Thursday, November 26, 2009

Blog Birthday Candy Time!!!!

This post will remain at the top until November 27th.
Please scroll down for newer posts.

I can't believe it's been a year since I started blogging! I remember it sooooooo clearly...it was the day before Thanksgiving last year and I jumped in head first!!! I had no idea it would be such a fun adventure. I've "met" so many wonderful people, some of whom I'll be meeting in person at CHA in January and I've had fabulous opportunities, all because I started blogging.

To celebrate the birthday of Paper Playhouse on November 26th, I'm giving away a super sweet prize package consisting of:
$25 gift certificate to Stamping Bella
$25 gift certificate to Taylored Expressions
MFT Merry Christmas set
Just Rite Monogram Stamper Set
Memento Rich Cocoa Dew Drop
6x6 SU patterned paper pack
assorted embellishments (brads, bling, ghost shapes)
handmade cards from my stash
and a few more things that'll remain a secret!

To enter: Leave a comment on this post and tell me why you love rubber stamping. One entry per person please. Contest deadline is 11:59pm EST on Thursday, November 26th. I'll announce the winner on Friday, November 27th.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

75 comments:

Raquel said...

Congrats on you blogaversary!! I love you blog, your creation are soooo inspiring. Thanks for being so great. I love stamping because it's fun and it gets my mind off things and it's a great way to share your creativity and make people cards. Thanks for the chance to win.

Raquel

Unknown said...

Happy Blogaversary to you! Why so I love stamping? There are just soooo many reasons. I love the creative side of it, starting with paper and creating something so special that you get to share with someone else. That is one of the best parts! Then there is the sharing of ideas and time spent with friends who share the same love affair with paper and ink that you do... that is soooo fun too. And then there is the fun of shopping for all the new things that come out and the anticpation of what you can create! I would be totally lost without my papercrafting! Love your blog and all the inspiration you give me! Thanks

Emily said...

Happy, happy Blogaversary Karen! Thank you for the candy post and a chance at winning some.

I love rubber stamping because it really gets the creative juices flowing for me. With all the new products that keep coming out, it's perfect for someone with OCD tendencies like me (ha,ha). Seriously, variety is the spice of life and there is no end to how far you can go with this hobby.

*Alison* said...

WOW.. Happy BLOGAVERSARY :) Thanks for the chance to win.. I am crossing my fingers AND Toes on this one :)

WOW there are so many reasons why I love stamping.. but I think the main one is.. because I love the way it makes me feel. My mom has always taught us kids to shine, be creative, and go for our dreams.. I feel like every time I stamp and create a project.. I am leaving little pieces of legacy all over.. and I think it's a great tribute to her.. :) Plus lets face it.. it's just PLANE OLD FUN :) HEHE hugs

Christine aka The Stampin' Ninja said...

Happy Blogaversary Karen!!! So glad you decided to jump head into blogging - I love visiting daily and being inspired by you!

I love stamping because there is no ONE right way to stamp - it is such a flexible and all encompassing hobby/craft that is always changing and therefore, keeping itself interesting and fun! I couldn't imagine doing anything else when I need to relax or release my creative juices!

Thanks for this opportunity to win!

Craftin' in the Rain said...

Congrats on your blogiversary! I love stamping because I love to give heartfelt gifts and stamping allows me to do that. Plus it gives me a creative outlet so I have something to look forward to at the end of the day that is just for me! Have a great Thanksgiving :)

Dianal said...

Karen, congratulations on 1 year of blogging. There are so many reasons I love to stamp ... I like the satisfaction I get when the rubber touches the paper, the fact that I can become an "artist" in my own mind even through I didn't hand draw the image myself. I love the look on the face of the reciprient when they open the envelope and see their one of a kind card ... it's relaxing and stimulating at the same time ... the list could go on until your second anniversay if you'd let me ...

Lieve said...

Congrat Karen with your blogversary.

I lov stamping because it never gets boring, and it brings me to my special place where I forget the world...

Love,
Malie

Karen said...

Wow, congrats on the blogoversary!! Wonderful...I certainly have come here and enjoyed my fill of wonderful creations! I love stamping because it was my HUGE surprise. I had scrapbooked and done so many other crafts and for some reason stamping just did not "look" like something I would like. Then one day I finally decided to try it and I can't stop! I hardly ever do any other crafts because I just want to stamp!
Thanks for the chance!
Karen
lilacsandlupines@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Rubberstamping is my therapy. When I am stamping, I am able to set aside the stresses from the day. I really enjoy stamping with other people---fun to stamp and talk.

Kadie Labadie said...

