Monday, December 29, 2008

The Ultimate Valentine Challenge!!!!

Hi all! I made this card using some cutie patootie images forever ago... but it is in a stack of cards ready to head to my mom's mailbox! She has her mission - Cards 4 Kids - where she donates hand made cards to the children at Children's Hospital in Detroit. It's funny because when I was a kid, I needed surgery when I was about my daughter's age (5) and -- this is the hospital that took care of me! Now, my mom and I use our time and talents to help the children that spend time there now.

Well, not too long ago, my mom got a call from the administrator of the hospital asking if she could round up 1,000 valentines for the kiddos there. They need blank ones (basically no signatures from us) so that the kids can pick and then send them to other friends and family. When my mom heard this -- she literally started to panic! I emailed a few friends to see if they could help and a couple -- Sharon Johnson and Jennifer Buck -- said count me in! It was Sharon's idea to make this a challenge to see if WE the stamping community could hit 1,000! And, Jennifer said she would not only make cards and post about it -- she'd offer up blog candy! So, here I am! I am not only going to kick up my efforts but I am going to offer up some candy of my own! If you comment here and then pledge some cards by emailing my mom at Mrsmiley6@aol.com - your email will be thrown into the hat for my candy. You can check out Jennifer's offerings by clicking HERE! And, my mom will have candy too! Click HERE to sign up for hers!

What's my candy? Two stamp sets! One called Be Mine from Impression Obsession and another called I Love Roses from Flourishes LLC along with 5 yards each of pink and red sheer May Arts ribbon and some soft pink Kaiser rhinestones! All you need to do is pledge some cards and email my mom at the address above to get her mailing address! I'll keep this candy open for the next three weeks to give you the time to make and send! I'll close my candy on January 20th-- extended one more week! That would give you almost a full month to be able to use these beauties below! Just in time for Valentine's Day!







AND THIS SET HAS BEEN ADDED TOO! Thanks to the fabulous Cambria Turnbow!!!





In the words of Sharon -- Can we do it????? I think we can!

Thanks for all your support! Cardmakers truly have the biggest hearts!

124 comments:

Anonymous said...

Julie, emailed your super sweet mom with a 50 plus Valentine pledge plus whatever the Junior Church children design and stamp Sunday. I am tickled to help as both our sons needed special hospital time! Those huge caring touches shared by staff from concerned community people make such an impact of joy. Making a bright spot in a young medical warrior's day will be a rosy rich opportunity. Keep Looking UP!

Cindy Lawrence said...

I am definitely in for this challenge, Julie! I already left your mom a comment. What a sweet, sweet thing to do! :D

Latisha said...

How wonderful! I will email your Mom and let her know I will send a few.

Stef Perry said...

Julie, I'm definitely in for some Valentine cards for these sweet kids. I will email your mom and find out the details!!

Lastel said...

I have emailed your mom to let her know I have twenty some cards to send !

Kathynruss said...

I e-mailed your Mom, as if I didn't have enough to do, but I can make 5. Will ask my stamp club ladies (non SU) to contribute, too.

Suzzi said...

I pledge 50 also! Thanks for doing this!!!

Jacki Marie said...

I would love to help. I'll send your mom and email for the address.

Anonymous said...

I would love to help as well!! I will e-mail your mom-- What a great idea--- My daughter (10 YO) loves to help me stamp so...... it will be a great project to do together (even though its going to Michigan (LOL) GO BUCKS!!! (Sorry-- I had to do that) Anyway-- Bless you and your mom on your great gift to the kids and their families!
Sherri Alspach
sherrialspach@sbcglobal.net

WhimsicalThoughts said...

what a cute card Julie, I already contacted your Mom and told her she can count on me ....

Happy New Year

~ Toni

Anonymous said...

Count me in this is so wonderful, I emailed your mom and I will be making them today!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Julie ~ I have emailed your mom and will be sending cards too. You must be very proud to have such a giving and thoughtful mom :)

Anonymous said...

I will pledge to send you a few. How do i get them to you?!?!

Diane said...

That is so nice of everyone!!
I'm in too!!! Such a great cause!!
I'll email your sweet mom asap!
Beautiful card Julie,and so nice of you to offer some candy!

Ann said...

Julie, I'd like to help.

Pat (mspfd) said...

Also in. I already contact your mom. I also posted an entry on my blog regarding the challenge.

No need to enter me for blog candy. It's the least I can do.

Happy New Year!!

Anonymous said...

I Julie
I will be sending Valentine's cards 4 kids to your Mom. Hopefully about a dozen. I check out your blog everyday and love looking at your beautiful cards. Thanks Mary L. Schreiber

Anonymous said...

