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Monday, October 31, 2011

Cricut Cartridge Giveaway!! GREAT PUMPKINS -- Don't miss out!! :)

Hello, hello, my creative friends!! :)  As many of you are already aware, I simply LOVE Blog Hops...  I think it's a FANTASTIC way to get LOTS of ideas for a single theme!!  This past weekend I hosted my very first Blog Hop -- now, I know what you might be thinking...  "Amy, you host lots of Blog Hops!"  Actually, I help coordinate many, but I've never been Blog Hop Stop Number One...  Ever.

So I was pretty excited about getting to host The GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop this weekend...  19 creative ladies showed you how to make some fun cards, layouts, and 3D projects perfect for Fall and Halloween and even Thanksgiving!! :)

If you haven't had a chance to visit this hop, I'd like to invite you to do so now with a SPECIAL INCENTIVE!! :)

Creative Memories is introducing its FIFTH exclusive Cricut Cartridge on November 1st...  You can view (and order) any of the current cartridges by CLICKING HERE ('Tis the Season will be available on TUESDAY, November 1st)...

When you visit all the Hop Stops (and leave a comment on each post), you will be entered to WIN the 'Tis the Season Creative Memories Cricut Cartridge from me!! :)  Here are all the guidelines:
  1. Visit each Hop Stop (there are links to take you directly to EACH post below the cartridge picture) and leave a comment on each.
  2. I'd love for you to follow each of my creative friends too.
  3. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you've visited and commented on each post (***CLICK HERE TO LEAVE A COMMENT*** if you're not sure how to do this).
You can ALSO earn BONUS chances by doing the following:
  1. Post about this giveaway (with a link to www.lovetocrop.com) on your blog (+1 chance).
  2. Post about this giveaway (with a link to www.lovetocrop.com) on your facebook page (+1 chance).
  3. Mention this giveaway (with a link to www.lovetocrop.com) on Twitter (be sure to mention @LoveToCropAmy so I see it!!) (+1 chance).
  4. Be sure to leave a comment for EACH "extra" that you do so that you're sure to get your extra chances in the drawing. 
  5. Browse my Creative Memories website and let me know which item you'd like to see me feature here on my blog next month!! (CLICK HERE to start browsing) (+1 chance).
This drawing will remain open until MONDAY, November 7th at midnight (EST), so you have ALL week to visit the links below (I recommend using the links at the bottom of this post so that you do not have to scroll or search for each post -- each link represents the right post for the right day, making it quick and easy to comment on each and every post)...

After the entries have been confirmed, the winner will be drawn via Random.org by Saturday, November 12th and announced here on my blog (and on my Facebook page) on Sunday, November 13th.

The winner may choose ANY of the available Cricut Cartridges found HERE ('Tis the Season will be available on TUESDAY, November 1st) OR may select a $50 Gift Certificate for any other Creative Memories products (check out the online catalog by CLICKING HERE)...

Here's a SNEAK PEEK at the NEW Creative Memories 'Tis The Season Cricut Cartridge!!


Ready to start hopping for your chance to win, win, WIN???  YAY!!  Can't wait to share these GREAT PUMPKINS with you!! :)

Click on each link to go directly to each post...  There are 19 links for Day One and 16 links for Day Two (new ideas and projects for EACH post!!).  Take your time, you have until MONDAY, November 7th at midnight (EST) to visit everyone!! :)

DAY ONE:
  1. Amy
  2. Melissa
  3. Ashley
  4. Anita
  5. Nancy
  6.  Shannon
  7. Amber
  8. Linda
  9. Colleen
  10. Jennifer
  11. Lisa
  12. April
  13. Theresa
  14. Jessica 
  15. Christina
  16. Brenda 
  17. Jamie
  18. Maria
  19. Sherry
DAY TWO:
  1. Amy
  2. Melissa
  3. Ashley
  4. Anita
  5. Nancy
  6. Amber
  7. Linda
  8. Colleen
  9. Jennifer
  10. Lisa
  11. April
  12. Jessica
  13. Brenda
  14. Jamie
  15. Maria
  16. Sher
Until next time,

Sunday, October 30, 2011

The GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!! Day Two -- You Light Up My Night!! :)

Welcome to DAY TWO of the GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!!

Hello, hello and WELCOME BACK to the FABULOUS second day of The GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!! I am SO excited that you decided to come join us again!!  If you somehow missed DAY ONE of the hop, please be sure to CLICK HERE for direct links to all of yesterday's AWESOME projects for maximum ideas, maximum FUN, and maximum chances to WIN!! I have some SUPER prizes for a few hoppers, so be sure to check out all of those details below...

