Hop to Stop 2016 Winners!!

And now, the time is here, and we shall face the final curtain. 

...if you now have this song stuck in your head, I am terribly sorry (but also not sorry because misery loves company - or so they say). 

Well my friends, the Hop to Stop is officially over. I drew the winning names two nights ago live on Periscope but am just now getting a chance to put the winners' post together. 

Without further ado, here they are: 

Concord & 9th donated two $25 gift cards

Winner 1: #133 - Maria Rodriguez

Winner 2: #50 - Becca Yahrling 

DecoArt donated a prize package valued at nearly $200, which includes Decoupage paper and a mixed media starter kit.

Winner: #116 Maria F

Happy Little Stampers donated a $20 gift card

Winner: #33 Christine Miller

Unity Stamp Company donated over $200 of stamps

Winner: #112 Joyce (Cards by the Sea)

Verve Stamps donated a $30 gift code

Winner: #37 Monika

Jessica Lynn Original donated a $20 gift card

Winner: #17 Carly Pool

STAMPlorations donated a $20 gift code

Winner: #23 Jerrie 

Uniko Studios donated a stamp set of choice

#108 - KT Fit Kitty

Tattered Angels donated purple Glimmer Mists

Winner: #115 Andrea W.

DCWV is donating two paper stacks for every 75 linkups

Winner 1: #100 Julie B

Winner 2: #40 Scrappamondo

Newton's Nook graciously donated a $25 gift card

 Winner: #7 Oh You Made Me Ink

Simon Says Stamp donated 6 of their purple ink pads

Winner: #99 Fiki (Bad Kitty)

Our sponsors are AMAZING! AMAZING! (and did I say AMAZING?) I am blown away by their generosity and kindness. If you haven't done so already, would you mind visiting their blogs and leaving a little note of thanks?

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Ok. Whew! Now that that's out of the way, I can get to what I REALLY wanted to tell you all: 

THANK YOU!!

I don't think I have adequate words to express what this Hop means to me, and how much it touches me to see all the purple washing the web and bringing awareness to domestic violence. 

Through this hop, I've seen survivors of domestic violence build connections and friendships of other survivors. I've read through stories of victims who have finally decided to voice their experiences for a first time. I seen such talented creators supporting this community through their art. 

You all are the heroes here. 

You all are contributing to a culture of awareness.

You all are reducing the stigma. 

I also want to take the time to give a BIG shout out to those of you who've donated cards for the card drive for the domestic violence shelter in Grand Forks, ND. 

Toni from Frankie Helps Craft

Lori Kobular from Lori's Kreations

Samantha Aguilera from Designs by Sammy

I know several other people have requested my address, so I'm keeping an eye out for the mailman. :) 

I will be waiting through November 15 to deliver them, so if you still have some you want to send please email me at bexcruger@gmail.com for my address. 

With that, and one last THANK YOU, the Hop to Stop 2016 is officially over. If you've won a prize, please email me at the above address and I will tell you what the next steps are to claim your prize! 

I Bought My First Set of Ken Oliver Colorburst Watercolor Crystals!

I don't know if you all may have deduced this from the title...but I bought my first set of Ken Oliver Colorburst watercolor crystals! I have to tell you that I have struggled against the urge to buy these for sooooo long mainly because I KNEW I'd need them in every color once I bought a single bottle. 

You guys... I think I'm in love. 

And now 

Sighhhhhh* 

Well anyhow, I can tell you what I did to make my pretty card.

I began by embossing the swirly flowers from the Verve Poppy Birthday stamp set. I definitely had to experiment with the Colorbursts in order to get it right. After some playing around, I found out that if you put the crystals on first and spread them around, it's MUCH easier that spritzing the paper with water and THEN sprinkling the color.

See that back panel? That was a direct result of trying to spray THEN sprinkle because I used way too much water and WAY too many crystals. I had to sop it up with another panel altogether. 

I edged the background panel with a shimmery green and then I added stems to the flowers with a Zig Cleancolor watercolor pen.  

Lastly I added a big ol' bow using Verve's Signature Ribbon collection. 

I'm going to enter this into the following challenges: 
Love to Create Challenge - Anything Mixed Media
Creative Artiste Challenge - Anything Mixed Media


So yeah.. now I need to go consult with my budget. 

Wondering why I'm loving purple so much on my blog? Well that's an easy question! The HOP TO STOP is happening through the 30th of October. It's a blog hop that raises awareness for victims of domestic violence. Some AMAZING sponsors (including Verve) have ponied up over $700 in prizes for those who link up! 

Head on over to check out the Hop! 

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.

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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! :)