The Hop to Stop

If you're wondering why everything (at least that's my hope) in the blogosphere is turning puple... there IS a reason - the Hop to Stop is here!

You see, purple is the color of National Domestic Violence Awareness month. 

1 in 3 women will experience domestic violence over the course of their lifetimes. 

Let that sink in - 33% of all the women you meet. 

And women aren't the only people who are affected! Women, men, transgender - gender doesn't matter. Domestic violence is something that exists regardless of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, education level, etc.

And yet, it's something that is rarely talked about in very public ways. It's something that's hidden and hushed. And since papercrafters are some of the most amazing people out there, some of you have agreed to make a card (or cards) to raise awareness for this issue. Throughout the hop, I'll be pointing to some of my other bloggy friends who've experienced DV. Together, we CAN make a powerful impact.

Speaking of amazingly awesome - ^^^ Do you SEE that graphic above?! These are all the incredible companies who've agreed to support this blog hop. 14 companies and over $500 in prizes! I can't thank them enough! 

THE RULES (oh those pesky things...)

If you'd like to participate in the Hop to Stop, here's how it works:

• 1 - Make a card that FEATURES purple
• 2 - Link it up below before October 14, 12noon CST
• 3 - New creations only please, no backlinking allowed
• 4 - Provide a link back to the Hop! (it would be great if you put the badge in, too!)
• 5 - You MUST comment on at least the 3 entries before you to be eligible to win (be a good neighbor) buuuuuuut visiting the sponsor blogs/shops is HIGHLY encouraged. (hey - they are pretty generous and it would be great if we could thank them! There might even be an extra special top-secret prize in it for someone - wink* wink*)

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Whew, ok we got that out of the way. Now for my card. I'm making this for the Hop, as well as for the current challenge over at Eclectic Ellapu - For a Cause. 

I'm also sending it over to Virginia's View - all things colored challenge, and Simon Says Stamp Monday - Ombre challenge.

This card/this issue hits very close to home for me. You see... I am one of the 33%. Most people would never realize because it's not something I talk about very much. I'm only now realizing that in sharing our stories, we can heal and help. 

So my message to those of you who've gone through domestic violence (or those of you who are experiencing it now) is this:

You may have felt alone in the dark...

THERE ARE OTHERS WHO SHARE YOUR STORY

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

And no matter how many tears you've cried

IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT

Though you feel damaged and torn

THERE IS HOPE AND LIFE

Though your heart is scraped and hidden

YOU ARE WORTHY OF REAL LOVE

Because you are AMAZING. And you are more beautiful than you could ever imagine.

 

Stamps used are Unity Stamp Co's Faceless Beauty Set

If you are experiencing domestic violence, reach out for help! 

Call the 24/7 confidential National Domestic Violence Helpline at 1-800-799-7233

Abuse is not just physical. It can be emotional, too.

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And now - the sponsored prizes! 

Make sure to go visit the sponsors and say thanks!

The Cat's Pajama's is giving a $50 gift card!

DCWV is giving a prize pack of papers and stickers!

 The Funkie Junkie is giving 3 Purple Distress Spray Stains!

Hero Arts is giving a prize pack of stamps and embellies

Happy Little Stampers is giving a $30 gift card

May Arts Ribbon is giving a TON of purple ribbon

MHK Designs is giving some gorgeous digital stamps & paper

Newton's Nook is giving a $20 gift card

Paper Temptress is giving a $25 gift card

Simon Says Stamp is giving 6 of their purple ink pads

STAMPlorations is giving a $20 gift card

Unity is giving a $200 prize package

 

Verve Stamps is giving a $30 gift card

Winnie & Walter is giving a $25 gift card

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 Whew! Anyone else as as amazed at that generosity as I am?! 

Now... one last thing before the linkup (I know, I know... it's a long post. Some of you have asked if you could send your cards somewhere special, and so I've reached out to the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) here in Grand Forks, ND. They are SO excited about the plan and said they could definitely use cards. 

CVIC is a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, legal advocacy, housing assistance, and child and adult therapy for victims of physical and sexual violence.

It's not mandatory, but if you want to send cards to CVIC, email me (bexcruger@gmail.com) and I'll give you my address. 

I can't wait to see what you've created!

An InLinkz Link-up