Paper Playtime Ch#73: Anything Goes PLUS our DT Blog Hop!! :)

Welcome to the Paper Playtime Challenge "Anything Goes" and DT Blog Hop!!

If you're not familiar with the Paper Playtime Challenges yet, please be sure to pop on over there and check them out...  There is always a challenge on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month!! On the FIRST Monday it's always a DIE CUT CHALLENGE (you can use any die cutting machine for this one!!)...  And on the THIRD Monday it's always a SENTIMENTS CHALLENGE (ya just gotta have a sentiment for this one!!)...  If we're LUCKY enough to have a FIFTH Monday in the month, then we have an ANYTHING GOES CHALLENGE -- This challenge lasts for ONE WEEK ONLY and features a Blog Hop JUST FOR FUN!!  Woot-woot!!  :)  Be sure to check out all of the details HERE!!  (You'll want to pay special attention to the special PRIZE from our sponsor, Sharon of Mee Mee's Creations!!  One participant who comments on each of the DT Blogs will win some BEAUTIFUL Prima Flowers!!)

Sooooo.....  Who's ready to HOP??? If you've hopped over from my talented Design Team Sister, Sherri, 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 FUN, then please go to the Paper Playtime Challenge Blog to start at the beginning...  I wouldn't want you to miss out on any of the CREATIVITY!!

For the hop today, I've created a special card that was FUN to create (and will hopefully be FUN to receive!!)...

This is a standard A2 sized card (4.25"x5.5").  I used my Creative Memories Corner Punch to round the corners of my card...  I also used my Copics to color this silly PiRAT digi stamp from Dustin Pike -- Each time I use my Copics, I get a little more excited about what I can do with them... I just can't believe how easy it is to get used to those Copics!!  Have you tried some yet???

The "you float my boat" sentiment is from K Andrew Designs "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set...  Not only do I love this sentiment for this digi stamp, but it also fits PERFECTLY with a little inspiration I had for this card....

Not too long ago, one of my favorite singer/song-writer duos created this fun little video right in their living room (okay, maybe it was their dining room -- for sure it was created in ONE room of their home...  I think that's pretty incredible considering the creativity of this video)...  I hope you'll take a moment to enjoy my current favorite song...  If you're like me, you'll watch it again and again until you're humming it in the car, singing it in the shower, and serenading the love of your life on a daily basis ;)


Awwww....  If you just watched that, I hope your heart is smiling like mine is!! Be sure to share it with someone else -- It's always an incredible feeling to let someone else know that if they were a boat, you'd wanna be the wind...  (and if you can't see the video above, or prefer to watch it on YouTube, please CLICK HERE)...  And, finally, a final peek at my Boat Card...  Inspired by the Boat Song...   For the one who floats my boat.  :)

Now that your time with me is done, you'll want to continue to my DT Sister, Sharon, who has a SUPER CREATIVE project for ya!!  And just in case you've missed anyone (or want to visit again), I've included all the links for everyone's projects below!!

1 - Paper Playtime

2 - Janis

3 - Lynn

4 - Maria

5 - Lisa

6 - Heather

7 - Sherri

8 - Amy - You are HERE!!  :)
9 - Sharon - Go here NEXT!!
10 - Susan

Until next time,

Getting Cricky "Show Your Style" Blog Hop...

Welcome to the "Show Your Style" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  We have an EXTRA SPECIAL hop for you this month -- For the past week we've been celebrating the BRAND NEW additions to our Getting Cricky team by showcasing some of our FAVORITE K Andrew Designs Stamp Art Sets...  And NOW, we'd like for you to get to know more about us and our very special Guest Designer (and former Getting Cricky Design Team Sister), Larelyn from Handmade from My Heart!!  Throughout the hop you'll be introduced to each of the Design Team Members who will each share a little about their styles and preferences for stamping!!  We hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way, so let's get hopping...

If you've hopped along from my beautiful Mermaid friend, Lisa, 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!!)...

For my project tonight, I have a fun little card that demonstrates my whimsical side...

