My heart is so heavy from the worrying news from Japan, after the devastating earthquake and tsunami have left so many homeless, injured or worse. I just don’t have any words.

I spent three weeks in Tokyo as a sixteen-year-old – the first big trip of my life, and the first country I had ever visited besides Canada. It was such an adventure and I loved being there. I still wear the green cotton robe patterned with cranes that my friend Karen gave me almost every morning, and I have my little treasures from the trip saved. I hope so much to go back someday. And like so many of us, it has hurt my heart to hear about the suffering and destruction there this week.

I listed three copies of my new quilting book in my Etsy shop on Friday afternoon with all proceeds going to Japan earthquake relief, and posted about them quickly on my crafty facebook page – I didn’t even have time to write about it here before kind and generous buyers bought all of them. I’ve just relisted three more reserved for friends who missed the first round and asked for an encore, and two more up for grabs to anyone who wants one, all of which 100% benefit relief efforts. If you would like a copy, or a friend would, I would be so honored if you’d consider buying one to support this important cause. Thank you so much.

Here are some other crafty fundraisers I’ve heard about so far. I would love to add more if you mention them in the comments, or email me… thank you!

My husband Andrew’s coworkers designed and printed this beautiful poster, and one can be yours for a suggested $25 donation (or please round up as much as you’d like to). All proceeds go to earthquake relief – his company has an office in Tokyo and our hearts are with them. The Japanese office is choosing the most effective relief organization to receive funds, and I will update with more details the minute I hear which one it is.

At the moment, there are more than 1400 items on Etsy to benefit relief efforts in Japan. If you are shopping handmade, that’s a great place to start!

Craft Hope, as always, is discussing how they can help. Join in over here.

Weeks Ringle of FunQuilts and Craft Nectar has written a beautiful post on her time in Japan and her recommendations for donating via the Red Cross or other organizations.

My thanks to everyone worldwide who is supporting these important relief efforts. I wish I could do more.