After December 4, 2010, all future posts are on a new site. Please subscribe to my NEW feed at www.ashleynewell.com or click below to subscribe to the NEW feed.
Congratulations, Diane! You won the kit featured in last week's video! YaaaaaaaY! Diane, please e-mail me your mailing address and I'll ship your package of goodies to you around December 1.
Thanks for participating everyone. As usual, I have compiled the results and the most popular theme to craft for is Christmas. I wonder if that has anything to do with everyone being in the Christmas spirit because its fast approaching? Well, it makes total sense to me because Christmas is the holiday where people give and cards are one item that most people send out to family and friends.
And I made a mistake in the graphic, the list of crafty themes is NOT in order of popularity in the key of the graph. Why I thought that when I wrote that note, I'm not sure. Anyway, the next popular theme is Birthdays! Birthdays occur all year round, so that means designers are always crafting for someone's birthday, right?!
Well, that's all for today, Bleeps! Check back in with me tomorrow for a Holiday episode of my Watch Me Wednesday video series!
Thanks for wishing McArthur and I well on our anniversary! We really appreciate that. He loved that video I compiled too (and the card)! So glad you stopped by today. Take care!
Hey Everyone! I hope your week is going well so far! It should be because it is already Wednesday and here that means time for a new video! So, I created this holiday card to share with you. It's full of read and cream and a pop of turquoise for some fun!
Check out that felt and cardstock embellishment I created with Spellbinders' die templates. You can create an endless amount of elements using dies, including basic shapes, tags, borders, shaped cards, embellishments, and even mini albums. The world is yours with die templates and that's why I enjoy using them so much.
I created a custom focal point using dies to make a decorative envelope-type element.
As I mentioned yesterday, I just reached the 300,000 hit mark on my blog and I'm continuing to celebrate my gratitude for my blog readers and browsers, so I have arranged another giveaway for the week. The blog giveaway prize contents are shared in the video. Please make sure you review the rules below. You must comment on this blog post to enter to win (not YouTube, Facebook or Twitter).
*Please note: I will ship prize to contest winners around the first week of December, if not sooner. This allows me to make one trip to the Post Office, instead of multiple trips.
I hope you enjoy the video. Click here to watch it on YouTube.
Supplies
Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - seasons of love, vintage circles (small) Ink :: Close to My Heart - bamboo, cranberry; Stampin' Up! - chocolate chip; Ranger - antique linen, vintage photo; Papertrey Ink - vintage cream Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - vintage cream, kraft Patterned Paper :: Papertrey Ink - bitty dots Embellishments :: Kaisercraft - rhinestones; Papertrey Ink - vintage cream twill tape, hawaiian shores felt, linen felt Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-293 lacey circles, S4-286 2010 snowflake pendant, S4-141 petite scalloped ovals SM, S4-139 petite ovals LG, S4-114 standard circles LG, GC-001 grand calibur; We R Memory Keepers - corner chomper
Hey Bleeps! I hope you enjoyed your weekend! Today, I have some great news to share...Noora won the paper crafting kit up for grabs from last week! YAAAAY for Noora! Please e-mail me your mailing address and I'll ship it to you!
Thanks so much for participating in the Blog Giveaway. I'm really grateful for my blog readers (you) and your continued support.
So, last week's question centered around designers level of comfort. Some people discussed how their comfort level changed in their life than in their design style. I can imagine that, but I'm pretty much a risk-taker. Although I like certain styles in clothes and designs, I like to test the waters, just to see how it turns out. I'm always searching for the next big thing whether it's a new hairstyle, outfit, color combination, or technique. It makes everything fun, especially when there really is a breakthrough!
Also, many of you only liked to try new things when you have time. I think that's pretty much the way it goes. If you're like me and create a card and project on your way out the door to a party, there is no way I am trying the new stamping technique I learned. I would design the best way I know how - whatever that is!
Another thing I'd like to share is - just because you try something and it doesn't work the first time doesn't mean you can't do it. It has taken me about two and half years of card making to get to a point where I like my designs. But, I feel like there's always room to grow and with time, styles change and I'll look back on my cards today a year from now and gasp with disgust. Yep, I do that too! So, it's important to keep moving on and try something new, even if it's from time-to-time. Have fun with it!
