The auctions for Beading for a Cure began last week. It is an annual beading challenge dedicated to raising money for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Association in honor of beader Layne Shilling, who lost her battle with colorectal cancer in November 2002. The basic idea is this: all beaders purchase the same kit of beads sight unseen, and at least one of each bead must be used, and only one other bead may be added (but other non-bead items are fine). The final pieces are auctioned off, and the monies raised donated to NCCRA. This is my seventh year of participation; my piece is coming up in a few weeks.

Meanwhile, here’s one of the amazing pieces up for auction this week, made by Gretchen Coats: