Friday, February 11, 2011

Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop


Welcome to the Cricky Across the 50 Blog Hop hosted by K Andrew of Getting Cricky! If you are here from Brenda Haskin of Simply Bren is Having too much fun then you are in the right spot. If you just arrived here and would like to start from the beginning please go to KAndrew's Getting Cricky. For this blog hop,  K Andrew is celebrating her big move across the country with a big road trip, and of course this hop across the 50 states.  She has asked us all to post a little bit about the state we are representing, and then to post our Favorite Craft Project. I am representing the great state of Illinois!

When you say Illinois, most people immediately think of Chicago, or maybe even the "Land of Lincoln", but there is so much more to this beautiful (but currently stinkin' cold & snow-covered) agricultural state.   Illinois is generally 2nd in corn production (right behind Iowa, of course), with a single county in Central Illinois (McLean County, where we used to live) producing more than most other states.  There are plenty of places to visit outside of Chicago as well, if you like a little different type of attraction.  There's Bishop Hill, an early Swedish settlement, which I always found interesting, probably because I'm partly Swedish.  Also, there is Dickson Mounds, a major on-site archaeological museum where you can study 12,000 years of life in the Illinois River Valley.  And one of my personal favorites, Starved Rock State Park (photo above).  

According to the legend, a band of Illiniwek, under attack by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa), sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the bluff and held their ground until the hapless Illiniwek died of starvation- giving rise to the name "Starved Rock."  But the reason most people go is for the hiking trails, canyons, and waterfalls.  Bet you didn't know we had those in Illinois!

Now, on to the project! (Click on the photo to see it larger.)


My favorite project is generally whatever I have just finished, so that's what I've decided to share today.  I just love these pictures of my now not-so-little girls!  When they were little they did EVERYTHING together, so I included journaling to that effect.  I used a sketch pattern from the Magic interactive layout pattern book (it includes directions for various ways to make your layouts really MOVE!)  I used papers from the new Sweetheart paper pack, and added some Gypsy and Baby Pink cardstock to match.  For my main title, I used my Cricut and Gypsy with the included Gypsy Wanderings cartridge.  I cut off a decorative element by hand because I liked it better plain, then I sponged the white CS cut with Baby Pink ink.  My subtitle is some Irresistibles Lots of Dots letter stickers sponged with Black ink.  I added some pink ribbon from my stash, and some groupings of embellishments.  They include White Daisy mini-medley, pink & purple brads, heart shaped brads, and some glitter brads.  One quick tip to note:  this sketch called for a 5x5 main photo, but the quality of my photo just wasn't there (this was from film), so I just cropped my 4x6 photo to 4x5, and filled the remaining area with the embellishments.

Finally, time for some blog candy!



I have some great blog candy for you this weekend!  Items include a Perfect Day Level 1 scrapbook kit, a Miracle limited edition kit (complete with pattern sketches), and a You've Got Flair stamp set (which can go from funky to fancy).  Total retail value is over $50!  The rules to win are simple:
  • You must be a follower
  • Leave a comment by midnight (Central time) on Sunday, February 13.
  • THAT'S IT!  I'll have random.org pick a winner on Monday.
Good luck to all!

Please make sure to leave comments on all of the blogs for a chance to win a ton of different Grand Prizes on Getting Cricky's blog, from these great companies:Scrap N Tote, Scrap N Easel, Cri-Kits, Creative Charms, Memory Miser, Scrappy Chic Cafe, Loralie Designs, My Pink Stamper, Peachy Keen Stamps, Cricut Town, The Scrappin' Table, Piktails, and Pink by Design
Please make sure to visit ALL the blogs, as EVERY single blog will have fabulous giveaways (cricut cartridges, paper packs, copic markers, yourstory bundle, clear stamp sets, and tons more). Each blogger was extremely generous with their own personal giveaways
Next stop on the hop is Angela Urell of Creative Crafting.