Great idea, Julie. I'll email your mom and get the details on where to send them. Thanks for the challenge! Love that ribbon and those sets!
Gail S.

Lesli said...

I am definitely on board too Julie! I will email your mom and let her know. I don't need to be put in for blog candy - just happy to do something for the kids. I'll also post the info on my blog for you too!

Here's to a great new year!

Lila H said...

Julie - what a wonderful challenge to the STAMPING world!!!! sent you mother an email - what a great way to start the year....count me in.

Book Bling said...

Count me in. I'll get to them this week.

Anonymous said...

Your card is amazing and what your mom is doing is incredible.

Have a great New Year

Debbie H said...

This is such an awesome effort, I am really excited to help out. I emailed your mom and she gave me the link to your blog, I'll be working on my cards over the next few weeks, awesome!

Deb H

Jo said...

Julie, Count me in I will try to get 25-50 out depending on the time I have. I just emailed your Mom! This is going to be fun!!

PS Love your Bee Mine card.

Unknown said...

Hi Julie,
I'm in the process of making the cards right now, I'm trying for 50, I have emailed your Mom for the address info.
It makes my happy to be part of such a wonderful event....I will post it on my blog tonight!
-Cher

kathy e said...

What a wonderful thing to do!!! I emailed your mom today and then spent the afternoon making Valentines! I will continue to make more this week, then send them to your mom.

SparkofWhimsy said...

I'm in! I don't know how many cards I will make yet, but it will be as many as I can between this and the other things I have to do during that time. What a great thing to be doing and I'm so happy to get to be a part of it!

Anonymous said...

i just emailed your mom about donating some valentines, I will get 'busy' this weekend so i can mail them out when i have her snail mail addy. thanks for a chance to win some candy too!
tpatti@alltel.net

Cheryl B. said...

I've emailed your mom already and hope to start working on some cards later today.

Anonymous said...

Email has been sent and answered. I have my supplies ready to go and while watching football this weekend my valentines will be made. What an awesome cause and thanks for sharing the opportunity to help out. darlene
djstamper2003 at yahoo dot com

Carolina said...

Count me in...this is just an amazing thing to do! I'm off to email your mom!

Laurie in MN said...

I will email your mom.
This will force me to get back to stamping instead of admiring other peoples cards. And having spent many nights with my son at our local Children's Hospital, I understand the need for normalcy and fun.

Ashley Newell said...

AWwww, Julie! I didn't know that this was a hospital that you went to. That makes it so much more special! I've already started making Valentine's for the kiddos and I've blogged about your mom's mission. I hope that we all can far surpass the 1000 cards and each kid has the best Valentine's Day ever!

Regina Easter said...

oh my this is EXACTLY one of the reason God put us here....to do for others and I love me some valentine stuff....I will email your mom plus would like to offer my FULL sets of Valentine printables as a blog candy...from the cutting cafe...Count me in for a few cards to....you rock.

Sharon Caudle said...

I'm in! What an awesome thing you're doing here! I sent your mom an email. I don't know how many I'll be able to do, but I just need info. When you need to have them by and where to send them. I'm getting started right after I finish typing this! Hugs!

pacools said...

Good morning Julie, I just emailed your mom that I have 8 cards I made on Saturday for the Children's Hospital of Michigan. She had emailed her address to me last week. I work very close to her home so I have offered to drop them off later today. I think with all the interest and responses she should easily make her goal. I wouldn't be at all surprised if she is able to exceed it for such a good cause. Pat Austin

Karol L said...

Julie, I just emailed your Mom, I can not wait to get home this afternoon and start in on them. I told her I would pledge 10 or more and I expect it will be more. I have three boys and over the years I have come up with some great Valentine cards for them. Blessing to you and your Mom for this great gift.
"Live, Laugh, Love"
Karol

Pegg S said...

What a great idea - thanks for the challenge and I will be sending cards! I have some fun cute stamps that will be perfect for kids!

Tanya said...

Julie- I'll help. I'm not sure how many I can do, but I will get some! Thanks!

DeniseLynn said...

I think I got confused ... but I am sending cards to your mom and thought I better add my name here too. Thanks for a chance to win goodies! Truly the best part is sharing my gift of creativity ... I so hope to bless a child through this (at least to bring a smile to a sweet face!)

marcie said...

Hi Julie,

I emailed your mom yesterday that I would send her cards for the project. I hope someone takes pictures to share!

Thanks!
Marcie
SBS5

Anonymous said...