Here's what my Bleeps think! :)
You all like to try new things. I'm not surprised because you enjoy surfing blogs, which means you're probably looking for inspiration or techniques to pick up. We all love our comfort zone, but trying new things, such as a color combination, technique, or new products is easy to incorporate in your creativity process. Give it a go if you don't already!
Thanks again for participating! I just passed 300,000 hits yesterday and I'm so grateful for every one. I just may have to REALLY celebrate this week! You all really have shown me some love so it's only proper I share a little back!
Hey there! I hope you've had a great week! To end it off, I'd like to share this autumn card. I used patterned paper, which I am super proud of since I usually ignore my stash! I wanted to create a fall card since it's finally starting to feel like autumn in the DC area. We have had a few weeks where it was unseasonably warm, but I'm not complaining because I really enjoy warm weather! But, I also like to switch up my wardrobe and I was getting sick of those tanks or dressing for a cool morning and a hot afternoon! I think it's finally time to switch my drawers - from my summer to my winter fashion collection (haha collection)!
I stamped the sentiment in a deep red ink about 3 times, then overlayed the same sentiment with a brown ink. Yep, then stitched right over that "S!" :)
I die cut two pinking circles with a circle die cut in the center, then I cut it to create an opening and accordion folded it and attached the second one and somehow flipped it to create a double "wreath."
I used a Pink Paislee artisan element and inked it with chalk and dye inks to highlight the embossed detail.
Instructions
Trim patterned paper to .25" x 4".
Die cut pinking circles and create accordion wreath. Adhere to patterned paper center.
Trim spray and adhere to center of accordion wreath.
Trim twill tape and adhere to card front.
Ink artisan element and adhere to card front.
Stamp sentiment.
Adhere patterned paper to card front and add stitching
Supplies
Stamps :: Verve Stamps - harvest blessings Ink :: Clearsnap - ColorBox chestnut roan, berrylicious Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - rustic cream Patterned Paper :: Pink Paislee - 365 degrees collection {daydream) Embellishments :: Pink Paislee - artisan elements ornaments; Papertrey Ink - scarlet jewel twill tape, summer sunrise twill tape; Craft Supply - berry spray, music sheet paper Tools :: Spellbinders - S4-114 standard circles LG, S4-172 small pinking circles; GC-001 grand calibur; Janome Sew Mini - sewing machine __________________________________________________________________
Prize Contents
Bo Bunny Cardstock Stickers (Love is all + Adore) 12 z 12 Stickers (Persuasion Combo Stickers) 12 x 12 Patterned Paper (2 sheets - Persuasion Stripe, Dot, Forever Die Cut, Cut Outs) (1 sheet - Persuasion, Moments, Love Notes, Blooms) (9.5 x 12 scrap Persuasion My Sweet)
Basic Grey Ambrosia 6 x 6 Paper Pad
Maya Road Buttons (Rain + Sunshine
Making Memories Noteworthy 8 x 8 plain mini album with 12- 8 x 8 heavy cardstock pages
Hey Everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! I spent most of it creating to my little heart's desire! Here is one card I made.
I really like using a technique I like to call stamping overlay! I stamp the sentiment over another stamped pattern, similar to stamping on patterned paper! I even used patterned paper here - that aqua mist polka dot goodness on the tea cups! To represent doilies under the tea cups, I trimmed some Hero Arts lace into two flowers and adhered them first, then popped the cups off with foam adhesive! I also layered the trim, felt, and twine to come up with a decorative element.
At the top of the card, I created another pattern using stamps. I alternated the sentiment and even included tea cups in one of the 'ticket' border stamped images. I really like that pattern and can envision it as a complete piece of patterned paper!
Here's some more information:
Instructions
Stamp polka dot background on white cardstock.
Stamp cups on patterned paper, cut out, then stamp smoke on cups and polka dot stamped cardstock.
Adhere crochet trim and pop tea cups off with foam adhesive.
Stamp sentiment.
Add red trim. Die cut eyelet border from white felt and adhere, then wrap twine into a bow. Add rhinestones.
On aqua mist cardstock, stamp ticket border pattern, trim then adhere to cardstock. Trim around tickets.
