Best of Etsy: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

For over 25 years, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Show your support and raise awareness for this important cause with these beautiful handmade creations from the talented artisans at Etsy.

You can show your support for the cause on a daily basis when you sport this beautiful pink breast cancer awareness adjustable hope bracelet created by Denise Boudreau at Beaded Embellishments. And you can feel extra great about the purchase, knowing that 20 per cent of the sale will be going to the Canadian Cancer Society.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Denise Boudreau: When I set out to design this breast cancer hope bracelet, I wanted it to be a beautiful, elegant and feminine piece of jewellery. I wanted it to be pink to be representative of breast cancer, and I wanted it to be meaningful. I wanted a piece that could be worn by a woman who is currently on her breast cancer journey or by someone who is supporting or caring for a woman on her breast cancer journey. This design came together, and I believe that I have accomplished my goal [with] this piece.

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

DB: Each year during October Breast Cancer Awareness, I do a post on my blog, giving information about the importance of breast self-examination and breast health, and include a link that guides women on how to perform their own breast self-examination and take control of their own breast health. I [also] donate 20 per cent of the profits of the sale of all the cancer awareness jewellery in my shop to our Canadian Cancer Society. I also donate personally. I have recently donated pieces that have been auctioned off to raise funds for cancer research. My personal experiences as a full-time chemotherapy nurse help keep all those affected by cancer very close to my own heart.

This pretty pink bird ornament created by Joanna Montrichard at That Thing I Made will make an eye-catching addition to your home decor. What a stylish and easy way to raise awareness for the cause whenever someone comes to visit! Plus, 25 per cent of the sale will be donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Joanna Montrichard: This bird was the first bird in my “Awareness Birds” series. The whole idea was inspired by a lovely lady on my street who was, at the time, battling breast cancer. I didn’t know what I could do for her directly, so I chose to fund-raise and educate instead. Sadly she passed away back in April and never got to see the birds. But I sell them now to help at least in my own small way.

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

JM: For the month of October, I am running a 10-per-cent-off promotion on any purchase or custom order of a breast cancer bird —10 per cent off the original price, but the 25 per cent that gets donated to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation will still be counted off the original price.

These simple breast cancer awareness cards made by Julia at Cards by Jeweleigha B make it easy for you to give your thanks to those who’ve been helping you or a loved one cope with breast cancer or to send well wishes to a family member or friend who’s battling the disease.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Julia: I have a special aunt that has had breast cancer, so the paper caught my eye. She has encouraged my love of card-making, teaching me new techniques and introducing me to different supplies. She seems to be cancer-free currently, and we pray permanently! She was on my mind when putting together those cards.

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

J: I will donate 10 per cent of my sales in October to the Relay for Life.

Raise awareness and show your support for the cause every time you step outside in a breast cancer awareness T-shirt from Stacey Bennett at Ice Cream Tees. Plus, to make it easier for you to raise awareness for this important cause, Stacey is offering $5 off your purchase with the coupon code “bazinga”!

SheKnows Canada:What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Stacey Bennett: I was inspired to create this piece to support a dear friend from my ladies’ group who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She opted for a double mastectomy and is thankfully doing really well after a long recovery!

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

SB: To support breast cancer awareness, I walk a 5K in my neighbourhood and contribute to a coin drive with my ladies’ group.

In addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October is also the time when the weather starts to get a little chillier. Support the cause and keep yourself cozy with a set of embroidered mittens and scarf made by Andrea Wallette at Andrea’s Dyelot Designs.

SheKnows Canada:What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Andrea Wallette: I originally made this piece and a mug cozy as a gift for my older sister, who participates in the B.C. Walk every year. She is an avid supporter of the cause, and I wanted to support her. Also, about four years ago, my paternal cousin, who is only two years older than me, was diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 29 years old. It was found that she was a carrier of the BRCA1 gene, and this was not something (in Canada) that my family doctor could have me tested for. She is currently in remission, and we are hoping that she stays that way! I also made other cancer awareness items in support of a good friend of my husband’s, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 28 and who passed away last fall.

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

AW: I will be looking for ways to incorporate awareness into my classroom through my students. I am not able to attend a fundraising walk this year, due to my personal studies, but I will be making a donation to help further research.

Not only will this stained-glass butterfly suncatcher made by Charles Ciupa at Birds and Bugs make a beautiful addition to your home or the home of a loved one, but Charles will donate $20 of the sale to cancer research. So it’s the perfect way to honour and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

SheKnows Canada: What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Charles Ciupa: My wife has been fighting breast cancer for five years now. I created this piece, as my wife loves butterflies and is constantly in motion like a butterfly. Her philosophy is that a moving target is hard to hit and that if she keeps moving and living every day, she will eventually be free from this illness. Therefore I called the piece “Freedom from Breast Cancer.”

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

CC: Aside from fighting the fight daily, my wife is kayaking for cancer and riding her bike for breast cancer.

This beautiful pink ribbon butterfly picture made by Vicki at Shadow Boxer Designs won’t just make for a lovely decoration year round — the pink breast cancer ribbons on many of the butterfly wings are also a great way to show your support even when Breast Cancer Awareness Month is over.

SheKnows Canada:What inspired you to create this particular piece?

Vicki: Initially the bright pinks and glittery paper caught my eye. I thought wings using these textures and colours would catch the light beautifully. When I noticed the designs featured the breast cancer awareness pink ribbon, I thought, what better subject to be displayed on a butterfly, a symbol of new life? My wish is that everyone who passes through the dark cocoon of breast cancer is able to break out, spread their wings and live a wonderful life!

SK: What will you be doing to recognize and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month?

V: Having lost two friends to breast cancer and witnessed two sisters-in-law battle and beat it, I am constantly aware of this horrible disease. In the past, I have participated with friends and family in breast cancer awareness fun runs and fundraising morning teas. This year, for every breast cancer butterfly picture sold, I will contribute 25 per cent to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund.

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