Island House Needlepoint is thrilled to share our latest exclusive limited-edition canvas: MAJI for KDEF!

It is our hopes that Maji the needlepoint elephant will raise funds that enable the Kenya Drylands Education Fund (KDEF) (www.KDEF.org) to purchase equipment and infrastructure needed for drilling wells (or boreholes as they are called in Africa) that provide critically needed clean and sustainable water (Maji in Swahili) to the drylands of northern Kenya.  For each MAJI canvas sold Island House will be donating $55.00 directly to KDEF.  In addition it is our hope that we can generate awareness of KDEF’s mission, and that the greater community might donate directly to support our water infrastructure goals (https://kdef.networkforgood.com/projects/79946-general-support).

The needlepoint design by artist Brooke McGowan features a majestic elephant, symbolizing the strength and grace of the communities that KDEF supports. The project’s inception was inspired by an October 2024 visit to Kenya by JoAnn and John Gardella, who were deeply moved by the resilience of the people they met. “During our time in Kenya, we witnessed firsthand how climate change is ravaging the lives of the people in the Drylands,” JoAnn explains. “The once-sustainable lifestyle of these families, most of whom are nomadic herders, has been deeply impacted by increasingly erratic weather patterns and severe droughts. Providing access to clean water is a critical step toward ensuring that children can garner a basic education and families can thrive. The ‘Maji for KDEF’ canvas is our way of sharing this mission with the broader community and generating support to make a tangible difference.”

We are so grateful to everyone that donates to the KDEF water infrastructure effort!  It is our goal to raise $250k from a minimum of 200 new donors, if our goal is achieved KDEF has secured a dollar for dollar match donation! If you are a new KDEF donor please add a note to your Island House order so that we can send you a special thank you for your help.  Every donation regardless of size helps!!  Thank you in advance for your support!

Canvas:

• Artist: Thorn Alexander
• Design dimensions: 11.25” W x 7.5” H
• Canvas dimensions:  15” W x 12” H
• Canvas mesh gauge: 13 holes per inch on Zweigart mono canvas
• Stitch printing by Pixels on Cotton in Colorado, USA

Kit Includes:

• Canvas as described above
• Thread: Silk and Ivory by Brown Paper Packages (50% Silk 50% Merino Wool) – 8 full skeins + 3 partial skeins

We cannot wait to be involved in the the imaginative ways you finish your MAJI canvas!  JoAnn finished her canvas into a pillow with a navy blue inset and lime green piping, the blue and white water droplet fabric on the boxed edge sets it off perfectly.  This pillow finish is now available through Island House.