Introducing the Breast Cancer Awareness Nest

Pink is more than just the color 

        of feminine beauty and grace~

It is the symbol for 

bravery, courage, endurance, strength, 

and 

HOPE.

In honor of everyone

who has ever been touched by Breast Cancer

in their lives~

whether it be a personal battle 

or watching those we love

struggle to survive~

Introducing my latest Limited Edition designer

Breast Cancer Awareness nest

this nest features the color

 PINK

in a variety of textures and hues~

~

reminding us that Breast Cancer affects each of us

differently. 

~

in ways that are both

deeply personal and unique.

In the making for almost a year,
this newest Designer nest
has truly been a labor of love.
~
This beautiful nest
is a collaborative effort of an amazing
group of talented artists
(all of whom have generous hearts)
xoxo

Beginning here~
~
For the first time ever,
one of my nests features a removable brooch.
~
This beautiful felt brooch 
was designed specifically for this project 
by Paulette Racanelli.
(Beedeebabee)  

~~

Embroidered and beaded
by Paulette's patient and talented hands,
this brooch is easily removed from the nest
and can be worn 
as you desire. 

Each nest is adorned with a
"bouquet" of flowers and leaves
in a variety of
 textures.
~ 
Crochet flowers
(seen on the right side of the bouquet)
were made by my dear friend
Janet Yost
~

Jan turned a basket of yarn
that once belonged to my Mother
into these precious creations.
They are so very special
to me.

The most exquisite embroidered
felt leaves
embellish each nest.
~
My friend Deb Hembree
(Mosaic Magpie)
created each little felt leaf 
with love and added her special touch
of embroidery and beading.
Each leaf is a unique
masterpiece
of beads and stitches.
~
Deb has been involved with
every Designer nest
that I have ever made.
~
She is the most generous of souls.
xoxo

These precious little pottery leaves
were handmade by my 
amazingly talented friend
Julie Whitmore
(Julie Whitmore Pottery) 
~
Julie's handmade pottery pieces
are exquisite --
these little leaves are such
a beautiful addition to the nests.
~
as in nature
no two leaves are alike,
each is a totally unique
treasure.

HOPE
~
This beautiful little handmade
and painted bird 
was created specifically for this nest
by Kylie Parry
(Kylie Parry Studios)
~~
The little bird bears the
word "HOPE"
for all of us to see -- 
a remembrance of the HOPE
that we all have that a cure will be found
for this disease in our lifetime. 
~
(Kylie worked so very hard to finish
these little birds in time --  just before she gave birth 
to a beautiful little baby boy!)

Each nest is encircled with a 
hand painted silk chiffon scarf
created especially for this project by
Brenda Sipe Donahue. 
~~
Brenda took my dream idea
of a miniature "Pink Scarf"
and brought it to life beautifully
in these tiny little creations.
~
Each little scarf is uniquely painted -
no two are alike.
They each have the Breast Cancer Awareness
logo painted on the end of the scarf.
~
They are simply stunning.

These beautiful paper beads
 were created by
Carrie Petrocelli 
~~
Carrie created these gorgeous beads from
Breast Cancer Awareness 
advertisements
that I had saved from my assortment of
knitting magazines 
throughout the
 years. 
~
these little beads are absolutely gorgeous~
glittery, shimmery,
pink.

You know, 
I can not create these nests on my own.
These projects have become
 much to large for my
busy little hands.
~
In addition to the amazingly talented
artists who contribute their own 
special creations~
are the wonderful talents 
of my best friend Mary.
~~
She is my dearest friend,
my strongest supporter,
and the greatest listener
when it comes to my "nesting" ideas.
~
She devotes so much time and talent to these
special charitable ventures.
She never says no.
(I love her for that!)
~
She is
always ready and willing to help
 in anyway possible
to make my "nesting"
dreams come
 true.

Mary's special contributions
to these nests are her
stunning beaded
embellishments. 
Using an assortment of paper beads,
 swarovski crystals, 
and vintage beads
~
she creates magic  

Mary also added beading embellishments
to the little crochet flowers 
 created by my friend 
Jan.

Every embellishment on these nests
was created by hand -
with love,
by so many talented artists
for this
very special project.

