Today, March 11, 2012 marks the first anniversary since the heartbreaking devastation in Japan that struck the world. We saw before our eyes massive destruction caused by an unstoppable earthquake and tsunami. Death toll rose to a little over 19,000.

This morning in Japan, people prayed and stood in silence to remember the vast earthquake, paying respects to those who lost their lives.

A project that I started with Fashion With A Mission last year after hearing of the tragedy was to fold one thousand paper cranes- one paper crane per dollar raised through FWM’s jewelry sales.

For those who are not familiar with the symbolism of one thousand cranes- Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by a crane. In Japan, the crane is a mystical creature, believed to live one thousand years. The paper cranes are held together with a string- 25 strings of 40 cranes each.

This year continues with increasing FWM’s Japan Relief Fund, as well as folding of cranes. Once the goal is reached, FWM will then send the donation to assist orphans and children impacted by the tsunami. I am hoping to visit Japan next year. Although I am far from reaching the one thousand cranes, hopefully there will be others that will support the relief.

In observance of Japan’s catastrophe, I would like to share instructions on creating paper cranes, raising hope that one day, the shattered shores of Japan will be rebuilt stronger than ever.

You can use any paper, as long as it’s a square.  I use old fashion magazines.

If you have a few minutes to make a paper crane today, please do so. You are one more person believing in a better tomorrow for Japan.

Love,
Honey

*PS e-mail me a photo. I would love to share it.