2025 International ‘Star Hendy’ project with Holly Darkin

The Star Hendy Project invites beading communities and individuals from around the world to create and donate handmade beaded star keepsakes - small symbolic gestures of love that grieving families can hold close.

Each star is a token of remembrance, a heartfelt acknowledgment of a life gone too soon. These keepsakes are gifted to families who have experienced pregnancy loss, offering them something tangible to honour their baby’s memory.

This initiative is more than a creative offering—it’s a movement rooted in compassion. It was born not only from the desire to remember my baby, but from a deep longing to feel connected to others who understand this kind of grief. The ache of losing a baby can feel isolating, and through this project, I hope to create a gentle community of remembrance and support — one where no one has to walk through it alone.

As the project grows, we aim to:

  • Distribute handmade stars to Early Pregnancy Units and hospitals across the UK.
  • Host exhibitions showcasing the beautiful work of our beading community.
  • Raise awareness around pregnancy loss and the unique grief it brings.
  • Build a compassionate network of makers, supporters, and families joined by empathy, understanding, and love.

Whether you choose to bead, donate, or simply share our message, your support helps create a more understanding and supportive world for those facing pregnancy loss.

Join the Star Hendy Project to download a free star pattern and help us light the way — one beaded star at a time.

Share words of comfort

Alongside each beaded star, I hope to offer grieving families something equally meaningful — words of comfort, from those who understand or wish to support.

Whether it's your story, an experience, a poem, a Bible verse, a quote or your heartfelt condolences, please feel free to share this with me through email: holly@thebeadingcircle.com or handwritten notes sent along with the star.

If you prefer to remain anonymous please inform me otherwise. I will only include your first name when sharing your contributions.

For further information on how to take part please visit website: https://www.thebeadingcircle.com/star-hendy-project/