Saturday, August 7, 2010

EtsyInspired #100 ~ Cathy Walters (Blog Hop, Prizes, and Some Mush From Me)


Holy moly!!!!! It's the 100th EtsyInspired Challenge! I can't believe how far we've come! I need to thankeveryone who plays along because you are all truly what makes it worthwhile. Over the past almost two years, I've had the best design team on the planet. The talent has overwhelmed me! I've made lifelong friends and added a couple dozen aunts for my boys.

Two years ago, I thought that I could take my two passions (stamping and buying handmade/supporting small business) and combine them. Then, something magical happened. I pulled together the highest quality DT, asked some amazing stores if they wanted to be featured and a challenge was born. EIC is and always will be my baby. From it's very conception, I found joy in bringing light to Etsy shops and letting ART inspire ART. Words cannot express how much I love this challenge, my team (past and present), and all the wonderful friends who play along with us. I'm so proud to be "the EtsyInspired girl." :D

Alright, enough jibber jabber! This week's challenge is a little different. We STILL have an amazing shop, sponsors and awesome prizes. However, we also have a blog hop. Each and every one of my DT members has a PRIZE on their blog from one of our amazing sponsors! :) So, be sure to leave them ALL some love b/c every blog has a different prize! Our sponsors for this event are Charleston Scrapbook Company, Lawn Fawn Stamps, Limelight Papercrafts, May Arts, Soft Pencil Digital Designs, and Unity Stamp Co.

Ok, this week's EtsyInspired shop is Cathy Walters. She makes AMAZING pendants that are DOUBLE SIDED! So cool! There are so many amazing designs from nature to travel to quotes and much more! I love them! This week's Cathy Walters is offering up a pendant of the winner's choice as a prize. (Please see the EtsyInspired blog for how to play.)

See this picture? That's over 100 items! That's the GRAND prize for this week! This is all donated from the amazing EtsyInspired DT! I told you they were the best! You MUST play along with the challenge and follow all rules to be entered to win this awesome prize!






Here's my card for this week. It's inspired by the first pendant on this blog post. The stamp is Hero Arts, the paper is Lily Bee Designs, the alpha stickers are MLS, and there are Stickles. :)
And here's the AMAZING DT:

And finally I have a GIVEAWAY!!! My amazing friend Kelly Marie is the owner of Lawn Fawn Stamps and she donated this CUTEST stamp set for me to giveaway. It's called Critters in the Sea and it's a must have! This is one of my favorite sets ever! Please leave a comment about EtsyInspired to be entered to win this set!

90 comments:

  1. Ooooh ooohh I LOVE THIS CARD!! It's sooo soooo soo beautiful!! The red flower totally POPS!! Yumminess!

    ReplyDelete
  2. First of all, CONGRATS on your "baby"-EI Challenge! What an unique and special concept in this paper-carfting world!! I truly enjoyed all the challenges since I found EI about a year ago....and I am so proud to be part of this amazing EI challenge DT. Your card is absolutely stunning!! This is what HANDMADE is all about! Way to go, Ashley!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. wow, this is a gorgeous card! Love it.

    ReplyDelete
  4. We love you Ash! I'm so glad to be a part of this team, supporting Etsy and crafting with all you fabulous ladies! Thanks for inspiring me and congrats on the continued success of this challenge! Beautiful card!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Ahhhh I am so excited for your news! I am sorry I havent been playing as much as usual. Its been a crazy summer as we have been working on our yard, but after everything settles down I will be back for each challenge! :) Thank you for hosting such great inspiration Ashley!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Wow! Wow! Wow!

    Your card couldn't be more beautiful. Love how gorgeous the flower is.

    I love Etsy Inspired Challenge and congratulate you on your success :-)

    ReplyDelete
  7. wow, the color red really shout out loud and the beautiful flower is real stunning! What a fab card.

    ReplyDelete
  8. So glad to be a part of a challenge where art inspires more art ... that flower just plain rocks ... fantastic inspired card.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love your card, especially all the layers of the flower, and the colour-way is just perfect. Congratulations on 100 EIC challenges - what a fabulous achievement!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I do love EIC!!! Always a great inspirational shop every week! The DT and, of course, Ashley are simply amazing!

    lisa a.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Um, what happened to "my cards are CRAP, Carole!" Hmmm??? I don't see any crap there, Miss Ashley. I see a very pretty card!!! I love it!!

    And a big, GIANT!! CONGRATULATIONS on the 2nd anniversary of the Etsy Inspired Challenge! You know it's my very favourite challenge out there and I try my hardest to play it every week and to make sure I promote it and you as much as I possibly can.

    You are so super sweet (and I mean that from the bottom of my heart) and deserve every ounce of success that follows you. You have the talent and you shouldn't be surprised when people notice it.

