Beach Party Challenge at Decorate To Celebrate -- BUBBLES for everyone!! :)

Goooooood evening,  my fabulous friends!!  I'm so glad you stopped by to visit today!!  Yesterday was the start of another BRAND NEW challenge over at the Decorate To Celebrate! Challenge Blog...  Have you been checking out the challenges there???  At DTC, we want to see your party supplies, your decorations, and everything else that goes along with a celebration -- You can enter any project -- yard signs, banners, cupcake toppers (even the cupcakes themselves!), centerpieces, and more (as long as it's not a card or layout)!!  I always have such fun with these challenges as they really make me think outside the box...  I invite you to hop on over there and check out the challenges -- You can see a list of the upcoming challenges HERE!!  :)

Okay, so for this challenge we were asked to create a project for a BEACH PARTY!!  Who doesn't want to have a BEACH PARTY???  Even if you don't live near the beach, you can still have a party filled with SUN and FUN!!  :)  I decided to start the celebration off by creating some Bubble Party Favors...

The dollar store is great for all kinds of goodies that you can re-purpose into all sorts of fun party supplies!!  I purchased these bubbles (3/$1) with the intention of removing the "generic" labels and replacing them with festive, pretty labels!!

I embossed the 2.25"x6" new "labels" with Cuttlebugs "Polka Dot" embossing folder and added some faux stitching before adhering them securely to the bottles...  I punched a 1.5" circle to cover the top of the bottle and wrapped a 1/2"x5.5" strip around the bottle cap (both also embossed) since it was white and looks much prettier as pink!!  :)

I punched circles (.75", 1", 1.25", and 1.5"), inked the edges, and added a highlight with my white Signo pen to create bubbles...  The sentiment "You blow me away" is from the BRAND NEW "Guy Talk" Stamp Art Set from K Andrew Designs (check it out HERE!!)...  Isn't that just SO FUN???  :)  I think these will make GREAT favors for my next Beach Party -- Let's plan one for JULY!!  ;)

We decided to test out the bubbles for some fun...  See, no BEACH in view for THAT picture -- but the cows across the road agreed that BUBBLES are FUN!!  I overheard one saying, "Hey, Mr. Farmer, we don't need a bath today, we played in bubbles!!"....  Errrr, maybe that's just something I remember The-Boy-Child telling The-Girl-Child when they were wee ones...  Bubbles + swimming always = no bath time, right???  :)

So that's it, folks...  Me and those cows are gonna have us a grand ole beach party!!  Don't you think they'll look festive with party hats and streamers???  What kinda projects would YOU make for YOUR beach party???  Create 'em up and show us what you've got by linking up over at Decorate To Celebrate! before Tuesday, June 12th at 11:59pm EST...  I can't wait to see what ya make!!  :)

P.S.  Anybody notice the seahorse sneaking in for the party???  Hee hee...  Someone get him a party hat!!  :)

Until next time,

Getting Cricky Sneak Peek Post.... Nuts about YOU!! :)

Hey, there!!  Hi, there!!  How ya doin' today???  I have a SNEAK PEEK and GIVEAWAY for you today!!  Once again, it's my turn to share a project with ya over on the Getting Cricky blog...  I hope you'll pop over there to check out all the details!!  Here's a little peek at what you'll be seeing when ya get there...

Be sure to leave a comment on my post right here at Love To Crop! as well as on the Getting Cricky blog post to be entered in my GIVEAWAY for some of Kristal's BRAND NEW twine (and maybe a few other little goodies thrown in too!!)

WINNER will receive a sample of several colors of twine  -- be sure to click on the picture to see ALL the new colors available!!  :)

If you're looking for some FUN STUFF to do today...  There's an "ALL ABOUT DAD" challenge over at Decorate To Celebrate! that ends TONIGHT at midnight!!  It's not too late to get your entry linked up for your chance to WIN one of my friend, Rhonda's,  beautiful mini albums!!  :)  If you're stopping over from DTC to check out my Dad's Day project, please be sure to hop over to the Getting Cricky blog for all the details!!  :)

Until next time...

