Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Pay It Forward Gift Giveaway


As you all know, I'm no crafter. I drool over the centerpieces Linda creates. I am in awe over the homemade paper vintage masterpieces that Karla, Joy and Polly design. And pretty much every thing the sisters and Kim do leaves me wanting more. And that's just to name a few. But, then there's Melissa who is a most fantastic decorator when it comes to using someone else's wares. She's not crafty either. But she makes up for it with a fabulous eye for all things gorgeous!

Against my better judgment, I agreed to participate in Melissa's Pay It Forward Gift Exchange. If you notice at the bottom of her post, she has an update which talks about 2 eager-beaver crafters and one reluctant participant named Julie. I am that Julie she speaks of. I so much love the idea of giving something away. I am always thrilled to read the comments people leave on my blog. I even found out yesterday that there was someone reading my droll who was not able to comment as I did not allow anonymous comments. But Jo was sweet enough to send me an email letting me know that she enjoyed reading my blog. She made a special effort to let me know she would like to comment if she could. I changed the settings on my blog so that now anyone can comment. But anyway, my point is - it's the generosity of people like her who make me want to give something back. Make me want to Pay It Forward. Plus Melissa was kinda looking for someone "not so crafty" to play along. So here it goes...

I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don’t know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog. If anyone is interested in joining in, I will send a handmade gift to the first three to leave a comment with their promise to pay it forward.

Now don't you all (y'all, yenz or yous - depending on where you live) come at me at once. I know, I know. Everyone is so eager to get a homemade gift from a self-professed crafting nimwit who can't sew, glaze, paint or dazzle. But I can promise that I will put time and effort and love into it. Now I'm not above stealing ideas - so if anyone out there is gracious enough to give me a few suggestions so that I do not have to resort to a life of crime, I would appreciate it.

Remember - the first 3 people who comment on my blog that they would like to participate wins this fabulous opportunity to strut your stuff. Or if you're not in to strutting but would just like to give back - you can play along too. Don't leave me hanging people. Already I can start to feel the tightening of my chest because A) I'm not good at this sort of thing but I so don't want to disappoint anyone and B) because I'm pretty positive no one wants to play with the fat girl on the playground.

Edited to add: I found this at Cre8tiva's blog. It was fun. What's your Halloween personality?
Edited to add II: I have received 3 crafters for the PIF giveaway. Please note that if this was something that interested you, you can check out Kathy's Cottage and Prairie Dreams. Remember you have 365 days from the date of your post to PIF! Thanks again!!
What Your Halloween Habits Say About You

You're a friendly person, but not the life of the party. You like making someone else's day - and you'll dress up if you think of a really fun costume.

No one quite understands you, but everyone also sort of worships you. And that's exactly how you like it.

Your inner child is open minded, playful, and adventurous.

You truly fear the dark side of humanity. You are a true misanthrope.

You're prone to be quite emotional and over dramatic. Deep down, you enjoy being scared out of your mind... even if you don't admit it.

You are a traditionalist with most aspects of your life. You like your Halloween costume to be basic, well made, and conventional enough to wear another year.



28 comments:

Rebecca E. Parsons/Cre8Tiva said...

oh i am going to do this...i love to give back...monster mash huh...just stopping by to wish you happy halloween...have a hauntingly goulish time...okay let's dance...blessings, rebecca

Terri Steffes said...

Ok, I'll do this too but I am not someone who can show their stuff but I am so willing to try!

Anita said...

Hey! I can do this... :) Sounds like fun, count me in...

From the Doghouse said...

If I gave away something homemade, it would have to be food.

Sweet Remembrance said...

I love this idea...
We should all do this for sure!
Priscilla

Sweet Cottage Dreams said...

Hi Julie! I am number five, but can I still participate? I have been sewing this week and made a few little goodies up. Let me know what to do.

You just crack me up! I love how you write!!!!! How about being the last tall and lanky brace face nerd left on the playground? Yup, that was me!

dracula kisses and monster hugs,
Becky

Dena said...

Hi Julie,

I'm so not a good enough crafter! Yes, I am sneaking to the back of the room here...I'm the shy super short kid by the sandbox :P

Hugs,
Dena

Anonymous said...

Hey, you need to send some willing participants over to Kathy's Cottage as last time I checked she was still on the hunt for takers...

You are way too kind to flatter me so, and I am Soooooo glad us non-crafties are in this together. We should do a show, we'd be a mess of tangled string, glue and glitter. But what fun we would have!!!! LOL!

Glad you finally got up the nerve to do this!

xo,
Melissa

BellaColle said...

Oh, what a neat idea! I see I missed out on being in the top three!! might just have to try this on my blogs...
Have a safe Halloween!
hugs!

Supermom said...

been at a funeral all morning, I'm late with my morning hello! :)

Unknown said...

I'm not much of a crafter but I love looking at what crafty people can do. Just wanted to wish you a Happy Halloween!

Back Through Time said...

Have a spooky fun evening!! Can't wait to see your work;-)
Michelle

BittersweetPunkin said...

I am not a crafter but soon....I will be hosting a give away on my blog.....
I will enjoy seeing what all you crafty ladies come up with though.
Love,Robin

Linda said...

Happy Halloween Julie, I'm kinda sorta a crafter and I love seeing everyone's work. So many talent ladies, I can't figure out were they get such neat ideas:).
Witching you a happy night. Linda

Rosemary said...

Happy Halloween Julie!
Love the personality test.
I'm thinking about participating.
Right now I am relaxing after the wedding. Not in crafting mode yet.
Rosemary

Rosemary said...

Happy Halloween Julie!
Love the personality test.
I'm thinking about participating.
Right now I am relaxing after the wedding. Not in crafting mode yet.
Rosemary

Anonymous said...

Looks like fun .....have too much to do..will have to try for the next one... Have a great halloween!!

Kimmie said...

Hey Julie;

On vacation I got the sweetest little "crafty" thing...send me an email and I will tell you (so I won't ruin the surprise, if you choose you want to do it.)

hugs
Kimmie
mama to 6
one homemade and 5 adopted
kimmie28@gmail.com

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

You go girl! I am so NOT crafty!
Penny

rosemary said...

Of course I am # 7,236...no matter, I'm uncrafty too.

You know Julie, every time I have visited your blog lately the song I'll Be Home For Christmas is playing.....it was my dad's favorite Christmas song but I never knew why...he had not been in the service....but I love hearing it. Thank you

FarmHouse Style said...

Hey, Julie! I hope you have had a happy Halloween. We have just returned from Tricks or Treats and the sugar high is raging:)

I have already committed myself to Shabby In the City's Christmas Craft Fair, or I would sign-up. Maybe when that is finished....

Rhonda

karlascottage.typepad.com said...

Well, there are lots of things you can make that don't take a LOT of skill. Keep it simple and you'll do fine. Maybe even get a kit? It is a sweet idea and definately a good one and worth doing. You'll be glad you did!

Justabeachkat said...

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Hugs To You!
Kat

Bethany said...

Happy Halloween Julie!

BittersweetPunkin said...

Julie..to answer your question about the vintage postcard on my post...I usually just use google and find a site that lets you use the image for free...there are a lot of them out there.
Love,
Robin

lori said...

WHAT are you going to craft??????
I LAUGHED out loud...
Can't wait to see the results, watch out though, that GLUE can get really MESSY!
lori

shelbi said...

what a wonderful and fun idea. and i love the qualification of 365 days to get crackin...:) lol. thats the speed this 'time-challenged' mommy is in these days!

Anonymous said...

Aww, thanks for the mention Julie -you're too sweet!