Thankful Thursday- October 4th + Unexpected Blessing

My heart is just overflowing with joy and happiness today. Yesterday I launched the fourth 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge and my heart is just giddy from all the excitement. On top of that, tomorrow I have a giveaway post in honor of my 4th blog birthday. But that’s not all, as you may have noticed, I recently did a re-design of my blog and Pretty Pink Posh Facebook page and well, it just makes my heart happy. :)

This week hasn’t been the best in regards to pain {my back and neck have decided to flare up big time}  and migraines. However, in the midst of all of this, I’ve had some unexpected joys and great things come recently from the blog. Also, I received a big blessing, which I’ll share below.

  • Up to this point, all of my chiropractor visits have been covered by insurance.
  • My sister made it to Germany (for the International Culinary Olympics) safely. Now we just wait for the competition….hoping for gold!
  • Homemade cooking. Lately my mom has been making lots of delicious goodness and we have had many family dinners together. Oh how I enjoy family time!
  • Found out that I qualify for my iPhone upgrade in a month and with the buy back program, I’ll be able to get a new phone for very little out of pocket. Yay!

Okay, now onto my unexpected blessing…..Quite a few months back, I got a new craft studio area in the house. With the passing of my grandfather, the busyness of Summer and then the accident, organizing and arranging everything was put on hold. I needed a larger storage unit for my new area (to fit my expanding collection),  but it was a lot more pricey than I could afford at the moment.

On Tuesday, while I was at work, my dad text me a photo of this white unit and asked if I would want it. I wasn’t too sure, since it looked like a great quality and didn’t know how much it would cost. I responded that I would need better pictures and wanted more details. A few moments later he sent over a better picture and then said it was waiting for me in my craft studio. While my mom was heading out to do errands, she saw it at the end of our street (which is in the country and pretty much in the middle of nowhere) and it had a free sign on it. How awesome and amazing is that?!

My unspoken hearts desire was fulfilled and it was WHITE and beautiful, just like I had envisioned in my head! God knew exactly what I wanted and I know it was a blessing sent from Him. With all the craziness of the physical pain and migraines, and then these doctors bills, it was truly the thing I needed right now.

I am loving the different drawers and shelves- I can’t wait to figure out how I’ll organize everything! I’m going to see if I can find some different knobs and am thinking about possibly painting the wood on the top. When I get it all finished with my crafty items on it, I’ll take a picture. :)

Thank you for bearing with me in this long post and for sharing in my joy! What are YOU all thankful for this week? I can’t wait to see your lists!

See you tomorrow, blog friends, for the giveaways!

10 Minute Craft Dash #4

Hello!

Ready for a brand new 10 Minute Craft Dash? This particular color palette is one that I am utterly in love with and it works SO well with cards for either gender! Not only can you use these colors for everyday cards, they can also be used for holiday cards!

I have had the privilege of being a guest designer for the company that is sponsoring this challenge, WPlus 9 Design Studio. Over the years, my collection of their stamps has grown- they have so many awesome sets! For my card today, I paired Funky Foliage and Very Vintage Greetings. Love how quick this card came together!

Time it took to create: 7 minutes 25 seconds

Here’s a sneak peek at what Ginny created for the challenge. Be sure to visit her blog for the whole thing- it’s super cute!

Time it took to create: 7 minutes 29 seconds

I’m so thrilled to have WPlus9 Design Studio sponsoring a prize. Right now, they’re in the middle of sneak peeks for their new release, so I’m SUPER thrilled some of the DT gals were able to find time to play along in this challenge. Each of these gals have unique styles and I know that they have created some beauties to share. Be sure to take a peek at their blogs to see their 10 Minute Craft Dash creations!

Elise Durenberger

Kerrianne Gwin

Lea Lawson 

Savitri Wilder

Now onto the fun prize! Dawn has graciously offered up a $20 gift certficiate to the WPlus9 website. With their new release in just a few days (and the holidays coming up), this will definitely be a great prize to win!

How to Play

1) Create a card/craft project within 10 minutes using the color palette above

2) Post the time it took to create

You can pull out your supplies before your timer starts!  

