Time for Auctions!

It is time for the Auctions for Beading for a Cure. This is my 4th year contributing. I've repeated the opening of the BFAC website below so those wondering what I'm talking about will understand what this project is all about. For 2009, I did two projects. The one that I have pictured her is from an adapted pattern by Cyndy Sieving called "Jeppo". I enjoyed doing it. The other is a Podling from a kit that another member bought, but due to time constrains couldn't finish. I'm hoping that we do well with our auctions this year. And oh yes...I have my kit for 2010 and am considering a dragonfly doll.


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Layne's Legacy is an annual beading challenge dedicated to raising money for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Association in honor of our friend Layne Shilling, who lost her battle with colorectal cancer in November 2002. The premise of the challenge is simple: participants purchase a kit which contains a variety of beads. Each kit is identical. At least one of each bead type must be used in the finished project and the beader can only add one other type of bead to the project (but as many non-bead items as they wish). The completed works are as varied as the beaders who created them. In the past we have had jewelry, sculptural work, and decorative items.

When the projects are all finished, they are auctioned off on eBay and all of the proceeds (minus operating costs) go to the NCCRA, donated in Layne's name. This is our way of honoring the memory of a wonderful beader and good friend. Even those who never had the chance to meet Layne have joined into our cause. It's a wonderful feeling to be able to use your artwork to help find a cure for something as insidious and devastating as cancer.

Our goal with Layne's Legacy is three-fold. First, we want to keep Layne's memory and spirit alive in all of us. Second, we want to raise awareness about colorectal cancer and the need to fund research to find a cure for it. Third, we want to raise awareness of beadwork as a serious artform, and beaders as artists with skill and heart. As well, we all want to have fun with this! While we're doing this for a serious reason, we all love to bead, and it's a great challenge working with beads that someone else has picked out. It's very rewarding to see the various projects take shape. Usually, no two projects are anywhere near alike even though we all have the same beads!

Bidding is open to everyone. We will be listing our auctions starting in March. March is National Colorectal Cancer Research month. Any item created for Layne's Legacy would make a wonderful gift for someone special (including YOU), and you know that your money is going to a good place.