Add stitching after adhereing to card base.
Supplies
Stamps :: Waltzingmouse Stamps - afternoon tea, off beat backgrounds Ink :: Papertrey Ink - summer sunrise; Stampin' Up! - basic black Patterned Paper :: Papertrey Ink - bitty dots Cardstock :: Papertrey Ink - white, aqua mist Embellishments :: May Arts - twine; Webster's Pages - coral eyelet trim; Papertrey Ink - white felt; Kaisercraft - rhinestones Tools :: Papertrey Ink - eyelet border die; Janome - sewing machine
Now, about that giveaway!
Thanks so much for participating in the Blog Giveaway last week! I appreciate all of your kind words.
Laura asked the question about my crafting style and whether I have always leaned towards classy/elegant.
--In response, I'm not quite sure what my style is. I appreciate them all. However, I usually create a hybrid style of clean and elegant. I enjoy challenging myself to try other styles too like vintage or cutesy too. This is a good question because when I think of my style overall, I wouldn't say I am an elegant dresser or that my house is elegant, but perhaps others would describe it that way. I really fit the category of "unsure of ones style!" I like color, whether it's a lot of just a pop of it. I also appreciate embellishments and buttons that are incorporated into a clean design. I don't like too many layers, BUT sometimes, I like layering certain things, like buttons on ribbon knots or layered die cuts. I think my style has probably leaned toward the elegant side to answer your question directly, but I like some other styles too that I don't want to say that's my only style!
I know that was a little long winded. Sorry about that! Onto the winner! Tammy, please e-mail me your address so I can ship this new set off to you this week! Congratulations and I hope you get great use out of it!
I really enjoyed reading about your styles and what works best for you and what doesn't! So, I decided to share the results. I'm not surprised that clean and graphic style is favored because it is a design style that usually can be created the fastest. There are not a lot of layers and embellishments usually added, and you can create more in a short amount of time. That's not to say the clean and graphic style is 'easy,' it just doesn't have a lot of elements.
I was happy to see that many designers use multiple styles, like me! I read that a lot of you design based on your mood, which is how I create as well. I'm an emotional artist, so being able to force creativity in one direction when your heart is set to design in another can be very difficult. For the multi-style creators, design to your heart's content!
The other styles were really close in popularity, like vintage, layering, and shabby. Oh yeah, so the "other" category included styles like eclectic, grunge, and retro-chic! Perhaps the clean style is a current trend and will change one day. Who is to say, right?! I just thought this would be an interesting perspective to share about YOU...my readers! Thanks for your participation!
I'm still feeling grateful this month. Could there be another giveaway? Hmmmm
Contest is now closed. Thanks so much for entering!
Hey Everyone! I have not done a giveaway in a while, so I thought November would be a great time to express my gratitude for my readers. So, for the first week of November, I'm giving away this stamp set. While at CHA this summer, I made some purchases and received an extra limited edition stamp set. Of course I thought about all of my readers who were not able to make it to receive this item. So, I've been saving it for you! Here's your chance to win it!
I really appreciate you all for reading my blog! I absolutely enjoy blogging and sharing the projects I create. So, thanks so much for looking, watching, and reading what I post! I really like reading all of my comments, so keep them coming. I'd love to hear from more of you all! Don't be shy! Although I'm not always able to reply to each comment (mainly because e-mails are not provided), I do appreciate every one. What I plan to do is address comments from the previous post on my next post to answer any questions. How does that sound?
As a small token of gratitude, here's one stamp set! So, do you think there will be more giveaways next week? You shall see!
Thanks for your support and encouragement. I'll be back tomorrow with TWO separate posts with a FEW projects to share! Take care! *Only comments on this post will count as an entry.
Hey there, Bleeps! Today, I have two stamp sets to give away to my blog readers! I'm really appreciative of your visits, comments, and encouraging words day in and day out! This is just a teeny tiny token of my appreciation. Believe, me I have more 'stuff' to give away soon!! I tried to photograph the stamp sets so you could get an idea of what was included, but plastic with a flash is so difficult to photograph, especially in a rush!
Prize
(2) Papertrey ink Round & Round 3rd Anniversary Limited Edition stamp set *brand new & un-opened
Rules
Two blog readers are eligible to win one stamp set.
