#104 Anne Ainslie of
“Time for Reflection”
WINNER – Judges Choice (Gina Chapman)
Embellishments & Technique: Ribbon, round mirrors, glass heart, and watch faces.
Artist’s Statement: The watch faces came from friends and family members that have had breast cancer. I can’t begin to understand how they must have felt when they learned they had breast cancer. My Braziere For a Cure is in honor of their courage, and for all those that came before them and for all that will come after.
#102 Cindy Dunlap of
“Training Bra Making Tracks For A Cure”
Embellishments & Techniques: Hand sewing.
Artist’s Statement: All Aboard! Punch your ticket and ride the rails of life! When you encounter steep hills, dark tunnels and station delays, remember the lesson from “the Little Engine that could”, “I think I can, I think I can”. Life is about the journey, not just the destination.
#100 Louise A. Tiemann of Vestal, NY “Brick-a-Brack Bra”
Embellishments & Techniques: Made in loving memory of “Etta” J. Kania (1934 – 2000) and Ann E. Dinoff (1932 – 2001). Hand sewn and beaded, made with scraps of fabric given to me by my friends Therese Cingranelli and Nancy Michael – and my stash. A batik fabric with star motifs was the inspiration for the center medallion. Much of the braided trim was given to me by my aunt Lydia Lynn. Other trims, beaded fringe, beads and butterflies were purchased from JoAnn Fabrics, where I work part-time.
Artist’s Statement: Thank you for supporting Brazieres For A Cure, A Breast Cancer Awareness Project. This project was done to honor two very special women, mothers of my dear friends Kathy Kania, Annette (Kania) Rotthoff and Adrianne (Dinoff) Storti: “Etta” J. Kania and Ann Dinoff.
Etta was a very vibrant woman who always had a smile. She was an avid skier and was well known for her cooking. One of my fondest memories is making gnocchi at her house with her daughters Kathy and Annette. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at her home on
Ann was a special lady. She was the mother of co-worker, office mate and friend Adrianne. Ann worked at IBM for many years. She was the one I called when they found a lump in my left breast in 1996. She helped me through a very difficult waiting period. Luckily for me, it was not cancer. Ann loved to collect antiques and her house was filled to the brim with her finds – it was like stepping into a museum every time I went there. After a 10 year battle with cancer, Ann passed away in her home on
Both of these women were friends, wives, mothers, and sisters, and are greatly missed by those they left behind.
#99 Lori Mai Shapley of
“What’s in a word?”
Embellishments & Techniques: Spectra Art bleeding tissue paper, silk flowers, embroidery thread & needles, Sharpie markers, oval and round wooden wafers, decoupage medium and brushes, dremel, colored computer paper and printer, gold jump rings and pliers, and breast cancer ribbon fabric.
I applied various pieces of the tissue paper to the bra, wet them, and waited. The process is amazing and fun to watch! As the colors mix, I reminisce about the many beautiful rainbows, sunrises and sunsets I have seen. I let it dry and worked on the words. I used wooden wafers to decoupage the words onto. First I printed out my personally chosen words (with the help of my “southern sister”) on the computer. I cut them out and burned the edges for an older, more distressed look. I glued the words on and decoupaged over them. After they dried, I drilled holes with a dremel and sewed the wafers on the bra. Next I colored silk flowers with a Sharpie marker. I sewed them on with embroidery thread and needle in an imperfect haphazard way. This was to represent how our lives are never perfect, but there is always strength and beauty around us if we take and make the time to look. The title of my project “What’s in a Word?”, I fastened across the top of the bra. At the bottom of it, I draped my favorite words of Mother Theresa. The gold jump rings linked together represent strength, the power and impact of words and what they can achieve. The large bra had no underwire to support, so I had to improvise accordingly on the inside to show off my embellishments. This project was a very fun, interesting and cathartic experience. I am thankful for the opportunity to express myself!
