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Friday 5 November 2010

....Around Christmastime


Good morning and welcome to the second day of our previews. We are releasing 4 new clear photopolymer stamp sets on Sunday. Since yesterday the DT ladies and I have been showing samples of goodies made with the new stamps, and as it's all about Christmas, I hope you find inspiration for your holiday preparations!

Here's a quick link list for the ladies! Don't forget to pop back here and leave a comment here tho', I want to know what tickles so far! lol, I'll be pulling out a random comment to win some free stamps!! Did you see what these ladies made yesterday??? My jaw just kept on dropping!



I have a couple of tins of cookie cutters that I picked up recently. I loved the fabby tins but I thought they were a bit plain and so I picked out the Santa tag stamp from Around Christmastime and set to work. It wasn't hard, I stamped the image onto cream card with black versafine ink and immediately poured on the clear embossing powder, that stuff dries real quick so you don't want to hang about. After applying the heat and letting it cool for about a millisecond, I coloured Santa with copics. This image is so easy to colour, especially since the deep black doesn't show up where you go over the lines...! I admit also to a little sponging around the edge...Antique linen, is there any other colour? lol.

I trimmed out the Santa tag with a Spellbinders circle die template. This is a large tag, the stamped image is 2.75 inches in diameter, so it makes a cracking large focal point for a card. I added a little spikey mat, cut out with one of the Spellbinder pinked circles die templates. More sponging. Slightly larger deep red circle to mat.

I made two of these, one for the tin and one for the card. The patterned strip is a border from Pic-nic Patterns stamped and clear embossed in black and matted on some rather delicious Graphic 45 paper from the recent Halloween pad, Alice themed. On the card I also stamped a very subtle holly pattern using a holly stamp from Festive Foliage, also due out Sunday. A simple strip of ribbon finished both items.



Around Christmastime features a variety of images, mostly circular which are suitable for tags, focal points, pattern building etc. A few sentiments and some extra footery bits such as stylized pine boughs complete this fun set. This Santa tag image is the largest in the set.


I've had this half-moon Santa image rattling about in my brain for ages! Don't be surprised to see and hand drawn and highly detailed version someday! lol! Love the wee bell!!! A vintage font for fun!


Today's second card used the window from Twas the night before... I adore this window. This is a slightly simpler version to yesterdays, so's you can see the details. I used those wee shutters again but left off the window sashes so we could have a clear view of Santa and his sleigh as he flies off into the night.

All the stamps on this card are from Twas the night before...

I made the background with the larger candlestick and the wee mini snowflake! Picked out the sentiment in Ranger Stream ink to match the sky (A graphic 45 paper from the Christmas paper pad, name escapes me, try later...)


The window frame is stamped in Antique Linen distress ink, which is not renown for its smoothness so to help that I always ink up the stamp in versamark first, and then ink up in distress ink. I also clear embossed it. You can see in the bottom pic how smooth and even the colour is, you just do not get that sooth finish with distress ink unless you do the versamark trick! It's fabby!.


Don't forget to leave your comment here for a chance to win!!!

hope these tickle!

124 comments:

  1. Beautiful Claire! I love this little window!!!!

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  2. It sure tickles!!!! Love the "believe in the Magic" stamp and the half moon santa!!

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  3. Absolutely gorgeous! Love the flying santa through the window, just how children imagine him.

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  4. All very exciting and wonderful. Love the little window too. I love the pine cones too that the design team have been using.

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  5. Oh Claire - you've excelled yourself! These are lovely cards. I particularly like the half-moon santa. Brilliant!

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  6. Love the cards you made. Can't wait to see al the sets revealed. I 'love what I'm seeing so far ;0) Bye Irene

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  7. the window is awesome -like the images. now i am totally into christmas, thanks Claire ;)

    Janna

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  8. Well done Claire - more lovely images! Really like the Santa.

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  9. I love the window and I know just what I want to do with it. Thanks for the inspiration, your card is beautiful!

