Love To Crop!

Saturday, April 16, 2011

~~All entries for Blog Candy for these two hops are due by 11:59pm EDT on Sunday, April 17th~~

Welcome, welcome, welcome back to Day 2 of the "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop presented by the very-talented Rhonda of Scrap Happens!! I am so excited and honored to be a part of Rhonda's very first blog hop (thank you, Rhonda!)!! If you are hopping along with us today, and you've arrived from Serenity Scrappers, then you are in the right place!! If you've just happened upon my blog by chance, you'll definitely want to START HERE to hop along with us and see all of the amazingly creative projects my blogger buddies have designed for you both yesterday AND today (if you get lost along the way, you can find the whole Blog Hop list below)!! Be sure to leave a comment if you like what you see, as I have some Blog Candy for you to win (details below)!! Now onto my project...

This hop is all about baskets and sweet treats, so I decided to create a useful and fun item for today's hop...

It's a Jellybean Jar!! Now isn't that incredibly useful??? There are at least enough jellybeans in that jar to last a week or so... Two weeks if I hide it from The-Girl-Child!! :) Does anybody else go a little nuts on jellybeans and chocolate at this time of the year??? I gotta tell ya -- I'm pretty crazy about Reese's Peanut Butter EGGS... I can live without the regular ole cups, but those eggs are irresistible (thus the reason I refuse to purchase them!)... Yum.

This plain glass-look-alike jar (it's this awesome shatterproof acrylic!!) can be found at Walmart for about $7... It doesn't photograph too well (I just couldn't seem to get the light right today, so I apologize if you have to squint to see the details), but it's wonderful for jellybeans!! :)

I used light pink, light purple, light yellow, and hunter green vinyl for my decals... If you haven't tried to cut vinyl on your Cricut yet, please know that it's extremely easy to work with!! I recommend doing something that doesn't require much layering or that doesn't 'have' to be perfect the first few times, as it does take some adjustment time to work with how thin the vinyl is... But give it a shot on a few projects (my first project consisted of about 30 yard signs, double sided, with five lines of text EACH!), and you'll be a pro in no time!!

At my Cricut classes, I give a very brief intro to vinyl... Everyone is always surprised at how fun and easy it is to work with... Everyone is also surprised to learn that my favorite 'transfer' material is actually 'Frog Tape' (it's painter's tape, it's green, it comes in its very own container, and you can find it in popular home improvement stores)... You can spend plenty of money on the 'official' transfer tape, or you can pick up some Frog Tape... Yeah, you can't see through it, but nothing beats the low-tack, no residue convenience of this stuff!! :) If you would like more info, please feel free to leave me a question with your email address, and I'll get back to you...

Anyway, back to my project... I used the Cricut Easter 2010 Seasonal Cartridge for all of my cuts... The eggs (both layers) and grass are all cut at 3"... Once you have cut your vinyl images (on my machine I cut vinyl with a blade depth of 3 and a blade pressure of 2/low to get a 'kiss' cut -- the machine cuts the vinyl but leaves the baking intact), weed the excess (the parts of the cuts that you will not use on your project), and leave the main image on the backing paper... Lay a strip of Frog Tape (or transfer tape, if you insist) over the top layer of the image... Remove that layer from the backing (attached to the tape) and then carefully line it up over the base image... Use your fingers, a credit card, or a bone folder to rub and seal the layers together... Once I have layered at least two pieces of vinyl, I find it much easier to place my decal on the project without using transfer tape (it's more stable)...

This project was super quick and easy -- And when Easter is over, I can easily remove the vinyl and decorate my jellybean jar with something else (flowers for Mother's Day, butterflies for summer, fireworks for 4th of July... You get the idea)... If you have any trouble removing your vinyl, simply use a hair dryer to gently warm the vinyl before peeling it away (so ya know -- it is pretty difficult to reuse your vinyl images once removed... Sure, I've seen it done, but I wouldn't -- If it's a single layer cut, you can count on simply throwing it away once removed)...