If you have arrived here ready for some 100% PUMPKIN FUN, then you have arrived at the perfect spot in the pumpkin patch (because this is the beginning of the stops for DAY TWO)!! If you are just popping in to visit from your dashboard or via email, I invite you to visit each one of my special friends -- with all the pumpkins they're planting in the patch, you'll want to be sure to see them all!!  I've posted the entire line-up below my post so you can follow along quickly and easily!! :)

For today's project I have created a Pumpkin Luminary to light the night!!  This quick and easy project is a great way to upcycle those glass jars and use up extra strips of ribbon, fabric, or even paper strips!! :)
I started with a smaller jar (used to have some delicious maraschino cherries in it!!) and wrapped some 2" wired ribbon around the jar.  At the base of the jar, I pulled the wire from one side of the ribbon tightly so it would tuck under the jar.  I hot glued a circle of felt to the bottom to hide the end of the ribbon.  I also pulled the wire at the other end of the ribbon tightly to cinch it around the top of the jar...  Some fancy tucking and gluing made the ends unnoticeable for this project. ;)
I wrapped some decorative pip berries (bittersweet) around the top of the jar, added a jack-o-lantern face and battery-operated votive light (atop some glass rocks), and voila!! -- This luminary is ready to shine from any window or on any table or shelf!! :)
I hope you have enjoyed my project today and are ready to see what else is in store for your GREAT PUMPKIN adventure!!  Before you hop off to the next stop, I have some NEWS about BLOG CANDY for you!!

One LUCKY Great Pumpkin Blog Hop attendee from today and one attendee from yesterday will be chosen to win a prize pack full of FUN Pumpkin (and Fall) themed goodies (paper, ribbon, embellishments, and stamps)!!  To be eligible, please be sure to visit EACH stop in the Pumpkin Patch (links to each stop can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave a comment...  I'd love for you to choose to follow each participant too, but it's most important that you leave a great pumpkin comment so we know you stopped by!! :)  Several stops along the way may also have some EXTRA special goodies to pass out, so be sure to keep an eye open for that!!

ALSO -- ONE Great Pumpkin Blog Hop attendee who chooses to comment on BOTH DAYS of this 100% Pumpkin FUN Hop will WIN an AWESOME, FANTASTIC, FANTABULOUS, SUPER, EXCITING GRAND PRIZE!!  Ready to hear what it is???  YOUR CHOICE of any Cricut Cartridge available HERE, including the BRAND NEW Christmas cartridge that will be available for sale on Tuesday (not pictured HERE until Tuesday) OR a $50 Gift Certificate!!  Now get hopping, and be sure to visit and comment at each stop of the hop -- You have until midnight on November 7th to get your comments in for the drawing!!  :)  Want some extra chances???  Share a note about this giveaway WITH a link to www.lovetocrop.com on your facebook page, twitter (be sure to mention @LoveToCropAmy so I get to see it!!), or blog page -- Simply leave an extra comment for each "extra" you choose to do!! :)

Below you'll find the ENTIRE list of participants (clicking on each link will take you DIRECTLY to each Great Pumpkin post -- So you may find it easiest to follow along from here)...  Your NEXT Hop Stop in the Pumpkin Patch, please hop on over to Melissa's blog!!  Thanks so much for joining us!! :)



Pumpkin Hop

  1. Amy You are HERE now!! :)
  2. Melissa  Go here NEXT!!
  3. Ashley
  4. Anita
  5. Nancy
  6. Amber
  7. Linda
  8. Colleen
  9. Jennifer
  10. Lisa
  11. April
  12. Jessica
  13. Brenda
  14. Jamie
  15. Maria
  16. Sher
Until next time,

Saturday, October 29, 2011

The GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!! Day One -- At the Pumpkin Patch!! :)

Welcome to DAY ONE of the GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!!

Hello, and WELCOME to the The GREAT PUMPKIN Blog Hop!! I am SO excited that you could join me and a few of my friends for this WONDERFUL two-day hop!! Please be sure to visit BOTH days for maximum ideas, maximum FUN, and maximum chances to WIN!! I have some SUPER prizes for a few hoppers, so be sure to check out all of those details below...

