I have been saying I had a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT to make and at first thought I'd wait until One World One Heart ended.....but then I thought why not announce it now WHILE it's still going on with so many around. I had planned to do a video but maybe another time.
So here it goes: (it's wordy so I would suggest maybe printing it out to read at your leisure)
It IS true that this was the 5th and final year of OWOH. I have so enjoyed the response over the years and all the emails/comments how in some small way it's touched people, aided in making new connections, helped find kindred spirits and more. That is precisely why I did it all these years. I have also had requests to take it over or maybe assist me so that it wouldn't stop - lovely gestures indeed BUT not necessary because:
When I was preparing for this last year of OWOH I was also contemplating something new....so behind the scenes I have worked through the details for a BRAND NEW EVENT to begin in 2012 while still in the throes of this one. Sleep, what's that? HA!
This NEW EVENT will be similar to OWOH yet different AND it will have a new name. It won't be the 6th annual One World One Heart - instead - it will be the
FIRST ANNUAL
OUR WORLD OUR ART
some of you may recognize your "door prizes" from this year pictured around the flyer above.
CELEBRATE YOUR AUTHENTIC ARTISTIC and CREATIVE SELF!
Please note that the One World One Heart name is being retired and I ask that NO ONE use this name to create or affiliate a blog event with it in any way.
Let me first direct you to an email sign up form in my right sidebar for those interested in learning more, wanting information and updates about this event. You will receive newsletters 2-3 times within in the next year about this new event ONLY! It's safe and you will not be inundated with emails. This is for all those people who want to stay informed about the new event - and allows me to get to you easier by having these newsletters sent in one fell swoop (not in batches like I had to do before). You will be in charge of making sure you give me a valid email address. If you received one of my mass emails about OWOH for this year you still must sign up for the newsletter as that list has been deleted. I also believe there will be an 'unsubscribe' option if you decide you don't want to receive the newsletters or if your address changes. The newslstters will come from the email address [email protected] and you can email that address with any questions. BUT don't ask any questions just yet, sign up for the newsletter and wait to see if covers everything you want to know.
OK, so what makes this new event different:
Over the last 5 years OWOH, although it included many people who gave away something hand made, it was never a requirement for handmade OR having to be an artist/artisan/crafter of any kind. (whether well established or a hobby or a passion)
With this new event it will.
The new event will remain INTERNATIONAL, of course! You will still create a blog post with the event title, you will still include a logo, you will still introduce yourself BUT now you will also be asked to introduce your artisitc passion as well. Whether you are a painter, sculptor, doll maker, scrapbooker, knit, crochet, jewelry maker, bead maker, photographer, tatter, quilter, illustrator, cross stitcher, work with clay, handmake soap/lotions and so on and so on.............all of these are an art form.
In this new event you will be required to talk a tiny bit about what your art form is. You will show photographic examples of your work as well. Also (and this is NEW) IF you sell your work on say Etsy or an online venue you will be allowed to have a link in your post directing people to it. The other thing that is NEW AND will be a requirement is that your gift giveaway MUST be in the genre/art form of what you showcase. This will be explained further in the newsletter.
You may read this and automatically say "I'm not an artist, I guess that leaves me out next year!" That is NOT true. IF you have an "artistic" passion, even if you don't sell your work(which is not required).......then you can take part. The thing is the newsletter will clearly map all this out for you. Also don't be a naysayer thinking "no thanks, I'm an artist and this sounds like an artsy craftsy thing" (you know you're out there that wll say that). This is an ART thing and there are MANY types of ART AND ARTISTS -please be open minded!
This event will be all about ART and ARTISTIC endeavors in all it's various forms and connotations. Through this event you will still be making those important connections but NOW you may bond over similar art forms as well. This will be an International Celebration of the Arts through blogging AND those wanting to celebrate their authentic artistic and creative self.
Please understand what it will NOT be is me giving businesses an advertising (even if they have a blog)opportunity....NO commercial ventures of any kind will be allowed, no mass produced products or businesses or brick and mortar establishments. If you aren't sure you can email me at any time to find out if you qualify. I am ONE gal and I am supporting the arts through blogging. I am not here to "pimp out" those just wanting free exposure to a lot of people who sell books, classes, DVDs, bridal businesses, flea market items, housewares, mass produced prints and the like. This is about ART and BLOGGERS.....whether you are WELL established in the art/blogging community or someone who's never shown their work before. If you aren't sure, ask!!!
I sincerely hope you will be as excited about this as I am.
As I said I will cover everything in the newsletters. The event will take place approximately this same time next year with the exact date announced towards year end. I wanted to have an entire year to keep people up to date....and TIME to sort out becoming a blogger now so you are established by then....TIME to sort out your artistic passion.......TIME to maybe open that long awaited online shop......TIME, TIME, TIME - because boy does it fly!
Tell your friends, direct them to this post and to sign up for the newsletter!
In the meantime...
HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!!!
Love,
Lisa
XOXOXOXO