Artist’s Statement: This artistic endeavor was done in honor of my mother Nellie Shapley, who twice successfully fought breast cancer. Growing up in
I cannot image being told that I have breast cancer ... my mother had those words spoken to her twice and my “southern sister” once. They both successfully fought the disease. My mother has since passed away, but was a healthy, happy survivor of breast cancer for many, many years. From talking to my sister about her experiences in survival, I came up with the idea for this project. She enlightened me about the effect of the words that were spoken to her through the process. She specifically remembered the words “positive”, “success”, “sharing” and “compassion”, as the ones that were the most meaningful to her. So I have done this project in honor of my mother, but I am dedicating it to my “southern sister”. Thanks SIS!
#98 Ruth Manzer of “Eyes On You”
Embellishments & Techniques: Sewed on lace from wedding dresses I have made, bowls in cups as surgical specimen bowls, facial tissues to stuff, batting to make it look more natural, pin from a project I did to get people screened, stethoscopes from my last position, surgical scissors, and fake eyelashes.
Artist’s Statement: Eyes on You: I have said to my patients I am going to keep an eye on you, I have heard other medical professions say the same. People with cancer must follow up with care for life. They feel sometimes their bodies are not their own. The cup lining is to represent the comfort I want to bring them. The fake eyelashes represent the attempts to look and feel normal as chemo takes away the hair. The lace from the wedding gowns represents new beginnings – the new normal moving on with life. The pin is to remind people to get their screening done. The eyes are my medical eyes caring for you.
#97 Jane Gaffney of “My Challenge”
Embellishments & Techniques: I used pink, yellow and maroon yarn to crochet the bra cups and sides. The pink ribbon material supplied was used for the straps and closure. Pink fabric paint was used for part of the straps and center design between the cups, front and back.
Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to my mother Helen Parry and sister Sandra Grishom. As a crochet beginner, this was a challenge for me. It was inspired by my 89-year-old mother who sews, knits, crochets and does quilting – making blankets for members of her family (children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren). She also makes them for “Many Arms Reach You” organization. At 78, she endured 6 weeks of radiation for Breast Cancer and survived. My sister, at 36, survived a radical mastectomy, chemo and medicine – and is now 65. The project was nothing compared to the challenges anyone who has cancer endures.
#96 April F. Bump of “Some Like It Hot!”
Embellishments & Techniques: The whole bra was dyed with Rit dye and dried over two very large balloons! The entire cup sides and back were then decoupaged for stiffness. Fussy-cut firemen, cowboys and related objects added. You will notice that (because of the Mod Podge used) this bra even has a feel similar to a fireman’s coat.
Artist’s Statement: Because I wanted to draw attention to the fact that men are vulnerable to breast cancer too, I needed to think outside the box! (Or bra as it maybe!) Too many of us have a lot of family health history that includes breast cancer and lots of friends who are personally touched by it. To all of the cancer survivors, this is for you, for all of our friends, including my good friend and kindred spirit Becky Smith who is just starting her fight – we’re with you all the way!
#95 Rick DeMars of Vestal, NY
“How Cold Is It?”
Embellishments & Techniques: Fused witches, hung icicles, glued on snowflakes and snowmen. [this is the bra organizer Louise Tiemann had to wear at her guild meeting]
#92
“Save the Puppies”
Embellishments & Techniques: Machine appliqué, back stitch embroidery for labels, ribbon trim, and dog leashes for straps.
Artist’s Statement: Design of puppy faces taken from the Oct 2009 issue of McCall’s Quilting, a design by Carol Armstrong. Dedicated to the many breast cancer patients I cared for as an oncology / chemotherapy nurse.
#91 JoAnne Hanrahan of “Home Along the Creek”
Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paints.
Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to my mom with love.
#90 Kathleen Ingalls of
“Words to Live By”
Embellishments & Techniques: Computer generated cross-word puzzle and word search puzzle transferred onto pink t-shirt material then sewn on to bra. Straps covered in black ribbon with pink flowers.
