With the flowers starting to bloom and the bright decor appearing in the stores, I thought it was time to bring out some cheery colors. Also, with the sponsor this week, these colors work PERFECTLY!
These colors can be used all sorts of themes and occasions- I cannot wait to see where your creativity takes you this week! As usual, the DT has some lovely inspiration to share and I hope that it’ll inspire you as you create for the challenge.
* 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!
Today we have a returning sponsor, along with some of their DT. Please join me in welcoming Lawn Fawn! I know many of the 10 Minute Craft Dash participants are huge fans of Lawn Fawn, so I’m extra excited to say they are sponsoring this challenge. Here’s what the lucky winner will receive….
I’m thrilled that some of the Lawn Fawn gals were able to take time in the midst of their inspiration week to join along in the fun. Be sure to visit their blogs and see their beautiful creations!
The latest 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge ended on Saturday and it’s time to announce the highlights! While this challenge didn’t bring out quite as many entries {some mentioned this was a hard color palette}, it still brought out incredibly beautiful items! Not to mention we had some first time participants and some more videos!
Now onto the winning entry and the six favorites….
Congratulations to Jen Rzasa
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 are my favorites picks from this last challenge. Oh boy, it sure was a tough decision to narrow these down! If you haven’t already, be sure to stop by each of the blogs to take a look at the beautiful cards! {Ladies, feel free to grab the badge below and put it on your blogs!}
Thank you for continuing to spreading the word of my challenge. If you want to share you love of the 10 Minute Craft Dash, feel free to add the challenge button to your blog. I can’t wait to start seeing more badges in blog land soon!
If you are interested in getting a head start on the next Craft Dash, 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 go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge a day early!
Tomorrow will start a brand new challenge and a prize from a sponsor that many of you adore. Let’s see, they have cute images and they always bring smiles to faces all across the globe. Any guesses who the sponsor might be?
March is jam packed full of birthdays for my relatives. Let’s see…there’s my brother, my aunt, my grandma, my sister and my brother-in-law {who coincidentally are married and have the same birthday!}. Needless to say, I’ve been busy creating all sorts of birthday cards.
Today’s card was created for my sister and brother-in-law. I know, it’s horrible that I combined their card! This card took twice as long as I had planned for it to and well, I’m thinking what’s INSIDE the card will help them forget I only made them one. *wink* With my new obsession of sequins, I just had to add a few of them to this card.
I received some questions on how I’m adhering my sequins to my projects. After going through my stash, I decided to give my Crystal Lacquer a whirl and it works PERFECTLY! Since it comes with a teeny tip, it’s perfect for these little sequins.
You may have noticed that I used some alphabet stamps on today’s card. I have loved this set from the moment I saw it and I was so thrilled when Lawn Fawn released dies to coordinate with them. I was so giddy to open mine up, I just had to film a short little video on how the dies work with the set and how I plan on using them.
I’m curious if any of you have alphabet dies and if so, which ones are your favorite? Also, how do you store them? As I mentioned in the video, I’m still looking for a good {and inexpensive} way to store mine. Can’t wait to hear your suggestions!
Thanks for stopping in today. I’ll be back tomorrow with the 10 Minute Craft Dash #13 Highlights and info on how to get an early peek at the upcoming challenge. Hope to see you then!
Dream a little dream. Those four little words can pack a punch, if you really think about it. As a little girl, I had all sorts of dreams…..and yes, many of them involved big fluffy dresses and finding Prince Charming.
Today I have a sweet little card for you showcasing more Paper Sweeties stamps. Have I mentioned how much I love these little dolls and the outfits that you can use with them? They are oh-so-cute! Once again, I did some paper piecing using some new patterned papers I purchased. You would think I would refrain from intricate cutting after a long day of work, but honestly, it’s so therapeutic!
I wanted to send out a quick reminder that TOMORROW is the last day to enter the $25 Paper Sweeties Gift Certificate Giveaway. There are five ways to get entries in for your chance to pick out some adorable sets for yourself!
I recently asked on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page if there was interest for a Blogging 101 post. After a resounding “yes”, I have plans to put a mini series together. Over the course of many years blogging, I’ve learned lots of lessons, tips and tricks that I would love to pass onto you and {hopefully} help you in your blogging. Stay tuned for that!
I appreciate you all stopping in this week. I’ve loved reading the comments and emails that came pouring in from a few of the posts in particular. You all are the SWEETEST and most genuine readers around!
It’s been almost seven months since my car accident and I’ve learned so much from this experience. Granted, I never wanted to be in this situation, but it’s happened and the only thing I can do is focus on getting better, take the good out of this difficult time and {hopefully} encourage others with the things I’ve learned from it.
Before I continue on, I want to say that this post isn’t me being passive aggressive, “bash” or have a “pity party” for myself. If I’m being honest, I have thought about typing up/publishing this post for months and months now. Every time it reappeared on my blog calendar, I would scribble it out and schedule something else. It’s not exactly an easy topic, or one that will make me many friends. This has been on my heart and I thought I would share it with you.
