April 1, 2007

Autism Stamping Contest and More

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One child with autism is one child too many. One adult with autism is one adult too many. While the diagnosis isn't the end of the world, and autism shouldn't define one's life, it is certainly the beginning of a difficult journey. When special education and training ends, and as parents age, there is no greater worry than how a disabled child will fare as an adult. We need to raise awareness and money to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, treat, and dare I say, someday, cure autism -- a condition that is affecting way too many kids. Let's do our part. April is Autism Awareness Month and I've teamed up with Gina K Designs to offer an awesome (if I say so myself) contest. Purchase Gina's Love You to Pieces set (8$ of every set purchased goes to Autism Speaks) and make a card with it. (Is this set stinkin' cute or what!!?? -- I've already ordered it.) Send the card to me. One lucky winner (to be chosen at random) will win a $50 gift certificate to be used at Gina's store! Just in case you are wondering, I have no affiliation with Gina. I am not getting anything out of this (I paid full price for my set!) other than the knowledge that I've helped raise funds towards autism research -- oh, and I'll get a boatload of awesome cards (I hope)! The fine print: 1. Your card must use Gina's Love You to Pieces set. You may use any other materials, including other stamps, but you must use at least one of the stamps in this set. 2. The card must be no bigger than a standard A2 card -- 5.5 x 4.25" (or it won't fit in my post office box). 3. Leave the inside of the card blank, although you may put your signature, etc. on the back of the card. 4. Please make sure to put your name on the return address of the envelope. (I will be putting all the envelopes in a bag and selecting an envelope at random to choose the winner.) 5. Deadline: I must receive the card no later than May 20, 2006. (The stamps won't ship until mid-April, so this gives you time to get your set and send me a card.) 6. I'll announce the winner here on my blog on May 21st! 7. The cards become my property. I will either use the cards for personal RAKs or donate them to charity. I will not use them for any other purpose -- enter a contest, submit to a publication, sell them, etc. If I post them online, I will do so with your name on the picture of the card and in a separate gallery, similar to the one I created for the Black and White card contest. 8. Send your card (one entry per person please) to: Joan Bardee P.O. Box 2913 Fairfax, Virginia 22031 (Yes, I got a post office box just to run these contests!!) If you don't want to, or can't, purchase the set, there are other ways to help raise awareness of autism. I'll be sharing some of these ideas throughout the month of April. If you have any questions about the rules, please post them here as a comment to this post and I'll answer them in a separate post. *********** And since every post "needs" a card, here's one I made for a friend who has some difficult problems. They don't involve autism, but they do involve considerable worries. I am honored that she feels comfortable talking with me about them, and I wanted a card that encourages her to continue to do so, but be upbeat as well. Who can resist ladybugs? Ladybugs on ribbon?? I've been hoarding this ribbon for a year, waiting for just the right moment. Here's a close up of the bug and the ribbon. Too cute! How I made this card: There is nothing unusual about this layout or techniques, so I will just list supplies used. All supplies by Stampin Up unless otherwise noted. Stamp: Very Punny; Cardstock: Green Galore, Real Red, Basic Black and Beckett's Expression #80 Iceberg cardstocks; Cuttlebug A2 Bloom Dots Embossing Folder; Real Red and Green Galore markers; Memories Black Dye ink; Horizontal Slot Punch; ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon. After I trimmed the ribbon, I had 2 ladybugs left over, so I trimmed them and stuck them on the card with a bit of Ranger Glossy accents.

24 comments:

  1. Joan,
    Hi! I read your blog regularly, and just noticed that you're from Fairfax, VA! My SIL lives there and I am going to visit her in a few weeks. I was wondering if you can tell me where I need to go to do some rubbah shopping!!!??????? You can visit me at my blog
    http://heartfeltgreetings.blogspot.com/
    and click on EMAIL ME to write me back. I would SO appreciate a stampin' sisters help!