If you have arrived here ready for some 100% PUMPKIN FUN, then you have arrived at the perfect spot in the pumpkin patch (because this is the beginning)!! If you are just popping in to visit from your dashboard or via email, I invite you to visit each one of my special friends -- with all the pumpkins they're planting in the patch, you'll want to be sure to see them all!!

For today's project I have created a 12x12 PUMPKIN PATCH Layout!!  This was a lot of fun to create as it is quite a bit of paper piecing -- Nothing like taking a few punches and cutting tools and creating something so perfect for a trip to the pumpkin patch!! :)
Each pumpkin was created by layering three of the same size circles or ovals (inked with chocolate), adding a scrap of brown, and twisting a thin strip of green...
All of the paper (and the "Pumpkin Patch" sticker) is from Creative Memories (Reminisce and Cheerful Power Palettes plus scraps).  The bling is from Kaiser.
I hope you have enjoyed my project today and are ready to see what else is in store for your GREAT PUMPKIN adventure!!  Before you hop off to the next stop, I have some NEWS about BLOG CANDY for you!!

One LUCKY Great Pumpkin Blog Hop attendee from today and one attendee from tomorrow will be chosen to win a prize pack full of FUN Pumpkin (and Fall) themed goodies (paper, ribbon, embellishments, and stamps)!!  To be eligible, please be sure to visit EACH stop in the Pumpkin Patch (links to each stop can be found at the bottom of this post) and leave a comment...  I'd love for you to choose to follow each participant too, but it's most important that you leave a great pumpkin comment so we know you stopped by!! :)  Several stops along the way may also have some EXTRA special goodies to pass out, so be sure to keep an eye open for that!!

ALSO -- ONE Great Pumpkin Blog Hop attendee who chooses to comment on BOTH DAYS of this 100% Pumpkin FUN Hop will WIN an AWESOME, FANTASTIC, FANTABULOUS, SUPER, EXCITING GRAND PRIZE!!  I hope you'll choose to stop back by tomorrow, as that's when I'll reveal the GRAND PRIZE...  So get hopping, and be sure to visit and comment at each stop of the hop!!

Below you'll find the ENTIRE list of participants (clicking on each link will take you DIRECTLY to each Great Pumpkin post -- So you may find it easiest to follow along from here)...  Your NEXT Hop Stop in the Pumpkin Patch, please hop on over to  Melissa's blog!!  See you back here tomorrow!! :)




Pumpkin Hop

  1. Amy You are HERE now!! :)
  2. Melissa  Go here NEXT!!
  3. Ashley
  4. Anita
  5. Nancy
  6.  Shannon
  7. Amber
  8. Linda
  9. Colleen
  10. Jennifer
  11. Lisa
  12. April
  13. Theresa
  14. Jessica 
  15. Christina
  16. Brenda 
  17. Jamie
  18. Maria
  19. Sherry
Until next time,

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday: Orange & Black Attack!! :)

Happy Sunday, everyone!! :)  It's another GORGEOUS Fall day here in sunny Pennsylvania -- I sure hope you're enjoying a fabulous day too... It's always nice to look out the window and see sunshine, don't ya think?  It's a reminder that it's a NEW day with NEW promises and NEW hope!!  :)  When things seem to keep going wrong, it's easy to only see the downside of everything...  But it only takes looking for that one small positive thing to turn your day (or week or month) around!!

I had a fantastic weekend with my kiddos home from college...  Even though The-Girl-Child and The-Boy-Child still find silly little things to bicker about ("You didn't ask to put your apple cider on my tv tray!"), they also find plenty to make me laugh (and smile) about too...
The-Boy-Child: "Mom!!  Look who's going back to college with me!!  I'll be the coolest kid there!!"
Mom: "Do you have ANY clothing left at school?"  The-Boy-Child: "I've discovered a way to make all my clothing last between trips home..."
The-Girl-Child (via Twitter): "egg quesadillas for lunch?  #mymommylovesme."
So, yeah...  Life is GOOD!! :)

Now, on to one of my favorite challenge days!!  It's Simply Sunday Challenge Day over at Getting Cricky!!  This week, we were asked to create a card, layout, or project using ONLY black, orange, and one other color (if needed)...  It doesn't have to be a Halloween project, but it does need to use those colors!!  We can't wait to see you use your CREATIVITY and show us your interpretation of the challenge!! :)