  • Post the challenge graphic in your post, 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.
  • Challenge ends October 13, 2012 at 11:59pm, PST.



10 Minute Craft Dash #3 Highlights

Hello!
The 10 Minute Craft Dash #4 starts tomorrow, October 3rd! We have a fabulous color palette and a prize that I would love to get my hands on. Oh how I wish I could win. :)
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 go to “exclusives”, you get to see the next 10 Minute Craft Dash challenge colors a day early!
Well, it is time to announce the winner and favorites from the 10 Minute Craft Dash Challenge #3. Ginny and I had such a great time going through all of the entries. This color combination was the perfect last hoorah of the Summer. :)
Now for the winner…..
Congratulations to Jeni Allen
Please email me (click the contact on the top right) with your contact info and the Lawn Fawn set you would like to claim your prize. Also, you get to grab the badge below and proudly display it on your blog!
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There were so many amazing entries (some of them I’m still in awe took under 10 minutes!) in this challenge. Be sure to take a look at the other cards that caught our eye. (Also, you five gals are more than welcome to snag this fun badge!)
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Thank you  for your excitement and participation in the 10 Minute Craft Dash- be sure to keep on spreading the word about the challenge! We have some amazing sponsors in store for future challenges and I would love to see this challenge grow even more.
See you all tomorrow for the new challenge!

Featured Blogger- Dawn Woleslagle

Hello and Happy 1st day of October!

I am so excited you have stopped by today- it’s time for a new Featured Blogger post! For those new to my blog, on the first Monday of each month, I feature one of my favorite bloggers. When I read blogs, I always enjoy getting to know the person BEHIND the blog. Whether it be a crafty blogger, a lifestyle blogger or a fellow young single gal- I love putting away the formalities and having a “conversation” with a blogger I enjoy.

This month, I’m feature a fellow crafter, but also someone who has become a real life friend. I’ve had the amazing privilege of meeting this person and she is just as sweet in person {okay, maybe ever sweeter} as she is in blog land. Not only have I been able to meet this person, I’ve also had the opportunity to work with her as a guest designer for her company, WPlus9 Design Studio. Beautiful, down to earth and also extremely talented- I’m thrilled to introduce you to Dawn Woleslagle.

Let’s start off with some crafty questions!   

How would you describe your cardmaking style?

Is there an “all over the place” style?  Because I think I’d fit that one perfectly!  I really don’t know that I have a particular style.  I am quite the rebel at heart and hate to be boxed in. I love to challenge myself and absolutely love to learn new things.  So once I get bored with a style, I’ll switch.  Currently, I’m obsessed with all of the textiles and layers incorporated in the shabby-chic style. I know it’s cliche, but for me, crafting really is all about the process.  I don’t really care if the “finished” product looks good as long as I enjoyed the time it took to create it. Some days I may not even end up with a finished project, but man did I have fun playing!

What is your go-to color combination?

I tend to gravitate towards a neutral card base {Oatmeal, white, or kraft} and then add pops of color. Right now I’m using deep red, light blue, and green a lot.

If you could meet anyone in the crafting world, who would it be?

  1. My Design Team: I’m going to count them as one.  I would love to meet all of these talented ladies in person.  I can’t even begin to express how grateful I am for these incredible ladies and how much I admire each of them.
  2. Jennifer McGuire: Not only is she the most talented woman who seems to never run out of creative ideas, but she seems like a truly kind and generous person.  Did I mention how humble and real she comes across?
  3. Karolyn Loncon: Karolyn placed the very first Wplus9 order. I would love to personally meet and thank Karolyn from the bottom of my heart.

What are five things that never leave your craft table?

  1. Distress Ink (Fine Linen and Vintage Photo)
  2. Scissors/Paper Trimmer
  3. Baby Wipes
  4. Tape Runner
  5. Oatmeal card stock

 Okay, now onto some fun questions…..

Tell us about your blog. When and why did you start it?

I started blogging in March of 2009.  I was a Stampin’ Up! demonstrator at the time and I thought it would be a good way for customers to revisit project ideas.

What has been your favorite part about blogging?

Hands down, all of the wonderful friendships that have been created with such wonderful people that I otherwise would not have crossed paths with.

