8 years ago today I started Ink Stains! I wanted it to be a place to share a variety of projects, techniques and cards with friends. A place where you can learn without having to shell out loads of $$$$$ just to see how someone did that. I wanted it to be a place that people would look forward to visiting to see what I was up to next.
3,113 posts later I hope that I've done what I set out to do but only you can tell me if I have succeeded or not.
There are days I wonder if anyone is listening, days I can't wait to share what I've made or a fun new way to use a product and even days I come home and wonder if anyone would miss me if I never posted again but every once in a while someone will send me an e-mail or post a comment that boosts my spirits and pushes me onward. It's nice to know that I make a difference in your artistic life and I hope that I can continue to shine a little light on your days for many long years to come.
For now though I'd like to celebrate the first 8 years with a fun giveaway for you!
You don't have to jump through hoops to be entered to win...simply post a comment. It can be just your name (with a way to contact you), you can tell me about a favorite project/technique you've seen here, you can tell me how long you've been visiting or maybe something you'd like to see. Whatever it is, just post to be entered to win. I know there are people out there because the blog is up to a little over 3,250,00 views and a few thousand visits per day ... so let's here from you! You deserve a shot at winning :)
What will you win? Well, I have a collection of what I hope you will find to be fun goodies.....
A couple nifty new adult coloring books -
Mandala Wonders and Kaleidoscope Wonders...
Some fun brands and embellishments,
one of my favorite die-sets - Scallop Ovals
And one of my favorite new-ish (to me) color mediums
a set of 24 Brusho Colour Crystals!
I also have a selection of other fun goodies pulled from my ephemera collection too!
You have until December 5th to post your comment to be entered to win!
Good Luck Everyone
and
thanks for 8 wonderful years!!
Wow! Eight years. I have just started following your blog and I am pretty sure you have accomplished what you wanted this blog to be! Congrats on your blogiversary!!
ReplyDeleteBeen following your blog for a few years!! Love all you have to share!!! Congrats on 8 years!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is not a comment for the contest, but I have admired your dedication to it. I wrote a comment on FB but wanted to write more here. I know all too well what it feels like, and to wonder if anyone is actually reading it. You need not ever worry as you seem to have a wonderful group of followers that have more than made it worth while. I first found Ink Stains through a charm swap. Then recognized your name on a book. Thank you for all the tips and sharing techniques--and your wonderful swaps!
ReplyDeleteShirley
Hello Roni!!!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 8 years of making such an amazing blog!!!!!
I´m following your blog since 2010 at least, and i check it out every day.
The stuff you share is awesome and i always learn something new and useful. And fun!!!!!!
I love the charm and ATC swaps very much (sadly i wasn´t able to participate in the last two) .
Keep on doing this nice blog!!!! We do aprecciated.
XOX
Anabela from Portugal
Hey Roni, congrats on 8 years girl and HECK YEAH we would miss you if you disappeared!! I've had you in my reader since I had a reader and I followed you by clicking a bookmark long before that!
ReplyDeleteSo know that you are being listened to, looked at and we enjoy the inspiration!! and Thanks for sharing :D
Dolly
I have been stocking your blog for a few years now, I love checking out all your amazing tutorials and new techniques. Congratulations on 8 years of blogging, what an amazing accomplishment!
ReplyDeleteYour creations never cease to inspire ... congrats on the anniversary! smilynstef at aol dot com
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 8th year of success (many more years to come)! I'm glad to know you and I'm a silent reader to your blog although once in awhile I left you comment. Hugs!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary! Congrats on 8 years! 😃
ReplyDeleteHappy 8th. I have your blog bookmarked and check in regularly. But I very rarely comment. I have entered one of your embellishments trade and really enjoyed that. So please hang in there. I suspect that there are a lot of us silent appreciators. I'll try to do better in the future.
ReplyDeleteI ALWAYS read your posts ( so I am listening ! lol )... You may put my name in the hat!
ReplyDeleteЧестита 8-ма блого-годинка! Поздравления за постоянството. Благодаря за всички полезни техники и материали и за вдъхновението! Благодаря и за предизвикателствата да опитвам нови за мен неща. Благодаря за възможността късмета да е мой и дано да мога да опитам да работя с Brusho Colour Crystals. Пожелавам добро здраве е много вдъхновение!
