happy birthday petunia

I have watched the little cat on my PitaPata counter make it's way across the bar, one day at a time for the last 12 months. I remember  how exciting it was when the kitty was at the one month  mark, then the four month mark which was a big deal to me. Three or four months was my usual average before I would loose interest in my new 'latest thing'. But I didn't and I kept watching the kitty make it to 6 months, 9 months, 11 and now it's all the way across!



One year ago today I posted a picture of a lemon cupcake and talked about plans to blog about all sorts of cupcake related things. Ever since that first post I can honestly say that blogging has changed my life. I know it sounds a bit dramatic but it's really the only way to sum up the amazing experience I've had this past year.

I won't go into all the details because you probably already heard me go on and on about it before. I talked about how I was inspired to start blogging in my Art Saves story and you are welcome to read it if you like. But I will say one thing again, and that is that the best part I have found about blogging is the friendships I've made here in Bloggyland.

You guys inspire me, make me smile, encourage me when
I give in to self doubt and just color my world with art and magic and fun.

Thank you again
and again from
the bottom
of my
heart.





So today is a party day! And I'm so glad you stopped by to join me.
Petunia and I have the most adorable cupcake to share with you.




A frosted pink vanilla sweet cake treat covered with chocolate morsels all the way around. Yum! And look, the little topper is a pink purse! How Frosted Petunias is that?


Did you know my blog was originally called Cupcake Alchemy? I knew I wanted to blog about creative projects but I needed a place to start. I love cupcakes so I thought why not start there? So I focused on cupcake themed crafts, like my first polymer clay charm bracelet, and real yummy cupcakes like this chocolate one from a shop near my house that just closed down a few months ago. Sadly not enough people were as cupcake obsessed as I was.


Then almost exactly a month after my first post I found myself doodling while watching the Winter Olympics (obviously Figure Skating wasn't on lol). I made a simple little girl and after I finished her digitally I came up with a new banner (1 of 999 banners to come) and a new blog name.



I was already blogging about other things like trips to the thrift store and non cupcake related projects. But I still loved cupcakes and frosting, both the sugary sweet kind and the icy kind that makes flowers and pretty things glitter.

And petunias were not just flowers I love but a name that always sounded whimsical, silly, but still deliciously lovely to me. Saying the word petunia makes me smile.
So Frosted Petunias it was.



living inspired....

You know the song I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack right? It has been around for a while, maybe 10 years. I always thought it was pretty and loved the message. I would even sing along to it every now and then but it never really resonated with me personally, the way it has for others I knew.

Then a week ago, while I was on my organizing binge, I looked through an older copy of Where Women Create. In the opening letter from editor Jo Packham, Jo talked about change, creativity, courage and growth. She also included the lyrics to I Hope You Dance which she said, meant a lot to her.



That was the first time I really felt the words and understood where it was coming from. I decided 'faith' would be the word I would choose to inspire me this year.

So while my electricity was out a few nights ago I worked on another one of my little collages by faerie lantern and candlelight. I have been making these girls and giving them skirts made from my favorite stripey Halloween napkins. My little girl looked like she was waiting. Perhaps to dance and that song again wandered into my head again.


"Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the chance to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance....

Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking...."


I think these words can apply to everything really. From big life challenges to personal goals and just day to day living. We are challenged to make choices everyday. Simple things like what to have for lunch, and big things like who we want to spend the rest of our lives with.

Sometimes the choices are harder with risks involved. Risks that might break our spirit or our hearts, or push us out of our comfort zones. It's so much easier to stay where it's nice and safe and cozy. I know I did for years and years. I made excuses and decided I'd rather just sit it out.

Well I'd rather not sit anymore thank you.
 I think I would rather dance.
And I hope you will to.




I would love for my dancer to go home to one of you, where I hope she will inspire you to step out and follow your dreams. I felt so much joy creating her and I hope what I felt in my heart transferred onto canvas.

I Hope You Dance is a mixed media collage on 8x8 inch stretched canvas. It's three dimensional, made with sealed layers of printed pages, tissue, paint, pencils and glitter. The skirt is stiffened and sculpted into shape.



The 3/4 inch border is painted deep raspberry and it is ready to hang.

If you would like a chance to win her simply leave a comment and tell me what your favorite cupcake flavor is, or if you're not a cupcake person (OMG!) tell me what your favorite dessert is. The drawing will be open for 2 weeks and I'll announce the winner on Saturday, Feb 5.