169 comments:

  1. I spent time in Galina and Nauvoo beautiful state. Thank you for sharing your state information. It is beautiful. Thank You so much for the chance to win some of these beautiful gifts plus to see a little about every state and to join some great one. also the beautiful crafts they are working on.

    Sincerely
    Donna Scrapp'n Nana
    http://scrappnana.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love these flowers! So, glad I can follow you on Networked blogs, it is so much easier to find you again this way! Thanks for the chance to win, I love CTMH! cjdempsey9 at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Love the layout. I am a follower as well. Thank you for the chance to win.

    Thanks,
    Leah
    http://leahscardddesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. LOVE LOVE your LO!! I have the Magic book and have only flipped thru it. I really need to USE IT!!! I'm a new follower as well. :)

    Hugs,
    Tanya
    freddylswillima@windstream.net

    ReplyDelete
  5. Cute layout! I love that patterned paper. Thanks for sharing :)

    Jenny
    papercraftjenny@gmail.com
    papercraftingcrazyme.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. thanks for letting me visit IL
    juliewasson@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such a great layout! Thanks for sharing...I'm already a follower.

    Lisa
    prettypaperprettyribbons.blogspot.com
    lnorris21 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks for sharing your state with us.

    Rose
    rosemary28697@yahoo.com
    http://rose-homemadecards.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. LOVE YOU PROJECTS TFS!!!!!

    CATHIE
    SCRAPHAPPYCAT@GMAIL.COM

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your project!! I was in Chicago in 2009 for the first time ever. It was a road trip from MN on to ND back through MN, WI and then into IL!!! LOL In ONE WEEKEND!! A great trip though. so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
  11. HAHA...Greetings from Ottawa!Isnt it a small world :)im a new follower absorbing all the creativity i can!

    mitch1066@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Wonderful layout... Looks like a Beautiful State
    TFS
    Rene
    ronnieandcorinne@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hello fellow Illinoisian!! I LOVE that you shared Dtarved Rock :)
    I was there last month to see the eagles.
    LOVE your project!!

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm in WI and we venture to Illinois every other year or so to go to Great America. I LOVE your layout! The details and those cute crochet flowers are adorable! I am now a follower and thanks for the great blog candy!
    booger1 at tds.net

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your layout! The crocheted flowers are the sweetest touch! You made me so homesick! I was born and raised in Illinois--Urbana-Champaign and Jacksonville, with relatives in Illiopolis and Springfield, as well as Oak Park. One of my favorite things was to go down to Alton/Godfrey and visit the Piasa Bird. I'm still upset that the U of I did away with Chief Illiniwek--not only a tradtion, but one that honored our Illini heritage. *sigh* Thanks for the reminders...I'm a follower--you can find me at ksjennings at gmail dot com and/or http://karelj.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks for the chance to win! Love your layout. I am a new follower. Cathie www.creativecutter.org
    Rcathierigby@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Fabulous layout!! Loved reading about Illinois, I did have family in Mattoon and visited several times, very pretty there!!
    Cindy
    miller896042 at bellsouth dot net

    ReplyDelete
  18. Beautiful picture and great layout.

    scrapbookadd@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have been to Illinois often, being I grew up in MN. I was in a wedding in Galena a couple years ago. Illinois is beautiful! Thanks for sharing, love your layout too!!

    cherie.goyer at gmail.com
    http://oneheartscrapper.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Yes, I'm a follower and what a sad story about starving out the one clan of indians. But I guess all places have some lore, huh? You've got a great giveaway and I love your layout and the papers you used! Thanks for sharing! teelayoung@hotmail.com (t-la)

    ReplyDelete
  21. Ohh wow, that looks so pretty. And so green =) Cold and snowcovered over here too now. And still will be for at least 2-3 more months... I am now one of your newest followers =)

    Hugs from Lilli =)
    l.a.nikolaisen at gmail dot com
    www.crazycardmaker.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  22. Really sweet layout. Love the flowers.I am happy to see a layout lol. And love the glimpse into a beautiful side of Illinois.
    simplybren at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  23. That photo is beautiful! thanks for sharing! and your blog candy is yummy!