Each blog reader may leave one comment about their summer plans to enter to win a stamp set.
All blog readers are eligible to win, both domestic and international.
Giveaway is open from NOW through 7:59 am EST Wednesday, June 16.
Winners will be selected and announced on the Thursday, June 17th post!
Appreciation
I sincerely appreciate each of you who stop by, browse and visit the blog! I try to make it a welcome spot that shares fun projects that I have worked on. Recently, I've liked sharing tips and techniques that I've discovered along the way to make crafting fun and easy for you. I plan to continue that element of the blog and will expand it a bit more once the new website is finalized. Speaking of the new site, it will probably be completed by the end of summer or so.
In case you don't know, I read each comment left on my blog. I may not have the time or opportunity to reply back, but please know that I read them. On the future site, I hope to have a bit more interaction with my readers to communicate with ease about paper crafting stuff!
So, thanks to you all, I'm offering my personal Papertrey Ink Limited Edition 3rd Anniversary stamp sets just for you!
Hey there, Bleeps! I'm back today with more Blog Candy! Lots of more fun stuff for you! So, watch the video to see what's up for grabs. To my e-mail subscribers, I forget that sometimes the videos do not automatically embed in your inbox, so here is a link to the video just in case. Click HERE.
Blog Candy Details
Leave one comment here to win the blog candy featured in the video! Comment about anything! 24-hour Blog Candy 11/5 - 11/6 midnight EST Anyone may enter to win! Winner will be announced 11/6 blog post
Blog Candy Winner :: Day 2
Heather in FL said... Congratulations! 100K hits is a lot, and you totally deserve all the attention you get. You're so talented, and evidently LOTS of other people think so, too! :-) Thanks for the opportunity to win some great candy. I can't believe you didn't use ANY of those Prima flowers, lol! I'd have had them open as soon as it hit my hands. November 4, 2009 1:26 PM
Heather (in Florida), please e-mail me your mailing address and I will send you the dimensional sticker goodies soon! You have 24 hours to e-mail me or else I'll select a new winner tomorrow! Thanks so much for commenting and all of your support! Congratulations, Heather! WOOHOO!!
Hey there, Bleeps! I'm back today with more Blog Candy! Lots of more fun stuff for you! So, watch the video to see what's up for grabs. To my e-mail subscribers, I forget that sometimes the videos do not automatically embed in your inbox, so here is a link to the video just in case. Click HERE.
Blog Candy Details
Leave one comment here to win the blog candy featured in the video!
Congratulations, Ashely!! For both the 100K hits and become 2K4Y designer. I just found your blog not too long ago and fell in love with it. I really like your style. So simple and elegant. Very pretty. Looking forward to see your work in the future.
Thank you for the Blog candy.
November 2, 2009 11:01 PM
Nicky, please e-mail me your mailing address and I will send you the dimensional sticker goodies soon! You have 24 hours to e-mail me or else I'll select a new winner tomorrow! Thanks so much for commenting and all of your support! Congratulations, Nicky! WOOHOO!!
Leave one comment here to win the blog candy featured in the video! Lots of three dimensional stickers (beach, babies, extras).
24-hour Blog Candy 11/3 - 11/4 midnight EST
Anyone may enter to win!
Winner will be announced 11/4 blog post
Check back later for Day 3 of Caardvarks Holiday Blog Hop (around 1 pm).
**I forgot to tell you all too! I've joined the 2 Sketches 4 You Design Team too!** Call me crazy, I know! I LOVE paper crafting and the blog world and I'd do it all if I could!
Happy Hump Day, Bleeps*! Today, I have a special blog candy for you! I'm giving away one of Tracy Schultz's new Sleigh Ride stamp sets!! The card is a mini, measuring 4" x 4.25" and perfect to stash in holiday gift bags or on top of those famous fruit baskets! I kept the design simple and focused on holiday colors and themes so it can be given to anyone regardless of their religious affiliation. The photo does not depict the letter press technique I used with the Spellbinders Impressabilities, but you will just have to believe me when I say it's there. What I mean by it, is the embossed patterned with the white ink overlay. This is such a neat technique and you may find a tutorial on Splitcoaststampers by Beate!
