Friday, December 13, 2013

Play! Event in California



Hi! It’s me, Stacy Julian, founder of bigpictureclasses.com! If you love the fun products, fabulous friendships and creative connections that come from this wonderful hobby called “scrapbooking” like I do, then you  you are going to love Play!, a new live + online event coming this January!

What if you could feast your eyes on the newest product releases, and mix and mingle with the biggest names in the industry, directly after the most important scrapbooking tradeshow of the year? You can!

You are hereby invited to come Play! with me and more than a dozen industry notables this January 14–16 in Anaheim, California, right after the Craft & Hobby Association tradeshow. Play! is our latest live + online event, and it will fill you to the brim with happy thoughts, joyful crafting, and friends galore.

You’ll rub shoulders with me, Ali Edwards, Heidi Swapp, Tracey Clark, Elise Blaha Cripe, the folks from Close to My Heart, and other top manufacturers. You’ll enjoy three days of pretty projects, inspiring ideas, and fun friends, not to mention discount tickets to Disneyland! Yep, we’re all extending the fun for an optional day at Disneyland, for 10% off.

Check out our beautiful resort hotelmeet our instructors, and register today before the seats in the live event are gone. Plus, check out this fun video I made that introduces you to what I think Play! is about.

Let’s Play!

Stacy Julian,
Founder, bigpictureclasses.com

p.s. If Play! sells out before you can register, sign up for the online portion of the event, Play! at Homewhere you can participate via live, streaming video broadcast.

{Co-Op Advertisement}

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Blinkie Winner Announcement


Thank you to everyone who participated in our "Show me your Blinkie" contest.  We had a great response.  Here are our two winners...

Anna Bradshaw
www.craftwithanna.blogspot.com


Pat Hollaway
www.micraftygal.blogspot.com

Please contact us to claim your prize!

If you missed this contest, be sure to visit our Badges Tab on the blog and download yours...that way you'll be ready the next time we hold this contest.

Sneak peek of a Merry & Bright Crafting Cruise project tomorrow......Be sure to subscribe to our Blog so that you'll see it first!


Sunday, October 6, 2013

Scrapbook shop in Bermuda!



I had the privilege to visit an adorable scrapbook shop on my recent cruise on the Norwegian Breakaway to Bermuda. The shop was called:  Surprise!!  Scrapbook Boutique.   It was in the adorable two story building in the heart of St. George. If you get a chance to go to Bermuda, be sure to visit it!!


Friday, September 6, 2013

New Smoking Policy on Royal Caribbean



Press Release from Royal Caribbean - as of July 2013


For the comfort and enjoyment of our guests, our ships are designated as non-smoking; however, we recognize that some of our guests do smoke. Therefore, to provide an onboard environment that also satisfies smokers, we have designated certain areas of the ship as smoking areas.

Cigarette, cigar, e-cigarette and pipe smoking is permitted in designated outdoor areas of the starboard side of all ships; with the exception of Oasis-class ships that will allow smoking on the port side of the ships. To assist in locating areas where smoking is permitted, guests will find visible signage posted within all smoking areas and ashtrays that are provided for use. Outdoor areas near restricted areas, food venues, and kids play areas and pools will not allow smoking. On Oasis-class, smoking is not permitted in Central Park or the Boardwalk neighborhoods.

Casino Royale allows smoking and has a designated area for non-smoking guests. There will be visible signage indicating the non-smoking area in the casino. There are select cruises departing from China that will not have a non-smoking area in the casino.

Onboard all interior public spaces are smoke free*. Smoking is not permitted in any dining venue, theater, bar, lounge, hallway, elevator, and jogging track.

Smoking is not permitted inside any stateroom and any stateroom balcony. This applies to all stateroom categories onboard. If a guest is in violation of this stateroom policy, a cleaning fee of $250 USD will be applied to their SeaPass® account and may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of the Guest Conduct Policy.

Cigarettes, cigars and pipe tobacco must be properly disposed of and never thrown overboard. Cigar and pipe tobacco is limited to designated outdoor areas and Cigar Bars**. You must be at least 18 years of age to purchase, possess or use tobacco onboard.

Electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are only permitted within the designated smoking areas.  Royal Caribbean International kindly asks all guests to please observe the smoking policy. These requests are made to provide a comfortable cruise for everyone. Guest may also inquire at Guest Services for the
location of the designated smoking areas onboard. Guests who violate this smoking policy may be subject to further action pursuant to the “Consequences Section” of this Guest Conduct Policy.

