What a Bunch of Characters (Blog Hop)

Welcome to the 

What a Bunch of Characters Blog Hop

Thank you for joining us for a super magical blog hop themed all around Mickey Mouse and his friends at the Magic Kingdom! These talented crafters have created all sorts of projects to inspire you and share the fun of Disney's lovable Characters!

 You should have arrived from Christi!! If you just happened upon this spectacular hop, Connie Can Crop is the first stop in this hop. 

This is a one day blog hop, but you have until Sunday to finish hopping and leaving your comments for all of these amazing crafters.

We have an awesome BRAND NEW sponsor for this month!

One lucky winner will win their choice of a digital stamp from their shop!!

Be sure to visit them on etsy here.

On facebook here.

And their blog here.

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments.

Winners will be announced on Wednesday 1/18/17

at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Zippity-doo-da! Zippity-Ay! My, oh My... What a wonderful Day! Plenty of sunshine...

Um... it's been raining and snowing EVERYWHERE, even here in "Sunny" Southern California! and I'm only about an hour away from Disneyland!!!

Anyway... We've needed the rain SO bad, so really... I'm pretty glad (plus I love SOUP, and it's totally that kind of weather!)...

SQUIRREL!!!

Back to my post... ahem... So... I still can't find my cord (for my Cricut Explore [either one of them] from back in NOVEMBER) so I'm doing a blast from the past... totally still Disney related!!!

Way Back in 2012 it wasn't THAT long ago, We took a little trip (only an hour away...). To Disneyland! Marissa wanted ALL of the Disney Princess Autographs and hell if I was paying their high prices for autograph books... So, I took the Mickey head and input the word "Disney" and the year (from the Mickey Font). I welded the year together... but was careful not to weld anything else...

This, my friends... is a cardstock-covered double cereal box concoction! Yes! You say THAT fast 5-6 times...

I even made sure I lined the inside and signed it... Maybe I should've signed it "Mom" but I didn't... obviously...

I used the We R Memory Keepers Bind-It-All. (It really, REALLY does!) I've had it for years and love it.

The characters loved it, too! Here are two special signatures she got that day... those lines are WAY longer than anyone really wants to stand in, so that's mostly what we did that day...

Can YOU figure out whose beautiful script this is?

As you can see... I've been a repurposer and "responsible crafter for years now... Yes... I'm totally rationalizing my hoarding and my expensive habits... Don't judge, Judy! No matter what, I'll always be a recycler, too. Again... rationalizing my pack-rat habits and saving everything habits...  One day, I'll even get those pictures in there, too! I just have to locate them, first...

 Up next is Sarah! Where she'll splash a little more Disney Magic on YOU!

Here's our line up in case you get lost:

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

Angela- mermaidsnmonograms.blogspot.com

Shannon H- http://shannonhdesigns.blogspot.com/

Kim- http://katydidcards.com

Sue- http://suek86401.blogspot.com/

Alicia- http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

Sandy- http://simplycraftycreationsbysandys.blogspot.com

Marji- http://fstampaholic.blogspot.com/

Veronica- http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com

Miranda- http://www.nanasscrapspot.com/

Shannon M- https://my-o-scrappin.blogspot.com/

Ashley-  http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com

Christi- https://tranquility1905.blogspot.com/

Lisa- http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/
Sarah-  http://sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to check out this month's new challenge!!

Connie Can Crop Challenge #54

Anything Goes

due 11:59 P.M. Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Pacific Time

A Year of Card Techniques - (June) Step Cards

If you are here for the Ships Ahoy! Blog Hop, please go HERE, or you can check it all out. We'd love to have you!

Welcome to...

It's month six of our year long adventure into different card-making techniques, folds and paper crafting products. We hope you got the chance to hop with us each month.

It's not to late to hop and comment to be entered into our prize drawing. If you missed any of the previous months, you can click on the month to be taken directly to the start of that month's hop.
January HERE
February HERE
March HERE
April HERE
May HERE

This month, we will be creating step cards and you won't want to miss the amazing and fun cards we've got for you today.

We really love feedback, so please leave a comment on each of the blogs in today's hop. Each comment on the 12 hops throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a $25 Blitsy.com or Stampin' Up gift certificate (Winner's Choice).

Now on with the projects. Here's mine...

So... I had all of these examples to check out. But... since May through June are TOTALLY crazy-buzzy-busy for me (think end of year at my school, my kid's school, and end of season for high school swimming, and full of qualifiers for year-round swimming)... I'm kinda full. So... I opted for the simplest: Amy Kunkle! Seriously. So super easy. (And I watched so much more from her channel after this... I subscribed! Yes, Amy Kunkle! I am stalking your YouTube channel!!!!)