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge -- All About the Mouse!! :)

Good Sunday morning, my Love To Crop friends!!  :)  I am happy to report that, once again, we are having a BEAUTIFUL Sunday here in Western Pennsylvania!!  WOWZERS...  The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and the birds are singing!!  The forecast is calling for another 80+ degree day...  I am just LOVING the HEAT!!  :)  No, really...  I should move to Florida!!  ;)

Know what else I'm loving???  The new Simply Sunday Challenge over at Getting Cricky!!  This Sunday's challenge is all about my favorite mouse and friends...  YAY!!  :)  I was LUCKY enough to be involved with the Disney Pixar Blog Hop (presented by my friend and DT Sister, Shawn) this weekend...  TWO days of super-fun and CREATIVE projects!!  Did you miss the hop yesterday???  You can see my post from yesterday HERE...  OR... you can check out ALL of the Disney Pixar Blog Hop Stops by clicking on the links at the bottom of this post (I've included both days of links to make it easy for you to see them all!!)...  But first...

For my project I decided to make a set of 3"x3" Happy Cards!!  I've been hoarding these adorable Disney stickers in my stash for some time...  But a few months ago, I made a commitment to use more of my scrapbooking goodies so that they could be enjoyed in completed projects rather than hanging on to them for future use!!  These finished cards certainly made me happier than having those stickers tucked away!!  :)  Each of these little gift cards features one of the MANY "perfect-for-Disney" sentiments found on the "Of Mice & Lil Men" Stamp Art Set from K Andrew Designs...

Each of the cards features a 3"x3" white cardstock base with rounded corners...

I also used the "Polka Dots" Cuttlebug embossing folder for all of the background layers...

Purple grosgrain ribbon accented these pink-n-purple "girlie" cards featuring Minnie and Daisy perfectly!!  :)

Shiny, sparkly extras were added with some Kaiser Craft gems and a Stardust Gelly Roll pen...

For the Goofy and Donald cards, I used some bright yellow, chartreuse, and turquoise cardstock...

I love this cotton bias-type ribbon -- It ties so nicely and adds a nice effect on these cards, don'tcha think???  ;)

This white cotton "ribbon" was a welcome find in my stash...  I'm thinking about tie-dying it with some stamp inks for other projects...  It ruffles so nicely!!  :)

These cards were FUN to make!!  So if you have some stickers floating around in your stash, and you've been trying to figure out how to turn them into something enjoyable to GIVE, well, here ya go -- make some Happy Cards!!  :)

Awwww...  Now don't those make ya HAPPY???  That's why I call them Happy Cards!!  :)

Okie-dokie, bloggie-land-friends -- It's YOUR turn!!  Create a project featuring anything DISNEY and link it up over Getting Cricky -- You have until JUNE 2nd to add your project to Kristal's Challenge Linky found HERE...  I can't wait to see what ya make!!  :)

Now...  For those of you who would like to check out all of the AMAZING Disney Pixar projects from the Blog Hop, be sure to check out the links below...  *** REMEMBER ***  There is an AWESOME GRAND PRIZE being offered for this hop (I'm not sure I'm allowed to tell you what it is, but if you keep it between you and me...  It's a SCRAP'N EASEL-ETTE!!)  All the details for the PRIZE can be found HERE...


Day One - May 19th
Shawn
Ellen
Tami
Madison
Cathie
Lori
Amy C
Kathy
Amy V
Sarah



Day Two - May 20th
Shawn
Ellen
Kim
Bobbi Jo
Jenny
Jessica
Jenny
Tami
Kathy
Kristal



PLUS...  Visit my Cricky Sister's Disney Project Posts...
Our Guest Designer -- Melissa!!
Amy V -- You're HERE now!!
Lisa
Christel
Debbie
Heather
Jennie
Jessie
Miranda
Patti
Diana
Oma Gloria
Patty


Until next time,

Disney Pixar Blog Hop -- SHINE ON, my Mickey-loving Friends!! :)

Welcome to the Disney Pixar Blog Hop!!

