I'm travelling into a new way of working, a new country, a new language, and a new hobby which I'm passionate about. Come with me for some of the journey...

Tuesday 19 June 2018

6th Birthday Blog Candy


Comments are now closed for this candy.
Thank you so much for all your lovely words.  I'll be announcing the winner very soon.

Hello all!  It scarcely seems possible but, yes, it's that time again.  Words and Pictures is six years old today.  And though there are certainly glitches and troubles with Blogger, and I know lots of people now share their work mainly on Facebook or Instagram, I'm sticking with the blogging.  It's the place which gives me room for the pictures and the words.  As you know, both of those are important to me.

In traditional style, I'm offering a little parcel of gratitude candy as a thank you to all those who follow along with this crafting journey.


Your visits and comments light up the creative process.  I only wish I could send candy to each and everyone of you, but logistically that would be a bit of a nightmare, I think.  It would clear some space in the craft room, mind you...  No, I think I'm going to have to stick to just the one parcel, sorry!






There's a set of Lynne Perrella stamps from PaperArtsy and some bubbly Thinlits, as well as the usual selection of fabrics and papers, and metal and wooden bits and bobs. 












As always, there's no requirement to be a follower, though obviously it's lovely if you decide to sign up.  Nor is it compulsory to share the news of the candy on your blogs (or even on the dreaded FB!), though again I'd be very happy if you do.  All you need to do is leave a comment on this post letting me know you'd like your name to go in the draw.













The deadline for leaving comments is a month away - midnight B.S.T. at the end of 19th July.  I'm in the midst of a very busy work period again, so that will give both you and me plenty of breathing space.





Once again, thank you for your friendship and inspiration over the last six years.  I never imagined a journey like this, but I'm so glad I'm on it, and I'm so happy you're here too.

The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.
Friedrich Nietzsche

70 comments:

KatheD said...

Congratulations on your sixth year! I've only just found your blog recently (and I follow by an RSS reader); today I remembered to press Follow so you can see me :) I do a lot on FB but things get lost there, so I'm glad you keep a blog. I would appreciate being added to your drawing, please.

Debi said...

Congratulations on another year! I have been following you for about a year. You are so creative. I have never posted on Facebook or Instagram. I had a blog but shut it down to several surgeries wasn't creating anything. You have been part of my inspiration field. Please add me to your drawing. I hope to get lucky!

Christine Alexander said...

congratulations on your blog anniversary, I have so much fun checking in on your blog and seeing your new creations. I'm not a big FB follower so happy to see you in blogland :)

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

Congratulations on your Blog Anniversary, Alison!! I must say I enjoyed this artful journey with you ... and waiting for many more years to come. You are huge inspiration for me... always!

Helen said...

Where do the years go - congratulations on your 6th anniversary- I remember you starting... (oops, that makes me sound like a proud mother of her baby!!)
thanks for all the gorgeous projects you share and also the chance to win your giveaway.

Valerie-Jael said...

Happy 6th anniversary, congratulations. Thanks for the chance to join in your lovely giveaway. Hugs, Valerie

Amanda said...

And 6 yrs of fabulous creations. Like you I’m sticking with blogger, some of us are still trying to keep this dwindling format alive! Even if I have joined the FB & IG revolution!! A generous giveaway from yourself anyone would love to receive, thanks
Love
Amanda x

hazel said...

Congratulations on being in blogland for 6 years, I’d love to be in with a chance of winning your lovely giveaway.
xxx Hazel.

Nikki Acton said...

Always love your posts! Words and Pictures is one of the best (or the best) blog out there! Keep up the inspirational work x

froebelsternchen said...

Happy Anniversary Alison! Your blog is always a feast for the eyes and the words are the best to your fantastic art as well! Thank you for the chance to win this precious candy!
Hugs, Susi

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Happy 6th Blogiversary Alison, I know it's not a word but we all know what it stands for. It's always wonderful to pop on by, kick off my shoes and sit down with a cuppa to read what delights you have for us all.
Your approach to blogging is close to my heart and I always feel like i've been treated to a one to one tutorial with each chapter.
I hear your words regarding FB, the party is always over by the time I arrive at it's door. Whether that will be my downfall I do not know but there was a time that my job scorned upon platforms like Blogger declaring it a no go area, so I would watch and read behind closed doors like a crafting secret agent.
This is the blog I created after being made redundant, hence it's title. It took me a good couple of years to post anything of interest still having those restrictions firmly embedded within my mind but now it's my space to give something back to the ever inspiring crafting community when time allows.
Thank you for helping keep blogger alive Alison, your blogiversary giveaway is an inspiring gift.
Creative wishes for many more blogging years ahead.
Tracey xx

Darcydaydream said...

