...just a little challenge (and blog candy) - A Half a Million Reasons.....

A half a million. Really? That's how many times my little blog has been visited! Its just incredible to me, and I can't thank all of YOU enough for coming by to visit me, to give me such sweet compliments on my work. My heart is filled with gratitude for every sweet thing you all have said to me and of course you company on this incredible journey!

So today, I have a half a million reasons to say THANK YOU and to do so, I'm hostessing a ...just a little challenge... This time it is a "Sketch Plus Three" challenge....


Now the sketch part is easy, and the Plus Three part is where you get to add in just a little something to your project, and if you ask me, that's where the FUN comes in.

And I've got a bevy of elements to select from for your "Plus Three" - to play along you'll choose three (or even more if you'd like) of the following elements to include on your project:

• gingham
• text printed papers
• ledger paper
  
• twill
  
• kraft paper
• denim
• stitching
• bling
• paper piecing

Now for the FUN part! MFT and TCP have both generously agreed to sponsor this celebration! So, for playing along, you'll automatically be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to BOTH The Cat's Pajamas and My Favorite Things!

I've got two samples to share with you, and though they use the same exact sketch, I love how it totally changes the card!

The first is my TCP sample using Smells Like Cake. My "Plus Three" for this first card are denim, black bling, gingham and sewing. (I've sewn the denim in place, and physically sewn that button into place on the card.) Poochie's birthday treat has been given a quick coat of glaze pen. Another fun detail on this card, is that I "upcycled" a corrugated cardboard piece for my scallop element. I LOVE the extra bit of detail that it gives, and its a fun way to incorporate scallops into a masculine card!MFT Die-namics.


And here's my second sample this time using MFT's Pure Innocence: Birthday Princess, same sketch, but with a totally different take on the "Plus Three"- this incorporates a stitched scraplet, paper piecing, gingham, twill tape and text papers too. Can you see I {heart} my Die-namics and I've used the jumbo scallop on this card as well.


You are welcome to enter the contest as many times as you'd like, but you can only list new creations (not link up something that you'd made previously that happens to qualify). You'll add a direct link to your project (which you'll post to your blog or online gallery of choice) using InLinks below - love this new linking system that pops a little picture of your project right here! Fun stuff!

The winner will be selected at random on Monday, May 31st at 9:30 AM. I can't WAIT to see what you create!

just a little blogaversary: Week One Challenge

I can't believe that I'm about to celebrate my Three Year Blogaversary! I'm so thankful for the sweet comments that I receive from all of you daily!

To celebrate, over the next few weeks, I'm going to be holding a series of challenges,culminating in a big old blog candy giveaway!! I really do hope you'll play along. Here's how it will work:

First Challenge: February 18-24th
Second Challenge: February 25-March 3rd
Third Challenge: March 4-March 11th

Blogaversary Winner announced on my Blogaversary March 12th!! I've been collecting items for the prize package, and so far, it includes:

• MFT Stamps: Lovin' From the Oven, Jolinne Fairy Girl, Pure Innocence You Make the Grade
• Stamping Bella: Avery Lollipop,Coco has a CuppyCake, LoveBeetle Huggabugg, Lil' Artist, Turtle Tots- Picking Posies, You're my number one - Abella, Rumball with Candle
• The Cat's Pajama's Stamps: Glitzy Glitter, Pink Striped Grosgrain Ribbon, Spring Fling, You Say its Your Birthday, Smells like Cake

While the prize will be awarded at Random, but you can earn multiple chances at the prize for doing any, (or all) of the following:

• Enter a challenge - earn one chance
• Use MFT, Stamping Bella or TCP in your entry - earn an extra chance
• Be selected as one of my top three for any challenge- earn an extra chance
• Enter all three challenges - earn an extra chance

You'll have just under a week to complete each one of the challenges. You may combine this with other challenges, however, this is open to NEW work only, please do not link up older creations from your blog or gallery. Thank you!!!

This week's challenge...will not be a surprise for some of you that follow my blog... it is to Paper Piece!

I used Paper piecing on my project yesterday for MFT's VIP kit, and I've made a new sample today using "Lovin From the Oven" If you're not familiar with the technique, you can watch a quick little video tutorial I made HERE!!

I pieced together Who's That Girl's outfit using Cosmo Cricket's "Garden Variety" papers. I added the sentiment "never trust a skinny cook" to the inside of my card, which just makes me *giggle*

To enter, add your project to your blog, or online gallery and then add your sample to the Mr Linky box below. Be sure to link the specific post referencing your sample, not a general link to your blog.

This challenge is open until February 24th at 9pm at which time, the Mr Linky Box will be closed to new entries. I will announce the following week's challenge, and share my top three favorite projects on the morning of the 25th.

...just a little challenge... Beloved!

Tonight I'm posting a new project, a new tutorial and this new challenge! There's lots to read... grab a coffee and hang out a while!

My Beloved Challenge:

Since I'm so excited about these stamps, this paper, the "Beloved Box" and the completion of my tutorial, what better time to have a challenge!!

Please use my Beloved box as an inspiration for your own valentines gift for a loved one. To play along, use any (or all!) of the following elements in your creation:

• Watercoloring
• MFT's Pure Innocence
• MFT's Bling Bet
• Beloved Paper from MME
• Pearls
• Machine Sewing

To enter, add your creation to my Mr Linky box below. The challenge will be open for one week - entries should be submitted by Sunday, January 17th at 9pm EST. At that time, the Mr Linky widget will close to entries.

I'll pick my top five favorites to share with you, and one lucky winner, selected at random will win three stamp sets: Pure Innocence Fairy Girl, Flower Girl, and My Balloon! I'm also adding a pack of Beloved Paper from My Minds Eye and a $20 Gift Certificate to MFT Stamps! **stay tuned, who knows what else I might add!**

My faves, and the winner will be announced on Monday, January 18th at 9am.