Love To Crop!: January 2012

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

Getting Cricky Tuesday Tutorial -- Wiggle It, Just a Little Bit -- It's a Love To Crop Challenge!! :)

Hey there, friends and followers!! I hope this Tuesday finds you enjoying the promise of today!! Here in Western Pennsylvania we are enjoying some CRAZY January weather!! Blue skies and warm weather are in the forecast, so I am taking advantage of absorbing those good-feeling-sunshine rays!! Wherever you are, I hope there's some sunshine in your life too!! :)

GUESS WHAT?!?!? I have TWO GREAT THINGS to share with you today!! :) Number ONE: It's time for another LOVE TO CROP CHALLENGE!! YAY!! I hope you'll join me with YOUR project featuring my Number TWO thing to share with you.....

I have a super FUN and EASY tutorial for you today that I'm sharing over at Getting Cricky!! A few weeks ago, I posted a groovy giraffe-on-roller-skates card with one of my homemade Wiggle Wires... I got sooooo many requests for details on how to make them, that I just couldn't resist sharing!! As a young crafter, I remember receiving a birthday card from one of my mom's friends that had a dancing bear on it (I was about 10)... My curious mind (and crafty soul) couldn't wait to pull that card apart and figure out how it worked!! The result was a stack of Thank You, Birthday, and Christmas cards that all wiggled that year... as well as my dad left scratching his head as to why none of his "clicker" pens would ever work!! I had discovered that the springs from those pens made perfect "Wiggle Wires" for all of my cards!! LOL... Once my dad discovered my stash of "borrowed" pen springs, I had to find another way to create these fun little buggers!! It wasn't long until I discovered the wonder of floral wire -- green, silver, thick, thin -- I definitely have an addiction to the stuff!! So, if you're ready to learn a new way to add a little whimsy to your cards, let's get started...

Isn't that FUN??? I added my Wiggle Wire to this adorable Mermaid cut from the Creative Memories This and That Cricut Cartridge (available here)... I distressed her hair with some SU! Creamy Caramel ink and then added some iridescent Stickles for some extra SPARKLE!! Her pink fin is embossed with Cuttlebug's "Tiny Bubbles" embossing folder... Some SU! Pink Passion and Stickles add a little glamour too!! :)

The sentiment "you are Fintastic" is from the K Andrew Designs Splashtastic Summer Stamp Set... That fantastic frame can also be found on the Creative Memories This and That Cricut Cartridge -- I love how perfectly it works with the stamp set!! The little fishies are a retired CM punch (Meadow Maker) that is still one of my favorites...

The background cardstock and waves are all embossed with the Sizzix "Splash" embossing folder... I used foam to add a lot of dimension to the waves and added plenty of iridescent Stickles as well... What mermaid doesn't like a little extra sparkle??? Her adorable little face is from a mix-n-match stamp by Peachy Keen...

And since I wanted her "wiggle" to be enjoyed while on display, I placed my mermaid on an easel card...

Are you ready to try making some Wiggle Wires of your own now??? You can link up ANY project using a Wiggle Wire to this post right here for your chance to WIN a K Andrew Designs Stamp Set!! Simply create a NEW card, layout, or other project featuring your own Wiggle Wire and add your link below before Thursday, February 16th at 11:59pm EST!!

Now, be sure to leave a comment on this post (would love for you to be a follower too!) AND leave a comment over on the post at Getting Cricky too for your chance to WIN a little goodie from me!! And remember -- The Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge Theme is "Fantasy Land" -- Why not create something for the challenge HERE and THERE??? :)

You may enter as many NEW projects as you would like as long as they fit in the challenge theme.
Please include a link to www.lovetocrop.com so that others may play along.

1. Claire

2. Tammy

3. Michelle R.

4. Melissa (Sunshine HoneyBee)

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Until next time,

Saturday, January 28, 2012

Cricut Craftin Friends Blog Hop -- Day TWO -- What's not to LOVE??? :)

Cricut Craftin Friends Blog Hop
Celebrating Cricut Craftin Grammys 1 year
Blogaversary

Oh YAY!! I'm so happy that you're BACK for DAY TWO of the Cricut Craftin' Friends Blog Hop!! :) What's that??? You missed yesterday's post??? Be sure to CLICK HERE and catch up on all the FUN (plus you can double your chances in my GIVEAWAY)!! :)

Since this is a TWO-DAY hop, you have until January 30th to post your comments on both days of the blog hop to be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE... Thanks for joining us!