    (((((BIG HUGS)))))

    ReplyDelete
  12. OMG girl, this card is AMAZING! I love that flower and I am a huge fan of red and it all came together beautifully and is an awesome expression of that pendant!

    And a big THANK YOU for creating this challenge and putting your trust in me to help support you and the challenge! It's an honor to be on your team! It's awesome to see what your concept has become and to be a part of it and to call you a friend! BIG HUGS!

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a great card. Love the red and white comob. Very striking.

    It's a good life!
    Terri E.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Well, first I love your card, the brightness of it, second, love that Lawn Fawn set and third, I love playing along with EIC. I usually turn to this challenge first when I'm stuck or my desire to make a card is lacking. This for keeping it going!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats on the 100th EIC challenge!! This is such a unique concept--I love playing along with ART inspiring ART. Thanks for doing this~I always love being inspired by Etsy!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thie card is beautiful. Love the that flower and the sentiment is just perfect for the 100th challenge. WOW! There is alot of goodies to celebrate this challenge. I'm so glad to have found this challenge and all the amazing girls and DT! I look forward to this challenge every week and all the amazing and inspiring eye candy.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow! I LOVE your card!! And the inspiration piece is to die for! Thank you for sharing them with us!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Loving your card - it's really great!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love everything about the Etsy Challenge blog. I also love your card. The flower is fantastic! It makes me want to dig out my same flower stamp and get working. Love it so much!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love how the flower pops! pretty card!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I love how the flower pops! pretty card!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Love the card! I'm new to Etsy Inspired (I've only played in a few challenges) but I find them to be the most inspiring and the most likely to stretch my creativity! Thanks for a fabulous challenge blog!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Ashley your card is gorgeous! I love the big red flower! Beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Your card is so cute...I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Congratulations on such great success with the Etsy Inspired Challenge! I don't get to play as often as I'd like, but it's a great site and so much fun! Beautiful card, too! I love the deep colors and the patterned papers you chose for the flower--just gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  26. HI Ashley, I just found your blog through the EIC challenges. I don't always get to play, but I look forward to it every week. Just found out about Lawn Fawn Stamps too - her images are adorable! Thanks for the chance to win! I love your monochromatic card - it is in my favorite color! The stickles are the perfect touch too.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wonderful card! I love your use of the Hero Arts stamp. Off to the next Etsy member - thanks for a chance to win. :)
    craftychick99 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  28. Love the card...its just so beautiful!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! Spectacular card Ashley! Absolutely beautiful and stunning! Congrats on your 100th Challenge!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Congratulations Ashley! It's quite a milestone you have managed and it's such a wonderful challenge.
    Thank you so much for the invitation to join your fabby team this month!

    ReplyDelete
  31. love love love this card Ashley, gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Ashley~

    This is my very first visit to your blog! I love your card!! That bright red is such a passionate color. And, that fabulous, oversized flower is fantastic! Of course the word "love" is always great! I REALLY love this card, and if this is what you have to show...I'll be back! I also enjoyed learning about the birth of this challenge!

    He IS Able,
    Traci S.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Your card is stunning, I love the toile!! Congrats on the big 100 AND DT news! Looking forward to seeing all the DTs blogs!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Wow your card goes great with the inspiration pendent. Thanks for the chance to win :)

    ReplyDelete
  35. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  36. I love the idea of Etsy Inspired. I've played several times! It's fun! Thanks for a chance to win!!!

    P.S. I love your red card! Very striking!

    ReplyDelete
  37. OH MY GOSH! I just love love love this card! Such lush colors:) That flower is SUPER pretty! HOOORAY for the 100th challenge;) CONGRATS!! I love being on this team--and working with you:) You are the BEST!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ashley
    You deserve a big round of applause for starting and maintaining the EIC. It's a great concept and I always enjoy seeing the art from the different etsy stores, not to mention the great work for the DT every week.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Happy 100th Etsy-Inspired!!! Great card with such a big flower!! Love the red!!

    ReplyDelete
  40. beautiful card inspired by an amazing pendant

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh my! Your card is spot on for your inspiration piece! Love everything about it, especially the simplicity of the card....it makes the flower POP :)

    Hugs,
    Sandra P

    ReplyDelete
  42. what a gorgeous card! the red with all the white... lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  43. OMG, I LOVE YOUR CARD!!!!! That red is just totally fabulous!

    ReplyDelete
  44. Beautiful creation and inspiration choices!

    ReplyDelete
  45. Wow, Ashley, I had no idea you are THE "EIC" creator -- I've recently been stumbling upon them and thing the marriage that you created between small personal businesses and beautiful card creations is divine. Go EIC!

    And that flower card - I LOVE IT - what Hero stamp did you use? It's gorgeous!