Congrats on your blog birthday....Always there for great inspiration.

My name is Erika. said...

Happy blog anniversary! I may be a new fan but it is always a joy to stop by and see your art. Hugs-Erika

scrappergirl56 said...

Congrats on your 6th Birthday!!! I am glad you are staying with the blog, I prefer to read content that way...and yes pictures, lots of pictures, eye candy to look at and analyze in my own time...and yes, include me in the drawing, please.

7DreamsLeft said...

Congratulations on six years. I love your creations, depth of sentiment on each blog post, along with the inspiring quotes at the end. They are a treasure to the soul. I love Lynne Perrella stamps so by all means, throw my name into the pool!

Cigale said...

Hi Alison,
Time flies, it's about a year ago I discovered your blog and I visit regularly to see if there is something new. Congratulations with your 6 blogging years. When turning 'pages' of your blog till the beginning, I see how your strength in designing has grown. You dan be sure that you inspired many others. I hope you keep blogging and are not changing to FB! A blog becomes an encyclopedie of works, as in FB older posts are fading away.........
Hang on!
Kind regards,
Tineke

Patty O'Malley said...

Happy Anniversary! Your blog posts are always a bright spot in the day. I would love to be included in a chance to win your giveaway. Thank you for the opportunity.

Meggymay said...

Time does fly, congratulations on your Blog Anniversary. It is an inspiration ti visit you here and see your amazing projects. Thank you for the chance to win your lovely givaway.
Yvonne xx

Sue said...

Congratulations on your blogaversary Alison, I always love visiting your blog, there's always so much to see and drool over. I can't give up my blog either even though everyone has migrated to facebook and instagram. Thank you so much for the chance to win your givaway. Have a very happy week, Sue xx

Sarah B said...

Happy 6th blog anniversary - thank you for the chance to win your lovely giveaway - I often pop by but don't always get a chance to leave a comment- your posts are always an inspiration and a joy to read xxx

Nan G said...

Happy Blogaversary! My goodness how time has flown...six years?! As busy as you are with all your traveling I’m still awed and amazed with your creations. I’ve especially been enjoying the mini books. As you know I’m losing the use of my hands so I’m not always able to leave comments but I do visit. Again, happy anniversary Butterfly! (no need to enter me in the drawing) Hugs, Nan

Unknown said...

Mega congrats! Thank you for so generously sharing your art.

Dorthe said...

Happy Blog Birthday , dear Alison,
the years fly away on fast wings, but all the same I manage to visit you, almost every time, to soak up, the beauty you create, and your tellings, too !!
Thank you for the chance to win your wonderful collection of goodies.
Hugs, Dorthe, xx

Rhonda said...

I have enjoyed your blog for a long time. It is so inspirational. :o)

Lys said...

Congratulations, Alison! It's always a pleasure to follow you in your journeys, here or there. You're a starter inspiration for me. Thanks for sharing and for this generous gift.

Dijitize said...

Congratulations. How nice of you to think of us on your anniversary. Joan

Paper Wishes said...

Happy birthday Words and Pictures! thats a lot of dicipline, dedication and delight well done. We should really be sending you gifts! but the birthdat blog candy is very generous, just like all the things you have shared over the last six years. x Amanda

Fliss said...

Wow! Has it really been 6 years! Many congratulations and it's always such a pleasure to see your beautiful artwork and so inspiring.
Here's to at least 6 more years!
Fliss xx

Mac Mable said...

Many congratulations....Thank you too for sticking with blogging. I love reading how you do your marvellous creations. I always learn something when I pop in and you are a wonderfully inspirational crafter. FB doesn't really suit me as I love to take time to read your blog and look at the photos and step by steps x Great blog candy and so very generous x

Cardgenie said...

Happy Blogaversary!! Six years is a long time in blogland, so many congrats and well done for sticking with it! Thanks for the chance of some candy. Jean.x

Astrid Maclean said...

Congrats and time certainly does seem to fly. Great give away but no need to put my name in the hat as I have way too much stash already anyway :o)

experiments in paper said...

Wow, Alison - 6 years!! Congratulations and felicitations, for sure - and profound thanks for all of the fantastic eye candy and inspiration you've provided, as well as the wonderful stories, both real and imagined! Hope you are not working too hard - it seems your work comes in intense bursts. But sounds like you've things to hand.

I hope to be back in blogland with something to show by summer's end if not before (have a short catch-up post up now, but nothing substantial). I'm currently traversing the northern US in my camper van with my trusty dog, on our way to permanently living in our Idaho home. We are sitting at the moment in a rather barren campground in North Dakota, but it does have the water and electricity, so will do! Hope to visit much more regularly soon - I've missed a lot of your posts, so have some treats coming in catch-up reading! xx Lynn (experimentsinpaper.blogspot.com)

PS - bravo for sticking with the blog format - I much prefer it also, for the same reasons!

experiments in paper said...

