Saturday, November 5, 2011

Special Banners for Special Needs Kids - A Jolly Holiday Hop 11/5 and 11/6

Please note:  If you are here for the "Show Me Your Craft Room" Blog hop, please click here or scroll down to the next posting.
 
It is my pleasure to host the CHRISTMAS is for KIDS BANNER HOP, where fantastic and generous crafters donated their talents, time and holiday banners to the children at Pediatric Specialty Care in Bucks County, PA. (See www.PediatricSpecialty.Com


I work at Pediatric Specialty Care as Admissions Coordinator. The children (ages 0-21) we see are medically-fragile and technologically-dependent -- many are tethered to a ventilator that runs through a tracheostomy; most are wheelchair-bound, and cognitively impaired. They are all delightful children who face life with optimism and hope for a better tomorrow.

On this hop, we have 34 generous hoppers who have created fabulous banners. I've split the group in half so you're not overwhelmed with completing the hop in just one day. So DO stop back tomorrow to visit the second set of unique and precious banners.  Please scroll down for the full list of today's hop stops.

And there's BLOG CANDY to be had!!  THANK YOU to our generous sponsors who have provided prizes to those who hop along. Here are our sponsors and their prizes:

One winner will receive four free digi-images of
their own choosing from www.MeljenDesigns.com!


www.HappyScrappy.us will provide one winner with a code
valued at $20 toward your purchase from their terrific site!

Beautiful ribbons, embellishments, charms and more are on the
http://meiflower.co.uk site.  They'll be giving a voucher valued approx $32 USD.

All hoppers are eligible to win.  Here's how:

Follow the blog and comment on as many projects as you choose -- the more blogs where you comment and follow, the more chances you have to win. There's just one catch: please actually comment on the project, which shows you've looked at the project, not just cut/pasting random comments ("CUTE! TYFS") only to win the prize.

Random.org will choose the winners, subject to verification that winners have met the above-stated criteria.

Without further ado, here is my banner:



I used Meljen's Designs for the digi-art Santa's sleigh collection. I colored each image using Copic markers, and mounted each member of the herd on a snowflake cut from American Crafts glitter stock, using a Sizzix die.  Here is detail from each of the reindeer:




No matter their limitations, the eyes of the kids who reside at Pediatric Specialty Care light up when given a handmade banner or card. They love the bright colors, and knowing that there are so many people from around the world care enough to send them these decorations for their rooms.

Thank you (!!!) to each of the crafters who has made a Holiday Banner. Please stop by each of their blogs to send them some love.  Today (Saturday, November 5), please hop to the following blogs:
  1. Ellen CardMonkey - http://cardmonkey-business.blogspot.com/
                  YOU ARE HERE!
  2. Ashley - http://theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/
                  ^ THIS IS YOUR NEXT STOP! ^
  3. Lori at http://www.scrappinmystressaway.blogspot.com/
  4. Susan - http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/
  5. Shawnee - http://www.blessedonthebrightside.com/
  6. Bobbi Jo http://sweetsassydiva.com/
  7. Gina - http://californiascrappin-gcinderella21.blogspot.com/
  8. Donna Lee - http://ottersln.blogspot.com/
  9. Nancy - http://blog.fancywithnancy.com/
  10. Pam - http://pammejo-scrapbookflair.blogspot.com/
  11. Charity - http://scrapfaire.blogspot.com/
  12. Jessica - http://thecreativestamperspot.blogspot.com/
  13. Denise - http://vintageheartfeltdesigns.blogspot.com/
  14. Edwina - http://edwinascreations.blogspot.com/
  15. Jennifer - http://craftycardgallery.blogspot.com/

...and stop back tomorrow, when ~20 different crafters will be showing their banners, and giving you more chances to win blog candy!