Julie, I think this is a wonderful thing for your Mom to do. I work in the healthcare arena and holidays tend to get overlooked. What a great way to brighten up someone's day. I e-mailed your Mom with my pledge for cards, I'm hoping to get my neighbors involved for a stamping week-end. Kim

Anonymous said...

I celebrated many holidays in the hospital when I was a kid. Now I have kids of my own....you can count us in to send 50 homemade Valentines Day cards from central SD.

Linda Crowder said...

Ever true to your sweet nature, Julie. I sent your mom a comment and I am doing a post on my own little blog. It doesn't have many readers, but it only takes one person to be an enormous help in a group, right? Love what you stand for, girl. Linda Crowder

*kathleen* said...

just sent off a box of about 50 cards to your mum for Valentines as well as a few other cards. Keep us posted on the count to 1000 - i'd be happy to send more if needed.

Alex said...

Okay, I am so in for this!!! This is a wonderful thing to do - I saw the post over on Leslie's blog along with her gorgeous cards! I will make some today and get them in the mail sometime this week! *STAMPIN HUGS* Alex

Anonymous said...

I just put the cards for your mom in the mail today.
We had so much fun making them. My daughters came and made some, even my 6 year old niece made one.

Thanks for letting us be a part of this.

Dolce Deb's Designs said...

Hi Julie I emailed your Mom for her addy I have been working on the cards for a few days now and hope to send them to you sweet Mom on Monday. I know without a doubt that we will do this. Have a great week and TFS. Oh I also posted the info regard Cards 4 Kids on my blog.

Debbie/Phx AZ

Anonymous said...

I'm IN! I already got your Mom's address, and I'm working on them tonight! I think it's wonderful what your Mom's doing for the hospital, and what a sweet thing for the kids!

Linda Crowder said...

A second comment. I put you and your mom on my site last night. This is such a wonderful thing you are doing. I am sending a card later on too. Can't get it done in time, I don't think, but I am trying. I know each one counts. I am in! Linda Crowder

Carol said...

I will definately be sending your mom and email and some cards. What a great way to share what we love and from me, I had a sister fight juvenile cancer and it was so hard on her, nothing was ever normal and the little things make a huge difference. Thank you for doing this!

kathy e said...

I put a big box of cards in the mail yesterday! And I always have so much more fun when I'm making cards for a worthwhile cause. Thanks for offering such great blog candy!

Carrie said...

I think it's wonderful what you are doing and will be happy to make some cards for the kid's.
I already sent an e-mail! Thank you for doing this!!

Andrea said...

Wonderful cause and I emailed your Mom today. I plan to get her at least a couple.

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie -

What a great challenge. It's been fun to see how it has snowballed, although I guess one should expect that in Michigan! I sent your Mom a package of 18 cards on Monday, and will be sending some more after our local stamp club meets on Saturday.

Marsha said...

Count me in. One of my goals this year is to give cards away so this fits in perfectly.
thanks for all you do and for challenging us.

MissC said...

What a cool thing to do. I am up for this challenge. Thanks

Anonymous said...

lola love....doing the hearts of rain dance here, Julie! Rain and snow predicted again amid this slush and rut melt! And that pinwheel windmill is just the ticket for all gusty winds hitting here making commute grip a total two hander the last two days! We won't talk about the black ice and drifts, just grip and gaze piercingly. At least we are not yet like Snoqualme (sp, I know!) where those dear people are total Niagara Falls. Praying for their safety! Hey, Lola Love has postionable upright hands,too!
Keep Looking Up!

Laurie said...

Julie: I will be emailing your mom in a moment. I'm not sure how many cards I'll be able to send her, but I'm planning my own Valentine cards....what's a few more at least! I've wanted to do something like this in my area but didn't know if it was a needed gesture or not. You and your mom have inspired me to check it out! Thanks.

Angela said...

Julie, I am not sure how many I can do but I will send some to your mom. I am emailing her after I post this comment. What a great thing to do for the children!

Debbie said...

Oh YES! I'll be making some cards! Thanks for the inspiration!! *hugs & smiles*

Brooke said...

Love this idea. Can't wait to give back to a community that gave me so may great memories.

"Kirby" (KrB) said...

Julie, I made the cutest dragon image into a valentine card and decided it would be perfect for this cards-for-kids, so I'll make more and e-mail your mom for the address. What fun! Be sure to keep us posted on how many she actually gets.....or maybe still needs. Anyway, thanks for the blog candy offers, but this is so worth doing. :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie! What a cool thing to do. . .count me in! I'll send a note to your mom!

joar001 said...

Sent the email, have the cards made and could not be happier to share this with the kids. Thank you for your efforts in this project.

