11.10.09

Creative Cuts & More - More Recipe Book Mega Blog Hop

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects at 5:48 am

Today is day two for “Holiday Treats” Apron Recipe Book from Creative Cuts & More. If you’ve reached my blog from Lisa Somerville then you are on the right track.  I’ve loved these recipe book projects - they are going to make such perfect holiday gifts! Here’s a picture of the kit used for today’s project - -

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It has everything you need - except your favorite recipes….. Here’s my sample

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I did use a couple of items not included in the kit - Doodle Bug has matching brads - - that I just could not pass up.

So to continue with the CELEBRATION - got to the beginning Die Cut Diva    http://www.diecutdiva.com
As part of the celebration CC&M will be having a great sale. For the next six days, we will offer 20% off the entire store. But act quickly, it is only for six days – this sale will end on Nov 14th. Make sure you enter this code recipebloghop2009 during checkout.

As a continuing part of the celebration CC&M will of course give away great gifts. Each day we will give away one kit. Here is the twist – go through the blog hop, leave wonderful comments for the great designers.  Your next stop is Kazen Clark - After you have finished the blog hop, return to www.diecutdiva.com and instead of leaving a comment, you need to share a recipe to have a chance at winning the kit. Share the recipe on your blog and link it back and get another chance to win the kit. Help us also make this a great recipe swap. Until tomorrow - enjoy today’s hop - Enjoy and Create, Lila

Here’s my recipe for “Pepermint Drop Cookies”

2/3 c butter flavor shortening

1/4 c sugar

1 egg

1 1/2 c all purpose flour

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c crushed peppermint candy

Cream shortening and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg. Combine flour, baking powder and salt - gradually  stir into creamed mixture. Fold in candy. Drop onto greased cookie sheet - Bake at 350 degree for 10-12 minutes.

Yummy -easy!!!!  Again, Enjoy and Bake, Lila

11.09.09

Creative Cuts & More Mega Recipe Blog Hop

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects at 5:44 am

I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to participate in Creative Cuts & More “MEGA RECIPE BLOG HOP”.  Welcome!!! Today is day one - where we have 24 designers who have created wonderful pages and shared yummy recipes to  inspire you for the upcoming holidays. Our 8″X8″ “Treasured Family Recipes Kit” was designed by our talented Pam Smerker. 

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Here is my sample using the above kit:

Front Cover

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Inside pages - These are recipes our family uses on Christmas morning for breakfast -

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There were a couple of things I used that were not included in the kit - The cover page has a 3″ circle cut out - perfect for viewing a Campbell’s soup can I printed on Linen adhesive backed paper (CTMH) - Since my maiden name is Campbell and I have several sisters-in-laws with Campbell as their last name - this will be a perfect holiday gift. I also used some of this eyelet ribbon, and since I did not have any recipe cards to write my recipes on I used pages from {note}worthy (Making Memories) and some “Spruce” acrylic paint (MM).

To get STARTED - go to Die Cut Diva    http://www.diecutdiva.com
As part of the celebration CC&M will be having a great sale. For the next six days, we will offer 20% off the entire store. But act quickly, it is only for six days – this sale will end on Nov 14th. Make sure you enter this code recipebloghop2009 during checkout.

As a continuing part of the celebration CC&M will of course give away great gifts. Each day we will give away one kit. Here is the twist – go through the blog hop, leave wonderful comments for the great designers. Your next stop is at Kendra’s - After you have finished the blog hop, return to www.diecutdiva.com and instead of leaving a comment, you need to share a recipe to have a chance at winning the kit. Share the recipe on your blog and link it back and get another chance to win the kit. Help us also make this a great recipe swap. Until tomorrow - enjoy today’s hop - Enjoy and Create, Lila

  Make sure you check back at www.diecutdiva.com tomorrow for the “Holiday Treats Apron Recipe Kit” blog hop. We will have another 24 designers with special Holiday Treat recipes and creative page inspiration.

11.05.09

Autumn Garden and Friendly Flowers

Posted in Badges, Creative Cuts & More, Our Craft Lounge, Recent projects at 6:13 pm

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Wanted to share a quick reminder about the Creative Cuts &More MEGA Blog Hop.  You just have to come and check it out….. NOV 9th and 10th

Also wanted to thank everyone for their kind comments during the Caardvarks & CC&M Blog Hop - I know there were certainly many projects that have put me in the mood for the upcoming holidays.  Today though, it’s still Autumn… Our Craft Lounge is Show Casing a beautiful set  in The Lounge- love to color it with my COPICS or Prisma colored pencils “Autumn Garden”. Here’s a fun little reminder - it’s still AUTUMN!!!