NOW for my personal Blog Candy (as your reward for reading THIS far!!) ... I have assembled a Christmas stocking full of scrappers' goodies!!  It will be won by one lucky person who is selected at random (by www.Random.org) from a FOLLOWER HERE who leaves a comment on THIS blog answering the following question: 

Of the 9 reindeer Meljen digi-stamps I've colored and shown above, which one is your favorite, and why?

Thank you again for visiting today. I hope you're inspired to make your own Holiday Banner ... let your inner Elf emerge!


DON'T FORGET ... HOP OVER TO ASHLEY NEXT!

32 comments:

lorby said...

This is so touching and adorable at the same time. I love your banner and would love to get in on a hop like this in the future. I love all your deer but I would have to pick Donner. I like his scarf and glasses. Blessing. Jearise in Lorby's World at jearise at gmail . com

Alikym said...

Wow! I love them all, but if I have to choose, I would pick Vixen. I identify with the pink fluffy! She's my kinda gal. I've got to say though that I do love Commet too! Far too cool in his goggles with his jet pack! LOL!

Martha galvez said...

OMG!!! I so wish I had been a part of this hop. Have had one of my children in an ICU unit for the first 3 months of his little life, I can so relate to the parents and the heartship these families endure. Your Banner is truly a symbol of Love. All the effort you have put into this banner really is touching. I applaud you! You have truly earned some Big gems on your Crown for this. As far as my favorite well without a doubt, It's Blizen, Is he wearing a Charger's Helmet? If he is You so Rocked it!!! Go Chargers!!! TFS!!!
pattig161@hotmail.com

Sunny79 said...

you have created a banner full of joy and love...GREAT !!!
I mostly like Donner because of the colourful scarf.
Thanks for sharing your creation with us.

love, Marina.

Linda Simpson said...

OMGoodness Ellen, this banner is awesome my friend and I am sure the children will love it. Thank you for letting me participate in this awesome hop for such a worthy cause

Hugs
Linda xxxx

Beckie said...

I knew from the preview pics that this banner was gonna be outstanding. You have spent such time coloring each of these lil deer. Comet is my favorite with his little tongue sticking out. Love him.

Be Blessed, Beckie

Donna Lee said...

Oh I just love these Reindeer! I know the children and their families are going to adore this banner! Blessings to you.

Pammejo said...

OMG!!!! That Santa and reindeer banner is amazing. I am going to have to check out those images, this is the second time this week I have heard of this company. Whatever child receives your banner will adore it. Love the banner. TFS pammejo1@yahoo.com

Cherie said...

So adorable! All the reindeer are super cute! My fav might be Vixon. I love the boa/scarf! Great Banner, it looks amazing!

Brittney said...

Super cute!
My fav is Rudolph. I love the red nose.

-Brittney
rnbw_skittles32@hotmail.com
www.brittneyscricutcreations.blogspot.com

ScrappinT said...

What a cute banner! I bet the children will just love it! What a great thing to do for the kids!

Unknown said...

What a fun banner!!!! I love comet wih his tongue hanging out as he flies!!! So honored to be part of this amazing hop!!!

Lady Fair said...

OMG, you put a lot of work into this banner, your coloring is just perfect! I love all the reindeer, but Cupid really caught my eye. Love the hearts and the bows on the antlers.

lflinesatcomcastdotnet

K Clark said...

Oh my....I love your banner!! the reindeers are too cute!

Ashley Nicole said...

Oh I love your banner Ellen. It's so cute. Of course I love Dancer because she has tu tu on and I used to be a dance and I love that it's pink. Thank you so much for hopping, it's always a pleasure and you are so fabulous for doing this for the children.
Ashley
glamoroussideofscrapping at gmail dot com
theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com

Jackie said...

Wow, that is the most detailed banner Santa Sleigh I have ever seen. That is awesome that will make one child so happy to have displayed in their room. Simply beautiful!!!!!!!!!

As always, love hopping and seeing the great projects and talent from everyone.

www.inspired-by-scrapping.blogspot.com
Jackie

Brenda said...

