Welcome to a huge blog hop and celebration of Send A Smile 4 Kids’ 175th Challenge! The theme of this blog hop is Christmas in July 4 Kids because it is never too early to start making holiday cards for all the kids in the many children’s hospitals we now serve. We would love for each child to receive a holiday card as well as be able to pick some for special medical staff or loved ones they are missing during the holiday season.
There are 17 stops in the blog hop and at each stop you have one or two chances at winning just by leaving a comment. You can also earn a chance to win a prize by commenting on the blog post on our SAS4Kids blog and also by entering the Christmas in July challenge which starts July 21st and runs through August 3rd at noon.
Here are the rules for this blog hop:
**You do not need to comment on every stop of the blog hop to have a chance to win a prize. One comment on any of the blogs or on the main SAS4Kids blogpost qualifies you to win one of the prizes on that blog. If you leave a comment on each stop, you will have earned 16 chances to win a prize, and if you enter a card in the Christmas in July 4 Kids challenge, you will also earn a chance to win one of 8 random prizes there.
**You MUST have an USA mailing address to qualify to win any of the prizes. We apologize to any of our readers outside of the USA, but this is a requirement to win any of the prizes in this blog hop and in the Christmas in July challenge.
**The blog hop will start July 21st at 8:00 a.m. CST and continue until July 31st at midnight CST. When the blog hop is done, all the winners will be drawn randomly from the commenters on each blog and on the main blog, and announced on the SAS4Kids blog on August 4th and on each individual blog. If your name is listed as a winner, you must contact Karen at khasheck@gmail.com BEFORE August 18th at midnight CST with your NAME, EMAIL ADDRESS AND MAILING ADDRESS. If you do not contact Karen before August 18th at midnight CST, your prize will be forfeited.
**The Christmas in July 4 Kids challenge at SAS4Kids will run from July 21st until August 3rd at Noon CST (as is typical of our two week challenges.) You can qualify for one of 8 prizes by entering a Christmas or holiday card appropriate for a child following the rules of all of our challenges found in the page above. The prizes will be awarded by random drawing and announced with the rest of the winners on August 4th on our blog.
Thank you so much for supporting Send a Smile 4 Kids and our wonderful sponsors of this blog hop. Good luck in the drawings! Leave a comment here and hop for more chances at many prizes.
Here is the link to the beginning of the blog: SAS4Kids Blog (six prizes awarded here) https://
And back to me - now that you know the rules for winning prizes, check out my cards:
I try to make cards for all ages since the patients range in age from young to 21. And since they are allowed to send these cards to whomever they want, I'm sure some go to adults.
Just some fun cards - hope you enjoyed and maybe were inspired.
In addition to the prize you might win from SAS4K, I am offering a prize to one of the readers who posts a comment on this blog. A random drawing will determine the winner.
Tip of the Day:
I know I say this a lot, but it bears repeating...glitter and sprays and things that rub off and get onto other cards are frowned upon. Keeping this in mind, I was at my local craft store yesterday and found some really cute bats I wanted to use on my cards. But, they were the glittery kind that does indeed rub off on everything. I stopped by the dollar store near me and bought a $1.00 bottle of clear fingernail polish. When I got home, I applied a coat of clear polish to the top of each bat and when it dried, no more glitter problem! It is still shiny but nothing rubs off.
Thanks for stopping by today. Hugs, Jill
The next stop on this blog is:
Cyndi Amaya
Be sure to stop by Cyndi's blog and see more great creations.
https://ohyoumademeink.
Yes...thanks for all of the inspiration :-) Great Cards!
ReplyDeleteHi, Enigma Artist - what an unusual "name". LOL Thanks for your comments and for stopping by. Hope you enjoyed.
DeleteGreat cards!! Thanks for all you do for kids!!!
ReplyDeleteHey, Roberta. I couldn't do it without your help. Thank you so much for all your cards and support!
DeleteWow, Jill, you have been super busy - thanks for sharing your talent and ideas. I don't do "messy" either, so thanks so much for your tip on using the clear nail polish -- it's on my list to purchase the next chance I get. BTW, cute Halloween cards, also !!
ReplyDeleteHi, Lillian. Have to stay busy to keep all the charities supplied with cards! LOL I also use Glossy Accents at times - it dries clear and creates a little "dimension". However, it takes a bit longer to dry than a coat of clear polish and I am always in a hurry... Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteJill these are awesome cards! I really appreciate the tip about the nail polish and reminder to be careful about things that rub off. I've got some Crystal Affects (or is it Effects?) in my stash that needs to be set out when I work on cards for kiddos.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sharon. Not familiar with that particular product, but if it rubs off, good call. I also use Glossy Accents at times for a clear dimensional look. It just takes a bit longer to dry and I never seem to have that much patience. LOL Thanks for stopping by today!