Karen: Congrats on your upcoming One Year Anniversary-YIPPIEEE for you.

I LOVE rubber stamping because it allows me to unlease my creative side and it's something I can do all by myself.....or with others. It also is one of those crafts that I can share with my grandkids.

Thanks for your amazing BLOG - I enjoy my daily visit to the Paper Playhouse! Kadie

akagreenhouse said...

I love rubber stamping because it is immediate gratification. I'm a crafter from way back. My main craft for years was sewing. And although I made beautiful things, it took more than an hour to make anything. With stamping, in an hour I've made a magnificent creation. If I only have 20 minutes, I can still make something that is lovely and well received.

Leslie said...

Why do I love rubber stamping? What? Wait? Whoa! Doesn't everyone love rubber stamping? :)

I love stamping because it makes me relax. I love colours and bling and glitter! When I'm stamping I feel happy and stress-free. Hubby says I'm not happy unless I have a piece of paper in my hands and I think he may be right!

Congrats on your one year Blog-o-versary, my friend! So glad I've been along for the ride - you are amazing!

Nancy said...

One year, Karen...WOW! Congratulations! I love stamping because of YOU!! You got me back into stamping and into blogging too. You've been such a supportive and inspiring friend and usually stamping gets into every email and conversation somehow. When I'm stamping alone, it's such a creative outlet with immediate results. There's nothing like the appreciation and reaction received when you create something special for someone and they realize it's made by hand just for them. Thanks for the journey, Karen!!

Carolyn said...

Happy Blog-a-versary to you!!!

I get such joy from stamping and making my own cards for family and friends. It makes me feel so good when they admire my work, and they seem to look forward to receiving a card from me. Your site is on my "Favorites" and I enjoy watching for your posts and new work. Keep it coming!

Marcea said...

Happy Blogoversary hun. Wow, a year goes by so fast doesnt it. Hmmmm why do I love stamping .... well, probably because it is so diverse. I just love the fact there are always lot of new images and sentiments out but also all the different techniques. The main thing though is that it has brought me so many new friends through blogging - it has truly chabged my life!
Have a lovely weekend
-x-

Anonymous said...

And I thought birthdays come fast! A whole year of blogging already, wow! I can't say why I love it so much but I do know that when I finish a card and look at it and think 'that turned out way better than I thought it would' and giggle! Then I can't wait to give it to someone, I hope they feel the same way when they open it! That is why I love it! I do give away alot of my cards to make others days!

gloflo said...

Congrats on your blogaversary! I starting stamping about the same time I starting scrapbooking (10 years ago for my son's wedding). I have also loved art and so think that I could creat something art-like from stamp (since I can't even draw a stick figure)enough said. Love, Love Love it.

Thanks for sharing
Gloria

Jessica said...

Happy blogaversery!! I love seeing your posts pop up in my google reader each day! :) I just started rubber stamping a couple of months ago, but I LOVE it! Sitting down to "color" with my kids, creating something I can actually hold in my hands and then give to friends and family is wonderful. Thanks so much for the opportunity to win some goodies and for the inspiration your blog provides!

Cindy Vernon said...

Happy blogoversary! I love stamping because ANYBODY can do it, even those of who want to be creative but can't draw worth a darn!

Megz Mom said...

The thing I love most about stamping is that there are so many ways to use them. I love to paint water colors. So I stamp on water color paper. If I want to use my copics I stamp on another kind of paper. Mixed media projects are easy with so many stamp design options.

Rachel Hope said...

Thanks for the chance to win! I love rubber stamping, because I love to relax and let go of everything but the work...then you get to give it to someone and watch their eyes light up!

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your anniversary. I love rubberstamping because I literally love the feel of stamping on paper. I love the feel of the stamp and the action of stamping on paper. It is very relaxing for a busy mom of two.

Janet said...

I love rubberstamping because it calms me down after a long day at work! I also love the look on peoples faces when they see one of my cards, it makes me smile!
thanks Karen for teaching me all i need to know! you rock! Congrats on your one year!!
hugs

Laura said...

Happy Blogoversary, Karen!!! I love your blog... it is a must read every day!! Why do I love rubber stamping....there are so many reasons!! I love getting to play w/ ribbon and pretty paper!! Also, I love the chance to be artistic by coloring and mixing patterns and textures... I can't draw to save my life so this lets me show an artistic side!! I also love the people I've met!! Congrats again!!

kearneykrafter said...

happy blogoversary and happy holidays!

Anonymous said...

I most enjoy stamping becuase it is an activity I can share with my 6 year old daughter. we get the same delight from a newly sharpened pencil crayon as we highlight the stamped images any colour we please!

