As some of you may have noticed, there have been some changes here on the blog. Not only have I recently done a re-design, I’ve also started hosting ads from some companies and sites that I believe in and support. I love being able to introduce you to new {to you} companies!
Okay, now onto the fun stuff…..introducing you to this month’s sponsors and providing you coupons!
EXCITING NEWS
I am so honored and proud to have recently become an Ellen Hutson affiliate. What does that mean? If you order from their site via my sidebar link, or any of the items I link to, I’ll receive a small commission. I’ve been wanting to provide a place where I could link to items I use, are Pretty Pink Posh approved and of course, wanted it to be a place with stellar customer service. I’ve found it, folks. If you haven’t already, check out their amazing site- this is my new place to stock up on all my “must haves” and cross off items on my wish list!
I have a few spots open for sponsorships now! If you have a business or blog that you think the Pretty Pink Posh readership might enjoy, consider sponsoring an ad and we can discuss the other options to promote your site.
I hope you have a fabulous Friday. Today I have a day full of errands and I’m stopping by Ellen Hutson to pick up an order. Woohoo!
With just a week until Valentine’s Day, I’m in a mad rush to scramble finishing up these last minute cards and gifts. Didn’t we just celebrate Christmas? Goodness gracious, the time is flying by quickly!
A while back I picked up lots of clear tubes and small bags with the intention to create decorated treat bags. Months have passed and I’ve only created a few….. I figured it was time to rectify this. With the help of some new products and Valentine candies, I was able to dress up these products in just a few minutes.
Up until recently, I never really used to purchase patterned papers. Now, I’m a tad bit obsessed. My favorites are of course, polka dots. If a package has large or small polka dots, it’s very likely that I’ll purchase it.
I had fully intended to buy some sort of red or pink chocolate candies at the store but alas, they didn’t have ANY! I searched the aisles a few times over and came up with nothing. Maybe that’s a good thing…..I won’t be tempted to eat these gum drops!
Notice that fun scallop frame that I decorated with red pearls? That’s a wood veneer piece! I have succumbed to the hype and bought three packages. If you haven’t tried them, you’re missing out. Really.
That’s going to wrap up this post. Thanks for visiting me and checking out my little Valentine creation today. I’ll see you tomorrow about some fun news {yes, more!} and info on a giveaway I’ll be hosting soon.
NOT LISTED: Simple Stories paper pack, brown gift bag, clear tubes, doily , candy
I’m so excited about today’s challenge! Not only is this the first challenge where the DT will be joining along, we are featuring HEARTS. I’m a sucker for this time of year. I love love and all the pretty decorations and sweet gifts that people exchange during this special time of year. Yes, I realize it’s over commercialized, but honestly, it doesn’t bother me all that much.
As you can see above, there isn’t a specific color palette for this challenge. This time around you just need feature hearts somehow {a little or a lot}, it fits within the 10 minute time frame* and post the time it took to create within your post.
* If you aren’t able to stay within the 10 minutes, you can still link up your item! While it won’t quality for the winner spot, it might still be featured in the favorites!
I’m so thrilled that some of the DeNami DT was able to join along in this challenge! You know what that means? You get inspiration from seven other people! I’m going to wager and say that after you see all of these creations, you’ll want to join along…. *wink* Here are the links to the DeNami DT:
Every great challenge comes with a prize and today is no exception. The lucky winner will receive a $20 DeNami gift certificate! With hundreds of stamp designs, washi tape, buttons, ribbons and more, you will have so much fun browsing and shopping the site!
How to Play
Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes featuring hearts
Post the time it took to create
Be sure to include the challenge graphic in your post and link to the challenge
You may combine a total of three challenges with your entry. You may enter the challenge a maximum of two times.
I hope you all are ready for a brand new 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge…..a new one starts tomorrow! This will be the DT gals will be joining along and I heard that one of them even filmed a video to share! We will have a theme this time around {any guesses?} and of course, a fabulous prize for the winner.
If you are interested in getting a head start on your project, I have the colors that will be featured on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page. This is EXCLUSIVE to those who like my page. If you go there and click on “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge colors a day early!
