Saturday, August 16, 2008

A few things to celebrate

It's milestone time here again. Two I knew were coming up. The other took me a bit by surprise.

The first I'll mention is the 2nd blogaversary for this blog. I made my first post on July 21, 2006. Little did I know that I'd still be here blogging two years later. I hadn't been sure what blogging was about when I first started.

I also celebrated my birthday last week. It wasn't a milestone birthday, but still, it was a fun day.

The milestone that took me by surprise was reaching and quickly passing the 100,000 page hit mark on my blog counter! (Yes, I know it's at 56,000+ on the main page of my blog, but I'd had to do a reset. I can still see the "real" number behind the scenes.) I'd known that it was coming up. I'd even planned on maybe doing something a little special for it. What I didn't realize was that the counter would be spinning like crazy these last couple of weeks and that it'd get here so soon. Getting rid of those embossing folder lines has been a popular topic!

So anyway, I'd like for all of you to join in the celebration, and I'd like to show my appreciation for those of you who visit here and read, write, comment, and just generally make blogging fun.


From my stash, I have some items that I'd like to give away. These are all things that I've used to make cards that I've posted here. These aren't used items though!


This prize package includes a new set of 24 Prismacolor colored pencils, a Goo Gone Mess-free pen, a set of clear stamps by Heidi Grace, a white Signo Uniball pen, some iridescent Brides flowers, and an assortment of "faux" dew drops.

All you need to do to enter is add a comment to this post. It doesn't have to be anything specific. It can be anything from a simple Hello, to a suggestion for other issues to address regarding the Big Shot or Cuttlebug, to your philosophy on life and the place of crafting or blogging in the universe. :-) I'll run this contest through Tuesday night at midnight my time (CST), and on Wednesday I'll use a random number generator to decide the winner and post it. If you don't leave me an email address so that I can contact you if you win, you'll have a week to check back and get in touch with me with your contact info so that I can mail out your prize. Otherwise I'll pull another number. Okay?


Thanks, everyone, for coming by and helping me reach some neat blogging milestones. :-)

Addendum: Okay. I'd tried to anticipate where things could go off track. Forgot about the anonymous posts. I don't mind them. I like for everyone to be able to comment. If you're interested in the prize and you post anonymously though, either include an email with your post, or drop me a line via email claiming your post if you don't want to put your email in the comments. (See my profile for my contact info.) I just want to make sure that the prize would go to the right person in the event that the random number generator chooses an Anonymous post. Sorry about that oversight. Carry on! :-)

83 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday first of all:)
    I'm not surprised at the blog visitor count,i've passed on numerous of your links links to card making groups and cuttlebug groups i'm on.I've only been papercrafting since january and i'm loving it.I did mainly fabric and thread crafts before so paper crafting is new.I have a new cuttlebug that i'm just starting to play with and i'm teaching myself parchment craft.I love the way your blog is organised and i'm blown away by the idea's you have especially for getting around things like creative cuttling etc.Thank you for sharing your ideas and taking the time to share your clear instructions for doing things:)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I just recently found your blog and am one of the visitors that had your counter spinning. I check you out every day and enjoy your posts. Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hello, I love your blog. Everthing looks so wonderful and your explanations are so precise. I have a cuddlebug and really enjoy the postings with instructions for using other dies. Keep it up. Kathy Conway in Texas. email address vconwaymeister@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. First, congratulations on all of your recent milestones. Second, a huge thank you for all of the information you so freely share here with everyone. I have told so many stampers about your blog and just love all of your Cbug tips. I also love the fact that you are not afraid to experiment and then share with everyone. I hope you continue to experiement and post all of your beautiful cards and ideas.

    Linda w

    ReplyDelete
  5. love all the amazing hints and tips you share. My friend has just shown me your site and I will be another one visiting regularly in the future and setting that spinner going.

    Ann xxx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations on your milestones! I am not surprised by all the hits - you are THE resource for Cuttlebug/Big Shot/die cutting information and you have such creative ideas. Your die cutting and embossing tips are wonderful and your cards are, too! Thanks for sharing your talents with all of us.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations! Thanks for the all the inspiration & tips!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Congratulations on meeting those very impressive milestones and a very Happy Belated Birthday to you. As I march through my life, I celebrate each and every milestone, whether it be a birthday or some other marker in life. I love your blog and read every update! Here's to many future milestones to go. :)

    Karen
    karen_l@bresnan.net

    ReplyDelete
  9. Good morning Sunshine and Congrats! You are quite a reference for the crafters who use the new folder borders. Myself included :) -- Thank you for sharing your tips, techniques and inspiration. The blog candy is great! We should be sending YOU treats though! LOL

    Hope you had a wonderful Birthday :)

    hugs,
    Elaine

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love your blog - and I celebrated my birthday last week, too. Mine was a milestone, a big one - 50!!!!! But, so far, so good! "They" tell me life begins at 50, so I hope they're right (whoever they are!) Happy Birthday!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday!
    :)
    Martha

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on your awesome blogging success! Thank you so much for all the information and inspiration you share with all of us...we should be giving YOU blog candy! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  13. Jay, Happy Everything!!! Love reading your blog and all the solutions that you come up with for our problems. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. sandie 994

    ReplyDelete
  14. Congrats, Jay, on hitting the 100,000 mark! It's a big one :) Happy Birthday, too!

