Hello everyone! In just 10 short days, on May 26th, your's truly will be celebrating a birthday and I would love to have my mailbox flooded with handmade birthday cards and greetings! Wouldn't that be fun! So, I've decided to offer some very special blog candy for one lucky, random winner. All the cards will be eventually donated to From Our Hearts, and will be sent overseas to deployed military personnel who will be able to send them back to loved ones for their birthdays. So please do not write a greeting to me on the inside of the card. If you would like to send a personal birthday greeting to me (which would thrill me to pieces), please write it on a post-it note or separate piece of paper and tuck it inside the card. That way, I'll get to enjoy and keep your greeting and still pass the beautiful, handmade cards onto our military personnel. I would love to be able to ship off a box of 200 or more birthday cards to Marti and the rest of the From Our Hearts volunteers and you can help me in reaching that goal!
The creator of every card I receive will be entered in a random drawing for the following FABULOUSO Blog Candy package which will include the following items from the upcoming 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog -- Awash With Flowers Clear Mount Stamp Set (this is a two-step stampin' set that has so many pieces it needs to be stored in 2 DVD cases!; Clear Acrylic Blocks B, C, and D; A Scallop Trim Border Punch; an assortment of 5.5 x 8.5" cardstock pieces in some of the new Color Renovation Colors including Daffodil Delight, Cherry Cobbler, Cajun Craze, Marina Mist and Early Espresso; an assortment of 5.5 x 8.5" cardstock pieces in five (5) new 2010-2011 In Colors; a sampling of new ribbons and embellishments from the 2010-2011 Idea Book & Catalog. Now, obviously, some of these items have not even been announced yet. Demonstrators will get a chance to order a selection of Sneak Peek products from the catalog on June 1st and I will be sharing some of my preview items with the lucky winner of this fabulous blog candy package! Blog Candy Update: To be in complaince with Stampin' Up! Policy, the Blog Candy Package, including the cardstock, ribbon and embellishments samples from the new catalog, will be shipped to the lucky winner on July 1, 2010!
Can we do it? Of course we can!!!! Remember, the goal is to receive at least 200 cards which can be sent to our military personnel. I can't wait to see all the great cards that you'll be sending my way, knowing they will be shared with military personnel and their families!
Here's the rules:
- Create a hand-made birthday card. Supplies do not need to be limited to Stampin' Up (although you know how I love to see those Stampin' Up! supplies used on cards). Be sure and put your name and contact information on the back of the card. A personal greeting to me (if you wish to include one) should be on a separate piece of paper, not written on the card. Also on that separate piece of paper, include your name, address and e-mail address.
- Mail your card to Gretchen Barron, 837 West Olive Street, Decatur, IL 62526. Cards must be post-marked by May 31st.
- Leave a comment on my blog (any post) to let me know your card is coming in the mail.
- I will share pictures of some of my favorite's on my blog throughout May and June. Once I photograph them and enter the creators name in the drawing, the cards will be packed-up to send to the From Our Hearts organization.
- On Sunday, June 13th, the lucky Blog Candy Winner will be announced and their card featured on my blog. The winner will be chosen from a random drawing (names will be drawn out of a bowl by my daughter). Each card received represents one chance in the drawing. If you send multiple cards, you will have multiple chances in the drawing. Blog Candy Update: To be in complaince with Stampin' Up! Policy, the Blog Candy Package, including the cardstock, ribbon and embellishments samples from the new catalog, will be shipped to the lucky winner on July 1, 2010!
- Also on June 13th, I will announce the total number of cards that were received and that will be sent to From Our Hearts. I will also report from time to time, the number of cards being received.
- Entries can be sent from anywhere in the world and are not limited to residents of the US.
This is going to be so much fun! It's a win-win situation! I will get lots of wonderful mail and birthday greetings in my box (maybe I better warn my mail carrier!), you will get a chance to win a fabulous Blog Candy Package and possibly have your card featured on my blog, From Our Hearts will have an entire box of beautiful Birthday cards to ship overseas, and military families will receive hand-made greetings from their loved ones serving our country! Fabulous! I can't wait to see your card!
Oh yeah -- do you want to know what I used on my inspiration card today? The stamp set is Awash With Flowers and the sentiment comes from Watercolor Trio. The colors are Rich Razzleberry, Crushed Curry and Whisper White. The ribbon is 1/2" Polka Dot Grosgrain in Rich Razzleberry and Crushed Curry. I used a square Rhinestone Brad for this cute little bow center and the Scallop Trim Border Punch. And I used the Big Shot and the Square Lattice Impressions Folder for the texture on the background.