I decided to make.... 
A creepy spider card!!  :)  This is a standard A2 sized card...  I used some Coordinations Color Core Cardstock for the background (black with an orange core) and embossed the web with a Sizzix embossing folder (it's part of their Halloween set this year)...  I sanded the embossed image so that the orange would show through.  To add a little more dimension to it, I also inked the sanded area with with SU!'s Only Orange.
I found the FUN spider on the Smiley Cards Cricut Cartridge (available as a download on the Gypsy last year), used "hide contour" to remove the mouth and eye cuts on the face, and cut both layers at 2".  This black cardstock was in my scrap-stash, and I liked the texture for the spider image.  I punched a crescent for the mouth using my circle punch and added two big ole orange googly eyes (SO FUN!!)...
The "eeek!" sentiment can be found on the "Fall-O-Ween" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs...  I stamped it onto a 1" tag found on the Plantin SchoolBook Cricut Cartridge and inked the edges with Only Orange ink.  I attached it to the card by threading it on to some orange 3 Girl JAM crinkle ribbon (LOVE this ribbon!!  Be sure to check it out!!)
When I was all finished, I realized that I didn't even need that third "extra" color!! :)  I think it's a pretty fun card (and not too terribly scary)....  Now that I've shown you my take on the challenge, I hope you'll hop on over to see what all of my Design Team Sisters made for inspiration...  Then, I hope you'll enter this week's "Orange and Black Color Challenge" for this week's Simply Sunday Challenge at Getting Cricky...  We can't WAIT to see what you create!!



Dont' forget to stop by and see Kristal's NEWEST Stamps available HERE!! 

Until next time,

Blessed at 60 Birthday & Blogaversary Blog Hop -- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Card & Pin


Welcome to DAY TWO of Kathie's "Blessed at 60" Birthday & Blogaversary Blog Hop!!

What a wonderful treat to be back for DAY TWO of this fantastic hop with my friend, Kathie!!  Yesterday, we said HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kathie...  Today, we are CELEBRATING that my dear friend has been BLESSED with so many "extra" birthdays since she kicked CANCER in the DUPA!!  Each of us have selected a cancer that we are interested in bringing more awareness about -- Even though this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month (so do your self-exams, schedule your mammogram, and encourage a friend to do the same!!), it's important to be aware of signs and symptoms for other forms of cancer as well because EARLY DETECTION is ALWAYS our best defense...  If you missed DAY ONE of this super-special hop, I hope you'll visit all the projects from yesterday too (I've included the links for all of yesterday's projects all the way at the bottom of this post just in case you'd like to catch up!!)... 

If you hopped here from Jessie's blog, then you are in the RIGHT place!! :)  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our CELEBRATION, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kathie's blog because I really want you to be a part of this AWESOME celebration!! :)

I created a project to bring awareness to Ovarian Cancer...  Each year, almost 22,000 women are diagnosed with this silent killer...  Since there isn't a standard test to diagnose Ovarian Cancer, it's important to know the 4 main signs and symptoms: 1) Bloating.  2) Pelvic or abdominal pain.  3) Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly.  4) Urinary frequency or urgency.  If you or someone you know has experienced these symptoms for at least two weeks, please be persistent when speaking with your PCP or make an appointment directly with a gynecologic oncologist.  For more information on Ovarian Cancer, and for answers to frequently asked questions, please visit the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance...
For my project I created a card that I can send to a newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patient...  If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with ANY form of cancer, then you know that one of the hardest things about this disease is the fear of what the future may hold...  Knowing that you are cared for and thought of can make the difference in being able to stay positive.
The rosette on the card is actually a pin so that it can be removed and worn in support of Ovarian Cancer Awareness...
The pin is very dimensional and is simply pinned to the front of the card...
That mix-n-match sentiment is from the "Owly Hoo Sentiments" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs - I love that there are so many neat phrases that can be used even without an owl on your project!! :)  ...(By the way, the Getting Cricky "Thankful" Blog Hop is still going on, so CLICK HERE for a coupon code on all of Kristal's stamps!!

I'd like to thank Kathie for including me in the Cancer Awareness part of her hop...  I'd also like to thank  all of my FABULOUS friends and followers who take the time to hop through and help make this such a WONDERFUL hop!!  :)

Now....   Before you leave...  What's a hop without some GOODIES???

