Getting Cricky Blog Hop/K Andrew Stamp Sets Preview Day THREE -- Ultimate Gift Card!! :)

YIPPEE-SKIPPY!!  It's DAY THREE of the K Andrew Stamp Art Stamp Set RELEASE PREVIEW!!  What's that you say?  It's really day FOUR???  OH ME -- OH MY!!  Well, then, I'd better fast-forward and give you TWO projects today!!  Be sure to check back in a bit for a SECOND card today to celebrate PREVIEW WEEK!! :)

Did ya know that FRIDAY, June 17th is the wonderful, excellent, fabulous, magnificent, fantastic, extraordinary, outstanding, terrific, really GREAT Getting Cricky Blog Hop?!?!?  :)  YUP, it is!!  My WONDERFUL Design Team Sisters will be featuring all of K Andrew's BRAND NEW Stamp Art Stamp Sets -- PLUS you'll be among the FIRST to see two more NEW RELEASES during the Getting Cricky Ustream Event!!  Whatever your plans are for Friday...  CANCEL THEM so you can join the Getting Cricky Crowd!!  hee hee...  :)

Now on to today's card featuring Getting Cricky's K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Set!! :)

This super-fun-to-create ruffle card is one that is quick and easy to make!!  I learned how to make ruffle cards like these from this awesome tutorial found HERE...  I used my MS heart border punch for the ruffles, We R Memory Keepers cardstock, circles from the George Cricut Cartridge (2", 2.25", and 2.5"), twisted ribbon from my stash, caramel distressing ink, and, of course, the WONDERFUL "Serving one's country.... is the ultimate expression of love" from the "Freedom Isn't Free" K Andrews Stamp Art Set!! :)

This card will also be sent as a Hero Card for Operation Write Home.  One of the most wonderful things about Kristal's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Set is that the sentiments are PERFECT for these kinds of cards...  I often struggle with what to stamp on a card that will really say what I'm feeling -- With this set, the guesswork is gone -- And when I'm not spending time having to think about the sentiment, I can get so many more cards finished!!  And THAT'S good news!! :)  By sending Hero Cards to OWH, I get the immense joy of knowing that I might be able to encourage a Hero who just might need some extra special thoughts and prayers that day!!  If you'd like more info on OWH, I invite you to visit their site HERE...

For a look at all of the sentiments available on this stamp set, check out the preview...

Something EXTRA special about these stamp sets is that Kristal has selected a specific charity to benefit from the sale of each and every stamp set!!  This isn't an intro promotion or something that will go away -- She will FOREVER donate at least $1 from the sale of EACH stamp set to the designated charity!!  $1 from the sale of each "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set is donated to Intrepid Fallen Heroes -- a non-profiit organization that provides rehabilitative services to US military members who are severely disfigured from combat.  To place your pre-order for ANY of Kristal's Stamp Sets, please click HERE!! :)

I hope YOU have enjoyed my card today -- To see more creative previews of K Andrew's Stamp Art Stamp Sets, please visit Getting Cricky (HERE)... Remember, I'll be posting another card made with this FANTASTIC "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set later today and also tomorrow!! I'd love for you to stop back and see them!! :)

***SECRET TIP (please don't share this with anyone except all of your friends or anyone who might want to WIN one of K Andrew's fabulous stamp sets!!):  I will be offering BONUS chances to win a K Andrew Stamp Art stamp set of your choice for comments left on each of my Blog Hop Preview Post from this week!!  You can get a head start by leaving a comment on the following posts:

• Preview Day ONE Post -- God Bless The USA Flag Card 
• Preview Day TWO Post -- Sleeping Peacefully Card
• Preview Day THREE Post -- YOU ARE HERE NOW!! :)
• Preview Day FOUR Post -- Red White & Blue Card
• Preview Day FIVE Post -- {Coming Tomorrow morning}

Remember...  You can click on the button below to 'Join the Crowd' and get alerts and reminders for all of the Getting Cricky Ustream events!! :)

Until next time,

Getting Cricky Blog Hop Preview Day TWO -- Sleeping Peacefully Hero Card!! :)

Before I begin today's post, I'd like to say thank you to all of my fabulous followers (new and not-so-new!)...  It means so much to me that so many of you take the time to stop by and see me!! :)  Now for some excitement...