I also created a button and if you would like to help me spread the word you can put it on your blog and let me know in another comment for a 2nd chance to win. Please add a link to this post. I have never done a drawing this way before but I thought if I couldn't share the love on my blogaversary when else would I!

Thank you for stopping by on my big bloggy birthday day. I'm so excited about what the next year holds for all of us. I hope it's filled with creativity, inspiration, passion, glitter, whimsy and lots and lots of dancing.


Have a beautiful weekend.




61 comments:

Linda said...

WOW! I want to be the first to wish you HAPPY ANNIVERSARY.....and many more to come. You are an amazing friend with an equally amazing blog.

Love raspberry, it is my favorite flavor..today!
Hope you are dancing and smiling around today. It is a great way to spread happiness all around.Hope you have the best day ever.

Junibears said...

Happy First Birthday dear Anna. Your blog is always so colourful and cheerful. I'm sorry I haven't been by for a while so I've enjoyed catching up.
My favourite flavour is Caramel so my cupcake would have a large 'dollop' of caramel frosting on top!
Your blog is so smiley and happy.
Big Hugs
June xx

Janet Ghio said...

Happy blog birthday! My favorite cupcake is chocolate with chocolate icing-simply delicious!

Wendy Aspinall said...

Happy Birthday dear Frosted Preunias , happy birthday to you... happy birthday dear frosted Preunias..........

I have the weight over my bum to prove it.... I LOVE CUPCAKES TOO ! and what is my jOY, love of my life and one food item I would take with me to the Island? .....Vanilla cake with creamcheese frosting.....YUM,Yum,Yum! Pubilx make the best and MR Husband knowing I love them brings them home for me sometimes... much nicer than flowers....Hugs wendy

Marfi-topia said...

Hi Anna!Happy Birthday to your wonderful blog!
Thank you for inspiring, teaching, listening and just being there:)
youre awesome!

CraftyMomOf3 said...

happy anniversary and birthday Petunia! just stumbled by and am in love with your delicious site! I, too, am a cupcake junkie!! glad to have found you!

beautiful work!

crafty hugs!
meredith

brandi said...

~wishing you the happiest 1 year of blogging birthday...a road that has led to many wondrous doors opening and friendships made...may you always be filled with such magical inspirations to remain here sharing with us...a beautiful piece created and word to guide you throughout this year

as for a tasty cupcake treat...LEMON WITH POWERED SUGAR SPRINKLED ON TOP...much love light and blessings upon you always~

Teddi said...

your blog is so beautiful. i have to choose one cupcake flavor? right now i choose strawberry with cream cheese frosting, but i may change my mind in five minutes.

Anonymous said...

Happy Blogaversary to you! You have been such a wonderful inspiration to me since I started here and of course I am going to put that button at the Cottage.
Actually, I have been thinking of a story of Witchy and Petunia meeting in the Woods of Wonder. I think Witchy and Petunia would certainly dance.
I love Pink Lemonade Cupcakes! Although I, too, love all cupcakes. Being in the draw would be nice as I would love one of your beautiful pieces of art but it is not as special as telling you what a lovely lady you are.
Hugs and sparkles on your special day.
WG

Jill said...

Happy Birthday Frosted Petunias! Your blog is always so inspiring to me- as is your beautiful dancer=) My favorite cupcake flavor...probably double chocolate mocha. Definitely. Thanks for all you do and I hope you have a blessed day!
Love, Jill

Jennie said...

Happy Birthday to the Frosted Petunias! I only recently "discovered" your blog but have really enjoyed reading your posts and getting inspired by you.

I'm a simple gal, I love chocolate with raspberry or orange. Of course, sometimes I just pretend to make cupcakes so I can sit down, watch HGTV and eat the batter. LOL

Best wishes,
Jennie and the Pekes

Jennie said...

Oh! And your canvas is beautiful!

Papillon Bleu said...

Sweet Anna, what a wonderful treat to celebrate your blog bithday!

Favourite cupcake? hm...no, my favourite dessert is chocolate mousse but only homemade ones!
:-)))

StregaLuna said...

