Tuesday, January 22, 2013

International Blogging Event!

I am participating in my first ever International Blogging Event, being hosted by Vicki of 2 Bags Full.  Her goal is to introduce people to new blogs, while helping them to grow their own blog audience.  (You can find links to all of the participants' blogs here.)
So, for those of you visiting me for the first time because of this fun event, allow me to introduce myself and show photos from previous posts to help you get to know me: 

My name is Andria, and I have been blogging in earnest since January 2011.  (I had two "false starts" prior to that, because I kept re-starting every time I had a baby...not a good time to try to maintain a blog!)
A recent Valentine's Day collage
The blog has evolved primarily into an art and crafts blog, with a record of various projects, swaps, and classes I've done.  I couldn't share my life in a blog, though, without frequently referencing my two daughters, ages 3 and 5.  Many of their art and crafting escapades are recorded here, as well. 
Katy (5), Bayla (3), and I indulging in some edible Christmas crafting this past year.
I have developed some wonderful online friendships with bloggers around the world, many of which have resulted in swapping mail art and other projects.  My mailbox has been a much more interesting place as a result of my blogging adventures!
Altered Rolodex card
You can read about my interest in doing swaps by clicking on the "Swaps" tab at the top of my blog.  I welcome new swap partners who enjoy ATCs, altered Rolodex cards, postcards, mail art, bookmarks, paper and supply swaps...pretty much anything anyone can dream up!
Sketchbook peek
I try to have giveaways on my blog a couple of times a year, just to keep things fun!  And as of my birthday...the BIG 4-0!...in April, I am planning to have an Etsy Shop called Studio 791 up and running, giving you an opportunity to purchase my art and crafted items. 
Yard sale treasures
I invite new and old readers alike to browse around my blog, looking at previous posts to check out the kinds of projects I enjoy doing.  You can also take a look at the list of blog labels in the margin to get a sense of what kinds of topics you will read about here. 
One of my first hand-carved rubber stamps
Please leave me a comment to let me know that you have come by, and I look forward to visiting your blog in return!

**********************************************
GIVEAWAY!
Vicki has encouraged the Grow Your Blog participants to host a giveaway as part of the event.  To that end, I will be offering a selection of handmade Valentine embellishments, similar to the ones you can read about in this post.  I will package up 8 varied handmade hearts for you to use on your Valentine's Day cards, packages, scrapbook and journal pages.  Everyone who leaves a comment on today's post has a chance to win, and the winner will be selected on February 1.  Be sure I know your email address as part of your comment, so that I can notify you!  Good luck!

33 comments:

lee said...

as an old reader of your blog, i think you have great information, beautiful art, and keep the reader interested

Tanya said...

SOOOOOOOOOOOOO happy to have found your blog - I know this is going to be a happy place for me! Tanya

aprilmariecole.blogspot.com said...

Hello Andria!!
I am a huge fan of yours, love you to pieces!! ~xx

Vicki Boster said...

Andriea- such a beautiful post-- and a beautiful family! I hope you make lots of new friends at the party!! I'll be listing your blog later tonight!!
Have fun!
Vicki

Michelle said...

Thanks for visiting Boulderneigh, Andria! Nice to make your acquaintance. :-)

Victoria said...

Hi Andria,
I'm a regular follower, and enjoyefd this post.
Love your hearts!!!!

Parabolic Muse said...

Andria, as always, your photos and blog posts are a pleasure. I am getting very much into the Valentine's Day mood and the stitched hearts in your previous post really have me thinking about my V art plans. You're fabulous!

Art and Sand said...

I love the idea of swaps. I just mailed off my items for a Heart Swap and am trading with one person on another Heart Swap. They are my first so I am looking forward to seeing what I get in return. I will have to look at your swaps to see if I am capable of any of them.

Vicki Boster said...

Alrighty -- you are IN!! Have a great time at the party!

Vicki

ps -- You are SO pretty and your girls are adorable :)

Elizabeth Edwards said...

hi there. finding more blogs from this blog hop. glad to see & meet a new friend. please when you get a moment stop by my blog. have a great week. take care. ( :

Tammy said...

Enjoying your blog. Please enter me in the drawing.

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Christine said...

Hi Andria, thanks for visiting my blog. This blog party has been a great way of finding blogs I'd not have discovered otherwise.
You do beautiful work

Mellisa said...

Wonderfully crisp and always interesting!

scrapwordsmom said...

I absolutely LOVE your blog, Andria!! One of my faves!!!!

Holly said...

What fun, Andria! I have enjoyed visiting! I like your blog title too! Isn't this fun?!

Blessings!

Laurie said...

Altered rolodex cards are a new one on me! Your daughters are lovely and it looks like you have lots of fun on your blog! Nice to meet you!

Magdalena said...

What a lovely blog, so nice ideas. I'm happy I found it.
Magdalena

Tiffany said...

Nice to meet you! What a cool giveaway. I'm stopping by from GYBP.

Tiffany
www.pinkfaithtoday.blogspot.com
pinkfaithtoday@hotmail.com

Unknown said...

I just hopped over to your blog for the first time, and noticed your blog hop and giveaway. Thankyou.

Eileen
lstardust999@aol.com

Unknown said...

I just hopped over to your blog for the first time, and noticed your blog hop and giveaway. Thankyou.

Eileen
lstardust999@aol.com

Kmcblackburn said...

Thank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a nice comment. You mentioned you are from the Philly area. I'm in Ambler...are we near each other?

Neesie said...

Hello Andria,
How lovely to meet you. I'm here from the party thanks to Vickie's ingenious idea and invitation ;D

You have some fabulous art projects on the go there and obviously have very willing little helping hands on standby!
Enjoy the blog hopping and thanks for stopping by my place earlier.
Neesie ♥

Patty said...

Hi Andria! I am so inspired with your blog. I can't wait to follow you and keep up with the neat things you do! Thank you for visiting me!

Fat Dormouse said...

You have created some lovely things. I'm just starting ATC creating - I'm not very good at it yet - so I look to you for inspiration!

Carola Bartz said...

Andria, you have a lovely blog! I enjoy seeing your ceativity, and your post about recycling Christmas cards is very interesting. I am also one to recycle Christmas cards, I don't like to throw them away. I will be back!

Beverley Baird said...

Have just discovered your blog and am loving your creativity!

iHanna said...

I'm an oooold reader of your blog, but would love to win some hearts or learn how to do something similar to yours because they're fab!

laurie said...

i'm looking forward to seeing what you will have in your etsy shop this spring - what a great way to celebrate a birthday!

kareninkenai said...

Andria, thanks for the lovely opportunity to win the hearts. You have a lovely blog. Will be following your blog. Karen
Please stop by if you haven't already and sign up for my giveaway. (I'm tardy because my motherboard died and went to the grave!) But, I have a replacement now! Hugs from Alaska. Karen

www.alaskabluemoose.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I've loved visiting you for this event, you have a great blog. I love the Valentines collage and it is great that you craft with your children and encourage them to make things as well.
Carolyn
http://messmuddleandfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/grow-your-blog-party.html

Denise Bryant said...

Love your Valentine collage and your carved stamp! I have done some carving also! Happy to have found you through the GYB hop!
DeniseB
deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

Dianie said...

Hi Andria,
It's great to meet you.
I had a nice time looking around your blog.
You have fun ideas that I must try, love your ideas for the recycling of Christmas cards.
And, you have such a cute little family.
I will see you soon :)

~Diane