a is for anniversary and alphabet

Today, May 26th, is my 3rd blogging anniversary. 3rd! I don't really remember the real reason why I started blogging but I'm so glad that I did. I've received so much in return. My work has definitely benefitted and I don't think - no, I know - I wouldn't be where I am today had it not been for this blog and for the wonderful people I've met because of it.

I've never really done anything particular to celebrate my anniversary because I always forget the date. I did remember it this year and decided that a giveaway would be a great way to thank you all for visiting my little corner of the blogsphere. Your comments and feedback have always been so generous and encouraging. Thank you so much!



Leave a comment here, just to say hi, and I'll include you in the drawing for two books seen below, a one-of-a-kind piece that I made (above) and my new set of Alphabet Mat Boards Templates. I'll be taking comments until Thursday and I'll announce the winner on Friday morning (May 30th). Sound good?



About the books:
- Tiny Yarn Animals (Paperback) by Tamie Snow
These little crochet animals are so adorable and they're on the list of things I'd love to make this summer. Maybe during the kids' swimming lessons? Could be.

- I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
Judging by the publisher's description of this book it sounds like a great summer read. I wish I had time for it!



Oh yes... In the midst of everything going on, I managed to come up with another set of templates for alphabet mat boards. This summer I'll really have to help my little C keep her alphabet straight. She still gets confused with some letters and she's not too thrilled about dealing with flash cards or anything that looks like I'm teaching and/or 'testing' her. I've been trying to come up with a fun way to help her and all the brain storming and the alphabet wall pieces (that I've haven't gotten around to continuing but are still in my head) gave me this new idea.

I can see this new PDF template set being used for so many things: decoration for a child's room; as a gift with really nice black and white photos; several frames where the template letters spell something out... etc. I can also see these being used with photos fabric swatches, or colored paper. The possibilities are really endless. I'm thinking of using these with a couple of recent close up shots of the kids and hanging them on a lonely wall that we have.



By the way, thank you so much for all the birthday wishes (that keep coming!) and for the lovely things you all said about my little flower. :)

89 comments:

  1. Your alphabet mat board idea is fantastic. What great fun to be able to change the picture and have something different after a while.

    The tiny yarn animals book looks very interesting.

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  2. happy blog anniversary.. you make paper into wonderful & amazing looking items.. very creative!

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  3. Wow, happy anniversary! 3 years is a good achievement. C= I don't even remember what date I started blogging, and unfortunately the archives are gone, but I only know it's sometime in August-September 2003.

    The mat board looks super neat, and useful~!

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  4. Happy anniversary! (I think mine is approaching as well) I have admired your work from afar for a while, you are truly a clever cookie.

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  5. Happy Anniversary! :)

    I love those matt boards, too!

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  6. The little yarn animals book looks like a lot of fun, please enter me for a chance to win one of your beautiful creations. I find them all so inspiring, thank you for sharing your talent.

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  7. Happy Anniversary!
    I love your alphabet mat idea. I am thinking about using them for the kids: Their initial letter plus a picture of something that is so them. Or a great portrait ...

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  8. Congratulations! I love reading your blog and looking at your creations, it makes me happy that such nice things are out there in the world :) Love the alphabet mat board templates - such a neat idea and would do for a whole year of kid's birthdays! I'd been admiring your letter pictures in your shop and this is just what I wanted!

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  9. Hi Patricia, Happy Birthday! Love the alphabet mat's...well let me be honest I love all of your work! -kb

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  10. Congratulations for 3 years of blogging :)

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  11. Congrats on your 3rd anniversary! I appreciate all the inspiration you give me to be creative!

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  12. I wish you weren't having a competition, cause I would have said congratulations anyway!

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  13. happy anniversary! love love LOVE your work and art.

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  14. Happy anniversary! 3 years! Wow!

    I love seeing your awesome ideas - they still continue to amaze and delight me!

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  15. You do such amazing work! I am facinated. I love it! Thanks for your hard work for 3 years.

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  16. happy anniversary! the alphabet mat is adorable as well!

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  17. Happy anniversary! Three years, I can't even imagine!

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  18. I just found your blog and I love all your beautiful work. congrats on 3 years!

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  19. I certainly discovered your beautiful work because of your blog ... and now my little tree is one of my favorite works of art ... congrats & thanks for the chance to win.

