Christmas In July Blog Hop -- Day 1... A Gift With Memories :)

Welcome to Day 1 the Christmas In July Blog Hop!! 

Are you enjoying the imaginary snowfall?  Is there a blanket of fluffy white sparkling diamonds covering your lawn?  Christmas lights strung on the Christmas tree?  Stockings hung by the chimney with care?  Not a creature stirring?  Ma in her kerchief...  Wait a second!!  I've got 'The Night Before Christmas' stuck in my head!!  It's 102 degrees outside, the humidity is heavy, and even the birds are tucked away for the day...  Sounds like the PERFECT opportunity to THINK CHRISTMAS!!

Lynda from Memories In Tyme has organized a wonderful hop for you this weekend -- At each stop along the way you'll get ideas for Christmas cards, layouts, gifts and more!!  With the economy as it is right now, we're all looking for ways to save money -- what better way to save money than by making wonderful things for your friends and family?  Lynda is also offering a $25 gift card to use at any store as a GRAND PRIZE (there are LOTS of stops along the way that will be offering Blog Hop Candy as well!!)...  If ya want to win, here's what you need to do:

• Leave a comment on every blog on the hop
• Become a follower of each blog on the hop

So let's get started!!  If you've hopped over from the super-sweet JENNIFER, then you are in the right place! If you've just popped in to visit my blog from your dashboard or are reading this via email and would like to join the FUN, please click HERE to start at the beginning...  because the beginning is always the best place to start!! :)  Remember, several stops along the way will be offering up Blog Candy goodness (in addition to Lynda's Grand Prize), so be sure to visit everyone (you'll find the full list of participants at the bottom of this post)...

***Please note: This is a FOUR-DAY hop -- You can come back EACH day for additional chances in the drawing!!  Simply leave a comment on the posts for each day for EXTRA chances to WIN!!***

When I think about Christmas, I also think about the memories we are making...  This is a time of year that is usually spent with family that is far away.  Thankfully, we get to travel in cars or planes or trains rather than on a camel or a donkey as they did on the very first Christmas.

I've found that any gift revolving around pictures is always received well...  So for today's project, I have made a very simple explosion box...

An explosion box is designed to have small pictures and memorabilia added so that it can be left out and enjoyed (and it's like opening a present every time you take the lid off!!)...  It's the perfect way to display a large selection of those 'extra' pictures that don't always fit on a two-page layout. :)

When closed, this explosion box measures only 3" square...  It can also double as a gift box itself, so if you want to add a gift card or hand-me-down jewelry, it's perfect for that as well. :)

An explosion box can be made from the scrapbooking supplies you already have on hand...  It can be fancy or simple... 

Whether you choose to give it without pictures (for the recipient to fill up) or to put a few pictures in to start, this is a gift that will be treasured and enjoyed...  It's a special way for your friend or loved one to remember special times together.

Would you like the instructions on how to make one of these quick and easy Explosion Boxes?  I have one of my detailed instructions sheets as a FREEBIE for this hop!!  Simply click on the picture below to print my instruction sheet (complete with photos and samples).  After you create your own explosion box with these instructions, I would love for you to come back and leave me a link to your creation!!  If you have any questions about the instructions, please feel free to email me (my email address is included on the instruction sheet).  Enjoy!!  :)

Before I send you off to your next stop on the hop...  What's a hop without some CANDY???  I have a collection of Christmas Card-making supplies to send out to one fabulous and festive winner!! :) 

To be eligible for my blog candy:

• Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering the question: "What is your FAVORITE part of Christmas?"!!

For additional entries for the candy, 

• You may 'like' my Facebook page (click HERE)...
• Share a link to this post on your Facebook wall or via Twitter (give me a mention @LoveToCropAmy) or even your own blog (remember to leave a link)...
• Subscribe via Email by entering your email in the box above (be sure to confirm your subscription).  

Please leave an additional comment for each 'extra' entry you complete....  If you leave your email address (please leave it in SAFE scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com form), I will be happy to contact you if you are the winner; otherwise, you will need to check back after Wednesday, July 27th to see if you are a winner.  No captcha here, so commenting is quick and easy!! :)

***CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT***

Thank you SO MUCH for stopping in to see my project today!!  I hope you are enjoying the Christmas in July Blog Hop!!   :)  Be sure to stop back by TOMORROW for another Christmas In July Blog Hop post AND  the Operation Owl Blog Hop (more PRIZES!! Woot-woot!!)...

And now you're off to the delightful Margie of My Sweet Tater who has a WONDERFUL project to share with you!! :)

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone :)

Lynda

Kimmarie

Kari

Elsa

Anita

Dana

Barbara

Lori

Jenny

Brynn

Jennifer

Amy  <<< YOU ARE HERE!! :)

Margie  <<< Go here NEXT!!