Monday, February 17, 2014

Pink and Grey and a Giveaway!

I totally rhymed up there in my title....channeling my inner Dr. Seuss! 
;)
I do have lots to share with you....first a card and then what I think is a pretty grand giveaway down below!  
First things first.....my card was created with some leftover pieces and my new polka dot stencil from Heidi Swapp.  I used embossing paste and once it was dry I sprinkled it with pink Zing powder.  
Then I heat embossed it. 
I love the texture and visual interest it gives to the card. 
 And really is there anything better than pink polka dots?
I had some left over cuts from a publication project using Cricut's new cartridge, Box it Up!  I layered the pieces with dimensional foam circles and added some pink posies, string, and some fluffy silk flowers I purchased from A Pink Swan Etsy shop

I framed it with a pink circle....also a Cricut Leftover, and white frame from Spellbinders. 
As a final finishing touch I added a few sequins. 
I've been wanting to do a giveaway for awhile because it is so fun to make someone's day.
I wish I could give more,and to more people, but it just isn't in the budget! ;)
I have all of this to give to one lucky person! 
What do you have to do?
EDITED:  I don't want to scare people away with my giveaway...so if you would just like to leave a comment that is totally fine with me too! :)
Well as many of you know, I have been in a quandary about whether or not to start a Facebook page for Cortney.  Part of me thinks it would be great exposure and maybe a chance for her to be "discovered." The other part of me thinks maybe I'm opening up a can of worms that shouldn't be opened.  And sometimes I think I am completely nuts for thinking anyone would want to use Cort as a model in the first place.  I think she is beautiful, but that doesn't mean the rest of the world feels the same way. 
So I guess what I am looking for is opinions.  If you think I am nuts, please say so! Be honest...but be kind.
I've been on this fence for quite awhile and can't seem to reach a decision.
If you are a new follower, pin my giveaway to Pinterest, Facebook, or your personal blog, please leave an additional comment for an additional chance to win. :)
The giveaway will end on Friday, February 21st at 10 PM CST.
Good luck and thank you!!

78 comments:

kimberlyann207 said...

I just adore your card! I can't believe it's made from leftovers!

Thank you for a chance to win :)

Hugs,
Kimberly

Kris said...

I always love your cards!

I think Courtney is adorable,but I wouldn't make a page for her,too many creeps out there.

Aileen said...

Love this latest card, the colour combo totally works. I think your daughter is beautiful with the most expressive eyes I have ever seen. If you want her to get into modeling I think it would be best to go the photo portfolio and approaching different agencies way rather than facebook. There are just too many trolls out there who take pleasure in saying rotten things. You and your daughter both deserve better than that.
My daughter has dual disabilties and her twin has none. He often talks about the terrible things that people say on different facebook pages. He follows a couple of different pages as a sibling. Anyway dont want to sound negative, you will have to make the final decision just hope this helps in some way. Cheers

Jan Scholl said...

FB can be a Jeckle and Hyde experience. It's the only way for me to keep in touch with family but I have had to block other family because of their nasty comments. I wish there was a better answer but I don't want to see any of you hurt, because the trolls will dive in. Have you contacted legit modeling agencies that actually use beauties, no matter if they stand or sit? I see them in catalogs and ads like Target, so maybe a local or regional agency? I would be happy to add a catagory to my Pinterest just for her and have her photos and a link to you if that would be helpful.

Denise Bryant said...

Love your pink and grey card! I'm anxious to get some embossing paste to try out with my stencils! Adds a great texture!
I'd be hesitant about the FB page. I think Cort has had some wonderful opportunities and more are bound to come her way, but please be cautious about a FB page.
Thanks for the chance to win your fabulous prize! I am already a follower here!

Glennis F said...

I think I would be reluctant for a FB page too.
Your card is so pretty (as all of the ones you post are)
Thank you for the chance to win your goodies - I will pop it on my blog as well

Kathy/NorthCarolina said...

Beautiful card, Michele...your polka dots are brilliant. It has a very French feel...and that is a good thing.

