Thursday, November 15, 2012

Guest Designer: Julie Anderson {Cute & Quick Scrapbooks}

Welcome to our Guest Designer, Julie Anderson.  Julie is the owner of Cute & Quick Scrapbooks based in Tampa, Florida.  She designs 12x12 layouts as well as mini-albums.  Cute & Quick has hosted one Cruise & Crop cruise in 2011 and Julie has attended two others.

Here is a glimpse at her impeccable work:


Left Page 


Right Page

This two page layout sells for only $15!  Think of how much cuteness your family's photos would add to this page!

She also has super cute Christmas mini-albums available.  Get them while they last and make them in time for Christmas Presents.


Looking for a New Kit Club???

Cute & Quick's VIP CLUB ROOM:
It costs $25 a year to join VIP club room.  You will get your choice of new kits first at 20%.  You will have a special code given to you every year that only you will be able to use.  You will also receive a free kit when you join!!! So, join today and start saving!!

To Sign-up, contact Julie at andersonjulie_1@hotmail.com

Happy Scrappin'....


Monday, November 12, 2012

Women's Retreat + Tea Party

Gail and I {Cheri} just got back from our church's first ever Women's Retreat.  I have attended Calvary for seven years now and I thought it was about time for the Women to get away together.  Being the party and travel planner I am, I volunteered to organize it.

So, for the past 6 months the planning committee and I have been brainstorming where we would go and what we could do while at the retreat.

We found this quaint retreat facility in Lake Wales, Florida called Capernaum Inn.  There were eight cabins that housed 3-5 people with a living room, kitchen and separate bedrooms.  This was perfect for our group of ladies!  Not too big and just the right size for our first retreat.  I loved the idea that the facility would be all ours - and there would be no other borders that weekend.

L002

We hosted four services, a bon fire and a Tea Party.  Plus the ladies had some free time to get away with Jesus or simply relax by the beautiful lake.

Many lives were touched by our speaker (and song writer) Lis Burns and our all girl worship team, Annie, Melanie & June.

Besides the services, the Tea Party was the social highlight of the weekend.  It is nearly impossible for me to plan a vacation without some crafting involved.  We randomly divided the ladies into four groups of 6.  Each group received a pretty box filled with craft supplies in which to create a center piece.  I was blown away by what the ladies accomplished with the supplies in just over an hour's time.  Check it out for yourself....

Supplies included:

  • Pretty box
  • Tissue Paper
  • Colored Pens & Marker
  • Wooden Picture Frame
  • Bling
  • Silk Flowers
  • Glue + Hot Glue
  • Ribbon, Lace & Tulle
  • Dollies
  • Decorative scrapbook paper
  • Plus other items they found around the grounds





We had the ladies bring their own special tea cup for the event.  Isn't it fun to use your tea cups!!  We really should do this more often!

Our other fun evening activity was Beauty Night.  We made hair bows, painted our nails, and made a sugar scrub.



 
{Sorry this picture won't comply}

It was an amazing weekend!



Saturday, September 22, 2012

Bayli is 2! - Part 3 of 3

{Bayli's Ice Cream Shoppe}


Welcome to Bayli's Ice Cream Shoppe!  As I mentioned on Thursday, Pinterest is causing some unnecessary pressure to throw and grand party!  So in my few hours of free time each week (for the past month), I locked myself in my Studio and got to work.  :)


It seems that every party picture on Pinterest shows a beautiful table with a cool backdrop.  My husband thought I was crazy to want to decorate this wall and kitchen nook area.  I even made some simple curtains to match the party.  This little square of our home really was an ice cream parlor for the day.

I got the idea for the hanging ice cream cones from Pinterest (Icing Designs Blog - Click here for the tutorial)

The three table runner idea came from a photo I saw on Pinterest from this blog:  http://daisypinkcupcake.blogspot.com/


Since moving to this house in April I still have not found something to hang over our mantel.  Since I had a blank slate it made it easy to add some accordion flowers.  NOTE - be sure to tape them well!  I hung the flowers a couple of days before the party and on the party day (in the morning) the big orange flower fell, knocked down two picture frames, denting one and breaking the glass out of the other.  Opps!  My husband added some duct tape and they seemed to hold better.


