Saturday, October 22, 2011

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!

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!



55 comments:

  1. WOW~ What an amazing, kind, caring thing you do!! You are so inspiring!!
    I love your card and I know charlotte and her family will also!!
    Happy Blogiversary to such a wonderful and creative crafter!!
    TFS
    jessica
    chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com
    eschfamily@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Congrats on your Blogiversary! Amazing program your involved in and beautiful cards too!
    Michelle
    ScrapbookingSOS.Blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Happy Blogversary and thank you so much for sharing your talent on this delightful blog! And what an inspiring story! I am already one of your followers and look forward to stopping by to see what you are creating.

    http://lillianchild.blogspot.com
    lillianchild at cox dot net

    ReplyDelete
  4. Happy blogoversary, heather! I think what you are doing is amazing and I'm sure Charlotte will love her card. It's gorgeous!
    Jen
    Jmueller409 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great thing you are doing! Thanks for sharing with us! And Happy Blogiversary! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  6. Happy Blogaversary!!! What a beautiful card to send to Charlotte!!! I am so touched by what you are doing, you are Fabulous! I am already a follower here and now a new fan on FB. Come by my blog too, I am celebrating 6 months!!!

    Eva :0)
    evascrapslife(at)gmail(dot)com
    http://evasscrapsncards.blogspot.com
    I have a giveaway on my blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. Happy Blog birthday, lovely cards, thanks for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  8. oh my...i love the explanation of how you named your blog ive always wondered...i think your an amazing person....so happy blogversary to you..such a cool giveaway...fingers crossed thanks for the chance tow in already a follower

    Tina
    ricktina09@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. also your cards is beautiful.....

    Tina

    ReplyDelete
  10. Love your story, you are a blessing! Love the card, it is beautiful. Contests on 1 year!

    Debbie B

    ReplyDelete
  11. How thoughtful! Your card is lovely! Happy blogiversary!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Your card is lovely and very special!
    Congrats on 1 year on your blog!
    DeniseB

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful card and wonderful ministry!
    slrdowney at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. I hopped from Michele - Thoughts of a Cardmaking Scrapbooker. I really admire what you are doing with Sister Connection! It is very inspirational. I am following you because I am very interested in seeing your updates on the orphans & widows and you makes beautiful cards. Happy blogiversary!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Beautiful card!!!
    www.lovejoypaper.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Happy Blogiversary! Your card is beautiful and so is the wonderful cause!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Happy 2 year! This is my first time to your blog (i think). I follow Thoughts of a Cardmaking Scrapbooker. Way to go with what you are doing to help Charlotte. It is a noble cause to help widows. Way to go.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Oh My Goodness! How gorgeous are these! Congrats on your blogiversary! YAY! We have been following for a little over a year now and love it all! Thanks for the chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I loved reading about your story! I love what you do! That is awesome!! I love your card you made for her too! She will LOVE it!! Thank for sharing with us, and congrats on your Blogiversary!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy Blogiversary, having a new blog, I am so inspired by your blog and with so many posts in just one year! That is great! I love your story about your cards, such a great cause. Such a beautiful card, I just love it! Thanks for the inspiration on your blog, facebook and the Circle messageboard!

    scrappindhilly at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a wonderful charity! Happy Blogiversary!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Your story has brought a tear to my eye & touched my heart, you're very inspiring! I just love the card you made - elegant and sweet=)

    jim_candice at yahoo dot ca

    http://candiscraps-scrapsofme.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  23. What an elegant card! Congrats on your accomplishments!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Happy 1st year! Your ministry is acceptional, and your card is just gorgeous, ...you go girl!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I just finished the hop, all the projects were fantastic! Thank you, to all the ladies, for supporting such a great cause =)

    jim_candice at yahoo dot ca

    http://candiscraps-scrapsofme@blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  26. Happy blogiversary! I'm so thankful that you allowed me to join in the fun!!! I LOVE what you do for these women in Africa--what a blessing!! LOVE your card--love the silhouette! BEAUTIFUL papers too!! LOVE LOVE LOVE:)

    ReplyDelete
  27. Happy Blogaversary! Just came across your post on the Cricut MB. Love the story behind your name and the work that you do. Wonderful! Your card is beautiful too. I'm a new follower.

    Kris
    dietzrobles at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Happy Blogaversary- Wonderful Story. Loved the card, so sweet. :)

    ReplyDelete
  29. Congrats on your anniversary!!!! It was wonderful to read your blog and learn of your journey, please keep working for your cause!