I hope you have enjoyed my project for the second (and final) day of Rhonda's Hop... Now... What's a Hop without some Blog Candy??? Well, I have some for ya!! The winner of my Day 2 Blog Hop candy will receive SIX 12x24 sheets of vinyl (pink, purple, yellow, white, black, and green -- enough to complete this project at least THREE times PLUS extra!!)!! You can enter to WIN my Blog Candy by leaving a comment below!! You can earn a second chance to WIN if you leave a second comment with a GUESS at HOW MANY JELLYBEANS are in my jar!! :) You do not have to have a blog to win, but please leave a link if you DO have one, as I'd love to stop over and see you too!! While I don't require you to be a follower to win my candy, I'd love for you to do so if you enjoy what you see here...

Did you see my project from Day 1? If not, CLICK HERE!!

Remember to check out Day 1 of the "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop if you haven't already... You'll even get another chance to WIN some Easter-themed blog candy!! :) ***I had planned on posting the tutorial for this explosion box today, but I thought it might be too much with all the Hop pictures too... So my plan is to have the tutorial posted on Monday... I apologize for the delay...

Next, you're off to the talented LIZ at Tryin' to 2 Craft (and believe me, she's not just tryin'... She's succeeding!!)... So hop, hop, HOP, and HAVE FUN!! Until next time, may your jellybeans be plenty!! :)

As a BONUS, I am entering my Jellybean Jar in the challenge over at FCCB!! Their 'Spring Fling' Challenge is to create something with at least one Cricut cut using the colors PINK, GREEN, and YELLOW!! I think it's okay that there's some purple thrown in there too!! :)

In case you get lost along the way, here's a list of Rhonda's talented participants:

** Yup, more small print -- To be eligible for my "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop Candy (Day 2) you need to leave a comment on this post (if you don't know how to get to the comment box, CLICK HERE)... For a second chance to win, please leave a second comment with a GUESS as to HOW MANY JELLYBEANS are in the jar in the photos above... The winner will be selected and posted on April 18th (later in the day rather than sooner, cuz I usually forget plenty first thing in the morning!)... Selected winner will have SEVEN (7) whole days to claim the prize or it will be re-gifted, possibly to the Tooth Fairy cuz the Easter Bunny has a shot at yesterday's, but probably to another comment participant... This drawing is held in happy spirits with good intentions, so please enter with the same... Here ends the fine print. :)

Friday, April 15, 2011

It's A Basket Case Blog Hop!! Day 1 -- More than just your ordinary Easter Basket... (and Blog Candy!)

*** If you are here for the "All Creatures Great & Small" Blog Hop (hosted by Misty), please scroll down or CLICK HERE!! ***

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Day 1 of the "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop presented by the very-talented Rhonda of Scrap Happens!! I am so excited and honored to be a part of Rhonda's very first blog hop (thank you, Rhonda!)!! If you are hopping along with us today, and you've arrived from Serenity Scrappers, then you are in the right place!! If you've just happened upon my blog by chance, you'll definitely want to START HERE to hop along with us and see all of the amazingly creative projects my blogger buddies have designed for you today (if you get lost along the way, you can find the whole Blog Hop list below)!! Be sure to leave a comment if you like what you see, as I have some Blog Candy for you to win (details below)!! Now onto my project...

I wanted to create an Easter Basket since it is, after all, a basket case blog hop... But this one has a special SURPRISE!!

The basket top can be removed to reveal...

It's an Explosion Basket!! :)

The weaving brought me back to my elementary school days and Art Class (which I loved)... I weaved 1x4 strips of Clay cardstock into 4x4 squares and attached them to the four outside panels of the box... Each strip of cardstock was inked with chocolate to give it a little extra dimension...