Woot-woot!!  DAY TWO!!  Only THREE more days until the wonderful, excellent, fabulous, magnificent, fantastic, extraordinary, outstanding, terrific, really GREAT Getting Cricky Blog Hop!!  :)  {Can you tell that I'm just a wee little bit excited about this???}  My WONDERFUL Design Team Sisters will be featuring all of K Andrew's BRAND NEW Stamp Art Stamp Sets -- PLUS you'll be among the FIRST to see two more NEW RELEASES during the Getting Cricky Ustream Event!!  Whatever your plans are for Friday...  CANCEL THEM so you can join the Getting Cricky Crowd!!  hee hee...  :)

Now on to today's card featuring Getting Cricky's K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Set!! :)

I used the Paper Pups Cricut Cartridge for the sleeping puppy (cut at 1.5") and the moon (cut at 2.5").  The clouds are from the Create A Critter Cricut Cartridge (cut at 3").  I used my Creative Memories Wavy Trimmer to cut the apple green cardstock.  All distressing/shadowing was done with caramel ink.  Both the puppy and the moon are popped up for dimension.

This card will be sent as a Hero Card for Operation Write Home.  Currently, two of my son's closest friends are preparing for deployment (with two different branches of our nation's armed forces)...  I try to imagine what this must feel like for them...  I know they are happy and proud to be serving our country, but I also imagine that they must have some fear for the uncertainty that they are facing.  By sending Hero Cards to OWH, I get the immense joy of knowing that I might be able to encourage a Hero (just like my son's friends) who needs to read something positive or just know that someone, somewhere is thinking of him or her!!  If you'd like more info on OWH, I invite you to visit their site HERE...

I had a lot of fun creating this card...  I knew I wanted to use this fabulous phrase from Kristal's set: "Sleeping peacefully tonight because of you" but I wanted it to be a 'happy' card...  Well, it just so happens that while I was playing with my stamps on the evening that I received my sample, The-Toby-Dog was in his familiar spot (sprawled across my feet taking a 'nap')!!  Who sleeps more peacefully amid the noisy distractions of everyday life than The-Toby-Dog???  I've seen him 'nap' with his eyes wide open!!  He's such a funny dog...  We adopted him from Animal Friends when he was only 10 weeks old (he was tiny and oh-so-cute!)...  He's now morphed into a 50-pound 'puppy' who follows me everywhere and loves attention...  And he's the best dog EVER!!  If you offer him a treat, he'll bark "I love you" in his own special language...  If you toss his bo-bo toy across the room, you'd better be prepared to play fetch for at least 20 minutes...  And when you tell him to lay down, he'll almost always promptly go to sleep!!  So the puppy on my card was inspired by my real life puppy and hopefully will bring a smile to the face of a special Hero who needs to receive this card!!

I hope YOU have enjoyed my card today -- To see more creative previews of K Andrew's Stamp Art Stamp Sets, please visit Getting Cricky (HERE)... Remember, I'll be posting another card made with this FANTASTIC "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set tomorrow!! I'd love for you to stop back and see it!! :)

In case you haven't heard, Kristal has selected a specific charity to benefit from the sale of each and every stamp set!!  $1 from the sale of each "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set is donated to Intrepid Fallen Heroes -- a non-profiit organization that provides rehabilitative services to US military members who are severely disfigured from combat.  When you pre-order Kristal's stamps by Wednesday you will receive FREE shipping AND she will do a 'matching' donation (isn't she the SWEETEST?)!!  To place your pre-order, please click HERE!! :)
***SECRET TIP (please don't share this with anyone except all of your friends or anyone who might want to WIN one of K Andrew's fabulous stamp sets!!):  I will be offering BONUS chances to win a K Andrew Stamp Art stamp set of your choice for comments left on each of my Blog Hop Preview Post from this week!!  You can get a head start by leaving a comment on YESTERDAY'S post and TODAY'S post!!***






Until next time,

God Bless the USA Card -- K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Set

Good Monday Morning, friends!! :) I have another card to share with you using Getting Cricky's K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Set!!