Okie-dokie, back to hopping!! If you've hopped over from my Lasting Memories Design Team Sister, Kim, 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 CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Suzanne's Blog

For the hop today, I've created .......

A simple, yet FUN, Valentine Banner... I found this cool layered heart on the BRAND NEW Creative Memories This & That Cricut Cartridge (available HERE), and I couldn't wait to use it for this banner!! :) There are so many neat images on this cartridge -- I think you'll be seeing quite a few here in the next several weeks...

I used some of my homespun "ribbon" strips for the banner base... And I cut 5 hearts (both layers) at 6"... I also cut the base of each heart from chipboard so that the banner would be very sturdy.

I tied strips of the homespun ribbon between each of the hearts to add a little fullness and whimsy... I'm very happy with how it turned out and can't wait to find a permanent home for it (it can't stay here -- that's my cupboard filled with Sizzix dies and other craft stuff that it's hanging on!!)...

I used the Cuttlebug "Polka Dots" embossing folder for the back layer of the hear and the Sizzix "Hearts & Vines" embossing folder for the swirled hearts. I distressed the edges with black ink before adhering the layers together (I also use a black permanent marker on the edges of the chipboard to give it a finished look).

Finally, I added a black rosette to three of the hearts... I took my time gluing the rosette down as I wanted it to be in more of a heart shape. Once I had it semi-set the way I wanted it, I used hot glue to fill the center for a solid rosette. Then I added the "Love" heart to finish it off (stamped with Versa Mark, and heat embossed with white embossing powder). The "Love" sentiment can be found on the Owly Hoo Stamp Art Sentiment Set from K Andrew Designs... If you'd like to see a BUNCH more projects featuring this incredibly FUN stamp set, please CLICK HERE...

Before you hop away... I DO have a bit of Blog Candy for one lucky winner!! I have a few little random items that I've stuffed into an envelope -- It'll make a nice SURPRISE when the winner opens it!! To be eligible to WIN, you will need to leave a comment answering the question: DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIAL TRADITIONS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY??? (I like to decorate my pencil tree with heart ornaments and send Valentines to my kiddos!!)... :)

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***

Suzanne is ALSO offering an AWESOME Grand Prize (remember to comment on each Hop Stop BOTH days for DOUBLE the chances to WIN!!)... If you are the WINNER, you can choose a $25 Gift Certificate to either JoAnn's or Michael's!! Woot-woot!! With coupons and sales, you could carry home a bunch of LOOT!! :)

Thank you again for checking out my project... Now hop to the next stop: Terri...

Remember to visit all the stops for MAXIMUM ideas and LOTS OF FUN!! Below is a list of all the Hop Stops in case you get lost or want to revisit anyone (clicking the links below will take you DIRECTLY to each participants post)!! :)

Suzanne
Also posting for Cindy who does not have a blog

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Friends
Charlotte
Melanie
Beckie
Faith Abigal
Kate

Lasting Memories
Michele F
Elizabeth
Karen
Denise
Michelle
Jennasa
Kimberly
Amy :) You are HERE now!! :)

Message Board Friends
Terri Go here NEXT!!
Brenda
Rachelle
Shawnee

Sweet Sassy Diva Blog Friends
Lori
Mindy
Jen

Until next time,

Mad Hatter Birthday Tea Party Blog Hop -- Your Invitation to the PAR-TAY!! :)

Welcome to Lynne's Mad Hatter 60th Birthday Tea Party Blog Hop!!

"I'm late... I'm late!! For a very important DATE!! No time to say "hello, goodbye..." I'm late, I'm late, I'm LATE!! :) Are you here for the tea party??? If so, then YOU, my friend, are right ON TIME!! I've been holding on to exactly what you need to get into the tea party... I hope you've had a good trip through the Looking Glass so far!! Since you've made it here, you're almost safe from the Queen of Hearts... Only a few more stops to go until Day TWO of Lynne's tea party (with a bunch of new tea party participants!!)...