And PS, no need to stick me in the drawing - I've plenty to keep me occupied, and would love someone else to benefit! - Lynn

pearshapedcrafting said...

As a previous lucky winner would you kindly leave me out of the draw, but just had to pop in and say Congratulations on six years of blogging! I still love blogging and will never go to Facebook - although I have succumbed to Instagram (I blame my friend for that of course ...and my Granddaughter!) Hugs, Chrisx

Kate Yetter said...

What a beautiful bit of blog candy that you are offering! I would love to be included in the draw.
It seems like ages ago since we were on the Artistic Outpost DT. I have loved seeing your styles transform and you always have something beautiful to share.
Happy Blog anniversary,
Kate

Marjut said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary. Your blog so inspirational. Thanks for the chance to win.

Marjut

A Pink said...

Congratulations on your 6 year blogversary! Alison . I always love reading and seeing your creativity (though admittedly I don't always arrive on time and do sadly sometimes miss the odd post- 'life' hey)- always inspirational. Thank you for always being so generous of spirit and such a lovely person . Here's to many more happy years for you and Words and Pictures x

Lenie said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary dear Alison. I love your blog and you are a great example for me. I always learn a lot. I love that. Have a great week, Lenie xx

Bibliozo said...

Happy 6th Anniversary--Thank you for all the inspiration you provided --it is always a joy to visit your blog!

Julia Aston said...

Happy 6th Blog Anniversary Alison! Aren't blogs a great way to share our creativity and to make wonderful friends all over the world! I am always inspired when I come to visit you here! Julia xx

Craftyfield said...

I too prefer the blog, Facebook is more for bitesize news and pictures and I find it totally overwhelming by the number of things that one is supposed to scroll through in a day! Happy blogaversary Alison! xx

Redanne said...

Huge congratulations on your blogiversary Alison, where on earth does time go!! I am with you entirely on blogging, although I do feel sad that so many are abandoning it for Facebook... I love my blog as it is like a diary for me and I cannot see me ever giving it up. Your give-away looks wonderful but please don't include me, I really do need to start using some of my hoarded stash! Anne xx

sally said...

It seems amazing that I have actually seen those 6 years of posts! I became a follower I'm not sure when but I did work my way through all the visual delights over time and I can't believe that it is another year on..... great candy selection, your comment about sending a parcel to each comment made me giggle....a great way to make space for more goodies lol!

Sally xx

nancy dempsey said...

Congrats on six years! I'm loving your creations and while I haven't been following you long, I will be here for your seventh, eighth, and even longer.
Keep up the great work!

Lula said...

Congratulation on your Anniversary Alison! Have been your follower for some time and have to say YOU are an inspiration for me.
Lots of hugs!
Lula

Dawn said...

You were one of my original feedly blogs. I still look forward to reading it. Thankyou for continuing your blog when others fall by the wayside. Very generous of you to offer a giveaway, could I please be added? Thankyou and keep up the good work as I agree with others that a blog is easier to follow than fb posts xx

Anke said...

WOW six years ... congratulations, Alison. Your blog is so wonderful.

Hugs
Anke

Cory said...

Happy 6th anniversary! What generous gift you're sharing.

Jennifer Scull said...

Happy bloggy anniversary to you! what a lovely giveaway you are offering. :) here's to many more!

Margaret said...

Congratulations on your 6th birthday! I've been following your blog for many years and love both your creations and writing. Like you, I like blogs and your blog is so inspiring.

suzyb said...

Happy happy blogaversary! I know that is not a word. I love your blog and I appreciate all you share with us out here. Congrats and look forward to more. Love these stamps and your creations from them. Paper Artsy is amazing and so are you!!!

mamablitger said...

Congratulations my friend. Unbelieveable how fast 6 years can fly away. I’m so happy that you decided to blog. I have been a long time follower. It has been such a blessing to follow your blog and soak inspiration. Thank you for being such a generous artist. You are so creative and skilled.
Thank you also for offering such a fab give- away.
Hugs from Monica
Spain

Raspberries and Rose Petals said...

Happy anniversary! Love your blog & the inspiration you freely share! I would love to be included in your candy give away! Fingers crossed!

Cestina said...

I come late to the party (I was baking a cake) but none the less fervently I wish you všechno nejlepší k 6te narozeninám....

You may omit me from the candy draw :-) xxx

Jane said...