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Stamp Sets: “Autumn Garden” and “Friendly Flowers” (OCL); Craft cardstock; Pattern Paper:  Basic Grey; main image colored with COPICS, paper pieced Friendly Flowers stamped with “Jumbo Java” Versamagic; button, flax thread, and raffia round out the card.  Gotta get working on a  couple of other things. Enjoy and Create this evening, Lila

11.03.09

Day 3 - Caardvarks with Creative Cuts and More Blog Hop

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Our Craft Lounge, Recent projects at 5:31 am

I KNOW you’ve enjoyed the eye candy - and hopefully you’ve left a little love (comments) along the way during the past three days of the Caardvarks and Creative Cuts & More Holiday Blog Hop - sure to inspire and get your creative juices flowing and in the festive mood for the upcoming Holidays.  If you have reached my blog from Kayla Dupont then you are on track - if not you want to start at the beginning - Caardvarks - you won’t want to miss any eye candy and there are some blogs that have candy being given away… Today’s theme is “Centerpieces, Home Decor, and Ornaments”.  I decided for my project to get started with some tablescape - CHEERS!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! - - I know, I know…… but it really is right around the corner.

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Imagine (cause I can’t fit all this in my photobooth - nor do I put burning candles or anything liquid in there…..ask me why???) this placemat done several times and scattered around on tables, with some gold taper candles, flower centerpiece, beverages, and finger foods and a whole group of friends and family!!  What a fun way to ring in the NEW YEAR using rich jewel tones and just the right amount of glitz (This metallic paper is the highest quality having just the right amount of shimmer, yet smooth for stamping on).  Details: placemat is a circle-scallop mini 11 1/2″ die cut in Metallic Mars Stardream cardstock; Candy boxes die cut in Metallic Mars, Ruby (looks like a deep plum color), and Opal; confetti die cut in the same papers (All paper die cuts from Creative Cuts & More); Rubber stamps: “Cheers” (Our Craft Lounge); Ink: VersaMark; Embossing Powder: Gold Glory (SU); gold metallic cording round out the project.

Just a couple of other quick notes before you head to your next eye candy stop. Leave a comment on my blog for your chance to win BLOG CANDY offered at the end of the three days - BLOG CANDY offered from my site will be a package of goodies from Creative Cuts & More.  Come back tomorrow for another Holiday challenge. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for a MEGA RECIPE BOOK BLOG HOP sponsored by Creative Cuts & More - starts Nov 9th-10th. Your next stop will be Lindsay Weirich.  While you’re cruising through - be sure while at the Creative Cuts & More site you sign up for the Newsletter, and lastly at the end be sure to leave your comment at Caardvarks.  I hope you’ve enjoyed the past three days hop….. Enjoy and Create, Lila

PS:  Creative Cuts & More is offering PRIZES throughout the hop - along with a shopping discount 15% - Nov 1st - 4th

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11.02.09

Day 2 - Caardvarks with Creative Cuts and More Blog Hop

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects at 5:09 am

Again, I’ve had the pleasure of participating in the Caardvarks and Creative Cuts & More Blog Hop.  Today’s theme is Holiday packaging.  If you have reached my blog from Kayla Dupont then you are on track - if not you want to start at the beginning - Caardvarks - you won’t want to miss any eye candy and there are some blogs that have candy being given away…..  So here’s a look at my Holiday packaging project for today. I kept mine simple and pretty straight forward - I do have to say in advance - I’m not a seamstress!!!  rarely do I sew - at least on fabric - so this was a little bit of a challenge for me.

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I used Gingerbread and Ric Rac felt die cuts from Creative Cuts & More - decorated the little boy and girl like cookies using the felt Ric Rac, a couple of dark brown brads, and some buttons.  The large piece of white Ric Rac that was used for the snow was first covered with Stickles Glitter Glue, dried and then glued on.  For the bag itself, it is simply a piece of felt, sewn on the sides and bottom and then trimmed with pinking shears. Ran a piece of narrow taffeta ribbon through the top, gave a little cinching and there you have a little gift bag.

