Saturday, October 15, 2016

The Hop to Stop 2016 - Raising Awareness for Domestic Violence

You are lazy. 
You are dirty. 
You are a worthless slob. 

These are the words that were breathed to me. Words I've worked hard to recognize are not true. But over a 7-year relationship, I listened to them. 

Over a 7-year period I watched as my belongings were broken because I'd left them out. As my dog was beaten in punishment for his frustration. As my sense of self was slowly ground into nothingness.

Domestic Violence is a personal topic for me. In 2012, thanks to the help of a domestic violence advocacy agency I was able to leave an abusive marriage.  

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It took me a long time to realize that even though I felt alone, I wasn't. And the more I shared my story with others, the more they shared back. I started the Hop to Stop as a way to connect DV survivors and give hope to victims. I never imagined I would read through the stories that were shared along the Hop, the crafters who poured out their hearts - some of them for the first time ever. 

Here is my message for you. 

Though you feel bruised and stained... 
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Though darkness had covered your life...
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There is hope for light to shine again.
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Though you feel shattered in pieces...
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And though shadows cling to your edges...
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Those pieces CAN be put back together. 
Made even more beautiful.
YOU are a work of art. 
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If you're wondering why everything (at least that's my hope) in the blogosphere is turning purple... 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. 

Women between the ages of 15 and 44 are more likely to be injured or die as a result of domestic violence, than through rapes, muggings and car accidents combined.

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.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. 12 companies and over $700 in prizes! I can't thank them enough! Complete prize listings are available in the FACEBOOK EVENT page.  

DCWV is donating to paper stacks for every 75 linkups
DecoArt donated a prize package valued at nearly $200
Happy Little Stampers donated a $20 gift card
Jessica Lynn Original donated a $20 gift card
Newton's Nook donated a $25 gift card
Simon Says Stamp donated 6 of their purple ink pads
STAMPlorations donated a $20 gift code
Tattered Angels donated purple Glimmer Mists
Uniko Studios donated a stamp set of choice
Verve Stamps donated a $30 gift code
Unity Stamp Company donated over $200 of stamps


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!

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 30, 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*)
Link up your cards here!


67 comments:

  1. Such a powerful post, such a fabulous creation, such an amazing woman! You rock, Becca! HUGS to you!

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  2. Awesome post! YOU are amazing (Oh yes, and talented, too. *wink*).

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  3. Awesome card Becca! The sentiment and your mixed media design are wonderful. So glad you found the help you needed and I pray many more do the same. Thanks for organizing this hop!

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  4. Wow! What an art therapy with a strong message for the women survivors of Domestic Violence Becca!!! Tears came into my eyes.
    You created such expressions with deep dark sorrows and glow with awareness about abuse and transformed into hope so beautifully through your stunning art of piece! Absolutely breathtaking!!!
    Stay blessed always!
    And Thanks for all amazing sponsors! Would love to participate!

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    1. Oh gosh! I just saw the rules Becca that it should be a card. Hope my creation will count inspired by this good cause!

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  5. such a truly beautiful card, but more importantly is the heart behind it all. I am so very sorry for the hurt you have endured. I pray that you never again have to go through anything remotely like that at all. and I pray that your life will overflow with so much joy from now and always. sending you hugs!

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  6. This is so gorgeous, Becca! Love all those beautiful pieces, and what an amazing sentiment.

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  7. My heart goes out to you Becca and such an eloquent post...love the way you used words to explain the way you made the gorgeous work of art. Hoping I get time to make something this time too
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia

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  8. Yay, this is such a wonderful thing that you do Becca. I feel your pain. This is what our preacher said last Sunday in his sermon: "We've all got scars. Scars started out as a wound. Wounds hurt to touch, wounds take time to heal but eventually, they do heal and when they do, it leaves a scar. If you touch it, you don't feel the pain like you did when you had that wound. Most often, you don't feel anything when you touch it, but you remember how you got that scar. That's the difference between wounds and scars, so I'll take the scars any day." Pastor, Brent Thompson. Intelligent words.

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  9. Thanks you for being brave and sharing, too many people are ashamed when they should never be. It's wrong and it's not your fault and you are worth a lot. I'm glad to participate and hopefully bring some light onto the subject of domestic violence so someone can be helped and be brave. Beautiful work of art.

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  10. Thank you for sharing your story and hosting this important blog hop! When I think of domestic violence I think how sad that a person close to me didn't share what was happening until it was over. I wish she had shared because I would have supported her and he wouldn't have gotten away with it..... Thank you for bringing attention to this matter!

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  11. You are so strong and brave, Becca. Thank you for sharing your story and showing that real women do come back stronger. Your card is a work of art!! Wow!! The design is amazing!! I love, love it!! I'll be back soon to link up so I can support your wonderful cause!! Have a great weekend!! Big hugs :)

    Lisa
    A Mermaid's Crafts

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  12. YOU are FABULOUS, Becca!! As the last year, I'm stunned and just LOVE how you create a piece of art while explane the moments of the new reborn!!!! :D Awesome!!! And you are very strong and brave for hosting this special hop!! Big congrats for the woman that you are!!
    I will love partecipate, hope tohave time and mojo to enter in the challenge!

