Winner Winner, Chicken Dinner

Okay, I am not sure where this post went.  I made a post last week about the winner of my Christmas in July blog hop winner.  I guess it's lost in cuber world somewhere. 

Anyway, according to Random.org, the winner was poster #13 which makes Karen my winner. 

Karen, please send me a PM on CUC with your address to claim your prize.  I'll get it out to you ASAP.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY blog hop

Welcome to the CHRISTMAS IN JULY blog hop, hosted by the Cookin' Up Creations Master Chef Challenge Team! The temperatures outside may say summer, but it's cool in here!! We hope our projects and craft ideas will help you get a head start on your holiday crafting. If you have been following the hop route, then you should have come from Michelle's blog. If not, and you would like to follow along the complete blog hop itinerary, please start at the Cookin' Up Creations Blog so you won't miss any of the fantastic projects and inspiration the "chefs" have cooked up for you.

I used to hand make all my Christmas cards each year.  But it got so overwhelming because of how many I was sending out, I decided to start doing the photo cards.  That way the relatives got an updated photo of the kids and I took pressure off myself to get the cards finished in time.  Christmas time is hectic enough without adding that stress to myself.  However, one thing I do continue to make each year are my gift tags.  A lot of the time I will whip one up as I am finishing a LO using all my scraps I have.  They don't take long to put together and since I make them for all occasions, not just Christmas, I usually have a nice stock of them when I need one.  The great things about gift tags, if they can be made pretty generic so no matter what type of gift you need one for, it will work.  And they can be any shape and size as well.  I created this set in about 30 minutes.  And it only took that long because I was watching TV at the same time. 

they are very basic tags and can be used for any occasion.  I simply cut out all my circles at once.  In this case I cut out 14 because I also adhered one on the backside because that is where I will write who it is to and from.  And because I stapled the twine on it, adding the circle to the back allowed me to cover the staple.  I then punched out my 7 scalloped circles and my 7 stars.  I inked everything in the colors I wanted them inked in, and adhered the stars to one of the circles.  I cut my desired length of twin, knotted it and stapled it on the front side of the scalloped circle.  I then added the circles to the back to cover the staple, and added the circle with the star on the front with foam adhesive squared.  This allowed the knot from the twin to fit between the layers with no problems.  I then added some yellow glitter glue to the star to make it sparkle.  they were quick and easy because

I was able to make them in an assembly line way.  And by making the whole set the same, I didn't have to come up with new designs each time like I did on the next set.

This next set took more time, just because I created each one differently.  And this set is larger in size as well, so I just made four for this set.

For the first one I paper pieced the wreath by using some leaf punches and red rhinestones:

Before adding the wreath to the tag with pop dots, I used a punch that is suppose to make slits/tabs for a gift card to be inserted in, except I used it to make curves on the corners.  After I inked the edges, I put the wreath on, stapled some twine on and then put more leaves and rhinestones over the ugly staple to finish it off.




the second card in that set is just made in the shape of a normal tag.  However I added the paper with the ornament on it and mad it so it would hang off the edge.  Since there are no rules to making gift tags, It's fun to make them be not so uniform.

I didn't want to leave the tag so flat looking though so I added both glossy accent and crackle accent to the ornament.  I know it's hard to see in the photo though.  Then I added the buttons for a little more embellishing and called that one finished.





This third one was quick and fun at the same time.  I mounted one of the journaling cards that are in the Echo Park paper collections to some card stock and used it as my base.

After I had that mounted I simple drew a line of adhesive on the cord from the Christmas lights that was already on the card and placed the twine on it.  I punched out Christmas lights out of the coordinating solid pattern papers and pop dotted them over the pictures of the ones already on the journaling card and added some clear glitter glue to make them shine. Next I stamped my sentiment on a piece of the green paper, mounted it on the kraft cardstock and then again on the red.  I used my scalloped edge scissors to cut along the edge giving it a border and mounted it on the top.  I can either write the info on the front or the back of this one.


On the last tag, I ran the size I wanted through a crimper to add some texture and then inked the edges.

After that I just put some paper strips along one side and added some twine.  I once again used a scalloped circle and cut a gift from one of the papers.  I adhered it on my circle and added some glossy accents to it to give it a little dimension.  I added to twine bow and then once again used pop dots to adhere it to the tag.


I hope that I have been able to inspire you to make your own gift tags.  whether it be for Christmas, or any other occasion.  And now, for following along with me and listening to me ramble, I'd like to offer a small RAK.  to be entered into the random drawing for this, simple become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment on this post letting me know you are now following me.  If you are already a follower, just leave me a comment letting me know that as well.  I will use random.org to choose a winner from all those who do those two things.  Easy Peasy, right?

And now, I'd like to thank you for stopping by!  I hope that you have enjoyed the hop so far and  now be sure to hop into your sleigh and head on over to Tamara's blog to see what holiday inspiration she has cooked up for you. Our blog hop continues through Sunday evening, July 22.