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  10. loving your new stamps especially around christmas time set and the ones using the spellbinders ornaments. Thanks for the hint about using versamark and distress inks i'll have to try this. Yor work is vert inspiring and the DT creations are great karenx

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  11. Love all the sneak peeks I've been seeing - everything is so elegant!

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  12. Claire, you're so amazingly talented! Wow....these projects are awesome. You did a fab job again....as always.

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  13. I just found your lovely stamp range last week - this new set look amazing! And the release is out just in time for my birthday so can't wait til Sunday to place an order :-)

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  14. Claire just love all your images..they are so beautiful..but the cards..well they are stunning again.Love so much what you made
    today..the window LOVE it..the Santa Moon so vintage funny!

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  15. Gorgeous, Claire! How magical to peek through the window and see Sabta and his reindeer. The Festive Foliage set is definitely calling to me. I love the elegant holly image and the pinecone and greenery!

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  16. I love all the Christmas stamps I've seen sneek peeks of, can't wait til the 7th, don't know if I can choose which set to get, maybe have to get them all!! Thanks Claire and all the DT for the fabulous inspiration.

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  17. Just when I think you can't amaze me even more with your amazing stamp sets and artistry, you do!!!!

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  18. I'm over the moon about these new stamps Miss Claire!!! That Santa image is just delightful!

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  19. I am in love!!!Absolutely incredible!

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  20. Claire, I am soooo not in love with you right now. I have ENOUGH Christmas stamps !!! Stop making such gorgeous cards ( and that goes to you DT ladies too ... ) and DO NOT make anymore wonderful sets. Is that clear ? Don't make me use my teacher voice....

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  21. OMG these are the most beautiful stamp ever....I love the moon Santa and the Vintage Ornaments......I'm in heaven. Can't wait for more eye candy tomorrow and then the chance to order. Great job!!!

    Pattie Brown

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  22. I LOVE the half-moon Santa Claus. This set will be coming to my house for sure!!

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  23. Claire, your elegant, classic design style is unlike anything on the market. Your cards today are just incredible. Love that Santa! I am a recent convert to Graphic 45 paper. It is the perfect complement to your stamp sets.

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  24. Great projects. I love the card with the sleigh you did. It is absolutely gorgeous.

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  25. Claire,

    I can't wait until Sunday! The Festive Foliage set is one that I have been waiting for ever since I started stamping, I have searched and searched for pine boughs for such a long time that I can't believe that Santa finally listened and you created. Love the others too but this one is calling my name and I'm like a child, so excited to be so near to something on my list!!!

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  26. Claire, that Santa card could NOT be any sweeter...LOVE this image of him! And your window cards are blowing me away! You're making it actually FUN to get up early in the morning...just to come and see your sneak peeks!

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  27. Love the santa!! This is my first release and I am enjoying seeing everything your team comes up with!

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  28. Wonderful blog hop. All the ideas where great. The ornament stamp is gorgeous and the window is precious. Great Job!
    God bless,
    Peggy Allen

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  29. That santa is the cutest thing ever!

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  30. Claire, I love that Santa! What a clever idea. I am anxious to see what other images are in the set. You always seem to find a unique niche with your Christmas stamps. Well done!

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  31. Gorgeous projects Claire! love the colors on santa and your wonderful window is just divine!!

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  32. Claire, Thank you for the tip about the Distress Ink and embossing powder! That alone made this a very worthwhile post.
    AND THEN this lovely set is begging to be a part of my WMS collction.
    Only one question, WHERE can I find a huge supply of patience while I await this release? LOL!

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  33. These samples are just stunning!!! I love that little window and the santa medallion is beautiful! Great color combos too :)

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  34. Hi Claire!! It's even more perfect than I possibly thought! I just love the Santa and sleigh, the Believe in the magic! wow I'm certain your Dad would have loved it. Congratulations it's a beautiful stamp set :) Sending hugs Angie :)

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  35. Hurry! Hop on a plane and rush to my house - I fell off my stool from all the gorgeousness!! Seriously though, I am a WMS newbie and I could not be more excited about your products - they are the perfect mix of classic images, vintage inspiration, and whimsy. The shopping cart is going to be fat and happy on the 7th... can't wait!

