One Year Blogiversary, Giveaway, and a Special Introduction!

Welcome to my one year blogiversary celebration! The date was actually 2 days ago,  on October 20th, but since I was busy that day, I decided to save the party for today! I also find it rather perfect, that today I am making post #365. That means I have *almost* posted an entry per day for the last year! Before I go on, can I just say THANK YOU to each of you that has inspired and encouraged me along the way! What a journey this has been - and so much FUN!!! I feel like I have this huge extra family that I have never met!

Anyway, back to today. I have a short blog hop, with some FABULOUS blog friends that have inspired me SOOO much in this journey the last year, and in my creativity! I also have a great giveaway (more on that at the end of this post...) so make sure and leave a comment here for a chance to win. I will be choosing from comments all along the hop, so the more you comment, the better your chances! Here is the line-up:

Heather - You are here!

Amanda

Bonnie

Savannah

Michele

Now, if you are just visiting my blog for the first time, or have been a follower and wondered why my blog is named Houses Built of Cards, let me give you a short explanation. Like many crafters, I found out quite quickly with how addicting this cardmaking craft is, and that I can never use all the cards I find myself making. I also realized that I could not sell them for enough to justify my time and expenses. Then I realized that I could use them to help someone else. Something that had deeply touched my two young daughters, and filled their prayers,  is what decided the direction to go from there.

We had some connection through my church to a ministry called Sister Connection that works in Burundi Africa to bring hope and healing to the widows and orphans of the Civil War that happened in the 1990’s. One of the ways they do that is by building homes – at an incredible cost of only $600! They hire local builders, and purchase supplies locally as well, fostering a sense of ownership and pride within the community. In Burundian society, widows are viewed as outcasts, and have no one to advocate for them. The miracle of a new home is a testimony to the widow, her children, her community, and ultimately, to the country at-large. “Widows and orphans deserve healing, dignity, and hope!”  

I would like for you to meet someone very special. Her name is Charlotte (Ndimurwanko Charlotte). She is the first recipient of a home through sales of my cards. I have also committed to partnering with her as a sponsor for $30 a month to help provide her and her family with food, seed to plant, clothing, household necessities, medical care, and education assistance.

Charlotte has 3 married children, and she cares for 3 orphaned grandchildren. Her husband passed away in 1983. Her health is not good. This new home will help restore dignity and hope for Charlotte and her children. It is a true testimony of God’s love to the widow and orphan and a constant reminder that they are not forgotten. 

So, I decided to make a special project today - a card I am planning on sending to Charlotte. Cards and notes are encouraged, so I really wanted to make something special and meaningful. Here is what came out of that:

I used Heritage for the silhouette, Elegant Edges for the frame, and Blackletter for the banner on the bottom. The sentiment is from My Creative Time stamps. Added a doily behind the frame, inked that and all the cream paper with Tim Holtz distress ink, and finished off with some machine stitching. 

Now, if you have made it all the way through this LONG post, it's probably about time I told you about the giveaway, right? So...here is a picture! Even though it is all in one picture, I am actually giving each item away separately - so that means there will be FOUR winners!!! I will use Random.org to select the winners on Wednesday morning from all the comments along the hop.

And here's a little bonus hint: this last photo is a giveaway that I am doing on my Facebook page...so head on over and "like" my page and leave a comment answering the question "If I could travel anywhere in the world, I would go to ____!" on this photo on my page for a chance to win Summer in Paris and some random Unity stamps!

 Once again - thank you for stopping by! Now hop on over to Amanda and see what she has waiting for you!