I'm not sure I would do a FB page. If you made it public, it would open it to lots of scary people. If it wasn't public, then what would be the point. I think just keep approaching different agencies. I know I've seen more and more advertising featuring people with disabilities. There has to be some sort of a support group out there for this...I'll pray you find just the right venue. She is gorgeous...sparkling eyes, brilliant smile and the most beautiful skin...Maybe Dove? They do all those great real beauty commercials.....Anyway, best of luck!

Judy Dahlgren said...

My motto in life is to always try something I 'want' to do, or I'll never know what could of happened. That way there are no regrets. Courtney is lovely! Thanks for the giveaway as well.

Anonymous said...

Your card is beautiful. I love pink and gray, one of my favorite combos.
As far as FB, I don't trust it. I use it for contests and looking at family photos my nieces post. I have never posted a photo. Too many nuts out there. Lots of mean people out there, too.

Janet M said...

I think Cortney is beautiful too and I believe a modeling career would be great for her. I think I would try other venues besides Facebook, it does have some negative sides. If that side of your life takes off please don't stop making cards to share with us.

NANCY said...

I too think Cortney is such a beautiful little girl her eyes and complexion are stunning I truly feel that you should continue to purue a modeling carrier with her. Have you ever thought of contacting the Ellen Degeneres show? She is wonderful in giving people breaks and our society needs to have more and more children and adults that are unique and not those artifical super models ect! Not sure about face book it has it's pros but I would be afraid that her pictures would be passed on to others for all the wrong reasons. Btw Ellen is on facebook you could post on her page and see what happens. Good luck and please continue to keep us posted and love the card hugs

~Tammy~ said...

Cortney is very striking and I think society needs to change the way we value beauty. Disabilities should NEVER define a person or put them in a corner! As far as Facebook, I am not a fan on many levels. I post very little personal things and no pictures of my child. Just a few distant ones. I just don't trust it. It has it's place like featuring work etc, but just not a fan on a personal level. You just have to follow your heart and your mamma instincts!

Love your gorgeous card today! Thanks for always

Audrey Pettit said...

Wow, what a stunning card! I am with you, pink polka dots are the best! Really love your whole design with all the layers and dimension, and that pink and gray combo is beautiful.
I wish you the best of luck in making your tough decision. Like most folks here, I worry about FB and am not sure that is the right avenue. My own daughter (who is 15) sort of sums it up best when she says "Facebook is for stalkers"...But I will tell you this...your daughter is truly beautiful! And deserves the best!

Linda said...

I love your beautiful card! I wish I was in a position tho help your daughter, but like some others, I don't think a public FB page is the way to go. What would your dream modeling job for Courtney be? Find out what ad agency is responsible and then start flooding them with head shots. Find an agent who can help. Unfortunately, I don't think these decision makers are doing business on Facebook.

Birgit said...

First let me say your card is enchanting! I like the blend of soft colors, also I pinned your giveaway to my pinterest board For The Love of Paper. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

I seem to agree with some of the other gals here. Your daughter is beautiful and her smile seems like it will light up a room! But what's most important is that she's beautiful within and that she finds her value within. She is a child of God, incredibly and wonderfully made just as she is. She is perfect in His eyes. Facebook is an open door for some crazy things out there. No matter what, you'll make the right choice concerning Courtney.

Sue Kosec said...

BEAUTIFUL card ... as always. Your work is just amazing.

Now to your question ... I think I would visit modeling agencies rather than start a FB page for her. There are just too many stalkers and weird people out there. That is not the exposure you are looking for.

SuZeQ

Houses Built of Cards said...

Oh what a GORGEOUS card! LOVE the embossing paste with pink embossing powder! Pink and polka dots is a definite winner! And whatever you decided about the Facebook page, I know you are a good mommy and will choose what is best for your daughter! And...you aren't the only one who thinks she is beautiful, because she is!!!

housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

Melanie Ann MacKenzie said...

Hello Michele,
First off, your card is just lovely, especially as it was made from "leftovers". :)
I think your daughter is a very lovely girl with a smile and eyes that are like turning on the sun. However, having said that, I am not sure if Facebook is the way to go. Perhaps it is just me but I am not always a very trustful person and I think that there are way too many people out there who are not to be trusted. If you really want to take the plunge, get her a reputable agent and see what they say. Best of luck making this really tough decision. Also, thank you so much for a chance to win such a lovely prize. Cheers.