    Amy

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  2. Hi Joan,
    Thank you for posting about Gina's stamp set. It is up to everyone of us to help save these little children.
    I love the ladybug card. Have a beautiful day.
    Shelley

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  3. Wow, Joan! So glad to see you helping our cause, as well! :) Thank you so much for expanding on this vision! :)

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  4. Super card!
    What a wonderful way to raise awareness, and we ALL get some joy from it! I loooooove your explicit
    comments and instructions, TFS

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  5. You are so generous! What a great contest and I hope that you get lots of entries! Can't wait to see what everyone comes up with!

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  6. Thank you so much Joan for running this contest, you are the best!

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  7. Awesome offer, Joan. What a great idea!

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  8. Joan, thank you so much for helping to raise autism awareness. As the mom of a child with Asperger Syndrome, it means so much to see others learning more about this dreaded syndrome (autism).

    AND your ladybug card is SO ADORABLE!!! Your friend will surely be cheered by such a sweet sentiment from a friend!

    Lori aka Chefmama

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  9. What a wonderful contest Joan!! And your ladybug card is the cutest - love it.

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  10. Joan, your ladybug card is too cute! Wish I had some of that ribbon - it's also way too cute :)

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  11. I can't remember how I found your blog, but I love it. Thanks so much for your dedication to raising awareness about autism. I'm a regular ed teacher that teaches the inclusion class for my grade level. I have three students that are on the spectrum--and they range from VERY high functioning to midrange.

    Thanks!
    Natalie

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  12. the ladybugs are just gorgeous!!! And your contest will be sure fire hit with benefitting the cause AND those who buy the stamps to make some great, fun cards! How wonderful and what a great idea, Joan!!!!! You ROCK!!! :)

    Elaine
    A_place_for_ink

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  13. I just ordered my stamp set. Cute ladybug card, by the way! ;)

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  14. Joan, the ladybug is just too cute.
    I have to tell you I chuckle everything I think about your disclaimer that if anyone wants to steal your stuff and try and get published, good luck to them. What a riot.

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  15. Oh, and I fogot to mention that they would probably have a very good chance at that!:)

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  16. Awesome of you to be so generous. :}
    I don't mean simply the blog candy offer either. What a big caring heart you have, that's special. KimK

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  17. Dear Joan, My thanks for all your help in raising awareness for autism. My seven year old has Apergers Syndrome. He is nearly perfect in every way. He can't tell you how much snickers costs but he can tell you how many rpm a hughey helicopter has. He doesnt sit still at the dinner table. He watches tv upside down. He is the joy of my life. Thank you again.

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  18. Joan,

    Very fine set, for a good cause.
    Please post the zip code for your PO Box--I don't think things will get there otherwise.

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  19. Wow, $8.00 of the proceeds is an awesome donation! I just tried to pull of the set to get the details and price of the set but was having some trouble. I will try again.

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  20. Joan, you emailed me about the trees three set, but scs said your private email is full...please email me at Bissellr@msn.com
    Rachel

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  21. OOOOH! I love this card! I know you said you were hoarding the ribbon, but do you remember where you got it?

    I haven't visited your blog in a while -- I've missed it! It's wonderful, as usual.

    Leslie

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  22. Wow! This is the cutest card. Eye catching and it was worth holding on to that ribbon for so long - how'd you know Very Punny would be "invented" to go with your ribbon. thanks for sharing your thoughts and wonderful creations.

    Kelly Bee

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  23. WHO SOMEHOW I MISSED THAT POST I OWN THE STAMPS AND I WILL SEND YOU A CARD FOR THE CONTEST. SORRY i MISSED IT BBUT YOU CAN SEE THE CARD ON SCS OR ON MY BLOG, I WILL MAIL IT OUT TOMORROW OR WEDNESDAY

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  24. I'm working on a card right now! Hopefully I'll have it in the mail to you tomorrow!

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