ReplyDeleteИрена
I have been following for several years and read every post! I love the swaps you host, i have only been able to participate 2 times but hope to join more in the future. I for one would miss your post, product testing, inspiration swaps... what more could we ask for. I am certainly guilty of not commenting very often. I will try to change that.
ReplyDeleteRoni, eight years is amazing, thanks! I'm a new follower this year. My favorite was the calendar project, but I really love the variety of your posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks for all of the great inspiration over the years! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI know how you feel in wondering if anyone is reading. I've been posting daily for 8 1/2 years and when I had solicited comments on my 'blogiversary' only two people did - my daughter and my mother! LOL! I have had to resign myself to blogging 'for myself' and if anybody else reads it, that's just gravy. http://mystudio3d.com/blog/
ReplyDeleteYay! Congrats on the 8 year blogaversary Roni! I have been following you since the beginning and my all time favorite (and most-used) technique is still the Tim Holtz ink blending tool. You introduced them to me years and years ago on the blog and I use them on almost every card I make. I don't always leave a comment but I always read your posts. As for my favorite project, I LOVED your steampunk mini album!! Another thing I really enjoy are your product comparisons and reviews. With all the new products coming out on a continual basis it's hard to keep up with what's what so your reviews are like gold! Thanks for a wonderful crafty resource and fabulous inspiration!
ReplyDeleteCongrats, Roni! I am a long time visitor and follower. Can't recall when I found your blog, but I know I have visited regularly for years! I always love your comparison posts. It helps me decide what to buy next! Thank you for sharing with us and for your awesome creations! And your giveaways are amazing and fun!
ReplyDeleteWOW RONI !! Congrats on the 8 Years and thanks for sharing it with us it's always a treat to stop in and see what your making it's very inspiring :) Those Brusho Colour Crystals are so kewl I'm always amazed at the creations they make
ReplyDeletethank you for the chance
hugs Nikki
8 years, and I just found you. I do hope you continue to inspire!
ReplyDeleteRcongrats on eight years! While I only recently started to follow you I intend to continue from now on. Thank you for your amazing inspirations.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! I started crafting a little over a year ago and your blog was one of the first ones I found. I somehow got to your Altoid Tin page and fell in love with everything I saw here. You've been a wonderful inspiration and I'd like to offer a huge Thank You.
ReplyDeleteWow! Congratulations on 8 years! I love your blog for several reasons. I like your product reviews and I like to see your new techniques. I also like that you do a variety of things and not just one type of project. I don't always get to read all your posts. But almost everyone of them and I always learn something and always enjoy it. Thank you for sharing your life and 8 years with us and I hope there will be many more to come?
ReplyDeleteHugs from Heidi!
Congrats! So much I love about your blog but I especially enjoy when you compare products side by side with example swatches and tips! Thanks for chance to win!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 8th year of blogging! I found your blog about 5 years ago, or maybe longer and I love your approach to art and crafting. My favorite posts are the ones that review different products and do comparisons , and I love seeing your swap items. I first found out about ATCs through your blog and have started playing around with them this past year. Thanks for all the fun techniques you share with us, and you won't have to worry about people reading your blog because you always have the best and most educational posts around!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on eight great years! I'm guilty of not always leaving a comment or even getting on to read blogs but when I do yours is number one. I keep your book on my desk and use it for inspiration and techniques nearly every day. I think it's time for Volume 2.
ReplyDeleteWow, eight years! I read each and every one of your posts via email, so I don't comment often, but wanted to let you know I appreciate you and love to try the new techniques you've shared. Love the ATC swaps, too! Hope another 8 years is on the horizon. :)
ReplyDeleteHi there Roni, I have been following you since you started, and love to try lot of projects, and I just love you teaching us techniques, and my card making and scrapbooking have all improved since I started following you, Keep it up because you brighten up my days..............hugs
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I have been one of your "silent" followers for the past 5 years. I decided it was time to come out of the shadows and tell you how much I love your blog and how much I appreciate all the techniques and information you share with your readers. Looking forward to another 8 years.