I hope to see many of you on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page later today! We’re getting close to 5-0-0 “likes” and I’ll be hosting a giveaway once we hit the big number. I would love for you to follow the page and let all of your friends know too! It’s such a fun place to talk about crafty things, shopping, entertainment and other randomness that pops into my head. :)
These last few challenges there have been lots of new participants and I hope that this one will bring many as well. If you’ve been wanting to give the challenge a try, this next challenge is a great one. It has a pretty open theme and with the DT samples, it’ll be hard for you to resist the fun. See you tomorrow!
It’s the first Monday of the month and you know what that means- it’s time for a brand new Featured Blogger post! I seriously love introducing you all to bloggers from all over the blogosphere and today I’m thrilled to bring you someone I have admired for quite some time.
For my crafty blog readers, you will recognize the picture above- it’s that of the ultra talented, superstar crafter Cristina Kowalczyk! She has been in countless magazines, shared her ideas on various design teams, crowned Stamping Royalty in 2011 and was the winner of the Paper Crafts 2011 Gallery Idol. Oh my, and let’s not even get started on the fact that she’s a published writer as well!
Without further ado, let’s get to know Cristina a little bit….
Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
You can find me at mypapersecret.blogspot.com. I started in 2010 because I had spent a few month prior admiring other people’s card via their blogs and it seemed like everyone was having so much fun, doing challenges and leaving comments for each other. I had the sense that it was a real community and I wanted to be a part of that. I originally thought I would call my blog Confessions of a Secret Papercrafter, but my husband convinced me that that was too long, so I ended up with My Paper Secret.
How did you first get into papercrafting?
Ten years ago I did all the paper goods for my wedding, so my interest has been there for a while. But the first time I really got hooked was at a Stampin’ Up! workshop in 2009. I happened to go to it after a difficult time in my life and I think it helped me mentally escape some of the stuff I was going through. Since then, cardmaking has often been a sort of savior for me. No matter what else is happening, it’s something that makes me happy.
How would you describe your card-making style?
Clean and simple, for sure. I gravitate toward more a graphic style, too.
Is there a technique or style you admire, but aren’t able to “pull off” yourself?
I love that sort of fresh, wispy, layered look. Do you know what I’m talking about? People like Clouds Shadler and Tina Fussell and Danielle Flanders do it well. It’s not shabby layered. More modern and spare than that. I always love that, but the few time I’ve attempted it have *not* been pretty. Ha!
List five things that never leave your craft table:
Tombow tape runner, Stamp-a-ma-jig, foam square adhesive (actually, they’re foam hexagons- I use Stampin’ Up!’s version), Momento Tuxedo Black ink, scissors
Okay, now onto some fun questions that are non-relevant to crafting….
Besides crafting, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I love reading. Love love love. I am a sucker for taking long walks around our little town, watching basically anything on HGTV or Bravo, and hanging with my husband and kids.
If you had to choose one food or drink to live off of, what would it be?
I’m going to choose one of each because in my mind they sort of go together- guacamole and margaritas.
What is something about yourself that not many people know?
I’m scared of animals. All of them.
Do you have a favorite quote?
This is a long one, but I have it memorized because I love it so much. It’s from Martha Graham, and I can only assume she’s referring to dance, but to me it’s really about any artistic endeavor or act of creations.
“There is vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression becomes unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours, clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep directly open to and ware of the urges that move you. Keep the channel open. No artist is pleased. There is no satisfaction at any time. There is only a queer, divine dissatisfaction, a blessed unrest that keeps us marching and makes us more alive than the others. ”
Top five things you are most passionate about:
My kids, my husband, writing, cards, and learning.
Okay, now that you have gotten to know this sweet gal, I’m sure you’re dying to check out her amazing blog. I’m fairly certain you’ll be adding her blog to your blogroll- she always posts such beautiful creations!
I hope that you enjoyed this feature and are just as inspired by this gal as I have been. I’ll see you tomorrow for info on how to get an exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming 10 Minute Craft Dash!
I have the greatest readers and fans. I’m so thankful that I can share my creations with you, along with stories, pictures and also the great companies I find along the way. I introduced you all to Stamp Your Life last week and seeing you check out their site and purchase items was so awesome! I want you to know that I don’t take my recommendations lightly and with new sponsors coming soon, rest assured that they have my seal of approval. There’s something exciting stuff on the horizon and I can’t wait to start sharing some of it with you!