DeleteGood morning, Jill. You've been busy! I need to try those triangle cards. Think of all the possibilities with that one shape. Love seeing your tips and appreciate being reminded of how to get cards to you in the best possible way to benefit the children. Thanks for all you do!!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Lenora. It's a super great way to use up scraps! I'm glad some of my tips come in handy - I love your cards and thank you so much for all your on-going support! Thanks for dropping in today!
DeleteSuper cute cards! Thanks for all you did to make the blog hop a success!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU, Karen, not only for asking me to join in the blog hop, but for all the hours of work you put into making this happen. You rock!
DeleteWonderful creations for the hop! I'm sure each and every one will bring a smile! I love the glittery bats too, and that was a great idea to seal them!
ReplyDeleteThank you for those kind comments, Denise. Hope you are enjoying the hop. Such great ideas to be found...
DeleteOH my goodness - look at all of those lovely makes - I like each of them--- For all occasions - goodness you have been so productive in creating -- I do like the Merry and Bright card with those lovely lights - TFS and for the hop
ReplyDeleteThanks, Gail. I'm so glad you enjoyed my cards. Hope you have fun along the rest of the hop as well.
DeleteGail - you are the winner of my blog contest. Please contact me to claim your prize: justjill48@gmail.com
DeleteLove you cards. Thanks for everything you do
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda. I could not possibly do as much as I do if it were not for lovely card makers like yourself. Thank you so much for your continued support.
DeleteLovely cards! I also love your tip about the nail polish - I wouldn't have thought of that!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to help, Cathy. And thanks for your lovely comment. Enjoy the blog!
DeleteGreat array of cards. Beautiful. Thanks for the tip about nail polish on glitter.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words. And glad my tip is useful. I rely on it a lot. And a little dab goes a long way to stop that pesky glitter from falling off. Enjoy the hop!
DeleteLove all the cards but especially the simple white one with embossed ornaments and silver accents. Isn't it nice that we can create some adult cards too for the kids to give the adults in their lives.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janelle. I agree about making adult cards. I did not make kids' cards until I started making cards for SAS4K. For years, all I did was adult cards. The transition was hard at first, but now I make both kinds and get a kick out of going back and forth. That white one is so simple to make and, I think, packs a punch. Hope you enjoy the blog hop!
DeleteYou are one of the most creative people I know. Your generosity, creativity, care, time, and efforts that you put into designing and making these cards results in cards full of love and joy. Your efforts and creativity continue to inspire me to do more and be better. Thank you for allowing me to join in on this awesome experience!
ReplyDeleteYour words touch my heart. I love showing you different techniques and fun things. Your cards are awesome and I insist you enter one in this challenge. You are so creative yourself, and I love making cards with you! I learn from you every time we get together. Hugs, AJ
DeleteGreat bunch of cards. I love the Merry and bright card!
ReplyDeleteThank you. That one is obviously very clean and simple. I like those! Easy to make. Enjoy the rest of the hop.
DeleteSo many cards! You truly made great samples to inspire us.
ReplyDeleteI love card making and it is like therapy to me. So glad to have found charities that can use all my creations. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteGreat cards, Jill! Love the embossed ornament one (so simple and elegant!) Some great ideas to CASE too! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI know your cards, Kate, and I feel honored you might want to CASE some of my designs. I CASE yours! LOL Enjoy the blog hop!
DeleteLove your cards, Jill! That's a great idea about using nail polish, thanks.
ReplyDeleteJoyce Bruns
Thank you, Joyce. I'm glad that little tip might help. It is a "go to" whenever I need to seal something quickly. Enjoy the rest of the blog hop.
DeleteThey're all gorgeous! I especially love the trees with stick branches. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Erica. I wish I had thought to highlight more of my geli backgrounds. I have you to thank for turning me on to that technique. Thank you!
DeleteWhat a lovely set of Christmas cards! I was drawn to the string of Christmas light. I may have to CASE that one.
ReplyDeletePlease do - it is clean and simple and easy to make. Thank you for your kind words and enjoy the blog hop!
DeleteJennifer: you were a winner of the prize on this stop of the blog hop! Contact me at the email on this blog post: https://sendasmile4kidschallenge.blogspot.com/2018/08/anything-goes-4-kids-challenge-and.html
DeleteWhat pretty cards! And I love your idea with the nail polish! Thanks for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I'm glad that little tip is being helpful. It only takes a dab of the polish and it works like magic. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteYour cards are gorgeous. I haven't tried them yet, but I have heard that Stickles brand glitter glue doesn't rub off once it's dry. I've seen it at Wal-Mart and of course, Amazon and other online retailers and art & craft supply stores.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Crystal. I haven't tried that yet. Anyone out there know if this product rubs off or not? Hope you enjoy the rest of the hop - and thanks for commenting.
DeleteJill, your cards are beautiful, love those trees. Your variety is awesome think I will have to CASE some of your beauties!
ReplyDeleteYou are so sweet, Paula. Please, CASE away. I love trading ideas back and forth. Enjoy!