I have a little blog candy for you!!  I will be sending a pack of 6x6 paper and a stamp set to one fabulous winner!! :) 

To be eligible for my blog candy:
  • Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering this question: "Is there a cancer survivor or fighter in your life that you would like to recognize?"  I'll create a card similar to this one (with an awareness pin) for someone mentioned on this post (separate from the blog candy)...
  • Receive a BONUS chance when you subscribe via email (enter your email address in the box at the top of this page -- please leave an extra comment once you have CONFIRMED your subscription).  
  • You will also receive a BONUS chance should you decide to follow Love To Crop! via Networked Blogs OR "Like" the Love To Crop! facebook page (again, please leave an extra comment for each extra thing you do)...
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 to see if you are a winner.  No captcha here, so commenting is quick and easy!! :)


I'm the LAST STOP on this hop, so if you've missed any of it, please allow me to direct you back to my wonderful creative friend... Kathie!! :)

And one last thing...  Please remember that Kathie has an INCREDIBLE giveaway on her blog to WIN a BRAND NEW Gyspy!!  You'll want to check out all of the details and enter to WIN (while helping out a really wonderful cause!!)... 

Thank you again for checking out my project...  Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone (please note that I will update the following links to take you directly to each participants post if you are joining the hop later in the week!!)



Kathie's Birthday Blog Hop


DAY TWO (October 23rd):
  1. Kathie
  2. Kari
  3. Debbie
  4. Carla
  5. Kathy
  6. Heather
  7. Vicki
  8. Tisha
  9. Jessie
  10. Amy

DAY ONE (October 22nd) -- in case you missed any of the fabulous Birthday projects!!
  1. Kathie
  2. Kari
  3. Debbie
  4. Carla
  5. Kathy
  6. Heather
  7. Vicki
  8. Tisha
  9. Jessie
  10. Amy
Until next time,

Saturday, October 22, 2011

It's Challenge Time!! Encircled and hugged...


Is it FRIDAY already???  Yes, yes, I know...  It's already SATURDAY!!  I had a day-and-a-half without power or internet...  It was like livin' in the olden days...  The days of Little House on the Prairie!!  Okay, not really -- I didn't have to ride a horse and buggy into town for milk and eggs and a fully-charged-battery-operated DVD player definitely made the dark evening a bit more enjoyable...  I'm happy to admit though that I'm very, very happy to be plugged back in. :)

So!!  With the weekend upon us, it's TIME for a new CHALLENGE here at Love To Crop!!  Did you get to see all the FANTASTIC challenge entries for "Embossable you"?!?!   YEE-HAW -- That challenge was LOTS of fun!! :)  Thanks so much to ALL who joined!!

Before we get to this week's challenge details, I need to announce THREE winners!!  The winner of the "Embossable You" Challenge is:  Sew Sweet N Crafty!!  I'd love for you to pop over and visit her...  Here is her card!!
I've been loving the owl cards popping up all over bloggie-land, and isn't this one just fantastic???  Sew Sweet N Crafty, please email me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) with your address so I can send your little goodie out!! :)

My second winner to announce isn't the random winner, but rather someone who created FOURTEEN projects for the challenge!!  I was certain that one of her projects would come up as the winner, so I sure was surprised when that didn't happen -- Regardless, I think it's pretty impressive that she created so many projects during the challenge, and I wanted to recognize her dedication and energy...  Here's my personal favorite of them all:
This fabulous pirate ship was created by Melissa of "Created by Sunshine HoneyBee"!!  I'm sure you'll enjoy popping over to see what this busy little HoneyBee has been up to lately!!  Melissa, please email me with your address so I can send YOU out a little goodie too!! :)

I also promised to send a little something to one person who popped over to my Guest Designer's blog to leave a comment...  Visiting my sweet friend Lisa was just what Chriss from "Scrappin' With Chriss and Lou" needed to do to win a little something too...  Please hop on over there to congratulate her!!  And thank you, Chriss, for helping my guest designer feel welcome (please email me to claim your prize)!! :)

So let's talk about the challenge...

"ENCIRCLED and hugged..."  Well what could THAT possibly mean???  Where do these titles come from anyway???  If that's what you're thinking, then join the crowd!!  I'm always amazed when I tell my fabulous guest designers what the next challenge will be and then a day or so before it's "public" something really neat happens to make it all fit together...  Lemme explain.