Artist’s Statement: On the breast cancer journey words have the power to devastate us or give us hope. By focusing on the positive messages we can create an environment for healing to occur – healing for both the body and the soul. “Words to Live By” celebrates the “answers” that support this journey.
#89 Joyce Paulsen of
“Boobies Make Me Smile”
Embellishments & Techniques: Zippers, snaps, leather and lots of hand stitching.
Artist’s Statement: This bra is about covering ourselves and guarding against breast cancer. I have dedicated it to my friend Martha Cooper who I watched endure cancer treatments with dignity and grace. I am proud to say she is my friend.
#87 Marcia
“Breast Cancer is a Crime”
Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric paint, fabric glued and sewn to bra, scrap book “vignettes” glued to make two scenes – crime and lab.
Artist’s Statement: My inspiration for “Breast Cancer is a Crime” came from my favorite crime shows on TV – CSI:
#86 Susan Ritner of
“Mardi Gras”
Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and fringe.
Artist’s Statement: This was a very interesting project for me. I normally paint on flat canvas, so incorporating my painting style to a 3-D surface was an exciting challenge. Hooray for “Brazieres For A Cure” and all the people involved – what a great idea!
#85 Diana Tillotson of “My
Embellishments & Techniques: Draped fabric, dye, needle turn appliqué, bead work, vintage bakelite buttons, and vintage glass cabochons.
Artist’s Statement: Made with love for all women waiting for a Breast Cancer cure – too many of our sisters have lost the struggle. For all those waiting, may you enjoy many more
#84 Cynthia “It is all how you look at it.”
Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and beaded ribbon.
#83 Patricia Ann Cummings of
“Lady Bug, Lady Bug, Fly Away Home ...”
WINNER – Best Use of Embellishment
Embellishments & Techniques: Thread painting of fabric, beading with sequins, and free motion embroidery using wash-away stabilizer.
Artist’s Statement: Did you know that if you caught a Lady Bug and recited the verses:
“Lady Bug, Lady Bug,
Fly away home.
Your house is on fire,
Your children are gone.”
And then blew the Lady Bug off your hand, your wish would be granted?
This bra is for my daughter, Liz, and my wish is for her. I hope she will not be the 4th generation in my family to contract Breast Cancer. The red sunflower is for her, and the two yellow sunflowers are for my mother, Nancy Clyde Walters and myself. The one on the back is in memory of my grandmother, Edith Paulene Mitchell.
#82 Helen Parry of “Razzle Dazzle”
Embellishments & Techniques: 2-inch squares of
Artist’s Statement: One of my hobbies is quilting. It was fun to work on such an unusual project.
#81 Lee Ann Adolf of
“Got Milk”
Embellishments & Techniques: Lace and sequins – hand sewn, pink satin lining – glued and sewn.
Artist’s Statement: I walked in two
#80 Sara Delafield of Port Crane, NY “You don’t have to camouflage the pain”
Embellishments & Techniques: Silk leaves, glitter, and fabric paint.
Artist’s Statement: Breast cancer can be painful – not only for the individuals who have it, but for those who love them. “You don’t have to camouflage the pain” is about feelings ... and NOT denying them and continued growth.
#79 Vivian Perkins of
“Daisies and Pink Ribbons for a Cure”
Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric acrylic paint – hand painted. It is painted in the Tole and Decorative style. I want to dedicate my artwork to honor Linda Geer, my friend.
Artist’s Statement: The design of daises and leaves intertwined with the pink Breast Cancer Awareness Ribbons is to say ... Holding hands with each other as we all work together, and hope for a cure. I am an ovarian cancer survivor.
#78 Doreen Spoor of
“Somewhere Over the Rainbow”
Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric dyes and gutta, fabric flowers, buttons, beads and fabric glue, ribbon, red glitter, felt, feathers, embroidery thread and goggly eyes, red nail polish, Gingham ribbon and white ruffle.