The 11-year-old was having  "promotion". Actually, it was physically yesterday... I jumped on it and decided to have my card do double-duty not doo-dy. lol. I did a simple step card, with an aqua turquoise/whatever the **** you want to call it! base,

Added a line-up of dolphins (she loves dolphins!) that I cut with my Explore Air totally was a border, but I chopped it up! But just fyi... the folds were a little deep, so I adhered my swimming buddies a little higher than the creases, and let the dolphins "fly" on the waves.

Followed through with a sentiment about "jumping" and a tad of "congrats", and let her rip. Super simple! Isn't it? Not even a speck of ink on this card or any other elements. Simple. Simple... SIMPLE!

And btw... she is beyond thrilled that her card is being used for this post... Dunno why... I think she thinks it kinda makes her famous or something? What she doesn't realize maybe is that I'm not even famous! Not even sure there are many people that read MY blog. And that's okay...  

Really truly, go back and check out that video. I loved it so much I used it for another post (also posting later today!). And, so you follow through and are eligible for a wack at the prize... Today's Line-up:

Theresa
Claudia

Debbie

Sharon

Lisa

Kim

Jearise

May the Fourth Be With You! Blog Hop

Welcome to the

where we will celebrate all things Star Wars related. Whether it's a card, scrapbook page, party plan or quilt, it's related to the Star Wars franchise in some way and we want to share it with you.

So in a galaxy far, far away there's a crafter working tirelessly to create some movie magic for you...now on with the projects at hyper speed.

There are so many things to wander into and fly into... in the galaxy of the computer. I came across so much more than I had time to do... I started off with a card... submitted the card and hated it. When I looked at the card... it seemed like it took on way too many messages... not that I give a crap about what people think or don't think but messages telling people to take off. Oops. (It was a card with Boba Fett running... And it said says in neon lettering, "May the Fourth Be With You." No biggie, right? Until... you open the card, and it says, "and if it's not... RUN!" Yep. Got a lot of guff about that. Apparently, way too many people are super prickly and take everything personally and apply it to their own personal lives. Gosh. Geeze. People! I didn't intend it for anyone in particular...  And so, in order to avoid unnecessary drama, I pulled it. And here we have something I like much better anyway.

Raise your cups if you like COFFEE!!!! I know I do! and with the new Starbucks app... I like it even more. Took me way less time to get another freebie!!! (I'm not rich and don't spend a lot of my own money there... but I do get a lot of gift cards from people for things I do, and just put them in my account. It makes them go SO much farther!) So, I found this GREAT pin on Pinterest, downloaded one pic (the one I loved more than anything), and pasted it in a Word doc. 4 times.

I'd already tried playing with Adobe... and Cricut... And I wasn't about to "fussy" cut anything. There is no time in my world for that... So I popped it on my Brother Scan-N-Cut 2 sheet, scanned it in and let the Brother cut it all out for me.

See those cuts? So cool...

Ooooh! I'm just lovin' it! I can see you, too... Mr. Hot Stormtrooper!

Again. I'm just so thrilled with this all... not having to edit a cut, and having it cut super perfectly.

And since I make these packet mugs ALL. THE. TIME. better than cards, I tell ya!, I just keep it as a data file in my machine, load up and press cut. I just have to score and apply adhesive, and they're ready to GO!

Martha Stewart makes the best score boards. I love the little one for cards, and take it with me on crops and classes.

All adhere-ed with my 3M ATG gun. I will NEVER give you up, baby!

And yeah... Altogether now... It's just not enough...

So...

I tried some oil pastel crayons I'm not sure how long I've had them or even where they came from... but they were in my stash. Did YOU know they dry up? *cough* ME EITHER!!!! And these weren't going to work for me.

So, I decided embossing, it was! It laid on much better. And then I used my handy dandy brayer... Note to self: Go back to using clear plastic over the project, under the brayer, otherwise it all just STICKS. And then you have to clean the brayer. And who wants to clean anyway? We want to CRAFT! And the lettering stands out better now...

I really like the "froth" in the saying, but I thought someone else might not quite get it... And so...

My own lettering it is! With some white embossing powder. And yes... I did the lettering and sprinkling of powder several times again and again, because I'm that picky with centering...

Ugh. Didn't like this one...

But was "ok" with this one... and now... I just have to throw a gift card or packet of VIA or something in and give them away! They (my secret pals) are sure to LOVE it. And if they don't, they can just give it back and I'll ship them off to a galaxy far, far FAR away!