    krista
    scrappinkrista@yahoo.com
    scrapaleupagus.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Love the patterned paper on your layout! Thanks for sharing!

    www.snugasabugdesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Your LO is beautiful. I'm loving the variety in this hop. Hugs- Glora me(at)glorajean(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love you layout the flowers are so cute tfs!!!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wonderful layout. Following now and looking forward to seeing more of your work.
    Sandy
    http://thecraftycreationspot.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. I am one of those guilty of thinking only Chicago or Land of Lincoln, so thanks for sharing more of your state with all of us. I'm a new follower thanks to the hop..TFS!
    firelass51@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. super cute LO! Thank you for the fabulous share!
    Lisa
    summer_sunset54@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  30. i would love to go to the archeology museum. we will have to check it out. your layout is great! i love the flowers millcreekroofing@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'm luvin the flowers on your layout , i dont get to use them often as i have all boys. great job

    http://auntiemargsblog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  32. Your layout is so pretty. I am so used to using boy-ish colors that seeing lots of pink is refreshing!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Fabulous layout - love the crocheted flowers! And I have been to Chicago, Illinois - once when I was VERY young. I remember going to my very first cinemascope movie - Hans Christian Anderson while we were there.

    I am now following your blog - so VERY nice to meet you. Stop by and give me a shout sometime as I document my life here in Nebraska one post at a time.

    http://lillianchild.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. Illinois is on my list, so many historical places to see!

    suekimmet@gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. This is such a fun blog hop. LOve learning about the states & getting some new craft ideas :)

    kperlic@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. What a cute LO, and don't they grow up so fast, little one day and grown the next!!! I am a new follower and am having a great time hopping all over the USA...
    Happy Crafting!!
    Karen dkolopez@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. beautfiul layout. new follower. tyfs

    ReplyDelete
  38. Beautiful photos, great layout, and a fun blog.
    Thanks for the chance to win some candy. I'm added to your growing list of followers.
    Dawn
    drks1027@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. very pretty, love the colors thanks for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love you layout and Illinois looks beautiful. I'm a new follower.

    Lana
    lafaellis85@twlakes.net

    ReplyDelete
  41. Beautiful Layout!! TFS!

    amandawoodau at hotmail dot comc

    ReplyDelete
  42. Your LO is so stinking cute, Lori!!! I've never even HEARD of Bishop Hill but now I want to go! Road trip???

    ReplyDelete
  43. Love your project! Beautiful State! New follower!
    creativediva98@gmail.com
    creativediva98.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Love your page and your girls are so cute! I am following you.

    ReplyDelete
  45. beautiful layout thanks for sharing with us. and thanks for a chance to win too.
    Annel
    pud22164@yahoo.com
    http://annelsblog.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. oooooh I love those paisley stamps--pick me! lol!
    Your crochet flowers are so pretty and make just the right accent!
    Thank you so much for being in my hop! We are having a blast!
    Cricky Hugs & Chirps,
    K Andrew

    ReplyDelete
  47. Absolutely precious layout. Love the bling.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Beautiful pic of Illinois; I've only been to Chicago, but it looks like the rest of the state is wonderful as well. bekah.posnansky@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I love this hop it has been so much fun with such amazing projects thanks so much for sharing

    ReplyDelete
  50. I LOVE your project - just beautiful.

    I'm a new follower and would love to have you join in on our challenge (our first) at

    http://pattilynncreations.blogspot.com/2011/02/cricut-sisters-monday-challenge-our.html

    Patti ross
    rossfam@wildblue.net
    www.pattilynncreations.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. thank you for sharing your State
    information.loved your flowers.