Have you popped over to Getting Cricky yet to see all of the AWESOME cards my Design Team Sisters have been creating??? Let me tell ya -- After seeing all the cards, I know that I 'need' every set now!! LOL... But ya know, it is wonderful to know that my purchase will, in some small way, benefit one of the lovely charities to whom Kristal has chosen to donate a portion of her proceeds!! Together, we CAN make a BIG difference!! To pre-order Kristal's stamps (and get FREE shipping TOO!!), please click HERE!! :)

I made this card for my mom... If I get it in the mail today, she might actually receive it before she sees it online (if I can convince her to stay away from her brand new email account for a few more days!!)... My mom LOVES Americana decor... I'm hoping this card will make it to 'the shelf' -- The one where she displays her favorite cards (not far from where she displays the flag blanket I crocheted for her some years back)!!

I grew up in a home that respected the flag -- We were taught by example that America is a wonderful country -- one nation under God... Indivisble, with justice and liberty for all. What a huge promise!! We each have the opportunity to reach for a dream and accomplish our goals... Isn't that an incredible gift?? When I was just a child, my mom was able to start a business on her own... She had worked as a nurse for many years, but she had a dream to own her own business. Her dream fueled the rest of my family's dreams too!! I feel so fortunate that I was able to grow up in the family business -- From greeting customers to helping people find what they were looking for to making change from the old-fashioned cash register (they tell me I could make change from a $20 bill at the the age of FIVE!!)... It was a wonderful experience (and still is)!!

If you want to teach a child that they are worthy and able to accomplish any task, what better way than to include them in your own dreams? Because I saw first-hand that my mom was able to make her dream a real-life success, I have been able to try new things for myself... Even if I don't succeed at everything, I'm able to find solutions and continue to pursue my dreams... I'm so thankful that parents taught me how to do this. :)

So this card serves as a reminder that I feel very blessed... To have such great parents, to live in a wonderful country full of opportunities, and to know what it is to experience freedom...

I hope you have enjoyed my card today -- To see more creative previews of K Andrew's Stamp Art Stamp Sets, please visit Getting Cricky (HERE)... I'll be posting more cards made with this WONDERFUL stamp all week!! Here are the links if you'd like to see them all (drawing to WIN a FREE stamp set is open until Sunday night!!)

• Preview Day ONE Post -- You are HERE now! :)
• Preview Day TWO Post -- Sleeping Peacefully Card
• Preview Day THREE Post -- Ultimate Gift Card
• Preview Day FOUR Post -- Red, White & Blue Card
• Preview Day FIVE Post -- Soldier Prayer Card #2
• "Getting Cricky With It" Blog Hop -- Trio of Cards
• Simply Sunday Challenge: Face It! -- Thank You Card

I'm linking this card up at Scrapping Mamma's Linking Party -- Hope you'll join in too!! :)



Until next time,

Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge -- Anything Goes!! :)

Happy Sunday to all of my WONDERFUL bloggie buddies!! :)  I would like to take a moment to say 'WELCOME' to all of my new followers and 'THANK YOU' to everyone!!  It gives me such great joy to see that so many people are interested in stopping by to see my creations...

Sunday is a day I really look forward to...  It's a day that I can relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.  It's also a day that I get to share the new Getting Cricky Simply Sunday Challenge with you!!  If you are not familiar with K Andrew of Getting Cricky, I invite you to hop on over to her blog to check out her posts and projects.  She is a very kind and generous friend...  Right now, she's introducing her BRAND NEW Stamp Art line too!!  As a member of the Getting Cricky Design Team, I have been so honored to receive a preview set of Kristal's "Freedom Isn't Free" stamp set...  This is the set that I have used in my "Designer's Choice: Anything Goes!" project for you today!!

Those who serve in our nation's military have a special place in my heart.  My dear cousin joined the Army when I was only 16...  I remember the tremendous sense of pride I had for him when he made that decision.  There were months during his deployment that we did not have contact with him...  During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm I was in college...  I was studying and learning in a safe environment while my cousin would jump from perfectly good airplanes to fix planes or helicopters that needed his mechanical expertise to get into the air again...  Each time I would hear from him or from my aunt with news of his safety, I was relieved.  We are very fortunate that he returned from every mission safe and sound.  My heart breaks for those who have lost a loved one in the military...  The sacrifice that each member of our Armed Forces makes for my safety is astounding to me.  I am forever grateful for their willingness to serve.