I made the lid for my explosion box and then added the 1.5" strips all the way around... This created a little 'lip' to hold the grass and chocolate eggs (the top of the lid only comes to where that center strip is)... I used brads to attach the handle -- this made it much easier to lift the basket top off and reveal the inside... The-Girl-Child told me it really needed those punched flowers, so those were a late addition to my project -- She was right!! Those little flowers added a cute touch!! :)

When the box is fully open, there is plenty of room to add little pictures or mementos -- I had so much fun adding the ribbons and embellishments to each layer... If you placed just one picture on each decorated square (excluding the 'woven' outsides), you would have room for THIRTY-THREE pictures!! What a GREAT way to show off your Easter pictures!! :)

Since there obviously needed to be a few more surprises (hee hee), I also added four tag pockets (complete with tags) to the outside layer... That's room for EIGHT more pictures (one on each side of the four tags) or some journaling!!

There's even plenty of room to add a small gift or gift card to the center of the box (or maybe some more chocolate???)...

When you're all done showing off your pictures, it folds right back up into a basket... And did I mention that while I did use several punches and some of my favorite embossing folders, there is not a single Cricut cut on this project??? When I realized that, I was kind of amazed... So if you don't own a Cricut, YOU can make one of these (be sure to come back tomorrow for a special announcement about my Explosion Box tutorial!!)...

I hope you have enjoyed my project for the first day of Rhonda's Hop... Now... What's a Hop without some Blog Candy??? Well, I have some for ya!! Unfortunately, I've reached my photo limit on blogger for the moment, so I'll be back to post a picture of the goodies in a bit... But you can enter to WIN my Blog Candy by leaving a comment below!! You do not have to have a blog to win, but please leave a link if you DO have one, as I'd love to stop over and see you too!! While I don't require you to be a follower to win my candy, I'd love for you to do so if you enjoy what you see here...

Remember to stop back tomorrow to see what I've created for Day 2 of the "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop and for another chance to WIN some Easter-themed blog candy!! :)

Next, you're off to the talented LIZ at Tryin' to 2 Craft (trust me, she's succeeding!!)... So hop, hop, HOP, and I'll see ya tomorrow!! Until then, may your day be Hoppin' Grand!! :)

In case you get lost along the way, here's a list of Rhonda's talented participants:

** Now for the small print (it's always here, isn't it???) -- To be eligible for my "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop Candy you need to leave a comment on this post (if you don't know how to get to the comment box, CLICK HERE)... For a second chance to win, please come back tomorrow and leave a comment on the post for Day 2 of the "It's a Basket Case" Blog Hop too... The winner will be selected and posted on April 18th (later in the day rather than sooner, cuz I'm pretty useless before I've drowned myself with caffeine!)... Selected winner will have SEVEN (7) whole days to claim the prize or it will be re-gifted, possibly to the Easter Bunny, even though it contains no actual food candy, though he probably has enough of that, but probably to another comment participant... This drawing is held in happy spirits with good intentions, so please enter with the same... Here ends the fine print. :)

All Creatures Great & Small Blog Hop!! Just Swinging By... To Say Hi!! :)

*** If you are here for the "It's a Basket Case Blog Hop" presented by Rhonda, PLEASE CLICK HERE!!***

Hello, hello, hello to YOU, and Happy Birthday to OWH's Ciara!! Thanks so much for stopping by today during the "All Creatures Great & Small Blog Hop" presented by Misty at DeLiteful Gifts!! I'm so pleased to be a part of this hop, and I'm super-excited that YOU are here!! If you arrived here from Getting Cricky, you are in the RIGHT spot!! If you've just happened along, be sure to hop back to Misty and begin at the beginning!! :) When you're done here, you'll want to hop along to TANYA, who has a creative critter in store for you too -- But be sure to leave a comment here first to be eligible for the Blog Candy!!

Misty asked each participant of the hop to create a 'Kid-Friendly' card or project with a creature great or small... In an effort to promote and support Operation Write Home, I designed this fun MONKEY card!!

The monkey was cut from my Creative Memories Stork's Delivery Cricut Cartridge (available HERE!)... I love the easy layers on this cartridge, and it's NOT just for baby stuff (as demonstrated here, here, here, and HERE!!)...

I braided some twine and covered it with Glossy Accents for the vine... I really love how this turned out...