If you stopped at my blog just to visit today, be sure to run back down the path to the START of the HOP... You won't want to miss any of the creative goodness!! Of course, if you've hopped here on path, then you've avoided the forest detours... And I'm so glad to have you here!! :)

To get into the Tea Party, you'll find that you might need a little something to make getting to the party a little easier.... Perhaps an elixir proven to make you small enough to fit through that tiny door???

I made this elixir by transforming an "old" bottle... It's actually a bottle of vanilla that I recently finished off while making some delicious chocolate chip cookies... I love how the bottle looks like it's been around for a bit.... Anywhoooo... I cut some labels from the Elegant Edges Cricut Cartridge -- With the help of my Gypsy I was able to adjust the size to fit perfectly on the front of the bottle. I also cut a flourish design at 4" from the Creative Memories Reminisce Cartridge... I used the flourish as a stencil to create my own background paper by sponging some Chocolate Chip ink onto French Vanilla cardstock... Then, I attached the flourish over the labels on the bottle, carefully wrapping the edges of the flourish around the sides -- I just LOVE how this turned out!! Incidentally, the cap for this bottle was inadvertently discarded and I couldn't find any corks (ANYWHERE!), so I rolled a strip of cardboard and distressed it to resemble a real cork (whaddya think???)...

Of course, after drinking the Shrinking Elixir, you'll want to have your cake nearby for some normal-sized travel to the Mad Hatter's house... The tags for both the potion and the cake can be found on the Plantin SchoolBook Cricut Cartridge (though I did use my Gypsy again to alter them to the correct size). I've always liked the "hand-written" effect on tags like this, so I used my bold tip marker to handwrite the "Drink me" and "Eat me" sentiments...

Now that you've finished shrinking and growing again, please remember that you wouldn't want to arrive without a Birthday Card for the Birthday Girl!! :)

This 5.75" square card features the clock and top hat from the Celebrate with Flourish Cricut Cartridge (cut in all layers at approximately 4.5"). I also added one of the flourishes to the bottom left of the card. After distressing the edges, I popped the image up with foam pops, embossed the background with the Sizzix "Royal Flourishes" embossing folder, and added some ribbon from 3 Girl JAM (be sure to stop on over and check out her specials -- and let her know I sent ya!!)...

This side view of the card shows the dimension AND gives you a sneak peek at the inside of the card...

Isn't that the BEST sentiment for this card??? I used the mix-n-match sentiments from THREE K Andrew Designs Stamp Sets -- Coffee & Tea for You & Me, Winter Wishes, and Splashtastic Summer... The Queen of Hearts card is from a brand new pack, but I sanded it and inked it (with Chocolate Chip) to make it look old...

And there ya have it!! Hope you enjoyed my goodies for the Mad Hatter Birthday Tea Party Blog Hop!! Now how bout a chance at some goodies for YOU???

Rather than cake, crumpetts, tarts and cookies, you'll find blog candy scattered throughout the stops -- I even have a little bit to share!! I stuffed an envelope full of goodies and plan to send them to one lucky WINNER who leaves a comment answering the question: What's your favorite thing about Alice in Wonderland??? (Mine is that silly little rabbit who runs around singing the "LATE" song!!)... :)

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)

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

Lynne also has all of these goodies from the Hop Sponsors:

Pat Catan's has donated a $25 gift card for shopping at their store, if there isn't a Pat Catan's in your area, we can transfer that out for you
Karber Digital Images at http://www.karberdigital.com/ has offered 2 digital designs of the winner's choice
Digi My World at http://digimyworld.com/shop/ has offered a $10 gift card
SVG Attic at http://www.svgattic.com/ has offered a $20 gift certificate
PSA Stamps at www.psastamps.com.blogspot.com has offered a 1 stamper, 2 Peel & Stick packs of winner's choice. MSRP for each package is $55.
Creative Kuts has offered a $20 Gift Certificate to http://creativekuts.com/
Deborah Marie Foti of http://www.scrappingmamma.net/ will make one of her original birthday cards, Crafty Friends Sentiments Large Sheet by www.gettingcricky.com AND $10 Little Scraps of Heaven Designs Gift Certificate

To be eligible to win, please be sure to comment on each stop of Lynne's Mad Hatter Tea Party!! Easy-peasy!! :)

Thanks again for stopping by!! It's time for you to hop on over to Jamie's blog...