I'm super excited to have been invited to participate with these AWESOME and CREATIVE Blog Friends again!!  If you've hopped with us before, then you know you are in for some AMAZING projects today!!  If this is your FIRST Disney Pixar Blog Hop, then prepare for some TOP NOTCH excitement!!  :)

If you arrived here from Kathie's blog, then you just saw some REALLY adorable cozies and goodies, and you are in the RIGHT SPOT...  If you're just stopping by to visit OR you're reading this via email, please be sure to CLICK HERE and start at Shawn's blog...  I don't want you to miss out on any of the Mickey, Goofy, Donald, Minnie, Buzz, and Woody festivities!!  Now, let's get to the reason that you're here...

For today's hop I made...

A fun and easy paper lantern perfect for a summer celebration, birthday party, or room decoration!!

I found this AWESOME Disney vellum at my LSS...  Intermixed with all of my favorite Disney characters is phrase after phrase of of fun Disney sayings ("Caring is in the little things," "Simple pleasures make my day," "Hey! What's the big idea?," "Always follow your dreams," and so many more...).

I created a cylinder using the Disney vellum -- This would be the base of my paper lantern.  I used Bazille cardstock at each end of the cylinder for added stability and support...

The outside layer of the lantern was created by first scoring an 8.5"x11" piece of vellum paper at 1", 4.25", and 7.5" (on the short side) and then making cuts every 1/2" between the 1" and 7.5" score lines.  The ends can then be joined (creating an outer cylinder) around the inside cylinder.  I used some Disney striped cardstock and yellow Bazille cardstock to create the ends of the lantern.

I placed an electric candle light inside the lantern to create a warm light...  A battery-operated votive or pillar candle could be substituted for wireless lighting as well...  Because these lanterns are easy to make, they would make GREAT party decorations!!  :)

My final touch on the paper lantern was this super-fun sentiment from K Andrew Designs "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set...  I just love adding "Shine on!" to any candle, light, or lantern!!  :)

Before you hop away...  I DO have a bit of Blog Candy for one lucky winner!!  I will be giving away a mini pack of Disney embellishments perfect for creating your next Mickey project!!  Wanna win it???  To be eligible to WIN, you will need to leave a comment letting me know WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY OF ANY DISNEY OR PIXAR CHARACTER??? (Is it a character from a trip to DisneyLand, Disney World, or Epcot Center???  Is it a character from your favorite Disney movie???  Is it a character from a Disney cruise???  or something else altogether???)...   :)

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 (THREE ways to do this -- via the regular follow button, NEW Linky Followers, 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***

Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to stop by and visit with me today!!  If you'd like to see any of my other Disney projects (like my Mickey Mouse Hat Transformer Explosion Box, my Mickey Mouse Envelope Album, my Designer Disney Flower Arrangement, or so many more!), you can view them all by CLICKING HERE...

Your next stop is:  Sarah!!

Below are links to all of today's Hop Stops AND tomorrow's!!  Be sure to come back by tomorrow for more Disney FUN!!  *** REMEMBER ***  There is an AWESOME GRAND PRIZE being offered for this hop (I'm not sure I'm allowed to tell you what it is, but if you keep it between you and me...  It's a SCRAP'N EASEL-ETTE!!)  All the details for the PRIZE can be found HERE...



Day One - May 19th
Shawn
Ellen
Tami
Madison
Cathie
Lori
Amy C
Kathy
Amy V
Sarah



Day Two - May 20th
Shawn
Ellen
Kim
Bobbi Jo
Jenny
Jessica
Jenny
Tami
Kathy
Kristal



PLUS...  Visit my Cricky Sister's Disney Project Posts...
Our Guest Designer -- Melissa!!
Amy V -- You're HERE now!!
Lisa
Christel
Debbie
Heather
Jennie
Jessie
Miranda
Patti
Diana
Oma Gloria
Patty


Until next time,

Getting Cricky "SUMMERTIME" Blog Hop

Welcome to the "Summertime" Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!