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  13. And we're off & running! Good on you for sharing your story & for organising this event to highlight the abuse! I'm in the middle of creating..... sooo excited & I hope you get heaps of peeps playing along!!! AND the sponsors are AMAZING - well done to them all for getting on board:):)

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  14. I love your card and I love how you put the words to the making of your card creating a true story and art piece. I hope to link up this time!

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  15. YOU, your WORDS and your AMAZING card are an INSPIRATION to us ALL Becca!!!
    THANK YOU for sharing your story and raising AWARENESS in such a special way with such a wonderful community {{{HUGS}}}
    PS - I haven't got my purple craft on yet but I have shared all about The Hop To STOP on my blog :)
    https://tracyscraftyadventures.blogspot.com.au/2016/10/the-hop-to-stop-2016.html

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  16. Your card is just beautiful! Your post also sends a really encouraging message to women and I love it!

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  17. Beautiful card! Wonderful words of encouragement Thanks for the hop and hope you shared. Looking forward to entering a piece and bringing more awareness to stopping domestic violence.

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  18. Beautiful card! Wonderful words of encouragement Thanks for the hop and hope you shared. Looking forward to entering a piece and bringing more awareness to stopping domestic violence.

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  19. O M G!! This is awesome! i didn't realize I needed glossy black embossing paste! I was just shopping yesterday! I must try this!.. this is so beautiful and I can't wait to participate in this hop, Becca! Such a wonderful thing you are doing to bring awareness to this problem...

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  20. Gorgeous card, Becca! I always love your ART! <3

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  21. Amazing work, my friend, and kudos to you for bringing awareness to this subject! Well done!

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  22. Becca, thank you for sharing your story and your art💜

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  23. I would be excited to take part in this hop. I would most definitely love to send some cards. My daughter was part of a violent relationship and as a mother it literally broke my heart!!! Thank you for sharing your story and I will be emailing you soon to send you several cards.

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  24. This is an amazing awareness hop! Your photo story is also very impressive - I loved the write up and the matching photo of building your card. Well done and KUDOS to you for this cause.

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  25. What a beautiful post. Thank you for being brave, sharing your story, and helping others to do the same. This is wonderful and your card is gorgeous! Many hugs!!!!

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  26. Your card and the walk through was just beautiful. I am sorry that you had to endure this pain, but going thru it has obviously made you an advocate- which so many people in these relationships could use- someone who has been there and was able to overcome adversity. My friend worked at a shelter close to here, I did not even know it existed. I attended a fundraiser with her and the stories- this happens in our own community and I was totally oblivious! God Bless you or sharing your story and for your strength and courage!!! And, your card is just gorgeous!

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  27. Such a powerfull statement and a Great piece of art. You are a very strong women 🙋🏻🙋🏻

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  28. Absolutely stunning card Becca!! LOVE the way you have portrayed it! :)
    Suchi xx

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  29. Becca loved the story told through your card!!! This is very serious !! I have witnesses someone very near and dear to me go through a terrible time.....

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  30. Your intro post to the Hop last time was fabulous and this time you topped it...
    The way you convey the message through the cardmaking process is commendable...
    I feel very strongly about this cause and am very glad you host this hop...
    Thanks

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  31. You wrote a very powerful and moving blog post, Becca. No one should have to endure being treated like that. Your card is stunning and I love the message it conveys. Domestic violence awareness is important to me - I'm popping in from my blog break to support you. I made four cards and I will link them up today. I hope to be back next week with a couple more. Thank you for bringing awareness to this issue. There is still a lot of shame associated with it and I hope we are helping to bring it out into the open so victims can get some help.

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  32. Now Becca, this is serious business [bless you for being so honest and open] I am so proud of you! I LOve the funny girl you found inside - that video with your sister this morning still has me giggling - though I did gag just a little to think about eating a yucky poptart! =] =]
    LOve and hugs... Michele

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  33. have i mentioned lately how flippin' AWESOME you are?! & if anyone tries to tell you differently ever again, you send them to me, k??!?! ♥♥♥

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  34. Your post brought tears in my eyes. You explained so beautifully. Love your card. Would love to participate this time and support this very important cause.

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  35. What a powerful post. Becca what an amazing person you are. I'm sure you have touched so many hearts xx

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  36. Oh my! What a powerful message to all of us Becca!
    You are fierce
    You are strong
    you are beautiful
    and of course you are an incredible artist!

    BIG HUGS

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  37. You are so courageous! Thank you for doing this and sharing your powerful words.
    Your card is gorgeous too. Well done.

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  38. Becca,
    You are stronger than you could ever know. How admirable and amazing that you were able to choose to leave a life of violence! Also wonderful is your choice to speak up to encourage others and to raise awareness about this cause. Bless you,
    Christine

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  39. How brave of you to speak out and do this to support what others are going through too. I hope this hop helps others to leave an abusive situation too. Your card is really a work of art expressing volumes of what you went through. Bravo Becca.