In case you have lost your way, avoid the Cheshire Cat and follow the links below instead... :)

Pam

Amy - You are HERE now!! :)

Jamie- Go here NEXT!!

Kari

Digi My World

PSA Stamps

Remember to stop by Lynne's blog again tomorrow (her post for DAY TWO can be found HERE) for even MORE Wonderland wonders!! :)

Until next time,

Friday, January 27, 2012

Cricut Craftin Friends Blog Hop -- Day ONE -- Come meet my Cricut Friends!! :)

Cricut Craftin Friends Blog Hop
Celebrating Cricut Craftin Grammys 1 year
Blogaversary

We're so happy you could join us for this hop celebrating the one year blogaversary of Cricut Craftin Grammy. Suzanne has asked a few of her Cricut Message Board friends as well as Design Team friends (Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog, Lasting Memories and Sweet Sassy Diva ) to join her in this two day Blog Hop. We are allowed to share anything we wish as long as we used our Cricut!! :)

This is a TWO-DAY hop, so be sure to check out both days so you don't miss any creativeness. Because there is a large number of participants, you have until January 30th to post your comments for the two days of the blog hop. Thanks for joining us!

Let's get hopping!! If you've hopped over from my Lasting Memories Design Team Sister, Kim, 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 CLICK HERE to start at the beginning with Suzanne's Blog

For the hop today, I've created .......

...A super FUN altered journal for Suzanne to keep track of all of her crafty friends!! :) This is a basic composition book that I picked up at the beginning of the school year... I covered it with some Creative Memories Delight Designer Paper and then set to work cutting Cricut "friends" (with a little assistance from my Gypsy)...

The Cricut logo can be found on the Cricut Everyday (exclusive Cricut Circle) Cartridge... Suzanne LOVES her Cricut!! :) That silly monkey is one of my favorites from the Creative Memories Stork's Delivery Cricut Cartridge... The "my" was welded on my Gypsy and is one of my favorite fonts (especially for welding) -- Songbird!! :)

I tried to represent all the friends that Suzanne had invited to HOP with her this weekend -- So of course, there's a giraffe for ME (also on Stork's Delivery)... :) There's a kitty for the cat-lovers (Cricut Sampler), and a dog (Create A Critter) for the dog-lovers (but I chose THIS dog because it reminds me of the adorable doggies on Charlotte's blog -- do you remember them??? SO CUTE!!)... There's a cupcake (Celebrations) for her sweet friends and a fashionista (Forever Young) for her very fashionable friends... And then there are a pile of flowers for everyone who just loves flowers (and BLING)!! :) The "FRIENDS" can be found on the George and Basic Shapes Cricut Cartridge ("Charmed" feature)....

I did a little embossing on a few cuts -- The monkey features the Sizzix Damask embossing folder and the doggie features Cuttlebug's Swiss Dots embossing folder... I also used Swiss Dots for the spine... Some Kaiser gems were added here and there for a little extra SPARKLE...

There ya have it!! I hope you've enjoyed seeing my journal today... And I hope Suzanne enjoys using it for a long time to come!! :)

Before you hop away... I DO have a bit of Blog Candy for one lucky winner!! I have a few little random items that I've stuffed into an envelope -- It'll make a nice SURPRISE when the winner opens it!! To be eligible to WIN, you will need to leave a comment letting me know WHICH CRICUT CUT on my altered journal represents YOU??? (Remember... I'm the giraffe!! But I'll share if that's you too!!)... :)

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)

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

Thank you again for checking out my project... Now hop to the next stop: Terri...

