Thursday, March 3, 2011

Paying it Forward again and Hip Hoppin' Happenings about Happiness...

HA!  You like that title?   heehee

Hey, everybody!

I'm back for another FUN-filled THURSDAY with Unity Stamp Co. and another "Paying it Forward" post.  I can't even tell you how happy I was to hear from the last recipient and the person who nominated them-it did my heart GOOD and well, I have a few more things up for grabs.

I've got some stamps up for grabs-mostly new and only one used out of the bunch, some awesome 6x6 stacks of DP, brand new Seam binding, a big Bella blossom, some Jenni Bowlin butterflies, all ready to go to someone who might not be as fortunate as some of us crafters are.

So, the same rules apply from the LAST time I did this-please either comment OR shoot me an email if you'd like to remain confidential or have your nominee's details confidential.  I'd love this RAK to go to someone who needs it either due to financial reasons OR because they maybe just need a little emotional pick-me-up.  a little bit of sunshine and butterflies and a little watering of the SOUL.

So, this RAK will be open until MONDAY, MARCH 7th at 11:59pm cst and I'll announce the winner on TUES. the 8th!

....and NOW it's time to HIP HOP!

It's the beginning of MARCH, so you know what that means?  Time for a BRAND NEW Kit of the MONTH....this one's title is a favorite of mine:  {Just. Be. YOU.}
Isn't that the truth?   YOU are wonderful..so yeah!  Just be YOU.
Here's a little peek of this month's kit:

I have a few cards today that aren't my 'normal' style but that I couldn't wait to share:

The first one above is very simple using the "You're Invited" from the Soirees and Such set.  I patterned this card somewhat after the "Soiree" card that I recently had picked up in Papercrafts Magazine.  I was VERY excited yesterday to see my name on the Papercrafts Connection Designer Blog Roll-what an HONOR!  VERY excited :)

The second card uses that same October Afternoon paper and a former Kit of the Month.  This card is actually very meaningful to me even though you might not think so looking at it.  Crossword puzzles always strike me as a means to find that hidden word...hidden treasure.   Yet, it's a puzzle, and well, life can sometimes be puzzling.  Sometimes I don't understand why things happen, why people do or say certain things...... ...why so many outside influences can dictate how we need to act or what we need to be to be "Happy"......

Too deep?  LOL maybe-I guess right now I'm starting to see that even though don't understand a lot of things, happiness hasn't eluded me.  How could it I mean, it's   HAPPINESS.  For some it's a goal, but for me, well, I like to think of my own happiness as a foundation, just like it sits at the bottom of this card.  I feel like  solved "word", every "hidden treasure" is a little nugget-a little piece of the puzzle that enhances the happiness and the blessings I'm so grateful for-family...marriage...children...and LOVE.  The kind of love that brings security, stability and TRUTH.  
Speaking of truth... There is LOTS of TRUTH in happiness.....and even more happiness in TRUTH.

My sweet friend and makeup-conniseur-partner-in-crime Jimmi is up next!
Next Blog

Until tomorrow, my sweet friends...live your truths...and pay it forward every chance you get <3  
Photobucket

35 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful cards and images, love that little crossword birdie.

Going to email you my 'Paying it Forward' nominee :)

Hope your all well
Have a great day
Love to you all
Suzi
xxx

Andrea Murdock said...

I love this idea Jess!!!!! I may copy it as I have soooo much stuff and would love to pay it forward xoxo. Congrats on having a card in PC- I love the card you fashioned after it. Black and kraft are one of my fave combos- soo hawt and sexay! And the crossword card is beautiful- and deep. even though you have just 2 base colours your papers, embellishments and choice of stamps are so different and compelling it really makes for a stunning card. love your look into the deeper meaning. so glad you see that happiness is who you are, no matter who tries to make you think otherwise. I am always happy when I think of you xoxo

Tanya said...

Hi Jess.
Your cards really beautiful! Love kraft and black combination.
I'm would like to be the PiF nominee.
Thanks for the chance.
Big hugs.

the paper bug said...

Beautiful cards! Congrats on being part of the designer blog roll! Yay for you!

Good for your for PIF'ing. Hopefully it'll all go to someone well deserving. God Bless Jess. (See it rhymes! It was meant to be said. ;)

Julie Tucker-Wolek said...

