Friday, September 16, 2011

Visit Illinois - the Prairie State: 50 States Blog Hop

Welcome to the 50 States Blog Hop! This hop was inspired by our host Shawnee's journey across the United States as she traveled with her family to their new home. The United States is truly beautiful with many wonderful places to visit and see.

If you've hopped along from Mississippi, then you are in the right place!! If you are just joining me from your dashboard or happened along from somewhere else, please be sure to CLICK HERE to start with the first state in the union, Delaware, because you won't want to miss out on any of the fun (or any of the blog candy!!)...

There is an AMAZING Grand Prize Package for one LUCKY hopper (winner chosen by Rafflecopter)!!  To be entered to win, please do the following:
So what's the Grand Prize???
Cricut Cartridge - Destinations, beautiful handmade flowers from Shannon at Creative Chaos Flowers, and a $20 Gift Certificate to Scraptastical Kreations.
Now on to my state and my project....

I live in Illinois, and although I live in the far reaches of "Chicago land" now, most of my favorite places are in other parts of the state.  One of my absolute faves for taking the kids is Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL, and it just goes to show that the term "Prairie State" does not necessarily apply.  Here's a layout of one of our trips there:



I started my layout with a sketch pattern in the Magic book from Close To My Heart, adding a couple of the tricks in the book for getting additional pictures on your layouts.  Check it out:

Notice the tags attached to the outside of the left sheet protector and the Flip Flap mini protector open on the right sheet protector.
The pattern papers, stickers, and chipboard embellishments are all by Scrapbook Customs (which I purchased from Memories & Beyond in Downers Grove - and yes, they have all 50 states!).  In addition to the sketch book, all of my cardstock, brad, and the Flip Flap also came from Close To My Heart. My borders and large tags were all cut with the Cricut, using the Art Philosophy cartridge collection exclusive to Close To My Heart.  FYI: bonus until the end of September, make any CTMH purchase of at least $75 and get a FREE double size stamp set with your order.

I have some great BLOG CANDY for you myself!  I am giving away three great paper crafting publications - Paper Creations (Fall 2011), Scrapbooking & Beyond (Summer 2011), and Cricut Cards - an over $30 value.  It's simple to win, just be a follower (or email subscriber) and leave a comment.  (Not required, but I would love it if you go "like" my Facebook page as well - I have giveaways coming up over there as well!)  All comments entered before Midnight Central Time on Sunday night are eligible to win.  I will announce the winner Monday.  I will try to contact the winner as well if possible, so if your email is not on your Blogger profile be sure you leave it for me!

Now you can hop to the NEXT STATE IN THE UNION!!  Remember to leave a comment on each state to be eligible for the GRAND PRIZE!!




50 States Hop


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23 comments:

  1. great hop idea very cleaver and cute project

    TFS!!!
    Cathie
    scraphappycat@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. very nice layouts!!!! i like how it is so clean and crisp!

    Have a scrap- happy day,
    Lisa G
    http://lisa-scrappingspot.blog.com/

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love your layout. Beautiful job!!

    Thank you for being a part of this fun hop!

    Blessings,
    Shawnee
    Co Host
    50 States Blog hop
    http://www.blessedonthebrightside.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Like your layout. Have flown out of Chicago airport when I was leaving Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"
    http://CreatedbySunshineHoneyBee.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. The layout is so cool! I was born in Wisconsin and grew up in Lake Geneva, WI which is not far from the Wisconsin/Illinois state line. Illinois is cool, and now I drive through it all the time on my way home from Michigan to Wisconsin. Awesome job on the layout.
    Barbara B.

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  6. I am a new follower loved your layout for Illinois. TFS

    mjblahnik56@hotmail.com

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  7. Wow Lori - what a beautiful layout! This is definitely the part of Illinois I want to visit :) Does not look prairie to me! Actually I would love to visit every state for several days each, but that is not likely to happen any time soon so will just have to visit vicariously thru this hop! I am a long-tie follower of your fun blog. Don't visit FB much though. Thanks for sharing!

    rebeccadunham at hotmail dot com

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  8. Very nice layout. Your state is the only northern state I have ever visited. Thanks for the chance to win.
    thecraftingcajun.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. AMAZING LAYOUT!!! I Love it!! Great Job!! I'm a new Follower!!


    Many Blessings,
    Tina

    http://craftyandgreen.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love your layout, it does not look like a prairie to me:) Nice job on the layout. I am a new follower:)
    cathyplus5.blogspot.com
    mexicopetshop at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  11. very nice i love the layout, thanks for sharing

    pinky4611@windstream.net

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  12. Simply delightful page layout, Lori! And I am already a follower of your delightful blog!

    http://lillianchild.blogspot.com

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  13. Beautiful layout Lori! I really love the flip flap!

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  14. Love your layout! I am also from Illinois- love Starved Rock- you have done a great job on the L.O.!!!

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  15. Love your LO and all the little "tricks" you used to get more pics on there! Awesome! :) I am a new follower and on my way to like your FB page too! :)
    co11een903@yahoo.com

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  16. Love your layout. I'm a new follower.

    Robin
    www.scrapandchat.blogspot.com

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  17. Third time to leave a comment and hope it is a charm!! I forgot to mention to you that I love how you add additional photos on your layout!!!

    Glad to be in this hop with you!!

    ReplyDelete
  18. I love how this layout is layed out. It flows well and is very appealing.

    It was fun to do this hop with you!
    Rebecca "Crafting Misfit"
    Stop by my blog anytime!

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  19. GREAT LO! It is so pretty and earthy! What a fun hop this has been!
    Theresa
    tmdettloff@gmail.com

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  20. Thank you for sharing your LO with me. You did Illinois proud... I'm proud to say that Illinois is home for me too and always has been. I love Starved Rock... it's so beautiful there.


    http://racincrafts.blogspot.com/ or
    racincrafts at aim dot com

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  21. I'm bummed it's too late to enter for your blog candy, but I love your creation and most of my family is from Illinois! Southern Illinois is beautiful. My granny had a lovely place down south after living near Chicago for many years. I loved visiting there when she was alive. TFS your lovely project! I'm a follower!

    Be sure to stop by my blog to enter my 500 followers giveaway!

    XO ~ Amy Jo
    amyjrockstar at gmail dot com
    http://lv2scrapandfibrofacts.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete

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

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