International Blogging Event!

I am participating in my first ever International Blogging Event, being hosted by Vicki of 2 Bags Full.  Her goal is to introduce people to new blogs, while helping them to grow their own blog audience.  (You can find links to all of the participants' blogs here.)

So, for those of you visiting me for the first time because of this fun event, allow me to introduce myself and show photos from previous posts to help you get to know me: 

My name is Andria, and I have been blogging in earnest since January 2011.  (I had two "false starts" prior to that, because I kept re-starting every time I had a baby...not a good time to try to maintain a blog!)

A recent Valentine's Day collage

The blog has evolved primarily into an art and crafts blog, with a record of various projects, swaps, and classes I've done.  I couldn't share my life in a blog, though, without frequently referencing my two daughters, ages 3 and 5.  Many of their art and crafting escapades are recorded here, as well. 

Katy (5), Bayla (3), and I indulging in some edible Christmas crafting this past year.

I have developed some wonderful online friendships with bloggers around the world, many of which have resulted in swapping mail art and other projects.  My mailbox has been a much more interesting place as a result of my blogging adventures!

Altered Rolodex card

You can read about my interest in doing swaps by clicking on the "Swaps" tab at the top of my blog.  I welcome new swap partners who enjoy ATCs, altered Rolodex cards, postcards, mail art, bookmarks, paper and supply swaps...pretty much anything anyone can dream up!

Sketchbook peek

I try to have giveaways on my blog a couple of times a year, just to keep things fun!  And as of my birthday...the BIG 4-0!...in April, I am planning to have an Etsy Shop called Studio 791 up and running, giving you an opportunity to purchase my art and crafted items. 

Yard sale treasures

I invite new and old readers alike to browse around my blog, looking at previous posts to check out the kinds of projects I enjoy doing.  You can also take a look at the list of blog labels in the margin to get a sense of what kinds of topics you will read about here. 

One of my first hand-carved rubber stamps

Please leave me a comment to let me know that you have come by, and I look forward to visiting your blog in return!

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GIVEAWAY!

Vicki has encouraged the Grow Your Blog participants to host a giveaway as part of the event.  To that end, I will be offering a selection of handmade Valentine embellishments, similar to the ones you can read about in this post.  I will package up 8 varied handmade hearts for you to use on your Valentine's Day cards, packages, scrapbook and journal pages.  Everyone who leaves a comment on today's post has a chance to win, and the winner will be selected on February 1.  Be sure I know your email address as part of your comment, so that I can notify you!  Good luck!