Monday, December 31, 2018

Season's Giving Blog Hop



Hi'ya everyone! Happy 2019!! I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year and may this year be a blessed, fantastic year for all of us filled with good health, prosperity and many things that makes you happy.

Welcome to the 7th annual Seasons Givings Blog Hop. What's fun & unique about this hop is every single blog that participate has giveaways. So, grab your cup of coffee or tea and browse around. Stick around and you'll see my giveaways on the bottom of  my post. :) And, big thank you to my dear friend, Latisha Yoast who organize this hop.

2018 had been quite an eventful year for me. Creativity wise, I continue designing for SugarPea Designs, The Ton Stamps & Honey Bee Designs. I am very blessed that I get to work with these great companies. I also learned to do loose floral watercolor, which I am very excited about and still continue practicing. Caring Hearts Card Drive had another successful year as we collected 29,147 cards and send hundreds of card packages to nursing homes throughout the US, Canada, Australia and UK. And, I got interviewed for Voyage Houston magazine for my card making. Still pinching myself over this. You can read the interview HERE.

Personally, 2018 was also filled some ups and downs moment. In May, we met up with my whole family in Lisbon, Portugal!! This mark the first time ever since I moved to the States where I get to see my whole family two years in a row. To say that my heart is happy is an understatement. What warm my heart even more was the fact that my niece now remember us immediately the moment she saw us. We are a close knit family, but if it possible, this trip make us even closer.

Two weeks after we came back though, our world was rocked to is very core. My 5 year old niece was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. My heart hurt so much thinking of how much she has gone through since then. 6 months later she's still going through chemo. She is so brave though. And, she taught me so much through all of this. She taught me to do what you love every chance you get. The moment she feel slightly better she dance because that's what she loves to do. She also never lost her sense of humor.

Hubby and I went to Singapore to see her in October and even though it was only for a short 3 days, we cherished it very much. I love this little girl so much and continue praying for her to get better. I sure hope I can give her hug again in 2019.

My plan for 2019? To really live in the moment. To be able to find gratitude every day. Learn something new whenever possible and just enjoy & continue loving on my family.

Now, as we started the new  year, I look back and want to share my favorite projects from 2018. Let's get on with it right away, shall we?






















Now, on to the giveaway. Cause after all that's why Season's Giving all about. I am giving away the 4 stamp sets below!

To enter the giveaway simply follow my blog &  follow me on Instagram (you can find me under: WIRIANTA). If you already a follower, please comment and let me know how long you've been following my blog or my Instagram. Easy peasy, right. You have till Sunday, 1/6/2019, midnight CST to leave a comment. I will announce the winners on Monday, 1/7/2016.





Are you ready to hop? Here's a complete list of the participants. Enjoy and thank you again for all the support. Happy New Year!!


you are here --> Vera Yates <-- you are here

131 comments:

Teresa Doyle said...

Oh Vera, your cards are beautiful and you are doing great with your water colouring. I too have been trying to master that art and this year I am finally getting the hang of it.
I have been following your blog for a few years now but although I AM on IG, I am not on it very much, so I just signed up to follow you today.

More importantly Vera, I will say a prayer for your amazing little niece and your family. Unfortunately, I understand exactly what you mean when you say "it rocked your world". Stay strong and wishing you and your family a healthy and happy New Year! (((HUGS)))

Andrea Hastilow said...

Happy New Year! I hope your 2019 goes from strength to strength & that your niece d happy sees the back of that aweful disease & dances all the time.
Your cards are beautiful & I can see how they are your favourites. I have been following your blog for most of last year I think, I don't use Instagram at the moment sorry. Thank you for being of of this hop.

Linda S. said...

I do follow your blog and I've been following for a few years now. Wishing you well this new year.

kReN said...

HNY, world traveler! Me too! I am following your blog here and on IG. Love your work! Thanks for sharing your creativity with all of us! Follow me at http://afourthlife.blogspot.com

MadeByMeghanK said...