Ronda C. said...

Happy blogaversary! I love visiting your site. It gives me ideas and inspiration. Keep up the good work!

Nancy L. said...

Congrats on your blogaversary! I love stamping b/c it relaxes me and I can make things for other people and hope to make them feel happier ;) Thanks for the chance to win!

SuperCool CreationS said...

Hi Karen, I remember when you started blogging and am so happy you did! Your work is alway so beautiful. I love stamping b/c it gives me a creative outlet and allows me to have a way to send personalized notes to folks I care about, which I love.
Congrats on the anniversary and hope to see you soon!

Colleen Wold said...

Happy Blog Birthday to you! :) I love looking at all your awesome cards and creations! You are so talented! Thanks for the chance to win some awesome Blog Candy!
I love stamping because it's a way for me to "escape" from everything for a little bit. I enjoy the peace and quiet and am able to have some much needed "ME" time. And I love sending it out to people to put a smile on their faces!

Til said...

Congrats on the Anniversary!

I love stamping because it is a place that only I can go! No one else fits in that Happy place but me!!! Not even the UPS man! LOL!!!

Seriously, it really gets to the creative part of myself that I really really like.........

slbt17 said...

it is my creative outlet - I have a large family (getting bigger all the time!) and I send out cards for the holidays and birthdays to them all, I feel like I am sending a piece of my love to them - as I pour my heart into every card I make.
thanks for making me think about that!
Sandra

Sarah-Jane Kalé said...

Happy, Happy Blogiversary!!!! How exciting. I love visiting and seeing what you've been creating. What do I love about rubber stamping???? WELL!!!...EVERYTHING, but I especially love that it has introduced me to a whole WORLD of amazingly talented people who all enjoy the same thing, and it's allowed me to make so many friends that I would've never ever even known were out there, and work on DT's with wonderfully talented ladies like you. I also love that you can show someone a piece of blank card, some ink and a stamp and watch them create something for the very first time. HOnestly, what's not to love about this wonderful hobby.
Congrats again Karen, and keep up the amazing creations.

xx Sarah

Anonymous said...

Congrats on your Blogaversary! I really enjoy checking out your creations through out the week. Rubber stamping is a love of mine because it's "adult coloring". I love to color the images. It's very cathardic for me. I just feel the stress melt away. Thanks for the chance to win such awesome swag! I look forward to seeing more inspiring projects in the future!

Sarah Ogden said...

I love your blog and love the ideas. More so, I find stamping a quick and easy way for me to be creative

crazy4scrappin said...

Wow...I just found your blog and it is super!!! Happy Blogaversary!!!
Stamping and crafting is definitely my therapy...I absolutely love everything about it. The paper, the ink, the images, the ribbon..oh ah!!!
What's not to love. THanks for the chance to win...fingers crossed.

Annelies said...

Happy Blogoversary! There are so many reasons why I love stamping: it'nice to give something handmade to friends and family, it doesn't bore me 'cause there are so many different techniques you can use and I've met so many great people through reading blogs but also in real life on a local stamping event.
Thanks for a chance to win! Greetings from Belgium, Annelies

Heather said...

Karen, I so very much enjoy your blog. I have just recently come back to stamping. I had put it aside for a long time to work on some scrapbooks but in the last few months after finding some amazing blogs online, yours included have be rejuvenated!! Now I can't get enough. :) Thank you!

SueB said...

Happy blogoversary! I'm thankful for rubber stamping 'cuz it gives me a creative outlet where I can create tiny "works of arts" to share w family and friends and is a craft I can do alone at home or together with friends and family ... like the snow globe cards I recently made w my son for his class!

Thanx for the inspiration and blog candy opp! Have a t'riffic Thanksgiving!

Julie L. said...

Hi, I love rubber stamping because of the great diversity it brings to any craft project! I recently started stamping and am learning new techniques all the time. I love what you can do with something so simple! It's my birthday on Friday and it would be great to have my name picked for the prize. Thanks for the chance to win!!!

Julie L.

Maureen said...

I love making cards because of the creative process and the joy it gives me to make something with my hands. My studio is my own little sanctuary...love touching ribbon, buttons, love paper...love it all. And now that I'm blogging, I've met so many wonderful people!! Thanks for the chance to win!!

Laura (scrapnextras) said...

Congrats on your first year Karen! (I can't believe it's been 2 yrs now for me!) I love stamping for the sheer delight of creating something beautiful. I love bringing it all together, and sharing it online and through the mail! I'm not sure it's cheaper than therapy at the rate I accumulate stuff, but it's gotta be more gratifying!