Wow, this banner is amazing!! Puts the magic in Christmas and I know the children will feel the magic as well! Beautiful!!!

Rhonda said...

I am sure the children will love this! Its so cute. My favorite is Dancer. Pink and Frilly- that's me. Keep up the great creativity! Have a Blessed Day~

lindaplus3 said...

This hope is for a wonderful cause.. its just so sad that it is needed,,, i think you did a wonderful job withg your banner.. all the reindeer are cute but i must choose dancer.. it reminds me of my 10 year old granddaughter who takes dance :) lindaplusthree at yahoo dot com....i am also a follower

Shawnee said...

What a cute banner! I love the reindeer. Thank you for doing this hop again. I hope the banners make the kids smile!

Jojo Moore said...

Love the banner! i never done one before, i have to give it a try.
My favorite reindeer? That is hars cause there all so cute, well i am going to say cupid, Why cause of all the LOVE shared with this blog hop for all the little angles in need of Love.
Thank you for sharing your love for the little angles
jojo_moore62@yahoo.com

Scrapfaire said...

Loving all those colorful reindeer! Awesome job on the banner!

Jamie M. said...

I love Meljen's images and you used them well. Such a happy banner. I like Donner best because his glasses. Thanks for hosting this hop. I loved beginning part of it.

Unknown said...

Your banner is so adorable Ellen<3
Thank you for having me in this hop with you, it is an honor to be able to do this for these special kids.
Rachelle
joyfulhrt at gmail dot com

B~T said...

Well @ first I wanted to say Comet he looks so happy he can hardly contain him self. But I would have to say Dancer (it is all her)
for my daughter who stopped breathing @ 6wks when were out of town & ended up @ a Children's hospital.

Our story made the local newspapers. God was watching over us we were in the right place @ the right time; not where we planned on being but were He wanted us to be!

Thanks, Ellen for the opportunity to enter & Blessings for all you do...may you be Blessed as well!!

VICTORIA said...

OMG I so love your banner. Its awesome I love all the reindeer but my favorite has to be Comet with his cool green sunglasses. You did an outstanding job on this banner and I am sure the children will love it. What a wonderfully thing donating to them. Hugs. I am now a follower and I found this blog hop thru one of my followers BECKIE. I was just over at her blog and decide to see it I could catch up and do both days of this hop. I was out of town yesterday so I didn't know about it till right now. :) Now i am gonna go to day 2 of yours and sry in advance the next comment won't be as long. :) I know you weren't expecting a book to read here. :)

Stacey Brucale said...

This is such a great idea. My favorite is Dancer because I love her little skirt.

xxsquigglesxx(At)Gmail(dot)com

Michelle said...

Ellen,
This banner is so stinking cute.... I love how vibrant the colors are on these reindeer it's hard to choose a favorite one but, I'm sticking with my girl Vixen....she looks like a real Diva!!!

I'm backwards I did day 2 of the hop before day one....lol

Michelle
mpetrovich23 at yahoo dot com
http://peanutbutterandjellydesigns.blogspot.com

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

PS - my fav. reindeer is Nixen, because he is winking hehehe! Love it! Thank you again!
Lisa

Lisa's Creative Niche said...

Thank you so much for putting this together... my first child was in the NICU for a little time after he was born and the amazing support he and I both received there was phenomenal thank you for all of your work... now onto your reindeer... I love the Nixen who is winking, love it!
Thank you!
Lisa

Susan L said...

I had the honor of seeing this banner in person. It is so beautiful and the pictures cannot do it justice. Thank you for allowing me to be in this hop with you.

Happy Scrappin'

Sue B
http://susanascorner.blogspot.com/

Luanne said...

This is a lovely blog hop the kids will surely be happy receiving beautiful banners or cards from everyone. Your banner is fantastic! you did a great work in coloring and mounting them on the snowflakes. The one I see from local store in my place does not compare to it. TFS

Luanne
myfootahead@gmail dot com
http://craftersreference.blogspot.com/