Thanks for helping make my birthday a super-special one this year!
Gretchen,
What a super duper idea...and a way to share your special day! You are a fantastic lady (and a super card maker too!)
Posted by: Shelly Cameron | May 16, 2010 at 07:33 PM
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this card and its colour scheme. I will get to work and send your birthday card soon. What a fantastic way to celebrate your day, only wish i thought of it myself. Thanks for the inspiration
Posted by: carol walker | May 16, 2010 at 07:53 PM
Hello!
What a wonderful idea! I can't wait to start my cards! This will be so much fun for you to receive all of the wonderful birthday cards and then they will go to our servicemen to send on to their loved ones! :>)
Wishing you a great week!
Barbara Diane
Posted by: Barbara D. Ramsey | May 16, 2010 at 08:07 PM
Gretchen,
We had a chance to chat with each other awhile back, and we discovered that we have the same birthday! My card to you will be on its way this week!! I love your idea, and am happy to be a part of "From Our Hearts"! Blessings, MaryS your birthday buddy
Posted by: MaryS | May 16, 2010 at 08:10 PM
Great idea--I love From Our Hearts and am happy to support your efforts! Hope you get 200+ cards!! I'm sending a card to you tomorrow.
Best wishes, Juliana
Posted by: Juliana Bibas | May 16, 2010 at 08:38 PM
Dear Gretchen,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DEAR FRIEND!!! :)
May you be blessed with good friends, close family, 5-layer chocolate cake, and endless ink, paper and stamps!!! Whoohoo!
Olivia
Posted by: Olivia | May 16, 2010 at 09:10 PM
I love the card you made! And I want to win that stamp set! So I'd better get busy and get a card to you, huh??!!
Thanks for a grand idea to celebrate your birthday!!! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | May 16, 2010 at 11:32 PM
I love the card! Hope your Birthday wish comes true.... 200 cards. What a wonderful way to celebrate. My card will be on its way tomorrow morning. Happy Happy Birthday !!!!
Posted by: Debbie Gasko | May 17, 2010 at 12:49 AM
I'm in! Such a great idea. Hope you get lots and lots of cards and have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: Heather Dean | May 17, 2010 at 06:07 AM
I will do this -- and not only for a chance to win, but to help our military. I have sent cards before to the Close to Our Heart program. It is a very wonderful on-going project. My card will be mailed today.
Posted by: Judy Jackson | May 17, 2010 at 06:24 AM
Gretchen, what a wonderful way to share your birthday. My card is on it's way to you today. Have a great birthday!
Posted by: Tia Hurt | May 17, 2010 at 07:53 AM
I'm so happy to participate in giving to the military and also sending you my wishes for your birthday! I'll be sending my card but I don't have any english wishes stamp set. I'll leave it blank. I would be pleased if you (Gretchen) could add a birthday wish (stamped) on the card I'll be sending. All of my stamp sets are in french, since I'm french canadian. Don't worry, on my seperate paper, my wishes to you will be written in english. :-)Hope my card is delivered on time for your birthday!
Posted by: Chantal B. | May 17, 2010 at 08:52 AM
Stunning card! Great challenge!
Posted by: Anita | May 17, 2010 at 09:32 AM
Can't wait to get to work on this. It's a great idea. My Cub Scout pack sent Christmas cards overseas to the military.
Posted by: Cindi Krauch | May 17, 2010 at 10:11 AM
Of COURSE I'll enter. Card's in the mail!
Posted by: PaperPotter | May 17, 2010 at 10:18 AM
Gretchen, Happy Birthday to you on the 26th. TTFS your special day with us as well as your creativity.I will not qualify for the blog candy but to let you know to keep up the great job.
Posted by: Barb Nesplic | May 17, 2010 at 12:17 PM
Happy, Happy Birthday! Your card is on the way. You are such an inspiration for all the wonderful things you do. Thanks for sharing yourself so generously with so many.
Posted by: joann | May 17, 2010 at 01:02 PM
Such a wonderful idea!!! Happy birthday to you!!! Card will be on it's way shortly!
Posted by: Michelle VanWiggeren | May 17, 2010 at 05:10 PM
Great idea! Do we need to send envelopes with our cards?
Posted by: Leslie Knicl | May 17, 2010 at 07:28 PM
Happy Birthday Gretchen!
I've already created 4 cards to send your way, but will be sending more so you can reach that magic 200 mark.
Hope your postman is strong, he'll need to start working out if he's going to deliver all these great greations from so many great ladies to you...