Artist’s Statement: I choose the theme for my bra that is positive, reflects hope and transports us to the days of our innocent youth. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” reminds us of the magic of rainbows and a place where troubles melt like lemon drops. I dyed the straps red and finished them in glitter as a tribute to Dorothy’s ruby red shoes. Three clicks of her shoes and she had the power all along to be home – for anything is possible if you believe. I dedicate my bra to my good friend Dawn DeRosa who is celebrating her 20 year anniversary since being diagnosed with breast cancer. There’s no place like home.
#76 Kim L. Chase-Decker of Vestal, NY “I Believe I Can Fly”
Embellishments & Techniques: Fabric paint, fabric and antique earrings.
Artist’s Statement: This bra is dedicated to my mom – Carol M. Chase – she is a 30 year breast cancer survivor! Her unwavering belief in God’s healing power is what got her through and has been her strength throughout her life.
#75 Jean G. Hubsch of “C’mon Get Happy”
Embellishments & Techniques: Hand dyed fabric, cording and lace; rayon thread, seed beads. Dying was done by the artist. All attachments are hand sewn in place. The “leaf sprays” are fly-stitch embroidery.
Artist’s Statement: Dedicated to Mary DeYager (1940-1987). My main artist medium is embroidery and I especially love floral pieces. Recently I have been experimenting with hand dyed fabric and threads.
#74 Jacque Paltrineri of “Hang in There”
Embellishments & Techniques: Ultra-suede, sequins, beads, and poly-fabric.
Artist’s Statement: I wanted to make a bra to help raise money for cancer research. I started out wanting to make a feather design with beads, but ended up with this due to time. I enjoyed making it and hope it helps bring money to help cancer research.
#72 Giuliana Calderone of
“Fruitcups”
Embellishments & Techniques: Cut-out vegetables from kitchen towels, floral leaves, fruit patches, and crocheted fruits. I cut the kitchen towel glued on the bra after I dyed it - same technique with the leaves on the straps and the fruit that I crocheted. There are no loops for the straps on the back of the bra, so I cut them and glued them on.
Artist’s Statement: I dedicate this work to my friends who are cancer survivors and those who were less fortunate.
#69 Roslyn P. Smith of “Bells, Beads, Bows, Buttons & Blessings”
Embellishments & Techniques: I embroidered the bows and words, sewed on a mixture of buttons, beads and bells, and added medals for blessings. Added already strung beads for the lower trim. All done by hand.
Artist’s Statement: I dedicate this artwork to my dear friend Ann North. Ann was the first person that I know who went through cancer surgery and treatment. She will always be my hero. She was so upbeat through her battle, always joking, laughing and being a true hero. I decorated this bra with her in my heart!
#68 “I Felt My Boobies”
Embellishments & Techniques: Hand dyed sheep wool, wet and needle felted, hand dyed and hand spun yarn – for knitting and sewing, seed beads, plastic beads, fabric glue. I covered 2 balloons with layers of raw wool which had been hand dyed several shades of pink. Wet felting with dish soap and hot water. Needle felting with barbed felting needles.
After wet felting, I cut the pink felt off the balloons and fitted the resulting hemispheres into and over the cups of the bra. Another flat piece of felt was used to cover the sides and back. Hand spun yarn was used to knit-in-the-round to cover the straps. White wool batt was used to make the hands.
Artist’s Statement: My fiber arts guild is promoting felt making this year, so I wanted to try our techniques on this project. Since “felt” is also the past tense of “feel”, as in – “feel your boobies” – I could not resist the pun! So, the felt hands are feeling the boobies.
#66 Mary Roody of Port Crane, NY“B-Cup”
Embellishments & Techniques: Machine stitching and embroidery, hand sewing, glue, appliqué, stuffing / padding, cotton fabric, thread, fur-like boa, braided ribbon, jewels, embroidered bee and cups, batting.