ReplyDeleteHi Roni, I follow your blog for almost 5 years now; and I recently found yourself in my friends on Facebook. I loved the technical that you show for calendars, a few years ago; I learned to use the products, I like your tests, and what prevents me to comment more frequently, it is the language barrier because I do not control yours and google is not always faithful .. I speak to him again to do so, and congratulating you for these eight years of blog, I hope to be able to pick you long to read and learn! with all my friendship with France, Nicky Nicole
ReplyDelete**je suis votre blog depuis près de 5 ans déjà; et je vous retrouve depuis peu dans mes amis sur Facebook. J'ai adoré les technique que vous montriez pour les calendriers, il y a quelques années ; j'ai appris à utiliser les produits, j'aime vos tests, et ce qui m'empêche de mettre plus souvent un commentaire, c'est la barrière de la langue car je ne maîtrise pas la vôtre et que google n'est pas tjrs fidèle.. je m'adresse à lui à nouveau pour le faire, et en vous félicitant pour ces 8 années de blog, j'espère pouvoir encore longtemps venir vous lire et apprendre ! avec toute mon amitié de France, Nicky Nicole**
Been following your blog for a little over 4 years. I enjoy your month tags tutorials
ReplyDeleteHello Roni. Congratz for 8 years blogging and thanks for sharing all these wonderful and interesting ideas, techniques and more. I especially love the Mixed Media Calendar and take part year by year.
ReplyDeleteTHANKS for all the inspiration and I'm looking forward to many more years. :)
Started just recently following your blog and..... I like it! Have not had the time to scroll down on everything. I read your new post as soon as it appears in my inbox. Myself I make cards mainly mix media and I love to play around with my Brusho. ( sorry for any silly or stupid mistake. I live in the Netherlands)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations.I have just following your blog for 2 months now and I really like it.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on eight years, I enjoy coming here from time to time to see what you have been creating!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cannolis!! 8 years is awesome! Congrats to you Roni!! I am thankful that you have been here, sharing and giving your knowledge to all of your readers- it is what we have said before- Art is to share!!
ReplyDeleteI use your arch templates, thank you- all of the time in my artwork thank you for everything and best wishes for more blog posts for years to come! Hugs to you! Jackie
ps,,,and yes, we are listening! ")
Hi Roni! Congrats on 8 years of inspirational blogging. It amazes me when I read everyone of your posts, that you have been able to maintain your enthusiasm for what you do. I guess it is a passion, just like me reading your posts, to learn all you can in a medium that excites you. Thank you for all you do to encourage us and wishing you another fantastic 8 more years, at least! Hugs Moz
ReplyDeletePS I just love it when you do product comparisons - they really are so helpful and save us all a heap of cash by making an informed choice,
I always read, my dear. :) You've taught me tons over the years. Congrats on 8 years!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog rather recently and love it. I know when I open your email, neat ideas are at the ready! Thanks for that & the chance to enter for these lovely items shown.
ReplyDeleteMarsha
DeleteI've been a subscriber for almost as long as you've been blogging. What I love about your blog, outside of the chicken updates, are your product comparisons. Keep up the great work - there are people reading, even if we don't comment very often!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 8 years! I love your blog. I was introduced to it through the Club Scrap blog hop. I always look forward to your posts and your detailed instructions! I don't always comment, but I check your posts out often. Be encouraged!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful achievement. I have followed your site for many years and, I am sorry to say, I have neglected to comment. I guess I didn't realize how much reader comments mean to the writers of blogs. I marvel at the wonderful pictures and detailed instructions without thinking about what goes into posting these. Your instructions have been so helpful to over the years and I think you. (and I promise to mend my ways)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy your blog. Congratulations on 8 years.
ReplyDeleteI love seeing all the techniques you post, Roni. I've been following your blog for years and have learned so much! Since they come in my inbox, I don't always go directly to your blog and comment as I should. Shame on me as you deserve to know what a great job you're doing keeping us informed and inspired! Congratulations on your 8 year anniversary!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to 8 years. I've sent a couple emails over the years just to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. I look forward to opening the email and reading what you have been up to, even on the days you are involved with the work on the farm or when the first snow falls marking the beginning of a new winter season. One of my most favorite topics is when you compare products, and I avidly followed your writing when you compared watercolor paper, and the latest with the Brusho, Nuance powders and Color Bursts which gave my family yet another product to find for me from my Christmas list. I discovered you from an article from years ago in one of the rubber stamp magazines, most likely RubberStampMadness, and I hope that I will be able to post on your blog in another 8 years. Imagine what new products are yet to come out and be tested and blogged by you!
ReplyDeleteI love your test on products that you do and I love your book. I refer to it frequently! Keep up the good work you do sharing of self and teaching!
