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...

Monday 19 June 2017

Five Year Anniversary Candy


Thank you all for your lovely comments and good wishes.
This candy is now closed, and I'll be drawing the winner and runner-up very soon.


Hello all!  Five years... five years?  Yes, Words and Pictures is five years old today.  I still can't quite believe it.  This utterly unexpected journey into the world of arts & crafts has been such an uplifting experience.  I've learned so much, not least about myself, and done things I had no idea I could do.  And there are exciting things in the offing...

All of that has been made more intense, more joyful and more extraordinary by the friends and travelling companions I've discovered in Craftyblogland.





The nourishment, inspiration and happiness you have all provided to me in those years is immeasurable - whether in your lovely comments here, or in my visits to your own blogs.

So, as is traditional, here is an offering of gratitude.  You all receive my thanks, with a full heart.

But there is also a blog candy to be won.

And, although I can't send each and every one of you the prize, this year I've decided to have both a winner and a runner up.  Well, it is five years!

The first name out of the hat will receive the treasure trove you can see here (not the little wooden tray, I'm afraid - that's just to make it easier to see everything).















There are laces, fabrics and papers, including some of the rice paper I brought back from China; tags, postcards and buttons of various sorts and sizes; wood and metal embellishments; some paper flowers and seashells; and, of course, the PaperArtsy Hot Picks stamps.













The second name out will receive a slightly smaller selection of almost exactly the same goodies, but without the stamps.  (And the runner up can't have the tray either, sorry!)

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is leave a comment below telling me that you'd like to be included in the draw.











If you would like to share the main photo and link in your sidebar, and/or join up as a follower if you aren't one already, then that would be lovely, but it's not compulsory in order to be a winner.

I'm going to give you a whole month to comment, since I'm not back in the UK to post it before then in any case!  So the deadline is 19th July, 23.59 British Summer Time.  And yes, I will post worldwide.








I know I've used it for Blogaversary posts before but I don't mind repeating things that matter so, once again, I return to the Shakespeare quote which is the only one which can do justice to the occasion...

I can no other answer make but thanks,
And thanks, and ever thanks.
From Twelfth Night, by William Shakespeare

73 comments:

Helen said...

wow, another anniversary! doesn't time fly.. a generous and gorgeous bundle of goodies for one (two) lucky winner(s)! Congratulations on 5 years of amazing art.

Dawn said...

Wow, five years already. Time just flies at the moment. What lovely goodies you have to offer and all tied up with lovely bits too! Have a great time out. Dawn xx

Nikki Acton said...

Sending that quote right back at you.... For the inspiration, the support and the kind words xx

Darcydaydream said...

congrats on 5 years.....time flies. Thanks for all the inspiration and for your generosity in sharing both your knowledge and this lovely bundle of goodies :-)

craftytrog said...

Is it 5 years? I feel as though I've known you much longer than that Alison! Well, Congratulations on your very successful blogging of all that beautiful artwork. It's been a pleasure to follow!
I do have that stamp set already, so let someone else have the pleasure of winning it.
Happy blogging!
Alison xx

froebelsternchen said...

I just can send this beautiful quote right back to you Alison!
Your art and blogfriendship is UNIQUE!
Of course I'd like to be included in the draw. No question!
Happy Anniversary to Words and Pictures! Thank you for sharing your art and friendship with us!
oxo Susi

jean keay said...

Well, happy 5th blogaversary!! Love reading your blog - your photos are always so clear and your descriptions detailed. Thanks so much. I would love to win the give-away and I can even supply my own wooden tray!!! Keep up the great work (by the way - love your little quotes). Thanks. Jean.x

Cocofolies said...

First, a huge 'Happy blogaversary' dear Alison!
And then, thank you so much for this wonderful prize that will be offered generously to two lucky winners among us... Loving the PA stamp of course, but not only. The lace, papers and roses are exquisite, and even more precious maybe to my eyes.
Good luck to Everyone!
Hugs, take care. Corinne xx

april dawn said...

Happy Anniversary!!!!!! What a delicious prize package. It's all so beautiful. I'd love to win this. I love reading your posts.