Posted by: Donna O - Australia | May 17, 2010 at 08:26 PM
What a wonderful project to celebrate your birthday--your card is going out today, Tues May 18th.
Posted by: Darlene L | May 18, 2010 at 11:08 AM
What a fun and generous way to celebrate your birthday, Gretchen! I will be sending a card within the week. When you say to put one's name and contact info on the back of the card, should that be an email address, as I will be sending that to you separately? I just wasn't sure if you meant for us to stamp or write that info on there.
Stephanie
Posted by: Stephanie Perry | May 18, 2010 at 11:23 AM
Hi Grethchn; I love your blog and find it a great source for inspiration! I left you a little suprize over at my blog, please go check it out! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Dawn | May 18, 2010 at 11:50 AM
I'm sending you a card,
Laura
Posted by: Laura Cross | May 18, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Gretchen, Love your ideas and your big heart. Have a wonderful Birthday. Mailing my card today.
Blessings,
Marge ♥
Posted by: Marge | May 18, 2010 at 12:45 PM
I will send some. Should be fun and Happy Birthday!
Julie
Posted by: Julie M. | May 18, 2010 at 12:51 PM
Hi, Gretchen!
What a thoughtful idea! I will be sending some cards your way. This is neat actually because our Scout troop will be doing something similar. We're doing All Occasion cards, though. This will be such a blessing, I'm sure!
Posted by: Connie D | May 18, 2010 at 01:09 PM
I'm a big fan of Stamping From Our Hearts in Illinois and our troops. I will send a card to you!
Posted by: Stephenie H | May 18, 2010 at 01:53 PM
What an awesome idea! I just put my card in the mail :) Happy early birthday!
Posted by: Donna | May 18, 2010 at 02:46 PM
What a great idea to celebrate your birthday and sharing them with our troops. Very generous of you and I am happy to help with your generosity. I hope you enjoy receiving them as much as the troops will too. Have a blessful Birthday!!!! Cards coming your way.
Posted by: Cam | May 18, 2010 at 03:01 PM
Being a military wife myself, I'm up for the fun! The card will be on its way to you in a day or two! And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Posted by: Sarah O. | May 18, 2010 at 08:54 PM
What an amazingly generous idea for your birthday. You are blessed to be a blessing and that blessing will come back to you 100 fold.
I'm a May birthday too. So happy birthday to us. Cards will be in the mail by week's end
blessings
patti moffett
Posted by: patti moffett | May 18, 2010 at 09:22 PM
Love your idea! My cards on the way, Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Kim | May 18, 2010 at 09:35 PM
Wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! Love coming to your blog!
Posted by: Susan | May 18, 2010 at 11:29 PM
This card is stunning in its simplicity and color. AND... How generous you are. I can't wait to get a card in the mail
Posted by: diane oliver | May 19, 2010 at 02:31 PM
Gretchen, you rock! This is such a cool thing to do. I'm in the navy here in New Zealand, and this is something I'd love to start here. In the meantime, I'll support YOUR troops! I'm off to Sydney, Australia today, for SU! Convention, but when I get back I'll make a card and send it up to you. How lovely to share your birthday in such a unique way.
Posted by: Bron Heslop | May 19, 2010 at 03:20 PM
Happy Birthday Late. I hope you were treated as a Queen should be! I hope you didn't get your hands wet, no dirty dishes, and you got to do what you wanted for a day!
Your card is awesome! You Rock! kt
Posted by: kivonne | May 20, 2010 at 02:45 PM
What a fabulous thing to do! Had to share it on my blog. Happy early BIRTHDAY!!
Posted by: JEANNETTE SICILIANI | May 21, 2010 at 01:31 AM
Birthday Wishes are on their way!
Posted by: Sandra Grimes | May 21, 2010 at 08:05 AM
Hi Happy Birthday. I am sending cards to you.
Thank you for reminding us to support Stamping From Our Hearts.
As a daughter of a Naval Aviator, I fondly recall how much it
meant to receive a card from Dad when he was deployed.
Kind regards,
Posted by: TeresaC | May 21, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Hi there... mailed cards to you today.
Posted by: Ruby | May 21, 2010 at 02:27 PM
I love this idea! My card was mailed today. Kim Q.
Posted by: Kim Quade | May 21, 2010 at 02:31 PM
My belly button bday was Wednesday. I received an abundance of love, and want to pay it forward. I have a very special card I made and was holding for "just the right time." And this is it. I will mail it out today. Blessings to you, and with much gratitude for all you do. Lela aka Serenity_Stamper (p.s. I already own the set, so I would send it to my sister if I won the blog candy).