I had purchased these matching cup cake papers long ago but then realized that I wasn't going to make cupcakes.  So, I used a biscuit cutter to cut out brownies.  They were the perfect size to add to everyone's ice cream.


Although unnecessary, adding topping labels helped pull the theme together.


See the scalloped curtains in the background?  To make the scallops, I simply used a paper plate and a washable fabric marker.  Then I cut out the scalloped line I made.  I didn't even bother finishing the raw edges or lining them since they were only going to hang for a day.


Here is Bayli sneaking some Gummy Bears before the party.  It was so hard keeping the kids away from the table all day!  And yup - I made that skirt.  :)


I have posted my party supplies on Etsy if anyone is interested in purchasing them.  Check out this link:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/109924670/ice-cream-party-decorations-pink-green

Thanks for coming!  The Ice Cream Shoppe is now closed.


Friday, September 21, 2012

Bayli is 2! - Part 2 of 3

{PARTY INVITES}

Let me hear a WHOO HOO if you love your Pazzles machine!


These ice cream scoops were cut out on our Pazzles machine (okay - it's Gail's but she lets me use it).  Pazzles' Pro Software makes it so simple to design your own images.  These scoops were made using a series of circles/ovals and then were welded together.  

I misted the ice cream scoops with a pearlescent spray to make them shine.  And then I used dimensional paint to add sprinkles.  It is hard to tell from this photo but I ran the cones through my Cuttlebug to emboss them.  The swirl stamp and pink ink is from Close to my Heart.


The back of the invite included all the party details and invited our friends to "Bayli's Ice Cream Shoppe".  I pop-dotted the awning to make it more realistic.


Here is another idea I originally saw on Pinterest.  I found some cute wooden masks at JoAnn's and had this water-color paint for the kids for our party craft.  Each family took a set of paints home.  This ice cream cutout was done on my e-Craft and is their design.  I colored the cut-out with my Copics to define the scoop and cone.

Come back tomorrow for photos from the party!


Thursday, September 20, 2012

Bayli is 2! - Part 1 of 3

I remember two years ago announcing that I had given birth to my precious little girl, Bayli.  And this past week she turned two.  I have to admit that I went a bit overboard on her birthday party.  But now that Pinterest is around, I feel more pressure to decorate!  Does anyone else feel that way?  I found many wonderful Ice Cream party ideas on Pinterest and I went crazy.

This 3 part blog will feature her recent photo shoot, invites and party decor.  So be sure to come back for more!

{PHOTO SHOOT}


My amazing Sister-In-Law, Tiffany Pastor (who you might know as a great stamp designer) is also quite good at taking photos.  So I bribed her to come over and shoot some new shots of my little girl.  Oh how I love having a girl!!


First things first - set the stage.  My property is very wooded so it is a great, nature place to take photos.


I borrowed this wooden chair from a friend.  The decorative suitcases came from Gail's office.  I stole the lamp from Bayli's room.  My lovely cousin, Candace, made that beautiful afghan.  And the streamers- well that is an idea I got from Pinterest.


Streamer how to:  I purchased a twin flat sheet from Wal-mart.  This coral color is not the color I went in trying to find - but I really loved the end result of the contrast between the woods and her off-white outfit.  Each strip is about 2 inches wide.  I started out ripping the fabric (see #1).  This resulted in a lot of frays and caused the fabric to twist.  I don't recommend ripping the fabric (although this would have been faster)!  Even after I tried ironing the fabric, it still didn't lay nice.  Notice on #2 the line is much straighter - on the remainder of the strips I cut the fabric.  This takes a lot longer than you'd think.  So pop in a good movie and start cutting.  I used only one coral flat sheet.  I wished I had another one to make the backdrop wider {And if you need your backdrop to be taller, then use a queen or king sheet}.  I added a few off-white strips to add some depth.  I also cut some strips in different lengths to add texture.