Remember to visit all the stops for MAXIMUM ideas and LOTS OF FUN!! Below is a list of all the Hop Stops in case you get lost or want to revisit anyone!! :)

Suzanne
Suzanne is also posting for Cindy who does not have a blog

Fantabulous Cricut Challenge Blog Friends
Charlotte
Melanie
Beckie
Faith Abigail
Kate

Lasting Memories Friends
Stacia
Michele
Elizabeth
Karen
Denise
Michelle
Jennasa
Kimberly
Amy :) You are HERE now!! :)

Message Board Friends
Terri Go here NEXT!!
Brenda
Rachelle
Shawnee

Sweet Sassy Diva Blog Friends
Lori
Mindy
Tina
Jen

Until next time,

Monday, January 23, 2012

Chinese New Year Blog Hop DAY TWO -- This Little Light of Mine... :)

Welcome to Day TWO of the Chinese New Year Blog Hop!!

If you missed Day One's post, please CLICK HERE!! :)

January 22-23, 2012

Year of the Dragon

Ni hao and welcome to the SECOND DAY of the Chinese New Year Blog Hop! This hop is in honor of Guan, the little boy April's family is adopting from Taiwan. To celebrate his culture, we want to share some Chinese-inspired projects with you!

If you have arrived here from Ashley, then you are in the right place!! :) If you are just joining in from your dashboard or reading this via email, please CLICK HERE to start at April's blog -- you don't want to miss anyone's amazing creativity!

For today's project, I created...

A Chinese-inspired lantern and a mini gift card!! :) I just love how fun and easy these lanterns are to make... I used two sheets of 8.5"x11" vellum for this one as well as some 1"x11" red cardstock strips for support on the ends. To create the outside layer of the lantern I scored the short side (8.5") of the vellum at 1", 4.25", and 7.5", then turned the vellum to the long side (11") and cut at every 1/2" between the outside score marks. I cut the other piece of vellum (it's striped in my picture) to 7.5"x11", and then formed a tube (attaching one 7.5" side to the other 7.5" side).

I added the outside layer of vellum by adhering just the edges at the top and bottom. The red strips were then added and accented with the small white flowers (distressed with black ink and topped with a black gem).

The mini gift card measures just 2.5" square... I used a retired SU! stamp (Gifts from the Orient) for the paper lanterns across the top and K Andrew Designs Splashtastic Summer Stamp Set for the "Shine on!" sentiment... Another little flower finishes off this mini card....

I added a battery-operated tealight inside the lantern -- I love how the double layer of vellum really enhances the soft glow...

I'll leave you with a picture of this lantern in the dark... It's such a comforting glow, and I can't wait until the weather warms up so I can put this outside on a warm evening... With a stack of snow outside my window, this sure gives me something to look forward to!! :)

We have some great blog candy to offer from April Nourse and PSA Essentials. To be eligible, you will need to comment on each blog on each day's post (this is a TWO-DAY hop, so be sure to stop back tomorrow!!). We'd love for you to become a follower of each of our blogs as well...

Thanks again for stopping by! Your next stop is Jearise!!

Here are the links for all the stops in April's Chinese New Year Blog Hop... :)

April

Lynne

Ashley

Amy -- You are HERE now!! :)

Jearise -- Go here NEXT!!

Until next time,

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Lasting Memories Challenge #72 -- A real TREAT -- YUM!! :)

Happy SUNNY Sunday!! I'd like to welcome my NEW friends who have joined me this week... I have an AWESOME bunch of Fabulous Followers, and I'm so GLAD to welcome some new friends to the crew!! :) I love Sundays cuz there's always a FUN challenge going on... And this Sunday is certainly no exception!!

Over at Lasting Memories Layout Challenges, my Design Team Sisters and I were challenged to create some inspirational layouts featuring RECIPES for a REAL treat!! -- Now, I had no idea what that meant when I first read it... Usually a "recipe" challenge means so many buttons, adding a ribbon, stirring in some bling... But THIS TIME the challenge is to include a REAL RECIPE on your layout!! I don't know about you, but I had a few pictures involving food that I could choose from... Of course, if you want to share a special family recipe (with a picture of the finished dish), or some kind of fancy drink that you look forward to creating, or even some homemade bath salts or crafty gifts, we'd LOVE to see your take on the challenge too... Be sure to pop on over and check out all of the Design Team inspiration to help get your creative mojo hopping!! :)

So.... To inspire ya just a bit, I've created this 12x12 layout from The-Girl-Child's 17th Birthday...