    ReplyDelete
  52. A tender layout--the colors fit well.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love the layout. The cluster of flowers is very nice.
    username at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Beautiful state. Awesome project. Great giveway.
    I'm a follower.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    http: // mamawann. blogspot. com/
    annadowdy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hi neighbor! Right next to you. Love your projects and loved your comment of whatever you just finished is your fave. Shows you love your work and are proud of it!
    Sandy in Mo
    arabfilly at gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  56. That LO does move ya! I think it is great. Thanks for sharing about your state. I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Very very cute project .... LOVE IT! TFS! And I am a new follower! Thanks for the chance at some blog candy, too! ;)
    Karen


    rkbmadden at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I love your layout...so pretty! Thanks for sharing.

    Jenny
    jennykingham at att dot net

    ReplyDelete
  59. Love your layout! Sweet pictures! Thanks for a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I am a happy new follower. I am from West Michigan... and lets just not talk about the weather... so often I do not think people believe us... but Illinois is such a fun place to visit I totally agree. Thank you for sharing and being part of the hop. Great projects too! pjritsema at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hey neighbor!! I live in Indiana so technically we are neighbors! This has been such a wonderful blog hop so far! Thanks for the chance to win!
    www.scrappininthewoods.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. What a sweet layout! TFS!
    Renee
    koolchikCrafts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. The pic you posted is beautiful!. I am really enjoying this blog hop! And I am a follower.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Beautiful page and I love the flowers. TFS and thanks for the chance to win some blog candy.

    EllenM
    EllenM361@gmail.com
    http://lifeatwalnuthill.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  65. My BFF lives in Il miss her always she would be my scraping pal if she lived here for sure.. Miss her alot..
    The Scrapbooking Queen

    ReplyDelete
  66. Love Close to My Heart stamps and paper. Great layout. I became a follower of your blog.

    grannyss1@wowway.com

    ReplyDelete
  67. Love your layout! The flowers are great...and great blog candy, too. Thanks for the chance to win!
    Stephanie
    scrapadelic@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Very pretty layout great job!
    I'm a new follower.
    mbchoj at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  69. Lovely layout!! Thanks for sharing.
    Patti

    http://lilbitcreations.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  70. I have been to Illinois a few times. A good friend of mine used to live up there. It is beautiful but cold in the winter. Love your projects. Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win.
    Jen from Ohio
    zenderzoocrew@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. Heading to Illinois for spring break to check out a few colleges for my daughter.

    TFS!

    rpcrafter at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  72. Cute layout! Thanks for participating in the hop!

    xxsquigglesxx(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  73. I love that layout and am dying to get the Magic book. Thanks for sharing.
    Alyssa
    alyssa at mayofamily dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. Very cute layout. I love the girliness of it. TFS.

    ReplyDelete
  75. Ooh that's fun blog candy! My whole family (except for me) are from Chicago. I've been to Illinois several times and I really like all the little antique shops and small towns down south! Very fun! My Granny lived in a little town called Ozark before she passed away. :( I loved all the rolling green hills. *sigh* Anyways, very pretty project and thanks for sharing all of this!
    XO ~ Amy Jo (follower)
    amyjrockstar at gmail dot com
    http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  76. Nice to here about Ill.Very pretty layout. thanks millierose651@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  77. Very nice lay out@ The history of your state was very interesting, I think I may have to put the museum on my list of things to do! tytyty
    http://mommahobbit.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  78. What a fun blog hop! I'm loving it and all the good information. I'm already a follower. Thanks for sharing and a chance to win!

    ReplyDelete
  79. Thank you for sharing all of your lovely projects and your info!

    ReplyDelete
  80. Great projects, thanks for sharing. Hopping along...

    Lilsweetcajun@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  81. Love all the information and the wonderful project...the flowers are awesome!

    Sherri
    sherri@cwik.org

    ReplyDelete
  82. Thank you for the lesson on your State, it was very interesting, love your layout, tfs I am a follower
    jennyplace26@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. We're neighbors I'm from Michigan! S.W. Michigan, we get alot of Summer Illinois tourists here! Thanks for sharing and being involved in the hop and for the opportunity 2 win!