Here we turned the bench around and had her stand on it.


For months I knew this was the outfit I wanted her to wear for the photo shoot.  But I kept racking my brain as to what she would wear in her hair {because that detail is SOOO important!}  I came up with this headband the night before and I was pretty proud of it!  Would you believe that I found that mustard colored crocheted strip at a thrift store (along with a lot of other crocheted pieces) for just a few dollars.  What a find!!

Hope you enjoyed my little darling.  Come back tomorrow for party invite pics!





Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Pazzles Gift Card Giveaway

DID YOU SEE THIS??

What a great incentive to book (soon!)  



Click this link to see all of the great Pazzles Cruise information:  http://www.cruiseandcrop.com/Pazzles2-2013.htm

So what are you waiting for?  Give us a call!  

Cruise & Crop
1-800-645-1481
info@cruiseandcrop.com


Monday, September 17, 2012

And the winner is...

Thank you to everyone who left a comment on Friday's post.

And the winner of our double stamp set giveaway is....

the Beatty Family - September 14, 2012 10:19 PM
What a beautiful stamp set! I have only been stamping for a year so this would help me get my collection going. I hope I win!!! These are beautiful!

Disclaimer - "The Beatty Family" you have 2 weeks to contact us to claim your prize.  Please e-mail your name and address to info@cruiseandcrop.com


Friday, September 14, 2012

Guest Designer {Tiffany Pastor} + Stamp Giveaway!

A Big Welcome to our Guest Designer:  Tiffany Pastor!


~*~*~*~*~*~

Hello Everyone!

I am so honored to be the guest designer on the Cruise and Crop blog this week! Gail and Cheri, the Cruise and Crop gals, are my mother-in-law and sister-in-law. And I must give props to Cheri, because without her encouragement, I would not even be designing stamps right now. It was her sweet nudge that prompted me to speak with Nichole Heady when we were all on a Stamping Cruise together... and well, now it is several years later and I am thrilled to be a part of such a talented team at Papertrey Ink.

The cards featured today showcase my new stamp release, "Snowflake Medley".

>> "Snowflake Medley" releases on Sept. 15 at the Papertrey Ink online store for only $15!!

>> AND, don't forget there is a set of coordinating dies you will definitely want to get. These dies can be used on your cuddle bug, or other die cutting machine. 



The Winter Wishes card features a sentiment from my stamp set: "Winter Cheer" which coordinates perfectly with the "Snowflake Medley" set. 




For the second card, I grabbed some glue and did a little free hand flourish action and doused it with the Martha Stewart glitter. The sentiment was created on my computer. (Question: would anyone like to see this sentiment in a stamp?? Just curious if you like it!) I love the simplicity of this card. It's perfect for a quick little hostess gift, or teacher gifts you want to mass produce.




Both cards feature the PTI Perfect Match Colors: Ocean Tides and Pure Poppy. 

TIME FOR A PRIZE!!!
Leave a comment on today's blog and ONE LUCKY WINNER will receive TWO STAMP SETS! Yep! You heard me right! The winner will receive: "Nativity Silhouettes" and "Nativity Silhouettes Additions". This distressed Christmas set works perfectly with the "Snowflake Medley" stamp set. Post a comment by the end of the day Sunday, Sept 16... and the WINNER will be announced on Monday.

Take Care and have a day worth remembering!

Love Tiffany

~*~*~*~*~*~
We hope that you enjoyed these beautiful cards and stamps from Tiffany.  You can check-out her blog at http://tiffanypastor.blogspot.com/  She has other adorable projects posted using these stamps.

Don't forget to leave a comment for your chance to win TWO stamp sets!!  And then jump on over to Papertrey Ink to purchase these NEW stamp sets (releasing 9/15/12)!


