Saturday, February 9, 2013

my blog is 2! {party & giveaways}

Y'all got my invitation.  And now it's time to party!





Welcome to my blog's 2nd birthday party!  We're doing it up woodland-style.  Here are some of the diy details.  Follow along with the numbers on the party photo above:

1.  A backdrop of frames: using the birch trees and mushroom stamps images made it super easy to create a woodland-inspired backdrop.  (and 3M velcro mounting strips are my new best friend.)

2. Speaking of the mushroom image - I stamped 2 for my blog's 2nd birthday!  And water-colored them for a soft, whimsical look.

my blog is 2!

3.  Nothing says woodland like red & white gingham.  And dyed-coconut cupcake topping.  My kids asked me if it was grass.  Score.  (and, by ignoring them, they assumed what they wanted and I didn't have to protect the cupcakes from unwanted grubby fingers.  They were pleasantly surprised after the photoshoot!)

4.  Toilet-paper-rolls turned favor boxes.  Keeping it simple here.  I stamped the birch trees (because birch is the new woodgrain, yo!) onto some kraft wrapping paper and covered empty toilet paper rolls.  I sewed the edges shut, but if you want something even easier, go ahead and glue the edges closed.

my blog is 2!

5.  A diy cake stand.  Sometimes you gotta make do with what you've got.  What I had was some kraft wrapping paper, a few cans of tomato paste, and cedar planks (we have a bunch that we use to bbq salmon on in the summer - yum!)  I stamped the birch tree pattern again, onto the wrapping paper, covered a few pantry cans, and turned this into a makeshift cupcake stand.  It totally works!

woodland blogging birthday party

NOW, it's time for the r-e-a-l party.  I design for some amazing and very generous companies, and they are helping me make this blogging birthday extra special: 

Clear and Simple Stamps: the stamps, dies, and wrapping paper that I used here come from this amazing company.  I love designing for this fantastic brand, and adore how I have been stretched creatively, working alongside Nicki and the ultra-talented design team.  Clear and Simple will be gifting a lucky party-goer with the limited edition "celebrate" stamp set.

Precious Remembrance: I love the whimsically handwritten sentiments of Precious Remembrance - Dyane's style puts the perfect finishing touch on so many of my cards.  She is due with her second baby any day now (yay!) and has agreed to let another party guest choose any one stamp set from the shop!

Lawn Fawn: somebody pinch me.  I recently starting designing for Lawn Fawn, and it really is a dream come true.  It's no secret that I love working with cute images, and theirs are the cutest!  The critters reeled me in, and the gnome sealed the deal ;)  Kelly Marie is so very sweet and encouraging, and will be gifting yet another winner with a stamp set and 6x6 petite paper pack of their choosing.

Just Me Digital Designs: do you all know how the name "just me" came to be?  My sister, Melissa and I teamed up:  Melissa & Elena, the ME of Just Me :)  We started out doing invitations and party decorations together, way back when.  We still collaborate sometimes (I can't create digital stuff to save my life, and she's a hoot with a stamp), but she's doing quite well with her own little Etsy shop.  She's due with her 3rd baby in about a week and a half (a new niece for me!), and is gifting still another party-goer with a custom digital party invitation or birth announcement.  She designs, you print it out - simple as that.

I am so thrilled and thankful for these 4 amazing prizes!  I put all of this together to thank you.  Thank you for supporting my creative endeavors  and for encouraging me along the way.  Thank you for becoming my friends, helping me keep my sanity, and for pushing me to always try and do more.  I really love being a part of this amazing community of crafters.  mwah!

I will be leaving room until Tuesday, February 12 at 9pm EST for you to RSVP to my party.  If you follow my blog, you've already checked the "yes, I will attend" box - just leave me a comment to let me know you're here.  If you don't follow my blog, you're welcome to do so!  And then please leave me a comment so I know you did.  I'll be announcing winners right here on the blog on February 13th, so come back!

Thanks for coming to my party.

♥, elena.

woodland blogging birthday party

ps - I'm posting over at the Precious Remembrance blog today too!
pps - check the CSS blog for a list of other designers who are partying today.

71 comments:

  1. Congrats Elena! You are such an inspiration, and I am happy to be on the CSS team with you! Happy 2nd blog birthday :) You are awesome!

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  2. Elena - WOW. You make me feel like a rookie ;)

    I can tell you had fun, and it was well worth it - this is awesome! And way to go on your prize sponsors!

    Don't include me in your draw - let those beautiful stamps go to someone who could actually do them justice!!

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  3. You.are.a.genius. I love you and all you do! You never stop amazing me with your talent and I am so blessed to call you my friend. Congrats on 2 years in blogland girlie... I can not wait to see what 2013 and beyond have in store for you! <3

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  4. Congrats on two years of blogging bliss! Love the recycled toilet paper rolls, and birch is the new woodgrain, yo! What a hoot!!! Such an amazing ensemble, Elena!