I love your Live in the Moment for 2019! Your cards are DARLING! I am already a follower of your blog and instagram! I JUST LOVE YOUR STUFF!

Lisa said...

I am excited to be a new follower of your Instagram page and blog!

StampinLouie said...

Vera I have been a blog follower for several years now but not sure of the exact year. I just followed you on IG as I didn't know your IG name before.
Love your cards. Your work is AMAZING!
Will be in prayer for your little niece. I too have had my world turned upside down by a disease.

Cynthia Cole said...

I've been following you for at least a year now and just started following you on IG. Love all your cards and your spirit!

sharon g said...

I just joined your email newsletter/blog following, and just followed you on Instagram

Sheri said...

I believe I joined your followers when I started doing the Caring Hearts Drive. So I think that has been 4 or 5 years ago now. Love your work!

KT Fit Kitty said...

I love all of your cards! I was trying to pick a favorite but as I scrolled through, each one seemed more beautiful than the one before it! You are super talented - thank you for inspiring! I've been following your blog for about 3 or 4 years I think, maybe longer. I love to send cards to the Caring Hearts Card Drive so that's how I found you back then. I just started following you on Instagram today (fitkit2018). Praying that your little niece will be completely healed and will go on to live a long and healthy life.

emeraldmaz said...

I follow you on instagram, bloglovin and GFC. So happy I found your page, I just adore your cards...and as a fellow pug parent I love the pics of your pugs as well!!!

jan metcalf said...

Your designs are one of a kind! So delicate, so envious! Thank you for sharing your talents!

Joanie said...

Just started following your blog and on instagram! Love this blog because it allows me to discover new crafters! Happy New Year! I hope 2019 is a great one for you.

A.Rose said...

I have been following you blog for at least three years as I started participating in the Caring Hearts Drive!
,!

Jingle said...

Vera, I've been following you forever. LOL! It sounds like you have had a very busy year with a lot of good and a little bit of hard that will certainly turn out good in the end. She is strong. I can't imagine how difficult this has been for you guys, but I know you love that beautiful little girl lots! Wishing you all the very best this coming year.

Jackie S said...

I'm a new follower to your blog. Started following you on instagram after I met you in November when I delivered my cards for Caring Hearts. Already thinking of working on cards for this year. Mostly because I'm not ready for the holidays to be over.

Karen Ondes said...

Your designs are beautiful and thanks for the chance to win!

Laraine R said...

Happy New Year! Fabulous creations! I have been following the blog for awhile now. Sending prayers for your niece & family

Margaret said...

I have been following you for a few years and just started following you on Instagram. So sorry to hear about your niece and am sending prayers for your family.

Michele K. Henderson said...

I absolutely LOVE your designs and have been following your blog for a while now! I'm not sure how long,but I became a fan after seeing your beautifully colored designs on The Ton! You have been inspiring me all year long at least! have a very happy and bright new year filled with joy and prosperity!
Happy New year Hugs!
Michele
crimsonowl@comcas.net

Fikreta said...

Happy New Year!
gorgeous projects!
thank you for the chance!
I do follow you on blog long time.

Cathy said...

new follower here, I have to say the cards are all amazing..great style and coloring!

Rhonda said...

Wow, I am new to your site and have to say your work is awesome. I am a new follower.

Marcie Bolt said...

I am new to your site and happy to have found you. New follower!

PamC said...

I met you through Caring Hearts. Through your efforts, I am able to provide cards for the Alzheimer's patients at a local nursing home. My Dad was one of the patients. Although he passed away several years ago, the Caring Hearts' cards continue to bring smiles to everyone at the nursing home.
I also follow you on Instagram. And I look forward to hearing updates about your niece. Praying that 2019 will bring health and happiness for you and your family.

Barb said...

Happy New Year--I am new to your blog, but now will check in more often as I love it!

Cindi said...

Your cards are beautiful. I am sorry for your niece and am sending prayers her way. I donate cards to nursing homes myself and had no idea you did those drives. I am following you on instagram now and signed up for your blog. Thanks!