    I want to thank you in particular for all your help and wonderful instructions using the Cuttlebug with embossing folders, Sizzix XL dies:), for instructions on the Bind-It-All and lastly for instructions on Watermarking (which I just discovered today!) You are a well of knowledge and a fearless experimenter and I appreciate all the sharing you do. Many thanks. Cindy H.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks so much for all the very useful information you share concerning machine embossing. I love it when you take the time to see if certain things will work in the Cuttlebug. Your blog is very inspiring and I enjoy visiting it daily.
    Robin
    rockinrobin1973@hughes.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. Congratulations on reaching 100,000 hits, two years, and your birthday! I really enjoy reading your blog- keep the information coming!

    Brit

    ReplyDelete
  17. Happy Anniversary & Happy Birthday. Love your blog :-)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Congrats on your milestones. I'm so glad I found your blog Ou give me such inspiration!
    aimcgraw@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. you have such great tutorials on your blog for using the Cuttlebug, thanks for sharing all of your wonderful ideas
    crystal joy

    ReplyDelete
  20. Congrats on your blog, just started to emboss with nesties, learning from here.
    Thanks nfor your tutorials.
    Susie
    susieblq@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love how you use the cuttlebug embossing folders on your cards.

    I am going to have to try what you do.

    Thanks for the inspiration.
    Marda

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love your blog! That is some prime blog candy!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Congratulations on your birthday and blogger milestone. All of your ideas are making that counter tick, tick, tick. The ones about the cuttlebug lines were valueable for everyone who uses the folders. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us and am looking forward for many more to come Karleen

    ReplyDelete
  24. congratulations on your milestones, jay!
    i'm relatively new to your blog....it was recommended for cuttlebug info on using the wonderful folders. thanks for all of that!!!
    and thanks for the chance at your blog candy!
    keep it up,gf!
    sandyh
    sandyha@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi ,congratulations on getting to 100,000. And Happy Birthday. I love your blog with all the cuttlebug help.
    Ann
    weedmana@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your blog is amazing...you have sooo many fantastic ideas using the Cuttlebug...Happy Birthday to a fellow Leo.
    apobiega@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congrats on your blog count- that is so exciting (!) and a belated very Happy Birthday to you :D!!! Your blog is just awesome- glad you have kept it going for two years and look forward to reading your blog for many more years :).

    ReplyDelete
  28. One of the first blogs I read and still one of my favorites! Happy Birthday and Happy Blogoversary!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Love all the ideas and colors you do - keep up the good work. If I am looking to find how to do something, I can always find it on your site. Thanks. Lorraine

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations, Happy Birthday and Happy Blogaversary.

    I will be visiting on a daily basis.

    ReplyDelete
  31. You rock, Jay! Congratulations on one of the most instructional blogs in cyberspace. You do the work so we don't have to. Onward and upward!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Congrats on all the milestones. No birthday is unimportant. I know, I've had 61 and still counting.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congratulations!! I'm new to the blogging scene. Don't know why I didn't stumble across them earlier. I love looking at all of the great ideas. Keep up the great work.

    hhw615@yahoo.com
    Harriet

    ReplyDelete
  34. Congratulations and thanks for the opportunity to win these great prizes for you helping and entertaining me. Love your blog and thanks again
    Yvette
    yjescobar@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  35. I enjoy your blog and the many ideas and tips that you give everyone. Congrats on reaching the 100K mark!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Wow what great blog candy! Thank you for the chance to win. I'm new to your blog. I just found you a little while back but your blog is great and I look forward to your updates. Thanks for the inspiration.My email is janet@swofford.com
    Janet

    ReplyDelete
  37. Happy Birthday. Wish I could take a class with you as I'm still a Cuttlebug klutz. Love coming here to see what new ideas you have for us. Thanks for the chance to get a prize.
    marciad

    ReplyDelete
  38. Happy Birthday and thank you for so much that you do. I hate re inventing the wheel and you have saved me hours of time on the cuttlebug, as well as money. Keep on trying new things and letting us know about them. amy

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love your blog! Thanks for all of the great ideas! Congratulations and keep up the good work! Marci emarci@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  40. I love your blog! I am a newbie and your instructions and tips have helped me tremendously. Thanks
    jmm19552003@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Love your blog! (found out about it from the Spellbinders promo). Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Congratulations on your tickerÜ You do have a fantastic blog. Thanks for sharing all the great tips on the cuttlebug! Oh and Happy Birthday.

    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  43. Congrtas on your milestones , Jay ! & Happy birthday !

    ReplyDelete
  44. Congrats on the milestones. Found your blog recently and love the info on using the cuttlebug and removing the lines. Keep up the great work.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love your style - keep up this lovley blog
    Lizzie

    ReplyDelete
  46. your blog is amazing - huge thanks for all the wonderful things you share, hugs and smiles WendyP (New Zealand)

    ReplyDelete
  47. Congratulations on all things. Love all that you share on your blog. It's wonderful when someone takes the time to let us all learn what they have come to find. dandmhayden@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  48. gorgeous site, my cuttlebug sat on the shelf collecting dust until i found you :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. Just wanted to say thanks for all your help (and inspiration).