I would love to nominate my bloggy friend Leanne... http://loveleanne.blogspot.com/ .....within the past 6 months, they have found out their daughter has cancer... she has all ready had one surgery and chemo...but its not working, so they have to start a stronger chemo round now :( she is a beautiful woman and her daughter is too!! I would really love to see her win as I am positive she could use the pick me up!! Thanks for the chance for her!! And loveeeeeeeeeeeeee your cards too!! You know I think you are AMAZING! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

NoraAnne said...

Beautiful cards Jess and beautiful post!
Big congrats on the PC designer blog roll!!! woot woot!

Lillian Child said...

Always a pleasure stopping by your blog - beautiful cards! And I would like to nominate my sister, Gloria, who is a breast cancer survivor and a lover of all things papercraft! Our parents have been in and out of the hospital the last several months (mom is still there) and Gloria is the one that makes sure they get to their appointments, talks with their doctors, cleans their house and generally makes sure they are taken care. She is definitely the "rock" in our family and the glue that holds us all together.

Angie Blom said...

wonderful Jess.. you are so wonderful!! I so love these cards they are amazing. hugs sweet friend!!

Jodi Collins said...

These are GORGEOUS girlie!!! LOVE the striking paper choices!! SO fab!!! LOVE that you are paying it forward too...you rock sweets!!

Laura (sandytoz) said...

Love the craft paper & black....shabby sophisticated! It's the TRUTH!

Erin said...

Congrats on the Blog roll!!!! Love your cards--the colors are perfect and the ribbon on you're invited is beautiful

Carisa said...

gorgeous cards! i absolutely love the black on kraft look. and when i saw your name on the PC blog roll i couldn't think of anyone more inspiring! you are everywhere m'dear and it's wonderful!

1CardCreator said...

Hey there movie star! Congratulations, I see you are on the PaperCrafts Design team blog! Whoo, Hoo, I can say I knew her when. Seriously, congrats, that is an awesome ackomplishment. ~Diane

Tamara said...

I Love your Black flowers!!

Cindy Haffner said...

You ROCK girl and so does your WONDERFUL work!!

Ujjwal said...

beautiful cards!! Love the new kit :)

Lisa said...

Wise words, and fabulous cards....

Vicki G said...

Ohhhhhhhh Baby! Those are sooooo elegant!!! Totally Yummmy!


Hugs

Vicki

Kate said...

LOVE LOVE LOVE your cards :0)
Gorgeous colour combo.
Kate x

Erika said...

Gorgeous cards. Love them both.

Marcy H. said...

Gorgeous Cards Jess~love the ribbon on your first card!

Rona said...

Very pretty cards!!

Simply Sandy said...

Cute cards love the black with the kraft paper.

Peggy said...

Beautiful cards! Glad to see they finally got your name listed on the blog roll! Hugs!

Aimee said...

These cards are drop dead gorgeous. I LOVE the black on kraft paper!!!

Karenladd said...

Oh my goodness, I just love that crossword puzzle bird design! Combining the awesome images with my favorite damask print and black on kraft makes for a fabulous card!

I would like to nominate my daughter-in-law who is struggling with trying to finish her degree and work her way through college. Her mother recently moved out of state and she is missing her terribly. She loves to craft but has absolutely NO supplies or tools other than what I can lend her. This would be a wonderful start to her stash and put a huge smile on her face! I would pay it forward on her behalf as well!

stampjourney said...

Love the elegant feel of these cards! Great stuff!

Unknown said...

Beautiful cards! TFS!

PS - I love that you do a pay it forward! That's so sweet!

sharon g said...

So pretty! And thanks for offering up your extra goodies!!!

Unknown said...

These cards are stunning!!! I love your pay it forward idea!!

Thanks so much for sharing!!!

~Ola

Tammy L said...

wow! these are stunning! I love the simple colors..they're just beautiful. I have also emailed you a nominee for your PIF what a great idea!
Thanks
Tammy

Denise Marzec said...

These are absolutely GORGEOUS, Jess! Wow Wow Wowwwww!

jennifer mitten said...

What beautiful cards!!!

Nona said...

Such gorgeous cards! I love the kraft and black color combo. Thanks for sharing.

Jessie/knightrone said...

So elegant!!