My assortment of yarns
for these nests was one of the most
exquisite that I have ever used. 
~
Pink yarns in such a beautiful
arrangement of textures.
The art of combining them all together
in this nest
was truly a labor of love for me.

Tucked inside-
beautiful treasures!
~
three little handmade eggs
created by 
Petite Michelle Louise.
~
My nests are not complete
until Michelle's
precious little creations
are tenderly nestled
deep inside the 
fibers.

The charitable proceeds from these nests
will be donated to the
Susan G. Komen foundation.

If you are on the waiting list for these exquisite nests~
you will find them listed in my ETSY shop 
ready for your purchase now. 
The link to my ETSY shop is
HERE.
~
You will find the nests listed in sections
according to your last name.  
Just click on the section according to the first letter 
of your last name.

Tucked inside each box
when your nest is mailed to  you~
will be the latest in Breast Cancer Awareness
materials,
provided to you by the
Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Also tucked in side the box when it arrives
is a little gift from me~
xoxo
A wearable version of the little scarf 
that encircles the nest.

Handpainted by Brenda Sipe Donahue,
this beautiful
 one of a kind scarf,
is my very special gift to each of you 
who purchased one of these
Breast Cancer Awareness
nests. 
~

Your nests will arrive
in the most beautiful
packaging.
~
My friend Sue Kosec
has created 
the lovely hand stamped
tissue paper
and glittery,shimmery bird tags.
~
perfect compliments
for the nest
that is packaged inside.

These little tags will be
treasured keepsake items as well.
(kosec@sbcglobal.net)

I want you all to know that I have never been
 as emotionally attached to a project as I have this one.
~

Your letters and emails have touched my heart

and often brought me to tears.  

Reading the stories of your own personal

connections to Breast Cancer~

your loved ones,

your dear friends,

your neighbors,

your own personal battle with the disease-
~~

Hundreds of emails

and all of your stories speak of the

love and support that you received

or have given to those

who have been affected by this disease.

~~

So many of you requested these 

special nests.

My heart broke to have to tell you

that they were already reserved. 

~

My stance has always been that I do not repeat 

a design. 

But -- this is different.
I hope someday

to create another

 Breast Cancer Awareness nest~

a new design~

for this heartfelt cause.

~

I promise.

Some updates~

watch for the finale of the

Pink Scarf Project

to be posted early November!
(I've been taking photos for the last several days!
So many scarves have arrived here at the last moment -
the finale will be posted in 2 parts!)

~

Your scarves were photographed

in the most incredibly

 beautiful 

setting.
(You just wait!)

~
Your latest scarf donations
(alreaady photographed and shown here on my blog)
have now been added my 
the "Pink Scarf Project"
Pinterest Board.
~

Also~

I will announce the winners of the

Breast Cancer Awareness

inspirational mini album

and the very special
Breast Cancer Awareness wrap
that I designed for this project.
~
These will be given away
in the Finale post
 for the
Pink Scarf Project.
~
(if you would like a Breast Cancer Awareness
 wrap of your very own,
you can find one listed just now
in my etsy shop) 

Thank you for allowing me to create this special nest

in honor of everyone who has ever been touched 

by this miserable and life changing 

disease. 

~

You have shared your stories 

and I know what this nest means to you

and those you love.

~

I am humbled that I

could create something

that would touch your hearts
so much
~

xoxo

Vicki

ps-

I will be back soon with all the info that you need to know about this~

My "Pink Scarf Project" -- an Opportunity and a GIVEAWAY!!

The statistics are horrifying~~
It is estimated that over 230,000 women  were diagnosed with breast cancer during this past year. Ninety-five percent of these cases occurred in women 40 years of age and older. As horrid as those numbers are, they are an improvement over the previous year. And those numbers are an improvement over the year before -- thanks to increased awareness, better detection methods, and remarkable new treatments.

YOU ARE ALL INVITED

 to participate

 in my

"Pink Scarf Project."

 Simply stated - it has only one goal~ 

 To bring a smile to the face of a woman who is fighting her own battle with breast cancer. 

You are all invited to participate

 by making or purchasing a scarf for donation.

Do you knit-crochet-sew?

Does your ladies club or craft group need a project?

Does your ladies church group wish to participate?