Okay, now onto the real reason for this post…..it’s time to announce the winner of the Stamp Your Life Gift Certificate. Below is the winning comment.
Kristi, please email me {contact information on the top} and I’ll pass along your info to the folks over at Stamp Your Life so you can start shopping!
I’ll see you all back here on Monday for a brand new Featured Blogger with a well known crafter. I know many of you will recognize the name, while this person may be new to others. I can’t wait to share who this talented person is!
I’m so excited the day is finally here- it’s time to announce the very first 10 Minute Craft Dash DT! I was so blown away by the amount of entries and the vast range of locations- I literally received applications all over the world!
I wanted to stick with a fairly small DT and I was able to narrow it down to six designers. Since I personally haven’t had the privilege of working with designers from numerous continents, I thought it would be fun to create a map to show all of the different locations. {Thank goodness for Google- my geography isn’t what it should be!}
I hope you all are ready to meet these amazing and talented gals. Below are some fun questions to get to know them a bit and if you click their pictures, you’ll be taken to their blogs. PLEASE be sure to visit and leave them some love!
How long have you been crafting: About 7 years
Favorite colors to use on cards: I tend to use a lot of Kraft paired with brighter colors
Favorite crafting embellishment: I love using handmade embellishments such as flowers, butterflies and hearts
On average, how many cards do you create each week: About 3
How long have you been crafting: I’ve been crafting as long as I can remember! However, the papercrafting and card making bug bit me hard around 2 years ago.
Favorite colors to use on cards: I almost always use kraft and white on every project. It’s an addiction!
Favorite crafting embellishment: Stickles!
On average, how many cards do you create each week: Some weeks when the mojo is flowing, I can crank out 5-10 cards, but there are definite creative dry spells where I can go a couple weeks without making anything!
How long have you been crafting: I started scrapbooking in 2005 and card making in 2011, but I’ve been crafting since I was a little girl.
Favorite colors to use on cards: Teal, Red, anything bright except purple really, oh and not all on the one card LOL!
Favorite crafting embellishment: Patterned paper – at the moment anything gingham or spots!
On average, how many cards do you create each week: I average around 3-4 cards per week
How long have you been crafting: For as long as I can remember! I’ve always enjoyed making all kinds of things, and still do. I got into paper crafting about 6 years ago, and haven’t looked back since!
Favorite colors to use on cards: Anything… I like bold, I like soft, I like pastel, I like neutral… whatever mood strikes!
Favorite crafting embellishment: Lace, ribbon and stick pins. Almost everything I create uses at least two of the three, if not all.
On average, how many cards do you create each week: Hmmm… on average, I’d say about 10. Some weeks more, some less. I try to create every day, if possible!
How long have you been crafting: I started stamping in 2011 after seeing my mom making cards.
Favorite colors to use on cards: Pink and blue
Favorite crafting embellishment: Twine and blings
On average, how many cards do you create each week: I try to make one card a week during school time and in the holidays, usually 2 – 4
How long have you been crafting: I’m a newbie and have been crafting for just 6 months…
Favorite colors to use on cards: light blue+light green+white is my favourite colour combination…
Favorite crafting embellishment: Pearls, flowers are my favourite embellishments and you won’t find a single card without either of these! :) But I’m currently having a crush on lace trims too! :)
On average, how many cards do you create each week: Umm…this greatly varies… But I usually make 2-3 cards per week… when I’m in a mood to make CAS cards, I even make 4-5 cards a single day! :)
I know that these ladies are so excited to be joining the team and getting to know all of you and sharing their creations. Be sure to visit each of their blogs and leave them some sweet love!
The next challenge starts on Wednesday, Feburary 6th and we have a super fun theme! If you haven’t already, go like the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page– you’ll get an exclusive peek at the challenge a day early!
Have a fabulous rest of your Friday. Thank you so much for sharing in my excitement about the first DT and peeking in to say hello.
