Perhaps, after a few weeks of bunny posts, you've gotten the impression that I'm a little rabbit-obsessed? You might be right.
The Crafting for Courage bunnies have also seeped into my family's consciousness. At the dinner table last week, we were discussing the air strikes in Libya. My son, who is five-and-a-half, formulated his own peace plan. He wants us to sneak into bombers and swap out the bombs and put bunnies in their places. That way on their next bombing runs, the planes will drop bunnies to cuddle instead of bombs that destroy.
I think rabbits are fitting ambassadors of peace. Artist Shannah Burton (daskaninchen), who captures the essence of the rabbit form in felt, writes: "Because the rabbit burrows underground and is most active during twilight hours it has been given a shaman like role... a metaphor for a traveling spirit from this world to the next." Rabbits as symbols travel between worlds; they heal.
When I have seen pictures of Japanese children in shelters over the last few weeks, some laughing and playing and others in shock over the loss of family and home, I've wanted to reach out in some way to offer comfort. Operation Bunny Drop, sponsored by Marie Spaulding's Crafts With Courage--Because Love Heals, hopes to do just that. Inspired by felter Liz Minnick, who is working with a circus group in Japan, the project is recruiting crafters to make soft bunny plushies to give to children in Japan affected by the earthquake and tsunami. The group's Facebook page includes links to free bunny patterns to felt or sew. (Joanie's (Nini Makes) adorable bunny pattern is here.) The effort runs through May 13. Register here.
Thank you, Fiona (TizDuster), for spreading the news about Operation Bunny Drop. I think the children of Japan need a lot of comforting right now, even (especially?) if it's in the form of a little bunny.
8 comments:
Bunnies, not Bombs!! I think we may have to register and get going on the bunnies! Thanks for spreading the word!
Thanks for this wonderful post Pat. I will work on getting a bunny or two out myself. Our weather is suddenly very warm and this first part of our Easter break has been mostly outdoors but we'll try and bunny stitch in the evenings.
Thanks for letting us know about this sweet project :)
Jx
It's amazing the journey your bunny stitching has traveled. I think the bunnies have given you a multi-faceted gift as well. I've cut out the pattern pieces and just need a warm track meet to sit at and stitch between events.
I love how you packaged those bunnies too - in little crates!
I think your son might be onto something. From the mouth of babes.
Your son's comment warms my heart and sends the encouraging message that there are parent raising peaceful, loving and wise children. I am going to carry the image of bunnies, not bombs, falling out of planes with messages of love and comfort.
thank you for spreading the word, I made a bunny today following Joanie's pattern, and I'll send it on Monday.
oxox
I found your post because we are running Operation Bunny Drop on Crafts with Purpose...but they are going to the displaced children in Japan. Thank you for spreading love and hope. :D)
Marie, thanks for your comment! The Operation Bunny Drop bunnies are indeed intended for Japanese children. I hope that's clear from the post.
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