~amy~ said...

pink and grey....love that combo and throw in polkas..super perfection!!!

We've chatted about the modeling thing...FB? I'd imagine it would be an open format so that anyone can view pictures and comment...I'd like to always think that things are filled with rainbows and unicorns but like what so many others have posted, there are icky people out there.

Best of luck to you and Cortney!

Monika/Buzsy said...

I love that you dream big for Courtney. Without aiming high, you don't get forward. If you don't try, you will never know... I agree with others that you will get some negative comments for sure, but that comes with the territory. If it becomes too much for her and the family, you can always stop. Maybe you could go with this professionally and get some help... not through Facebook.
Thanks for the wonderful giveaway!

Jill Rugg said...

Love the card-your work is always so beautiful! I love seeing pictures of your family and think your daughter has such potential as a model-plus I think she has fun doing it! I know I don't use facebook very often and my sister refuses to have an account because she doesn't want pictures of her kids floating around on it. Maybe you could see if there was a facebook page looking for models that you could attach her picture to instead of starting her own page?

Melissa said...

Great color combination. Let's get her Facebook Page rolling! Many teens have them and their parents are not involved at all. Gee.. sounds like I am a teen myself saying that.. he he

Sabrina said...

What a exquisite card!!My kids have had Facebook since they were a teen but then again one of my daughters did get hit on quite a bit from older men so it is really hard to say. I would definitely keep a close eye on it if you do.

Janice said...

I love your card! What a great way to use leftovers. Thanks for the giveaway!

Janis said...

Your card is beautiful, as all of your creations are. I like the soft colors. As far as your daughter & a facebook page, well I don't know what to say. I do believe there are many other ways to get her pic./portfolio out there & maybe that would be a better way to go. I don't know how you'd be able to keep a FB page private enough & still have it available to the right people. kwim? Good luck either way you decide to go.

Jilliene Designs said...

Well I am a new follower and I am so excited to have discovered your blog! I pinned the nice square you made with the photos of goodies on Pinterest too. You card really is lovely and the recipient should frame it!

As far as your beautiful daughter and FB. Personally, I would not create a FB page - I just don't think it is a very safe forum and it seems beneath her really. She deserves proper representation in MHO. You could also submit her photos to open modeling calls - just make sure they are on par with your standards and expectations.

Thanks so much for the chance to win the generous giveaway!

cdm317 said...

Cortney is a beautiful young lady. I have always enjoyed your photos and layouts of both of your children. I don't know how I feel about FB. I post pictures of my family on my FB page and have never had any trouble. Still, there are so many creeps out there, I would be nervous using it to advance her modeling career. best of everything for whatever decision you make.

I love your card, pink and grey are a favorite combination of mine. Very pretty.

Rose Ann said...

Beautiful inspiration and great rhyming skills :D I am a new follower and I pinned the giveaway on pinterest :) Thanks for the chance to win some goodies :)
Rose Ann Deighan

Rose Ann said...

Beautiful inspiration and great rhyming skills :D I am a new follower and I pinned the giveaway on pinterest :) Thanks for the chance to win some goodies :)
Rose Ann Deighan

pattyk said...

Beautiful card! Thanks for the chance to win.

nallian said...

Beautiful design on your card! I just love pink and grey. Wonderful,giveaway. I follow you on Pinterest and will be rep inning giveaway.
I am a teacher of students with special needs. I see such confidence in Courtney just in the photographs. She is such a cutie with an awesome smile. As to Facebook, go for it if there are some creepy followers block them! Or you could send her photos directly to an agency.good luck. Wish you and your family the best!

Donna said...

Your card is beautiful, I really love it.

I think Courtney is a beautiful girl and could be a model for sure. However I don't feel FB is the way to go--just too many creeps out there. I know that you are a very protective Mother, cuz you are a great Mom. I myself wont use FB because I have heard to many bad stories.

Good luck in what ever you do.

Sharon-The OKI StampQueen said...