The tradition in our family is that the Birthday-Person gets to choose where they would like to go for dinner (or they can choose a favorite home-cooked dinner instead, but public humiliation when the wait-staff that isn't hiding in the back room comes to sing at your table seems to be the preferred way to celebrate in this house!). I expected The-Girl-Child to pick someplace that served large cuts of beef... Perhaps a 32 oz. steak or a T-Bone for four, but instead she chose The-Boy-Child's favorite spot... The local authentic Mexican Restaurant... One of the great things about having this fantastic (and authentic) Mexican Restaurant only a few miles from home is that we've learned quite a bit of Spanish since they've opened... I haven't decided if it's a good thing or not that most of the employees now recognize us on sight (and immediately bring The-Boy-Child his customary bowl of Queso Dip), but it's definitely a real treat when they spoil us with the biggest and the bestest of the authentic Mexican desserts... And did I mention that this place is authentic??? :)

When they place Fried Ice Cream on our table, what follows is the most amazing thing EVER... Spoons become fencing swords, sparks fly, and the road-runner moves in slow motion compared to The-Boy-Child AND The-Girl-Child vying for the next bite... By the time I got my camera out, what you see above is all that was left for a picture...

I'm always surprised when people tell me they've never tried Fried Ice Cream before... I mean, with strange things like deep-fried Oreos, macaroni-and-cheese, and Twinkies out there, who wouldn't think that Ice Cream would be an even better delicacy rolled in cornflakes and dipped in hot oil before being drizzled with chocolate, strawberry, and caramel sauce and topped with whipped cream and a cherry??? No, really... It's delicious, and you should definitely put it on your list of things to try... Hey, tonight seems like a good night to do it!! :)

Mexican Fried Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 qt. vanilla ice cream
3 c. crushed cornflakes cereal
1 t. ground cinnamon
3 egg whites2 qts. oil for frying

Directions:

Scoop ice cream into 1/2 c. sized balls. Freeze for 1 hour.
Combine cornflakes and cinnamon.
In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until foamy.
Roll ice cream bowls in egg whites, then in cornflakes, covering completely. Repeat if necessary.
Freeze for 3 hours.
In deep fryer or large, heavy saucepan, heat oil to 375.
Using a basket or slotted spoon, fry ice cream balls for 10 to 15 seconds each or until golden.
Drain quickly on paper towels and serve immediately (with chocolate, strawberry, and caramel sauces, whipped cream, and a cherry!).

Now about my layout... I wanted to use the bright, fun colors of the restaurant in my layout, so I selected many colors (red, yellow, sea foam, mediterranean, purple, and raspberry) as well as some geometric strips that have been hidden in my stash... I cut the "Feliz Cumpleanos" title with the Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridge at 3" -- I used my Gypsy so I could weld the title together... I wanted to bring out the ornate design of the sombrero in the picture so I added the gold Stickles to the title and dots...

I used my white Signo pen to add the faux-stitching to the geometric strips and cut some tabs for some focused journaling...

I have a few more pictures to add to a second 12x12 layout (for the page opposite this one), including a picture of The-Girl-Child with our favorite waitress, Rosa... And now that I'm hungry for some authentic Mexican food, I think I'd better get my snow boots ready!! :)

A new "treat" over at Lasting Memories is the bi-weekly SKETCH inspiration... If you need a little help getting started on your RECIPE layout, feel free to use the sketch as a starting point... Hey, I did, but I ended up veering FAR off the sketch path!! It still helped me to get an idea of where I wanted my pictures and title (if you turn the sketch sideways, you'll see how I started)... Anywhoooo... This sketch is provided by Heather... This is an optional sketch and is NOT mandatory for our challenges, BUT if you do decide to use the sketch (even if it's NOT for our challenge), please be sure to leave a comment with a direct link to your creation as we'd all love to see it!! If you choose to use the sketch IN the challenge, be sure to link it up HERE (so you'll be considered for the LMLC TOP 3 as well as the GIVEAWAY)!!

This week, we have another GREAT GIVEAWAY from DT member, Stacia !! For your chance to WIN this AWESOME prize pack of goodies, be sure to play along with us by sharing YOUR favorite recipe layout!! :)