    ReplyDelete
  84. The layout is very pretty! I love the flowered pattern paper and the embellishments! TFS :)
    Jenn
    craftyfulgardens.blogspot.com
    smile4jenn at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Love your LO. Nice history, always great to know about your background and find a common ground.
    kidshomelove@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Im a new follower of your lovely blog. I am new to Illinois too and i have heard great reviews on visiting Starved rock. Hope to go there soon.
    Blessings
    michelle aka cabby crafter
    www.cabbycraft.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  87. love your projects :). I lived in IL for a little over a year.. it grows on you :). thanks for sharing, im a new follower.
    -jamie
    babyblueangel_30@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. that is an adorable layout!! I also love the little crochet flowers you used...super cute!! tfs
    brenna
    rbanderson@live.ca

    ReplyDelete
  89. Great project, always looking for new ideas, look forward to following. thanks

    shanasewing@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  90. Cute Layout!
    Great blog candy!
    amywooten2010 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  91. I think your layout is really cute. Love the colors you chose. Im your newest follower. Ill be back@
    kacee
    mcvicwif@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  92. Oh I'll be in IL in July for a family reunion! I will probably melt because this Alaska girl can't handle IL 100º weather! TFS!
    Off to the next blog!
    Kris in Alaska
    funamom at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  93. This is an amazing blog hop! What a fantastic idea Kristal had! Thanks for sharing Illinois with us! I am now a new follower!

    Melissa
    www.disneydreamerdesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. Great Layout! I am having so much fun on this hop! I am glad that I found you!
    ~Sarah
    craftingwithsarah.blogspot.com
    craftingwithsarah@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Love the layout and your detail. I will have to check out where you got it from. I am your newest folower, please come by and check out my blog.
    http://melaniemakes.blogspot.com/
    Thanks for sharing your work.

    ReplyDelete
  96. Love your blog and your projects. Keep up the great work. From the "cold" state of Maine!
    helena48@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  97. Great layout! Love the flowers. I'm a new follower now. TFS!

    ReplyDelete
  98. Beautiful layout. I do follow you.

    Thanks for the opportunity ti win.

    Have a great day
    Hugs
    Dusti
    dusti@scrappinwithcricut.com
    http://www.scrappinwithcricut.com

    ReplyDelete
  99. I love Illinois as I grew up there in Spfld! There is so much going on there more than Chicago!!!! I am a new follower!!! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a nice giveaway!!!

    lauermaa at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  100. Very pretty pictures! thanks for sharing! just became a follower. chrisbrown1973@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  101. Thanks for Sharing information about illinois! I also love the project! mse006atyahoodotcom

    ReplyDelete
  102. I love the LO! Love the colors you used! I went ti HS in Monmouth Illinois and I have fond fond memories of my time there....

    ReplyDelete
  103. Greetings from WI! We are also cold and snow-covered.
    I am a follower. Thanks so much for the chance to win!
    *smiles*
    debbi
    hockman1 at sbcglobal dot net

    ReplyDelete
  104. fantastic hop! Appreciation for the rest of the state. Great Layout. TFS

    Jess B.
    thatzuneek@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  105. I love the colors in your layout...the whole thing is beautiful!
    eastunders@embarqmail.com
    eastunders.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  106. Who knew Illinois had so much to offer. Thank you for sharing!

    Great layout of your daughters!

    Kristin
    ksully4597 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  107. Illinois is home for me! So rich in history, I can say I certainly learned more today! Thanks for sharing your cute layout! I am a new follower!
    lisa_williamson2004 @ yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  108. love illinois...it's right next door to me (i'm in st. louis!) love your artwork,
    tfs and i'm a new follower

    ReplyDelete
  109. Love this layout..
    Just became a new follower..Would love it if you checked out my blog.
    Thanks so much for the chance to win!
    Minta

    mintab@gmail.com
    http://mintascreations.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  110. Now that is a beautiful layout! I love the flowers. I am following you on Networked blogs. Thank you for sharing your beautiful state with us. I am learning so much about our wonderful USA! You are very talented and express yourself so well in your work. Thanks for sharing!
    Genelle
    brown7444@bellsouth.net
    grannysbullfrogsandbutterflie@blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  111. I LOVE CTMH-YAY! brynnthornburgh@gmail{dot}com