Which one do you like better? I like the hand-lettered one best... the words pop more.

And remember those wonderful things on the computer/internet I found? Whelp... here's one of my FAVORITES!!!!

 (And look at this FANTASTIC iron on you can get from Giggles to Go! (on Etsy) that I just "happened to find" on my ventures into the Black Hole AKA: The Internet)

 No matter what you like, May the Fourth  be with you... and in case you don't get it (my high school classroom kids didn't last year...) it is a play of "May the Force be with you" Geeze, people!

 

Have a great Fourth! Don't party too hard for the Cinco (de Mayo), and may the rest of May brighten your Day!

 

See ya in another "space" and time!

 

Be sure to comment on each blog in today's hop to be entered into the drawing for a $10 Stampin' Up Gift Certificate given away by our hop host and Stampin' Up Independent Demonstrator Theresa Knopf. 

Thanks for flying by today.
Here's the line-up in case you end up on the wrong planet (I mean blog): Theresa Knopf http://scrapsbygracie.blogspot.com
Alicia O'Bryant http://goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
Sarah Biswabic www.sarahbiswabic.blogspot.com
Holli Pruitt Rodriguez Sunflowerholli.blogspot.com
Melissa Christine http://papershenaniganz.blogspot.com
Amanda Rhodes http://salnclts76.blogspot.com
Lisa Frederick http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com

Woodland Critters Blog Hop

Welcome to the Woodland Critters Blog Hop

We are so happy you are joining us for this fun filled hop full of furry and feathery creatures from the forest. 

You should have arrived from Holli but if you need to start at the beginning, Connie Can Crop is the first stop in this hop. This is a one day blog hop and we appreciate your leaving a comment for all of these talented crafters.

Our sponsor for this hop is also Connie Can Crop.

She has reached in to her crafty shop, Connie's Crafty Cart and decided to give away an awesome stamp set by Martha Stewart.

Please visit her shop HERE 

you can find her on facebook HERE 

What do you need to do to win? Easy... become  a follower of each of the fabulous blogs in this hop and leave each of them a comment letting them know what you like best about their projects.

You will have until 10 pm Sunday to finish the hop and leave your comments.

Winner will be announced on Wednesday 1/20/16 here at Connie Can Crop.

Be sure to follow everyone and leave a comment along the way!

Now it's time for mine! Woohoo! I brought a little stinker to the action... He's a little cutey skunk that I got off a cart I own. Then I cut out "Valentine, You're a breath of fresh air"

I decided to do a Valentine, so I'd be done WAY before the day...

See how well the Explore cuts?

I didn't really like the gray... So went with my fave... And colored it in blue. 

The nose covered it in a cute pearl (don't think the hubs will notice, though)...

I started with a blue card and ripped it right off. Too much blue. (Never!!!! But I knew someone else might think so...) so I opted for the craft and clipped all the edges with an Angle Corner Chomper. 

And then I just had to put that little fool on a Wobble. (They're just too fun!)

*Note to self* Don't lose your patience. WAIT for the letters to go through. Overlapping letters don't get adhesive on them. Duh!

All done and ready for next month! 

What would YOU do with a stinky little critter?

 Up next is Barbara!

Here's our line up in case you get lost.

Connie- http://conniecancrop.blogspot.com

Kim - http://katydidcards.com

Enclade Miranda- www.nanasscrapspot.com

Beth- http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com

Charmagne Welch-  http://sanurascraps.blogspot.com

Angela Corcoran-  http://www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com

Veronica - http://vickyscrappingpassion.blogspot.com/

Jenny - http://crazyaboutcricut.blogspot.com/

Sharon - http://piece-ofheart.blogspot.com

Haidee - http://created2bunique.blogspot.com

Michelle - http://michellekinder.blogspot.com

Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com

Alicia - http://www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com/

Rhonda - http://craftingwithblue.blogspot.com

Sarah - wwwsarahbiswabic.blogspot.com

Holli - http://sunflowerholli.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com (You are here!)

Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com (Up Next!)

Ronnel- http://www.inkyantics.blogspot.com/

Jessica-http://www.craftinandstampin.blogspot.com

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Four)

First of all... I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful and you were able to enjoy your friends and family. I also hope you are not currently incurring injury from the Black Friday masses. And with that...

