Low Entry Giveaway Ending Soon - Sweet Headband in Memory of a Lovely Lady

 When I first approached Van about doing a review from her shop, Pink Clouds Designs, her cute designs were what caught my eye. However, as I got to know her a little more, my enthusiasm for reviewing her shop and her headband went beyond that....her purpose and cause for creating the "Remember Helen" line hit close to home. Her aunt passed away from cancer suddenly, much like my own father did in 2001. All of the proceeds from her headbands go to the Dana-Ferber Cancer Institute, so I hope you will support her cause. 

I will let Van describe her store, her mission, and herself in her own words:  
     "Hi, my name is Van, but it's pronounced Vung kind of like bun but with a "V." I am a stay at home mom to two children and a wife of a goofy and supportive husband. We currently live in Massachusetts.
     How did paper crafting start? I started scrapbooking when my husband told me that he wanted me to make him an album with pictures of us for his birthday. I sarted off doing very basic collage type of work, but quickly got bored. So I went online and youtubed "scrapbooks" and ended up on a page about "mini albums" and I fell in love. Since then my husband would occasionally joked that he regret ever asking me to make him something because I kept going and going and that meant spending more money!
     Then not too long into my addiction to scrapbooking, my daughter asked me to fix some of her hair bows that were coming undone and asked me to make her something for her hair. I put it off for a while and finally gave it a try and just like scrapbooking, I couldn't stop. It became another hobby and now I am on a mission to sell some of my latest creations.
     I find both paper crafting and making hair accessories relaxing. It is also very rewarding when I recieve some honest opinions and positive feedbacks.

About the Remember Helen headbands:
1. Why a carnation? 
My aunt in law loved all kinds of flowers, but I chose to create a carnation for this headband because it reminded me of a conversation we had together about flowers. We both like carnations and agree that it last much longer than roses.

2. What significance does the butterfly have? 
There are many symbolic meanings associated with a butterfly. The most obvious is transition. However, I added the butterfly because it represents faith. It reminds us to keep our faith as we go through good and bad changes in our lives. This is what the butterfly represents to me.

3. What's up with the colorful fabric choices?
I wanted to use bright and cheery colors and something to signify "Spring," a time for rebirth and renewal. For me, it's a time to reflect and in a sense give birth to new values and priorities in my life.

4. Reason(s) for creating this headband.
I wanted to create something in my aunt's memory. Although she was fighting breast cancer, her sudden death took us by surprise. She was in stage 2 cancer with a high survival rate and was going to the doctor religiously. Helen, passed away on April 18,2010, which is why I picked that particular date to launch these headbands. All the money that I make from this collection will be going to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Visit www.pinkcloudsdesigns.etsy.com to purchase a "Remember Helen" headband on the 18th.

5. What other ways can you help? 
You can make a donation directly to mine and/or my daughter's donation link here:www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2011/vanphung www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2011/miaphung

Thank you for your generosity and help. Every bit brings us closer to a cure." 


     In this economy and this culture, where we are all trying to make money, find success, and buy the things that we want, it's good to meet people who do things purely for others, to remind us of what's truly important. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my father, but even I haven't done anything to help the cause of finding a cure for cancer. It seems that more and more frequently, I hear of someone diagnosed with cancer. If we don't find a cure soon, it will become an epidemic. I am so thankful for people like Van, who mix their talents with good causes. The headband Van sent me is adorable, and every time my daughter wears it I will remember Van, her aunt, and my father. 

     Van has generously offered an item of her choice as a giveaway, and I wish you luck as you enter. However, please help this cause and purchase one of her Remember Helen headbands whether or not you enter/win. The cure for cancer will come one of these days, and this small step will aid in saving countless lives, perhaps even one of your own family member's. 

Mandatory Entry:
1) follow my blog
2) like Van's facebook page "Pink Clouds Designs"

Extra Entries:

1) follow Van's blog: A Scrappy Dream
2) like my facebook page "AnnelynDesigns"

3) go to Van's etsy store "Pink Clouds Designs" and comment about your favorite item
4) go to my etsy store "AnnelynDesigns" and comment about your favorite item
5) create a treasury including an item from "Pink Clouds Designs"
6) create a treasury including an item from "AnnelynDesigns"

7) go to one of my sponsor's stores (buttons on the left hand column) and tell me your favorite item

I will choose a winner via random.org on Friday, June 3, 2011. Good luck!