    ReplyDelete
  112. I need to explore IL...I am just over the border and hardly ever go to IL
    Sally
    opolski07@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  113. Beautiful layout. Thanks for sharing Illinois with us and the chance to win. I am a follower. patnbobcuddy at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  114. Thanks for the chance to win! Love your state! I'm ready for spring!
    Karen
    midlifemysteries.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  115. Thank you for sharing your state information. It is beautiful. Thank You so much for the chance to win some of these beautiful gifts plus to see a little about every state and to join some great one. And your beautiful crafts

    ReplyDelete
  116. Great LO! TFS!
    ra6352 (at) gmail (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  117. I love Illinois! Heading there Monday, in fact. I live next door (about 35-40 min away) and spend most of the summer in nearby State Parks! It's absolutely beautiful.

    dmcarlisle09atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  118. What a sweet layout. Your girls are adorable.

    ReplyDelete
  119. I really like your LO. I love the colors. I've never been to IL.

    Chris
    Chris.Pickul@hotmail.com
    http://pickulblog.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  120. Great layouts. Love that floral pattern paper and the crocheted flowers.

    spunkycrayon at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  121. I love your work and the pictures of your state

    Thank you,
    Teri
    teri dot barefoot at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  122. Thanks for sharing your beautiful layout!
    your newest follower
    jessica
    chick-n-scrap.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  123. Great Blog and I love your layout.

    akuehn65@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  124. Beautiful layout! Hugs :) Janis northrose@slowar.com

    ReplyDelete
  125. I was born at Chanute Air Force Base! Thanks for sharing about Illinois.

    ReplyDelete
  126. I have been to IL a few times. The Chicago area to be exact and I really loved it. Sears tower my favorite.

    TFS,
    Erin
    spantastikreations@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  127. Yummy blog candy...love the SB layout too!! My fave place in IL is also Galena. Chicago is only about 60 miles away from me (I live in WI, right on the border of WI/IL). I sure am having a blast with this blog hop. Am subbing in RSS feeds. Hugs, Rockin Robin C (stampinsavage at yahoo dot com)

    ReplyDelete
  128. What a sweet layout! Thanks for the info about Illinois.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Thanks for sharing the cute layout and information about Illinois. The hubby and I are planning on visiting all 50 states at some point!

    Thanks for sharing!
    --Melissa
    scrappycupcakes@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  130. Hello from Jacksoncville, FL! I've not been to your state, so Thank you for sharing a bit of your talent and something about your state with us! drgnfly_s@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  131. Thanks so much for sharing the layout!! And the info about the state!!
    Mollie
    OneHotCricket@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  132. Thanks for sharing. I'm now a follower.
    xtechrjr@hughes.net

    ReplyDelete
  133. Following you on Google and Networked Blogs. Thanks for all the great info on your state. What a sad story about how Starving Rock got it's name!

    Carol
    scrappinheaven.blogspot.com
    http://scrappinheaven.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  134. Your layout is awesome. Love the crochet flowers. I am a double follower.

    ReplyDelete
  135. Nice layout! Thanks for sharing your state. Awesome candy too! Thanks for the chance to win

    cherylphillips AT comcast DOT net

    ReplyDelete
  136. I couldn't believe it when I saw Starved Rock State Park on your page. I lived in the Ottawa area up to 2 years ago when we moved to the Ozark area in MO. We always went for a motorcycle ride on the week ends there. Beautiful park with some history to it.

    ReplyDelete
  137. TFS your project and info on IL. BTW, I love Chicago as I travel there for work several times a year.

    Christy
    http://christybladehandmade.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  138. The layout is fabulous! Your blog candy is to-die-for!


    Happy Weekend...stopping in from Central CA and I am a new follower.
    Thanks for being a part of the hop.
    Holly
    504 Main

    ReplyDelete
  139. New follower!! Love your LO!!! So pretty!!! TFS!!!

    Kimi

    kmbrlysue22 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  140. My favorite projects seem to always be what I just finished too.
    Thanks for sharing a little about your state with us.What a fun blog hop.
    vidalia68@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  141. LOVE the layout - Super girly!!
    Smooches, Amy smoochesstampin.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  142. Love the beautiful layout you created! I'm sure it will be a great memory keeper as your girls continue to get older :) Thanks for the quick tip on filling in extra space if your photo doesn't fit! I am a follower. Thanks for sharing and the awesome giveaway!

    Ashley "Scrappin' Pink Piglet"
    scrappinpinkpiglet(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  143. Awww, My little girls are not so little and I understand, they used to love each other so much, now they never speak, unless its vile and nasty! It drives me insane, but I was an only child, I always have to ask trusted friends what the heck is going on???? I was so lonely as a child, I would have loved to have a sister!!! Id love to have one NOW! Thanks so much for sharing! ScrappyScavenger/yahoo

    ReplyDelete
  144. Even though I am from WI and there is that packer/bears rivalry; we still love Chicago! We were there this past weekend to go to the Aquarium and we love Navy Pier! Thanks for sharing!
    lfuchs1 at wi. rr. com

    ReplyDelete
  145. Thanks for the info on Illinois! I am from Ohio, so we're neighbors!

    ReplyDelete
  146. Lovely layout!! pjseagers at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  147. Wow Lori - what beautiful pics! I have never really thought about Illinois to be honest but it looks like a fabulous place to visit. I am learning so much about all the other states - one of these days, I am going to get in my car and just drive and hit every one! I love your layout - so sweet :)

    rebeccadunham at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  148. Yes, IL is also a beautiful state, outside the cities - Love your pages, also :)
    --Robin

    ReplyDelete
  149. Thanks to everyone for leaving comments! I had so much fun creating for this hop, and visiting everyone else's blogs. I've found so many more blogs to follow!

    ReplyDelete
  150. I am from IL originally and you are right when you say IL people instantly think of Chicago. But I am from the farm country- Grant Park IL.

    scrapperbecka at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  151. This has been a fantastic hop! Illinois is a wonderful state, and now I have some new places I'd like to visit, thanks to you! Loved your layout, especially the flower treatments.
    Amyscats
    amylfahnestock@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  152. Love your projects! TFS!

    ~Lauren
    queen_lade at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  153. Very cute layout and interesting facts about Illinois! I've only seen Chicago. TFS!
    Carrie
    cau0617 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  154. Nice layout! Thanks for a chance to win some blog candy...my mother was born in Decatur, Ill...all we ever heard from her was "don't pronounce the S"....LOL
    TFS

    ReplyDelete
  155. love your blog..I'm a new follower. Hoppin' to the next blog :)

    craftingdarlamaestyle.blogspot.com

    thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  156. I love your layout. I admit Chicago is the only place I have been in Illinois, but would love to check out the state park, your photo is gorgeous.

    ShersL84bed@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  157. Just got home was out of town for the weekend
    Hope I not to late.. Thanks for doing this hop!!!
    http://buzzybeedesigns.blogspot.com
    Rebecca Minor
    buzzybeedesigns(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  158. Thanks for sharing the beautiful parts of Illinoir with us.

    Darlene

    ReplyDelete
  159. Love this layout. So pretty! Thanks for sharing!

    beyondpaperdesigns.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  160. Beautiful state and beautiful layout. pennykitz@charter.net
    http://pennykitz.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  161. I have never been to Illinois, your pic of the park is AMAZING!!!! thansk for all the info, sounds like there is alot to see.....
    your LO is beautiful....TFS!!!!
    brodiec88 at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  162. Beautiful Image of Illinois. So peaceful. Great LO!!!
    Thanks for all the fun facts.
    Jess

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for taking the time to comment! I appreciate them all, and invite you to become a Follower as well.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...