Just a couple of other quick notes before you head to your next eye candy stop. Leave a comment on my blog for your chance to win BLOG CANDY offered at the end of the three days - BLOG CANDY offered from my site will be a package of goodies from Creative Cuts & More.  Come back tomorrow for another Holiday challenge. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for a MEGA RECIPE BOOK BLOG HOP sponsored by Creative Cuts & More - starts Nov 9th-10th. Your next stop will be Lindsay Weirich.  While you’re cruising through - be sure while at the Creative Cuts & More site you sign up for the Newsletter, and lastly at the end be sure to leave your comment at Caardvarks.  Until tomorrow, Enjoy and Create, Lila

PS:  Creative Cuts & More is offering PRIZES throughout the hop - along with a shopping discount 15% - Nov 1st - 4th

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11.01.09

Day One - Caardvaarks and Creative Cuts and More Blog Hop

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects at 10:01 am

It’s been my pleasure to participate in this AWESOME Caardvarks and Creative Cuts & More blog hop with sooooo many talented designers!  You are in for some special eye and blog candy over the next three days. Today is the first of three days featuring creations from both design teams using Creative Cuts & More, a leader in the die cutting industry. Today’s challenge was to create Winter Holiday cards. If you have reached my blog from Kayla Dupont then you are on track - if not you want to start at the beginning - Caardvarks - you won’t want to miss any eye candy and there are some blogs that have candy being given away…..  So here’s a look at my Holiday Cards project for today.

To start it’s a die cut and scored card portfolio, holding 4 cards (2 different designs - each design die cut and scored) and envelopes.

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Project details: Card Portfolio die cut using Ladybug Bazzill Criss Cross, cards are A2 Circle Window Card #01 and A2 Four Pane Window die cut in Ladybug & Lily White Bazzill Criss Cross; Rubber Stamps: “Merry Wishes” and “Jolly Ornaments” (Our Craft Lounge); Inks: Onyx Black (Versafine), Versamark, The Essential Glue Pad; Glitters are “Irish Green” and “Rose Pink” (Crafty Sparkles from OCL); ribbon (unknown).

Just a couple of other quick notes before you head to your next eye candy stop. Leave a comment on my blog for your chance to win BLOG CANDY offered at the end of the three days - BLOG CANDY offered from my site will be a package of goodies from Creative Cuts & More.  Come back tomorrow for another Holiday challenge. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for a MEGA RECIPE BOOK BLOG HOP sponsored by Creative Cuts & More - starts Nov 9th-10th. Your next stop will be Lindsay Weirich.  While you’re cruising through - be sure while at the Creative Cuts & More site you sign up for the Newsletter, and lastly at the end be sure to leave your comment at Caardvarks.  Until tomorrow, Enjoy and Create, Lila

PS:  Creative Cuts & More is offering PRIZES throughout the hop - along with a shopping discount 15% - Nov 1st - 4th

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07.13.09

It’s a PRINCESS Party!

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects, Shimmerz Paint at 4:05 am

Creative Cuts & More is hosting a special Birthday Theme blog hop.  If you reached me from Dawn Lusk’s projects then you are still on track…. if not you don’t want to miss anything so be sure to start at the beginning.  What could be more special for a little (or big) girl than a Princess Themed Birthday Party?  Let’s start with the invitation

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Uses Square Scalloped White Canvas Bazzill card base and Castle Die in White Canvas Bazzill

Next comes all the party goodies how about some Party Treats!!!

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Uses Basket with Handle and Flower die with Mat Basket is in White Canvas Bazzill, flower die and mat in Blossom Canvas and Watermelon Canvas Bazzill. Stamped with Lady Bug (Memento Ink) using rubber stamp from Making Memories “Giggles” - add a little bling with rhinestones or half-pearls and some pom-pom ribbon!!! can you say YUMMY!!!

Some more Party Treats - CUPCAKES!!!!

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This cute little Cupcake Box is done in Blossom and Watermelon Canvas Bazzill.  I did modify it a little bit making a window on the front by running it through my personal die cut with a round scallop die (Spellbinders) - I think it shows the yumminess inside….. Princess stamp from Making Memories “Giggles”, a Princess on a pick, and some velvet rick rack ribbon finish the project.

Now of course the guests need a PARTY FAVOR!!!

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These cute little Party Favors were made with Crayon Box in acetate.  Filled with some Girly Stuff - decorated with rub-ons from Making Memories “Giggles”.

AND for keeping those cute picture and memories - what better than a little Castle Mini Album!!!

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Castle Mini Album decorated using Making Memories “Giggles” paper, rub-ons, rubber stamps, velvet rick-rack ribbon, Heidi Swap rhinestones. Album is from bare chipboard, painted with Delta white acrylic paint, then covered with Giggles paper, tops of towers are painted with “Angle Wings” Shimmerz Paints, and all is held together using Tim Holtz “D” rings.

Another picture with various parts of the ensemble….