Welcome to the back to the 12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop (Day Four)! This hop will take place  November 24th through December 5th. Each of us will be posting something Christmas related each and every day at 8:00am, Eastern time (so for my Pacific Time Zone peeps... that's 5am... But don't worry, you can sleep in, and we'll all be here waiting for you, too!)... for 12 WHOLE DAYS! Let us inspire you to finish up that layout, make some special Christmas cards, or wrap that gift in a fun and festive way. If you've already started, you probably came from Barbara. She is so awesome, isn't she? Let's continue this 12-day crafting party!

As I've said in Day One, I'm starting my portion of the hop with paper things. Things that are simple and easy to do. As with Day Two and Day Three,  I took a cut from Design Space (covered by either my subscription or purchases -I don't remember!). Today, I created two cards. As usual, things didn't quite go my way, but if you know me... and you frequent here often, you knew that already. At this point, I've come to the conclusion that nothing will EVER go my way. And I fully intend to contact Cricut (both Customer Service and Tech Support) on another day, when the week isn't so hectic with all things Turkey-and-fixin's-cookin'. (btw... it was quite yummy at my house... How was yours?)

This one really truly brought out my frustration. Ugh. Ugh. I'm surprised I have any hair left.

I brought in a hexagon card from Design Space. I was going for super simple, no extra cutting, and just using the card cut and have Design Space do the writing of both the graphic and the sentiment on the front. Easy, right? Ugh. Ugh.

Let's start at the beginning... I added the hexagon card image and re-sized it according to what I wanted (5.5" wide, as I was going to duplicate it and get some more Christmas cards out of the way).

 Found an AWESOME "written" snowflake and added that and the sentiment in different colors, so the program would prompt me to change the pen, when it needed me to. I attached the snowflake to the sentiment...

Then placed that where I wanted and attached it all to the card...







It looks good, right?

 Sent it to the mat, changed the "1" to "2", clicked "Apply"... Still looks like it should....Wait for it...

And the writing stops...



The machine kept writing... It was "ghost writing". So I switched pens... Shouldn't have had to do that. It was a BRAND NEW PEN. And yes... they are all Cricut Explore Pens.

And it wrote again... Not in the same places, as it didn't line up. I don't know why. And kept skipping, as the pen kept popping up. Yes. I did make sure it was completely clicked down in the first place, the second place, the third place, the fourth place, the fifth place, and the sixth place. It popped up SIX times! And the dumb thing wouldn't even pause. And then it would (pause) when I hadn't even hit the pause button. BTW... when that happens... just hit the Cricut button on the machine, and it will (hopefully) resume. Mine did.



And if you look really close... it's not an illusion and doesn't change with the light! The color and pressure thickness look different. It really is. Why? This is WHY Customer Service and Tech Service will be getting a call! But hey! It cut just fine.

And now I had to do perform the Great Christmas Cover-Up... I added embellishments to both cover the blank spaces and distract the eye from the inconsistencies or massive lack of perfection.


Then I got over the major flaws (not really) and added Faber-Castell Gelatos in white to soften the effect and the harsh contours of the cut.

I blended the Gelatos with a finger sponge... and Voila!

Here are the end results... I'm not really happy with them... They will do...

I am hoping... the next time I decide to show my friend how "GREAT" the Cricut Explore Air is and all the wonderful things it can do, it will behave appropriately and do what it's supposed to...

There is more in store for you, so hop along and please comment on each and everybody. 'Cause you know we all love a little love... And BE SURE to check out the "other" Lisa, as she's the one with all the blog candy and sponsor info! Have a great time, and don't forget to come back tomorrow!

Here's the Line Up for Day 4:
  1. Lisa P. - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com <==== the "other" Lisa!
 ** Beth -  http://thecraftyscrapyard.blogspot.com  (Guest Designer)
  2. Madge - http://www.thescrappinlounge.com/blog
  3. Ashley - http://marinewifesscrappinlife.blogspot.com
  4. Sandy - https://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/scrapbook-blessings-club-5722003
  5. Elizabeth - http://CraftsByHappyStamper.com
  6. Angela - www.crazy3monkeys.blogspot.com
  7. Alicia - www.goldengoddessdesigns.blogspot.com
  8. Miranda - www.nanasscrapspot.com
  9. Daphne - http://craftyscrapsofstuff.blogspot.com
10. Rhonda - craftingwithblue.blogspot.com
11. Charmagne - http://www.sanurascraps.blogspot.com
12. Barbara- http://barbarab3.blogspot.com/
13. Lisa F - http://lisaslittlerascals.blogspot.com/ <=== You are HERE!
14. Sharondalyn - Http://www.clippingsbysharondalyn.blogspot.com <=== Next stop!
15. Jessi - http://www.mylifeinartsncrafts.co
16. Heather - Http://www.paper-junkie.blogspot.com