Are there blogs that you visit on a daily basis? If so, which ones?

I follow blogs through Google Reader, and I subscribe to waaaay too many to list. And yep, I do try to check it everyday.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I am a hair and makeup fanatic. So when I’m not with the family or working, I’m usually watching YouTube tutorials and trying them out. Some of my favorites channels are Pixiwoo, LisaEldridgedotcom, cutepolish, itsjudytime, dope2111, and GossMakeupArtist.

Name 5 things that you are most passionate about: 

  1. my family and friends
  2. setting a good example for my children
  3. learning and sharing – seriously – never.stop.learning. And once you’ve learned it, share it.
  4. graphic design and art
  5. coffee (there’s always a fresh pot at my house, ask anyone) ;)
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Now that you see what a sweetie Dawn is, I’m sure you want to follow her and her company too! Here’s where you can find her:

 

I hope that you’ll browse Dawn’s blog and other sites- there is so much inspiration and beautiful eye candy! Also, she has release week running right now- beautiful, new products about to be released! :)

Have a great rest of your Monday, I’ll see you tomorrow for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #3 Highlights!

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Last Call for the Craft Dash #3!

Hi there!
Just a quick little post today. I wanted to remind you all that TODAY is the last day to enter your crafty creations into the current 10 Minute Craft Dash! I couldn’t resist creating one more card using these colors. After all, with Fall here now, we’ll be going into more rich and warm colors soon. I had to take advantage of the bright, happy colors a little bit more!
I pulled out my DeNami stamps for this card. I just love how easy it is to create cards using our stamps in a short amount time. The days of me spending hours on cards is quickly going by the wayside. 10 minute cards are the way to go!
 Time it took to create: 8 minutes 8 seconds
Go and grab some stamps and some hot pink, green and yellow products and get crafty with me! Can’t wait to see what you create for the 10 Minute Craft Dash!

First Birthday

Hi there!
Last week, my “niece” had her West coast 1st birthday party. Since one of my sisters just got married last year, and the other is still single, I haven’t been graced with a real niece…..yet. However, my honorary niece is just about like family. I love her so much and honestly, when she returns home, I’ll be so sad.
I wanted to create a special card for her, so I got out just about all of my favorite things: pink, scallops, polka dots and cute embellishments. I mean, if I was having a birthday, these are things I would love seeing on a card I received. :)

I think there is something about the Elephant and birthdays that go together in my mind. {Remember this card I created last week?} I decided to incorporate the number one into the card. I’m so happy with how it turned out! You could EASILY use this Elephant with any number 1 through 9- just imagine all the possibilities!

That’s going to wrap up this post. I’ll be back tomorrow with a card for the 10 Minute Craft Dash #3. Don’t forget, there’s only ONE more day to submit!

NOT LISTED: aqua pearls, hot pink satin ribbon, scallop border punch, green cardstock, patterned paper

Thankful Thursday- September 27th

Do you ever have days when you are just so excited you want to dance around? Okay, so I might be the only one….

As you all know, I’ve been going through a rough time with everything around the accident {click here}. I’ve had some up days and lots of down days, but overall, I’ve tried to keep my head up and stay positive. I’m SO happy to say that this week has been the best week thus far! I’ve had more up days than down days this week which is HUGE! Seeing energy return, more movement in my neck {thanks to my chiropractor}, and overall less pain has been such an amazing feeling. I feel like the “old me” is returning slowly!

This week, my list is a bit longer- there were so many things happening, I couldn’t narrow it down!

  • I have driven myself TO and FROM work these past two days!
  • My neck and back pain is slowly decreasing! Woohoo!
  • I got to see my “niece” twice this week {she lives in VT, but came out for her first birthday}
  • Created lots and lots of crafty goodness over the weekend. I’m so thrilled to be back in the groove and can’t wait to start sharing some of them!
  • Finalized details and making lots of plans for things here on the blog- SO many exciting things coming!
  • Sweet unexpected surprises in the mail. {Thank you Tina for brightening my day!}
  • Long phone sessions with my sister as she preps for her cooking competition in Germany
  • My youngest brother for always looking out for his big sister.