HeatherB said...

Very sorry to hear about your niece! She must be very brave, to go through all this as a 5 year old. I have subscribed to your blog and followed you on Instagram! Thanks!

Mary Holshouser said...

Family is so important. I'm
lucky that all of mine is close
and whenever there are problems
they are ready to jump in and
help. Continued prayers for
your niece.
I don't know how long I've
followed you on e-mail - Know
it's been awhile. I don't do
Instagram so I can't follow
you there. thanks for sharing
all year long. Happy New Year
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

Rachelle A. said...

Greetings from Canada! I would love to subscribe to your blog. Happy New Year and God Bless! Thanks.

Lisa said...

Happy New Year! I am new to your site, but excited to now be following your blog and Instagram, so many beautiful cards!

rachelines said...

I've been following your blog via my feedly reader for a number of years now. I always look forward to the Caring Hearts Drive each Christmas, which is one of my favorite crafty projects to contribute to since I've been participating.

Nothing but the best wishes for you and your family in 2019.

SusieScrapper said...

Happy New Year!! I started following your blog and Instagram as of today. I'm Susie Lewis Gerdes or Susiescrapper pretty much everywhere. Your projects for 2018 are amazing, you're very talented.

Nox said...

Beautiful projects and I am looking forward to what comes in the new year. I am now following both your blog and instagram!

Robin H said...

Very pretty cards! Blessings to you in the new year, I've been following you on Instagram just added your blog

irishgalkelly said...

Vera, your cards are so lovely! I enjoy your style and designs very much and just started following your blog. I look forward to seeing your new creations in 2019. Prayers for your niece and family. So good that you can visit when you can. Happy New Year!!!

Karen Sanville said...

Love your cards. I have been following your blog for a bout a year. I just started following you on Instagram

Denise Mills said...

Thank you for the opportunity, I signed up

pattyk said...

Following you on blog and instagram. Love your flower cards!HOPE YOUR NIECE IS BETTER SOON.

Maureen Reiss said...

I've been following your blog for quite some time now. Now following you on Instagram!! Wonderful cards!!!

Lisa Byers said...

Following you on Instagram and blog. Absolutely love your cards, so beautiful. I am so sorry to hear about your niece. I will keep her in my prayers. God bless her and your family.

Beverly Perdue said...

Happy New Year Vera! I've been following your blog for quite a while now and I just started following you on Instagram. I love your card style. My favorite is the floral card with the birds -- it's just beautiful. Looking forward to more fun crafting in 2019.

Debbie Rumpza said...

I've been following your blog and IG for awhile. Not sure exactly how long... a couple years maybe. Praying for your sweet niece to make a full recovery. Happy New Year~

Billie A said...

Your cards are so pretty. I love the soft colors and darling images. So inspirational.. I just started following you. I can see I've missed so awesome creative inspiration from you.. Happy New Year..

Kirsty Vittetoe said...

These cards are so nice and sweet! Thanks for always sharing and inspiring!
I followed you both on instagram and blog!

Natalie Winterstein said...

Happy New Year! I am not sure exactly how long but I have been following both your blog and Instagram for about a year or so. Thanks for the chance to win!

JE said...

I'm a blog follower and enjoy your posts...such pretty artwork!

Lindarub said...

Following since 2016, love your cards.

Patt H. said...

Happy New Year, Vera! I have been following your blog for several years & love your cards! You are soooo good with color combos & coloring! I will keep your precious niece in my prayers every day. Miracles happen every day.

Unknown said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your niece. I hope she is able to get through it. I just started following you on IG and your blog too, and also found you on Twitter! My heart is with your niece.

Dana said...

Happy New Year!! I've been following your blog for years!!!

lindaplus3 said...

your cards are beautiful .. they look so bright and refreshing. I hope you dont mind that I pinned a couple of them . The stamps you are giving away are very very nice.. keeping my fingers crossed.... Happy New Year !!!