Patty O'Malley said...

Happy Blogversary! I would love a chance to win one of these awesome packages. Thank you.

Lula said...

Congrats on 5 years! Stay happy and inspiring to us all in the blogland!
Crafty hugs!
Lula oxo

susan hemann said...

such a lovely gift! I would love to enter your drawing. Congrats! on 5 years

Dorthe said...

Happy, happy blogversary dear Alison,
you are a "wild" woman, lol- making such a fantastic give away , for two more than lucky persons, being drawn !!
The collection of goodies is huge and mouthwatering, and the stamp is so wonderful, for the one, becoming ,lucky to own!!
Thank you for the possibility ,-I will add a link on my sidebar :-)

Have a lovely time , till you return home again.
Hugs Dorthe

suzyb said...

So I have been following you now for 5 years, lovin' every post of it too. Great job Alison and thank you for the chance to win such a lovely package. :)
Have a great week!

Theresa said...

Glad I found you when I did. Doesn't seem like five years though. thanks for all the sharing and inspiration you have provided. You drawing looks great, please count me in.

Lys said...

Congratulations, Alison! Happy anniversary! Go on enchanting and inspiring us, have fun in your artistic projects, and thanks for this giveaway.

Shilpa Nagaonkar said...

Congratulations Alison!! 5yrs... truly a mark!
Its been great journey for me, to know you as an artist and as a lovely person during those years!

Rita Montgomery said...

Congrats on 5 years. I would love to be included in the drawing. ~~rita

Meggymay said...

Congratulations on your 5 year Blog anniversary.
You are an inspirational destination for us all.
Thank you for the opportunity to to enter the draw for your wonderful goodies.
Yvonne xx

Redanne said...

Huge congratulations on your five years Alison. It has been a true pleasure following you in that time, you are an inspiration! Anne xx

Amanda said...

5yrs has flown by and in that time I have loved seeing your artistic outputs and reading the many stories that accompany them. I also appreciate the time you spend visiting and commenting on my art. I would love to be included in your draw
Love
Amanda x

Inky and Quirky Designs said...

What a fantastic 5 years it's been too, full of the most wonderful inspiring creations from you. I also really appreciate the lovely comments you leave on my blog too. Oh yes and please include me in the draw also :)
hugs
Donna xx

SewPaperPaint said...

Biggest congratulations my friend! What a very happy milestone. You are one of my greatest sources of inspiration and I am just so thrilled at every new post. I have learned heaps from you and truly appreciate your efforts to make crafty blogland special! Thanks sweetie. Hugs, Autumn

Jeanne Kelly said...

Happy anniversary! I'm loving that lace, the stamps and rice paper - yummy! Good luck to everyone!!

Brenda Brown said...

Five years, oh my where does time fly to? We should be sending the thanks to you for the wonderfully creative and inspirational
posts and projects that come our way via 'Words and Pictures'. You are a godsend. Congratulations on your blogaversary xxx

Astrid Maclean said...

Wow Alison, 5 years already? How time flies! I have hugely enjoyed following your creative journey and should thank you for all the inspiration you have provided over the years. I feel grateful to have met you, both in person and through your creativity in both words and pictures! Huge congrats on this mile stone!

Cestina said...

Five years? Du spinnst ja! I offer my heartfelt congratulations; it has been sheer joy to watch the unfolding of this side of you, though the intimations of it go back a long, long way. The boundaries seem to stretch into the infinite .....

You may of course exclude me from the draw :-)
With love xx

Julia said...

What lovely words you write and this post is no exception. I never cease to be amazed by the wonderful projects you share with us. You should be very proud of what you have achieved with all your artwork and be proud of how much pleasure and inspiration you have shared.
Thank you for taking to time to comment on my efforts over the years, it means a lot.
Happy 5th Anniversary xx

ellyscard creatief said...

Happy Anniversary on 5 years blogin.
Thanks for the chance to win such a lovely goodies.
Hugs, Elly

Sylvia/LittleTreasures said...

Congratulations on 5 years Alison. Blogland is refreshing and inspirational. And time just flies by. Wishing you many more years of fun and blogging excitement.