I have many "bloggie-land-friends" out there...  Sometimes I get random emails with kind comments or encouraging words and sometimes there's a back-and-forth of blog comments where we establish a fun friendship of sorts...  I feel extremely protective of many of the friends I've found in this community.  So when something difficult or challenging happens to one of them, it's very personal to me.  Recently, I've been made aware of major losses in a few ladies' lives...  My heart goes out to these friends, and I want them to know that they are not alone!!  In the lonely moments of each day, you are remembered and cared for -- There are no words to take away your pain or offer comfort from across the miles, but this challenge is dedicated to all of you who have experienced loss, challenges, difficulties, and sadness...  I want you to feel encircled with love...  and hugged!!  So get out your circle punches, your circle templates, or your Cricut cartridges with circle cuts and join our great BIG hug with this circle-themed challenge...  With each card, layout, or 3D project you create with circles, imagine sending some friend out there a cyber-hug!!  Now doesn't that sound FUN???

So...  For this challenge, please create a card, layout, or 3D project with CIRCLES!!  It can be something circle-shaped or circle-themed or simply have circles on it -- Whatever YOUR take on the challenge is, we want to see CIRCLES in your inspiration...

This week, I have THREE very wonderful and very talented friend to help provide some inspiration for the challenge!!  Remember to pop on over to my Guest Designer's Blog for more details on their projects -- Be sure to mention that you're stopping over from Love To Crop! so that I can pick another lucky winner for a little something-something!! :)

Check out this inspiration...
Sarah created this super-cute card...  Her blog is:  Sarah's Crafts and Stuff!! For more details on her project, please CLICK HERE!!
Carri created this super creative card...  Her blog is:  DoubleClick Connections - AKA ABusyBee!! For more details on her project, please CLICK HERE!!
Brenda created this wonderful card...  Her blog is:  Creativity is only a State of Mind!! For more details on her project, please CLICK HERE!!

Isn't everything WONDERFUL???  :)  Please remember to pop over to their blogs and let them know how FANTASTIC they are (hey, it's another cyber-hug!)! :)

And, finally, here is MY card for inspiration (and NO!!  I don't REALLY want it to SNOW!!)....
My circle card measures just under 6"...  I used a white card base to create the card and topped that with the purple circle embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder (sorry, I don't have the name for it)...  The "Snowman with arms up" embossing folder is made by Darice, and I just love how happy that fun snowman looks as he peers up into the falling snow...  I added some silver stickles and a slightly larger circle cut from purple glitter chipboard.  The blue snow-dots came from swirly paper in my scrap pile -- The light was crazy for trying to take a picture, so I apologize for the poor photo quality -- I like the card much better in person. :)
 To create the circle tag, I cut a white 1.25" circle, a purple 1.5" circle, and a 2" purple glitter cardstock circle.  I punched a hole in the tag so that I could tie it to the card with some "icy blue" 3 Girl JAM crinkle ribbon -- it's delightful ribbon (at AMAZING prices), so be sure to check it out if ya haven't yet!! :) The "let it Snow" is a mix-n-match sentiment from the "Winter Wishes" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs (there's a BUNCH of NEW RELEASES, so you may want to pop over and check THOSE out too!!)...
This picture gives you a better idea of all the texture and dimension on the card (crazy lighting, eh???)...

Okay!!  It's YOUR turn!!  Show us your take on the challenge and create a card, layout, or 3D project using CIRCLES!!
  • The challenge is open until Thursday, November 3rd at 11:59pm EST.  
  • You are welcome to link up as many NEW creations as you like as long as you follow the theme AND include a link to www.lovetocrop.com so that others may play along...  
  • I also respectfully request that you do not "backlink" when entering the challenge (linking a project that was posted previous to the challenge date).  Thank you!!  
  • You will need to enter your actual post link (not a link to your entire blog).  To do this, after clicking "Publish" on your post, click on "View Post" and copy and paste the address from your browser address bar into the Linky tool.  If you have questions on how to do this, please feel free to leave a comment with your email address, and I'll be happy to help.
Now be sure to pop on over and visit my WONDERFUL Guest Designers for a chance at a little goodie from me!!  One random comment will be chosen (so be sure YOURS says, "I'm visiting from Love To Crop!")...  :)

........

Blessed at 60 Birthday and Blogaversary Blog Hop -- DAY ONE -- You're a TREASURE!! :)


Welcome to Kathie's "Blessed at 60" Birthday & Blogaversary Blog Hop!!

I'm super-PUMPED to be a part of this fantastic hop with my dear friend, Kathie!!  I'd like to start by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KATHIE!!  And then I'd like to send up a PRAISE (or 60) for blessing my dear friend with so many "extra" birthdays since she kicked CANCER in the DUPA!! :)  This is a TWO-DAY hop -- Today, we are all featuring some FUN Birthday cards and projects for Kathie and tomorrow (which I sure hope you'll hop back over to see) we'll be raising some awareness for different types of cancer that are near and dear to each of us... 