The tan cardstock is embossed with Tim Holtz's 'Woodgrain' embossing folder (from Sizzix) and the phrase "Just Swinging By" was made with my old-school DYMO label maker!! :)

I hope you've enjoyed my card -- This one, along with many others, will be sent to our heroes stationed overseas so that they can send a card to a loved one at home!! :) If you'd like to join in on that fun, please visit the OWH site for more info...

What's a hop without candy??? Be sure to leave a comment on this post to be entered to WIN some FUN Critter Candy from me (and also to be eligible for Misty's candy)!! The winner of my Blog Candy will be announced on Monday, April 18th and will receive a selection of paper, die cuts, and other goodies to create some cards and projects!! :)

Thanks so much for joining me on the HOP!! I'm participating in another hop today (and tomorrow too), so I hope you'll stick around for a few moments to check that out too!! :)

If you get lost along the way, here's a list of all the talented bloggers participating in today's hop:
1. Misty…http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/
2. KAndrews...http://www.gettingcricky.com/
3. Amy...http://www.lovetocrop.com/ You are Here!
4. Tanya…http://scrappinkymomma.blogspot.com/ <- Next Stop!
5. Darlene…http://talesoftayandbay.blogspot.com/
6. Kathie…http://kathleessnippitsncricuts.blogspot.com/
7. Michelle D…http://upsydaisycreations.blogspot.com/
8. Sally… http://sallysbitz.blogspot.com/
9. Gill...http://creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/
10. Jen…http://www.memorieswithjen.blogspot.com/
11. Sher… http://www.patternsbysher.blogspot.com/
12. Rhonda…http://scraphappenswithrhonda.blogspot.com/
13.Tara..http://creativeprincess-homemadehappiness.blogspot.com/
14. Vicki…http://www.melovebonoandscrapbooking.blogspot.com/
15. Jen …http://www.jenscraftcorner.com/
16. Dawn…http://iowascrapper.blogspot.com/
17. Martha…http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/
18. Becky…http://beckscricards.blogspot.com/
19. Anita…http://anitaandbugs.blogspot.com/
20. Kara… http://karassweetcreations.blogspot.com/
21. CheriJ… http://cdjcape521.blogspot.com/
22. Carlene…http://misspinkcricut.blogspot.com/
23. Misty…http://deliteful-gifts.blogspot.com/ <-2nd chance post

** What??? More small print??? :) -- To be eligible for my "All Creatures Great & Small" Blog Hop Candy you need to leave a comment on this post (if you don't know how to get to the comment box, CLICK HERE)... For a second chance to win, become a follower (if you are already a follower, that's okay too) and leave a SECOND comment that you are following... The winner will be selected and posted on April 18th (later in the day rather than sooner, cuz I'm never organized enough to do it first thing in the morning!)... Selected winner will have SEVEN (7) whole days to claim the prize (so be sure to CHECK BACK!!) or it will be re-gifted, possibly to the monkeys at the zoo, even though they will probably try to eat it or throw it at each other, but probably to another comment participant... This drawing is held in happy spirits with good intentions, so please enter with the same... Here ends the fine print. :)

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Meet my inspiration... And share some love... :)

Over at Getting Cricky, there's a 'Love Link Up Party'... I've seen this linky list pop up on a bunch of blogs in my reader lately, so I'm joining in on the FUN!! :) Be sure to hop over there and join in too (or just visit a few of the other blogs)...

When we linked up, we were asked to share something personal... I think I share a lot of personal things here on my blog, so it was hard for me to come up with something new and special...

Well, here is something that many may not know about me (I know I've mentioned it crops and get-togethers)...

I secretly want to be Jessica Fletcher!

"Who???" you ask?

You know... Jessica Fletcher!! The Murder Mystery writer who lives in Cabot Cove, Maine!! Every time she travels anywhere (in this country or that one), there seems to be a murder (okay, this part might give me a bit of a complex)... And she always gets involved in solving the mystery!! She's so amazing that they created a television show all about her!! It ran for TWELVE seasons (one of CBS's longest-running shows!)... I have seen every single one of the 264 corny episodes (as well as the 'cross-over' episodes that featured her on Magnum, PI!!)... As a matter of fact, I've been heard to say things like, "You know, something just like this happened to my friend, Jessica Fletcher... And what she did was....."