Christi Conley said...

Five years! What a tremendous accomplishment! I hope you have many, many successful years to come! Enjoy your vacation :) (oh, I'm a follower, been one for quite a while) Hugs! Christi

Kate Yetter said...

Happy 5 Years, Alison. It has been so fun to see your blog progress throughout that time. And it has been a pleasure working with you on design teams. Looking forward to seeing more of your inspiring and beautiful art in the years to come!

Lovely selection of goodies!
Kate

Julia Aston said...

Congrats on your 5 years blogging Alison! I always leave inspired after visiting here! Julia xx

Paper Profusion said...

Lordy, is it 5 years? I'm only a few months behind you. It's a pleasure to age with you dear Alison! Words and Pictures genuinely is one of my most favourite blogs to visit. It's a lovely calm, kind, and nourishing place to land, with inspiration and contemplation guaranteed from both your words and pictures. Your blog is a terrific achievement Alison, many congratulations and long may it continue and thrive. Nx

Ps I hope the previews are going well.

Hazel Agnew said...

My thanks go to you Alison for wonderful inspiration! I always say that I will create a "butterfly" notebook with your wonderful ideas! You have cost me a pretty penny or two inordering goodies that you have showcased . Many congratulations on 5 glorious years! Keep going girl, we need you! Xx😊

Unknown said...

What a lovely giveaway to celebrate your anniversary- congratulations on keeping your blog going so long.

Julie Lee said...

Alison, what a beautiful and uplifting contribution you have made to Crafty Blog Land! Your blog posts are an absolute delight - always so fresh, so original and so evocative with their wonderful visual impact and their love of language. Your visits to so many of us when you are so very busy are always inspiring and special: your comments are always encouraging, stimulating and spot on.Of course I would love to be included in your generous anniversary draw; but most of all I would like to say Thank YOU for all the beauty, all the joy and exuberance and all the happiness and adventures you have shared over the last 5 years! xxx

Jackie PN said...

A very happy blogiversary to you! 5 years? Wow! How fast time flies when we are having such fun!
Thank you for sharing your art and inspiration and quotes and words of light on a regular basis- I am truly happy to have found my way to you and your blog and I look forward to each post you share! Just like an Alison book- via email!heehee
ummm, so what is coming down the pike? any hints to share? Can't wait!

huge hugs to you my friend!
Jackie xo

Jackie PN said...

ps..please toss my name in the hat! ")

sarascloset said...

Alison, it's us who should be sending you gifts at this 5 year anniversary. You have touched many lives with not only your artwork, but your words and your kind and inspiring visits to our blogs when you are already so busy with your other endeavors and travels. I've enjoyed reading your blog entries for a very long time, and can't believe you are at 5 wonderful years already! I am blessed you have chosen to stay "in business" after all this time! My life is richer having come across your blog. Thank you for that!

Your gifts are terribly generous even without the tray!, and I'd be happy to participate in the draw. I am already one of the lucky ones who has a very special gift from you...a set of your amazing tags, which I still look at and treasure! Happy 5 years to you! And THANK YOU!

Sarah B said...

Happy Anniversary - where has that 5 years gone ? I always eagerly await your new posts - so full of inspirations (and usually in my fav greens and blues). Also a huge thank you for the lovely comments you always leave on my rare posts xxx

maj. said...

Congratulations on 5 years! Happy Anniversary!
Thank you for the beautiful inspiration during the time!
I'd be happy to participate in the draw :).
Hugs!

Raquel Burillo said...

Congratulations Alison!! Happy anniversary!! And what a great way to celebrate it by sharing such treasures in a draw! I'm in!! And thanks again for helping me out with the release! It's been a delight having you on board!! :)

Fliss said...

Wow! Five years and how they must have flown too. I would just love to be included in the draw for your wonderfully generous candy.
Here's to 5 more years!
Fliss xx

pearshapedcrafting said...

That's a lovely selection for someone! Where did those five years go? Happy Blogaversary! Chrisx

Shirley said...

Five years of pure heaven is what you have given everyone Alison.