Be sure to leave a comment on each team member's blog, as well as on this one, for your chance to win a prize package valued at more than $50 from a*muse / studio consultant Renee Zieglmeier. The winner will be chosen at random from among the blog hop and crop participants.

And be sure to stop by the Cookin' Up Creations forum for our CHRISTMAS IN JULY CROP this weekend, starting Friday, July 20 and continuing through Sunday, July 22. There will be more Christmas and holiday inspiration, challenges, and games. We would love to have you come play along.

In case you get lost along the way, here's the order for the hop:
Cookin' Up Creations blog (featuring Annette)
Annie
Barb
Cassy
Jan
Jo
Michelle
Sandy <--- You are here
Tamara

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...(and Blog hike winner)

I want to invite everyone over to Cookin' Up Creations in July as we revisit all our favorite Nursery Rhymes...

Each day of the month (except Monday's they are our make-up days) we will be issuing you all a new challenge based on different Nursery Rhymes.  If you complete at least 15 of those challenges you will be entered into the monthly prize drawing.  So come on over and let's have some fun together.

Oh, and I realized I never announced the Blog Hike winner here on the blog.  Just on the Scrap-Friendzy MB.  OOPS!  Sorry.  The winner was Kerys.  Congrats Girl.

Camp Friendzy Blog Hike

Hello fellow campers.  I hope that you are enjoying the hiking trail so far.  Right now you are at stop #5 along the path.  If by some chance you did not begin at the Scrap-Friendzy Blog, then please back track a bit and begin your hike there. You should have arrived here from ROCHELLE'S BLOG.

For those of you that are planning to attend Camp-Friendzy (beginning Monday June 11th) and would like to earn your Blog Hike Badge, you will need to comment on and follow every blog stop along the way! Once you have completed all of the stops, simply let us know in the "Badge Me Baby!" section of the forum and we will add your badge to your signature!

If you've popped onto this blog and you have no clue what Camp-Friendzy is or what the badges are, then check out the Camp-Friendzy Info section of our forum! We'd love to have you join the fun!!

The only summer camp I ever attended was when I was in the youth group at my church.  We loved going but I do remember every morning we had to have cabin inspection.  I guess that was the counselors way of making sure we didn't let the "freedom" from being away from home get the best of us.  Each morning before breakfast we had to clean up our area of the cabin.  No loose items just lying around.  


Well anyone who knows me and my scrapping style, know I am a clean line scrapper.  So on this hike I would love to share a few LOs with you featuring my "clean lines".  Can't have anything out of it's place or I might not pass inspection...

So, now that you have passed inspection,  become a follower of my blog and leave me a comment.  You just never know...there just might be a random drawing from all hikers who do so *WINK WINK* 
 The deadline is Sunday, June 10th at midnight(CST). And now, on with your hike. You should hike on over to Tabitha's blog: Just Another Day on Planet Crazy


and just in case you get a little lost along your hike, here is a map to help you along the way:
Stop #1: SCRAP-FRIENDZY BLOG

Stop #2: AMY'S BLOG

Stop #3: CHERYL'S BLOG

Stop #4: ROCHELLE'S BLOG

Stop #5: SANDY'S BLOG ..You're here now!

Stop #6: TABITHA'S BLOG

Stop #7: TAMMY'S BLOG

Stop #8: TRACEY'S BLOG

Stop #9: TRACY'S BLOG

Stop #10: SCRAP-FRIENDZY

We can't wait to see what all you get accomplished during Camp-Friendzy!

Hey everyone, I would like to invite you all to Camp-Friendzy.  It's an online "summer camp" with 8 weeks worth of fun scrappy challenges.  There is lots of fun to be had and we would love to have you join us for some scrappin' good times!  So hop on over to Scrap-Friendzy and check out the pre-camp challenges that are already being posted.

It's Cookin' Up Scrapbooking Creations' Birthday!

Cookin' Up Scrapbooking Creations Birthday Bash 3.0
Cookin' Up Scrapbooking Creations is celebrating its THIRD BIRTHDAY in June! We're having a month-long birthday bash, and YOU'RE INVITED!!!!!

We know you love a good party, and this one will be no exception. The fun starts Thursday, May 31 on the Cookin' Up Creations forum and continues through the entire month of June. There will be a NEW and DIFFERENT challenge each day, as well as Bingo and other games. And …. did we mention PRIZES????? We already have several wonderful sponsors on board, with more to follow.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your party hat and head on over to http://www.cookinupcreationsforum.com/phpbb3. Come on over and look around, get to know us and catch the pre-party fun. We can't wait to see you!

New Layouts and the SF "Get YOur Game On" Hop winner

First off, I wanted to share a couple layouts I have been doing over at Cookin' Up Creations for the "Next Crop Chef" contest.  The first one I did for my 1st week's entry, this was also my entry for our Get Your Game on Touchdown LO (killed two birds with one stone!):

This next layout was for my third week's entry.  It is a LO about how this past Valentine's day was my husband and mine 25th Valentine's day together:

And this next LO I am not 100% happy with, but that's what I get for waiting until the last minute to get my LO done for the challenge due yesterday:

I have also been working on some mini cards to go inside gifts that I will hopefully get packaged up and ready to sell soon.  There are the two sets I have finished already and they come 6 to a set:

These sets are so fun to make, and they go together so quickly.