Kathy Barrett said...

Your coloring is so beautiful! I have started following your blog & you on Instagram Hope your New Year is a happy one!

Tracy said...

Loved your year in review. What fun. Following on Instagram.

Gayle Bartholomew said...

Loving your cards and have subscribed to your Instagram and your blog. Wishing all the best for you and your family in 2019.

Beverly S. said...

Here is hoping 2019 is a kind year to you and yours. I follow on Instagram (@bevscreativepath) and am going to follow your blog too.
Happy New Year!

Colleen said...

Beautiful cards! Happy New Year!!

Marie Bingaman said...

Your cards are so soft and pretty. Those florals are AMAZING!! Prayers for your niece and her family as they go through this trying time. I have become a follower of your blog and on Instagram.

Lisa said...

I am a new follower on Instagram but have been following your blog since last year I believe. What beautiful projects... I love your beautiful cardmaking style... thanks so much for the chance to win! You have had a quite a year! Love and peace to you and to your family... I can only imagine what it's like to go through an illness of a little one... they are usually so much better at it than we are...hugs!

Bunny said...

I have been a follower of your blog but I don't know for how long. There must be a way to tell. Prayers for your niece and the entire family.

Thank for sharing your favorite projects. All are so lovely. And cute! [Bunny]

Christi Conley said...

Vera, your beautifully colored cards always leave a smile on my face! I am so sorry to hear of your niece & I will hold her close to my heart! I hope to make more thinking of you cards and actually mailing them! Thank you for all the work you do with your Caring Hearts Card Drive - you are truly an angel!

Deeps said...

Hello Vera, first of all praying for your niece to find more strength and fight the cancer. I’ve been following you for about 3-4 years when Jennifer McGuire talked in her blog about the Caring Hearts Drive. Your cards are wonderful and always an inspiration.

Dana M said...

Sending my prayers that your niece responds well to treatment and has nothing but healthy and happy days ahead. Gorgeous projects from 2018! I am not sure how long I have followed your blog or IG, but I do know that I have been an admirer for a long time.

Hot Wheels and Glue Guns said...

I am so glad I found your blog! Followed you here and on Insta today!

Bri Kay said...

I've been u since mid 2917

Alycia said...

Been following you for 1 year

Cyn Doll said...

I have been following you for a month. Your blog, too.

Kipp said...

I've been following you for a year.

Cy said...

Ive only been following for a few months. Happy 2019

Denise Bryant said...

Fabulous cards! Long-time blog follower and several months following on Instagram!

Natalie said...

I'm a new follower on Instagram! Your work is so pretty!

Indy's Designs said...

Happy New Year! I love your work. I just started following you on Instagram ,but have followed you blog much longer!

New Creations said...

I know you through YNS stamps blog and followed you 3 years back! Happy to be a follower on INSTA too now!
Love your amazing coloring and talent!
Thanks for the chance to win this fab crafty prize! Happy New Year!

Wendy Lambert said...

Such sweet cards! I'm a new follower and happy to have found you. Sending prayers and thoughts for your niece's recovery!

christi said...

new follower. I think. I hope your niece has good health in 2019.

Nandini said...

Love your cards. I have been a follower on email and Ind=sta for a long time, honestly cannot remember for how long! Really hope and pray that your niece has a full recovery very, very soon. I have a six-year-old and I cannot even imagine how heartbreaking this whole thing is for your family! My prayers are with all of you.

Sheryl L said...

i’m a new follower on Instagram and your blog. I love your use of light colors and critters with flowers.

Siobhan Burtlow said...

Loving this hop and am finding many new designers like yourself! Thank you for sharing, I look forward to following you. Prayers to your little niece as well!

D.Ann C said...

I have always loved your beautiful projects... especially your coloring of flowers. This years batch is no exception! I have been a follower of your blog and IG (where I'm more likely to see you) for some time, but I can't remember what I had for breakfast, let alone for how long! : ) Wish I had more time to actually stop by and comment, but life has been rough the past two years. So sorry to hear of your stresses, too. Wishing your niece and all your family strength for what your're going through! Hugs!!