Love the card-and would LOVE to win the giveaway (I need an excuse to get into my craft room---wayyyy too many life crises lately!) Cort is beautiful and yes, I think you should pursue modeling for her if SHE enjoys it---but I would agree-be cautious about a Facebook page...Blessings, Sharon

Tensy said...

Beautiful color combination in your card. I love pink and gray! Thanks for the giveaway.

Lori said...

Your card is beautiful! Who would have known it was done with "leftovers"?

I don't think FB is the way to go. I have a FB page and I am very cautious as to what I post in terms of pics of my children. It is not so much the comments people might make but rather the not so sane people who are out there. A reputable agency is the way to go. They will let you know if your daughter has future or not in modeling from a business standpoint.

scrappyone said...

That is a beautiful card! I really like the colors.

Jackie said...

I honestly don't know if having a fb page would help Cort's chances, but I don't see how it could hurt! If you set up a page, you could friend model companies & other famous folk to get her face out there even more. I say go for it!

Jackie said...

I honestly don't know if having a fb page would help Cort's chances, but I don't see how it could hurt! If you set up a page, you could friend model companies & other famous folk to get her face out there even more. I say go for it!

Totally Purple said...

Your card is beautiful, such great detail.

Thanks for the chance to win.

Kim said...

Hi Michele
Your card is BEAUTIFUL! I'm not fan of FB and would try another venue...
Courtney is a Lovely girl and there must be another way to pursue this.
Thanks for a chance to win some fabulous blog candy!

Dawn Miner said...

Beautiful card, love the colors. Awesome prize giveaway too!

CottageRose said...

Love your card! I've never heard of embossing paste...think I need to check it out! As for Courtney, she's beautiful. Maybe I'm too cautious, but I would be concerned about facebook and would find another avenue to pursue this. Our angels are too precious to take any chances with! Good luck, whatever you decide.

Treva said...

Beautiful card and to think you used leftovers. TFS.

Ashley said...

What a gorgeous card! Thanks for such a great giveaway!

oldnavyash@aol.com

R said...

Fabulous card!!! Nice way to use left over pieces. Thanks for the giveaway!

rhaun64@gmaildotcom

Lizzie said...

Thanks for the chance to win. As the parent of a young man with DS and Autism..I totally understand your quandry about Courtney....I just try to go with my gut.... :)

P.S. she is a cutie!

Lizzie said...

and I pinned it :)

Helen Gullett said...

Love the color combo of your card - soft and elegant! The die cut is fabulous!

Helen Gullett said...

I pinned your giveaway http://www.pinterest.com/pin/131730357825045289/

Kris Dietz said...

Your card is beautiful!!! I love how you always combine different cuts, textures and design elements!!

I wouldn't set up a FB page -- too many strange people out there that may take advantage of her and you. I would go through an agency and have a portfolio done for her. This way they can connect with the right contacts. Best of luck in whatever you decide -- she's beautiful and very photogenic.

Thank you for a chance to win your giveaway.

Kris
dietzrobles at yahoo dot com

Kris Dietz said...

I posted your giveaway on my Pinterest page: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/160159330472506668/

Thanks for a chance to win!

Kris
dietzrobles at yahoo dot com

mga said...

Absolutely beautiful... I can only wish one day I will be able to create something as elegant and neat as you... ;)

Elsie said...

Love the card. I save pieces from cuts to reuse too. Great use of them.

As Kris said, "I think Courtney is adorable, but I wouldn't make a page for her, too many creeps out there."

I agree with her. Look for a different way.

Unknown said...

I love your cards and items you make they are awesome

ezwiefelhofer said...

I love anything pink so I love your card! I think If Courtney is able to ask her if she wants to model.

D- said...

Your card is beautiful. what a great use of scraps.
Thanks for sharing.
As for the FB question my answer would be no to FB.
There are too many creeps out there.
One of my friends had to stop blogging, etc because he got a stalker.
{New email and Google follower}
Crafty hugs,
D~
DesignsByDragonfly.blogspot

Unknown said...

I always love seeing what you've made. It's ALWAYS beautiful.

~Angela

Meredith said...

Thanks for the chance to win. Meredith245 at yahoo dot com

Meredith said...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/558727897492900032/ Pinned on pinterest. Meredith245 at yahoo dot com

scootingranny said...

