Japan Fundraiser – GORGEOUS print Auction

I cannot really describe what I feel when I think about the devastation in Japan caused by the earthquake and following Tsunami. For me, it is beyond believe and almost as if it were something out of a novel. But for many the devastation, the hurt and the loss is reality. Not just now, but for many months if not years to come. 1000s are still missing. 1000s are hurt. If not hurt, then their homes and lives have been destroyed and every little we can do to help, will help.

So, when the absolutely wonderful, kind and compassionate Zoe from Playing by the book asked whether I would like to host a giveaway to raise funds, I of course said yes. Through Zoe and her family, the wonderfully talented illustrator Kasia Matyjaszek has offered to donate one of her gorgeous prints. Kasia is an Edinburgh-based artist and illustrator specialising in picture books for children and visual storytelling. She is particularly interested in creating intriguing anthropomorphic animal characters and building friendly and convincing worlds they inhabit.

The proceeds of the Auction will go to Save the Children – Japan

For this giveaway, Kasia is donating:

Kasia chose “Flying Bears” to signify hope for Japan

It is part of picture book about travelling bears and that the original is a mixed-media illustration (pencil, coloured pencil, collage and etching)

High quality digital print of Kasia’s original illustration. Limited edition of 50.
Image size: 6×8.5inches (15×21.5cm)
Size including white border: 9x13inches (23x33cm)
Printed on Bockingford Inkjet Paper 190gsm with professional archival Epson Ultrachrome inks.
Signed, numbered and dated and shipped in a cello sleeve and hard backed sturdy packing.

Isn’t this a simply adorable print? I know I want one… now.

How can you help and take part?

Well – I am going to briefly waffle my frustration: we would have LOVED to run this as a raffle – more people could have taken part, donating small amounts. But legally that is gambling and you need a licence… both the raffle advice centre people AND my local council have been most unhelpful in sorting something out or coming up with alternative suggestions or even wording. Call me slanderous, but that is how it is- I am extremely frustrated and saddened. But hey.

Waffle aside and back to happy thoughts: We are doing an auction. AND I am putting my money where my mouth is:

I WILL MATCH THE WINNING AUCTION PRICE (capped at £100) – now how is that for an incentive?!??!! Give us your best best price and help the people in Japan.

If you find that the auction has “gone beyond your means” but would still like to donate as part of this fund raising initiative- please visit my JustGiving page ! Please note: this is just a “regular” donation, you will not be entered into any prize draw… to obtain the print, you must take part in the regular auction as per the below and ignore the Justgiving page.

How this auction works:

Thank you for reading this. Thank you for taking part!

Open Worldwide

Please note, by entering a bid in the comments, you commit to donating the same sum to Save the Children! Kasia will be in touch to then arrange delivery of your auctioned print.