but it signifies the healing of a country that's been torn up beyond words. The hope is that by the time all of the paint has chipped off of every tiny crater of the button, and the leather band has aged to a deep, dark brown, the hands of so many helpers will have helped Japan and it's people to the point that they can comfortably live their lives again. It's not meant to be a super emotional, heavy thing- just another way to add significance.
If you'd like your button to stay red longer, or for others to see your expression of support, wear it atop your wrist. I've had mine on like this through this entire process, making over a thousand bracelets, and have yet to see any scratches.
I hope this post finds everyone well, and thank you all so much for the continued support!
Monday, April 4, 2011 at 02:24AM | 