And now, on to the whole reason you all are reading this post, the winner from the "Get Your Game On" blog hop.  The winner is..........Sherry843.  Sherry, please email me at zbasmom at gmail dot com or send me a private message at SF with your mailing address please.  Congrats Sherry.  And I have to say, I loved seeing every one's Touchdown LOs.

Just a reminder

Hey guys, I just wanted to remind you that although the hop has ended, you still have plenty of time to get your projects for your touchdown completed and posted.  You have until the 12th to get them uploaded in the Scrap-Friendzy gallery and posted in the Get You Game On post on the message board to be eligible for both the hop prize and my personal prize if you use twine and are a follower of my blog.  So don't worry if you were too busy this weekend.  There is still time to win!

Get Your Game On Blog Hop

Welcome to your final blog stop on Scrap-Friendzy's "Get Your Game On" blog hop!! If you landed here from Shannon's Blog then you came in the right way.  If you haven't visited all the other blogs, beginning with Scrap-Frienzy's Blog then make sure you go back there to begin so you don't miss anything along the way. We are so excited about the fun and inspiration our amazing DT will be sharing with you on this hop! The hop runs from now until midnight (CST) February 5th.

But this is not your average Blog Hop! We're gonna throw in a little extra fun with a Touchdown Challenge! At every stop on the hop, you will be given a special "ingredient" from each DT Member. Your Challenge is to take any 6 of the "ingredients" and complete any ONE project of your choice!! If you are feeling confident and think you can make that extra point, use 7 of the ingredients and you will get 2 draws. Simply upload your project in the Gallery and link it back to the "Get Your Game on" blog hop thread in the forum to be eligible for the Grand Prize AND earn 25 bonus Friendz Pointz in the month of February!

Don't forget: This BLOG HOP is just the beginning and there will be challenges all through the month of February for your chance to be our next Girlfriend of the Month!!

So back to the BLOG HOP! Are you ready for the fun???? Before you head to the locker room (your scrap area) to work on your touchdown project, please become a follower of my blog and post a comment letting me know you have made it through all the blog along the hop (SF's and the DT members' personal blogs).

And finally, my layout with my ingredient for you to use for your touchdown project.  I have to say, As much as I love high school and college football, I am not a huge die hard fan of pro football.  My favorite part of pro-ball is the cheerleader.  I love the watch their athletic ability.  And I am really partial to my very own cheerleader that you will see inspired my LO : 

We all know how important the lacing on the football is.  The quarterback like to have it lined up just right when he throws the ball, as does the kicker, want it to be lined up perfectly as well.  So with that in mind, my ingredient is TWINE.
Now, I'm not picky as to what kind of twine you use.  It can be bakers twine, or the natural twine.  Shoot, you can even use homemade twine if that's all you've got.  All I ask is that you point it out to us when you post your LO at SF if it isn't obvious.  On my LO I used both bakers twine and natural twine.  My bakers twine is stapled across the top where the black and aqua paper meet.  My natural twine is covering my buttons in the center of my handmade flowers.  You also don't have to use as much as I did, just a little will do.  The best part, is you have until Sunday February 12th to get your project finished and upload in the appropriate thread at SF!

Now on to the fun stuff...I am offering up a small prize of my own.  For everyone who does use my ingredient on their touchdown project and is a follower of my blog, I will put your name into a random drawing for that small prize. So make sure if you aren't already a follower, that you do that before the deadline to post your touchdown. The winner will be announced on or before the 15th of February.  That will give me time to go through the projects and confirm who all used twine.  Make sure you check back here to see if you are the winner! However, whether you use twine or not I can't wait to see what all you create for your touchdown!

Since I am the final blog on the hop, I won't be providing you with a new blog to visit, but I will give you a direct link to the thread to score your touchdown in: GET YOUR GAME ON TOUCHDOWN PROJECTS
See, we try to make it as easy as possible to get a touchdown here.  No defensive line to get in your way!

Two great "events" I'd like to invite everyone to.

I can not believe we are already into February.  It seems the older I get, the quicker time passes by.  Is there a slow motion button somewhere I can push to make time slow down?


 Anyway, on to the two great events I'd like to invite everyone to.  The first is a blog hop that I will be participating in for Scrap Friendzy. It's this coming weekend and starts Friday night at 6:00 pm. 

It's going to be a lot of fun so make sure you come play!

 The second event is a non elimination contest we have this month at Cookin' Up Creations.  It's called Crop Chef and it's going to be a blast.  Each week you will be given two challenges (on Monday and Thursday) requiring you to use a certain "recipe". 

I hope to see everyone participating in both of these fun-filled events.