"Red Rosies and Pink Posies"

As many of you know, I am participating in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day in November – I'll walk 60 miles in San Diego, CA over the course of three days with my fabulous "Twinkle Toes" team members and hundreds, possibly thousands of other women and men....all of us with a common goal to raise funds for breast cancer research, scientific programs and community-based breast health and education programs. I started my journey, fundraising, and training last November...walking over 800 training miles to date...and I plan to take every single step of the 60 miles in 3 days this fall! All walkers are required to raise at least $2300.00 to participate...but my true goal is actually $7,500 (I know it seems outrageous, but I believe it is totally doable!)...

So, here is where my new "pink" design "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" comes into play...it is an exclusive Blue Ribbon Design, available only to those who donate a minimum of $15.00 to my fundraising page (all proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen 3-Day)...my gift to you for supporting me and this incredibly worthwhile cause.

First I will tell you how to get this very special design...please read the instructions carefully:

1. Visit my fundraising page: http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda.
2. Make a minimum donation of $15.00.
3. Send me an e-mail (designer @ blueribbondesigns.com) with "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" in the subject line. The body of the message can be as simple as "I made a donation".
4. I will verify your donation and reply to your message with a PDF attachment of the design.

Easy Peasy!

If you made a donation before I posted this information, simply follow steps 3 and 4 and I will get this special design sent to you, as well - you are not required to make an additional donation.

Please note, it is not feasible for me to sit at the computer all day and respond immediately - please give me 24-hours to reply to your message - I promise to respond to your message as soon as possible. Also, this gift is only available as a PDF file via e-mail, following the instructions above - I will not be mailing printed charts.

About this exclusive design:
"Red Rosies and Pink Posies" is a sampler box-top (also suitable for framing) and three needlework smalls (scissor fob, pin pillow, and needlebook tag). The PDF chartpack is set-up like all my printed Blue Ribbon Designs and includes: a color photo, charting for each of the four pieces (sampler for box-top and three needlework smalls), stitching instructions, stitch diagrams, complete finishing instructions for all four pieces, template for needlebook tag, and alphabets/numbers for personalization. You will need Adobe Reader to view/print the e-mailed chart and contents. 

The PDF chartpack will include a complete supply list and a listing of finishing materials...the model was stitched on 40-count "Linen" hand-dyed fabric from Weeks Dye Works with Weeks Dye Works cotton floss (DMC conversions are provided). I used a pink wooden craft box I found at Michaels (ArtMinds Pink Craft Box from Michaels – 218559 UPC 400100983584 – approximately 8" H x 8⅜" W x 1¾" D)...but several other options are listed for those who cannot find the exact box or do not have a Michael's in their area...and remember, you may need a different size of box, should you stitch the design on a different count of fabric (or you may choose to frame the design).

One more thing, please remember: "Red Rosies and Pink Posies" is protected by copyright law and is meant for personal stitching only by the donating recipient. I kindly ask, please do not share, email, or post the PDF file on the Internet; if your friend(s) would like to stitch this design, please encourage them to visit my fundraising page (http://www.the3day.org/goto/Belinda) and make a donation to the cause...after-all, ALL proceeds are benefiting the Susan G. Komen 3-Day. Thank you for respecting my copyright.

Finally - please help me spread the word...if you like the design or think your friend(s) would like it, please share a link to this post on your blog, Facebook, message boards, or other social media...I would really appreciate it!

You can read some of the reasons I decided to take this journey on my fundraising page. I'll be keeping all of my donors in mind, and in my heart, as I walk 60 miles in San Diego in November....in fact, I plan to have a complete list of all donors with me for motivation - if you are making a donation honoring a loved-one or you are a fighter or survivor, please note that in your e-mail - I would be proud and honored to walk for you! Thank you so much for your love and support...

Tomato Tuffets

While I was shopping with friends in Franklin, TN, I picked up the cutest Tomato Pincushion kit at The Quilting Squares Quilt Shop & Knit Emporium (Tomato Pin Cushion by P.S. Goin' Sewin'). It contained everything needed to make two tomato spool pincushions...I just provided a needle, glue and scissors...easy peasy...and in true Belinda fashion, I added some ribbon from my stash. I had started the process of creating these the day after I got home from my Nashville trip, but (as usual) I was sidetracked and put them aside....then yesterday morning, one of my shopping companions sent me a photo of her completed pincushions and it was just the motivation I need to finish mine! The "tomato" and the "strawberry" are felt balls...the tops are green wool felt...and pearl cotton floss was used to make the tomato wedges, attach the tops, and connect the strawberry. So adorable and so easy! I thought about painting my spools to give them a bit of pizazz, but opted to add some coordinating striped 1" grosgrain ribbon from my stash...which I thought was a nice splash of color to the plain wooden spool. I liked this idea so much, I went to my stash of wool felt/felt balls and made a couple without spools...these will make fun gifts throughout the year...and look cute with or without the spool. I just love the petite size - perfect for a small sewing box or taking on the go...the tomato only measures approximately 1.75" wide (the wooden spools measure 1.25" W x 2" H). I hope this quick and easy project inspires you to make a couple pincushions of your own...

Every Day Is A Blue Ribbon Day

I just couldn't resist sharing this special little box with you! This was a birthday gift from my dear friend Kay of Sweetwater Studio, who is an AMAZING artist (and I sure hope she doesn't mind me sharing photos with you). She is so extremely creative and talented...she makes FABULOUS small works of art and does all sorts of book binding...along with teaching classes on bookmaking. To me, everything she creates is spectacular....and this special little box is no exception. From the blue ribbon on the lid...to the flowers on the inside of the lid...to the treasures found inside (two pieces of Silk Dupioni and a tiny bag of antique buttons), this box is "perfect"...I have been drooling on it since I received it!

If you are in the Des Moines area and would like information on Kay's six new classes at Pure Paper, shoot me a message and I will forward her class email (with photos and details) to you....