***Blog Giveaway***

About time, don't you agree?   I actually meant to do this many times, but something was always coming up and got pushed on the back burner.  I finally decided that I needed to do this.  I was hoping to have this last month, which would of represented my first year anniversary for my blog and etsy site, but as you can see, that didn't happen...oh well, better late than never! 

I wanted to do this, to say thank you, for actually reading my blog...lol  and second for anyone who ever bought from my etsy.  This has been an awesome and exciting year for me.  First, I have meet so many new and interesting people, whether that be in person, internet or by mail and second it has allowed me to grow into the artist that I am becoming.  Since, my art teacher in high school actually told me that I had no artistic ability and should not peruse art, I never really felt that I had what it took to be an artist.  I decided 10 years ago, that I would give it a shot.  Since I was starting from the bottom, I felt that I wouldn't have very far to fall, if my teacher was right...lol  Well, since then, I have grown and stretched myself as an artist and don't regret one day of it.

Ok, this is how it works...I have really put alot of thought into this and felt that all you have to do is leave a comment and your e-mail address, on what/who inspired you to become an artist and yes, everyone is an artist.  Remember, it is in eye of the beholder.  Not, everyone who see's your art, will get it, but then..., it wasn't meant for everyone.  Take that leap of faith, like I did and believe...what do you have to lose?  I tell my kids alot, if I have at least touched one person with my art, then I did what I was meant to do with it. 

So, starting today,I will hold this open until June 1st.  That will give you 15 days and only one comment per person will count.  I will then put everyone's name in a container, shake vigorously and have one of my kids pull out a name. 

Shown below is the book, that I will be giving away...I just adore this book!  It fits in the palm of your hand nicely and of course, it is bulging with pretties.

The size of this book is roughly, 5 1/4 x 6 1/2.

 

 

I really enjoyed making this book, I haven't made one of these in a while.  Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to leave a comment to be able to get entered in the giveaway.

Comments

[Kathy Mc]

This is a beautiful little book Nellie. What a generous giveaway. It's obvious your teacher didn't know what she was talking about. All of your work is gorgeous.
My mother was my greatest inspiration. Her hands were always busy with sewing or knitting. She taught me how to sew and do embroidery before I was 10 years old. I still have my first childrens Singer sewing machine. I loved doing needlework, much more than sewing. Wish I still had those blue jeans I embroidered back in the 60's. Thanks for trip down memory lane.
kathy mc (athenas1951@yahoo.com)

[Katelen Tays]

Nellie,
I love your books. Please throw me in.
My inspiration came from my life..I can not think of anything more than that..It is just that simple..
Katelen katelenc@bellsouth.net

[wanda miller]

wow,the book looks scrumpcious..my grandmother (nana) taught me how to sew, knit, crochet, braid rugs,embroider and the list goes on. she visits me once and awhile when i am cussing my sewing machine 'cause i put up a fight learning that one with her...still hate it but use it constantly, i'd rather use a needle and thread. i will love reading who inspired each person here. thanks, wanda

[Stephani Gorman]

Hi Nellie, Oh how I would love to hold one of you awesome books in my hands! I have a few special people in my life that have been inspiring to me. My sweet Aunt Bette who has made dolls for as long as I can remember and made friends all over the world way before the internet. My grandmother who made beautiful quilts and grandpa who was a carpenter, My dad is an inventor of all kinds of stuff and my sweet momma who always has an idea when I hit a road block! There you have it and you have my email. Have a good weekend. Hugs, Stephani :)

[Debi]

Oh, this book is beautiful...as are all of your books!
My mom is the one I got my inspiration from. She was multi-talented and was always creating something and trying new things.