As the oldest of five kids, I always struggle a wee bit when my siblings have a birthday. It’s not for reasons you might thing though…. I have a wonderful relationship with each of my siblings. As each of them gets older, I’m reminded that they are growing up so quickly and their young “kid” days are over. However, I’m also grateful that we are all still close and getting older together has bonded us even more.
Today is my youngest sister’s 21st birthday. Recently many of you have gotten to know Krista- she’s contributed this post and this post. While you can get a small taste of her personality in her posts, it doesn’t even begin to encapsulate her personality and fun spirit. I wish each of you could meet her in person.
Krista’s personal style actually varies quite a bit from mine. She appreciate eclectic art a lot more and has a keen eye for colors, patterns and styles. Somehow she is able to mix together lots of “random” pieces and it always turns out amazing. Her room showcases this beautifully- I really should get her to do a post on it. Since I wanted to make her birthday card special, I tried to mix unique colors and patterns together.
Recently I went to a scrapbook store and they had a Studio Calico paper pack on sale. It wasn’t a pack I would normally go for, but there was something about the colors that was so beautiful. I’m so happy I got it- I was able to use three of the papers on this card!
The picture above shows off the papers and embellishments a little bit more. Did you notice the “st” stickers? Those were part of a pack I got from Target {in the dollar section} and never found a use for them. I’d say they work perfectly for this special card!
Right now Krista is in a transition stage and has a good possibility of moving to California for a chef job soon. Needless to say, I’m treasuring every last minute she is still here. I adore my little sister and am so proud of her. While I’m super sad to even think about her moving, I know that she’s going to do amazing things wherever she goes.
Thanks for stopping by and letting me share a little peek inside my relationship with my sister. I’ll see you tomorrow for the exciting 10 Minute Craft Dash DT announcement!
I’m so excited that the day is finally here and I get to share this Valentine treat! If you follow the DeNami blog, you saw on Friday that Dana created a darling photo tutorial. I am utterly in love with Dana’s creative idea and am thrilled that she had the idea for us to do a downloadable PDF based off of her idea. {stay until the end of the post for the link}
Since I’m such a fan of pink and red together, I decided to bring them together for today’s post. Add in some hearts, bling and candy and you have a sweet treat {literally} all wrapped in one.
One of my favorite things about this project? I got to use some of the items I’ve been hoarding and they worked perfectly on this little beauty. A while back Wendy sent me a lot of pom poms, which I’ve been saving for special occasions. After playing with a few different options, I decided that the pink ones HAD to be used on this template. Don’t they look darling?
On the front, I put in some acetate so you could see the candies up close. After putting everything together, I realized I needed bling and added lots of red rhinestones to frame the heart. There just aren’t words about how much I love how this turned out– it’s going to be so hard to part with this basket!
Do you want to create your own adorable Valentine baskets? Click here to add the FREE PDF download to your DeNami shopping cart!
Thanks for stopping by, I hope you were inspired by this Valentine creation!
I have some exciting news….in a mere THREE days I’ll be posting the very first 10 Minute Craft Dash DT! I’m so honored and proud to say I have gals from all over the world joining my team. Each gal has a unique style- in fact, I don’t think it could be any more diverse! Hope you’ll join me on Friday for this fun announcement!
With the 10 Minute Craft Dash #10 closed, it’s time to announce the winner and favorites. While I love looking at all of the entries, this part is also my least favorite. I hate that I can’t choose everyone as a winner! If you aren’t a winner, or mentioned as a favorite, please don’t get discouraged– I hope you’ll continue to submit. We have some fabulous challenges coming up and you just never know, you could be the winner of one of them!
Without further ado, here is the winner from the last challenge…..
Congratulations to Chupa
Please email me (click the contact on the top right) with your contact info to claim your prize. Also, you get to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!
Here’s your winner badge- you deserve it!
If you have played along in the 10 Minute Craft Dash before, you know that each time I announce some of my favorites. Goodness gracious, each time this decision is getting harder and harder! Be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful entries! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}
There will be a BRAND NEW 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge coming next Wednesday, February 6th. This time around it’ll be a theme and this will be the first challenge the DT will join in! Mark your calendars!
I will see you tomorrow for a Valentine project. Have a fabulous rest of your day!
EXCITING NEWS
Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?
You can find me at 
