Tuesday, May 13, 2014

8-Year Giveaway!

On this very day, eight years ago in 2006, I took a big plunge and started blogging. Here is my very first post :) ...

our Siamese cat, Hollie
My cat, Hollie (age 11 now), is still our trusted companion, although mostly inclined to sleep, and with much darker fur. In fact her body is so dark, it's only her face that makes her recognizable as a Siamese. As you can see, she likes to sleep on Robert's shoes, under the coffee table.

I've posted 297 times in the past eight years, which only amounts to an average of slightly over 3 per month. There's always a wait-list of posts I want to write, pictures that need editing, subjects worthy of research and sharing... but time? Well, that's a fleeting sort of thing... so I never get around to posting as often as I'd like.

bead embroidery by Robin Atkins, Valentine
Thank you to all of my followers! You and your comments keep me posting. It's true. I probably would have stopped years ago if it weren't for you.

One Bead at a Time by Robin Atkins, cover
By way of thanking you, I found two pristine copies of  One Bead at a Time, my first book, which has been out of print for several years now (although available as a free download PDF on my website).

To celebrate 8 years of blogging, I will give away these two books, one each to two randomly selected readers who comment on this post. Even if you already have this book, please comment to enter... you can give the book to a beady friend, or request another of my books when I contact you. This giveaway ends on June 1, 2014.
bead embroidery by Robin Atkins, Friends
Again, thank you and bless you for your support during the past 8 years. Now that I'm semi-retired, I hope to be better about posting more often: step-by-step photo tutorials, and posts on informational/inspirational topics. Keep beading and stitching... it's therapy!

Oh, and please, don't miss my post from yesterday, showing exceptionally fine bead embroidery by Becki Applegate!

72 comments:

  1. Happy Bloggingversary!

    Also, what a gorgeous 'mese!

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  2. Happy Anniversary of Blogdom! Love your posts, keep it up!
    Congrats.

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  3. Quite an impressive milestone. Congratulations.

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  4. Yay, 8 years! Ive always been impressed by your work, and would love to win your book!

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  5. I'm so glad we "met", Robin! Go on blogging and make the the World a better place! Much love, Ildiko. :-)

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  6. Happy Anniversary Robin! I love your work. :)

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  7. Anonymous1:27 PM

    Robin, I'm so glad we've reconnected after so many years. I have started a bit of beading/jewelry making recently, and hope to be able to follow your creative advice. I downloaded your book but would really love to have a copy to look at any time! Congratulations on the blogiversary! - Suzanne

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    1. I'm glad too, Suzanne! Thanks...

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  8. 8 years and I can't even get started :)
    Congratulations and a toast to next eight years.

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    1. I'll drink to that, Diana... and to you getting started one day soon :) !

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  9. Meg Waff1:54 PM

    Happy Anniversary! You are truly an inspiration to me! I love this blog as well, I have it bookmarked.

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  10. Love your book. Thanks for all of your beautiful work and inspiration.

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  11. Congratulations on a beautiful blog!! I am the happy owner of your books, so I pass my chance on to someone else - but I had to stop and say how happy I am that you blog, and share so much with the beading community. :) And I saw your post yesterday - GORGEOUS work by your student!! You must have been so very pleased!!

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    1. Thanks so much, Nancy... Your comment means a lot to me.

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  12. Thanks Robin for your Blog all these years. A real inspiration to your creativity! Happy Beadlust!

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  13. Happy blog anniversary! You have a great blog, I hope it will continue many more years.

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  14. Dear Robin, I posted a comment, but someone or something didn't accept it. I like to congratulate you and thank you for the nice posts and the inspiration you/ it/they gave me. Love, Lies

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  15. Wow 8 years what a great achievement. I love visiting your blog it is so inspirational and your creations are awesome
    Cheers Pauline

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  16. Thank you for all your wonderful inspirations!

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  17. Liz ONeill2:40 PM

    Congratulations. I know this must be a really happy milestone for you. You are a great instructor and Camano Island Quilters was lucky to have you with us for two days. So let us see what you are working on now!

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    1. I love your group, Liz... It was such a fun time for me to be with you and the others for 3 days!

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  18. Happy Anniversary! And I hope you have many more.

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  19. Happy anniversary on your blog. Your work is awesome.

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  20. Happy Anniversary.

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  21. Not being a beader myself or knowing any in person, I'm not entering the giveaway. I'd rather a beader was delighted to get a beautiful beading book. But I DID want to say congrats on 8 years of blogging. I've totally enjoyed following your blog. It is SO creative and beautiful, so thank you for the enjoyment of it.

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    1. Knowing you're here and reading your comments over the years has meant a whole lot to me, Retta! Thank you!

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  22. Congratulations Robin! I'd be thrilled if I could win your book since I will be taking a 2 day bead embroidery workshop since I'm a newbie in this genre. I'm a beader and a stitcher so I look foward to merging two textile passions together :)

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    1. I'll cross my fingers for you to win, Audrey :) !

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  23. Robin, I enjoy reading your posts and thinking about beading. Please send my regards to your brother Tom. Tell him that Gita said, "Hello"

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    1. OK, Gita, I will do that. He is on Facebook now... search under Thom Atkins.

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  24. Happy Blogaversary! I love reading about your beading projects and am always inspired by your beaded art. I'd love to win your book!

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  25. love your blog posts and eye candy!

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  26. congratulations on your Blogaversry :) I have only recently discovered your blog, and have loved reading your posts.

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  27. Xo, congrats Robin!