Today, two of my son's closest friends are preparing for deployment...  These two boys have been a part of our lives for many years.  They are responsible for sharing in a lot of laughter and good times with The-Boy-Child.  I am so proud of each of them for their individual choices.  It is for them that I dedicate today's card...

If you have a friend or a family member in the military, my prayer is for your loved one as well.  Even if you do not have a loved one involved with our nation's Armed Forces, I invite you to say a prayer for all of our service members (past and present) today...

This is a standard A2 card (4/25"x5.5").  The image was cut from the Inspired Heart Cricut Lite Cartridge at 5".  I used a Stampin Up! Sizzix embossing folder for the background and caramel ink for distressing.  Your comments and questions are welcome and appreciated. :)

Now it's YOUR turn!!  The theme for this week's challenge is "Designer's Choice: Anything Goes!!"  So link up your NEW project (card, layout, altered art) by clicking HERE!!

Be sure to stop back EACH DAY this week for a BRAND NEW project featuring K Andrew's "Freedom Isn't Free" Stamp Art Stamp Set!!  And remember -- Kristal is offering a special price PLUS FREE shipping on when you pre-order her stamp sets right now!!  PLUS $1 from the sale of each and every stamp set is donated to a worthy charity (read more HERE)...

Until next time,

Getting Cricky Blog Hop and UStream Announcement!! :)

Have you heard the BIG NEWS???  This Friday, the Design Team from Getting Cricky with K Andrew is having a Blog Hop and UStream Event!!  You definitely won't want to miss the release of TWO more Stamp Sets and all of the AWESOME Design Team creations using Kristal's fantastic new stamp line!!



So mark your calendars now, and join us for a fun-filled craft-inspired evening of FUN and FRIENDSHIP this Friday, June 17th at 9pm (EST)/6pm (PST)...  The hop starts at Getting Cricky!!  See ya there!! :)

In the meantime...  Join the Crowd at Kristal's Ustream Channel!!



Until next time,

Thank You To Our Teachers Blog Hop -- Day THREE -- and Giveaway!! :)

Welcome to the "Thank You To Our Teachers" Blog Hop!!

If you have arrived here from Lori then you are on the right track.  If you just stopping in from your blogger dashboard or reading this via email and want to hop along with us, be sure to CLICK HERE and start from the beginning cuz the beginning is a good place to start!! :)

This is the final day of our week long hop posted on 3 separate days.  (June 5th, June 8th and TODAY)  Please make sure you visit all 3 posts to see all of the wonderful inspiration for teacher 'Thank You' gifts!! :)  Remember to keep an eye out for BLOG CANDY along the hop as many participants will offer some yummy goodness for you to WIN!! :)

For my final project I chose to make a candle holder -- perfect for a battery-operated votive/pillar candle... 

I repurposed a small glass jar and used Mod Podge to attach the base paper layers...  And added some clear rhinestones for bling. :)

I cut the apple at 3" and the #1 Teacher at 2.5" from the Making the Grade Cricut Cartridge... 

I filled the jar with some glass beads (star-shaped here) to hold the votive in place...

I hope you have enjoyed my project for today...  I have many new projects planned for next week, so I hope to see you back soon...  In the meantime, don't forget about my BLOG CANDY for this hop....

***THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS BLOG HOP BLOG CANDY***

In celebration of Getting Cricky with K Andrew's BRAND NEW Stamp Release Party, I am giving one lucky winner a set of her "Food For Thought" Art Stamps (to be delivered upon release date mid-June)...

To be eligible for my blog candy: 

• Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering the question: "What is your fondest schooltime memory?"