Cuz a BLUE crab is definitely a little whimsical, RIGHT???  :)  If I were feeling a little BLUE, I think this silly crab card would cheer me right up!!  Actually, coloring this crab BLUE made me feel even HAPPIER than I already was (and I was pretty happy already!) cuz I colored him (and the background behind him) with my BRAND NEW Copic markers!!  Woot-woot!!  :)  I hope my colored pencils don't feel too BLUE about this as I'm sure I'll still be visiting them PLENTY!!  :)

That fun little guy is one of my favorite digi-stamps from Dustin Pike...  If you missed out on his "Under the Sea" set a few months back, he has a great blogaversary special going on now that includes this crab (and the background behind him!) -- Since he's a digi-stamp, you can color him any color you'd like...  You don't have to color him blue...  Maybe you'd like a green crab, or a purple crab, or an orange crab, or a...  Well, you get the idea.  :)  When you're done coloring him, you might even want to put him on an Action Wobble like I did...  We had hermit crabs as pets once...  They weren't blue either, but my son was when their cage began to have a less than pleasant odor (this is a family-friendly blog, so I'll let you draw your own conclusions as to what that might mean -- wink, wink)...  Anywhoooo, I'm entering this card in the challenge at Wobble Wednesday Challenges (Pet Challenge) and Dustin Pike (Make Us Laugh Challenge)...

How perfect is it that Kristal included the sentiment "why so blue?" on the "All About Animals" Stamp Art Set???  It's like she just KNEW that I'd want to make a BLUE crab card for this very occasion!!  :)

Okay, so to recap:  I'm a little bit silly, I really like coloring my digi-stamps (I would color them in a car or on a train, in a box or in the rain!), and I love, love, LOVE my K Andrew Designs Stamps!!  And just so you know that all of my crabs don't have to be BLUE, here's a couple other projects featuring crabs and Kristal's stamps....

This was a fishbowl nightlight that I made using the same crab from tonight's card (except in a sparkly RED!) and the "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set...  Wanna see more of this project??? Simply CLICK HERE for all the details....

This little card was created to cheer up a friend of mine when she was having a particularly rough week...  Sometimes, when we're having a rough week, we can take it out on others...  I had to laugh (and so did she) when I added those HUGE googly eyes to this card...  If you'd like more details on this card, you can read all about it RIGHT HERE...

My card tonight features the "Of Mice and Lil Men" Stamp Art Set For more details or to make this set YOURS, please click on the preview:



Before you hop away...  I DO have a bit of Blog Candy for one lucky winner!!  I will be giving away a K Andrew Designs Stamp Art Set!!  Wanna win it???  To be eligible to WIN, you will need to leave a comment letting me know WHAT'S YOUR STYLE??? (are you shabby chic?  vintage? whimsical? clean and simple? funky? romantic? trendy?  or are you like me with several different crafting personalities???)...   :)

Want some BONUS chances in the drawing???  You can do any or all of the following for EXTRA chances (just remember to leave one comment for EACH thing ya do!!):

• "Like" the Love To Crop! Facebook Page -- click here
• Subscribe via email by entering your email in the box at the top of the page (be sure to CONFIRM!)
• Become a follower of my blog (2 ways to do this -- via the regular follow button AND via Networked Blogs -- get a chance for each)

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!! :)

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

*** Remember -- As a special THANK YOU for joining us in welcoming the new team this week, you can use the promo code "letshavefun" at checkout for 20% OFF your ENTIRE stamp purchase!!  Woot-woot!!  Be sure to take advantage of this special before it's GONE!!  :)

Now you can hop on over to your next stop, my super-FUN, Disney-loving friend: Shawn ......   :)

Didja know?

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:

Kristal's stamp sets are perfect for cards, layouts, and so much more...

Remember....

As a special THANK YOU for joining us in welcoming the new team this week, you can use the promo code "letshavefun" at checkout for 20% OFF your ENTIRE stamp purchase!!

Until next time,

Getting Cricky with "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Set... :)

Getting Cricky "Let's Have Fun" Week!!

Featured Stamp Set: Freedom Isn't Free

Be sure to visit Kristal's Blog: Getting Cricky

Gooooooooooooooooood morning, Getting Cricky Friends!!  Okay, okay...  I may have "borrowed" that entrance from Robin Williams (as DJ Adrian Cronauer), but I do have a bit of military on the mind this morning!!  :)  One of my favorite stamp sets from Kristal is the "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Set...  This was the very first stamp set I received as a Design Team member, and it is probably one of my most loved (and used) sets!!

For those who have followed my blog for a while, you already know that I have an enormous amount of respect for those who serve our country...  Several members of my family have served in different branches -- Navy, Coast Guard, Army, Air Force...  Several of The-Boy-Child's friends have also enlisted in the last few years -- Marines, National Guard, Army...  It gives me great joy to create cards to say "Thank You" to our Armed Forces, and I love that Kristal put such care into this fabulous stamp set!!  So, I've gathered up a few of my favorite projects that I've made with this set to share with you today!!  If you'd like more details on any of the projects, please click on the link below the photo...