Jo Malicoat said...

Your cards are great, thank you for sharing your talent with us! I was already a member of Bloglovin' and am now following your blog. Thank you so much!

Jean Maxwell said...

Hi,Hopefully 2019 will be a great year. Thanks for all the work you do for the caring hearts card drive. I finally signed up for your blog & to follow you on instagram, so I wouldn't have to search for the 2019 caring hearts drive info.

Judie said...

Stunning creations! I really hope your niece gets much better super soon!!! May your 2019 bring you health and happiness!!

Andrea Murdock said...

Sending your niece so much love and healing thoughts and prayers. I am a blog and instagram follower xo

Sabrina said...

I love your cards!! I follow you on Instagram and by email!!

Mary-Anne V said...

Cute cards. Always love participating in your card drive. I follow you via Instagram. Happy New Year!

Dee Earnshaw said...

Love your work - so creative:)

Arianna Barbara said...

Happy New Year to everyone!!! I was very touched by your niece's story when I read on your blog... I hope she'll be better in 2019! Lots of prayers for your family!!!
I'm already your follower on IG (raggiodiluc3) and I've been following your blog for a long time, honestly cannot remember for how long! I think almost 5 years.

Caren B said...

Happy New Year! I'm a new follower.

Michele Smith said...

Hi Vera and Happy New Year! It sounds like you experienced many blessings last year. Congrats on the interview....how exciting!! OMG I am thrilled to see how the Caring Hearts Card Drive is growing! I pray your niece will be brave, strong and conquer this very soon. My heart goes out to you and your family. I have always enjoyed your work. I think I "met" you through OWH and have admired your talent and creativity for years. You have such unique ideas and your design skills are amazing! Thanks for all you do to keep us inspired! I hope 2019 is extra sweet to you :-)

Breina Burgin said...

I've been following you on Instagram for a few months now.

Brenda in IN said...

I'm delighted to find your blog and I am following you on your blog and instagram. Love your cards and oh, those llamas are adorable. Sending best wishes and prayers for your niece. She sounds so brave.

karalschuknecht said...

Thank you for the great inspiration and a chance to win prizes too. I am a new follower.

Kelly B. said...

I follow on Instagram.

Sharon Edwards said...

I just signed up to follow you by email. I am new to card making and didn't know blog hops or you until I read the post on Lawn Fawn. You cards are wonderful and I look forward to learning from you this year.

Cheryl P said...

I am now following your blog and your instagram. Prayers for your niece!

Unknown said...

Now following on Instagram

Sue D said...

Beautiful and cute cards. I follow your blog and IG (as waterlily57). I can't remember how long I have been following.

Helen said...

So glad you are part of this blog hop so I could be inspired by your creativity. Your cards are awesome. I'm now subscribed to your emails so that I don't miss what you will be creating in this new year.

Kathy Schweinfurth said...

Vera, your work is outstanding! Love your use of color, design...well, just everything!! I've been subscribed to your blog and IG - at least a for a year or more. Happy New Year!

Valerija said...

Happy New Year! I just started following you on your bog and on Instagram.
Thanks for the chance to win.

Melissa said...

I am new to Instagram and your blog. Your cards are beautiful and I love that you have been blessed with such a wonderful heart to do the card drive! Your niece will be in my prayers. Please keep us updated.

Lee said...

Your cards are so very lovely!! Thank you for sharing!

Paula Ganyard said...

I follow your blog and you on instagram. So very sorry to hear about your niece, I will keep her in my thoughts and prayers.

Oliev said...

Happy 2019 and lots of hugs for your niece!
And thanks for the chance to win, I follow you on blog and on Instagram, not sure how long:-)

Jenny said...

Hi Vera, I haven’t a clue as to how long I’ve been following you on blogger and instagram......possibly from this time last year????? Thanks for all the inspiration xxx.

Margie H said...