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a wonderful cause. Enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Congratulations on your anniversary. What a wonderful card and all for such an amazing cause, thank you for that and thanks for the chance to win this super giveaway, Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  32. Woo hoo!!! Happy one year!!! So exciting! love your work, it is so much fun to see and thank you for sharing your inspiration with us! Can't wait to see more!
    Lisa
    lisascreativeniche@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Congrats on your blog-a-versary and it is so wonderful how you are touching the lives of so many!
    Carri~abusybee
    www.doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. this card is so sweet and it's nice to know your cards are made for a great cause! keep up the great work and happy blogaversary! wishing you many more years of craftiness! :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, wow, wow! What an amazing story -- thanks so much for sharing! I, too, love making cards and find that it is a quick and easy way to feed my addiction for paper crafting. The amazing side effect is the warmth and love it brings to others. Thank you for all of your sharing, as well as the opportunity to participate in your giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  36. appy blogaversary! love your blog! and i was wondering about the name! thanks for sharing! CallyAnn
    http://callyanncraftycreations.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for sharing your story. I will be sure to add Charlotte and the others to my prayer list. At least that is something I can do for them that I know will have a lasting affect on them. Bless you for your ministry.
    Karen
    karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com
    P.S. I'm hopping over to "like" your Facebook page as well. Hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  38. You made some of the cutest cards. Love the story behind your craft. Happy blogiversary.
    Diane
    dianehodrick@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. What a great cause. Great cardas and I am inspired to find someind a cause as well super idea

    ReplyDelete
  40. I really like the card you made for Charlotte and I am Really amazed at all the good work you have been doing and continue to do to help the ladies of Burundi reach the goal of their own homes. Kudos to you and your blog!
    Thank you for your inspirations.
    Jill

    ReplyDelete
  41. What an amazing thing you are doing with your cards. I love the latest for Charlotte. How special. Thank you for the chance to win something also.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Beautiful card and a beautiful program to be a part of! Charlotte will love the cards and must be so proud of her home.

    Congratulations on your two year blogiversary!! Time flies when you are having fun!!

    Bahoot at comcast dot net

    ReplyDelete
  43. May God Bless you for what you do for Charlotte and her family.
    Your card is absolutely beautiful. I love the colors you chose in inking the background.
    Hazel
    hdhall6002 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  44. I am so touched by what you are doing, you are Fabulous!
    print loyalty card
    Hotel Key Card

    ReplyDelete
  45. That is fantastic of you to help other people from another country who are less fortunate. God bless you for your kindness and God bless the families that are affected. Congrats on one year and cute card by the way. Take care,
    SewSweetNCrafty.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. COngrats on you blog-anni! Cute cards- Great cause!
    kacee

    ReplyDelete
  47. Congratulations on your Anniversary! I LOVE knowing your story---soooo fabulous!!!

    ReplyDelete
  48. WOW You've accomplished a ton in just 1 year! That is amazing! I think cards are so meaningful. So personal. Charlotte is going to love it! Really great job! and congrats!

    ReplyDelete
  49. 1st of all Heather, I think that what you are doing is AMAZING! I have thought so since I first hear of it! And this card is AMAZING!!!! And 365 posts, seriously WOW!!!! Congratulations on an AWESOME year of blogging! Hugs- Glora

    ReplyDelete
  50. happy blogoversary! Thank you so much for such a nice give away chance!

    -rachel w k
    rwkrafts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Such a fabulous, thoughtful thing you are accomplishing -- have been following you for a bit as I found you from another site I frequent. I have stopped at all the spots along the trail but had difficulty leaving a comment on Bonnie's site. This will be the third time I have tried to leave a comment here so hope it finally works.

    Goes without saying, I would love to be lucky enough to be a winner but even so ... thanks for the opportunity and I so admire what you have been doing.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Well, I love your card, but I love what you created it for even more! Through my church in Florida I sponsor a child in Haiti and the support and relationships through these programs are so appreciated! So happy you are doing this! Just wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great card and you are amazing!!

    Veronica
    mommyscraftycreations.blogspot.com
    mommyscraftycreations at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Beautiful card and amazing story of your blog, what a wonderful program! Thanks for sharing and congrats on your blogoversary!

    Kimberli
    www.kimberliscreations.blogspot.com
    kimbean20 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Superb Piece of Web site, you’ve got right here. I am so fortunate to run into your web site through yahoo queries. I just bookmarked to read your articles.

    ReplyDelete