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There you have it!!! A fun little party for a special PRINCESS!!!  Now you’re off to visit Pam Smerker for the next gorgeous blog eyecandy - maybe there’s some blog candy???……

Be sure to take a look at the CUTE, CUTE, CUTE card kits - for either a girl or boy!!!!  Enjoy and Create, Lila

07.08.09

Shimmerz Swaps with Impression Obsessoion

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects, Shimmerz Paint at 7:06 pm

The Shimmerz Paints team had the opportunity to pair with Impression Obsession rubber stamps.  I’d like to share a some samples using the same image but with various techniques resulting in different looks for each.  I’ll also be providing a couple tips, specifically using Shimmerz, along the way that I’ve discovered through trial and error.  Here is my first sample…

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I used a hot drink wrap for the mat portion of the image. Here’s the way I did it. First, I took a Ranger Craft Mat and put my Red Brick ink pad directly onto the Craft Mat. Then give a little spritz of “Barn Door” Shimmerz Spritz, add some “Fire Engine Red” Shimmerz paint and mix (I use a kabob skewer to stir it all around. Then place your paper pieces face down and rub around. Click on thumbnails for larger images.

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4-blog-wrap-3.jpgTake a look and see what you’ve got - if you want more color and paint repeat the face down rubbing around motion. Set aside to dry while you stamp the IO “Coffee Aroma” image with Black Graphite Brilliance ink, heat-set, color with COPICS, die cut with rectangle Spellbinders die, airbrush with light color COPIC, mat on black, lightly paint on “Candle Light” Shimmerz on the steam. By this time your smooched wrap should be dry, put on card base, wrap with ribbon, stamp sentiment (IO) on bottom and your done.

I’ve often heard when using water based inks, paints, sprays, which includes Shimmer Spritz that the paper warps.  I have a couple of suggestions - first either real thin (like copy paper) or fine quality watercolor paper works best and reduces the likelihood of warping. For my watercolor paper I use Winsor & Newton, water colour block, 140 lbs, cold pressed with a smooth finish - especially if I plan to stamp an image onto the watercolor paper. Regardless of what paper I use for my project I always use a shallow box (I really like the ones that Costco uses for your groceries, soda/beer case boxes, or even the tops of those bankers boxes… the more shallow the better so I can move around and get the spray where I want it.  You will and should expect some overspray so protect your surface.  I do not recommend using inked newspaper - I’ve had ink transfer through to my projects.

If when I’m using either thin or cardstock, I’ve found it best to spray several light coats, letting dry between each coat, and building the color - this seems to work much better than spraying a real heavy coat that seems to cause the warping.  If you do have some curling or warping then I’ve been known to place my paper between two sheets of white copy paper and put some weights (like magazines) on in for a short time - that seems to keep it flatter.  I’ve also been known to use a small travel size iron and iron the backside……. but I really don’t even like to iron my clothes so…. this is used as a last resort…..

My next two samples were techniques I learned from PatStamps Technique Junkie newsletter.  I used watercolor paper, notice that I used some painter’s tape to hold the corners down - that seems to keep the warping to a minimum. Sprayed with “Espresso” Color Wash from Ranger, let slightly dry and then used “Mud Pie” on first sample and “Truffle” Shimmerz Spritz on the second.  Let dry completely. Then you’re going to stamp and emboss your image.

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At this point you will be painting bleach on the image. My personal preference is to use an old water brush that is dedicated for bleach…. the key here is to use fresh bleach…. so if your water brush has been sitting for a while with old bleach, dump out and replace with fresh. Paint on your bleach, let dry, then you can paint like the sample done in red or the other sample I just left with the natural color that was left. Trim, mat, and finish card as desired.

4-blog-4.jpg4-blog-5.jpgHere’s my final samples using this technique.

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Notice that cute little acetate pillow pouch - filled with “Buzz Beans”

4-blog-thanks-coffee-aroma-full-card.jpgBoth samples use Graphic 45 pattern paper - love it!!!!  Hope these little tips and techniques help you use your products with the best results and reduce the mistakes or possible dissatisfaction….. I think you will really like these products - I personally love them. For now, take a look at all the gorgeous samples from both the Shimmerz Paints and Impression Obsession design teams.  Enjoy and Create, Lila

06.23.09

Let Freedom Ring and a couple of announcements

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Our Craft Lounge, Recent projects at 3:53 am

This week’s featured stamp set from Our Craft Lounge is “Let Freedom Ring”. I’ve had so much fun playing with this set - you can really distress and antique this set OR make it more modern with bright and patriotic colors.  Take a look…..