I am first going to answer your question... I haven't had any bad experiences with Facebook and as long as you control and have unlimited access to her FB account, you will be in control of friends, whose comments get blocked and be sure to not post any location or very personal information. Also there are reputable agencies out there that will help in promoting her career, but be careful in selecting one if you decide to go that route.

scootingranny said...

Now for my 2nd comment...I thought I was a follower but apparently not. So I signed up for email subscription as well as became a follower.

I also pinned your giveaway to my pinterest account and posted it to my blog.

KT Fit Kitty said...

As for a facebook page for Cortney, I don't think that's the way to go - I would explore other avenues for this, perhaps putting together a portfolio (if she doesn't already have one) and getting in touch with modelling agencies. I think she could definitely have a future as a model - she's gorgeous!

Your giveaway is awesome and I just posted it on my blog sidebar. I'm already a follower - sorry I'm not much of a commenter. I came here today to read your review of Stamper's Sampler - I love this magazine - great review, by the way - and I found your giveaway. Thanks for the chance! Wishing you and your lovely family a joyful day!

Unknown said...

You made the most beautiful card, thanks for sharing.
Pat

Denisemohr said...

Beautiful card. I'm looking forward to seeing more!
Denise

Regina said...

Another beautiful card. I look forward to your blog for inspiration.
I'm not a facebook fan. Too many creepy people stalk them.

nanny23 said...

Wow really like your card made with leftovers!!
thanks for the chance to win!! that is really generous of you!

Ruth G said...

Your card is wonderful! I adore those pink polka dots and the grey looks so pretty with them!
I definitely think that Cort is a beautiful girl, but I don't really know much about the modeling world, so I don't know how it would work for her. I would just say that you should give it a try if it's something that's of interest to her and see what happens! Best of luck to you!

Mrs. Nancy G said...

Stunning card for sure! Love all them details!

Personally, I wouldn't do a Facebook page for many reasons. I think the best advice has already been said in comments above. Court is beautiful whether a modeling career is in her future or not. You are the best Mom!!!

Anonymous said...

I love your card!! What great ideas all in that one card. Your daughter is beautiful and photographs very nicely.

Ruth said...

Love the soft pink and grey colors . My scrap drawers are overflowing so I will be trying to create from my left overs.

JudyG said...

I love your card. I have been playing with pink and grey lately also so this gives me great ideas. I've never seen the Take Ten magazine but it looks interesting. would love to know how to find it.

mary stuart said...

Pink polka dots - Yay! Love your card - love your work, Michelle.
As to your Facebook thoughts, i do not do Facebook at all so i cannot say if it would be a good career move for your lovely Cortney. is there a more relevant website to connect to? Having a good modeling agency contact would be quite valuable. Your Cortney is lovely and i think would make a great model! What a good mom you are Michelle!

BobbisTreasure said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
vdoyle8 said...

I love your card -- pink and grey is a favorite of mine. As for FB - I understand your quandry. Its a little scary to put your baby out there - but it seems to be the best way to get exposure. You can always take it down, right? Good luck to you!

Sue D. said...

I would be reluctant to use FB for anything personal. Your card is lovely and there are a lot of elements to it. I must try the embossing paste sometime, as well as the magazine, which I have not read thus far. Thanks for the opportunity to win a great prize pack.

Sherry said...

Hi, I don't think I have ever seen that magazine before. thanks for a chance to win it. I agree with Kris ( second commenter) there is just too many creeps out there.

Betsy said...

First of all, I love your project! What a great way to use leftovers!
I don't think I'd do a FB page ~ too many creepers on there. I use FB to stay in touch with family and friends, but I don't put much personal info on there.
Thanks so much for the chance to win!!!

Larissa Heskett said...

THANKS for sharing!! I ALWAYS LOVE your Cards!! =) I am SO HAPPY that Courtney has you as a Mother!! =) She is BEAUTIFUL and I LOVE that you can see that, and want more for her!! I think I would be hesitant about the FB Page!! Don't get me wrong FB has its place, but maybe not the best way to go about getting her exposure!! I wish you LUCK in your journey and I wish you nothing but the BEST!! =)