We're so happy you could join us for this month's Getting Cricky Design Team Blog Hop!!  We'd like to invite you to visit each of our DT Sisters' Blogs (it's just half the crew this month -- you'll see the other half next month!!) and our very special Guest Designer, Melissa from Needful Things!!

Throughout the hop we'll be showing what we love about....  SUMMERTIME!!  From parties and celebrations to campfires and s'mores,  we hope you'll enjoy each and every project along the way!!  Sooooo, let's get hopping...

If you've hopped along from our very special Guest Designer, Melissa, 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 the hop tonight, I made something to capture memories from LOTS of Summertime events!!  Here's a little PEEK...

Soooooooo...  What does Amy LOVE about Summertime???  Well, aside from the WARM days and SUNSHINE, I love the opportunity to spend time with my super kiddos...  We are BIG baseball fans (GO BUCS!!) so we try to catch as many games as possible (whether on TV or LIVE at PNC Park)...  There's nothing like squinting into the sunlight to see our favorite players take to the diamond...  Of course, some of the FUN comes from the walk across the Clemente Bridge where we get to hear "Sax-Man" play his rendition of the "Tequila" song...

Here's a view from our favorite seats...

And a view of our favorite snack...

Oops, looks like The-Boy-Child polished those jalapeno and cheese covered nachos off before I could snap a pic!!  LOL...

Okay, on to what I created for ya!!  I made a Summertime Mini Accordion Album!!

Closed up (and tied with some beautiful Copper shimmer ribbon from May Arts), this mini album measures just 6"x6"...  Perfect for gift-giving!!  :)

I stamped some of my favorite sentiments from K Andrew Designs "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set onto some ivory Bazille cardstock...  After hand-trimming them into banner ribbons, I distressed the edges with Quick Quotes Mocha Mama Chalking Ink and adhered them to multi-colored strips of Bazille cardstock...

I wrapped the ribbon around the album three times before tying the bow -- Not only does the ribbon turn this into an instant gift, but it also doubles to hold the album closed...

Once the ribbon is removed, the album folds out...

... to reveal TEN 6"x6" squares for pictures, tickets, memorabilia, and more!!

Doesn't that look like it would be fun to fill up with photos???  :)

The paper was a Clearance find at my LSS...  We R Memory Keepers "72 & Sunny" Paper Line...  These 12x12 papers featured 6x6 squares that made folding these into an accordion album PERFECT!!  I just love all the BRIGHT colors and FUN phrases on the paper!!  :)

The "extra" embellishments are pieces that I cut from other sheets of paper from the same line of paper (YAY for fussy-cutting!!)...  I also distressed all of the edges with the Mocha Mama Chalking Ink...

My project tonight features the "Splashtastic Summer" Stamp Art Set...  For more details (or to make this set YOURS), please click on the preview below:

We'd also like to share TWO BRAND NEW Stamp Art Sets that are now available for Pre-Order with an expected ship date of May 25th!! If you want to be one of the FIRST to own these SUPER-CUTE sets, you'll definitely want to order TODAY (clicking on the previews will take you directly to the order page!!)...

Guy Talk

Southern Sayings
Before you hop away...  I DO have a bit of Blog Candy for one lucky winner!!  I will be giving away a random 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 DO YOU LOVE ABOUT SUMMERTIME??? (is it visits to the beach???  family vacations???  baseball games and movie nights???  or something else altogether???)...   :)

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 (THREE ways to do this -- via the regular follow button, NEW Linky Followers, 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***

Oh yeah!!  Now might be a GOOD TIME to announce my LAST Getting Cricky Blog Hop Winner...  Random.org was kind enough to choose THIS winner:

And comment #72 was:

Congrats, RhoLynda!!  Watch your email for a message, and be sure to reply with your mailing address so I can get your stamp set sent out!!  :)

*** Remember -- As a special THANK YOU for joining us for the hop this weekend, you can use the promo code "newship" at checkout for FREE SHIPPING on 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-and-amazingly-talented-friend, Lisa ......