Your friends-sisters-family?

 
Are you totally NOT crafty?

Would you like to purchase a pink scarf for this project?

The guidelines for this project are simple--

just make or purchase a pink scarf

in any style or design that you wish

as long as it is predominately

PINK.

You may send the scarf  (as many as you wish!)

to me at anytime during this next year. 

This is a year long project and will be ongoing

from October 2012-October 2013. 

~~~

A special address for these donations has been created~

"Pink Scarf Project"

311 West Main Street

Grayson, Ky 41143 

(Please note that this address is for scarf donations only.)

Everyone who participates by making a scarf donation

will be entered into a special contest

to win a beautiful knitted and beaded wrap

that I have created specifically

 for this event~

Featuring exquisite fringe and a beautiful beaded ribbon detail along one end--

this wrap is my one of a kind creation.

I've filled it with heartfelt thanks to all of  you

for participating in this unique project.

This wrap is so very special-

I've poured my heart and soul into making it so exquisite and beautiful for you.

~~~

The winner will be announced  NEXT October 1

as we conclude this year long project

and the

Breast Cancer Awareness nests
make their debut. 

Please come here and leave a comment when you donate a scarf. 
You will be entered to win every time you leave a comment.
You may enter as many times as you wish.  
~~~
Every single scarf that I receive will be photographed 
and featured here on my blog throughout the coming year. 
~~~
I'll share the name of the person or group who made the donation
and link to your blog if you have one.  
~~
If you have a personal message
that you would like me to share along with the photo of your donation-
a memory, a dedication,a message-
Please include it along with the scarf in a note to me.  
(please limit your message to 6 or 8 sentences or a small paragraph) 

The scarves will be collected throughout this next year
October 2012-October 2013.

Next October your gifts of love and support
will be donated to women
who are braving their own battle against
 Breast Cancer.
~~~
Your beautiful scarves will be shared
between two of my friends --
LeAnn and Donna
(fellow bloggers)
 and courageous ladies
who have recently waged their own personal fight against
Breast Cancer.
~~~ 
I wanted these gifts of love to deliver a personal message --
to show women who are undergoing treatment for Breast Cancer
that they are in our hearts and prayers.
~~
Both LeAnn and Donna will
 share your precious gifts with ladies
at centers where they received their own treatments.
~~
(LeAnn is one of the artists contributing to the design of the Breast Cancer Awareness Nest.)   

Please spread the word of this special project amongst your friends --

 both here in blogland and beyond,

by sharing the "Pink Scarf Project" badge

on your own personal blogs. 

~~

You may leave a comment here telling me that

you are sharing the badge

or that you have created a special post. 

(In which case I will love you forever!) 

Everyone who shares the message of this project

(by placing the badge on their blog OR creating a post OR both!!)

will be entered to win a beautiful mini-inspirational quote album

created specifically for this event

by my "oh so talented" friend

Sue Kosec. 

(kosec@sbcglobal.net)

~~~

Filled with quotes

 that define the soul of a woman--

this album will be a keepsake that you will treasure. 

Just leave me a comment here on this post

telling me that you have helped

to spread this message 

about the

"Pink Scarf Project".

~~~

The winner will be announced NEXT October 1
at the conclusion of this year long

Celebration of Women! 

"Make a scarf~ Make a difference."
~~~

I want to thank you all in advance ~ because I know that this is going to be an amazing project.  I know that you will fill my mailbox with your gifts of love and support for women who are desperately fighting for their lives.  This is our way to bring a smile -- to send a hug-- to make a perfect stranger feel that someone cares. "Make a scarf and make a difference."   You guys are the greatest!~~xoxo