Anna, What a wonderful and inspiring post and the same for your story in Art Saves. I stumbled on your blog along with Vanessa's few months ago. "Happy accidents" that have totally changed my world! Since then I have checked both your blogs (and now several others) daily. I am amazed by the creative inspiring women I am finding along the way and certainly it has renewed my own FAITH at a time when I just needed assurance that there is more in the world to connect to. Still wetting my feet I have been inspired to start my own art book, and plan to one day soon join all of you in force. In answer to your question, I love moist Chocolate cupcakes with goobs of Dark Chocolate frosting! Happy Birthday! Connie

Gayla said...

Happy Birthday! I would love to win that beautiful art piece. Your blog is as delicious as a cupcake!

AlphaBetsy said...

Happy Birthday/ Anniverary!!! Your site is beautiful and inspiring. I'm so glad I found it. My favorite cupcake is red velvet with cream cheese frosting. And I would love to have your beautiful art piece.

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

Happy Happy Blog Anniversary Anna!Your Blog is Always Beautifully Inspiring! A Creative Muse Lives Here! I do believe her name is Anna!
Happy Happy Day!
Hugs Jill

Jill Marcott-McCall ~Feathers & Flight~ said...

PS....I Posted your Button!!! Have a Great Weekend!

Tammy said...

Happy Anniversary Anna! I'd love to win the pretty dancer. Thanks so much for the opportunity, and thanks for the blog. I so enjoy my time here.
My favorite cupcake is banana w/ chocolate icing... yum!

ShabbyChicShaz said...

Happy Anniversary, your post is just so inspiring. My favourite cupcake flavour would have to be chocolate! Love the blog, Sharon x

Anonymous said...

Happy 1st Anniversary! What an exciting time. I love your dancer. So charming!

goddessandmagick said...

Frosted Petunias!!! Happy b-day!!! I love your blog , how is your little arm? I hope you can keep painting. Beautiful art! Can I be a part of all that give away!! YES I will. I hope we all dance!! Congrats!!!

Fran. said...

Anna what a great inspiring story! I love your word "faith" I feel blessed it's on my little heart you made!! I know I just won the magazine and feel very blessed for that too. But your art work is amazing! I love how you picked out your new name! I LOVE cupcakes too. My favorite is Strawberry with Starwberry frosting and sprinkles of course!! Congrats on your one year growth of blogging!! XO Love, Fran.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Oh my goodness! Congrats to you, Anna. This post nearly brought me to tears. I remember when I did my first post...I was so nervous and unsure. Your blog makes me so happy and I love whether you discuss cupcakes or art or anything. I am SOOOO happy that we met and became friends. You inspire me always. This piece of art you created is soooo beautiful - I can only hope to be able to own her. My favorite cupcake? Green Tea with green tea frosting. Trust me, it's YUMMY! xoxo Theresa

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Your button is on my blog - I will be keeping everything crossed! LOL xoxo Theresa

Celia said...

Happy Happy Happy Bloggy Birthday!!!! Your blog is such a happy, magical, enchanting, creative, glittery place that makes me smile!

Cameron said...

Anna! What a wonderful post! It seems a just missed my Blogaversary on the 19th...and I totally agree...it has been Life Altering!!! Congrats to you! I'm so happy to have this venue to meet you and other wonderful and inspiring people :)

I love desserts of all kinds! ....I'd have to say my fave cupcake would probably be vanilla with a pudding center, topped with real whipped cream and berries!!! Yum!

Cameron said...

...Oh, and I added your button :)

Buccaneers and Ball Gowns said...

Congrats!! Your blog is so lovely and I am glad you have made it to the one year mark! My favorite cupcake is probably anything with coconut, or carrot cake with cream cheese frosting!

Rosemary said...

Happy Blogaversary! That's wonderful, and I love how you have shared the evolution of your blog from its original iteration to its current incarnation. You write a very interesting blog and share beautiful, colorful, and whimsical creations that brighten the day. I'm very glad that I've found you!

Who wouldn't like cake? A cupcake is a delicious little bit of cake goodness? Okay, my favorite cupcake is chocolate with either a decadent buttercream or a seven minute frosting. Oh boy, that sounds good right about now. ;-)

Karen said...

OH Anna, Happy Anniversary to you and the blog! You've come a long way and I am so happy to have gotten to know you. You've made me smile on days that I really needed some incouragement. Thank you! I am not a cupcake person, but my true passion of dessert is cheesecake! Just heavenly. I wouldn't also mind the give-a-way either. A nice reminder of you!

Hugs, Karenh

CuddlyBunny said...