First up is one of my most favorite layouts...  I made this just for me :) so that I could feature the DOZENS of fireworks photos that I love to take!!  I used the "God bless the USA" sentiment for this layout...

Fireworks 12x12 Layout with Zipper Pocket

Next is one of my favorite cards using one of my favorite techniques -- The ruffle technique is a quick and easy way to make a dramatic and beautiful card sure to be appreciated.  I used the "Serving one's country.... is the ultimate expression of love" sentiment stamp for my card...  I'd like to add that this is a card that I have sent to military spouses as well -- I am always amazed at the courage it requires for the spouses to keep keeping on while their loved ones are deployed...  It's not a weekend trip away or a business trip to the next town, but a sacrifice of time away from family and friends for our country's benefit...  For that, I am most grateful...

Ruffle Card (with tutorial link)

This is a card that I think says it all...  I used the "Sleeping peacefully tonight because of you" sentiment stamp (the dog and the moon were cut using the Paper Pups Cricut Cartridge).  I will be forever thankful for those men and women who have served (and serve now) so that I was able to tuck my kiddos in each night and go to sleep knowing I could sleep peacefully...

Sleep Peacefully Card

I love, love, LOVE this soldier card -- It's such a HAPPY paper doll...  I used the "I know Freedom isn't "Free" Thank you for your service" sentiment for this card -- I especially love that this card expresses something so important to remember...

Thank You for Your Service Card

And finally, I have a Journal of Days to share with you -- This journal is designed to write reminders of what I have to be thankful for...  On the days that it might not seem that there is much, I can glance through this album and remember ALL the many, many, many things I have to be grateful for!!

Journal of Days Album

I hope you've enjoyed the projects I've shown you today...  If you are ready to make this set yours, please be sure to use the code "letshavefun" at checkout HERE for 20% OFF your purchase!!  Woot-woot!!  That's like buying four sets and getting one FREE!!  I know you'll want to stock up NOW (especially with all the fabulous sets Kristal has designed!!)...


If you'd like to see more of my projects featuring the "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Set, please CLICK HERE!!  To see all of the FABULOUS features from my wonderful Getting Cricky Design Team Sisters, please visit Getting Cricky...  AND...  Remember to stop back by on Friday evening (9pm EDT) for the Getting Cricky "Show Your Style" Blog Hop, where you'll get to meet the whole DT!!  :)

Until next time,

Paper Playtime Challenge #72... Birthday Card!! :)

Ever have one of those weeks???  Ya know, where the days get away from you, and before you realize what's happened it's Wednesday and you never noticed that your Monday post never went live???  Well, that's the kind of week it's been for ME here!!  :)  The good news is that I was having such a good week that it was easy for the days to slip away....  The bad news is that I'm posting my card for the Paper Playtime Challenge a few days late -- GAH!!  I do hope you'll forgive my absent-mindedness and join the challenge anyway!!  :)  Now on to Monday's post...  On Wednesday....

Welcome, welcome to my FABULOUS friends!! :)  It's time again for another Paper Playtime Challenge!!  Woot-woot!! :)  If you're not familiar with the Paper Playtime Challenges yet, please be sure to pop on over there and check them out...  There is a challenge on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month!!  On the FIRST Monday it's a DELICIOUS DIE CUT DIVA CHALLENGE...  And on the THIRD Monday it's a SAY IT WITH SENTIMENTS CHALLENGE (that's ME!!)...  Each challenge will have a FUN theme, so I hope you'll check it out and JOIN US for a good time!! :)

Now...  On to my inspiration for the challenge (I hope I'll get to see what you create too!!)...

Paper Playtime Challenge #72 -- Birthday Card (Say It With Sentiments)

I created a fun easel card for a boy's birthday...  This is a standard A2 size card (4.25"x5.5").  I cut the base at 4.25"x11" and scored it at 2.75" and 5.5" so that I could make it an easel card...  Since I wanted to use one of my homemade Wiggle Wires on the football, it's always more fun to have a card that can stand easily on display -- Like this easel card!!  :)

The football and tags are cut from the Creative Memories "This and That" Cricut Cartridge (available HERE)...  I cut all layers of the football at 3.75" (including a base layer for added stability), lightly inked the edges of the white cuts, and embossed the football with the Cuttlebug "Tiny Bubbles" embossing folder...  The green background was embossed with the Cuttlebug "Traffic Jam" embossing folder...