Donna said...

I love stamping, and it's all your fault Karen :)
My very first card making / stamping class was at your house :)
Hope you are keeping well, love tracking all your great work on your blog!

Anonymous said...

I started as a scrapbooker (still am) then moved on to stamping. I have found it easier that scrapbooking, you don't have to worry about pictures, whether everything is acid free, it is generally a smaller project so it is easier to complete; making stamping more fun and enjoyable to me! Congrats on the blog - you make adorable cards!

Stacy Simpson
dssimpson@sbcglobal.net

BJ said...

Love your blog and style. I love rubber stamping because it opens the door to any and everything possible to stamp. Once I get into a project I totally get lost in it and forget about the troubles that I have. I love to give something handmade and see the expression I get in return. Makes my day great.
Thanks for the chance to win some great blog candy.
Congrats on your anniversary of your blog!

Stef Perry said...

I'm glad you started blogging, Karen, I enjoy visiting and seeing your lovely creations!! May you enjoy many more years!!

I love card making and other paper crafts, and rubber stamping is an essential part of that process. It has become one of my primary activities in the last 2 1/2 years and I can't imagine a day without stamping or at least thinking about it LOL!!!

Graphicat said...

My goodness, why do I love rubber stamping? I just do.... LOL I love the art of it, I appreciate the artists who've drawn/designed the stamp...thinking of new and exciting ways to use them. I love the inks, the colours, the colouring, matching papers and embellishments. I get so excited when I find an image I love and then get some AMAZING idea on how to use it.

thanks for the opportunity to express my love and well... win some goodies too. Love your blog, I've been follwing for awhile. :o)

Margaret de Witt said...

Hey Karen, One year already and always so much inspiration to share with all of us.

I love rubber stamping because it allows me to do two things. One - it allows me to be artsy and creative and have a relaxing fun time without actually having to draw something LOL but second and more important, it allows me to bring sunshine to other peoples lives by giving them something truly from the heart.

Jess Willison said...

First off - Congrats on your Bloggaversary! I have been following your blog for almost the whole year, and your work is absolutely amazing!

I LOVE rubber stamping because it lets me be creative, and it is a huge stress release. With two young children at home, it is so needed to have that time to myself. I also love the looks on people's faces when they get a handmade card, it makes all the time worth it!

Heidi Brawley said...

Congrats 0n your blogaversary!!! I love all your creations!!! Keep up the great work!!! I love rubber stamping because I like making cute cards that my family and friends appreciate that I take the time and effort to make their special occasion SPECIAL!!!
Hugs,
Heidi

April said...

Happy Blogaversary and Happy Thanksgiving!!! What a week for you! Love your blog, I check in daily. Love rubber stamping because I love to make handmade things and this is something I can do with my little girls. We have made some sweet cards too!!! Handmade all our Christmas cards last year and halfway thru this years!!! Keep up the great work!

carpediem said...

Thanks for sharing your creativity with us over the past year. I know it takes a lot of time and effort to post so often on a blog. I love to stamp because it is so relaxing and allows a creative outlet for my love of color and texture!! laura j

Donna MacDonald said...

Hi Karen,

Congrats on the first anniversary of your blog! You are a very prolific blogger and your creations are always fantastic!

I've always enjoyed crafts, but I don't consider myself "crafty". I think that's why I love stamping - I don't have to think too hard! I feel I can create personalized cards using inspiration that comes from minds of a number of (mostly) women who are so giving and willing to share their own ideas! The words of my dear friend Cathy will stay with me always - "There are no mistakes, only opportunities for further creativity!" and keeps me going when I feel a little "lost". The notion of "Copy and Share Everything" is unique in this craft & goes to show how friendly and willing people are to give you support!

We miss you up here! Keep well.

Jan Castle said...

Congratulations Karen!!! Know what you will be doing over Thanksgiving?...reading all the messages from your fans. Upon retirement I began taking pictures and making photo cards. One day, I walked into a stamping store and was immediately hooked-big time!!!! Love making cards and sharing techniques with others...great retirement fun!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win some candy!
Jan Castle

Diana Krause-Leemon said...

Happy Blogaversary, Karen! I love, love, love your blog. It has really helped me with my own rubber stamping. Why do I love to rubber stamping? I love the creative outlet. I love coloring and creating. It makes me feel like a kid again. It is one of my favorite ways to relax. Thank you for the opportunity to win some amazing prizes.
Diana Krause-Leemon

pat said...

conrats on your blogaversary!! I come to your blog often...you are such an inspiration. I love to stamp and create because it helps me relax and I love giving family and friends personalized cards and gifts. Thanks for the opportunity to win some amazing goodies.

