BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 4

Greetings friends and welcome. It's another exciting week in the month of April and time for my 4th (and final) giveaway of the month. Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND I've had a few surprises too (read previous posts to find two new free designs)! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU!

Simply follow the guidelines to enter for a chance to win this week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are a handful of ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries. Start by entering your e-mail address and name (or log-in through Facebook) - we will not save, use, or share your email - it will only be used to contact the winner. The options for entry will then appear - you can receive up to 12 entries/person - you may chose to enter through all the options or just one or two.

✂️This week, since I have AMAZING prize sponsors that will be shipping items, you must have a United States address to be eligible. A HUGE thank you to Poppie Cotton, Therm O Web, and Lady Dot Creates! Please visit and follow these incredible sponsors for creative content (and you get an entry for each one - see the Rafflecopter form below)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Cosmic Cottage Pincushion Prize Package

Everything needed to create a handful of Cosmic Cottage Pincushions...one for yourself and some to give/gift/share...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my pattern...

✂️ One Fat Quarter Bundle of Fabrics (Moodbeam Dreams designed by Amanda Grace Design for Poppie Cotton) provided by Poppie Cotton.

✂️ One $50 Therm O Web Gift Card (for use on thermoweb.com) provided by Therm O Web.

✂️ One package of Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (color: Birds Nest), one package of Hand-Dyed Pom Poms (color: Sandy Gold), and one package Hand-Dyed Twill Tape (color: Vintage Ruler) from Lady Dot Creates provided by Lady Dot Creates.

✂️ Cosmic Cottage Pincushion Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs (I will include the color quilt pattern, with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet from Therm O Web - my favorite base for foundation quilt blocks...and I will include several 1/4" buttons!

While you won't receive my personal pincushion model, you will get everything listed on the pattern (and more!) to create a plethora of pincushions for yourself and a friend or two! The Moonbeam Dreams Fat Quarter Bundle has 21 prints, so you will have all sorts of lovely fabric...and the Therm O Web gift card will cover the StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets, HeatnBond Medium Weight Non-Woven Fusible Interfacing, and Fusible Fleece, with plenty leftover for some additional items! Plus you will receive THREE packages of hand-dyed trim from Lady Dot Creates and I will send you a color printed pattern with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet and a few 1/4" buttons...I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 12:00 AM on April 22, 2024 until Sunday, April 28, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Cosmic Cottage Pincushion pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:
https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉

BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 3

Greetings and a warm welcome to all stopping by for a visit. It's another exciting week during the month of April and time for my 3rd giveaway of the month! Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND a surprise or two still to come! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU! This week is for my cross stitch friends, near and far...

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are many ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries.

✂️This week, the giveaway is open to all - the prize package is shipping from me, so international entries are welcome. 

✂️A HUGE thank you to Lady Dot Creates - she provided her hand-dyed rick rack and hand-dyed velveteen for this giveaway (please go follow and support her)! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Blue Ribbon Birdie Prize Package

Everything needed to create a your very own "Blue Ribbon Birdie" Rick Rack Round...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my new complimentary pattern...

✂️One serged 7.5" x 9" piece of 32-count Light Examplar Linen from Lakeside Linens.

✂️10 skeins of DMC 6-Strand Embroidery Floss (only eight are pictured, but the prize package includes all 10 colors!).

✂️One package of Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Velveteen in the color Shallot (Fat Eighth).

✂️One package of Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Rick Rack in the color Chianti (3-yards).

✂️One can SpraynBond Basting Adhesive from Therm O Web.

✂️One package HeatnBond Light Weight Fusible Interfacing from Therm O Web.

✂️One package Pressing Paper from Therm O Web.

✂️One finishing package, including: two precut comic book board circles, two precut batting circles, 8-yards of lacing thread, 4-yards transparent thread, six wonder clips, package of coordinating light blue pins, one tapestry needle, and one sharp finishing needle.

✂️Blue Ribbon Birdie Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs.