I used my Gypsy to slightly adjust the size of the tags for my card.  I lightly inked the edges of of each cut and added the stamped sentiments from K Andrew Designs "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set -- "Have a BALL", and "Coffee and Tea for You and Me" Stamp Art Set -- "on your BIRTHDAY" (click on each title to make either of these sets YOURS -- Use the code "letshavefun" at checkout for 20% OFF your purchase this week too!!)...

I hope this card will be lots of fun (with it's wiggle that makes me giggle!) for the recipient...  Cuz it sure was FUN to make!!  :)

Now it's YOUR turn!!  Be sure to create a Birthday Card using a SENTIMENT and link it up over at Paper Playtime!!  I can't wait to see what you create!!  :)



Until next time,

Inspired By A Song Blog Hop --

Welcome to the "Inspired By A Song" Blog Hop!!

I'm so glad you're joining us for this super-fun hop showcasing cards, layouts and projects that feature anything and everything about the SONG (or SONGS) that inspire us!!  I'd like to thank GILL for hosting this hop today -- I've been looking forward to it for MONTHS!!  :)  I hope you'll take a few minutes to visit all the wonderfully creative friends who have created something special to share with you today...

If you've hopped over from my talented friend, Dena, 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 FUN, then please go to Gill's blog to start at the beginning...  I wouldn't want you to miss out on any of the creativity!!

For the hop today, I've created a ROCKIN' layout for The-Girl-Child...

Last year, The-Boy-Child took The-Girl-Child to a concert out at The House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio...  It involved about 700 miles of driving since he was away at college without a car to drive himself home (translation: The-Mom had to drive to pick him up and bring him home, THEN they drove to Cleveland, THEN The-Mom had to drive him BACK to school...  It was a LOT of driving!!), but it was totally worth it...  Not only did I get to spend plenty of one-on-one time with my favorite son, but they got their much needed bonding time in their first (and only) year far away from each other (since their paths took them both to the same college!!)...

My layout was created using the Creative Memories StoryBook Creator 4.0 Digital Scrapbooking Software (get your 30-day FREE TRIAL HERE!!)...  I just love the versatility of this software -- I can use digital papers and embellishments from ANY company, yet I have all the features and "extras" to create my own papers and embellishments (like the glittered stars and the textured papers!!).

My second layout has been previously posted, but I wanted to share it again because it was also inspired by a song....  Can you guess which one???

This is one of my favorite digital layouts because I tried so many new techniques with it (glittered edge, textured paper, shadowed vellum, the star overlay.....  If you'd like more details on this layout, you can find the original post HERE....

I also have a third layout to re-share with you...  This layout was inspired by the Mark Harris song, "Find your wings..."  If you have a child, know a child, or are a child...  You can enjoy the video for this song HERE...  It's the single most difficult song to listen to if your child is going off to college though.  :)

This layout features the Wishes & Dreams paper and cloud and bright blue cardstock from Creative Memories, and the Traveler and Songbird Cricut Cartridges...  For more details on this layout, please see the original post HERE!!

That's it!!  I'm all done with my show-and-tell for today (though I have BIG plans for sharing more in the next few weeks -- So I hope I'll see you here again soon!!).  Thanks so much for visiting!!  I'm the LAST STOP in the hop, but if you've missed anyone, be sure to visit the links below!!

1 - Gill

2 - Jacki

3 - Haidee

4 - Dandy

5 - Lisa G

6 - Lisa T

7 - Dena

8 - Amy

Until next time,

It's Challenge Time!! "Say WHAT??? Say Anything..."

Yippee-Ki-Ay!!  It's a FABULOUS Friday!!  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and it's TIME for a CHALLENGE!!  Did you get to see all of the SPRING-ALICIOUS projects in the last challenge!!  I couldn't be happier to see all the talent!! :)  Thanks so much to ALL who joined!!

Before we get to this week's challenge details, I need to announce the SPRING FLING winner!!  CONGRATS to:  Claire!!  Claire has a blog called "Scrap My Way" --  I'd love for you to pop over and visit her...  Here is her beautiful SPRING layout!!

Isn't that just BUBBLE-FANTASTIC???  Claire, be sure to contact me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) with your address so I can send your pack of goodies out!! :)

Alrighty -- For this challenge, you're invited to SAY ANYTHING!!  Feel free to GET CREATIVE with this challenge!!  You can make a card, layout, or 3D project *as long as* you use  *** A QUOTE, SENTIMENT, OR TITLE *** in your creation!!

Do you love to use punny titles on your cards and layouts???  Do you add quotes or stamped sentiments your projects???  How do you express what you want to SAY???  Show us your style -- We can't wait to see what you create!!