Now, you may think I'm crazy (and you're probably right), but if Jessica were my next-door-neighbor, I would TOTALLY want her to be my best friend!! I mean, she pretty much does have it all together...

She has wonderful long-time friends like Dr. Seth Hazlitt (what a HOOT!), Sheriff Amos Tupper (best sheriff EVER!), Michael Hagerty (what a trouble-maker!), Dennis Stanton (jewel-thief turned insurance agent?), Harry McGraw (one of my favorites, played by Jerry Orbach), and many more... These folks would do anything for Jessica, and they certainly helped to keeps things colorful and exciting!!

Jessica has about a million relatives (no kiddos of her own -- sob -- but plenty of nieces and nephews), none more colorful or fun than Grady... He always seemed to get wrapped up with the wrong person and needed Jessica to HELP!! :) With Grady, you definitely got to witness Jessica's calm and patient ways...

Never quick to judge, Jessica has friends from all walks of life (millionaires and homeless folks alike!)... She's quick with a kind word and helpful to everyone... Always a lady, what's not to LOVE about Jessica Fletcher?

Oh, and even though I don't like to remember that Jessica was actually portrayed by an 'actress' and her 'real' name is Angela Lansbury, well... Ms. Lansbury did a particularly AWESOME job portraying my favorite character ever... :)

I hope you've enjoyed my little break from creativity here... I can't wait to hear about YOUR 'secret' fact...

Until next time, may you have the three things in life that Jessica would want for you: chocolate, friends and the theatre (and, possibly, scrapbooking?)... :)

*Here's the linky list... Visit a few or join them all!! :)

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Celebrate The Occasion Challenge #9 -- Bunny Card

It's time again to Celebrate The Occasion!! This week the challenge is to create a card, layout, or project for Spring or Easter -- but ya have to use a punch!! You know how much I love punches, right??? :)

My card (look, Gloria, it's a SHAPED card!!) will fit into a 5x7 envelope even though I think I'll just hand deliver it so the eyelashes don't get crushed. :) I had originally planned on making a layout for this challenge, so when I turned it into a card, it was too late to weld it in my gypsy... So for those of you without a gypsy, this is a way to make your own shaped card!! :)

Simply adhere the pink layer to the back layer (see cut sizes/selections below) and score at about 1/2" from the edge... Then adhere the front edge to the scored edge -- Since the back layer has the score, the card front is crease-free!! :) My stamp is from SU! (it says 'happy Easter') and is punched with an SU! punch... I layered the punched image onto some white shimmer cardstock and hand trimmed around it...

I used the Doodlecharms Cricut Cartridge for the bunny head... I cut TWO with white shimmer cardstock at 6.5" using the SHADOW feature (for one of these I used the FLIP feature on my Expression... Don't have an Expression? Simply place your cardstock face down on your mat!! Of course, this only matters when you're using a cardstock that has a different design or a shimmer on one side like the cardstock I used...). I also cut ONE with pink lemonade cardstock at 6.5" using the blackout feature (I didn't want the face cut since I was using it for the liner inside the card)...

I used FOUR different sized circle punches (my handy-dandy CM punches have two sizes per punch!! COOL!!)... 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", and 1 1/2"... From the shimmer white, I punched TWO 1 1/2" circles for the bunny 'snout', ONE 1 1/4" circle for the mouth, and THREE 1" circles for the eyes (one circle gets cut in half for the eyelids)... From the pink, I punched ONE 1" circle for the tongue and ONE 3/4" circle for the nose... To make the ears, I cut a strip of paper that was 1 1/2"x2" and then 'threaded' it through only half of my circle punch to make the rounded top... After it was punched, I trimmed a little off either side to taper the base, making it look more like the inside of the ear... From black, I punched TWO 1" circles (I fringed these to make the eyelashes) and TWO 3/4" circles for the eyes... A little inking adds the extra pop... Easy peasy lemon squeezy!! If you don't have the Doodlecharms cartridge, you could always just add the face to a regular card (square/rectangle)... It'll still be CUTE (and by changing the punch colors, you can use this face for almost any critter)!! :)

