Blogs For Boobies - Check it Out!

Today, I'm showcasing a set of cards I made in honor of a cause that affects 1 in 8 women: Breast cancer. 

I'm one of over 60 bloggers who were invited to participate in a hop that raises awareness and funds for breast cancer. It's called Blogs 4 Boobies and is the brainchild of the amazing Skipping Stones Designs stamp company.

 

Now, to me breast cancer isn't about the boobies (although it's a fun word to say). It's about the women (and men) behind the disease. Over 40,000 women will die in the U.S. this year because of breast cancer. 

So a group of bloggers got together and decided to do a Hop that will raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. 

I'll be auctioning off a set of 3 cards. 

Card 1

Card 2

Card 3

Want to help raise money for this awesome cause?!

Here's how the auction works:

Bid Process Very easy!

To my  blog visitors and followers make a bid, for the card set, in the comment section of this  blog post. Bidding starts at $5.  Put your email address next to the bid as a way of "signing it" or authenticating the bid. 

Winner Process

The winning bidder will receive a paypal invoice from Skipping Stones Designs aka Heather Engebretson and she will collect the money. All of which will be donated on July 1, 2016. to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Shipping Process

Once the winning bidder pays via PayPal  and I receive notice from Skipping Stones Design I will ship your Card Set to  you. I will ship anywhere in the world!

BIDDING WILL END 6/12/16

Now get to hopping! Here's today's amazing lineup:

Skipping Stones Design >> Susie Bentz >> Penny Cunnigham Ward >> Nazeema Thompson >> Chris Dayton  >> Becca Cruger <-- YOU ARE HERE  >> Mary Maison >> Kim Sherrod 

 

Cards for Causes - Hop to Stop and Breast Cancer Awareness

So, one week ago I posted the link-up for the Hop to Stop and I have been BLOWN AWAY by the amazing support of the crafty world. Seriously, you all are SO beyond amazing.

I've read through every linkup, often laughing (even though domestic violence is a serious subject) and even more often while tearing up. It's been absolutely amazing to see people raising their voices and talents to bring awareness to just how many men and women have suffered at the hands of an abusive partner. 

There have been so many GORGEOUS designs, and I wanted to share a couple stories with you that have touched me. I am not sharing stories to sensationalize this issue, but rather to show you that YOU ARE NOT ALONE. We are not alone in our darkness. Through community, there is hope and light.

Jessi Fogan of One Crafty Mama

I "met" Jessi a year ago on a very similar post that I made for Domestic Violence Awareness month. She reached out to me and we've been fast friends ever since. She shared her story then, and it's definitely worth the read.

"He was excellent at belittling me and making me feel unworthy. He simultaneously made me feel that I was unlovable - and also that I was a slut. The emotional abuse was constant. The physical abuse began with a bang".

Jade Morrison of Crafts by Jade

Jade shared bits of her story on her blog, and I couldn't help but to have my heart reach out to her. She also made two very beautiful, emotion-filled creations. One about her childhood, and one about the woman she is now.

 

"I hear the crackle of his belt and the screams my mother makes. She is suddenly quiet... then I hear his footsteps coming towards my door, nowhere to go and nowhere to hide..."

Dr. Sonia SV

Sometimes the blog posts I read through weren't relating to personal experiences of domestic violence, but secondhand experiences. I thought Dr. Sonia's account was so powerful. 

"Some months back I got a new receptionist for my clinic. She appeared lazy and disinterested in her work, she wouldn't hear the phone ring and would walk slowly and lazily even though she was healthy and young. She left after a forth-night and afterwards we came to know why she had been so distracted... the poor lady had an alcoholic husband who would regularly beat her up. Appearances can be so deceptive..."

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I wish I could post ALL of the accounts that touch me right here, but I have a couple of my own creations to share, too! But I will be sharing more as this week goes along because there was some powerful art and POWERFUL comments!

POWERFUL My first card is another purple creation for the Hop to Stop - which, by the way - you have one full week left to link up! There are over $500 in sponsored prizes, and I'd LOVE to see what you make.

 Click >>HERE<< or on the image below to link up!

So my card features a bunch a purple goodness and it will be donated to my local domestic violence agency - Community Violence Intervention Center because the Hop to Stop is doing a card drive for their clients.

I wanted to keep it a simple sentiment so I colored a pretty flower and used some gorgeous papers and lovely ribbon to finish it off. 

Stamps: STAMPlorations Blooming Buds by Dee's Artsy Impressions, STAMPlorations Bloom Sketches,
Paper: DCWV Magnolia Way Paper Stack, Paper Temptress Laser Gold Glossy Lustre
Ribbon: Paper Temptress Cappuccino Satin with Gold Edges

Overall, I love how elegant it turned out! 

It was inspired by one of my favorite challenge - aptly named The Challenge. It is back from summer hiatus, but due to my move I haven't gotten a chance to play along, so woohoo! And I'm also playing along with Through the Craftroom Door -Anything Goes Challenge

 

And purple isn't the only color lighting up the web right now, October is also Breast Cancer Awareness month. I don't have personal experience with breast cancer, but it has affected friends and coworkers. So I'm happy to help spread awareness for another worthy cause. 

I love the dresses from the STAMPlorations PartyDresses Bee's Knees set. I tried to get at the spirit of being different and being proud of those differences, as many women who've undergone breast cancer treatment and mastectomies have experienced. 

There are a few challenges that are going PINK in honor of the month and I'd like to support Words 2 Scrap By's - Fight like a Girl challenge, 613 Avenue Create - ATG with Pink option, Craft Rocket Challenge - Pink, D.L. Art - Pink Linky Party

I'm also linking it up to Virginia's View - All things Colored

Whew! What a ridiculously long post! Before I go, I'd like to say a 

HUGE THANK YOU

to those of you who've followed my blog in the last week. 

Usually I try to call people out by name, but with 32 of you, I don't think it's possible. Just know that I appreciate all of you!