"There is a GARDEN of information available about early breast cancer detection. GROW your knowledge!"These days, I have been feeling super crafty. Creativity helps me unwind after a day at work. I've been teaching myself to knit, and am now a whiz with papier maché. When the The Retreat's 4th Annual Decorated Bra Event made the call for entries, I leaped at the opportunity. The contest raises money for HeartStrings Sisters, a volunteer organization sponsored by IU Health Goshen and The Retreat, that provides information, free mammograms, and emotional support to women diagnosed with breast cancer. Votes are donations, and the winning bra is the one that raises the most money.
I wanted to create something beautiful, inspired by my patients. As I am a naturopathic doctor, I also wanted to make something "nature-y." A friend provided the sprig of artificial flowers, and my glue gun and I went to work. I used a foundation of burlap (a tote bag I bought earlier this summer at Target), lining the bra in striped fabric, and using green on the outside. I left the edges rough, to resemble growing grass. I then covered the burlap in flowers, leaves, and ivy.
My favorite detail is the small cluster of "baby's breath" hiding the clasp in the back.
Please visit the contest website and vote for your favorite. Vote for more than one, all of the proceeds go to HeartStrings Sisters.
For more information and to vote, go to goshenbracontest.org or vote in person at The Retreat in Goshen. The bras will be on display at First Friday, November 4, 2011, at Bryan Chris Photography.