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    1. HAHA! Laura - very much appreciate that you said birch is the new woodgrain, yo. I agree, yo!

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    2. hey now! don't credit Laura for the only witty comment in my whole post ;) haha

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  5. Congrats on 2 years! I love your fun party theme! And of course I am here.... I'm already a follower! And I'm ready for a yummy cupcake!
    DeniseB

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  6. Congratulations on your second year of blogging. You throw one stylish party, that's for sure. Its been such fun seeing your style and your blog evolve. Even if I am just left inhaling the dust!! You go girl.

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  7. congrats on your blogaversary! You seriously know how to throw the cutest party ever!

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  8. H.E.L.L.O. ................. girl this post is AMAZING!!! I did not see a prize of you visiting someone :) Not sure how I was not following you, maybe because we are always chatting over on FB!! Congrats on the blog and you are truly amazing at what you love to do!!!

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  9. What a wonderful party! I always love seeing what you will create next and you never disappoint. Happy blog-aversary and thanks for the chance to win some amazing prizes!

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  10. What amazing part decor. Happy blog bday.

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  11. Just found your blog through Precious Remembrance. Really cute party decor. Congrats on 2 years of blogging.

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  12. Happy b-day Just ME blog...Been a fan from the get go ;)

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  13. Happy 2 years!! Your blog is such an inspiration--I love seeing what you've cooked and stamped up!!

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  14. Happy Birthday and thanks for the incredible inspiration!

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  15. I've been reading your blog for some time, but just realized that I wasn't an official "follower". Done!
    Love, love, love your creations Elena! Happy 2 Year Birthday!

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  16. You are good! Amazing really! This is adorable my friend!

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  17. Happy 2nd blog-aversary! Best wishes for many more. (I follow your blog using google Reader.) ;-)

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  18. Congrats Eleana! Happy 2nd blogaversary! What an amazing two years you've had! Cantvwaitbo see what's in store for you in the future! Fabulous prizes thanks for the chance!

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  19. Gosh, girl, I am never disappointed with your work. I love how you covered your pantry cans!!! I am so happy for you and the DTs that you create for. How generous of them to support your blogaversary! Thanks for the invite, I was happy to attend. Love, love, love your stuff! {{{Hugs}}}

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  20. Congrats on two years Elena! Your blog is so wonderful, I never find something that I don't absolutely love! Thanks for the opportunity to win such awesome prizes!

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  21. See, this is *why* we say you are the Party Ensembles QUEEN!! This is amazing Elena - I cannot believe the creativity that went into making this look so authentic! And you must teach me how you stage your photos as they are always amazing!!

    I was following you in Google Reader only already, but have now clicked Follow in the Google Follow too. Congrats on your blog turning 2!

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  22. Your wittiness, craftiness and creativity never cease to amaze me. Happy TWO years - congrats on all the projects you have blogged about. I remember when you were just starting out and weren't too sure about rubber stamps...you have come a long way! I'm so happy that you have found amazing ways to share your passion with so many people. I always look forward to reading about and seeing photos of your new cards and craft projects. Keep it up! :)

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  23. Wow oh wow oh wow!! You're 2nd anniversary blog party is just as fabulous and amazing as I ever imagined! I am definitely a blog follower and have been for a while! Your work is always so perfect and detail oriented I am always blown away!!! Congratulations and I can't wait to see what else you have in store for us on the future!!

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  24. what an awesome blog!Love your creativity!!

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  25. What a great part Elena! But really it's always a party over here. I love your birch toilet paper rolls....such a cool way to recycle those! And the watercoloring on the mushrooms is perfect. Thanks for the chance to win such great goodies!

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  26. Big congrats! Love your fun and simple woodlands party. Amazing ideas all around. I love hanging out here. You throw the best.... THEE BEST parties! The framed mushrooms are the best. I love the distressing in the background. Nice touch!! HUGS!!

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  27. Congratulations on 2 years!! And your party ensemble is adorable! Thanks for inviting me to the party! :)

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  28. Congrats on 2 years, Elena! I adore the treat boxes! Wish you another wonderful crafty year! :)

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  29. Such a fun way to host a giveaway! Happy 2nd Blogaversary to you!

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  30. You are so amazingly talented lady!! Congrats on two years being in blog land!!! :)

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  31. oh my goodness.. this is SERIOUSLY adorable.. I might have to lift this idea for my little girls 5th birthday.. you truly have inspired me.. I am a new follower, I found you through my good friend JJ Bolton and I am SOOO glad I did.. Congrats on the 2year ann. I am sure there will be MANY more.. Thanks for the chance to win too.. hugs

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  32. Have been following you via Google Reader almost since you started blogging, and it's been so much fun watching you outdue yourself over and over again. This "woodland" ensemble is fabulous ~ making the most out of supplies on hand. Great way to recycle those toilet paper rolls, and your cupcake stand is ideal. Congrats on your two years of blogging and for snagging some awesome prizes for your followers. Thanks for the chance to win and look forward to seeing more of your fabulous creations. : )

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  33. Congrats, Elena on your 2nd anniversary! The whole party theme is awesome. That toilet paper wrapper is such a brilliant idea. Thank you for the inspirations!