If you hopped here from Jessie's blog, then you are in the RIGHT place!! :)  If you've just popped in to visit my blog or are reading this via email and you'd like to join our CELEBRATION, then please CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kathie's blog because I really want you to be a part of this AWESOME celebration!! :)

For Kathie, I've made something super fun to remind her of how much I TREASURE our beautiful friendship...  Kathie lives only about an hour from my brother, his wife, and my very-most-favorite nephew...  One of these days, I hope we get to plan an AWESOME week-long crop with LOTS of celebrating. :)  She is always ready with a FUN comment, an ENCOURAGING word, and a SUPPORTIVE ear...  She has an amazing FAT CAT that is a testament to what a loving, caring, and kind person she is -- If you haven't experienced Kathie yet, I really must insist that you give her a visit...  You simply will not be disappointed!! :)
Okay, Kathie -- Here it is!!  A treasure chest for you to keep some precious memories...  This chest measures about 5.5" wide, 2.5" deep, and 5" high...  I designed it up quick, right in my head when I saw the sentiment...  cuz Kathie really IS a treasure of a friend...
Did you GUESS that it would transform into...
An explosion box filled with one of your favorite colors??? :)  Hee-hee!!  What FUN!! :)
Do you think you'll be able to find a few pictures to fill this up, my wild and wonderful friend???  ;)  Don't ya just love that FABULOUS ribbon detail on the treasure chest?  That's done with some "hot chocolate" 3 Girl JAM crinkle ribbon -- it's delightful ribbon (at AMAZING prices), so be sure to check it out if ya haven't yet!! :)
That AWESOME (and oh-so-perfect) sentiment is from the "Pirate Tales and Fish Scales" Stamp Art Set by K Andrew Designs - Well, shiver me timbers, isn't that just the BEST???  In case ya weren't aware, there's a fantastic Getting Cricky Design Team Hop taking place right now (CLICK HERE) -- There's even a FANTASTIC coupon code (or two) for some really great deals!!

I'd like to thank Kathie for including me in the Birthday Blessings part of her hop --  I sure hope that she has a SUPER-DE-DUPER day!! :)  I'd also like to thank  all of my FABULOUS friends and followers who take the time to hop through and help make this such a WONDERFUL hop!!  Please remember to stop back by tomorrow for more GREAT projects and more CELEBRATION of LIFE!!  :)

Now....   Before you leave...  What's a hop without some GOODIES???

I have a little blog candy for you!!  I will be sending a pack of 6x6 paper and a stamp set to one fabulous winner!! :) 

To be eligible for my blog candy:
  • Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering this FUN question: "What's your Birthday Wish?"!! 
  • Receive a BONUS chance when you subscribe via email (enter your email address in the box at the top of this page -- please leave an extra comment once you have CONFIRMED your subscription).  
  • You will also receive a BONUS chance should you decide to follow Love To Crop! via Networked Blogs OR "Like" the Love To Crop! facebook page (again, please leave an extra comment for each extra thing you do)...
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 to see if you are a winner.  No captcha here, so commenting is quick and easy!! :)


I'm the LAST STOP on this hop, so if you've missed any of it, please allow me to direct you back to my wonderful creative friend... Kathie!! :)

And one last thing...  Please remember that Kathie has an INCREDIBLE giveaway on her blog to WIN a BRAND NEW Gyspy!!  You'll want to check out all of the details and enter to WIN (while helping out a really wonderful cause!!)... 

Thank you again for checking out my project...  Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone (please note that I will update the following links to take you directly to each participants post if you are joining the hop later in the week!!)



Kathie's Birthday Blog Hop


  1. Kathie
  2. Kari
  3. Debbie
  4. Carla
  5. Kathy
  6. Heather
  7. Vicki
  8. Tisha
  9. Jessie
  10. Amy
Until next time,

Friday, October 21, 2011

Getting Cricky "So Thank-Fall" Blog Hop!!

Welcome to the "So Thank-Fall" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!
We're so happy you could join us for this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  Each of us, along with our Special Guest - Letillia from Diva of 5, are so pleased to have you here with us!!  Along the way, you'll see NEW ideas for creating cards and projects with Kristal's stamps sets!!

If you've hopped along from Becka then you are in the right place!! If you are just joining me from your dashboard, or reading this via email, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Kristal's blog (you'll want to catch up on all the FUN!!)...