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  40. Cant wait to particpate again. Thank you for sharing and for doing this. It can be so so hard to break away from a life of domestic violence and find yourself again. For me, my parents were able to step in and get me away then I had that long journey of finding myself and my self value again.. The more we all speak ouT the more others will find they too can do it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart xx Aileen

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  41. I love this post Becca. you are so brave and needless to say that you are super talented, I am so glad I am linking up a card for this great cause.

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  42. Thank You Becca for your kind words on my Juggling Tiger and inviting me to enter this hop for a good cause.. Love your project and the words of wisdom to all your suffer.. Hugs...

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  43. such an important issue and i'm glad i can participate in this to create awareness. love your card :) thanks for taking the initiative and thanks to the sponsors for supporting it !
    warm hugs
    preeti

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  44. Your card is stunning!! Love!
    Thank you for sharing your story and such a great cause! <3
    Hugs

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  45. Love that you created this blog hop for Domestic Abuse Awareness! Your card is awesome! Thanks for doing this!

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  46. this is very important cause to support!
    your card is wonderful!
    and cards for all participates are so nice!
    hugs

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  47. You are Fabulous! I think this is a wonderful thing you are doing and will be creating a card this week to link up. I agree they seem to like to hush up Domestic Violence, so glad they put an article in the newspaper each Sunday in reference to this cause during October. I'm a strong advocate of domestic violence, like you I heard the name calling, suffering the hitting and beating, was kept pregnant so he would have total control of my life, Mine lasted 4 years and my Dad's death seem to wake me up and I knew I had to get out. I was able to leave an abusive marriage in 1984 with the help of a local agency Wise Options was my safe place. You right with your card sentiment it does make us a stronger person.

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  48. wow wooow and woow Becca
    love all the step by step and all element you added for your adorable card
    i love that sentiment and the background too
    So in love with this card
    and I am joining too
    will visiting then the participant to Hoppinng
    thanks for the event Becca :)
    hugs
    Monika

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  49. I wish I could give you a big hug hug IRL! Your card is spectacular and I admire your drive!!! I hope this hop raises lots of awareness and I know it will make lots of people feel better and loved:)

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  50. Thank you, Becca. Your card and post are so moving. You are an angel!! Hugs, Darnell

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  51. Beautiful post and a worthy cause that I am passionate about

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  52. Perfect post for such a cause! Thumbs up to all the "linkers"!

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  53. Thanks for sharing this very beautiful mixed media piece and for spreading the word for such an important cause. I am fortunate to never have been touched by domestic violence but know of too many people (both women and men) who have.

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  54. Becca... Your post touched me deeply... Thank you for helping to bring out into the light something that continues to be hidden with victims that many times are still asked what they did to cause it...sigh. I am so happy to be able to help spread the word about your wonderful event!

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  55. Hi Becca, fun to be hopping with you. I can't comment on flicr so I commented on three before my entry that weren't from a login gallery. HUgz

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  56. Hello, Becca! I cannot figure out how to comment on #26. It seems to be a splitcoast stampers gallery photo but I tried searching on SCS and had no luck. The photo watermark shows her blog address but I couldn't find her card there either. If you've been able to comment, please let me know. I also wanted to let you know I left a huge THANK YOU on all of your sponsors' facebook pages! Thank you for shining some light on this dark subject!

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  57. Your card is amazing Becca and thank you for spreading the word about such an important issue. I have never been touched by domestic violence but I amd so glad I was able to join in to help spread awareness. A big round of applause for all the wonderful sponsors too!!

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  58. Your card is a work of art - as is your post ;) Finally managed to get a card hooked up. Happy weekend.

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  59. Love your card, and the work you are doing to bring more awareness to this important issue. Thankyou.

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  60. Awesome card for an awesome cause. You've created a mini masterpiece Becca. Remember, we were all created in God's likeness. You are perfect!

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  61. Becca, your card is amazing. I love how you equated your photos with your words...very powerful. Our DD was a victim of domestic abuse, so this is close to my heart. I will try to get a card made and linked tomorrow if I get home from work in time. Thank you for sharing!

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  62. Gorgeous creation, and gifted writer.
    Paulette

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  63. Congratulations on a powerful and uplifting post. Your card depicts the cycles of violence and the way through to hope and healing. Thanks for shining a light on the darkness that is perpetrated, in the main on women and children.

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  64. Finally made it to your blog to see what you had for this year's Hop to Stop & I'm so glad I did! Your post & your art work should be nationally published, Becca--perfectly written & a stunning creation!

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  65. Becca, you are an inspiration, your powerful words are truly uplifting for all the people who are trapped in toxic relationships, they need to know there is hope and healing and they must be strong and brave and reach out for help through all the organizations that deal with this terrible crime.
    I absolutely adore your card, amazing and powerful, light shines through darkness, every time.
    Thank you for sharing.
    Big Hugs,
    Maria Rodriguez.
    www.swimbikerunandstamp.blogspot.com

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  66. Wow, I almost forgot about this Hop until my daughter reminded me yesterday...what great inspiration from everyone. Your blog is such a great contribution to this great cause...although I have not been in this situation I have known some that have and my heart goes out to them.

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