Royal Caribbean updated the smoking policy July 2013 and the above policy is in enforcement on all ships with cruises departing on or after January 1, 2014.

##


Friday, July 26, 2013

Single Travelers can find great deals on Azamara Club Cruises


AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES’ REDUCED SINGLE SUPPLEMENT PROGRAM OFFERS GREAT DESTINATION-IMMERSION VALUE FOR SOLO TRAVELERS

MIAMI, July 23, 2013 –­­­­­­­­ Whether traveling alone or wishing to enjoy the privacy of their own stateroom, solo up-market travelers can enjoy amazing value with Azamara Club Cruises’ reduced single supplement program. Differentiating the cruise line from others, Azamara’s reduced single supplement program offers 125 percent of the double occupancy fare for guests traveling alone on more than 25 select voyages through 2014. Travelers can take advantage of Azamara’s reduced single supplement program to embark on a destination-immersive voyage to some of the most intriguing destinations around the world and enjoy longer stays and more overnights in port for night touring. For the full list of reduced-single supplement voyages throughout Europe, the Far East and the West Indies, please contact CruiseOne.



        It is not just the savings and abundance of diverse voyage options that makes this program so unique, but the experiences provided when embarking on an Azamara voyage. From immersing in a country’s culture and traditions through adventurous Land Discoveries to a rejuvenating onboard spa treatment during a day at sea; or even unwinding in the comfort of the Mosaic CafĂ©, there’s a feeling of camaraderie and luxury that comes with Azamara Club Cruises.


        The cruise line’s philosophy of destination immersion is reflected in one-hundred percent of Azamara’s voyages, which all feature late-night departures and overnight port stays at a destination, some for up to three nights. Guests can revel in a destination’s nightlife, dining and entertainment plus enjoy an AzAmazing Evenings event, the cruise line’s authentic, exclusive and bespoke events that showcase the unexpected colors and flavors of a destination.
On board, guests enjoy fine cuisine and boutique wines from around the world, as well as more inclusive amenities, such as included gratuities; complimentary bottled water, sodas, specialty coffee, and teas, as well as complimentary boutique wines, international beers and select standard spirits in the ships’ bars, lounges and restaurants when open; complimentary self-service laundry; English Butler service for suite guests; and shuttle transportation to city centers in ports, where available.




For more information, you can call Gail and Cheri of CruiseOne 1-800-645-1481 (outside the USA call 352-527-8473) or e-mail gpastor@cruiseone.com


Have you been on Azamara Club Cruises?  Tell us what you think...leave a comment below.



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Fun at CHA

Gail and I are having a great time at the Craft And Hobby Association trade show in Las Vegas. 

We ran into some friends from Die Cuts with a View (DCWV.) Erin and Amy sailed with us on the Michaels crafting cruise in 2011. 



Have you seen these fun wall vinyls (that feel like canvas)?  You can put them on a canvas or directly on the wall.  The price point is great and you can find them at Target. So many cute designs to choose from. 




THIS JUST IN....
DCWV is teaming up with their sister company, Blue Moon Beads, to bring us a fab project on our 2013 Merry & Bright crafting cruise. There is still time to sign up. Be sure to grab one of our low priced balcony cabins before they are gone (only a few days left). 

On to have more fun....
Cheri & Gail


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Knitting Cruise - hosted by Barry Klein

Check out the itinerary being offered on the New Years Eve Knitting Cruise....




If you'd like to download these flyers, there is a link to do so on our website.

To book, Call Cruise & Crop 1-800-645-1481 or e-mail info@cruiseandcrop.com



Thursday, June 27, 2013

Knitting Cruise on the Danube River!


AmaWaterways Launches a Knitting New Year’s Cruise for 2014

Innovative river cruise line showcases latest do-it-yourself trend for hands-on fashionistas


CALABASAS, CALIF. (June 18, 2013) – Award-winning river cruise line AmaWaterways will ring in 2015 with a new theme cruise, one that embraces what is fast becoming a hip and trendy hobby – a Knitting New Year’s Cruise on the Danube River from Dec. 27, 2014 – Jan. 2, 2015.

The age-old handicraft of knitting is experiencing a renaissance of cool as a younger generation rediscovers its social and creative appeal. In today’s increasingly digital world, more and more people are embracing the do-it-yourself, handmade trend.