    Congratulations on all your milestones, and may you have many more ! xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  50. I love your cuttlebug advise and refer to your blog OFTEN! Thanks and keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congratulations on your blogging milestone! I come here often for inspiration. Thanks for sharing your art with us.
    Hugs,
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  52. Congrats on your blogaversary! I recently found your blog and think it's great! I appreciate all the work you do to help us stampers.
    Rene Schweitzer
    rj_schweitzer @ yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  53. Thanks so much for a great blog with all your wonderful tutorials. I always know where to go to gain info on products and the best way to use them. Congrats!

    Sue D
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Happy everything...Iam fairly new to blogging, but I must say that yours was one of the first I added to my list. All the wonderful tutorials are so helpful...they have stimulated to actually use all those wonderful tools I have accumulated over the years...and of course add to them, now that I know how to play with them

    Thanks a bunch
    Janet
    luvngdirt@optonline.net

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love the cuttlebug information! Your blog is really great, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Love your blog and the great Cuttlebug tips! Congratulations on your milestone!

    Jayne
    jaynerossielliott@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Wow, congrats and thanks for all the inspiration!!! Stamptana

    ReplyDelete
  58. Just found your blog and wanted to say I just love your work :) Correna

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love your blog and your work, it has really really inspired me to dust off my cuttlebug folders!!
    loads of luck to all who comment
    Lisa xxx
    Lisa@craftfairies.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. recently found your blog, and appreciate the info you post. You've given me many ideas to use. Keep up the good work!

    lkhudson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Love reading your blog...congratulations on your blogaversary!

    Sue x

    ReplyDelete
  62. Woohoo! Congrats on your blog success!!

    ReplyDelete
  63. Happy Birthday!! I just discovered your blog. I can see why it is such a success! Thanks for the useful info and great ideas! Jodi
    jodi_lavon@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Congratulations on your blog milestone! Great info here.....have to check out more about using the cuttlebug with the big shot folders and dies.
    joyk
    bjjones@woodstocktel.net

    ReplyDelete
  65. happy birthday 2 u ( a little late....)
    happy blog-a-versary 2 u!!!
    i don't have any advise on big shot...mine isn't here yet :(
    thank you for your inspitation...i love to check your "inkings" out!
    regina

    ReplyDelete
  66. Oh, WOW!

    Every time I read here I love this blog MORE!!!

    Thanks so much for the generous blog candy- you are terrific!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Wow.... that's a lot of hits!
    Just want to say thank you for your generous sharing of ideas!
    DeniseB

    ReplyDelete
  68. Congratulations on your blogaversay! I really appreciate being able to see so many beautiful ways to use my cuttlebug and for all the tips you give. Thanks a bunch!
    Will email you my details
    Sandra K

    ReplyDelete
  69. Congrats!!! I love all your info on the cuttlebug. I love that little machine so it is awesome to learn new ways to use it.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Thanks for sharing your talent with us on your blog!!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Love your blog!

    Dawn

    kclukesmom@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Love your blog and congrats to you!

    ReplyDelete
  73. I just love your big shot and cuttlebug stuff, I have a big shot so I find that it helps me with knowing what I can do with it. Thanks for sharing!!

    ReplyDelete
  74. One of the best and most imformative blogs I've ever read, I envy your passion, knowledge, commintment and single-mindedness. Keep up the good work.

    ReplyDelete
  75. great giveaway! doris86@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. congrats on the blog hits and Happy birthday!
    What a great prize. Thanks so much for sharing your special days with us.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Happy Birthday to YOU!!
    Great giveaway!!!

    ReplyDelete
  78. Congratulations on the blog and Happy Birthday. Your blog is always so inspiring!
    Claudia
    scfranson@charter.net

    ReplyDelete
  79. Congratulations!!! Thanks for all your great cards, inspiration and for a chance to win! Greetings from Belgium, Annelies (scrapannelies at yahoo dot cm)

    ReplyDelete
  80. I just found your post and I love it. I am a huge cuttlebug and spellbinders fan. I find your information quite useful.

    My email address is cswagner@sympatico.ca. I live in Canada but I can have it shipped to a friends house to pickup if thats okay with you.

    ReplyDelete
  81. Congratulations. Thanks for sharing your experiments with the Cuttlebug, Sizzix, etc. It's helpful to know what others are doing.

    Swedie

    ReplyDelete
  82. I found your blog through SCS. Your artworks are beautiful! Congratulations on your blogaversary and HaPpY BiRtHDaY!

    Kim
    sarah1395@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Love you blog, SO helpful - I'm passing the link around like billyo because SO many people struggle with cutting and suchlike - thank you for sharing.

    xxxxxxxx

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for visiting my blog and for taking the time to leave a comment. :-) Don't be surprised if your comment doesn't show up right away. Because of the amount of spam being posted these days, I've switched things over to moderated. Legitimate comments will be appreciated, approved, and published in a timely fashion.

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin