Celebrate Memorial Day With Operation Write Home

Sometimes we want to help but we just don't know how.  Operation Write Home is an amazing organization that sends handmade cards to our troops overseas so they can send their families beautiful cards.  You can read more about them at www.operationwritehome.org.  There are several ways you can help.

1. You can send cards to them (make sure to check out the requirements before sending your cards).  
2. You can send a monetary donation.   
3. You can shop at my Etsy shop.  For every card you purchase, I will donate 2 cards to Operation Write Home. 

Also, this weekend it Operation Write Home's annual Memorial Day Blog Hop.  It starts at http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/.  Make sure to stop by and say hello!

Celebrate Memorial Day by Honoring Our Troops Overseas!

Celebrate Memorial Day by honoring our troops overseas! For every card you purchase from Curls & Grins Creations now through May 31st, we will donate two cards to Operation Write Home!  To order your cards, go here.  We have a wide selection, more than we could ever post.  If you don't see what you are looking for, email us and we will create something for you.

Birthday Bash Blog Hop

Welcome to the very first Birthday Bash Blog Hop. Happy birthday Lisa and Becky!

If you arrived here from Crafty Card Gallery you’re on the right track. If not, and just lucked up on this blog, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We're so excited to being doing this hop, and we have a fabulous line up with some very talented folks. There will be lots of fun projects, along with some great blog candy, and an AMAZING grand prize for this hop.

This hop runs all day on May 23, so you have plenty of time to make it all the way through the hop. Check out each blog and see what BLOG CANDY you could possibly WIN!! 

Here is the complete line up

Lisa - http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/ 

Lisa - http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Shawnee - http://quiverofangels.blogspot.com/

Creativek Kuts - http://www.creativekuts.blogspot.com/

Deb - http://www.scrappingmamma.net/

Corrine - http://celebratingordinarymoments.blogspot.com/

Tristan - http://tristans-time-4-craftin.blogspot.com/

Mickie - http://littlescrapcorner.blogspot.com/

Rachelle – http://rachelle-rachellesplace.blogspot.com/

Sheri - http://highland-eyes.blogspot.com/

Melanie - http://melaniespapercraft.blogspot.com/

Christine - http://crabbycakescrafts.blogspot.com/

Bobbi – http://rockgirlcustomdesigns.blogspot.com/

Debbie - http://craftydeb-ddscrafts.blogspot.com/ 

Leila - http://mypapergrowsontrees.blogspot.com/

Emily - http://www.createserendipity.net/

Jennifer - www.craftycardgallery.blogspot.com

April - http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ - You are here

Jennifer - http://scrapaholicjen.blogspot.com/ - Next stop

Ashley - http://scrappinpinkpiglet.blogspot.com/

Donna - http://comopark1886.blogspot.com/

Elsa - http://www.justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Shannon - http://www.purplelionpaper.com/blog

Ashley - http://www.theglamoroussideofscrapping.blogspot.com/

Monica - http://scraps2treasure.blogspot.com/

Lisa - http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/ 

Scrapping With Lisa on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrapping-with-Lisa/130882060268842

I created this card for a young (or young-at-heart) lady.  The Sweetheart papers and Hope and A Little Everything stamps are from Close to my Heart.  

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment here that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

There is also going to be an overall grand prize, which is being sponsored by Lisa from Scrapping with Lisa and she will be the first and last blog on the hop. In order to be eligible for the grand prize you must leave a comment on every blog in the hop, as well as become a fan of my blog and of Scrapping with Lisa on Facebook. If you don’t do facebook, this won’t count against you for the grand prize, just let me know that in your comment. You must do all this, it is mandatory in order to be eligible for the overall grand prize.

Thanks for visiting!  Your next blog is Jennifer - http://scrapaholicjen.blogspot.com/

Have a GREAT day!!

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 5

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

For my last day at the beach, I went under the sea.  My little mermaid is happily floating with her friends.  She is from the Paper Dolls Cricut cartridge.  The background is dry embossed and sponged with blue ink.  Everyone is adorned with Liquid Glass and Martha Stewart glitter.