“Given the fast learning curve, cross-gender appeal, the social aspect and the impact of the Internet, it’s little wonder that knitting is such a growing trend,” said Kristin Karst, AmaWaterways’ Executive Vice President and Co-Owner. “Knitting appeals to a younger generation these days, and we thought it would be a fun and creative outlet for our guests. This cruise will bring together a community of knitters and give them opportunities to learn new techniques, find inspiration for new projects, and show off their personal style and creativity.”
AmaWaterways’ inaugural Knitting New Year’s Cruise will feature the latest in luxury yarns, forums on fashion trends and classes on new stitch patterns and techniques. It will be hosted by acclaimed textile expert Barry Klein, owner of Trendsetter Yarns in Los Angeles. Recognized as one of the top 10 most influential men in the world of knitting (a distinction he shares with Charles Dickens and Edward VIII, England’s stylish Duke of Windsor), Klein is the past president of the National Needlework Association and has designed patterns for Vogue Knitting, Interweave Knits and Knitters Magazine, among many others. A prolific author, his books include The Ultimate Knitted Tee, Knitting with Novelty Yarns and The Knitters Template, all co-authored with Laura Militzer Bryant.

AmaWaterways’ Knitting New Year’s cruise and land itinerary starts in Vilshofen, Germany aboard the AmaBella. Guests will enjoy scenic cruising and guided tours of Vilshofen, Linz, Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest, as well as an in-depth tour of Melk’s magnificent Benedictine Abbey. There will also be a festive onboard New Year’s Eve celebration, with music, dancing and a champagne toast at midnight.



The AmaBella is a 161-passenger vessel and features the most advanced ship design in the river cruise industry with luxurious cruise accommodations. Amenities include spacious staterooms and suites (most with French or Twin Balconies), multiple dining venues, a salon and spa, swimming pool and fitness center, and complimentary in-room Internet, Infotainment (with Hollywood movies, satellite TV and music channels) and Wi-Fi. Special highlights include lectures, themed dinners, cooking demonstrations and onboard music performances.

“Younger knitters may be using the same techniques and equipment as previous generations, but their use of Facebook and Twitter to form online communities and share patterns is a distinctly modern twist,” added Karst.

“Think of this cruise as an onboard knitting meetup for people of all levels, from beginners to advanced. It will definitely be a unique and fashion-forward way to ring in 2015.”

To book

Our dedicated website: http://www.cruiseandcrop.com/AMAKnitting2014.htm
Call Gail & Cheri at (352) 527-8473
E-mail info@cruiseandcrop.com

Visit our AMA Waterways Website for more information on river cruising.



Thursday, June 13, 2013

Pick your Perk - Plus a secret revealed - Crafting Cruise

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 7, 2013




Only a few more days to take advantage of Celebrity's Pick Your Perk offer.  This offer is valid on our Crafting cruise, November 30, 2013 on the Celebrity Reflection.

Pick your perk.

Choose from one of these offers above.


But hurry, this is a limited time offer. 
So book your Cruise & Crop vacation 
by June 19, 2013. OFFER EXTENDED UNTIL JUNE 30, 2013!!


For more information on our Crafting Cruise - hosted by Gail Pastor & Cheri Thomas, Click Here.



Want to know the types of projects being considered for our {Pinterest Inspired} crafting cruise?  Here is a sneak-peek...maybe we'll reveal more later:


This Beauty Found on Pinterest - Source:  http://www.makeit-loveit.com/2010/06/glass-etching.html

{Designs will be original}  Think about what a great gift this would be!  Now imagine that you didn't have to shop for the products or cut out the vinyl...but you got to leave with a finished product!  That is what this crafting cruise is all about.  We are giving you the chance to make some wonderful gifts for Christmas without doing the leg-work!  So what are you waiting for?  Book today!



Saturday, June 8, 2013

Shop Your House!

We all are busy.  It seems to me that lately, things have just crept up on me.  For instance, I knew that I was having a Bon Voyage Party at my house for a cruise that I was going on with my friends.  I have known this for weeks.  Of course, I wanted it to be fun, informative and super cute.  But now, it was a day before and I had not taken care for the "super cute" part of the event!  What was I going to do for a theme or centerpiece?  Yikes!  All I had was a couple of packages of paper napkins with the Eiffel Tower on them.  I needed more!  I needed it right now.  So, I decided to "shop my house".  I went around and started gathering a few things that were not traditional centerpieces, but that all had a travel theme to them.  Luckily, I am a travel agent, so I have an office with things that I have collected from trips or that people have given to me as a gift. 
I had a couple of pieces of decorative luggage that were in my office and a table runner I had picked up in Europe.  Great start!  Then I added my scarf from Paris and the book ends from my office. 
The three vases had once contained various vinegars, so I dumped those (now expired - lol) and added some fresh flowers, making the arrangement on my kitchen island complete.
 