Congratulations on your birthday, and your personal promise to dance!

I've only just arrived here from Wishin' I Knew How to Blog, but already feel very welcome and at home!

May this and every future bloggy birthday find you joyfully twirling and dipping to your very own music!

Rhonda said...

Happy Birthday! Love your blog and it was interesting reading about its transformation.

For my daughters' birthday, they wanted cupcakes so I got a variety from the amazing cupcake store in the local village. They have butter cream and cream cheese icings, all decadent and yummy. The Blue Hawaiian (blue coconut cream cheese icing on a blue vanilla cake) was our favourite - we taste tested several! And then we tried the Margarita! A very lime cupcake with lime butter cream icing and just a hint of saltiness in the icing - awesome! Thanks for the trip down cupcake memory lane...think I must go now and open a cookbook or take a drive into the village...I will be having cupcake dreams tonight for sure. Cheers!

Cindy Adkins said...

Happy Blog Birthday!!! Oh gosh, what a beautiful and astounding piece you have made here, Anna!!! Also, I wanted to ask if I could feature you in my online magazine in the spring...just let me know...nothing to do!
Love & hugs,
Cindy

Ana Cristina Caldatto said...

uauuuuu
MAGNIFICO!
estou aqui apreciando essa obra de arte!

Sandy Ang said...

Congrats on your anniversary! I understand exactly what you mean about blogging. I started in April and it has really changed my life. May the year ahead be filled with more wonderful things for you.

Janine said...

Dear Anne,
I can´t believe, tht I did never see your blog before. It is so colourfull and simply beautiful and dreamy.
I signed in as a follower and will put your button on my sidebar.
Have a great week and go on creating amazing things
cheers
Janine

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

I just found your blog and I love it!!!!! I knew I would the minute I saw your header I added it to my favorite blogs list! How fun! Your painting is wonderful! I can't imagine being without electricity! Thanks for putting my name in, I'm off to post about your giveaway on my blog! :D Marva

Marva Plummer-Bruno said...

Hi Anna! Just posted about your blogversary on my blog and put your button on my sidebar. I'm off to look at more of your awesome artwork!

Angela said...

Happy Birthday/Anniversary Anna! Gosh, I can't believe you've been a blogger for only a year! You and your blog are amazing! You are such a talented artist and you have inspired me to venture outside my comfort zone (sewing) and into mixed media...like the dresses. I feel honored that I have one of your ATCs ("Orange") and I would be tickled pink to win your dancer!
Have a super week!
Angela
Oh, my favorite cupcake flavor (and icing) would be chocolate, of course!

Anonymous said...

I have an award for you on my blog. If you don't like awards I promise I will not be offended. Just want you to know how much I enjoy your blog. Many blessings to you.

Holly said...

Happy Blog Anniversary! Your I Hope Dance piece is so beautiful, I would love to win it! My favorite cupcake is Red Velvet (w/ cream cheese frosting of course!) :)

Kim Hanauer said...

Hi Anna!
I would love to win this stunning piece of art!
You are truly a very talented artist. I love your blog!
I`ll post this on my blog with a link to yours. I am your newest followers!
Have a Blessed day~
Kim :0)

KV Creative Designs said...

Happy Blogiversary Anna! Your Blog is GORGEOUS!!! My favorite cupcake is Red Velvet!

I would love to win "I Hope You Dance" piece, she is so Beautiful!


Artful Blessings,
Kathryn

Peggy Parker said...

Anna, your dancer is truly a gorgeous mixed media piece. I don't have a favorite cupcake, but it would have to include chocolate and a surprise, soft center like caramel or custard. :)

Birgit said...

Hi Anna,

Can you believe that cupcakes are nearly unknown here in Germany? Yes, really... You even have a hard time finding a regular muffin in a bakery. Hah! Well, I guess I like practically every cupcake -- at least I would try each flavor to find my favorite one. What other dessert do I like? Ice cream -- sure thing. And cheese cake -- the one my mom makes. :)

Thanks for the chance to win your mixed media canvas -- your girl is lovely and inspiring! :)

Happy creating,
Birgit

Birgit said...

I just put a link to your giveaway on the sidebar of my blog -- gotta spread the word! :)

Unknown said...