    ReplyDelete
  46. WOW - I just started surfing the etsy-inspired blogs and they are fantastic. Congrats on your "baby." Love your card and all the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Beautiful card, Ashley! I love that you go to Etsy for your inspiration-so true that we need to support our fellow crafters and small businesses! Love this Lawn Fawn set, too-it's on my LF wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beautiful card! I love the brilliant red.

    Jennifer

    ReplyDelete
  49. Only found the Etsy Challenge blog today - what a great idea and have added my first entry, Esther x

    ReplyDelete
  50. Beautiful! Love the red! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Congrats on your 100th challenge!! I love the concept of your challenge and have found many wonderful etsy companies! I don't play every week but I do find time to stop and visit each site you feature!
    Your card is beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Congrats on 100 challenges/2 years. What an amazing accomplishment!!!

    Your card is beautiful and the flower is stunning!!!

    xx

    ReplyDelete
  53. congrats on having reached 100, that's fantastic.

    ReplyDelete
  54. This is beautiful! I love the large red flower aNd the simplicity of the sentiment love. Thanks for inspiring!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Love your card. The red just pops and I adore your flower!!!!

    Congrats on #100. I was so happy to have found this blog site and have tried to participate in every weekly challenge since.... LOVE IT!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. wow- i just love your card- this great red here is so inspirational and thanks for the great hop too!!

    ReplyDelete
  57. Beautiful card Ashley!
    And congratulations on your huge milestone! I must admit that I NEVER visited any Etsy shops till I found your challenges!
    Look forward to the next 100!

    ReplyDelete
  58. amazing blog!and a super cute card!! Congrats on the 100 challeges!!
    Agus

    ReplyDelete
  59. I love your card! Thank you so much for all the hard work you and your team put into this site! I am new here but already I am in love! I love that you use art to inspire art what a wonderful idea! Thank you for letting me play along!

    lots of love

    Carley
    CarleyCarter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. Congrats, Ashley on the Guest DT for SFYTT! Your card is beautiful, love that monochromatic look with the red and white. Very elegant!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Oh my.....I love love love love love that card!!!!!!! EIC has come sooooo far. I am so grateful that I got to be part of it at the very start! You've totally rocked this challenge team girl!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  62. stunning card Ashley.. I love it!! What an inspiring thing you have done here..I love your babies.. I mean all of them. xx

    ReplyDelete
  63. Oh wow! Love your card and the red really pops! Love that lawn fawn set!!! Congrats on 100!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Congrats on 100 challenges Ashley. I came across Etsy Inspired this week and played along for the first time. I love the pendants in the Etsy Store you chose! I had to click on all of them b/c I wanted to see both sides of everything. {grin}

    ReplyDelete
  65. Wow congrats on your 100th challenge! I'm so excited about the hop...great card, you are very talented! :)

    ReplyDelete
  66. absolutely gorgeous card & fab inspiration too! hugs!

    ReplyDelete
  67. Love the red, white combo of your card Ashley! So eye catching!

    ReplyDelete
  68. What a gorgeous card, Ashley! :)
    Congrats on your 100th challenge! So glad to be part of this team! :)

    ReplyDelete
  69. Congratulations on a 100 challenges! What a beautiful card.

    ReplyDelete
  70. Gorgeous card! Great take on the inspiration pendant!

    ReplyDelete
  71. Oh Ashley, congratulations on 100 challenges! I love inspiration challenges!! Love your card, so pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Wow! I love that big bold red flower!

    ReplyDelete
  73. Wowza, this is a stunner, Ashley!

    ReplyDelete
  74. oh your cards are so pretty! thanks for sharing =)
    hugs
    juli

    ReplyDelete
  75. I have done Etsy inspired this entire summer. I never knew about Etsy until I found this challenge blog. It's really opened my eyes to all the talent that is out there. Thanks for the chance to win some fun stamps.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Congratulations for completing 100 challenges... and the celebration is wonderful :). You created a lovely card Ashley... the flower is stunning and the red color is soo beautiful
    Hugs, Neeti

    ReplyDelete
  77. OOohhhh what a wonderful LOVEly card...love this big red flower on it! Very great work.
    Tini

    ReplyDelete
  78. Such a beautiful card. The combo of the big flower with the red and white is very striking!

    A big thanks for the inspiration the Etsy Challenges give us. I look forward to creating something new every week and getting to explore new sellers on Etsy :)

    ReplyDelete
  79. Wow, could your work be any more amazing!!
    For the Etsy Inspired card - the bold red and white looks both beautiful and classy. Great flower for the focal point.
    Farrah

    ReplyDelete
  80. your card is just fabulous!! thank you for inspiration :) it was really fun to join this challenge!!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Your work is so fabulous!!! What a gorgeous card for the big 100th celebration!! I love the EIC blog...sooo fun!!! Thanks for the inspiration!! God Bless!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Gorgeous card! Love the Etsy challenges, it's so fun seeing all of the different Etsy shops!

    ReplyDelete