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  28. Wow, eight years - that's a long time for a blog! Congratulations and I always look forward to seeing your new pieces. :)

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  29. You THINK You will have more time being semi retired. Lol I've never been busier. Still trying to learn to manage my time. Maybe you will have better luck than me. Happy Blogaversery.

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  30. Congratulations Robin. Have many more.
    Your work is inspiring . . .
    Warm Wishes, Sondra
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/11713921@N04/sets/
    http://pinterest.com/traderslostart/

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  31. I love your books and Thoms!!! This is the only one I don't have and would LOVE it! Bethany

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  32. I don't have your book but it looks awesome! I can't wait to use it ...if I win!!

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    1. I did order your Beaded Embellishment" book~it looks quite awesome and will be a great addition to my library!!! Thank you Robin!

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  33. Anonymous7:21 PM

    I have your other books and would love to add this one to my collection!
    Barbara Grandon
    Barbgrandon@gmail.com

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  34. How wonderful Robin! I really enjoyed participating in the first three years of the Bead Journal Project.
    Kassie@beadingbutterfly.com

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    1. Nice to hear from you Kassie! We're still doing the BJP... it's on Facebook now. Do you have any interest in doing it again? Signup is during the month of December.

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  35. Happy anniversary, here's to many more years of happy blogging.

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  36. Oh Robin how exciting and wonderful, Happy Blogaversary to you! OMGoodness what a fabulous accomplishment 8 years of blogging, teaching, beading, caring, loving, sharing, you've really put your heart and soul in your blog and shared it with the world! I want to thank you for your hard work, devotion and being able to share your life, your awesome, exquisite, breathtaking work! Congratulations to a very kind, sweet and talented friend!
    Hugs and many blessings...
    Bobbi Ann
    rockyandduke@AOL.com

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    1. Thanks, Bobbi Ann! You are generous with your compliments. How are you feeling these days?

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  37. Ah, Robin - thanks for the blogging over the years. If you only knew what you did when I took my first bead embroidery class in Michigan from you (which I hated - the technique, not you) all those years ago. If you (or I) only knew what beast was released and created....Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    Hmmmm, maybe I should make a few more of those buttons or spirit dolls and see if I still hate bead embroidery!

    Liz Thompson
    Dearborn Heights, MI

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    1. Ah, Liz - I may have got you started, but since then you've returned the favor many times by inspiring me with your bead creations! It always goes both ways... so thank YOU!

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  38. I'm a new follower here, in your blog, but an old one of your works. Happy Blog-anyversary! Hugs and many blessings! Your works and books are inspiring. Thank you.

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  39. 8 years!Congratulations!That's a lot! I love beading on my felted stones! So your giveaway is really useful and beautiful to give me inspiration and teach me things! ariadnesky(at)hotmail(dot)com
    AriadnefromGreece!

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  40. I remember that post. It must have been just after you gave your improvisational beading class to the Baltimore EGA chapter because I didn't realize it was your first. I've enjoyed every post since. And, especially, I've enjoyed improvisation, which is great for beading and other embroidery. Thanks for adding to my enjoyment of the art.

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    1. Oh goodness, Bobbi, has it been THAT long since I taught the first time in Baltimore? Time does fly. Nice to "see" you from time to time here in blogland. I wish I could have a reunion with all of you who were in that class!

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  41. I've enjoyed reading your posts--and wanting to do some bead embroidery!

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  42. Anonymous10:33 AM

    I am about to complete my first piece of bead embroidery larger than a bezel - took a shot in the dark doing it. While not bad, I'm sure I have much to learn. Now off to see yesterday's blog. Dody

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  43. Robin, I love your work and your blogposts. Keep up the great work.

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  44. Dear Robin,
    If you would have not started blogging, I would probably not have started beadwork again. So, very selfishly, I want to wish you a Most Happy Blogging Anniversary!
    Liz at Bead Contagion

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  45. I love your writing and enjoy your stories. Congratulations on your milestone. I treasure your piece of work that I have.

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    1. And I treasure the YOU have it! Thanks, Diane!

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  46. Hi Robin, this is the first time I've come across your blog and I'm really enjoying reading it and browsing your gorgeous photos already! I'm a 'starter' beader with lots to learn.

    Happy anniversary - 8 years is certainly a milestone!

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  47. I found your blog because someone I follow on Pinterest pinned it - I'm glad she did! I don't suppose you ever teach here in the UK?

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    1. I would teach in the UK if the opportunity arose! Is there an EGA chapter, or a bead, embroidery, or quilting guild that might have the resources to bring me over?

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  48. Anonymous6:44 AM

    Congratulations on blogging for eight years. I follow your blog, have downloaded your book and read it at least once a year. I was at a shop one day (Florilegium: http://florilegium.com/) and the owner recommended this book. You are truly inspirational, keep blogging!!! Thank you for your inspiration.

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    1. How nice to know! Living a rater isolated life on an island, I don't get around to shows or shops that much any more. I'm so happy somebody recommended my books to you!

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  49. Anonymous7:40 AM

    Love your work and how it enriches life. Thank you! I discovered beading when I was in my 50's and now have taught my daughter and actually sold some of my beaded creations. What a joy! Many Blessings, Jann

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    1. PS; I'm Jann July
      www.jannjulygallery.etsy.com

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    2. Thanks, Jann! And thanks for thinking to add your contact information... After all, you might be a winner here!

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  50. Looking to see if you've got updated information about your grandmother's flower garden quilt. Might as well get in on a great give-away! I love you! SuSan

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  51. I'd love to win this book. My daughter just got into doing beadwork and she would love this book! What a nice gift it would be!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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Thanks you for joining the discussion on this post today!