For additional entries for the candy, 

• Go back and comment on DAY 1 of the Teacher Blog Hop (if you haven't already)
• Go back and comment on DAY 2 of the Teacher Blog Hop (if you haven't already)
• You may 'like' my Facebook page (click HERE)...
• Share a link to this post on your Facebook wall or via Twitter or even your own blog...
• Subscribe via Email by entering your email in the box above (be sure to confirm your subscription).
• Visit the Decorate To Celebrate! Challenge Blog and leave a comment on the Challenge #1 Post -- BONUS chances if you link up a Father's Day Party Project during the challenge!! :) 

Please leave an additional comment for each 'extra' entry you complete....  If you leave your email address, I will be happy to contact you if you are the winner; otherwise, you will need to check back on Wednesday, June 15th 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 stopping in to see my project today!!  Remember that you still have time to hop through all the other days (if you haven't been able to yet) to maximize your chances for Blog Candy!! :) 

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone :)

Jen R

Kimmarie

Kimi and Pamela

Tanya

Lisa P

Jen

Scrappin' Crafter

Tanya

Deb

Laurie

Anita

Claudia

Liz

Nancy

Lori

Amy ~ You are HERE!! ~

Thank You To Our Teachers Blog Hop -- Day TWO -- and Giveaway!! :)

Welcome to the "Thank You To Our Teachers" Blog Hop!!

If you have arrived here from Lori then you are on the right track.  If you just stopping in from your blogger dashboard or reading this via email and want to hop along with us, be sure to CLICK HERE and start from the beginning cuz the beginning is a good place to start!! :)

This is a week long hop and we will be posting on 3 separate days.  (June 5th, 8th and 11th)  Please make sure you hop on those days (or throughout the week) to see all of the wonderful inspiration for teacher 'Thank You' gifts!! :)  Remember to keep an eye out for BLOG CANDY along the hop as many participants will offer some yummy goodness for you to WIN!! :)

As summer stretches before us, it's important to remember to thank the teachers that have worked so hard throughout the school year...  Both of my kids were blessed with some AMAZING teachers throughout the years...  I believe that one of the greatest compliments a teacher can receive is when a child who has left their classroom RUNS to greet them in public -- I am always pleased to see the great joy that a teacher can bring to a student -- You might say that a student can 'light up' when a teacher really cares about being a teacher...

And so for today's project, I've created something to say THANKS for turning on that light... 

Many people have asked me what I do in my 'spare' time (ha ha -- the time that I'm not scrapbooking!)...  This is one of those things...  I grew up in my parents' family business.  Both of my parents and my siblings are very creative, artistic people.  I feel very fortunate to share in some of the family talent by creating these lighted glass blocks. :) 

I hope you have enjoyed my project for today...  Please come back on Saturday for my final project for the Blog Hop...  In the meantime, don't forget about my BLOG CANDY for this hop....

***THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS BLOG HOP BLOG CANDY***

In celebration of Getting Cricky with K Andrew's BRAND NEW Stamp Release Party, I am giving one lucky winner a set of her "Food For Thought" Art Stamps (to be delivered upon release date mid-June)...

To be eligible for my blog candy: 

• Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering the question: "Do you remember the NAME of YOUR favorite teacher?"  If so, give him or her a SHOUT OUT here!!

For additional entries for the candy, 

• Go back and comment on DAY 1 of the Teacher Blog Hop (if you haven't already)
• You may 'like' my Facebook page (click HERE)...
• Share a link to this post on your Facebook wall or via Twitter or even your own blog...
• Subscribe via Email by entering your email in the box above (be sure to confirm your subscription).
• Visit the Decorate To Celebrate! Challenge Blog and leave a comment on the Challenge #1 Post -- BONUS chances if you link up a Father's Day Party Project during the challenge!! :) 

Please leave an additional comment for each 'extra' entry you complete....  If you leave your email address, I will be happy to contact you if you are the winner; otherwise, you will need to check back on Wednesday, June 15th 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 stopping in to see my project today!!  Remember that this hop continues all week!!  I will have ANOTHER NEW project for you on June 11th (as well as another chance at some Blog Hop Candy!!), so be sure to stop back on those days!! :) 

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone :)