Beautiful selection of goodies for one lucky winner.

Warm crafty hugs from Shirl x x x
ShirlsCards.

Jane said...

Many congratulations dear Alison...the years fly by don't they. Thanks for sharing all your wonderful words and pictures xxx

Unknown said...

What a generous idea, I love following your blog!

Valerie-Jael said...

Congrats on your anniversary, and I would love to be included, thanks. Valerie

chrissie said...

Didn't realise I had missed this Alison but I have been away.

Happy Anniversary and hope you will be here for many years with your wonders

Love Chrissie xx

Deborah Wainwright said...

Lovely milestone Alison, and fab giveaway xx

Craftyfield said...

Only 5 years? Your blogging and crafting achievements in that time are more than honorable! And it is all deserved...
Count me in your fantastic blogaversary candy, the bundle is perfect for those Vintage projects you are so talented at!

Crafty Di said...

Many congratulations!
I'd love to get my hands on all that scrummy stash candy!! Please put my name in the 🎩 cheers!

Unknown said...

Such beautiful things! Congrats on your 5 year anniversary and thanks for a chance to win!

april dawn said...

Congrats!!!!! I love all the items in this prize. So much inspiration.

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your 5th Anniversary! Thank you for sharing your creative inspiration and the opportunity to win this generous celebration gift bundle!

Kay said...

Congratulations on 5 years!!! Hope you have many more to come.

mamablitger said...

Congratulations on the five years anniversary. And thank you for all the inspiration you have shared with us. Now looking forward to the next five years following your blog.
Thank you also for offering such a generous give-away. I love to participate but even more to win ... lol
Thank you again. You are amazing !!!!
Hugs from Monica
Spain

nannyfns@gmail.com said...

I can't believe it's been 5 years! Wow! You have been an inspiration to you and I thank you so much for it. Keep up the fabulous work-we all appreciate it.

Corrie Herriman said...

Congrats on 5 years of blogging ! I will look forward to the next 5 at least ! :)
Corrie xx

Heather said...

Wonderful blog. Thanks for sharing.

Sue said...

This five years has gone far too quickly! Congratulations and here's to the next 5 xx

Crafting With Jack said...

Congratulations on your blog anniversary and thank you for offering a delightful bundle. I should love to win.

craftimamma said...

Good gracious, I can't believe it's five years since I started following your story. You say thank you but I for one owe you thanks for the pleasure you have given me over those five years not only with your beautiful creations but also with the words you share. I have also enjoyed reading your posts about helping your mum with the beautiful dolls houses so that adds up to an awful lot of enjoyment. Thank you Alison!

Hugs
Lesley Xx

Maureen Chandler said...

Congrats on five years! Your blog is fascinating and I can't wait to see more watercoloring!! Hope you're enjoying NYC and thank you so much for the chance to win those lovely goodies!!!

A Pink said...

Congratulations Alison on your 5th Anniversary of blogging . I wasn't around at the beginning, but since I have been it has been an absolute pleasure to visit your blog, read your words and stories (so eloquently articulated and narrated) and of course see your creativity. Your 'Words and Pictures' always leave me inspired- My heartfelt thanks are all yours- thank you.
hugs x


Marjut said...

Congratulations! Thanks for the chance to win.
Greetings from Finland
Marjut

Neet said...

Well first of all congratulations on five happy years. Happy for you writing your blog and certainly happy for us reading it.
Thanks for the chance to win some beautiful candy and here's to the next five.
Hugs, Neet xx

suzieq23 said...

Congrats on 5 years!! I have been following you and your art for probably most of the 5. I would love to be included in your draw for the fabulous prizes. Thank you! suzschultz23(at)aol(dot)com

Gio said...

Five gorgeous years of inspiration and ART. Thanks!!!

Missy said...

Happy 5 years to creativity! Thank you for sharing your work with the world and inspiring us all!

Cheers!

Kim said...

Congratulations on your five year milestone! Your posts are always a source of creative inspiration!

Words and Pictures said...

Thank you all for your lovely comments and good wishes. This candy is now closed, and I'll be drawing the winner and runner-up very soon.
Alison x