ReplyDeleteGina Bottom
8 years! that's terrific!!!!!!!! don't know how long I've been visiting your blog...probably a few years and have enjoyed it. I wish you 8 more terrific years blogging!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletestamping sue
http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/
WOW I can not believe it has been 8 years. Congrats I am not sure when I found your page but I loved it from the first post. I get your newsletter in my email and rush to see what you have come up with. Thank you for all of your hard work and sharing your wonderful talent with us. Here is to another 8 years. Kim k1i2m3@cox.net
ReplyDeleteLove your blog. I can't often comment, but I have so enjoyed your comparisons. Keep on doing what you have been. Please. pmeuschke@hotmail.com
ReplyDeletePaula in GA
Congratulations on your 8 year anniversary and THANKS for hanging in there. I enjoy catching up on your blog even if it's just to see what's happening in your life and not some new technique you're showing us.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth
Congrat and on to the next 8. I haven't been doing this for 8 yrs but, I have been enjoying my time with you blog. I love your talent and would love to try those color bursts. I have watched you make so may beautiful backgrounds.
ReplyDelete(((Hugs))) , Diana
I'm a relatively newcomer to your blog. I'm finding it so inspirational as well as fun. Just playing in art with all it's various mediums and combinations! Congratulations on your 8th year anniversary and many more years of success..........and artistic fun! Donna
ReplyDeleteLove your posts and would definitely miss them if they weren't here. This month I especially loved the information on thebckground skies--so pretty.
ReplyDeletemlaffin@aol.com
Congrats on 8 years!!! I don't comment as often as I should but I am definitely still checking in and loving what you do! I stumbled across your blog a few years ago when you had a post about how to turn an old board game into a really cool clock. That was a few years ago but still love to visit. Here's to the next 8 years!!!
ReplyDeleteRoni, I read your post every day, but never once thought about the fact that you don't know that. How much faith you must have in us to keep going and not ever know. But you are a true artist and I have learned so much from your posts. Always new products and new ideas for using old products. Here's to the next 8 years!!
ReplyDeleteBloggers come and go- but the fact that you have been here 8 years is a testament as to how good, interesting and current you really are! I always read the emails, but don't always actually visit the blog to comment! We are out here in cyber space, appreciating and enjoying you and your knowledge!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 8 years! That's a LOT of blogs! Really enjoy all your efforts in sharing all sorts of techniques and mediums with us! Thank you. Lee Ann Parrish, speechie1950@sbcglobal.net
ReplyDeleteThanks for your hard work, so glad I came up onto your sight!
ReplyDeletecongratulations! As I've said before I visit you almost every day and have learned so much from you! So thank you so much, I hope to visit here for a few more years ;-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations !!! Thank you for the ideas and I don't have to spend a lot which I don't have. Thank again. :)
ReplyDeleteWell done on eight years,long may you go on! I think my favourite technique you posted way back is the inky oils one,just love it & use it a lot! Hugs ,Val.S New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteWell done on eight years,long may you go on! I think my favourite technique you posted way back is the inky oils one,just love it & use it a lot! Hugs ,Val.S New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! Time does fly... Thanks for sponsoring this giveaway Also I liked the luxe linens tutorial.
ReplyDeleteWow, 8 years! I love reading your blog, and really appreciate the time you put into it. You and a few others have really boosted my confidence in my own creativity. Thank you! Jeanne N jeannen@yahoo.com
ReplyDeleteI have following your blog for a few years now. Ever since you did the girlfriend coaster mini.( when you are sad I will jump on the person who made you sad like a spider monkey jacked up on Mountain Dew. That was my favorite one) I made that album for my bestie and I have read every post since. You are amazing and inspiring. Thank you for sharing yourself for 8 years. Jan
ReplyDeleteI haven't been following as long as some of the others but I've enjoyed all your posts and even went back to read many of your older ones. I love it when you do comparisons whether it is with different papers or color swatches of different color crystals. In fact because of you A small set of Brusho Colour Crystals is in my stash. Would love to add to it. As well as every single color of the Neon Radiant Amplify :-) Look forward to seeing what you create in the next eight years. :-).
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to win. 8 years wow. I have not been following the whole 8 years, but when I found you I read every post you send out. I just love your site. Thank you.
ReplyDeletemckcampbell@comcast.net.