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above card details: Stamp Set: “Let Freedom Ring” (OCL); Cardstock: White Solar (Neenah), Red & Blue Bazzill; Ink: Rich Cocoa (Memento), Linen and Vintage Photo (Tim Holtz Distressing Inks), COPIC pens for coloring; Square & Scallop die (Spellbinders); Sewing Machine; Linen Thread, button, and metal star brads (unknown)

Now for a complete different look and feel

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Above card and little box details: “Let Freedom Ring” (OCL), fireworks burst (unknown); Cardstock: Solar White (Neenah), Blue Bazzill; Inks: Graphite Black (Brilliance), Danube Blue (Memento); colored with COPICS some highlights with SPICA; bursts were stamped with The Essentials Glue Pad and glittered with “Blue Hawaii” Crafty Sparkles (OCL); square, scallop and tag dies (Spellbinders), box die is from Creative Cuts & More ; pop dots, blue jute(SU).

Don’t these just scream 4th of July and our Nation’s Birthday celebration??  Until later, Enjoy and Create, Lila

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  CREATIVE CUTS & MORE GUEST DESIGN TEAM CALL:

Creative Cuts & More Guest Design Team Call

Creative Cuts & More (CC&M) is a leader in the die cutting industry offering dies cut in cardstock and a variety of other materials like chipboard, acetate, felt, velvet paper, and more. We are searching for paper crafters who enjoy working with die cuts (shapes, cards, 3-D bags & boxes, etc.) to design projects for us as guests to our design team. If you can rock a die cut and take a great photo, please apply!

Our plan is to choose at least TWELVE guests to post projects during their assigned month. During this month, guest designers would:

* Create 5 projects for CC&M from the materials provided. Two projects will have an assigned theme for our blog hop and then one project for each of the other three weeks during the month. Any extra materials sentare yours to keep.

* Photograph your projects. Post photographs and product recipes to your blog, to Splitcoaststampers, and any other galleries of your choice.

* Submit same photo and product recipes directly to CC&M and grant CC&M permission to use them in CC&M’s blog, Web site, gallery, etc.

Once the projects have been submitted, you will receive a gift certificate for $25 in free cardstock and die cuts of your choice from the CC&M Web site. You will also be eligible for a 25% discount on any purchases you make at that time.

To apply, show us your very best work with die cuts (2-5 projects). Send specific links to gallery pages, blog posts, or attach them in the e-mail. Also, we’ll need your answers to the following:

* Name:

* E-mail Address:

* Blog Address:

* Phone Number:

* Mailing Address:

* Current & Past Design Teams: (No experience required… we’d like to meet some new designers!)

* Other papercrafting experience (Publications, Teaching at LSS, etc.):

* What would make you a great choice as a guest designer?

* If you have a preference, what themes or time of year would work best for you? (Is there a season or a theme that you’re passionate about? Have lots of wedding stamps? Keen on pets? Taking an extended vacation in October?)

Please e-mail us at customerservice@creativecutsandmore.com and put “Guest Design Team Call” in the subject line. Submissions close on June 30th, and notifications will go out shortly thereafter.

06.16.09

Shimmerz Birthday Bash Blog Hop and CANDY!!!

Posted in Creative Cuts & More, Recent projects, Shimmerz Paint at 5:39 am

 Welcome to the Shimmerz Paints’ Birthday Bash Blog Hop.  If you reached me from Kristine then you are on the right track for the hop….. if not, then you will want to start at the Shimmerz Paints blog - you know there is a super blog package waiting - right???? For my birthday celebration projects I decided to make a card and matching gift package project.  Here are my samples

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Sample Details - Card: Solar White (Neenah) for the card base; Pattern Paper & Accessories:”Grow” (MME); Floral Mask (Heidi Swapp); Orange Madori  Silk Ribbon; “Happy Everything” stamp set (SU); “Mango Madness” & “Olive Branch” Shimmerz SPRITZ - - Popcorn Box:  Bazzill Smoothie die cut from Creative Cuts & More; Tag “Grow” (MME pattern paper & Accessories); Floral Mask (Heidi Swapp); Orange Madori Silk Ribbon;  “Mango Madness” Shimmerz SPRITZ

This is what’s up for grabs from Shimmerz Paints

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From here you want to visit Linda Albrecht and my phrase word you are looking for is THANK as you are working on building the phrase…..  you see this awesome package of goodies that is up for grabs?  For your chance to win the grand prize you must leave a comment on each of the designer’s sites as you tour the blog hop.  During the hop you will receive instructions for what to do with the phrase once you have all the words in order.  For now enjoy and Create, Lila