Each of Kristal's stamp sets benefit charity. At least $1 per stamp set goes to benefit the charity noted on the stamp set package. Kristal is donating to the following charities: Cancer Angels, Storefront Shelter for Homeless Children, Intrepid & Fallen Heroes, E. Glaser Pediatric AIDS  Foundation, Doorways Shelter for Women & Children (Domestic Violence), Wayside House for Women, Camp Good Days & Special Times, Adopt a Classroom, and Autism Research Institute. Kristal will donate $1 for every stamp set sold, retail or wholesale to the charity noted; and over time believes this will add up to some wonderful miracles for these special people. So you can feel good that each time you purchase a K Andrew Designs art stamp set, someone around the country is receiving some good help!

K Andrew's stamps are all made and assembled here in the USA, which is very important to Kristal. This ensures all product materials are safe and that jobs are being provided and maintained here in America.  You can learn even more about Kristal's stamps (and pick some up for yourself) by visiting her online store: K Andrew Designs:




To say "THANK YOU" for hopping along with us today, we have TWO coupon code specials for you to take advantage of for THIS WEEKEND ONLY (thru Sunday, October 23rd):
fallblessings for 25% off the Fall-O-Ween set
shipitfree for FREE SHIPPING!!

Kristal's newest stamps sets are LARGER sets -- perfect for cards, layouts, and so much more...  For more details or to make one these sets YOURS, please click on the preview:

Crafty Friends (LARGE SHEET)



 
Owly-Hoo (LARGE SHEET--mix and match shown with combinations)

Pirate Party! LARGE SHEET (Faces included--but separate so you can use other face stamps)

 
Pirate Tales & Fish Scales (LARGE SHEET)

For my project, I'm featuring the Fall-O-Ween set!! :)
Since the theme of today's hop is "Thank-fall" (or thankful, if you prefer), I decided to make a card for a friend...  I haven't had electricity for the last 32 hours, so I had to improvise with the tools that I could use (YAY for punches, trimmers, stamps, and ribbon!!)...  I started with an A2 card base (4.25" x 5.5")...  I embossed a 4"x5.25" piece of ivory cardstock with a Darice embossing folder (called "Thankful") and added a little chocolate chip ink to really bring out the embossing.  I created the "Thankful" ticket tag by cutting a rectangle first and then punching the corners with a circle punch to make it look like a ticket. 
 The "for you friend" circle tag was punched using a 1.25" circle and a 1.5" circle...  I added some orange 3 Girl JAM crinkle ribbon (LOVE this ribbon!!  Be sure to check it out!!), some punched leaves, and two of my handmade stick pins....
Check out all the other FUN Mix-N-Match sentiments you can create with this set.....

Fall-O-Ween benefits "Adopt a Classroom"
I realize that the title "Fall-O-Ween" might make you think that you can only use this set for Fall or Halloween cards, but it's really GREAT how many NON-Fall and Halloween projects you can use this set for, so be sure to add this stamp set to your collection while it's ON SALE this weekend!!  Here's an example of a card I made earlier this week with this set:
A Gift Card Holder sure to DELIGHT!! (CLICK HERE for more details)
No Halloween or Fall there!! :)  Just BIRTHDAY excitement!!

Of course, this set is IDEAL for all kinds of FUN Halloween and Fall projects...  I invite you to take a look at all the recent projects I've made featuring this really AWESOME stamp set!!  It's been one of my favorites these last several weeks...
From decorations and favors (CLICK HERE for more details)
To cool UP-cycled projects (CLICK HERE for more details)
And nifty cards with secret SURPRISES!! (CLICK HERE for more details)
..... FUN cards with NEAT techniques (CLICK HERE for more details)

"Transformer" Boxes that EXPLODE" with FUN... (CLICK HERE for more details)
Yes...  I'd say this is one FUN stamp set!!  To make it YOURS, be sure to visit K Andrew Designs (and tell her Amy sent ya!!)...  Thank you for checking out my project!!  Now...

I have a little blog candy for you!!  I will be sending a pack of 6x6 paper and embellishments to one fabulous winner!! :) 
 
To be eligible for my blog candy:
  • Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering this FUN question: "What are YOU "Thank-fall" about today? (for me, it's having electric after 32 hours without it -- and also for my really wonderful parents)!!)"!!
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 to see if you are a winner.  No captcha here, so commenting is quick and easy!! :)


Now you can hop on over to your next stop: Janice ......


Getting Cricky Blog Hop


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