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.  

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... 

Though darkness had covered your life...

There is hope for light to shine again.

Though you feel shattered in pieces...

And though shadows cling to your edges...

Those pieces CAN be put back together. 

Made even more beautiful.

YOU are a work of art. 

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!

An InLinkz Link-up

Coming October 15 - The Hop to Stop 2016

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.

On October 15-30, I'll be hosting the 3rd annual Hop to Stop Domestic Violence. The Hop is designed to raise awareness for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

How can you be involved?

1. Link up a card that *features* the color purple during the hop October 15-30. Show your support! 

2.  Hop along! The first year I did this, I wasn't expecting the tumult of what happened. Bloggers from all around the world were sharing their own stories and receiving encouragement from one of the most supportive communities out there (crafters of course!).

3. Send a card. During the Hop, you can send me cards that will be delivered to the Community Violence Intervention Shelter in Grand Forks, ND - a nonprofit that provides emergency shelter, counseling, supportive services, and safe visitation. 

More information can be found on our FACEBOOK PAGE. Please join the event, share with friends, and feel free to grab that image above to put into your sidebar! 

WINNERS - Hop to Stop

238 - that's the number of gorgeous creations that were linked up in support of domestic violence awareness.

Every morning I woke up to a new wash of purple and you all have NO idea just how much you touched my life. You also don't know how you touched the lives of others. I got so many comments, messages, and emails about just how much the Hop meant to them and how the stories shared created a safe place to look back on buried memories. Thank you for creating a space of healing and camaraderie, whether you shared a story or shared a card. 

A BIG shoutout to the fine folks who mailed me cards to donate to the Community Violence Intervention Center.... I can't wait to give them to the center and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.

Another >>HUGE<< thank you goes to the 14 amazing companies who agreed to sponsor the Hop. <3 You all are class acts and I'm so proud to support you. THANK YOU!


And now - the moment you've all been waiting for! 

THE WINNERS
IF YOU HAVE WON, PLEASE EMAIL ME AT bexcruger@gmail.com!

Make sure to go visit the sponsors and say thanks!

 

The Cat's Pajama's, with a $50 Gift Card - #91 Zub Momi

DCWV with a prize pack of papers and stickers - #199 Dawn Pool

 The Funkie Junkie with 3 Distress Spray Stains - #159 -Terri Burson

Hero Arts a prize pack of stamps and embellies - #19 Lee-Anne

Happy Little Stampers  a $30 gift card - #75 - Jerrie

May Arts Ribbon a TON of purple ribbon - #13 Jessi Fogan

MHK Designs  gorgeous digital stamps & paper - #31 - LauraJane

Newton's Nook with a $20 gift card - #153 Sharron Gregory

Paper Temptress with a $25 gift card - #132 Maria F

Simon Says Stamp - 6 of their purple ink pads - #2 Mynn Kitchen

STAMPlorations with a $20 gift card - #11 Donna T

Unity with a $200 prize package - #76 Aileen

Verve Stamps with a $30 gift card - #28 Barbara G

Winnie & Walter with a $25 gift card - #74 Michele

I wish that I could have given all of you a prize but unfortunately I haven't won the lottery yet! However, I did another drawing for the few of you who left comments on all of the sponsors places and on as many of the blogs that you could get access to. (Here's looking at you KT Fit Kitty, Dr. Sonia, Jerrie, and Dawn Pool) 

I really appreciate you all taking the time to leave lots of love for others! Not only that, but all of you took time to link up almost EVERY day of the Hop! WOW! So I am donating a collection of the Wilted Violet Distress Ink Products (spray stain, ink pad, marker, reinker). And the winner of the drawing was KT Fit Kitty. 

Dr. Sonia, could you also email me your address so I can send you a little extra love?!

Thank you ALL for helping to create such awareness! 

Distress Spray Watercolor Wash - Hop to Stop

Hurry Hurry Hurry! There are only >>2<< days left to link up for the Hop to Stop! I'd love to see your creations! 

Not sure what the heck I'm talking about? The Hop to Stop is a 2-week linkup party where we're asking papercrafters to use their voices and share their talents to bring awareness for victims of Domestic Violence. One in 3 women will be a victim of domestic violence in her lifetime.

Since October is National Domestic Violence Awareness month here in America, and purple is the official color, all you have to do to play along is make something that *features* purple! And there are over $500 in sponsored prizes! 

>>Link up your purple creations HERE<<
 

Before I share my latest purple creation, I thought I'd feature a few of the stories that have been shared throughout the Hop. It's incredible how long I've known some of these crafters, and how I might not really know their stories. Domestic Violence is silent, and not something that's freely shared about, and this hop is helping to change that narrative.

KT Fit Kitty 

Kitty shared bits of her story in comments along the hop - and believe me, she's commented on almost every linkup in the hop. 

"My mother was a victim of domestic violence, from my birth father, and she is lucky to be alive. She escaped with my brother and me when I was three"

Terri Burson 

 Like Kitty, Terri had first-hand experience with domestic violence as a child. 

As a child, I was a witness to domestic violence.  My birth father used to beat my mother, even going so far as to break her nose while driving in the car. Those childhood memories molded me into the person that I choose to be today; the mother I choose to be; the strong woman that I choose to be.

Em Louise Fairley 

One thing that's been mentioned so many times in comments throughout this hop is "thank you for giving me a place to share my story." Em shared a bit of hers, something she hadn't felt comfortable doing in the past. 

While my experiences don't define who I am, they have, all of them, helped shape me into the woman I am today.

-------------------------------

Thank you to ALL of you who've been one of the 178 linkups so far. You may not be able to see all of the private messages sent my way, but just know that YOU are a part of helping some women share their stories, and know that they are not alone in their experiences. 

And now for my card! I used some of my new Paper Smooches sets along with a Distress Spray Stain Double-Dip Background. 

STAMPS: Paper Smooches Tri-balations and Royal Cuteness.

 I also used some incredible adhesive ribbon from May Arts to create that swag banner. A while back I went a little crazy buying the cool adhesive ribbon and honestly, I have no regrets. It's so fleepin' cool and easy to use!

I loved the sentiment paired with that princess. :) 

I'm going to link this up to Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge - Watercolor (because my background is a watercolor wash).  613 Ave Create - Anything Goes. Allsorts - No designer paper.

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One last thing before I go - My friend Taunya (who is the sunshiniest ray of light that you'll ever meet) of Daisies Girl is having a blogoversary contest. After this hop is done and I have time to breathe, I'm going to totally play along but I thought I'd throw it out here, too in case any of you all want to go wish her a happy month and play in her challenge! :) 

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!