Well, I’ve managed to send out the invoices and total up the money raised in the first round of the Charity Lampwork Auction!

After taking out shipping (which many people donated on top of their bids – thank you!!) we have raised $60 in this first round! Craftivism in action!!

Thank you so much to everyone who bid and spread the work about the auction. I’m hoping to kick off Round 2 in the next week or so – so if you’re interested in getting involved, please visit and ‘Like‘ Epheriell’s Facebook page to get the updates.

The photo you see here is of Tia, in Samoa. 1/2 of the money raised has been donated to her to help her grow her small clothing business.

I really wanted to support Kiva, because they give help and loans to people who are trying to build a small business. Many of us in the craft business world can relate to this drive to build our own small business – and I’m so glad we can help someone in less fortunate circumstances do the same!

I think it’s a great program, because it’s empowering people (and very often women) to lift themselves out of poverty, rather than just having to rely on handouts.

The other $30 was donated to Project 18, to help them build an orphanage for street kids in Indonesia. Both Samoa and Indonesia are my back yard – being an Australian – and I am really happy to be able to support work done in these countries.

With your help we can raise even more, so if you love handmade lampwork beads, and you’d like to support these charities at the same time, please watch this space!

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