Hi Alison, congrats on your 6 year bloggerversary! Thanks for all your wonderful inspiration and blogging friendship. I would love to be in the hat for your candy, thanks so much!

Betty4 said...

I love everything you make. I just attempted the Mini Album you posted. The directions were wonderful and I completed every step. It doesn't look as good as your but I love it and the support your blog gives me to try something different. Thank you!

ionabunny said...

Happy sixth. You are an inspiration. Thanks for the lovely giveaway. Please include me. I have been following a while. Hugz

Christi Conley said...

Happy Blogaversary!! I've followed you forever & you continue to inspire me! June 22 is/was my birthday & this would be a heck of a gift!! Huge Hugs!! Christi C

Jackie PN said...

Holy Moly! 6 years already??
What a generous giveaway Alison!!Thank you for the chance!
So, I'm sticking with you- my blogging will still go on as well.FB and IG are just shortcuts in my opinion.People just quickly like, or love and there is no other engagement. With blogging at least we reach out to one another and I am so very glad for this!
Ok, off to look at your art
big hugs Jackie xo

sarascloset said...

My, how the time passes so quickly! I've enjoyed many years as a regular visitor, and I'd like to think of myself as a friend. So happy anniversary, my friend! You've offered plenty of inspiration over the years, and that in itself, is the most wonderful gift! I'm with you on blogging. I find it hard to believe I will ever stop, but I know I won't replace it with FB or IG or whatever other quick fix comes down the pike. Sadly, I'm finding increasingly difficult to stay current with everyone's visits. Perhaps it's just a season, and it will pass. Anywho, I appreciate your inspiration and dedication, and I would be most happy to be included in this chance to win your generous giveaway. Hugs!

Brenda Brown said...

Congrats on your six years and thank goodness there are a few of us are sticking with our blogs, it's a much nicer place to be and preserves our work and creative journey in a timeless fashion. Please don't add me to the giveaway but so happy you are here with all your wonderful inspirational art. xxx

Cocofolies said...

Congratulations on your 6th Blog Anniversary, Alison!!!
And what a great way to celebrate such wonderful news and blog, thank you SO MUCH for everything.
I well see what you mean about social networking, and the place it takes in our lifes, instead of our loved blogs... Sadly, I have been obliged to follow the flow well against me. Like you, I love looking at beautiful images and peeks of gorgeous makes, AND words.... and sharing, but not quickly and badly. And the fact that we can see again some art when we need, some make or technique we had loved in the past and are at least ready to try out!
All that is just impossible on FB... IG is better, but should be used only as a way to give a link on some good blogpost in my opinion.
However, regarding the choice I have made to try to live a bit of my art and passion, I had to open social accounts too, boohoo.
But of course, I have also less time to share and write blogposts as I'd love to, and even follow all my friends... :(
Thank you for being you, stay strong xxx

Paper Profusion said...

Huge congrats Alison for your beautiful blog and for continuing to maintain it brilliantly. You put me to shame for letting mine remain in hibernation so long - but it will reawaken in time (fingers crossed). I still remember being so thrilled to win your first anniversary candy. Please don't put my name in the hat for this one as I would feel too guilty that goodies would be wasted. Words & Pictures is always a delight to visit, no matter how tardy I might be. Congratulations again. Nx

Mrs.B said...

Better late than never - Congratulations on your 6 years in blogland and such generous candy, thanks for the chance to win.
Always love to see your creative makes and even though I'm often late -it's never a chore to visit.
Hugs, Avril xx

Gio said...

Big congratulations Alison! Your whole blog is so inspirational, and have been for all these years. I am your fan, that's it! :-)

Joan said...

Love your blog and your fabulous artwork!!! I am a new follower of the blog - but I've been visiting for awhile now.
Please enter my name in the blog candy drawing!
Joan

rachel said...

Hi Alison - thanks so much for the chance to win your blog candy - I'm not the blogger I used to be - work has taken care of that but I do try to get over here when I can - and I am eternally grateful for your visits! Thanksyou lovely lady! Big hugs rachel xx

Julia said...

Congratulations on your 6th year anniversary, haven't those 6 years been amazing.
Thanks for the opportunity to win some blog candy and I wish you much creative happiness for year 7. xx

Laura said...

‘Thrilled to have discovered your blog today... I’ve seen your quotes stamped on many art pieces but didn’t realize the source. By jumping around your site, I’ve already been inspired and have learned lots—and there’s much more to see! Your aesthetic feels like home to me. I’m a writer in love with words and art, so the common thread emerges. Thanks for sharing so beautifully and sincerely, Alison. Much appreciated — Laura

Words and Pictures said...

These comments are now closed. Thank you so much for all your lovely words. I'll be announcing the winner very soon.
Alison x