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  20. C is for Congratulations on 3 yrs and a book deal. It'll be a hit!

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  21. The alphabet mats are genius!

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  22. happy anniversary! when i saw the little yarn animals-book i knew i would have to get it for when i become an aunt this fall... i'll make an army of animals for the baby :)

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  23. The alphabet mat boards are awesome! I might have to use them to create some artwork for my nieces! ... if I ever have the time. LOL.

    Happy Anniversary :)

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  24. Happy Anniversary! Love the mat boards! :)

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  25. Happy Anniversary!

    Those mat boards are a great idea.

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  26. Happy blogiversary! Your mat boards look great too :)

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  27. gorgeous as usual! I love visiting your blog!!

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  28. happy anniversary!
    I love visiting your blog, especially when you post new pictures of your work. You are wonderfully creative and produce the most beautiful artwork. your positive outlook on life is also very refreshing. Thanks for sharing!

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  29. Congrats! I love all your work, and that tiny animals book looks really interesting ...

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  30. happy anniversary.. All my wishes for the years to come :). You rock with your innovative new ideas

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  31. Happy Anniversary! I've been reading your blog for a couple of weeks now. I really love the graphic quality of your alphabet mats.

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  32. What a fun giveaway! Your blog is always so inspiring!

    Julie C.
    http://www.onthedotcreations.typepad.com

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  33. Delurking to wish you a happy blogiversary and a happy bithday

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  34. Happy anniversary!!

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  35. Happy 3 years of blogging! I love the alphabet boards. My little "C" is also learning her letters at the moment and we're having lots of fun thinking of new and unusual objects for each letter!

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  36. Wow, I love the contrast of the green apple with that light blue background. Great shot!

    My little one loves the book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom. It is a fun way to work in the alphabet lesson on the sly. ;)

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  37. Happy Happy Blog Birthday! Thank you for all the wonderful inspiration. I always love visiting here.

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  38. The alphabet displays are great! I love checking your blogs for inspiration -- thanks for the fresh ideas you regularly post : )

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  39. Happy Anniversary! I very much enjoy your blog, thank you. Love your paper rose, just lovely.

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  40. Happy Anniversary! I keep come back to get my fix of amazing "paper work" ^_^ Can't wait until your book comes out!

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  41. happy anniversary. i love your simple, elegant art pieces. your daughter is so lucky to have such beautiful letters to practice...

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  42. I love the alphabet mets- i have a big pile of clear cd cases and they would look great filled with these alphabets around our playroom!

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  43. I just found your blog a few months ago and really enjoy it. I'm amazed by what you do with paper!

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  44. I love your blog! Happy Anniversary! xo Corinne
    groarkblankfamily@hotmail.com

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  45. Love the alphabet template...what a great idea. It would also be a fun summer project for young kids..to find pictures for each letter.

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  46. Happy blogiversary!!!

    I love reading your blog and seeing all the new designs you've created :)

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  47. Congratulations on the anniversary! I just had my fourth and it feels big, like a childs birthday or something. A blog is such a great place and your paper cutting is very inspirational to me. Thanks for sharing!

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  48. Oh, I really like the alphabet template. Great idea. Happy anniversary!

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  49. Love the alpha mats. Of course, I love all of your work. But it always amazes me how the simple speaks to me. Thanks. Jan (knappjan@bellsouth.net)

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  50. Happy, happy! Three years just flies by doesn't it! What a great giveaway!

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  51. Congratulations on three years! That's great. The alpha mats are adorable. I'm currently redecorating my dd's room and the possibilities are endless with these.
    Nicole
    nmbailey239@gmail.com

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  52. Hello Little Ms Hut,

    I watch from a far also, and I'm always inspired by your creativity.

    Many regards from across the pond,

    Miss b
    (mz_green@hotmail.co.uk)

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  53. i love your blog and the things you do with paper. happy anniversary! happy birthday!

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  54. I love all your designs- so fun!

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  55. Happy Anniversary!

    We love the alphabet templates!

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  56. I love your alphabet mats - they will work great for our ABC co-op class next fall!

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  57. I'm thrilled to have discovered your blog...happy anniversary! Your alphabet cards are lovely...I'm sure they will inspire your daughter.

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  58. Happy Anniversary! Your cut out mat boards are really clever, and as usual, I love your cut out tree piece. The books sound interesting too.