DeleteYour cards are lovely. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cindy. Enjoy all the cards along the hop!
DeleteSorry about that, Jill. Let me try this again. LOL You've been super busy, and have created wonderful holiday cards for some young patients! Thanks for all you do for SAS4Kids. :)
ReplyDeleteNo problem...thank you, as well. As a fellow distributor, you know how hectic it can be at times. But, it is all for such a great cause. Hats off to all those who help us meet the goal of bringing smiles to so many.
DeleteWOW Jill what a great "Tip of the Day". LOVE all your cards.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Anne. So glad the tip was useful. I use the polish a lot to make my cards "clean" of anything that might fall off. Thank you for all you to for SAS4K.
DeleteFabulous cards! Fun, sweet, elegant and everything in between - perfectly wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dana. Glad you enjoyed. Hope you get plenty of ideas from this fabulous hop.
DeleteLoved your tip for using clear nail polish. It comes in handy, as does whiteout and nail polish remover and alcohol swipes. Lol. There are no mistakes - only opportunities!!
ReplyDeleteLove your thought process, Sheey. I was just making a card and got a black smudge as I finished it up! Argggg. Used a bit of imagination and a slightly different design and ta da- new card.
DeleteBeautiful cards, loved the tip with the clear nail polish. Clear embossing powder would work too I think.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. How would you use it? Not heard of that technique.
Deletegreat tip on the glittery bats!!! What a wonderful collection of pretty Christmas cards.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Debbie. Hope that tip comes in handy for you.
DeleteGreat cards and I love the nail polish idea.
ReplyDeleteHi, Garlene. One way to get around our pesky problem, right? Enjoy the blog hop!
DeleteGreat cards. I really like the trees. Thanks for the glitter tip too.
ReplyDeleteHi, Sue. Thanks for the kind words. Hope that tip helps - enjoy the hop!
DeleteAwesome set of cards! And a clever tip about nail polish on the glitter, too. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Dena. I use that tip quite often on small glittery problems. Hope it comes in handy for you.
DeleteLove all your card ideas. You inspire me!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a sweetheart, Ginny. Thank you for your kind words! Enjoy all the cards on all the blogs.
DeleteOkay, so your idea of clear nail polish over glittery die cuts is an awesome idea. I'm so glad I stopped by and read your entire post. I'm going to remember this idea since NO ONE likes to open a card and get glitter all over their hands and table. I love the cards you've made and your post has inspired me more than you know. Fabulous cards!
ReplyDeleteThank you for these kind words, Gail. I hope you continue to follow my blog posts and tips. Enjoy the rest of the hop!
DeleteWhat great, great cards! The wintry ones (with trees) have a quilted "applique" look.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for these kind words, Deborah. I had to go back and look at the trees to see what you meant. I wish I could say that was intentional, but it was just a lucky accident. Hope you enjoy all the stops along the blog!
DeleteSuper cute cards! I love the Christmas bulbs.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimberly. Those are the cards I am working on right now. Cutting out all the bulbs times 20 (cause I made multiples) is quite time consuming! But, I think the cards are very kid friendly, so it is worth the extra time. Enjoy the rest of the hop!
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful inspiration. Thanks so much for sharing here and with the children who may receive these great cards.
ReplyDeleteHugs, Debi
You are so sweet, Debi. I hope you can take away a few ideas. Enjoy the rest of the blog hop!
DeleteWow such cute cards! I just Iove the little dancing elf! The nail polish tip is fabulous. Now I won't worry about using glittered stickers. Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the nice words, Kathy. Glad the tip will help. Hope you enjoyed the entire hop. So many fun cards to see!
DeleteI LOVE these cards!!! So unique. The one with the elf just makes me smile. Thanks also for the tip on the clear nail polish. I've done the same sort of thing with Glossy Accents, but I would bet the nail polish dries a lot faster! :) ~ Andrea
ReplyDeleteSo glad I could bring a smile your way, Andrea. I appreciate your kind words - enjoy the rest of the blog hop! Maybe you will learn some other "new" tips along the way.
Deletelots of wonderful cards ideas :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary. Hope you enjoyed!
DeleteYeah!!! This "hopping" is seriously inspiring!
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear, Momandmore. Hope this helps gets your creative juices flowing!
DeleteLots of wonderful cards.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Marsha. Glad you enjoyed.
DeleteHi Jill, I am Mia and my blog is https://craftartista.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI want to send you some cards with Christmas theme. I saw on Send A Smile 4 Kids blog that you are a volunteer. Please email me your address to craftartista@gmail.com, in order to be able to post the cards to you. Thank you in advance. Hugs from Greece.
Hi, Mia. Thank you so much for offering to send cards my way. I'll send you my info now. Hugs, jb
DeleteStunning cards very creative!
ReplyDeleteHugs, Joy
Joyfullystamps.com