"What Do You Want?" a Winner and a Giveaway

Blogging is such a personal experience. I started blogging because I wanted a creative outlet and thought it would be fun. It has become so much more than that. Over time, I kind of followed what everyone else was doing because I thought that is what I wanted too. Somewhere along the way I got lost in it and confused about what the goal was. Was it to have fun? to make friends? to be creative? a friendly competition? 

I wasn't sure.

I did know that I loved the art of it. I did know that when I made a pretty card I felt happy. And the people were the nicest and became real friends to me. But I didn't really know more than that. One day I spoke to Joscelyne Cutchens (my Gallery Idol pal and winner for 2012) who asked me a simple question: WHAT DO YOU WANT?

And I didn't know the answer.

I thought the best solution was to back away from it for a while and "Operation Fade Out" began. When each of my design team term finished I happily removed it from the sidebar and then waited for the next one to be completed. The goal was to be free so I could think about what I wanted to do with my time and the blog. I didn't want to just make cards. I wanted to read and spend more time with my kids and exercise! Things that I used to do more of, but got replaced with cards. 

When I really thought about it, there were a few companies who were on my love list. and Crate Paper was on top of that list. I have said many times on my blog that the Maggie Holmes collection is my favorite of all time. So I made a mental note to myself that this was the company that I wanted to stay for, love, and work for. The whole time thinking there was no stinking way they would EVER notice me. It was my hail Mary idea as I continued Operation Fade Out. 

Over the Christmas break, I got an email that changed my whole blogging life. I was asked to join Crate Paper.

me?

ME?!

Hooray for wishes and dreams and goals. 

I am a Crate Paper Girl!!

In celebration for my dream come true, I made my own GIFF. I fell in love with Maggie Holmes version HERE.  Sometimes my girls and I like to take photos together in my craft room. This was a few months ago. Next time I will put my make up on and look more fancy, but I had to use what I had! I am also giving away one Maggie Holmes for Crate Paper paper pack and some other CP doodads. Leave a comment for a chance to win. Deadline is Monday January 20th at midnight EST.

And finally the winner of my Reverse Confetti stamp set is: AMY TSURUTA!!

I will be contacting you shortly Amy!

You can see some cards I made for Crate Paper for CHA HERE.