I hope you've enjoyed my card today -- Now head on over to Celebrate The Occasion and enter YOUR Easter or Spring card, layout, or project that uses a PUNCH!! :)

BONUS!! My card will also be entered in the following challenges:
Creative Sisters Monday Challenge #5 - Bunnies, Bunnies
Cricut Cardz Challenge #69 - Easter Card, LO, or Project
Paper Cutz Challenge #86 - Use bunny, chick, or Easter eggs on card, LO, or project

Until next time, have a HOPPY day!! :)

Monday, April 11, 2011

WINNER of my THANK RHONDA BLOG CANDY!!

Thank you so much to those of you who were able to pop over and let Rhonda know how much her mini album meant to me... Now for the winner of my 'Thank Rhonda Blog Candy'...

*** Edited for new winner!! ***
Unfortunately, my original winner did not leave contact info and didn't check back :( However, I understand how difficult it can be to remember where you've been to sign up for blog candy, so hopefully, she'll eventually send an email with her contact info, and I'll send her out a consolation prize :)

Random.org originally chose #4...

mom2fivekiddos said..."oh, my word! This is absolutely adorable! I just started following Rhonda's blog....she is AMAZING!!! Thank you for sharing the mini she sent you, and for sending me her way!"
Congrats!! Please email me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) with your address so I can send your ~~candy~~ consolation prize!!

And now on to the new winner...
Random.org chose #11...

girlia said... "What amazing mini's." Congrats!! Please email me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) with your address so I can send your candy out!!

Once again, this is....

of my post...

Thanks again!! Until next time, may your day be Zoobalicious!! :)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Giveaway for NEW followers at Scrap Happens (with Rhonda)... Check it out and sign up for my "Thank Rhonda Blog Candy"!! :)

YOU could win this adorable Easter Bunny mini album from Rhonda... Check it out HERE...

Not long ago I was blessed with a lovely gift from a lovely person... Rhonda. She creates some of the most beautiful mini albums I've ever seen... When I received my 'mini' album in the mail, I was astounded... I certainly did not feel that I had done anything to deserve such a generous gift (Rhonda will tell you that I helped her with some computer 'stuff' -- but lemme tell ya -- It was not enough compared to the time and talent she poured into my little book!!)...

My happy mini album is perfectly perched near my desk so that I can see those adorable giraffes smiling at me every day (yes, I've named them... On the front cover, the one on the left is Jorge, and the little one is Claude)... Not a day goes by that I'm not reminded of the wonderful and kind friends I've met since I started blogging... :) Though I could never say thank you enough, I truly appreciate Rhonda's kindness...

If you have not visited Rhonda yet, I urge you to hop on over there and scroll through the MANY mini albums she has created (trust me, you WILL be amazed!!)... While you're there, sign up to be a FOLLOWER... She's giving away an ADORABLE Easter Bunny mini...

I can't win this one, but YOU can if you are a NEW follower and leave a comment on her post HERE... When you stop by to see her, please tell her again how much I appreciate her wonderful gift... I'd love to shower her with a few extra "thanks!"

And to show my appreciation to YOU for helping me to thank Rhonda, I'd like to offer a little blog candy here... Simply let me know that you're a follower of Rhonda's AND leave her a comment (for my candy, you can win even if you are already a follower of Rhonda, but please leave her a comment too)... I'll gather up some goodies and select a winner on April 11th... To recap: Go visit Rhonda and leave her a comment (be sure to remind her how much I love my giraffe album!), become a follower of Rhonda (if you aren't already), then come back here and leave me a comment telling me that you did that, and you're entered to win some candy here!! :)

Thanks for your help!! Until next time,here's a few more pictures of my adorable mini made by Rhonda... :)

The back of the book... I found this TOO funny because we have a whole page dedicated to 'The End' of each and every zoo visit!! Isn't this book just too stinkin' cute??? :)