Blog Candy Details
Contest Starts :: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 12:30 am EST
Contest Ends :: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 11:59 pm EST
One comment per person (unspecified)
Instructions
Trim silver cardstock to 4" x 4.25" and set aside.
Trim red cardstock to 3.5" x 3.75", then emboss (see tutorial link above).
Mat red cardstock on silver cardstock.
Trim silver cardstock to 1.25", then adhere a .5" strip of red cardstock on top and adhere to card front.
Stamp image on white cardstock and color berries with marker.
Adhere image to card front with foam adhesive.
Adhere entire card front to a pre-cut red card base.
Hey there! I'm back for my last minute Friday post! We all know how time flies, so this card depicts just that, especially during the holidays. At first, the holidays are approaching, then it's here, and all of a sudden it is over! So go pick up your Sleigh Ride stamp set by Tracy Schultz's The Petal Press line at i {heart} papers so you can make cute sleigh holiday cards!
Giveaway
I have two Paper Crafts magazines to give away to two blog readers! The magazine is the current November/December 2009 issue and features a lot of holiday cards and the Stamping Royalty winning cards too! I have two cards in this issue, so you have to check this one out! Here are the details:
How to Enter the Giveaway
Enter this giveaway by leaving one comment about the Sleigh Ride stamp set or any story about sleighs during the winter season!
Giveaway Timeline
The giveaway will be available the entire weekend from the blog post time through Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 10:00 PM EST.
Giveaway Winners
Winners will be announced on Monday's blog posting!
Enjoy your weekend and thanks for stopping by!
Instructions
Trim pure poppy cardstock to 7" x 3.5".
Trim three squares and stamp images.
Color images and add faux stitching.
Add a strip of striped patterned paper to card front.
Adhere squares to card front with foam adhesive.
Stamp sentiment, then adhere with glue dots in a wave.
Hey there, Bleeps (my new term for Blog Peeps)! I have another project to share with you using Tracy'sHappy Harvest set, which is now available over at i {heart} papers. While drafting this post, there were only 18 left in stock, so hurry up and dump one in your cart and keep on shopping for papers, ribbons, and nestabilities while you are there!
I wanted to show a little diversity with the set and use it for the Christmas holidays as well. Hurricane vases are used during many holidays, so I thought it was worth the try. The wheat may be a little bit of a stretch, but just think of it as that greenery used during Christmas time! ;)
How I did it and What I Used
I created a simple menu card in Photoshop CS4, printed it on cardstock, then I mat it on ripe avocado and pure poppy cardstocks. I stamped the image, colored it, added rhinestones, and cut it out. Then, I adhered it to the menu card with foam adhesive. The striped background is supposed to replicate a napkin, but is actually patterned paper by October Afternoon.
I also made a place card using Spellbinder's Label 1 nestabilities. I die cut the largest die in pure poppy, then the next size down in ripe avocado. Then, I scored and folded them in half and adhered them together. After stamping and embellishing the image, I added it to the place card. Using PTI alphabet stamps, I personalized the place card with a name (a favorite name of mine)! To finish it off, I added a few rhinestones to create balance.
Giveaway
Yep, you read that right, another giveaway today! What's up for grabs? Tracy'sHappy Harveststamp set! Please leave a comment today on holiday plans, decoration ideas, how much you love this stamp set, or this project. Contest is NOW CLOSED. Here is something new. You may comment as many times as you want! So, if you really want this stamp set, comment away! I'll announce the winner on Thursday's blog post by random number generator! Good luck and start commenting!
The Paper Crafts magazine subscription winner is Maureen said...
I've been eyeing up this set!! You did an awesome job with it :) September 22, 2009 5:35 AM. Congratulations Maureen, please send me an email (located on the left side of my blog sidebar) with your full mailing address so that I can add it to my renewal notice. Thanks everyone for commenting and watching my video! I have plans to do more in the future. I know I have said this before, but I am making progress to make it possible. There is a lot that goes into making videos and I want to make sure they're up to par! I'll share my video secrets once they're finalized because I hate secrets! :)
Here is a quick card I made using one of Verve Visual's sets, Delightful and Delicious. I also tried out my new American Crafts embossing powder in the lilac color. Amazingly, it matches PTI's lavender moon!
