Happy 3rd Birthday, li'l blog o' mine!

So yesterday I asked you to pretend it was Tuesday. Today I'd like you to pretend it's April 18. Can you work with me on this?? One of these days I'll get my blogging groove back and post things when I intend to, but until then I need you to play make-believe with me. Ok so we're all in agreement it's April 18, right?

WOOHOO!!! Today is my blogiversary!!! I started this little blog on a complete whim three years ago today. Little did I know that three years later I'd still be calling it home - granted, a rather sporadic home in recent months, but even so - it's been a pretty big part of my world these last few years and has brought opportunities and friendships I never imagined when I started it late one night, so I figure some attention must be paid! (Plus it's a fun lure to get you to check out my new Extreme Home Makeover - Blog Edition, yay!)

So first I made my blog a birthday card:


I broke out my fun new monster set from Hero Arts. Carter (my 4yr old) was in my stamp cave with me while I was finishing up this card, and I have to say it's probably the most excited I've seen him about a stamp. "Mommy those are MONSTERS!" and as I was attaching the googly eyes "Mommy you're such a great artist!". Awww. Love my little sugarsnap. But I digress, back to the card. I played along with 2 Sketches 4 You, I think perhaps for my first time ever? I don't know why exactly but their sketches always intimidate me. I guess maybe because they are all so stinkin' talented over there! Here's the sketch:


Some details that aren't really showing up in the photo - the balloon & hat are both paper pieced & popped up, and the balloon is coated with Glossy Accents. And a little trick I always use on cards with creatures - his eyes are colored over with my black Glaze pen. IRL it just makes him look more "alive" with his shining eyes. :-)

Ok and now what you really came here to check out - the part of my celebration that's really worth celebrating! I'd like to give one commenter a $25 Shopping Spree to my favorite stamp company, Hero Arts!

Just leave a comment, whatever you'd like, by Sunday April 25 at midnight CST. I'll post the winner Monday morning.

And a GREAT BIG THANKS to those of you who've been here with me for the long haul - I appreciate your friendship and support so much!! Oh and you newbies ain't half bad either! :-)

Happy Stamping!

• Stamps: CL391 Monster Fun and CL288 Scallop Borders
• Paper: red, turquoise, bright green, white cardstock; DP from Hobby Lobby
• Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers, Sakura Glaze pen
  
• Accessories: Spellbinders Labels One dies, Glossy Accents, Stickles, ribbon from Michael's, clip, googly eyes, machine stitching