** Now... Do I really need small print??? Yeah, I guess I should add it -- To be eligible for my Thank Rhonda Blog Candy you need to do THREE things: 1. Follow Rhonda. 2. Leave Rhonda a comment (preferably on the post where you can also win her adorable bunny album). 3. Leave me a comment here letting me know that you're a Rhonda follower and you left a comment... The winner will be selected and posted on April 11th (later in the day rather than sooner, cuz that's how I roll)... Selected winner will have SEVEN (7) whole days to claim the prize or it will be re-gifted, possibly to The-Turtle-Cat, especially if the prize contains glitter, but probably to another comment participant... This drawing is held in happy spirits with good intentions, so please enter with the same... Here ends the fine print. :)

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

April Fool's Blog Hop AND Punch-Art-Flower WINNERS!!

Good morning!! I meant to post this yesterday, but it was late, late, late when I got home... I would like to thank everyone who stopped by for the April Fool's Blog Hop this past weekend!! In answer to many of you, I will do my best to get a tutorial finished and posted for the Explosion Scrapbook Purse... Believe me, it was easy-peasy to make (the tutorial will probably be harder! hee hee), so I can't wait to see how YOUR'S turns out!! :)

Anyway, on to the WINNERS... Random.org picked number 10...

Lisa's Creative Niche said...This is a fantastic project! I love it! This is hard for me, because I don't really have any good April Fool's jokes that are that great, except for being given a "lottery ticket" by my mom when I came home from school in high school and I didn't think much of it because we always played the scratch and win ones... but this one said I won thousands of dollars and I was thrilled jumping up and down screaming... until I found the joke was on me Happy April Fools hehehe! Thank you for the great share!
Lisa

CONGRATS, Lisa!! Please email me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) within 7 days with your mailing address to claim your prize!! :)

The Creative Sisters' Challenge also ended yesterday, so let's see who will be receiving one of The-Girl-Child's very own Punch-Art-Flowers... Random.org picked numbers 4 and 6...

abusybee - DoubleClick Connections said...Great lay-out! I love using punches they really make a project pop! I would love a pink one! Like your fine print!

and Nana Jo said... I want the layout - hehe. Pink and pink and another pink or white flower. Great look. Thanks for the chance to win.

CONGRATS, Carri and Nana Jo!! Please email me (scrapbookingwithamy at gmail dot com) within 7 days with your mailing address and we'll send ya out those PINK flowers!! :)

Thanks again to EVERYONE!! Until next time, may your day be fantastic and filled with happy surprises!! :)

Friday, April 1, 2011

Happy April Fool's Day!! Blog Hop & Candy!! :)

Welcome to It's A Joy 2 Scrap's April Fool's Day Blog Hop!! No foolin'... I have a FUN project for ya!! If you came here from Kara's Blog, you are in the right place. However, if you're just visiting me by chance or just checking in, you'll want to hop over to It's A Joy 2 Scrap's blog so you don't miss out on any of the fun!!

For this hop, we were asked to create a project that “tricks the eye” or does something you might not have expected it to do... I saw a Scrapbook Purse very similar to this one on Split Coast Stamper (sorry, I tried to go back and find it, but it's been too long, and I can't find the original person who posted -- if it was you, please let me know so I can give you credit!!)... Then, a few days ago, a friend of mine sent me an email with pictures of another one!! Now how did she know I had made one of these just for this occasion??? I thought it was the coolest thing!! Kinda like an explosion box, but with a little twist...

Click on picture to enlarge... :)

I used three full pieces of 12x12 paper (one cardstock, two designer sheets) plus one 4x12 strip of cardstock to create my Scrapbook Purse... Plus some scraps!! :) The punch-art-flower is one of the flowers I am giving away on THIS previous post (it's not too late to enter to win, so if ya haven't... click HERE!)...

Click on picture to enlarge... :)

You can add photos to any of the inside squares and triangles... Now how stinkin' cute is that?? :) Simply score your base piece of cardstock 4" from each edge, and then create mountain/valley folds on two sides (opposite sides)... I wrapped my extra 4x12 strip around the center to create the purse 'flap' and give it some extra support...