Last week, I had four amazing gals share their Thankful Thursday lists. It was so fun to rejoice and “share” in the things that have brought joy into your life. I would love to see YOUR list! What are YOU thankful for this week?

Find Pretty Pink Posh on Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

 

DIY Fruits of the Spirit Frame

 
It’s not a secret that stamping crafting projects intimidates me. There’s something about creating something larger than an A2 size card that makes my heart beat faster and well, I do everything I can to avoid it. 
Right after my accident, all I wanted to do was craft. Since I wasn’t able to move my neck, that wasn’t something I could do and it made me want to do it all the more! Believe me, as soon as I was able to, I got back into my craft studio. Being around my stamps/ ribbons/ buttons/ etc., again was like you and your best friend being reunited. Even though sometimes I get stressed with deadlines and such, crafting does also bring me tons of joy and helps relieve some stress. 
Believe it or not, one of the first things I wanted to do when I was able to craft: create a project. A while back, I got some frames at a garage sale and they were laying unused on my desk. After pondering my options of what to create, I decided on doing a piece showcasing the Fruits of the Spirit.
 
This project was SUPER inexpensive and easy to create. I had fun lining up the words and then coloring in all of the different elements. Since my new craft studio features mostly white with hints of aqua, I decided to incorporate that into my piece.
Supply list:
Thick cardstock
Markers
Frame {garage sales/ thrift stores have them for cheap!}
Alphabet stamps- I used Quinn’s ABC’s by Lawn Fawn
Decorative stamps- I used Blissful Botanicals by Lawn Fawn

I’m so happy with how this turned out- I’m already starting to think of other things I can create with my alphabet stamps! Now that I’ve tackled this project, I can tell I’m slowly starting to warm up to doing more projects…who knows, you might see some more on the blog soon. :) 
Thanks for visiting my blog today- I hope that this project inspired you. See you tomorrow for my Thankful Thursday post!

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Lemonade Friends

Good morning!
I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine started out pretty good and then my back and neck started to act up. Thank goodness I have a chiropractor/ massage therapy appointment tonight!
Since we have our 10 Minute Craft Dash Challenge #3 running right now {sponsored by Lawn Fawn}, I thought I would share another card I created with the colors we are featuring right now. I just love how happy these ones are!
  Time it took to create: 9 minutes 30 seconds
I have to say that these little stamps are just adorable and I have so much fun playing with them! Curious as to where I got the yummy bright yellow ribbon? Wait for it…..Walmart! While I was picking up my perscriptions recently, I had some extra time and browsed the craft section. Imagine my delight when I saw this ribbon, along with a few other colors I *needed*. :)
This challenge still has a few days left- hurry and get your entries in! The winner receives their choice of any Lawn Fawn set AND you get a badge that you can proudly display on your blog. Come join us in the fun and be sure to let your friends know as well!
Thanks for stopping by today, I hope your Monday is off to a great start!
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Birthday Blog Hop

Hello and happy Friday! 
Today is a special day- it’s my mom’s birthday! She is such a special lady and I wanted to do something that would surprise her and show how much she is loved. My idea? To throw a surprise blog hop in her honor! 
 
I’ve gathered a few of the DeNami DT, along with some previous DT members and some of the most avid DeNami fans for this special occasion. If you started the hop at the beginning, you should be coming for Laurie Willison’s blog. If you got lost along the way, or just started, I have the complete list on the DeNami blog.{You’ll want to check out each post- these gals are SO talented!}
Mom, {don’t worry, I actually wrote in the card, too!}
I hope you were surprised and felt loved by this small act of how amazing and special you are. You inspire so many people with your creativity, love, passion for life, energy, kindness and zeal for the Lord. Thank you for always being true to who you are and for continuing to show Christ’s love to me (and the family), along with the DeNami customers. Love you. ♥ 

Did you happen to notice there are five sets of balloons? There are five of us kids, so I thought that would be a fun little way to incorporate that into the card. :) 
This is the last stop in the hop- I hope you all were inspired by the various birthday creations. Thank you to those who joined along and to those who have left my mom some birthday love on the DeNami blog. 
Have a fabulous rest of your Friday, talk with you all soon!