Gifts & Encouragement

It's so much fun to check the mail and realize there's something in there besides bills and junk mail. Gifts! Thanks to the generous artists in the One World One Heart giveaway, I actually won a few prizes, and they're starting to arrive.

From Kim Mailhot:

From Elsina Schepers:

From Diana Meade:

From Rhea Sunshine:

And I mailed off my gift, a Hope Jar made especially for Barbara Cagle:

I've been reminded recently how fulfilling it is to encourage others. A little goes a long way, especially when your tank is empty, so to speak. I've been praying for God to open my eyes to the opportunities He's placed around me, and then courage to act on it. Giving friendly smiles, encouraging words, and praying with people has made my life so much more enjoyable. It shouldn't be that surprising that loving people makes my heart overflow, but sometimes I let life distract me. It's so easy to become self-focused and forget that others are hurting.

So to all of you struggling in life right now- let someone know. Let them love you and help you through it. Go outside and enjoy the coming spring, the rebirth happening all around us. Create something to express what words can't for you. And especially, fix your eyes on Jesus. Stay in His presence and cling to His Word. The truth will transform your mind, alter your perspective, and help you rest in His goodness. No matter what's going on, God loves you, hasn't forgotten you, and is with you even now. I pray His peace will rest on you today.

:) Michelle

OWOH Giveaway Winner!

The One World One Heart winner is : #135 Barbara Cagle

If I don't hear back from the winner by 3 pm tomorrow, then I will choose another winner.

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog and especially for all of your wonderful comments! They really do make my day, like a Hershey's kiss from each of you. Man, I have been craving chocolate like a crazy person lately. :)

Also, I wanted to let you know that you can purchase a Hope Jar from my Etsy shop, MixedEmotions. Look around there- I've got jewelry, mixed media art prints, personalized decor boxes, and more. I love taking special orders and requests, so check out my sold orders to get ideas, or look through my blog for pictures. Thanks again for visiting me!

My Giveaway- One World One Heart!

It's time again for the annual One World One Heart Giveaway! All it takes to win is to be a blogger. Just leave a comment on each participant's blog, and you'll be entered to win their giveaway. This is a worldwide event, with thousands of people participating! You can go to this website to see the list of participating blogs. This is the last year they'll be doing it, so go sign up!

I participated 2 years ago, and it was so fun! I gave an art pendant away as a prize, and I won gifts from 2 different blogs. Plus, it's so great to look at everyones' blogs and see what people are doing around the world.

For those of you just stopping by, I'm Michelle. Wife to my childhood sweetheart, mom to 3 (my 4th due in June). I love doing art- mixed media, jewelry, crafts, etc.- especially using reclaimed materials. I'm also a musician and I'm passionate about helping wounded people. Which is why...

This year I'm giving away one of my Hope Jars. These are recycled glass jars, decorated with special papers and paints. Each jar is filled with 365 encouraging quotes, Scriptures, and lyrics.

If you're the winner, just tell me your favorite colors and what you'd like inside, and I will make your jar especially for you. Leave a comment to enter the giveaway, and on February 17th, I'll draw a winner. So be sure to check back Feb. 17th to see if you've won!

2011 One World One Heart Giveaway!

If you've never participated in the annual One World One Heart Giveaway, then you need to! You can sign up to participate if you're a blogger- give something away as a prize for people stopping by your blog, or just sign up for a chance to win on others' blogs.

This is a worldwide event, with thousands of people participating! You can go to this website to read the rules and learn more. This is the last year they'll be doing it, so go sign up!

I participated 2 years ago, and it was so fun! I gave an art pendant away as a prize, and I won gifts from 2 different blogs. Plus, it's so great to look at everyones' blogs and see what people are doing around the world.

So stop back by my blog on Jan. 30th to see what I'll be giving away!

New Art

This week was much better- no major crises and I don't know what to do with myself. :)

I finally finished a piece of art that I started last year (click on "Delicate" to see a bigger image), and I sent it to my partner in a writing/art swap for inspiration. She will write something based on my art, and I will create art based on the poem she sent me. You can read more about it here. I'm really excited about this challenge, since I've tried for a while to find ways to unite two of my passions (writing & art).

I also finished some more pendants and posted them in my Etsy shop, so you'll have to stop by and take a peek.

Here are some recent additions:

Thanks to all of the wonderful artists who participated in the One World One Heart Giveaway! I actually won 2 mixed media pieces (yahoo for me!), and one of my art pendants is going to the winner of my giveaway, Jann Cook.  Thank you to all of the wonderful people who signed up for my drawing, and especially to those of you that left such encouraging comments. OWOH was a blast & I will definitely be involved again next year!

Mixed Emotions Giveaway

Yesterday I posted about the One World One Heart Giveaway I'm participating in. I've had such amazing responses that I figured I probably should show you what I'm giving away, huh? The winner will be able to choose from the pendants online at my Etsy shop. Go to www.MixedEmotions.etsy.com to look at what's available. I will try to post some more pendants that I'm currently working on as well, before Feb. 12th rolls around, so you'll have more to choose from.

To those of you who want to be included in the giveaway, just leave a comment on my blog, and I will randomly select one name on Feb. 12. Be sure and leave me your email so I can reach you if you win! If you'd like to participate as an artist, go to http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com  to find out how to sign up for your own giveaway.

Thank you to all of the amazing people who have left encouraging comments. It's wonderful to see so many generous people giving their art away and inspiring others. I can't wait to see more!

-Michelle

One World One Heart Giveaway!

I love giveaways! It blesses me to give, so I'd like to send one special person a handcrafted art pendant. The winner will be able to choose from the pendants online at my Etsy shop. Go to

www.MixedEmotions.etsy.com to look at what's available. I will try to post some more pendants that I'm currently working on as well, before Feb. 12th rolls around, so you'll have more to choose from.

To win this giveaway, simply post a comment on my blog. Comments will be closed at midnight, and on Feb. 12th, I will draw a name at random and announce the winner. Be sure and leave your email address so I can contact you!

Hundreds of artists around the globe are participating in OWOH, so if you'd like to learn more about the collective giveaway and find other great artists out there, go to:

http://oneworldoneheart.typepad.com/one_worldone_heart/