Artist’s Statement: This is entered in memory of my mother, Mildred Marshall, who survived breast cancer for 11 years. She later died of a stroke. It is also given in honor of friend and survivor Ann Hooper, who is also a talented quilter. And in honor and memory of all who have had, or will have, breast cancer in their lives.
#61 Susan A. McCann of “
Embellishments & Techniques: Teal crushed velour, 6 shades of blue sequins, 3 shades of green sequins and 4 shades of brown sequins, green seed beads, iridescent bugle beads, blue seed beads, green bugle beads, peacock feathers and miscellaneous blue & green feathers.
Artist’s Statement: In my next life I’ll probably come back as a
#60 Diane Yuhas of “
Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint and palm tree stickers.
Artist’s Statement: I’m in love with color, line, shape, patterns and texture. My purpose in this piece was to delineate and highlight these beautiful elements already present in the bra.
#59 Caitlin and Susan Miosek of “Natural Woman”
Embellishments & Techniques: Silk flowers, silk leaves, silk butterfly, and pheasant feathers applied with hot glue gun.
Artist’s Statement: We thank Maidenform and the Common Threads Quilters Guild for holding this event to support all of our friends and relatives who have battled breast cancer. We wanted to show our gratitude for our friends and relatives who have been blessed with the good health and strength to survive and heal.
#58 Lee Robbins, M.D. – Flying Tortoise Studio of “Fields of Susan”
Embellishments & Techniques: Oil on kitakata Japanese paper monoprint laminated with epoxy resin to a copper frame, Mica set in caulk with dried black-eyed susan flowers, Acrylic paint – micaceous violet pigment, 2 coats of epoxy, and 7 coats of lacquer. The hanger: spring steel, copper ribbon, and brass with aluminum. The top loop: rotates 180° - forged steel, brazed, and forged copper pipe.
Artist’s Statement: Susan Komen for the cure. Fields of Susan relates to the invigorating renewal of nature as a force to overcome. I recently experienced a course of breast cancer in a long time friend. The uncertainties in a course of illness are mirrored in the translucence of the painting, heart, love and real nature – transmuted through the artist and back again.
The artist is a transformative conduit for the energy of the universe through culture, breathing life into the inorganic. It is my study of entropy, of nature’s reclamation. Concrete influences in my art are the tropical landscape and the human condition, explored from sub-cellular histological patterns to internalization of the energy of over 150,000 confidential patient encounters in the ER. Biology and chemical experimentation with media over forty years provide the tools.
Visual music, animated vegetation, arils, sepals, and leaves, as sunlight is transmuted to electricity, nature’s energy becomes color and pattern. Plant morphology and the human body emerge transformed through my art into images, cast resin and forged steel.
#57 Dianne M. Kull of “Hands-on Health Care”
Embellishments & Techniques: Acrylic paint, baby bottle nipples, gloves, armature wire, and steel shot (counter-weight).
Artist’s Statement: I started with the nipples – and went from there. The tattoo is for whimsy and to honor our mothers. There is minimal “embellishment” – especially of the straps, but that’s the (my) style. The painted inside represents the mammary glands and fat. I dedicate this bra to my childhood friend Claire Parsons who lived with – and fought – breast cancer for most of her adult life. She died twenty years ago at the age of 39.
#56 Maureen Haralabatos of
“Red Hot Mama”
Embellishments & Techniques: Paint, glitter paint, silk rose petals, glitter stars, and beads, sewing and glue.
Artist’s Statement: This bra is dedicated to my mother Mimi LoBue, she died of breast cancer (metastatic) in 1986. She was always hot and wiping her face with her handkerchief. Hot flashes all the time – she truly was a “Red Hot Mama”. I try to make some type of art every week, i.e. sewing, painting, felting or any type of needlework – sometimes I even complete a project!