You can use ANY tools (your Cricut or other die cutting machine), you can stamp, use punches, or just use your trimmer!!  Feel free to make a card, layout, or other art project!!  This week, I have a FABULOUS friend to provide some inspiration for the challenge!!  Remember to pop on over to her  blog for more details on her project -- I know you'll be inspired by all the adorable projects she has shared!! :)

Lisa has created a SUPER SPARKLY, GORGEOUS card for a little girl who is sure to LOVE IT!!  Her blog is: "Bit by the Cricut Bug!"!! For more details on her beautiful card, please CLICK HERE!!

I also created a FUN card for this challenge!!  If you'd like to see more details on my card (and pick up a DISCOUNT code for K Andrew Designs Stamp Art Sets), please CLICK HERE -- I'm also looking for some more Guest Designers -- I'd LOVE to feature YOU, so be sure to check out how you can join on the fun by CLICKING HERE!!  :)

Okay!!  It's YOUR turn!!  Show us your take on the challenge and create a card, layout, or 3D project using the theme "SAY WHAT???  SAY ANYTHING..." (use a quote, sentiment, or title on your project.)!!  The challenge is open until next Thursday, April 12th at 11:59pm EST.  You are invited to link up ONE NEW creation (please do not link previously posted projects)  as long as you follow the theme AND include a link to www.lovetocrop.com so that others may play along...  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.

Best Wishes... Today is Your Day!! :)

Hey, hey, hey, my fabulous friends!!  :)  I would like to thank so many of you for your wonderful messages filled with well wishes and kind words...  I know I kinda fell off the map there for a while, but it doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of you and sneaking around to see your fabulous creativity in the wee hours via my phone!!  :)  March was a busy, busy, busy month for me, but I had LOTS of fun squeezed into a few weekends too...  I have so much to share with you over the next few weeks that I'm just bursting at the seams!!  Please be sure to check back or sign up for email updates so you don't miss any of the FUN...

It's time for a new challenge here at Love To Crop!!  This time, we're asking you to create something with a QUOTE, SENTIMENT, or TITLE for the "Say What???  Say Anything..." Challenge!!  I hope you'll create something and link it up to join us in the excitement --  I'm looking forward to see what you create You can link your project HERE...  Now here's my card....

Sometimes, when I'm working on finishing up several projects at once, or when I don't have enough matching cardstock, I will cut all of my letters (or layers) out of plain, white cardstock so that I can custom color it to match other papers or ribbon that I'm using.  This card is an example of that!!  I cut the "best wishes" from the Creative Memories Traveler Cricut Cartridge (available HERE) at about 1.5" (this is the "Road Trip" Font Feature).  I love the design of this font for so many projects, and I love how it looks layered on this card. :)

To achieve that beautiful soft blue on the letters, I sponge colored them with a Tsukineko finger dauber and Stampin' Up!'s Tempting Turquoise ink...  For those of you who have asked me about this process, I'm working on a photo tutorial that explains exactly how to do this -- It's super easy and creates such an interesting effect.  I used my Cuttlebug "Polka Dots" embossing folder for the front base of the card (A2 size -- 4.25"x5.5") and some turquoise ribbon found in my scrap bin. :)

I punched a few hearts with my CM Heart Shape Maker Punch (and colored two of the small ones to match the letters) and used the "Today is your day!" sentiment from the K Andrew Designs Stamp Art Set "Positive Thoughts"...  This is one of my favorite sentiments because it's a reminder to enjoy TODAY, no matter WHAT the occasion!!  :)  If you haven't checked out Kristal's stamps yet, now is a GREAT time to do so!!  Kristal has released so many WONDERFUL stamp sets in the last year -- I just KNOW you'll love them as much as I do!!  To check out all of her stamp sets, be sure to CLICK HERE...  If you decide to pick up a set (or five) while you're there, I have a coupon code for you to save 20% OFF your total order!!  Be sure to take advantage of this GREAT DEAL while it lasts!!  :)  Here's the code: letshavefun (this code can not be used in conjunction with any other codes).

For those of you looking for an opportunity to be a guest designer for one of my challenges, I'd LOVE to hear from you!!  Please be sure to either leave a comment on this post letting me know that you're interested (be sure to include your email address) OR simply send me an email with your name and blog address so that I can get you scheduled!!  You can reach me by email at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com.  I look forward to hearing from YOU!!  :)

Remember to link up your "Say WHAT???  Say Anything" project (a card, layout, or 3D creation) in my Love To Crop! Challenge by NEXT Thursday, April 12th at 11:59pm EDT...  I can't wait to see what you create!!  LINK UP HERE!!  :)

Until next time,