I have been following you for 2/3 years now - hard to say when you came into my life! I particularly love your mixed media pieces and wish I could produce something half as good. I may not read everyday but I save up several and read them at the same time. When I need inspiration I know where to turn to. Here's to the next 8 years. XxX
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog off and on for the past 5 years. I like your recent post about stamping in a light color and then adding water color pencils. I am no artist but really would like to do some watercoloring. I was thinking along the lines of tracing a picture onto water color paper but I think I'll start with your technique. I really like things to be outlined in black. I think I will try stamping in a light color, use water color pencils for coloring and then drawing in the details in black.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your years of experience and this awesome giveaway!
Congratulations! I love the variety of the things you post. I especially like your tutorials. Thanks so much for doing it all.
ReplyDeletehey Roni, Ive been here since the first post :-). I continue to love your tutes and ideas. I don't craft too awful much anymore, but when I do I always keep in mind what I've read on your blog. My favorite favorite things you have done is the charm swaps. i've had so much fun with those and i still have a few i have saved to do some special things with. Brenda
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! I love reading your blog and the reviews of products have saved me ££££, thanks for that....means I get to spend my ££ on other crafty stash.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! I've been a follower for some time now. Love the swaps. Love the calendars. Love the techniques. I follow your blog through netvibes so I see and read every post. thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove all of your ideas! I have been saving them for inspiration for quite a while now. Would love to win your goodies, too~
ReplyDeleteLinda - lmwinner@cox.net
Happy Blog Anniversary Roni! Thanks for all that you share & for the opportunity to win.
ReplyDeleteWow, that doesn't seem possible! Congratulations on 8 years!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations and Happy Blogday!!!! Definitely something to celebrate!!!! Hope you're around for 8 more!!!
ReplyDeleteRoni~ Congratulations on 8 years! I love your blog...it is one of the only ones that I check regularly. I enjoy it all, product comparisons, swaps, your family news and photos, projects and cards...the list goes on. I actually go back and read the archives too! Please don't stop~ your creativity and fun personality make Inkstains stand head and shoulders above the rest. Hugs
ReplyDeleteCongrats on 8 years! I do stop by often- really enjoy the techniques, calendar pages, etc..... Love the new product comparisons alot too. Blogging is alot of work, so hope you are feeling the love!
ReplyDeleteWow, 8 years! That's an incredible achievement. I can't claim to have been following that long, more like two years, I think. We should be giving you the gifts for all the inspiration! The most recent was your Christmas wreath cards. I got so inspired by those that I immediately heading for the studio and dug out all my "fern-y" punches and greenish scraps and went to town! Ended up with two totally gorgeous cards and plans for more. One of them I made into a fall wreath with some fall leaf punches for accents...this actually became a sympathy thinking of you card. So thanks for the idea, she really loved the card. I subscribe by email and don't come over often enough to say thanks. So a really big THANKS!! Please keep it up, it is read and appreciated!!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your successful eight years as Ink Stains is a place I love to come to, have learned many things, explored techniques and more. Wishing you many more years and thank you for all you do to enrich my art!
ReplyDeleteCongrats on a very successful 8 years! My favorite posts have been your watercolor paper comparisons and your powdered watercolor (like Brusho) comparisons. Keep up the great work!
ReplyDeleteHappy anniversary! Several years ago I was surfing Pinterest and began following a rabbit trail that led me to your blog. I'm been an avid follower ever since. Thank you for the time and effort you put into creating tutorials, sharing projects, organizing swaps and sharing yourself with your readers. I hope there will always be an Ink Stains with Roni!
ReplyDeletei learn so much from your tutorials, which are so doable, regardless of my skills or supplies. in general, your projects amaze me because your style is so different from mine & it's so interesting to see the craft from another angle. plus, the peek into farm life is an added bonus :) i usually visit about once a week & go through the posts i missed. thanks for all your work & i look forward to more!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on 8 years with your blog. I love all of your ideas and certainly appreciate your generosity in the way you share your talent with everyone. I really enjoy your tutorials and ways to use distress inks and other crafty items. Best wishes for the next 8 years!
ReplyDeleteWow, 8 years and over 3100 blog posts!!! Huge congratulations on your success! 3100+ blog posts alone is not an easy feat. Thank you for sharing all your talent and time with us!! I'm so happy I found you a few years ago and I have loved playing along with your creations and swaps. So with that said... let the fun continue!! Thanks for your generosity on your giveaways too... very nice.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog! Keep up the great work.
ReplyDelete-Kylie (kylie.hulver@gmail.com)