I follow the blog! I'm not on instagram. :(

Thanks!

MJ's Kraze said...

I have been a long time IG follower but I am just following your blog. Happy New Year.

Super Stick Chick said...

Beautiful cards! You are so talented. I have been following your blog for years, you always inspire me! Happy 2019 and thanks for the fun! june.swart(at)netzero.net

Kim Klinkovsky.My Kraft Kloset said...

So sorry about your niece. I wish her well. I have followed your blog and Instagram for years now. Love your projects. Thanks for the inspiration!

Julia said...

I am new to your blog. I love your projects! They are all so awesome! I am now following your blog through Blog Lovin’ and I’ve followed you on IG! Thank you for the giveaway!

Lisa Moline said...

I love all the cards from 2018! They are all fantastic! I am now following your blog and look forward to seeing your new projects for some great inspiration! Happy New Year!

Kelsey Thomas said...

I have been following you for a few months.

jeri said...

Hello, I'm new to your blog and just signed up to follow you on Instagram. thank you for the chance to win!

BobbisTreasure said...

I have been following your blog for a year or two. Many hugs for the struggles of your niece. Think it is harder to watch someone struggle than it is to go through something yourself...

Unknown said...

Joined instagram and following you blog....I love The Ton so excited to find another designer to follow!

Susan Y said...

Happy New Year! I am a brand new follower just discovered you through this blog hop! I love your card designs! Thanks for sharing and the chance to win a prize!

Annalisa said...

Wow, what a light touch you have with your colors. I'm excited to be a new follower! Thanks for the chance to win, and here's to you in 2019!

Vivian Foo said...

Love your cards designs! Im your new follower.

Stacey Kowbel said...

Such fabulous cards! Sending prayers for your niece - it always amazes me how strong children are! I am following your blog by email (skowbel[at]shaw[dot]ca) and Instagram (staceyk1313).

Teresa Godines #6857 said...

Your projects are always inspiring. Hopefully 2019 will bring you lots of joy and happiness. I am a follower on both your blog and Instagram. I have no clue how long.... 3-5 years.... time really flies.

Ericka Strange said...

Love all your gorgeous cards especially the llama! So fun. I've been following you on instagram for several years and on your blog for about the same. Thanks for the chance to win!

Andre M. said...

Such a lovely roundup of cards you've shared. I've been following your blog and IG for almost a year. Thanks for offering this awesome prize package.

Deanne H said...

I have been following your blog and Instagram for about a year. Your cards are beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Your cards are fantastic! Your animals are adorable and your florals are gorgeous. I am a new subscriber to both Instagram and your blog.

Helen said...

So many gorgeous cards, Vera! I'm so sorry to hear about your little niece! How brave these little ones are! Take care and I hope there is good news soon! x

Natalie Chilson said...

Just started following on IG:)

sammi said...

Lovely cards Ms Vera. I'm a long time follower of your blog and love to stop by for a boost of creative inspiration. I just recently started following your Instagram. Your sweet niece is so beautiful. God bless her for her strength and fight during her illness. Many prayers to her and her parents - The whole family. I pray she will have a healthy happy 2019. My husband has been battling cancer and we are hoping for a healthier 2019, as well.

SmokieBlueRose said...

I will start following your blog. You have some eye catching cards on the way to this blog post.

hernandez.monica077@gmail.com said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
mindy1414 said...

Hi Vera, Happy New Year, I follow your blog and your Instagram (@mindy141414) but I'm not sure how long it's been. I started cardmaking/papercrafting mid 2018 and I know you were one of the first makers I started following. Thank you for all the inspiration and I know there will be so much more in 2019. I continue prayers for your niece and family, it's amazing how strong children can be when bad things happen to them. Here's to a beautiful, crafty, blessed 2019!
(mardy14@bellsouth.net)

Spellbinders' March Stitched Die

Hi there creative peeps. Happy March. I want to pop in today to share my Spellbinders' March Stitching Die Club card. Spellbinders has l...