Jen R

Kimmarie

Kimi and Pamela

Tanya

Lisa P

Jen

Scrappin' Crafter

Tanya

Deb

Laurie

Anita

Claudia

Liz

Nancy

Lori

Amy ~ You are HERE!! ~

Getting Cricky Simply Sundays "Vintage Appeal" Challenge!! 12x12 Layout

*** Remember to CLICK HERE and HERE to enter to WIN one of Kristal's BRAND NEW Stamp Sets!! (ends 6/14/11)***

Unfortunately, due to some internet issues, I was not able to get this posted Sunday for the start of the challenge over at Getting Cricky with K Andrew...  But I'm here today and ready to show you my 12x12 Layout with 'Vintage Appeal'!! :)  Every Sunday a NEW challenge is posted at Getting Cricky -- If you haven't stopped over there yet, I really must encourage you to take a hop on over...  Kristal writes very personal and meaningful posts -- Sometimes, it can be exactly what you need to hear to be encouraged and uplifted...  PLUS -- She often does random giveaways for some amazing prizes!!  She recently released her very own stamp line -- wonderful phrases designed for card-making and available now for pre-order (click here for more info)...  While you're there, you can check out ALL of the wonderful creations that my Design Team sisters made for inspiration too!! :)

I think this was my first attempt at creating something 'vintage'-like since my 'Nostalgia' card found HERE...  I really had fun with this layout...  First of all, I was hanging out with my BFF to make it -- It's always good to have someone else around to encourage you when you're not quite sure that something is looking the way it should. :)  Of course, I also got her hooked on using Stampin' Up!'s Creamy Caramel ink to distress the edges of pretty much everything!!  hee hee...

The-Girl-Child likes to edit some of her photos and change them to black and white or sepia from time to time...  I had a specific photo in mind (that she had edited) when I created this layout, but I didn't have it printed as a 5x7 -- I'm sure that the layout will be perfect when I get to add her photo!! :)

The flowers are all paper-pieced...  I used my bone folder to curl them back and then forward for dimension.  Since they are layered together with glue dots, I did not need to add any foam dots...  They are quite thick as they are!! :)

All of my paper is from my stash of retired Creative Memories paper (a wedding pack)...  Yup, I'm using what I already have and trying not to purchase more until I've made a dent in my stash!! :) I punched the lace edge with SU!'s eyelet border punch and inked the edges of everything with SU!'s Creamy Caramel ink.  The pearls are also from SU!

Okay...  Now it's YOUR turn!!  Hop on over to Getting Cricky and link up YOUR vintage creation in this week's challenge!!  You have until midnight on Saturday, June 11th to enter (and you could win a guest designer spot AND a $20 Memory Miser gift certificate!!)...





 Thanks so much for stopping by!!  Until next time,

Celebrate The Occasion -- Challenge #17 -- Father's Day Project

It's time again to Celebrate The Occasion!!  Hop on over to CTO and enter your Father's Day project (card, layout, altered art, etc.) for Challenge #17!!  You have until Sunday, June 12th at 11:59pm EST to link up and join the FUN!! :)  While you're there, be sure to check out all of the AWESOME inspiration from my wonderful Design Team Sisters!!  Every week I am amazed at the incredible talent and wonderful ideas everyone shares...
For my project, I created something quick and FUN that I know my dad will enjoy...  I purchased a tall, white ceramic coffee mug at our local craft store and added some black and red vinyl for the perfect personalized cup...  I used the font on the Old West Cricut Cartridge for 'Dad' and the 'jumbo' font on the Lyrical Letters Cricut Cartridge for the "we're NUTS about you!"

Of course, I filled the mug with a bag of our favorite Pirates Peanuts (cuz baseball peanuts are always better than any other peanuts, don't ya think???)...

So now his gifts for Father's Day include this fun coffee mug, as well as...

This fabulous 'super' DAD mini album that I made for him (click HERE for more details and pictures), and...

The '#1 Dad' pennant and cupcake toppers in his favorite Steel City sports team colors (click HERE for more details and pictures)...