Now how about some Blog Candy on this Blog Hop??? No foolin'... I've got CANDY!! :) Unfortunately, I do not have a picture of the candy at the moment (Blogger just gave me a few issues while getting this post ready) -- If ya wanna see what the candy is, come on back in a bit -- I'll edit my post to include the candy, candy, candy!! :) To WIN, all ya have to do is leave a comment with the BEST April Fool's joke you ever played on someone else OR that someone else played on you... Although you don't have to be a follower to win, I'd love for you to join my Fabulous Followers if ya like what ya see here!! :)

Next in line is Ashley from Marine Wife's Scrappin' Life!! I hope you'll hop on over to her blog and see what she's created to trick your eye and surprise ya!! While you're there, scroll through and check out her layouts and cards -- Y'all know how much I L-O-V-E layouts!! :)

If you get lost along the way, here is the line up of everyone participating in the hop...

April (This is where the hop started!!)
Elaine
Vicki
Darlene
Lindsey
Tammy
Kara
Amy (THAT'S ME!! YOU ARE HERE!!)
Ashley (Go see her NEXT!!)
Janice
Tonia
Kim
Janice
Jillian
Wendy
Kayla
Jenny
Patty
Tiffany
Carlene
Krystal
Jenny
Michelle
Linette
Katie
Debi

REMEMBER -- If you leave a comment on all the blogs by Sunday (April 3) at 11:59pm (CST), you will have a chance to win some fabulous prizes!!!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

And the WINNERS are...

Oh. My. Goodness. Hardest post EVER!! Over the last month, I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting new blogs of my oh-so-wonderful-followers-both-new-and-not-as-new... I have gotten to *know* several of you through your posts and comments... And I knew it was going to be hard to finish up the drawing for my FANTASTIC FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY... But I didn't ever imagine the number of hours and amount of work that would go into making sure every comment was counted accurately and every extra chance was given accordingly... I thought I kept up pretty well with all of it in the beginning, but as the month went on, I realized it was much more involved than I had originally thought... WHEW!! It is DONE!! Yes, I am a day late (and I sincerely apologize for that), but as an extra THANK YOU, I have selected a few extra people to receive a BONUS treat from me (after all, you did help me DOUBLE my goal to reach 100 followers!!! YIPPEE!!!)...

Thank you so much to each and every one of my followers... Thank you to those of you who created a post for me on your blog and to those of you who posted my blinkie... If I have not had the chance to stop by your blog to write you a note, please know that I am still working on it!! If you left me your blog address, I will be visiting you soon!! :)

So without further ado... The winners are... (be sure to scroll down for the complete list of winners-there are EIGHT!!)... Remember, you have SEVEN days to email me at scrapbookingwithamy (at) gmail (dot) com to claim your prize (please send me your mailing address)!!

A BRAND NEW Creative Memories Stork's Delivery Cricut Cartridge goes to:

Jennifer from The Country Life!!!!!!!

The Winner of the Rugged Baby Boy Celebrate Additions Kit... (includes 5 sheets of double-sided 12x12 paper, 8 double-sided photo mats, 1 sheet of title stickers, and 1 sheet of decorative stickers) :

LISA (ScrappingPinkLady) from A Touch of Pink!!

The winner of the Fabulous Baby Girl Celebrate Additions Kit... (includes 5 sheets of double-sided 12x12 paper, 8 double-sided photo mats, 1 sheet of title stickers, and 1 sheet of decorative stickers):

TRACY (josie0602) from Scrappin' In The Woods!!

And now... For the FIVE winners of the BONUS prizes (a small gift just to say thank you)...

Carol from Scrappin' Heaven
Melissa from Sleepless Wonder
Sheri C
Just A Pac Rat from Circle B Enterprises
Beverly from Beverly's Blog

That's it, folks!! Once again, I would like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to all of my Fabulous Followers!! I hope you'll continue to check back often!! I will continue to make sure I visit each and every one of you -- I love seeing what everyone else creates too!! :)

Until next time, may every day be fabulous...