Denimo said...

WooHOO!! Congrats on your one year anni!! I love rubber stamping because you start out with a plain image (usu. black/white) and end up with something beautiful! Thanks so much for the chance at your fabo candy!!
Denise

Sareeta G. said...

Happy 1st Anniversary Karen!

I love stamping as a creative outlet, a way to meet fantastic people, and it is a way for me to give a piece of myself to those I make things for!!

Keep going with your fantastic blog...I log on nearly every day!

Swamp Tulip said...

I love stamping as I enjoy personalizing my gift giving items. I tend to give from the heart and stamping allows me to create customized gifts and cards for those in my life who are special to me. Seeing the smile on their face when they open a handmade card makes all the inky fingers, paper scraps, and disorganized stamping table worth while!

Teresa

Megan -- Paper Crafts by Megan said...

Happy Blogaversary! Just came across this blog and am super excited to start following! Hope I win the yummy candy!
xoxoxo
-Megs :)

Janice said...

I love stamping because it allows me to be creative with instant gratification!
I'm so glad I found you on the web, thanks for starting your blog! You've been very inspirational.

sparkling stamper said...

I love stamping because it fulfills my need to create now that I can no longer cross-stitch due to hand surgery. An added bonus is that I can complete a card in hours or even minutes, while it could take weeks or months to finish a cross-stitch project. Plus, I really feel creative since I am using stamps and then my own creativity to come up with a one of a kind creation!!!

Melissa said...

Happy Blogaversary!!

I love stamping because I can create, make and give!! I love creating homemade gifts and cards to give away and brighten someone's day.

Thank you for a chance to win!
Melissa from Naches, WA

Shelly K said...

Happy ONE YEAR Bloggoversary!!!
Thanks to Taylor TE for introducing you to us all! I think it's great you blog...I'm going to start this coming year (maybe!) WHO wouldn't love to stamp once they tried it?!?!? I love love love it...my creative outlet, my relaxation, my time with myself and my time with my dear daughters! I'm trying to find more time to actually stamp for me instead of birthdays for the kiddos friends! HA HA!
Thanks for the giveaways!!

Kangels said...

Congratulations on your 1st year blogging. I love your ideas and inspiration. I started stamping about 4 years ago when my friend, Denise, got me started on card making - I am totally addicted now and have outgrown my stamping space. I find it relaxing after a long day at work to just sit and create a special card for someone... and all the embellishments - OMG....

Monika/Buzsy said...

Happy Blogaversary Karen! I love to visit your blog... you are very creative. I've just read your the little 'article' on TE. :o)
I love stamping because it's so relaxing and it feels soo good to make something froms scrap.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Cheryl LeBeau said...

Happy blogaversary!!! I love stamping because I never felt creative until I started stamping. I remember seeing embossing powders demonstrated and I was hooked (in the early 90's). I would say stamping has come a long, long way too! I love your blog and thanks for sharing. Cheryl in Reno/Sparks, NV.

Leanne said...

Congratulations on your blogaversary, Karen. Wish you were still a short drive away to enjoy your wonderful make-and-takes but at least I still get a daily dose of creativity with Paper Playhouse. Keep up the good work!

Leanne said...

oops... forgot to say why I love rubber stamping. It just feels oh so good to create something before your eyes. Your imagination is your only limitation. :)

Teena in Toronto said...

Happy blogoversary :)

Jackie said...

Stamping is a way to relieve stress and just creating works of art for our family scrapbook, or cards for friends. It's a wonderful hobby and a great way to encourage others in this journey called life. :-)

Jane Wetzel said...

Holy Cow and CONGRATS KAREN! WOW! Awesome candy! I love stamping cuz..lets face it..stampers are such NICE and creative people! I think getting something home made is the most "bestest" gift in the world! It touches the heart! Not to mention..it is so fun to do it! :) Thanks for the chance to win and God Bless! Jane

Lutee said...

Congratulations on your one year anniversary! I just started rubber stamping again (after many years of just doing digital cardmaking)and I'm so impressed with your work! I'm afraid to try the Copic Markers (not even sure what they are/how to use them)but you're slowly giving me the courage to try them. Thanks for the chance to win such great prizes. Lucy Lam

Tiffany said...

Congrats on your one year! I look forward to reading you blog everyday! Thanks for the chance to win such a great prize!

I love stamping because it's my therapy! When I've had a horrible day, I escape to my office atfer everyone goes to bed. Making a beautiful card or just trying to make something really helps make everything all better! Just walking in and seeing my ribbon and inks and flowers generally puts me in a better mood!