Now it's YOUR turn!!  Create a card, layout or other project celebrating Father's Day and link it up over at Celebrate The Occasion!! :)  Of course, if your project happens to be something party-related, you can ALSO link it up at the Decorate To Celebrate! Challenge Blog for your chance to win a Hello Kitty Greetings Cricut Cartridge!!  Double-dip and ENJOY!! :)

Thanks for joining me today!!  Until next time,

Thank You To Our Teachers Blog Hop -- Day ONE -- and Giveaway!! :)

***If you are looking for the BugBites Bug Hop, PLEASE CLICK HERE***

***If you are looking for the CTO Pool Party Blog Hop, PLEASE CLICK HERE***
***If you are looking for the 'All About Dads' Blog Hop, PLEASE CLICK HERE***

Welcome to the "Thank You To Our Teachers" Blog Hop!!

If you have arrived here from Lori then you are on the right track.  If you just stopping in from your blogger dashboard or reading this via email and want to hop along with us, be sure to CLICK HERE and start from the beginning cuz the beginning is a good place to start!! :)

This is a week long hop and we will be posting on 3 separate days.  (June 5th, 8th and 11th)  Please make sure you hop on those days (or throughout the week) to see all of the wonderful inspiration for teacher 'Thank You' gifts!! :)  Remember to keep an eye out for BLOG CANDY along the hop as many participants will offer some yummy goodness for you to WIN!! :)

So.....   School is almost out for summer, right???  Ya know what that means?  Long days of sun and fun and...  um, bored kids?  LOL...  I love summer vacation!!  We are all about celebrating summer with a trip to an amusement park, visits to the Pittsburgh Zoo, plenty of Pirates baseball games, summer musicals at the Benedum...  But before we can get to all of those FUN activities, there's a few people we like to recognize for a job well done!!  All the wonderful teachers who have helped to make learning a FUN adventure!!

This is my daughter's senior year -- She'll actually be graduating on Friday (boo hoo!!)...  It's hard to believe that my baby will be joining her big brother in college this fall!!  She has a few special teachers that have really made a difference in her education and school experience, and to those amazing teachers, we say THANK YOU!!  If you have some teachers that YOU would like to thank, maybe you could do that with a gift like this:

I've created a paper apple luminary complete with a battery-operated tealight inside... 

This fun apple luminary will remind your child's favorite teacher that he/she is #1!!  My only cricut cut on this project is the "#1 Teacher" on the tag (from Makin' The Grade Cricut Cartridge)...  I still like to handcut most of my leaves and the tag and luminary were cut with my 12" trimmer.  If you do not know how to make paper luminaries and would like to learn, please leave me a comment -- I will be happy to post a tutorial if this is something of interest. :)

***THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS BLOG HOP BLOG CANDY***

In celebration of Getting Cricky with K Andrew's BRAND NEW Stamp Release Party, I am giving one lucky winner a set of her "Food For Thought" Art Stamps (to be delivered upon release date mid-June)...

To be eligible for my blog candy: 

• Please become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment answering the question: "What was (or is) your favorite school subject and why?"!!

For additional entries for the candy, 

• You may 'like' my Facebook page (click HERE)...
• Share a link to this post on your Facebook wall or via Twitter or even your own blog...
• Subscribe via Email by entering your email in the box above (be sure to confirm your subscription).  

Please leave an additional comment for each 'extra' entry you complete....  If you leave your email address, I will be happy to contact you if you are the winner; otherwise, you will need to check back on Wednesday, June 15th 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 stopping in to see my project today!!  Remember that this hop continues all week!!  I will have ANOTHER NEW project for you on June 8th and also on June 11th (as well as another chance at some Blog Hop Candy!!), so be sure to stop back on those days!! :)  If you are still in the hopping mood when you finish today, please come back to check out the CTO Pool Party Blog Hop, the 'All About Dads' Blog Hop and the "Grillin' and Chillin' Bug Hop" -- I have MORE Blog Hop Candy to give away on EACH of those Hop stops too!! :)

That's it!! I'm the end of the line!!  You've finished the hop!! :)

Here's a list of the entire hop, in case you get lost along the way or want to revisit anyone :)

Jen R

Kimmarie

Kimi and Pamela

Tanya

Lisa P

Jen

Scrappin' Crafter

Tanya

Deb

Laurie

Anita

Claudia

Liz

Nancy

Lori

Amy ~ You are HERE!! ~