I love mixed media and your little piece is amazing. I love your blog. My favorite cupcake has to be carrot cake with cream cheese frosting with sugared pecans or caramel drizzled on top. YUMMY! I am a new blogger and would love for you to visit me at thecrankyqueen.blogspot.com. I hope you may want to be a follower and leave a comment. I hope I am the winner. Tiffany

Elizabeth Johnson said...

Happy Birthday! This piece is absolutely wonderful. I love it!
My favorite cupcake would be strawberry with strawberry cream cheese frosting....... no wait,..... chocolate with chocolate frosting...... or maybe lemon...... or maybe gingerbread........ or.......... Oh my! I can't decide!

E Makes Art said...

HI! I just found your blog through your button on another blog! I LOVE your art! It's wonderful! And what an inspiring post! Truly! PLEEEAASE count me in on this giveaway! This is such a beautiful, inspiring piece and you can feel all the love and hope and joy that you put into it! So happy to find your blog!

xoEsther
oh, and dark chocolate with chocolate chips!! (and maybe peanut butter)

Unknown said...

Oooooh! I just love a vanilla and raspberry cupcake with raspberry frosting, delish!

Jana said...

Hello, my name is Jana. I am SO very glad to meet you. I found your blog through a friend. I am truely amazed at your wonderful pieces. My favorite cupcake is the one shared with a friend. If I have to choose a flavor, it would have to be vanilla with fudge frosting.
Happy Birthday Petunia!!! I hope you dance!

Barbara Mason said...

I love your blog and your Anniversary gift is so gay & happy -makes me want to dance! I am following and adding your button to my blog!
http://anartsoul.blogspot.com

Susan said...

Anna, you never cease to amaze me :) Io love your art, and this piece is wonderful! Happy Blogoversary! Your drawing date is my first Blogoversary :) But I just did a huge blog candy...115 items, plus now OWOH, so I won't be doing any other giveaways for a bit. You didn't enter the others, I hope you'll enter in the future.

Please toss me name in the hat for this dancing beauty!

I love that song, because I am a mom of 3. It makes me cry every time I hear it.
Susan (Pieces of Fate)

Wendy said...

Oh Congrats. Anna! Many happy blogoversary's to you with lots of cupcake love and sprinkles. And may Petunia bring you and all of us continued sweetness. I once thought of opening a cupcake bakery, as I love them too and wanted to call it "The Sweetest Thing", I know not the most original, but I love the U2 song so much. My fave. cupcake? hands down, "Red Velvet" I could eat a dozen of those a day, but my body just wouldn't appreciate it!

So please enter me for your scrumptious giveaway, I would so love to have Miss Petunia at my house and your blog giveaway button is on my sidebar. Thank you for the chance to win.

http://www.yearcats.com

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

NOT a cupcake person? I don't think there IS such and animal, ANYWHERE! LOL. I LOVE cupcakes and just celebrated my daughters 6th birthday with a giant tower of yummy fluffy cupcakes. STRAWBERRY of course with PINK icing. Her favorite AND MINE, YUMMY! She's the only other person in my family that likes strawberry cake too so I get to share that with her and we make chocolate ones for everyone else. (that's ok more pink for us) I truly, truly adore your blog and your artwork and I feel very blessed to have finally found your blog. I want to wish you a very HAPPY Anniversary and if we were close enough I'd bring you a big platter of yummy cupcakes, although it looks as though you've probably got that covered, "Cupcake Queen" Here's to another wonderful year of blogging, creating, and sharing and beyond!
Big hugs!

Thespa
www.vintiquitiesworkshop.blogspot.com

Mixed Media/ Altered Crafts said...

Love Your Frosted Petunias Blog!
Happy Blogiversary! Favorite Cupcake? Vanilla w/Butter Cream Icing! Yum!
Count me in for your sweet giveaway please.
Thank You, Tee
creationsbytee@gmail.com

Sherry said...

For me it has to be plain ole chocolate all the way! Happy Blog Birthday to you. Your canvas is beautiful and just looking at it makes me want to dance!

Michele said...

hAPPY bLOG bIRTHDAY!!!!! My favorite is Chocolate! And, your work is beautiful!!!

Michele
mjk5265@comcast.net

Faith Hope and Cherrytea said...

from another 'dancer' ~ thank you!
inspiriting...
cupcake? cherry plz ")
HaPpieST Blogiversary wishes too "))

Petunia said...

OK I'm adding one more name here before I do the drawing. The last name entered is Giselle who commented on another post and asked to be added. Good luck to all of you :)

Anna♥