Don't forget to leave a comment to enter into the Paper Crafts magazine subscription giveaway! The contest closes Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at 11:59 pm EST. I will announce the winner on Wednesday's blog posting and have more blog candy!! Edited to Add: This contest officially closed at midnight September 23, 2009.
Thanks for the visit, enjoy your Tuesday, and go get your Verve on!!
I appreciate each of you for stopping by my blog every day. I wanted to show my appreciation by giving away this hard-to-find stamp set. Last year, I did not earn the anniversary set, and this year I won two! I'm really grateful for my time and commitment to papercrafting and of course to my blog readers. Thank you SO MUCH for leaving comments, encouraging me and being a special part of my life. It means so much! I never thought anyone would want to read my blog, let alone achieve 50,000 hits, so I am really shocked and honored, but excited! I'll just end my little 'speech' by saying never doubt yourself, never hold yourself to another's standards, and continue doing what you want and like to do in your hobby that makes you happy and you will be just that...happy!
In response to a couple of comments:
Joann, who lives in the area - I hope I run into to you one day around town! If you see me, say Hi! :)
Liza Yon, who lives in Falls Church - I work there, so maybe I might run into you too one day! If you see me out and about, say Hi! :)
---------------------------------------------
Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
56
Timestamp: 2009-06-07 02:13:52 UTC
---------------------------------------------
The winner of the Papertrey Ink 2nd Anniversary Stamp Set, Everyday Classics is...commenter number 56, who is Sarah Martina! Congratulations!
***Sarah, please e-mail me (my e-mail link is on my blog and looks like an envelope) your mailing address and I'll send this stamp set to you soon! You have until Monday, June 8 at 8 AM to claim your prize!
Thanks everyone who entered to win the stamp set! I was overjoyed at the response of 72 people!
That's right, some BLOG CANDY! Today, I am giving away Papertrey Ink's Second Anniversary stamp set, Everyday Classics. This stamp set is not available for sale, so this is not readily available. It includes many sentiments, cupcakes, stars, teacup, and flowers, birds, and much more! You can view some of my cards using this set by clicking here. I'm celebrating 50,000 hits and wanted to share my appreciation with you all for visiting my blog! I really appreciate each of you. Here are the details:
Contest is open 8am-10pm EST on Saturday, June 6 ONLY.
You may post one comment about anything.
Winner will be announced Sunday, June 7.
Package will be mailed soon after receiving mailing address via USPS first class mail.
Winner must contact me within 24 hours of winning post notification.
If original winner does not claim prize in 24 hours, another winner will be selected and announced.
Winner will be identified using Random.org integer generator.
I hope I did not leave anything out! What are you waiting for? Start commenting, you only have a few hours!
Thanks for all of your comments and participation in yesterday's blog candy. I read each of your comments and was surprised that many of you liked the idea of receiving a card. Some of you wanted ribbon, and others would like embellishments or anything I'd give. So, I thought I would combine everything into one! I couldn't give away a PTI stamp set because I just couldn't pick one to part with. However, because I went to crop at Scrapdoodles last night, you all are going to benefit by receiving some of the new BOLD items I found!
The Contents
Thank You card w/ envelope
3 rubber stamps from Michaels (perfect for wedding and graduation season)
Prima hydrangea flowers
2 ft. Spring Rain satin ribbon
Sample 4.25" (perfect for A2 card size) SEI Windsor pattern paper (as seen on the card)
Maya Road trinket pins
Creative Cafe Flower buttons (white/brown)
The Rules
You may enter ONE time. Multiple entries will be deleted.
Enter by commenting on this posting (anything).
Contest will run from posting date/time through Monday 1:00PM EST.
One winner will be selected to win the items listed above by Random.org number generator.
Drawing will be posted on Tuesday morning!
The Card Details
Cardstock: SU!-kiwi kiss (card base); PTI-dark chocolate
Textured Pattern Paper: SEI Windsor (feels velvety/flocked)
Ribbon: PTI-raspberry fizz satin; Cosmo Cricket green velvet scallop trim
Button: Creative Cafe
Stamp: PTI-damask designs (sentiment)
Ink: SU!-chocolate chip
Rhinestones: KaiserCraft
Good luck, ladies and thanks so much for stopping by!