Monday, September 10, 2012

Boutique Cruising



AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES TO REFINE DESTINATION IMMERSION THROUGH FLEETWIDE RENOVATION

MIAMI, September 7, 2012 – Azamara Club Cruises, the cruise line that has set the bar for delivering destination immersive experiences to up-market travelers, today announced plans for the renovation of its two European boutique hotel-style ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest. Both ships are scheduled separately to enter drydock in 2012 and 2013, respectively, where each will receive a shipwide facelift and a new profile with a new dark-blue hull. Guests will delight in the beautifully refreshed ships, along with Azamara’s signature exceptional personal service from every staff and crew member, exciting destinations around the world where larger ships cannot reach, and more late night and overnight stays in port to be immersed in the nightlife of the destinations.
         “Azamara Club Cruises is offering up-market travelers more of what they love about our brand,” said Larry Pimentel, president and CEO of Azamara Club Cruises. “Our distinctive destination-immersion proposition and the warm and authentic personal service from every staff and crew member have really resonated with up-market travelers. Guest satisfaction has consistently pushed 100 percent, and we are going to continue to deliver travel in a way that will surmount all guest expectations – on land and on board.”
        Shipwide renovations will include new carpets, upholstery, and a new color palette in public spaces reflecting the cruise line’s inviting atmosphere; new mattresses and upgraded veranda furniture for suites and staterooms; and a resurfaced pool, and new sun loungers and pool towels on the outer decks.  The Casino Bar also will be expanded and enhanced with new furniture, while the Spa and fitness center will be refreshed with a new steam room, showers, and state-of-the-art Life Fitness cardio equipment. Furthermore, a range of enhancements will be made behind the scenes in the staff and crew area to add to the comfort of the cruise line’s most valuable asset.
        On the culinary front, guests onboard will soon enjoy a new caviar and champagne bar within Aqualina, one of the ships’ two specialty dining venues, as well as a new Chef’s Table concept featuring three wine degustation menus – Italian, French and Californian. At Mosaic Café, the ships’ central gathering spot, guests will be able to purchase a freshly brewed cup of bespoke coffee.
        Azamara Quest will spend eight nights in drydock at Navantia Shipyard in Cadiz, Spain, starting Nov. 7, 2012. With renovations complete, Azamara Quest will then sail a 13-night Madeira and Canary Islands voyage, beginning November 15, followed by a four-night Spanish and Northern Africa voyage on November 28. The ship then departs on December 2, to embark on a 16-night, trans-Atlantic voyage to Rio De Janeiro for its South America season.
        Following, Azamara Journey will enter Singapore’s Sembawang Shipyard (a subsidiary of Sembcorp Marine Ltd.) on Jan. 6, 2013, for a seven-night renovation drydock. Azamara Journey will then continue its Asia season with a 13-night Indonesia voyage round-trip from Singapore on January 13.
        In addition to receiving exceptional scores from guest surveys, the cruise line has continuously been recognized with some of the industry’s most coveted accolades since its rebranding more than two years ago. Among the many honors, Azamara Club Cruises has catapulted to rank among the World’s Top 10 Cruise Lines in the Conde Nast Traveler: World’s Best List for the past two consecutive years, and in Travel + Leisure Magazine’s annual “World’s Best” Readers Poll for the latest four consecutive years. Furthermore, four Azamara voyages have been named among travel expert, Wendy Perrin’s, Ten Dream Cruises in 2012 and 2013, and both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest garnered the No. 1 and No. 2 Best Overall spot in the Cruise Critic’s 2012 U.S. Cruisers Choice Awards.
        Guests aboard Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest enjoy more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary red and white boutique wines to accompany lunch and dinner; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.
        Azamara Club Cruises is a destination-immersive cruise line for up-market travelers who want to not only see the places and cultures they visit, but to live them. Azamara’s two intimate, 694-guest ships, Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest, with a combination of 347 suites and staterooms, offer a European-boutique hotel ambience with extraordinary service, fine cuisine and wines from around the world, and wellness and vitality programs, all while sailing to a host of destinations larger ships cannot reach. Azamara Club Cruises sails European destinations, including the Baltic and Scandinavia, British Isles, Western Europe, French and Italian Rivieras, Greek Isles, Croatia, Holy Land and Black Sea, as well as Asia, South America and lesser-traveled islands of the West Indies, with more overnight and late-night stays in every region. Travelers also can choose even more immersive experiences with Azamara cruisetours in eight of the world’s most exciting destinations, including Buenos Aires, Istanbul, India and China. For more information, call Gail & Cheri of CruiseOne, Hernando, FL  1-800-645-1481 (or outside of the USA 352-527-8473).



Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Guest Designer: Cara Miller

A big welcome to our August Guest Designer, Cara Miller.  Cara has hosted multiple cruises with Cruise & Crop and the ladies have raved each time.  Cara is versed in many die-cut machines.  She is also an avid "colorer" and is Copic certified.  

You can check out her website at www.CaraMiller.com
Her Cricut Guides, "Whispers," are available on Amazon.  Search for "Cricut Whispers"

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I have purchased cartridges simply because they have a Border Creative Feature!  I love the ability to add themed borders to my layouts and even cards.  I love borders but … and this can be a big but… Cricut borders may not cut the way you expect them to cut.  No surprise…it is a Cricut!  But I find that is part of the thrill and the challenge. Let’s think like a Cricut!


First important fact to remember: You can make the border larger but you will never be able to increase the number of item in your border.  If there are 3 cruise ships in your border you can’t make your border have 5 ships unless you are using your Gypsy. 

Next, borders are an image created by the cartridge designer and they are one image in the mind of the Cricut.  That means the height and the length maintain their proportions.  If you make the border longer, it will also increase in height.  In other words…you will probably not be able to create a 2” tall border that stretches across your 12x12 scrapbook page …unless you are using your Gypsy.



Do you see a trend here?  Yes borders are awesome but they are limiting if you are using the Cricut alone.  Don’t give up …there are a few tricks but you need to think like a Cricut.  Using the Original Cricut, set the size dial on the height you want your border to be.  Cut the image and measure the length.  You can then cut as many images your need to piece together equally the full length of your layout. 



Using the Expression does make it a bit easier.  The mat size doesn’t matter but the “FIT TO LENGTH” feature on the Expression makes borders much more satisfying.  Remember the size dial on the Cricut refers to the HEIGHT of the image or the border.  The length will be determined by Cricut.  The image will be cut as long as Cricut thinks is the right length for the size you selected on the dial. 

But if you use Fit to Length you are telling the Cricut “I know what length I want this image (border) to turn out so use the size dial number as the length.”  The Cricut will try to cut the image as long as you ask.  Using the cartridge Border Creative Feature , press the image key you want, start with your size dial on 11 ¾ to get the longest border possible on your 12x12 mat.  Press OK and Cricut will do the math and think about it… and tell you how tall your border will be.  No surprises now.  The Cricut may beep and that means that it can’t cut a border at 11 ¾ because the border height will be too high to fit on your mat.  I also think that is not really a border at that height either!  It would cover the whole page!  Dial down and see what Cricut says when you press OK.  This trial and error allows you to see what is going to cut without wasting paper. 

Adding the Gypsy allows you to piece the border strips together and weld so that you will actually get as many trucks as you wish in your border. This is really the only way to really get the small detailed border that was in your head.  


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Thank you Cara for being part of the Cruise & Crop family!




Friday, August 10, 2012

Virtual Craft Fair


A friend of ours is hosting a Virtual Craft Fair.  There are many links to great blogs and Etsy shops with super cute merchandise.  Why not start your Christmas shopping early!

Click here to visit the Virtual Craft Fair:  http://www.lisburns.com/2012/08/10/virtual-craft-fair/