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment here that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for you!

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 4

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

  

I made this hula girl for my little girl who was complaining yesterday about her curly hair.  The card reminds me of when I visited the beaches of Hawaii as a young girl.  I think it's time to go back!

The Moon Doggie papers are from Close to my Heart.  The shells and hula girl are from the Paper Dolls cartridge for the Cricut.  The shells are inked with Gypsy, Cranberry, Indian Corn Blue and Sunflower Close to my Heart inks.  

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment here that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for you!

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 3

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

  

My inspiration for this card came from my Close to my Heart Moon Doggie papers.  These tropical papers are from a couple of summers ago and I still LOVE them.  To give the trunk of my palm tree a little texture, I dry embossed it and then sanded it.  It now has a fuzzy feeling.  The picture isn't so great, but the embossed sentiment on the basket is "Life's a Picnic."

To create this card, I used the Moon Doggie papers as I already said.  I also used the Campin' Fever stamp set from Close to my Heart, the Potpourri Basket cartridge for my Cricut to create my fun palm tree and some rick rack from my stash.

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment here that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for you!

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 2

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

  

For today's project, I created a beach layout.  This is from a recent trip to Huntington Beach in sunny California, my native state.  The cardstock is sponge-daubed with Desert Sand ink to give it the sandy look.  For directions to make the pinwheels, click here.  To fill in the 

Most products are from Close to my Heart.  Miracle papers, White Daisy cardstock, Chocolate Alphabet stamp set, Chocolate & Desert Sand inks, Pewter brads, Kraft borders. Additional stamps from the Miracle Workshop on the Go.  Buttons are from my stash.  

To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for you!

I'd Rather Be at the Beach Blog Hop - Day 1

Welcome to the "I'd Rather Be At The Beach" Blog Hop. This blog hop runs from May 18-22. If you are coming from Dana's blog, you’re on the right track. If you just joined us, you can go back to the beginning HERE and hop along with us. We’ve had so much fun creating this hop, and we have a wonderful line up with some oh-so-talented crafters. You will find loads of projects with a beachy theme throughout this hop! If you love the beach as much as I do, then you won't want to miss this one! We have LOTS of blog candy to offer! Please check back daily for your chance to win!

Here's the lineup:

Emily: http://www.createserendipity.net/

Dawn: http://dawnsdesignsthatdelight.blogspot.com/

Tricia: http://lshdesigns.blogspot.com/

Margaret: http://auntmargaretdesigns.blogspot.com/

Janet: http://www.createatdreamscrapbooks.blogspot.com/

Lisa: http://honeybearzdesigns2011.blogspot.com/

Theresa: http://www.thescrapbookingqueen.com/

Lisa: http://handmadewithlove-lisa.blogspot.com/

Elsa: http://justafewdesigns.blogspot.com/

Martha: http://pattisscrapingtime.blogspot.com/

Dana: http://danascraftycorner.blogspot.com/

April: http://www.curlsngrins.blogspot.com/ You are here

Kim: http://kimmarieskorner.blogspot.com/ - Your next stop

Gill: http://www.creationsbygillm.blogspot.com/

Jackie: http://jackrabbitscrappin.blogspot.com/

For today, I created a simple card for my favorite fishermen.  My husband's sister and brother-in-law took our girls fishing at the Gulf of Mexico a few summers back.  For the following Christmas, they sent the girls fishing poles and an invitation to come back and fish again.

All supplies are from Close to my Heart. Miracle Papers. Backwoods, Campin' Fever and True Happiness stamp sets.  Desert Sand, Lagoon and Pacifica inks. Bamboo and Colonial White cardstock. Silver Pearl embossing powder.

 To win my blog candy, please leave a comment on this post AND become a follower of this blog.  For a bonus entry, become a fan of Curls & Grins on Facebook and comment that you have done so. Winner will be announced June 1st, so come back here to see if you've won!

Thanks so much for stopping by! Make sure you hop along and see what Kim has in store for today!