I’ve always known that hard times reveals your true friends, it’s a fact of life. It’s been quite a while since I faced something truly life changing, or something I would classify as “hard”, but I would definitely say the accident has been major in my life. It’s changed my outlook on health, the things I used to take for granted such as work, driving and even standing, and it’s also changed my thoughts on friends.
You may think the quote above is a bit dramatic, but if you truly think about it, it’s true. When you face a difficult situation, it’s not uncommon for people to step back from your friendship, treat you differently, or possibly even pull away completely. It’s usually not an easy task to “walk” with your friends through valleys- sometimes you just don’t know the words to say, how to react, or you just are uncomfortable with everything. Truth is, it’s during these times where they need a TRUE friend .
Qualities of a true friend:
They check in on you. It can be as simple as a text or email, but these things mean a lot. Trust me. It’s better to text them even a simple “thinking/ praying for you” than letting days, weeks, months go by and not saying anything. You may have a friendship where you don’t have think you have to do these things, but if they’re going through a difficult time, these things mean the world.
They encourage you to get out of the house, even if you don’t want to {occasionally}. It’s so easy to wallow in your grief or pain and start having a pity party for yourself. Sometimes you really do just need to get out for a bit. It’ll make them feel “normal” for a little while.
They are there for you. There may be awkward silences, or moments of crying, but you will remember the times when they were there. It’s amazing how sometimes even just their presence can make a world of difference.
They do everything they can to help you. I personally dislike inconveniencing anyone for anything. I’m the type that does things the hard way so I don’t have to ask anyone for help. Truth of the matter is, everyone needs help at sometime, and usually when you’re going through a rough patch, you need help. Offering to help makes it so much easier than having to ask. {Don’t offer to help if you aren’t willing to actually follow through}
They don’t gossip or share your difficulties with others. Sometimes there are situations where others may ask, or someone needs to step in, but no one likes their “dirty laundry” or issues out there for anyone and everyone to know. Be discerning.
They surprise you with things you enjoy. It doesn’t have to be big {or even often}, but a small gift card, a little trinket, a book, a drink or meal…those things can really brighten someone’s day.
I could keep going, but these are the things that have meant the MOST to me during these last eight months. I’m not going to pretend, I honestly am surprised that some people who I THOUGHT were close friends haven’t contacted me once, or some have stopped checking in altogether. Yes, the accident is in the past and I am slowly recovering, but still it’s nice to know that they care, even just a little bit.
I don’t want a pity party, I promise. I guess I just have learned who TRULY are my close friends during this time. Have some actions {or lack thereof} changed my friendships with some people now or in the past? Absolutely.
There WILL be some people who God has put in your life for just a season. It’s true, some people will walk through life with you for a few months, or years, and then the friendship fades. Honestly, sometimes this can be a good thing. Who really just wants “fair weathered” friends?
I can’t wait to hear you all weigh in on your thoughts on how you would classify a true friend, how others have shown their friendship, or even listing the ways you feel like you could improve on being a friend.
In closing, I want to say that some of my blog readers {many whom I have never met} have been some of the sweetest friends a girl could ever ask for. Your comments, emails, words of encouragement have honestly helped me so much during this chapter of my life. I’ve learned so much from your example on how to be a friend. Thank you just doesn’t seem like enough for the things you have taught me.
Confession: I cannot stop creating with sequins. As you saw in yesterday’s post, I gave into the sequins trend and now I can’t put them down! I literally spent at least twenty minutes playing with different color combinations and sketching out some ideas I had to incorporate sequins into. However, before I show you any of those ones, I have a few more cards showcasing them inside this jar.
I recently received the Summertime Charm stamp set and matching dies {links below} and they work PERFECTLY with the sequins! Honestly, could you pass up a jar filled with pretty, sparkly sequins? I know that I couldn’t!
With the sunshine that peeked through over the weekend, I actually got my toenails painted and wore sandals. Granted, it was only around 50*, but in Seattle, we’ll take it! I think I was inspired by my freshly painted toes- I couldn’t stop pulling out my pink items!
I really love this sentiment- it works well for so many of my crafty friends! I have a dear, sweet friend who I’m planning on sending this card to, but I had to share it with you all before it went out the door. This friend truly does brighten my day and has blessed me in so many ways. I still get baffled at how blogging has brought so many amazing people in my life, all around the world. I love our crafty community!
That’s going to wrap up this post. I’ll be back tomorrow with a more personal post and I hope you all will weigh in. I thoroughly enjoy hearing from you all and this is a topic pretty much everyone can relate to. Intrigued? I hope so!
NOT LISTED:Spellbinder dies, paper piercer, cardstocks
I hope that you all had a great weekend. We had two glorious, sunny days here in Washington, which was just what I needed. The little bit of sunshine peeking through the windows while I was crafting was so wonderful. It’s amazing how sunshine can change ones mood and outlook after some gloomy days!
I posted on the Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page that I ordered lots and lots of sequins recently. I got them in, along with some Lawn Fawn goodies, so I did a mini haul video. {Thank you to everyone who has requested I continue to film them!} Here is the super quick little video.