Posted by: Lela aka Serenity_Stamper | May 21, 2010 at 02:50 PM
Happy Birthday! I put you a card in the mail. Thank you for the great inspirtation to send cards to the troops. Being a mother of a son that was in the Army, it means alot to be able to help out in any way we can. Thanks again and enjoy your cards.
Linda Williams
Posted by: Linda Williams | May 21, 2010 at 04:02 PM
Happy Birthday to you Gretchen. What a fabulous idea to celebrate your birthday! My card is in the mail....
Posted by: Donna | May 21, 2010 at 04:17 PM
Happy Birthday, Gretchen! My card is in the mail today. Good luck on your goal-great idea!
Posted by: Tina Joergens | May 21, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Gretchen, this is a FABULOUS idea! I am a Kansas volunteer for From Our Hearts and I know the troops are really going to appreciate the end-product of your thoughtfulness. My cards are finished and will be on their way tomorrow. Have a wonderful birthday!
Posted by: Regina | May 21, 2010 at 05:24 PM
I've upped the ante to 300 cards, Gretchen, did you see my blog post??? I'll add my card to the count... it will find its way to you, then back to the home office here...! We have received a letter today from a chaplain - he supports 4000+ troops... no wonder our boxes of cards empty so quickly. THANK YOU for all your support!!!
Posted by: Martie Shea | May 22, 2010 at 12:19 AM
Gretchen Happy B-day to you! A card from me will be in the mail Monday morning, I will also pass this on to my stamping frieds to see if we can get more cards to you for the troops! Thanks for having sharing your birthday with us! Karen staperkaren
Posted by: Karen Ross | May 22, 2010 at 01:49 PM
happy birthday Gretchen!! i just sent my card in. i loved when i used to get cards so i caould mail back to my family while i was in iraq! i was there for a whole year in 2008 so i was always mailing cards out for birthdays that i couldnt be at
love the idea!!
Posted by: Gladys | May 22, 2010 at 05:20 PM
Happy Birthday Gretchen. You have given me the perfect excuse to clean out my inventory...and I am sending you 100 birthday cards; they go out tomorrow. Have a beautiful day. Sheila Johnston
Posted by: Sheila Johnston | May 24, 2010 at 01:34 PM
Happy Birthday Gretchen. I'm so happy to help you with this wonderful cause. I'm putting some cards in the mail for you tomorrow!
Posted by: Jen Mitchell | May 24, 2010 at 08:31 PM
Happy, Happy, Happy Gretchen! I hope you have a WONDERFUL birthday! Look for a box with 23 cards. As the mother of an Active Duty member of the USN serving with NCIS, the wife of a retired Navy Hospital Corpsman who served with the Marines and SeaBees, and having served as a Dental Tech in the Navy I just had to support your birthday gift of giving.
Best Wishes!
Posted by: Mickey Roberts | May 24, 2010 at 08:37 PM
Happy Birthday Gretchen! I am sending you 2 cards - one for you:) and one to give away. What a blessing you are!
Posted by: Patti Beachy | May 24, 2010 at 08:38 PM
What a wonderful idea!! Happy Birthday, Gretchen!! I'll send some cards to you also. Have a great day!!
Posted by: Cathy from Maple Park, Illinois | May 24, 2010 at 09:02 PM
Just a note to let you know that Monday May 31st is a Federal holiday in the US, and the postal service will not be providing service. I believe the last day in May to receive a postmark would be Saturday May 29th.
Posted by: Maria Reyes | May 24, 2010 at 09:16 PM
Gorgeous stuff as usual!
Posted by: Alicia | May 25, 2010 at 08:40 AM
Gretchen,
Happy, Happy Birthday to you!! Such a wonderful idea to share the cards with our military. I have already shipped some through cards for soldiers and think this is so worthwhile.
Hope you have a wonderful day tomorrow and I will be sending you a card. :)
Thanks for all your awesome ideas!
Sue
Posted by: Sue Stevens | May 25, 2010 at 10:35 AM
Have a wonderful birthday and thanks for doing this - great idea :) I am sending a few cards your way.
Kris Sobolik
Posted by: Kris Sobolik | May 25, 2010 at 02:34 PM
I follow your blog and LOVE your cards. So wonderfully creative. At Christmas I received a card from my cousin stationed in Iraq. I recognized the stamp sets right away from Stampin' Up. He was thrilled to have those cards to send to family and I received a beautiful card. What a great idea. I'm mailing some cards out to you tomorrow.