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  59. Happy Birthday! I love you mat boards. You are always such an inspiration!

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  60. Confession: I'm totally commenting just to possibly win the drawing!

    I'm a regular reader, but I'm sure there is nothing profound that you need to hear back from me. Your work is beautiful. Keep it up, so that someday when I can afford such goodies, I'll have the option! Thanks for the reminder that simple things can be so appealing.

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  61. Happy Anniversary! Three years is quite an achievement.
    Your work is so fresh and beautiful. Love it!

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  62. What a great idea...
    good for you...
    I absolutely love your work...
    ~laura d.

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  63. I have to admit that your work has inspired some of my embroidery projects. I love the simple, graceful lines that lend to such dynamic pieces! Amazing.

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  64. Happy, Happy Anniversary! It's really a party for all of your readers and fans as we so enjoy your creativity, thoughts, and ideas.

    Your blog was the first that I subscribed to and is always the one I look forward to reading. You have inspired me in so many ways and have motivated me to tap into my own creativity. Thank you, thank you!

    Enjoy your day!

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  65. Love your work - and enjoy your blog! Beautiful.

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  66. I've been enjoying your blog since i first discovered it via design*sponge. Your work is refreshing and always brightens my day. I also love the alphabet mats and am thinking up how i'd use them. Happy blogiversary! Here's to manu more!

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  67. Happy anniversary! I love your blog and I don't exactly know when I started reading it, but I am always excited to see your latest paper sculpture or post. I've mentioned before and I'll mention it again, you have a wonderful talent and a great design eye. My favorite so far is that paper rose. I just love it!

    Congrats on the 3rd anniversary!

    --Cathe

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  68. Yes, I love the alphabet mats. That's awesome.

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  69. Patricia,
    Congratulations on your blogoversary. I have been visiting regularly for the last few months and am a fan!
    Wishing you continued good fortune.
    Shelly

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  70. Congratulations! I just love your blog, it's so inspiring!

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  71. Congrats on the Anniversary! Yeah for bloggin!

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  72. thought I would de-lurk and say hello! I do love your work so. Happy anniversary for your blog!

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  73. This is like the best prize selection ever. :) Thanks for being so inspiring & congrats on 3 years!!

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  74. Three years .... and you still have stuff to talk about. Congratulations!

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  75. You know I *always* read your blog, but I’m really shy :) Hope you had a great birthday and Happy Blog anniversary!!!
    Your blog/work/ideas are just fantastic. I wish you the best!

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  76. I love the new artwork/all of your work. I also thoroughly enjoy reading your blog!

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  77. I feel so lucky to have stopped in today, yay! A chance to win one of your lovely original pieces. Oh my!
    Happy Anniversary. Blogging is a wonderful way to make connections and the blogosphere is a better place with creative souls like you in it.
    xo

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  78. Congratulations Patricia! I'm pretty sure I've been around for all three of those years -- and enjoyed each one more. :)

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  79. De-lurking! Happy blog birthday; I just passed one year (I think) without even realizing it! I love the artwork you're so kindly giving away...

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  80. Happy Blogiversary :)

    I love your work - it's so elegant and simple. I'd buy your alphabet mats... they're cool!

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  81. Happy birthday to you (singing)! Big hug, Deborah

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  82. I love bird images, especially birds outside cages. Happy blogiversary!

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  83. happy blogiversary! I love your blog for the clean lines and simple stories. It's always good to stop by and see something pure and beautiful after clicking around on the busy blinking world of web.

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  84. Happy Anniversary! I really enjoy reading your blog and seeing what can be done with paper. I can do anything with yarn or material but put a piece of paper in front of me and it takes a long time for me to come up with something. Though I haven't downloaded any of your box templates yet, I plan to in the near future. I have two boys and the boy themed boxes are great!

    Esther

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  85. Fabulous giveaway! Congrats on number 3.

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  86. Feliz Aniversario!!! leo a diario tu blog y siempre es un placer. Una fuente de inspiracion para el trabajo cotidiano de otra diseƱadora :)
    Saludos desde Argentina!!

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  87. Happy Anniversary. I love your work and I love reading your blog.

    Kim

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  88. I know I'm really late, but happy blog anniversary! Your blog is so inspiring for me since I love paper and just reading and looking at your photos keeps those juices flowing. Thank-you for being such an inspiration!
    ~Penny

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