While you won't receive my personal Blue Ribbon Birdie model, you will get everything listed on the pattern to stitch your very own, along with all the finishing supplies! I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 12:00 AM on April 15, 2024 until Sunday, April 21, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Blue Ribbon Birdie pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:

https://blueribbondesigns.blogspot.com/2024/04/BlueRibbonBirdie.html

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉

For more details on finishing supplies I use, visit my Amazon Shop: 

https://www.amazon.com/shop/brdgirl 

Click on the Blue Ribbon Birdie image (full disclosure: as an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases - I only share products I actually use - and I truly appreciate you shopping from my links, thank you). 

BRD 20th Celebration Giveaway Week 2

Greetings friends and welcome. It's another exciting week in the month of April and time for my 2nd giveaway! Friday, April 5th marked the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs and I am celebrating all month long with a BIG giveaway each week...AND a couple surprises still to come! To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU!

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

✂️This week you will need to enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There are many ways to get entries this week (please know I will be verifying information). One prize pack winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries.

✂️This week, since I have AMAZING prize sponsors that will be shipping items, you must have a United States address to be eligible (don't worry international friends - next week the giveaway will be open to all!). A HUGE thank you to Poppie Cotton, Therm O Web, and Lady Dot Creates! Please visit and follow these incredible sponsors for creative content!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

Sweet Sips Mug Rug Prize Package

Everything needed to create a handful of Sweet Sips Mug Rugs...one for yourself and some to give/gift/share...these are the exact items I used to create the model for my pattern...

✂️ One Fat Quarter Bundle of Fabrics (Promise Me designed by Michal Marco for Poppie Cotton) provided by Poppie Cotton.

✂️ One $50 Therm O Web Gift Card (for use on thermoweb.com) provided by Therm O Web.

✂️ One Package of  Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (color: Sizzle) from Lady Dot Creates provided by Lady Dot Creates.

✂️ Sweet Sips Mug Rug Pattern by Blue Ribbon Designs (I will include the color quilt pattern, with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet from Therm O Web - my favorite base for foundation quilt blocks.

While you won't receive my personal mug rug model, you will get everything listed on the pattern (and more!) to create a plethora of mug rugs for yourself and a friend or two! The Promise Me Fat Quarter Bundle has 21 prints, so you will have all sorts of lovely fabric...and the Therm O Web gift card will cover the StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheets and Fusible Fleece, with plenty leftover for some additional items! Plus you will receive 3-yards of the Lady Dot Creates Hand-Dyed Rick Rack (Sizzle) and I will send you a color printed pattern with the foundation block printed on a StitchnSew EZ Print Quilt Block Sheet...I'd say that is definitely worth entering for....

One winner will be chosen randomly from all eligible entries.

The giveaway will run from 6:00 AM on April 8, 2024 until Sunday, April 15, 2024 11:59 PM.

...and don't be discouraged if you don't win the prize pack - you can download my Sweet Sips Mug Rug pattern for FREE. The pattern can be found here:
https://blueribbondesigns.com/free-charts/

GOOD LUCK  TO ALL! 🎉

BRD 20th Anniversary Celebration

Greetings friends and welcome. It is a BIG week...a REALLY BIG week! Friday, April 5th marks the official 20th Anniversary of Blue Ribbon Designs...I  know, I truly can't believe it myself. On April 5th, 2004, my attorney legally registered my company and I became an official small business owner....and I released my first cross stitch designs. I have been going down memory lane the past few weeks and thinking about everything that has led to this day...the highs, the lows, and everything in between. This industry isn't for the faint of heart and I have made a lot of sacrifices to pursue my passion....but being able to create on a daily basis has its own rewards! I am grateful, truly grateful. It takes a village - and I have had incredible help along the way...thank you to my circle for your love and encouragement. To everyone that has supported my small business over the last 20-years, THANK YOU.

I am inviting YOU to help me celebrate this month! I will be showcasing a new giveaway each week during the month of April (a total of four giveaways – each with one prize). 

Simply follow the guidelines each week to enter for a chance to win that week’s prize pack! 