[Gaby Bee]

This is another amazing creation that takes my breath away...you are sooooo talented!
Oh, it's easy to leave nice words here because everything you make is so very unique.
I would love to be the new owner! Thanks for your generosity and the opportunity to win.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Gaby xo

[Ingrid]

What a terrible thing for a teatcher to say,some people just dont understand how much damage words can do,im so glad you didnt listen to her,your art is so special!!
I would love to be in your giveaway,thank you!I was inspired by my mother who has been sewing and knitting for as long as i can remember,and my aunt who inspires me everyday!Have a great weekend!Ingrid

[Dorthe Hansen]

Nellie dear,
You made this a real,fantastic and so beautifull book (recognice it )the winner will be such a much happy person.
I (like all others) could say my mom, but thats not the whole story, -in a way I think, it layed inside me, so maybe my forefathers, and for sure I know my grandfather was a very creativ man, he just lived far away, so we did not meet alot.
Hope you are doing well, and ok.
Love to you and hugs.
Dorthe

[Sarah]

What is it with high school art teachers!!? My first one was quite the critic making it a wonder that I ever took another class (from a different instructor). I guess it is in our nature to prove those people wrong. My very talented parents were responsible for my wanting to be creative by allowing me the freedom to dabble in different mediums.
The book you are offering for your giveaway is fabulous and would be very welcome in my home. Your blog is one of my daily reads!

[Kara]

Your work is lovely, and this book just looks amazing! I was inspired by my mother...she always allowed me to explore art and encouraged me from a very young age. As we have both gotten older she still values all my art, from my childhood and things that I make now. She is a gift!

[anna gonzalez]

This book is a masterpiece. Oh how I would love to win this book....Nellie, You are so talented, a true artist. Odviously your teacher didnt know what he was talking about. I remember reading in an article some music executive saying the "Beatles" would never make it. What a joke.... You can never go by what someone says, YOu must do whats in your heart and soul. As for inspiration, I see art all around me. I have been inspired by my niece Ingrid who creates beautiful things, and who also has a love of art like myself... and artists like you..... enjoy the weekend. Anna :-)

[Mia]

Adorable book! you know..my art teacher said something similar to me, 'you can not paint, your work is s***', if I remember correctly:D well..haven't painted since high school. think I should try too. Thanks.

[Shiree Johnston]

Hi Nellie,
this is my first visit to your blog, and I am really blown away with your creativity. That art teacher had no idea huh! I love this book, life is a true inspiration, and it is shaped by the people that we share it with.
thank you for sharing..

[Brenda Bliss]

Nellie, Nellie, Nellie--it would be a dream come true to win your offering--your books are unbelievable--I saw JoAnnA's book in person and turned green with envy--my college art professor told me the same thing--and I believed him--even changed schools and majors--but creating is in my heart--and brings me such joy!
Hugs my friend,
Brenda Bliss

[dix]

What a fabulous book! I can tell it was lovingly created by very artistic hands. You are truly talented. dix---

[Andi Hinkle]

Hi Nellie...like everyone else, I would love to have your gorgeous book. Many people have inspired me...my grandmother and my aunt in particular. They were always doing handiwork with their hands.
hugs, Andi
andih@verizon.net

[Joanne Thieme Huffman]

Nellie, the book is breathtaking. I had similar "advice" from my 8th grade art teacher; he told me to never take another art class because it would waste my time and my teacher's time. The artist who encouraged me was a sculpture teacher (and artist) in college named Mr Risley. I had to take a sculpture class as a prerequisite for a set design class I needed as a drama minor my senior year of college; and, bless him forever, he told me I had the eye and the heart of an artist.

[Lori Hutchinson]

Nellie,
Your book is inspiring as you and your art is.
I started my art a few years ago when one of my friends, Karen signed us up to take a class at Stamp on it in Holland and we found altered art. Then I took one of your classes...WOW. I was in awe and captivated by how you taught a class and the beautiful book I made. It sits on my shelf in the kitchen and I look at it daily. Since then I too have meet and made wonderful friends who are talented artist.
LOL, Lori Hutchinson
onekdreams@mac.com

[Dawn @ The Feathered Nest]

Oh Nellie. What a beautiful offering for this giveaway!!!!! I would absolutely love to be entered in....and what inspired me? My heritage. My grandfather and grandmother both were artists as well as my father, he went to art school for a very short time but had to quit and work to raise a family. My family is why I love to create....they gave me the gene!! Thanks so much, xxoo, Dawn

[Colette]

I could not pass up the chance to win one of your delicious books. What inspired me many years ago was a little box of watercolors and a brush. It grew from there, and about a year ago, I lost my regular job and decided to become a full-time artist. So, I tightened my belt, budgeted my life, and went for it.