~~~

About the photoshoot--

These photos were taken at the home of my middle sister, Belinda. She is truly the sister who has the green thumb - as her flowers and back deck were absolutely gorgeous this summer.  We used quilts that were made by our Mother and Grandmothers.  Belinda was a really good sport to assist me in the taking of these photos - especially since she had just had some minor surgery done just the week before.  Honestly -- I think she had NO idea what she was in for when I casually asked -- "can I come to your house and do the yarn photoshoot for the new nest design?"   It's NO small project to stage and take all of these photos -- it was an ALL day event.  That's her pretty kitty -- Callie, in the photo above -- she liked to help us sometimes :)

~~~~~

Coming up next ---

the OFFICIAL sign up post for my GROW YOUR BLOG project!!! If you want to bring more readers and followers to your blog -- please don't miss this post as this will be your opportunity to sign up to participate.  I will have all of the details in that post!! 

xoxo,

Vicki

This beautiful event badge was created by my friend Karen Valentine.

  A mentor to all of us here in blogland--

Karen is a valuable resource to anyone who needs help with anything related to blogging.

 I can honestly say that my blog would probably not exist

 if it were not for Karen's help and support.

Thank you my friend~ 

Pink- the Color of Hope (my Breast Cancer Awareness Nest)

She was the cook, the hostess, the comforter--
the keeper of all the mysterious secrets for how to do just about everything~~
(The Spirit of a Woman)

Most of us have known at least one incredible woman in our lives
 who has an unalterable inner strength and determination. 
 She is a sister, a Mother, a family member, a friend--

 She is a victim of breast cancer -- 

and she will fight to survive.  

  

In support of Breast Cancer Awareness 
and in honor of every woman who has ever had to battle
 this incorrigible demon--

My Breast Cancer Awareness nest will debut in October of 2013.

All charitable profits will benefit the

Susan G. Komen Foundation

for the promotion of

Breast Cancer Awareness.

   

 "The shape of a woman's life is formed not only by circumstances and events
 but by her resilience--
 from which can unfold unexpected resourcefulness
 and moments of sheer grace."

Charlene Spreknak, Author of  "Missing Mary"

 "There is in every true woman's heart, a spark of heavenly fire 
which lies dormant in the broad daylight of prosperity, 
but which kindles up and beams and blazes

 in the dark hour of adversity."

Washington Irving 

 "You gain strength, courage and confidence 
by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. 
 You are able to say to yourself,

 'I lived through this horror.  I can take the next thing that comes along.' 

You must do the thing that you think you can not do.

Eleanor Roosevelt 

 

 How many women do you know and love in your life?

Do you have sisters? Best friends? Women who you admire?

Statistically - about 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. 

There is hardly any woman who has not been touched by breast cancer

at some point in her life. 

 With over 1 million new cases diagnosed each year -- 

chances are that every woman knows at least one woman who has breast cancer. 

 

Whether it is their own diagnosis or that of someone they love -- 

Breast Cancer Awareness knowledge can empower a woman's struggle to survive.

  I am a woman of substance created by God,

beautiful on the inside as well as the out--

Loved and cherished by many,

One of God's beautiful designs--

I am unique---

There is only one me.

(Woman of Substance) 

 In October 2013 ---  I will debut 22 amazingly beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness nests.

Unlike anything that I have ever done before--

these nests will fittingly honor--

 the spirit of a woman. 

 (a little self-portrait here!)

Dainty, delicate, and feminine--
 these nests will speak to the soul of every woman. 

Some facts about the nests--

This nest will be the cooperative efforts
 of some of the most amazing artists and designers 

that I have ever worked with. 

Their talents and contributions will make this nest 
one of the most collectable that I have ever
 created.  

 ~~~

For the first time ever --

each little nest will be embellished with a removable and wearable handmade brooch-

delicately embroidered and embellished with tiny beads and seed pearls--

you may proudly wear this unique and original design brooch
  to show your support of
 Breast Cancer Awareness.

 

Using a variety of textures that will amaze you (!!!)-

each nest will be embellished with dainty handmade flowers
and leaves  
in an artistic rendering 
of a beautiful flower 
bouquet.
~~
My Mother first taught me to knit when I was 13 years old.  
I remember that I made an ugly scarf
 for a class project.
I really did enjoy the practice of knitting,
 but back then -- knitting wasn't cool --
 especially when you were
 13 years old.  
So -- I put down my needles~~
for over 35 years.
 ~~ 
Just days before my Mother passed away --
 she re-introduced me to knitting again. 
We were trying to find something to do 
that would occupy her mind and keep her hands busy.  
When she asked for her knitting needles --
 I realized that I had forgotten the skill.
So -- she taught me again, 
and we knitted
 together.  
~~
I believe that my Mother rekindled my passion for knitting --
that, in turn, created my obsession for beautiful yarns,
which in turn, has lead me down the path to these
nests. 
~~
After my Mother passed away,
 my sisters and I found bags of my Mothers old worsted yarns
when we were cleaning out the attic at her house.  
Honestly -- I almost threw it all away 
But - I didn't
~~
My friend Jan and my sister Denise are making tiny crochet flowers
 from my Mother's yarns-- 
Mary will work her special magic and embellish
 each of the little flowers
 with beautiful sequins and beads~
You will find these little flowers 
nestled amongst the other embellishments 
on the nests. 
I am so proud that I am able to use my Mother's yarn in such
a very special way~  