I am a new subscriber to your blog and a new blogger myself. I have recently become completely obsessed with following peoples blogs, because it's so inspiring to see what other people are creating. As someone new to card making and bloging, I have to say that I am thrilled to have found your blog. I adore your simply elegant style. I also love PTI (even though I don't have any of their products yet) and love to see what you do with their items.
And... I can say this because I know you're using a random number generator and this will not be seen as trying to sway your opinion at all... can I just say that you're a knock out? Wow! Style and beauty!
Thanks for doing what you do and sharing it with us.
Devon
March 7, 2009 2:05 PM
---------------------------------
Congratulations, Devon. Please click on the brown envelope on the left side of my blog to e-mail me your address. I will send the goodies off to you soon after I receive your e-mail!
--------------------------------
Thanks to everyone who left a comment and participated in the blog candy. I appreciate all of your encouraging and special words of kindness.
Coming up...Day 2 Blog Candy. I haven't forgotten! Spring forward caught up with me!
This weekend (and Monday), I'm celebrating my 1-year "Blogiversary" by having a few freebies! Today, I grabbed a few items in my stash, some old...some new, but are are bold materials to be made into something new!
My Reflections
The past year has gone by so fast. I can't believe I have been blogging non-stop for a year! I remember when I considered starting a blog and discussed it with Mac. My goal was to post something at least once a week. Little did I know that a blog would motivate me to create and post more. I had no idea I was a "blogger." I actually enjoy it. In the beginning, I would plan my postings with topics I thought would be helpful or of interest. Soon, the postings just started flowing. The blog helped me work up the nerve to be bolder and try different techniques to develop my own style, which is partially how I got the name "A New Design"...something bold...something new. The other part is because "A New" is a part of my name and I was starting anew. I remember when I first started how only my family and supportive friends read my blog. That was really nice, but I wanted more people to see what I created. I wondered, "is anyone else even interested in reading or just looking at my blog?"
After attending Summer CHA in Chicago last year, I saw all of the possibilities, which inspired me to create more...much more! I saw Nichole Heady and Dawn McVey nearby, but was too shy to introduce myself, thinking, "what would they think about me saying hi?" Now, I kick myself for not saying "Hi...I love PTI!" and walking off. How silly of me right? Oh how I've grown since last year.
Last summer, I also launched A New Design online store, where I sell some of my cards. I've really slacked off on this portion, but plan to get it up and running VERY soon to sell this HUGE stack of cards I have sitting in my room.
I soon started submitting my projects for contests and publication calls and made that my new focus. All of the hard work and time I've put in has definitely paid off. I've been a featured PTI Guest Star Stamper and also in their newsletter. This month, my first card was published in CARDS magazine...WOW! How ironic is that? One year from the date I started my blog that I'd be published in a magazine. It was always one of my goals and I'm still shocked I achieved it.
But, more than anything I am happy that I have fellow paper crafters who read my blog. That always amazes me because I remember when no one did! I've gone from 30 readers last March to 200 readers as of yesterday. That makes me more happy than ever. I appreciate each of you who browse, read, comment, or just look at the blog.
I hope to continue crafting this year and will try making more bolder projects using new techniques, all crafted into my style. What can I say? I just can't get enough!
The Contents
4 ft. Making Memories Seafoam Loop Trim
4 ft. Nashville Wraps double-sided striped grosgrain ribbon
Inkadinkado rubber heart stamp (like new)
Inkadinkado rubber Easter stamp (like new)
Prima paper flowers
Maya Road felt buttons
Making Memories Funky Vintage chipboard buttons
Making Memories Funky Vintage pattern paper (six 6"x 6" sheets)
The Rules
You may enter ONE time. Multiple entries will be deleted.
Enter by commenting on this posting on what you would like to see for tomorrow's blog candy.
Contest will run from posting date/time through Saturday, 11:59PM ET.
One winner will be selected to win the items listed above by Random.org number generator.
Drawing will be posted on Sunday morning (along with a new blog candy to win)!
Good luck, ladies and thanks so much for stopping by!