This week the prize is HUGE and you will have to visit my Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/brdgirl/) to get in on the fun! Don't worry if you are not on Instagram, you will have a chance to enter a giveaway on a different week.

THIS WEEK'S PRIZE:

✂️One of my highly sought after BBD project bag sets, including: one large project bag, one trifold needlecase, and one stitch starter ruler with pocket sleeve (as shown in photos).

✂️PLUS, your choice of three (3) Blue Ribbon Designs patterns – choose from my entire design catalog. You may choose digital or paper patterns.

Visit my Instagram post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5Sn3jeOHnn/ to read all the details and to enter. This particular give away will end on Sunday, April 7th at 11:59 PM.

The other giveaways are scheduled to be posted on April 8th, April 15th, and April 22....and I have some fun friends in the industry helping me out in the prize department! I have a few other surprises planned for this month as well...so stay tuned... 💖💖💖

Much Needed Break (and a Giveaway)

I  am headed off to New Zealand very early tomorrow morning (Thursday, October 27th)...I will be on the trip of a lifetime with my momma and second dad...we will be doing two weeks of hiking on the South Island - visiting the forests of the Routeburn Track, waterfalls of Milford Sound, mountains and glaciers of Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, and have exclusive access to Doubtful Sound, Martins Bay and Okarito Lagoon....and too many other excursions to count...yep, I'll be off the grid for the next three weeks...so this is my short public service/housekeeping announcement....

PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES GIVEAWAY opportunity - while I am on this very extensive trip, I will be traveling by many methods of transportation. To enter, leave a comment on how many individual types of transportation I will be using - for example a car would count as one, a motorcycle as one, a camel as another, and so on...your guess will be a number...only count each method once. Upon my return, I will post a collage image of all the types - those who guess correct will be entered in a drawing for a very special prize made by me! You can enter here or on the BRD Instagram, or on the BRD Facebook page, but please - only ONE guess - multiple guesses will be disqualified. If you comment here, please make sure you leave your email address if you are a NO REPLY or Anonymous commenter.

While I am out of my office/studio, I will have very limited (if any) access to correspondence, so please be patient if you send me a message/comment/inquiry that requires a response. All shippable items will be deactivated in my Etsy Shop. Shippable items (paper patterns/charts, project bags, Stitch Starter Rulers, etc.) will return on Friday, November 18th. All digital items will continue to be available. I will respond to all messages, comments and emails in the order received on November 18th. Thank you so much for your patience!

I have an update scheduled to post while I am away - one you won't want to miss - it is my day on the Poppie Cotton Sunshine and Chamomile Fabric Tour and I created a quilt, needlebook and project bag to showcase - so please stop by on November 2nd!

I'll be back to blog upon my return, when (I'm guessing) I will have TONS of fun and creative things to share with you! Have a wonderful Halloween and start of November....

FlossTube Episode Five: New Quilt Patterns and Cross Stitch Update

Happy Sunday friends! My latest FlossTube video has been posted.  This video shares a couple new quilt patterns...has an update on a couple upcoming cross stitch designs…a new quilt project idea in the works.... a fun cutting tip/trick...some fabric haul...Q & A...and we have a giveaway winner.  Yes, once again, it is packed full! Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind and welcoming words! This video is a wrap up before I take a short vacation...I'll be back to visit with you again soon....

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

FlossTube Episode Four: Needle and Thread Projects

Happy Thursday friends! My latest FlossTube video has been posted.  This video shares a couple sneak peeks at upcoming cross stitch designs…a new quilt pattern and an upcoming project...a personal quilt project...client needlework finishing...Q & A...a SAL...and a giveaway opportunity.  Yep, it is packed full! I'm starting to get the hang of this FlossTube thing - still much learning to do, but getting better and feeling a tad more comfortable. Thank you to those who have subscribed to my channel and to those who have liked and commented on my videos - I appreciate the kind and welcoming words!

You can find my YouTube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/c/BelindaKarlsNace and I will post the latest video below:

I will be back soon to share quite a bit of needlework finishing (I've been busy in the studio)…and be sure to stop back on Friday, April 16th for my stop on the Poppie Cotton Kaisley Rose Fabric Tour - I will have some brand new quilty pieces to show you!!

Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 - Recipients

Congratulations to Barbara and Gloria - they were randomly drawn as the recipients for my Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15 giveaway...they have both been contacted and the magazines have been shipped! Thank you to all who commented and shared their current creative projects/endeavors - I enjoyed reading each and every comment...

• barbara woods:just finished a t-shirt quilt and planning to spend a couple of days making casserole carriers
• Anonymous - Gloria McKenna:I do needlework and quilting = working on older WIPS at the moment. Your blog provides inspiration and 'words of wisdom' to help me through my 'slumps. Thanks!

Make sure to look for Quiltmaker's 100 Blocks, Vol. 15, on newsstands now (Release Date: May 1, 2017) - it's the issue with the red band across the top of the cover...and I hope you'll stop back for another visit soon!

A Grand Adventure

Sometimes a journey is more than you ever expected...it tests your strength, your heart, your stamina, your will, and your determination...and it reminds you just how incredible life can be - for me, hiking the Grand Canyon in one day was all of this and so much more. Our adventure started at the South Kaibab Trailhead at 6:27 AM...and down we went...all the way to the base of the canyon...a steep decline and rough trails...beautiful vegetation and blooms...incredible breathtaking views. We crossed the Black Bridge and the Silver Bridge and walked along the Colorado River at the base, following the River Trail. Our packed lunch was devoured at the Pipe Creek Beach...where I walked down to the river, putting both my hands and feet into the water. Shortly after 1:00 PM, we started up the Bright Angel Trail to the rim...the incline was steep and steady...and we finally reached the rim right around 8:00 PM. My Apple watch read 21.42 miles for the day (that might not seem like much to some, but when you figure the very sharp decline and incline of the trails, it was a true feat!...oh, and did I mention the brutal winds - yes, it was EXTREMELY windy). There is a reason they recommend you stay at the bottom of the canyon at least one, if not, two nights in-between the hike down and the hike up - doing it all in one day is challenging, to say the least...and we trained hard for over a year. It was the most physically challenging, yet the most rewarding thing I have ever done...and it changed me - mentally and spiritually. In fact, I really don't have the right words to describe my experience...but it definitely made me stronger and more confident. The following day, looking out over the canyon, it was hard to believe that we had hiked lower than the eye can see, along the river, and then back up to the top - and I truly felt accomplished. I can't thank Dan enough for asking me to join him on this magnificent journey (his 6th time to hike the canyon in one day)...I could not have asked for better company - to say I am blessed, is an understatement - we will be forever bonded by this experience...and the Grand Canyon will always have a little piece of my heart.

Here are just a few of the almost 600 photos I snapped throughout the day...as you can see the canyon is in full bloom and truly a sight to behold...

South Kaibab Trailhead

Dan heading down the trail...

Dan shot this photo of me in action -  making my way down
 the rough terrain...

This image captures what most of the trail heading down looked
like...steep and rough...

Dan on the trail...

Mules at Tonto East (bathroom stop)

The Colorado River coming into sight...

The Black Bridge

Short tunnel - Black Bridge Entrance

Colorado River along the River Trail

It's all about the squirrel...

The Silver Bridge

Dan and I at the base of the canyon, along the Colorado River...
River Trail

Pipe Creek Beach

Bright Angel Trail - 3 miles from the top...

Love this sign...Caution! DOWN is optional, UP is mandatory...
HAZARD: Hiking to the river and back in a day can be hazardous
to your health and is NOT recommended.

Sun starting to set on the canyon...

Short tunnel - ¾ of a mile from the rim....
Bright Angel Trail

That is the short version of our one day Grand Canyon hike...a spectacular, life changing journey. I hope you enjoyed seeing it through the lens of my camera. This adventure provided me with more design inspiration than I could have ever imagined!

The rest of the week was filled with special excursions, exploring Monument Valley and Sedona. I will be back in the next couple days to share more fun photos that capture the beauty of the area!