........................................

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 for the hop this weekend, you can use the promo code "newship" at checkout for FREE SHIPPING on your ENTIRE stamp purchase!!

Until next time,

Getting Cricky... A Sweet Penguin Treat for you!! :)

Good afternoon, friends!!  I'm so glad you could join me today for a VERY SPECIAL post!!  Today is my day to hijack the Getting Cricky blog to show you a QUICK card featuring one of my favorite K Andrew Designs Stamp Art Sets...  Ohhhhhh, who am I kidding???  ALL of Kristal's stamp sets are my FAVORITES!!  :)  I just love the quality, the fun sayings, and...  believe it or not...  the SMELL of these stamps!!  LOL...  It might be a little bit silly, but every time I open a new set of her stamps, I just have to smell 'em!!  Who's with me???  I see you out there...  Either nodding your head in agreement or looking over your shoulder to see who might hear you admitting that you smell your stamps too...  It's okay, we can keep it our little secret, k???  ;)

Anywhooooooo...  It seems to be that time of the year when I'm always making Birthday Cards (and graduation cards and thinking of you cards)...  My stash was getting pretty low, so I thought I'd color up some cute images and make some fun cards so that I could add a little "sweet treat" (a.k.a. GIFT CARDS) to before mailing off to a few of my favorite recipients...

Those of you who know me are already familiar with my, ahem, addiction to digital stamps...  I remember being one of those people who scoffed at the idea of PRINTING "stamp images" to color...  What kind of silliness is that???  Now, I love the idea of printing the perfect images to go with sooooooo many of Kristal's AWESOME sentiment stamps!!  This fun penguin (YES, I colored him PURPLE, because I could!!  Oh, and because I don't have a black Copic marker...  Do they make a black one???) is one of the freebie finds from Dustin Pike.

I used my Copic Markers to color the penguin...  There is something VERY relaxing about having a reason to COLOR every day...  Even when I sometimes go outside the lines (as I very often do), I was told (by a very important and very wise self-proclaimed "life coach") that it just adds a little character and personality...  Of course, it always helps if you can add some gobs of glittery-goodness like I did on the ice cream, flame, and hat tassel (YAY ME for finding my Gelly Roll Stardust Pen!!)...

One of my sweet Design Team sisters (Patty from Creative Diva) used Baker's Twine to create a background on her card a couple of weeks ago (you can see it HERE!)...  Her idea inspired me to use some thin (1/4") ribbon to create an offset background for this card -- I'm so excited about how it turned out!!  :)  What a simple way to make a simple background really POP!!

I also just LOVE finding ways to use Kristal's "holiday" stamp sets for everyday cards (or in this case, a BIRTHDAY card!!)...  This PERFECT sentiment "a sweet treat for you" is one of the little goodies hidden on the "I Heart You Stamp Art Set" (be sure to click on the image below to make this set yours TODAY!!)...


Now, before you run off, I have TWO IMPORTANT REMINDERS for you!!  First of all, Kristal just announced the PRE-RELEASE of two more FABULOUS sets -- "Guy Talk" and "Southern Sayings"!!  Have you checked them out yet???  Ohhhhhhh, you really must -- I'm already thinking of all the fun projects I can make with these!!  What would YOU create with them???  Need a peek???  Check them out (clicking on the images will take you right to the PRE-ORDER page -- they'll be ready to ship on or about May 25th!!  You could be one of the FIRST to have them!!):

Guy Talk

Southern Sayings


And secondly, remember that THIS FRIDAY is our monthly Design Team Blog Hop!!  We'll have TEN fantastic Hop Stops for you beginning at 9pm (Eastern)!!  We'd love to have you join us for our fun-filled "SUMMERTIME" themed hop -- Be sure to bring your lemonade and gather round for some grilling, chilling, chirpin' good times!!  Hope to see ya here!!  :)


Until next time,