Joining me in this special project are the amazing talents of--
Maire Dodd
Brenda Sype-Donahue
Michelle Ferullo
Deb Hembree
Sue Kosec
Kylie Parry
Carrie Elizabeth Petrocelli
Paulette Racanelle
Mary Scott
LeAnn Weih
Julie Whitmore
Janet Yost
~~
Denise Burnett (my sister)
~~
(for now-- I am linking to the blogs and professional websites of my talented friends. 
Next October I will be linking to their etsy shops -
 some of them will have special items for sale in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness.)
~~
Mary will work more beading magic with gorgeous vintage beads and embellishments.  

Delicate florals, swarovski crystals,vintage glass beads-

I've been collecting some amazing vintage jewelry pieces for use in this project.

Created from the pages of
 my knitting magazines
 and from Breast Cancer Awareness materials -- 
 each little nest will be embellished 
with handmade, sparkly, glittery, paper beads --
 so unique and beautiful --

they are truly amazing.

tiny little birds

glazed, pink, dainty

will embellish each nest-
(be still my heart!)

tiny little treasures will bear the name of that thing that we must always have--

HOPE

 Each nest will be embellished with a tiny little "nest sized" hand painted silk chiffon scarf.

Lovingly wrapped and entwined ~the nest will be encircled with a signature piece of art -- 
 Created by a truly gifted and talented artist --- these tiny little scarves are 
simply and stunningly-
 beautiful.

~~~ 

My gift to each person who purchases one of these Breast Cancer Awareness nests --

will be one of these gorgeous "big girl" sized scarves.
Designed to match the tiny little nest scarf--
this will be your very own one of a kind accessory to wear-
 signifying your support
of Breast Cancer Awareness. 
~~

(as modeled by our little grand daughter Keri Beth.)

She tells her Papaw all the time that she is a "big girl!"

With only 22 of these nests to be created --
 they are extremely limited in quantity.

Those of you who are interested--
may email me now
for information 
or to place your name 
on the waiting 
list. 
This very special nest 
will truly be a year in the making~
and will debut next year -
 October 2013. 

I'm so deeply honored to have this opportunity to create this Breast Cancer Awareness nest
for the benefit of the Susan G. Komen Foundation.  
Spreading the message of Breast Cancer Awareness is so very important.  

~~ 
Knowledge is empowering and can save lives--
each little nest will be packaged to include
the latest in Breast Cancer Awareness literature.
 ~~ 
On a more personal note--
Like many of you I'm sure,  I have treasured friends who've fought
their own battles with breast cancer.
Some have survived-- and sadly, some have not.
To me -- they are all heroes.
They define the courageous and undeniable spirit of women everywhere. 
"If you want to see a woman fight -- just make her mad."  
~~

This Breast Cancer Awareness nest
is dedicated to the memory of my Mother
Barbara Pope
and to women everywhere --who thankfully,
have the ability 
to get mad~
 

xoxo,
Vicki

ps-- Have you noticed my beautiful blog header?
(a million and one Thanks to my friend Karen Valentine for making my blog SO beautiful and for creating my fabulous "Pink Scarf Project"event badge!!) You know I love you!
~~
 I'm turning my blog PINK for the next few months to CELEBRATE the spirit of women and the announcement of my Breast Cancer Awareness nest.  Please join me here for my next post when I introduce my "Pink Scarf Project"-- a unique Awareness event in which you are all invited to participate.  We've lots to talk about -- lots to CELEBRATE-- and there will be a wonderful give away as well!  I made something SO pretty --- and I'm giving it away to you!