Anonymous said...

I have gathered the troops. We are working on the cards and I have already e-mailed your mom.

Thanks!

Rina said...

I've emailed your mom and my cards are done and are off in the mail tomorrow.

Thanks for your generousity!

God Bless~

Anonymous said...

Wow Julie, awesome candy for an awesome cause. I mailed 8 cards to your mom on Friday. Hope they get there soon, you know what our mail delivery has been like lately. hehehe

Anonymous said...

I emailed your Mom. Thanks.

tonya said...

I will spend the rest of my morning with some VD stamps..thanks for the chance!!

Anonymous said...

I emailed your Mom and am getting started on the cards.
lhea_13409@yahoo.com

jenn said...

I e-mailed your mom for her address and here are a few of the cards I'll be sending: http://jennscrafts.blogspot.com/2009/01/stamp-for-cause-part-one.html

Time of my Life... said...

I just received your mom's address, I'll be working on them all weekend :) What a wonderful thing you all are doing!!!

Tracey said...

Such a great cause!! I will get to work on a few cards as well!! Off to email your mom!

Sherry Yeager said...

love the cards and stamp sets. I have always loved roses. Sherry Yeager

Unknown said...

I'll be making a card or two!!

Chelle! said...

This is so awesome. I am definitely in for the challenge. This is so great!!!

ctemommy said...

I'm mailing out cards to your mom today! What a great cause and I know she'll get 1000!
Carla

Jess said...

I already have six made and will be sending them and maybe a few more soon. It's such a wonderful challenge.

mom2triplets04 said...

I am in for a challenge. I need to start using up my stamping stuff again. Already e-mailed your mom for her address. I don't know how many I will make but I think I have some already made that I can send along with some I can make too.

SueB said...

What a nice idea! I emailed your Mom and will try to make one for her for each I make for my own use - here's the first one - where I've posted about your challenge on my blog:
http://sueblondin.blogspot.com/2009/01/loads-of-love.html

Thanx for the inspiration and chance at t'riffic blog candy!
- a fellow Michigander

Sam said...

what lovely stamps! I have already emailed your Mum about the address and deadline, so I had better get cracking with a few cards!! I have already made four, but need to make more than that to make it worthwhile posting all the way across the pond!

lisa808 said...

I got an E-mail back this morning with the address. So, tomorrow my three cards will be in the mail. (Perhaps one or two more if I can get to it tonight.) Here is the SCS link to what I made:

http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/gallery/photo/1189756?cat=500&ppuser=150659

Lisa Hjulberg said...

Hi Julie! What a wonderful thing your mother and you are doing! I have four cards ready to mail as soon as I receive mailing instructions from your mom (I just emailed her). I will also post a link on my blog. Thanks so much for this awesome opportunity to cheer some sick kids.

sandyh50 said...

Julie, I think this is such a great thing your mom is doing, and also you through her. I emailed your mom and already have ten cards done and a friend is making ten more.

sandyh502001 at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

I am so excited. I made another 22 cards for your challenge. I am going tomorrow to put them into the mail!

Anonymous said...

Hi Julie, I have just sent your Mom an e-mail requesting her address to mail my cards. Thank you both for doing this great project. I can only imagine how much work is involved, but I know it is worth it!!
Linda
lsfouratwindstreamdotnet

Anita said...

I sent some cards for this fantastic group.
anitamocha@sbcglobal.net

6 wacky women said...

Hi Julie
I only had time for a dozen and your Mom should be receiving them this week. I have posted them here.

Karen x

Amanda said...

Hi Julie. I just e-mailed you Mom with my pledge. This is a wonderful thing you all are doing. I'm glad to be a part of it. I'll right to work on them tomorrow morning.

Anthonette said...

I just emailed your mom with my pledge of 5 cards. It's my pleasure to help out.

Eileen M said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Eileen M said...

Hi Julie- Thanks for posting the reminder about this! As a person who got the last of her holiday cards in the mail today, I may not be able to make a lot of extra valentines, but this should make me get of my seat and get busy!
Thanks for the chance to win!

Cheri said...

I already emailed your mom with a pledge and am busily working on as many cards as I can make before the deadline. You and your mom have come up with an awesome idea, and I think the kids are going to LOVE it! =D

SueB said...

Here's another - http://sueblondin.blogspot.com/2009/01/love-ly-two-fer.html

Chrisd said...

My cards are in the mail to participate. As a Michiganian ,I know how many people have been impacted by the hard work those special Angels do to at Children's Hospital. Anything to brighten the day for those children is something I want to participate with and so here come my cards.

Tamara said...

