Kurumi (Covered) Button Hair Ties by Madoka
Town: Tokyo
Country: Japan
1. What is the main concept/theme of your work?
On March 11th, 2011, Earthquake off the Pacific coast of Touhoku happened... What I saw on TV screens was devastating as if it was a scene from a movie. I was deeply shocked. I then thought, "What can I do?" My friend made blankets with donated materials and sent to the affected areas. She did not want to throw away the leftover materials, so she asked me what to do with them, and I came up with the idea of making covered buttons.
2. What would you like people to experience when they wear your accessories?
I hope that people would feel cheerful. Sig Zane's fabric has beautiful colors. Most of them were designed based on plants of Hawaii, so I hope that the power of nature is conveyed and shared.
3. Is there anything you want to tell kira kira life customers?
I pray that your kind gesture will lead to smiles of the children who were affected by the earthquake.
4. What is your favorite quote?
“The true victory is to enjoy life thoroughly!”
5. What do you do when you're feeling low?
I give my heart a lot of “nutrient” by listening to my favorite music and by looking at my favorite photos. Nurturing elements restore my heart to its original condition (being at ease).
On March 11th, 2011, Earthquake off the Pacific coast of Touhoku happened... What I saw on TV screens was devastating as if it was a scene from a movie. I was deeply shocked. I then thought, "What can I do?" My friend made blankets with donated materials and sent to the affected areas. She did not want to throw away the leftover materials, so she asked me what to do with them, and I came up with the idea of making covered buttons.
2. What would you like people to experience when they wear your accessories?
I hope that people would feel cheerful. Sig Zane's fabric has beautiful colors. Most of them were designed based on plants of Hawaii, so I hope that the power of nature is conveyed and shared.
3. Is there anything you want to tell kira kira life customers?
I pray that your kind gesture will lead to smiles of the children who were affected by the earthquake.
4. What is your favorite quote?
“The true victory is to enjoy life thoroughly!”
5. What do you do when you're feeling low?
I give my heart a lot of “nutrient” by listening to my favorite music and by looking at my favorite photos. Nurturing elements restore my heart to its original condition (being at ease).
Backstory of the Covered Button Hair Ties
After the devastating earthquake in Japan in 2011, Akiyo Murata on Maui started making blankets for the people of Japan. At that time, a Hawaiian clothing company called Sig Zane donated their artistically printed fabric to Akiyo.
After Akiyo made many blankets, she started making small pouches with the leftover materials, after which there were still smaller pieces of leftover fabric. She did not want to throw them away and wondered what she could do with them.
She consulted her friend, Madoka Chugo, of Japan, and Madoka came up with a brilliant idea, which was to make covered buttons with them. However, Madoka quickly realized that their popularity had limits and did not reach beyond sewing lovers, so she put hair rubber bands through them, and this is how they gained popularity among many people.
Madoka continued making them, and on August 12, 2014, she donated all of the sales revenue in the amount of $1,000 to an NPO of Fukushima called the “Ido Hoiku Project” (Traveling Daycare)
(English page available). The Traveling Daycare, organized by Ryuta Kamikokuryu takes the children, who are forced to remain indoor, to safer places and provides them with opportunities to play outside without worrying the radiation.
Madoka's goal is to raise another $1000 to donate to a worthy cause. Therefore, you won't be charged the general tax on this product. Kira kira life turn over 100% of the revenue to Madoka, and when her goal comes to fruition, I will share it with you.
Here is a message from Madoka Chugo written on August 12, 2014.
It has been 3 years and 5 months since March 11th, 2011. I’ve reached my goal of raising $1,000 and donating it to the “Ido Hoiku Project”.
We shall not forget that day.
I asked myself, “What can I do for the people who suffer from it?”
Although I cannot make a lot of covered buttons since I have to create them in my spare time. But it enables me to continue doing something for the people as time allows, and at my own pace.
The fabric donated by Sig Zane is amazing. The colors are vibrant, and even as a small covered button, it has a distinguished presence, and significant meaning. I am passionate about every color and design. I will continue to make covered buttons as long as I have the material.
I was able to reach my goal due to the many people I met throughout the process. Thank you to everyone who purchased the buttons, sold them on my behalf, and spread the word. I pray that your kindness will bring smiles to the many children’s faces.
Thank you very much,
Madoka
This is a deposit slip of her latest donation to the NPO.
100,000 JP Yen = approximately $1,000
Check out Madoka’s Creations