Posted by: Kathleen | May 25, 2010 at 05:44 PM
Hi Gretchen. My card is going into the mail tomorrow. You are doing a GREAT thing! Enjoy the happiness you'll get from receiving all of the cards, and think of the happiness the next receiver will feel. So cool!
Kelley Roganowicz
Stillman Valley, IL
Posted by: Kelley Roganowicz | May 25, 2010 at 08:02 PM
Happy Birthday Gretchen! My card will be on its way tomorrow! What a great way for so many people to have great birthdays!
Posted by: Sara Speser | May 25, 2010 at 08:26 PM
You are a generous woman with more talents than meet the eye. I hadn't heard of this before but will definately be sending cards. I have a nephew in Afgahnistan and a son in bootcamp--comforting to know there are angels out there watching over them. THANKS> Mary Jo
Posted by: mary jo | May 26, 2010 at 10:44 AM
Happy Birthday Gretchen!!!
Blessings!!
**Sony**
Sonia-Studio60
Posted by: Sonia (Sony) | May 26, 2010 at 05:24 PM
Great way to remember the troops and to celeebrate your special day. Hope your birthday is wonderful! Happy Day! My card is going out tomorrow.
Posted by: Mary R. | May 26, 2010 at 07:32 PM
Gretchen, Happy Birthday, and you've got mail!
Posted by: Laura Brown | May 27, 2010 at 10:45 AM
Hi Gretchen
This is such a wonderful idea. I decided I would go through the batch of cards I make and seem to never part with and send you all the ones I thought would be good for the troops (some aren't birthday cards, hope that is OK). I've got them all together and will mail them to you tomorrow so be on the lookout for a big envelope :) Hope you had a fantastic birthday!!
Love your blog and all your tutorials! You inspire me!!
Posted by: Heather Dean | May 27, 2010 at 06:05 PM
Gretchen, this is a wonderful idea. I sent a card today. Sorry I didn't have a chance to make more.
Posted by: lisa808 | May 28, 2010 at 01:08 PM
Gretchen -
First, Happy Birthday! Second, as a military spouse, I want to say THANK YOU for supporting our troops in this wonderful way! I will be mailing a parcel full of cards for various occasions on the 1st. I am honored to do so! Thank you again, so much, for doing such a wonderful, selfless thing! I hope you surpass your goal.
Posted by: Jamie | May 28, 2010 at 08:57 PM
I sent my card out today, what a great idea to share cards with the troops. I visit your blog quite often and love your tutorials. You are a very talented and creative stamper.
Posted by: Regina Van Lieu | May 29, 2010 at 11:11 AM
Gretchen, my card is in the mail!!! Hugs to you for doing this on behalf of From Our Hearts...I can't WAIT to see all the cards that will be coming our way! Our last shipment depleted our supply. This will help, tremendously.
Posted by: Martie Shea | May 29, 2010 at 04:56 PM
Hi Gretchen and Happy Birthday! I linked to your blog from another one. I love this cause and I have made 5 cards postmarked 5-29-10. Thank you for inspiring cards for the Troops. ((hugs))
Posted by: Paulette Still | May 29, 2010 at 05:48 PM
I am busy stamping this weekend and will mail these on Tuesday June 1st - hope that is okay. Oops I saw that it had to be postmarked by June 1st - so I guess that it will be okay. Neat idea to send to the troops. How do I need to put my name on the card back? I am not a demonstrator - just someone who loves to make cards for others. I don't have a website - hope that is okay too.
Posted by: Mary Olson | May 30, 2010 at 01:21 PM
I'm so glad you extended the deadline! I'll be mailing off 4 cards in the morning. Happy belated birthday! This is such a great idea.
Posted by: Beth Schuster | May 31, 2010 at 03:02 PM
What a wonderful idea! Although I didn't read about this until today, June 2 (I've been out of touch with the cyber world for over two weeks), I love what you are doing and hope you don't mind if I plagiarize it in the future.
Posted by: Betty | June 02, 2010 at 09:50 PM
What a great idea! I'm so sorry I just came here today and it's too late for sending my cards to you!
My husband is in the French Army and no such thing has ever been done here for our soldiers, so I would have loved to participate for other soldieres
Maybe next time !
And a very late Happy Birthday to you
Posted by: Bea | June 13, 2010 at 02:07 AM
What a great and wonderful Idea. I follow your blog and your cards. Very creative. I too send greeting cards on your way. Very thankful to you.
Thanks,
Kiran
Posted by: Birthday Greetings | May 10, 2011 at 12:44 AM
After reading your blog post, it made me think that our troops are serving us away from their families. It's time to commemorate their acts.
Posted by: Samantha L. | October 17, 2011 at 02:15 AM