Now on to the table with another table runner, more things from my office and Voila!  Candles are always a welcome addition if you need a filler.



To complete my dĂ©cor, I added a few of my European scrapbooks to a table, along with a some fresh flowers in my vase from Italy and I was finished.

So, you may want to try this idea for your next party.  Especially if you did not have time in advance to pull things together like me!  I think that when you put unusual things on the table that would not normally be centerpieces, it can create a nice effect.  Enjoy entertaining!

Thursday, May 30, 2013

My Family Believes - Kitchen Wall Decor



I've seen so many cool "Family Rules" signs around this past year.  You know you have too.  But I couldn't find one to say just the perfect things --- so I made my own version.



Project #1:  I found this old divided wooden box at a garage sale for $1.  I wish I would have taken a photo of it before we (with my husband's help) ripped the glass out and spray painted it.  There were so many old, ugly items glued on it and we did our best to remove them.  There was some glue and a bead that I couldn't pry off without risking breaking the whole thing.  So I just painted over it.  I knew that when I covered the sections with paper, I could hide the imperfections.


This paper is part of Basic Grey's Origins line (an oldie but a goodie).  And there were chipboard elements to match.


You like how I used this bird to cover up that glued bead?




Project #2:  I found this {previously} silver platter at that same garage sale (score!).  I spray painted it to match my yellow and brown kitchen and added some paper embellishments.  I was a bit baffled when it came time to hang the plate.  But those amazing Scotch mounting tapes worked great.  


Shortly after moving into our new house a year ago, I searched for hours to find the perfect fabric for my new kitchen theme - yellow and brown.  Everything that has yellow in it these days is mixed with Gray.  I love that combo but it just wasn't going to mesh well with my furniture and other decor in my adjacent living room.

Then finally - I found it!  This floral print is part of the Origins Collection that Basic Grey put out a few years ago.  I was especially excited that I would be able to find matching scrapbook paper to complete my projects.  Thanks to embellish IT! for still carrying some of this old collection.  I knew I could count on you!


Project #3:  This was my final kitchen project - covering up these glass doors.  I love the look of glass doors but cabinet space in this house was at a premium and I couldn't use it all for the "pretty" stuff.  If you didn't already know, you can buy tiny little rods that attach to cabinet doors.  This was the perfect solution.


Hope you enjoyed my kitchen crafting projects.  Tell me about yours...



Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Cruising the French Riviera

We just returned from a fabulous cruise in the Mediterranean on Azamara Club Cruises.  In case you have never heard of this wonderful little cruise line, it is owned by Royal Caribbean and is a boutique line.  What they do is they have longer stays, more overnights and night touring in their ports of call.  If you have ever been cruising and wished that you could have gone out that evening and enjoyed the city lights, or the theater, or an event, then this is the cruise line for you.  It sails with only about 700 passengers, so for a cruise ship, it is considered small.  However, it has all of the amenities of a larger ship and in addition, includes many other things that make it feel more like a club, such as complimentary drinks. 

We were in Marseilles from noon on day one until 6 PM the next day.  That gave us time to explore the port on the first afternoon. 


Then the next day, we booked a boat ride to a nearby island (20 minute ride) and explored some amazing scenery on a hike.  It was so beautiful!  It was like we found a hidden gem.  We were practically there by ourselves.  That is the beauty of being on a smaller ship!
When we were in Cannes, France, they were setting up for the Cannes Film Festival, which will be from May 15-26, 2013.  We found the red carpet going up to the Grand Auditorium.  We took a picture on the red carpet.  I know that it will be hard for you to tell us apart from the movie stars that will be there next week!  We had fun doing this.

In Monte Carlo, we rode along where they are going to be having the Grand Prix at the end of this month.  They were putting up the guard rails and signage.   Lots of enormous yachts were in the harbor awaiting the event.  Because they had overnight stays in port, we were able to go to the Grand Casino in Monte Carlo at night.  It was fun to mingle with the rich and famous for one night.  Then we were back to our ship.  It was hard to go to bed because the view from our balcony on the ship was calling to us!  The ship was docked right downtown.  We could see the castle where the Prince of Monaco lives, a giant yacht that we heard was owned by somebody who was related to the royal family and the Grand Casino all lit up at night.

It was while we were sitting out on the balcony the last night that my husband and I really "got it".  We truly understood what the Azamara Experience of longer stays, more overnights and night touring really meant.  It meant moments like this.....

Give us a call if this looks good to you!