My first card is on my blog, and I will have a few more up this weekend, then in the mail they go.

Kerry said...

I'll be happy to participate. I also posted a link to this on SCS under the RAK and wish-rak forums so hopefully you'll get some help from those wonderful ladies as well.

Anonymous said...

Saw this posted on SCS about 2 weeks ago. I finally sent off 13 cards yesterday morning.

sandyh50 said...

Julie, I made 10 cards for your mom and will send them tomorrow! She emailed me her address!

Julia Aston said...

Hi Julie! I mailed 20 cards to your mum on Monday - so they should arrive in plenty of time! and I posted the challenge on my blog yesterday...

Anonymous said...

I have my cards ready to mail soon. Just don't want to go out in the freezing weather to mail them brrrr. Have a good day, Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne

Anonymous said...

I wasn't about to participate but your candy is too temmpting! I just sent her 28 ATC sized cards for the kids. She saw them in my blog and said they were okay to mail. I was worried it wouldn't fit the category since I almost never do things for kids.

Well, that's all for now. Congrat's to anyone who's the winner for this candy!

Anonymous said...

I think this is a great thing that your mom is doing and happy to see so many are helping out with cards. I just put some in the mail this week.
I hope she is able to reach goal and make so many kids happy.

Crazy Creations said...

Im sending my cars out today What a great thing for you all to do I had fun making them too Sarah Ketchum makeacard@yahoo.com

Eva said...

WOW, this is sooooo beautiful of your Mom to do. I just sent her an e-mail. I will make a few Valentine's and Birthday cards.

Anonymous said...

Julie, I emailed your mom. This is a great charity and one that I support yearly myself so I'm more than happy to help out. I'll be making up some cards this afternoon to send her way. I also have this posted on my blog to help spread the word.

Shannon

Rebecca Ednie said...

I emailed your mom for the address and I will be sending them as soon as I get it! I won't be sending valentines as I don't celebrate for religious reasons, but I will be sending some other all purpose cards!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Julie! I emailed your mom and told her I'd make as many cards as I possibly could - not only for Valentine's Day, but for birthdays, get well soon,thinking of you as well. Such a great thing to do! Kudos to everyone who is participating! The more, the better!

Anonymous said...

I just e-mailed you Mom. I at least making 5, but I will see once I get up to the stamping room and get the juices flowing.

It's a good life!
Terri E.
territrotter@hotmail.com

Tanya said...

Alright, I finally got mine out today. Thanks for letting us all help! :)

Anonymous said...

That is so great for you and your mom to offer to do that for the kids. I would love to help. Am heading to your mom's blog now.

Anonymous said...

Julie, gent at Kinko's gave end rolls
from the 5x7 photo reprint machine for bookmark card inserts! What a total absolutely shocking gift to Cards4Kids! Color 'em neon, pastel, and earthy...ummm.
Keep Looking Up!

Anonymous said...

I think this is a great idea to send the valentine's to the children's hospital. I am off today, so I will work on some and email your mom for the mailing address.
We are blessed to be able to use our hobby to brighten people's days.
Winnie Uffelmann

Unknown said...

Julie -- email me at susanna.boyd@gmail.com -- we'd like to include something about this awesome idea in our PCP newsletter this week. I know that time is short for the contest, but we'd really like to help you get all those Valentine's!

Anonymous said...

I am so pumped about your mom getting so many cards. I hope she asks for some more help again.

Ilina Crouse said...

what a wonderful candy. :) I have already mailed 28 valentine cards to your mom.

Vivi Casale said...

WOW!! This candy is grate!
I really hope to win !!!
I already sent 12 cards to your mom..
Viviane Casale
from Sao Paulo - Brazil

Shirley said...

Julie,
I just mailed 10 Valentines to your mom. Thanks for offering the goodies. Please use the email on my note. I don't know how to change it from rubber stamper.
Thanks.
Shirley Lee
shirlee@surewest.net

Sandy said...

I am so excited to be taking part in this! I am working on my cards and will have them out in the mail soon!

Anonymous said...

Julie I sent a package of cards, sacks, and books to your Mom on Friday. With no mail today I am sure she didn't get it yet. Hope the stuff helps. Next time the call goes out count me in.
Michaelle

Michelle said...

I have a stack of 10 ready to go and have emailed your mom for her snail addy. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, it's a great cause!

Crazy Creations said...

I dont remember if I put something up here but I sent out my cards .Im so glad she got all the cards she want + Thats great Sarah

terriavidreader (IN-USA) said...

OK, count me in. I love making cards and helping out like this gives me a good feeling and is being helpful like the new president says!