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  34. Oh wow, what eye-candy on your blog today! Although, when I clicked over here I knew it was going to be party-themed so my expectations were quite high. You did not disappoint ... everything is so darn cute and creative. My favs are the birch treat boxes, and the covered tin cans. I've been saving those for a couple months now for my son's birthday party and have accumulated about 40 of them in the garage. Probably can stop any time now : ) Great post!

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  35. Wow, what an amazing party ensemble! I love the theme and love, love, love all the different elements! Congratulations and happy second blog birthday!!

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  36. What a great set of party decorations...love the woodland theme. Congrats on two years...thanks for all the inspiration. I am already a follower and am happy to join you on such a wonderful day.

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  37. I've been a blog follower via my Google Reader for a while. I always get lots of inspiration from your posts! Thanks! Hope you're not snowed in!

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  38. how fun!! i love a party, especially if you are hosting!!

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  39. Cool party ideas!!! I am now following you, my friend Melissa Shea told me about it, thanks!!!

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  40. Congratulations on your 2 years!! :-) I follow your blog for a while now and really love your style! Thank you so much for the chance!! :-) xx

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  41. Happy 2 years!!! I just came across your blog from Lori's what an amazing woodland party! Such great projects made with what you had on hand! I am now a follower as I love making quick packaging for my grandchildren for little surprises and those toilet paper treat packages would be the greatest!!

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  42. Congratulations on 2 years!! I love this party...so cute..every little detail!!

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  43. Congrats on 2 years!your work is nothing short of amazing.I'm so happy I found your blog! I can't believe it took me this long. I have been going through your posts for over an hour! One word. Amazing!

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  44. Happy 2nd!!! Everything you do is inspiring and magical! Congrats! Love the toilet paper roll idea!! :)

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  45. What can I say? You are the queen of parties my dear! This party is out of this world! Only you could/would incorporate mushrooms into a rocking party:)

    Congratulations on your blogiversary! Thanks so much for sharing your work and yourself with us:) It's been an amazing ride!

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  46. I love this, especially the birch pattern all over, so beautiful. You are so talented Elena.
    ps. my cousin's name is Elena, too.:-)

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  47. Congratulations on two years of blogging! This is an amazing party ensemble--everything is just adorable!

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  48. What a super party, Elena! You are so creative and talented, my friend! Happy anniversary to you & your blog!

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  49. Congrats on the anniversary! What a super cute party- as always! I'm already a follower & always in awe of your talent!
    :)

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  50. Congratulations, Elena! This is absolutely amazing! What an incredible set! WOW! You.are.awesome. Just sayin'.

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  51. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ELENA!!! (Don't enter me in the contest...just wanted to stop by, say hello & tell you what a fabulous soiree you've put together!)

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  52. ummmm, wow! I am super impressed. I can't believe you made the favor boxes out of toilet paper rolls! Seriously. And I love the cakestand...okay, I love it all.

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  53. Congrats Elena! I really like your work, you are very talented! I can't wait to see more of your work! ;)

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  54. Happy birthday to your blog! I'm new to it, and I love it (I posted this accidentally under another project, but: I'm Chantalle's (Melissa's BFF) sister-in-law Anne! Hi! She told me about your stuff over Christmas, and I found your blog and fell in love with your projects, ideas, and style. Thanks for sharing!

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  55. 2 great years! Congrats, love all of your projects. I must have that birch stamp now : )

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  56. I've been following you on Flickr, you do such amazing stuff! This is the first time I've been to your blog and what a day to pick! Happy 2nd birthday to this blog!!!

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  57. Wow! You are definitely inspiring! It's fun to follow your blog.

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  58. Happy blogiversary! Such cute woodland party ideas too.

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  59. Perfect party for GNOMES and Fairies!

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  60. Love your work! You are so talented and sweet!
    I'm here for the party!

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  61. Congratulations on 2 years of blogging. Those are some incredible party decorations...love them to bits as woodland is irresistible. I am happy to be a follower and hope you have many more blog anniversaries.

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  62. Congratulations on your 2 years! I love all your display. TFS

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  63. I am sooooo glad that I took time to look at your amazing entry in the Papertrey Ink watercolor card challenge. Your blog is awesome and I really couldn't stop reading about how you created your party props! I can't wait to see more of what you create in the future and what you have already worked on in the past! You have a great personality and I know I will love following your talent. Happy 2 years of blogging and to many more!

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  64. I'm a little late to the party! Happy Anniversary Elena!

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    1. The above message is from Anita :)

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  65. I follow your blog! How could I not, with such adorable inspiration? Thanks for sharing your creativity!

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  66. OMG! I forgot to tell you how I love this party ensemble!! I love everything nature / animals / forest -related and this is sooo cute! Happy blog anniversary (almost a year late lol)

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