I was so excited to play with my new goodies- I actually created five cards with sequins this weekend! I am so into my new purchases, I just couldn’t stop using them! With St. Patrick’s Day being a few days away, I thought I’d share a card for this holiday.
I used three different colored Neat & Tangled sequins on this card: Crystal Clear, Shamrock Satin and Gold Metallic.If you order, be sure to let Danielle know that I sent you over! :)
If you missed yesterday’s blog hop post, be sure to check it out- we’re giving away bigger gift certificates and the hop was FILLED with lots of amazing birthday inspiration. Thanks so much for stopping in!
It’s time for the monthly DeNami Blog Hop and since it’s our birthday month, I thought it fitting to make it a birthday blog hop! There are so many different ways this theme can be used- I just know that this hop will be filled to the brim with inspiration! If you started from the beginning, you should be coming from Pattie Goldman’s blog.
Be sure to leave comments on each stop. We’re giving away BIGGER gift certificates in honor of the birthday month, which means bigger shopping sprees!
I went the cutesy route and decided to bring out the Cupcake Chickie as my focal point. I have loved this stamp from the first moment I saw it and can’t believe I haven’t used it for so long. Since this is a special hop, I wanted to do something “out of the norm” and made a cupcake topper, too. {I actually made three and took a picture, but the lighting turned out horrible}
I kept this card design super basic because I wanted the chickie to the take the spotlight. Only three stamps were used on this card {supply list below}.
It’s time to head on over to the next stop of the hop: Lisa Petrella’s blog! I have the incredible privilege of working closely with her as a DT member and she is phenomenal. Not only that, she always has the most creative ideas!
I’ll be back tomorrow for a small haul video and a card featuring what I created with my new goodies. If you’re wondering, yes, sequins will be making an appearance! Hope to see you then!
NOT LISTED: pink, green & turquoise cardstock, paper straw, chevron ribbon
For my long-time readers, you know that I enjoy doing giveaways. With a limited budget, I’m not able to do them too often….however, occasionally a company will reach out to me and want to host one on my blog. Today is one of those special days!
As I mentioned in yesterday’s post, I am absolutely LOVING the Paper Sweeties line that was started by my sweet friend, Debbie. She has designed the most adorable line of dolls, outfits and accessories that can bring old and young together seamlessly. Here’s a little bit more about the company….
Paper Sweeties™ LLC is owned and illustrated by Debbie Marcinkiewicz, and offers hand drawn, high quality photopolymer acrylic stamps. Our heartwarming images allow paper crafters to create adorable dolls with interchangeable outfits and accessories! We also have a wide variety of wonderful all-occasion sentiments, labels and accessory sets – perfect for every paper crafted project! The Paper Sweeties shoppe carries hand tea-stained seam binding too! The Sweeties dolls, accessories and sentiments are so much fun to play with, and are sure to bring back fond childhood memories! You’ll enjoy using the Sweeties to create projects for card making, scrap booking, party invitations and favors, home decor and so much more!
We will be attending our very first show, CKC Scrapbook Convention in Charlotte, NC August 16th – 17th as a vendor! We hope to see you there!
Before I give you the details of the giveaway, I wanted to show you another card I created with these stamps. This card features Abigail, Dream A Little Dream, I’m Having A Tea Party and of course, lots of patterned papers.
Okay, now onto the information on how you can win a $25 Paper Sweeties gift certificate!
That is FIVE possible entries! Giveaway ends at 11:59pm PST on Saturday, March 16, 2013.
I can’t wait to read what your favorite Paper Sweeties sets are and also hopefully see some new social media friends! I know that Debbie would love to meet some of my amazing readers too- be sure to stop by and say hello to her. :)
I’ve recently professed that I am IN. LOVE. with patterned papers. My stash is growing with each Ellen Hutsonorder and boy, lately I’ve been using it up like there’s no tomorrow. I suppose it’s better than hoarding though!
Today I am showcasing a sweet little girl that I was introduced to recently. My friend, Debbie, started a stamp company called Paper Sweeties in August 2012 and she has the most adorable little girls (and boys), along with all sorts of outfits that you can adorn them with. As soon as I saw these cute designs, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on them. Growing up, I was more of a Barbie girl rather than paper dolls, so getting the opportunity to stamp/ color/ dress up and “play” with these stamps were so fun. Honestly, it was like I was a little girl again….
I will admit, once I started paper piecing, I couldn’t stop. I kept pulling out more paper packs and seeing which designs went together and what stamps I could paper piece. It was so therapeutic- I did this back-to-back on three cards!
I’m hoping you all are excited about these stamps as I am….stay tuned tomorrow because I will have a GIVEAWAY so you can get some of your own adorable Paper Sweeties stamps!
In the meantime, if you haven’t checked out the latest 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge, it was posted yesterday! We have an awesome sponsor and some of their DT joined along with some fabulous cards. I can’t wait to start seeing all of YOUR creations!
See you all tomorrow. Thanks for spending some time with me.