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  36. More awesome projects!! Love the santa flying off through the window!!

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  37. Santa in a circle? LOVE IT! Love his beard and how you embossed the ink. Gorgeous image and projects!!

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  38. Oh, Claire, this half moon santa is just amazing!! You definitely have a gift, my dear. Would so LOVE to get my hands on this stamp for my holiday cards this year. Just fabulous!

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  39. absolutely love the 'night before christmas' set!!! but... everything is gorgeous, as usual!!

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  40. I love that santa Claire and that window is divine!

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  41. Outstanding once again! I have always been fond of this half-moon Santa, and love how you've done him up for this set. The whole design of the card is fantastic and I love how you carried that over to your cookie cutter tins. How fun to peek Santa out the window, too! I love this set!

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  42. I am totally blown away by the beautiful cards you and the design team have put together. I am truly inspired. My first love is Festive Foliage, but then you previewed Around Christmas time,and I fell in love with the round santa image. I'm thinking my first order with you is going to be so large that the customs peoples will be contacting me! Thank you ladies, and enjoy the holidays. Cindy S.

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  43. I love what I see amongst your creations & have signed up to Follow. Your images are just different & so well thought out - I'm hoping I might win some to use, in the meantime this is the most amazing eye candy & so refreshing for me.
    Thank you so much.
    Paula (PEP)
    http://pepcraftchallexp.blogspot.com/

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  44. Hi Claire - I just whizzed around the blogs and I just love the new stamps you are bringing out, The baubles are lovely but my favourite is the pine branch and cones - so elegant I just love it. The ladies have made some fantastice samples and your boxes are great - I got a couple of cream tin boxes that might have to be decorated like yours and filled with home made shortbread to give out as gifts. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

    Stampersue
    X

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  45. Claire I LOVE these sets.. both on my list for sure.. and HELLO I never know about the versamark trick .. I am so gonna give that a try!
    have a GREAT day.. off to peek at the DTs goodness!

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  46. Obviously no need to enter me :) Just wanted to say I love the fun santa moon as wel and love the fun believe card!

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  47. I love Around Christmas and round focal points in general...but that little window will be sure hard to resist!!!

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  48. Wow Claire - every new release and you never cease to 'trump' the fab creations from the last release - just gets better and better and what better way to get in the mood for Crimbo huh?

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  49. Oh I love everything I've seen so far. My poor, poor budget, LOL~

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  50. I love the image of Santa and the reindeer! I am so glad that you have an accurate count of 8! Have been looking for one with that many for years!

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  51. I just love the Santa stamp! How fun that is! Your cards amaze me, as usual. Can't wait to get these stamps in my hands!

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  52. These cards are so amazing!!!! All the projects showcased so far are all amazing. I am loving that foliage set, it will be a must have. Love your half moon santa, so different!! Great job Clare!!

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  53. Wonderful projects Claire! They are so inspiring, and I can't wait for the new products!

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  54. This santa image is omg beautiful.

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  55. Oh no, once again, looks like all the stamps are "must haves". Looking foreward to sunday:-)

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  56. YUP! Christmas themed stamps are definitely your specialty! These stamps and tags/cards are wonderful!
    and THANK YOU for the versamark+Antique Linen ink trick. I will have to give that a try very soon.
    Can't wait for Sunday. My wish list is growing. I hope I have enough pennies saved up for shopping!

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  57. Can't wait to order from this release! Anbd I didn't think I needed the pinked edge circle dies, but now... lovely card full of olde world charm.

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  58. I cannot wait to see the sets! The santa took my breath away. Amazing, as always!

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  59. Just beautiful. Really, really beautiful. These stamps are to die for!

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  60. How beautiful all the stamp look and the projects made with them! I'm just going to break down and get them plus some more this time around. One can never have too many Christmas stamps. I guess I'll just have to be one of Santa's helpers working year round making cards for this season to use all that I own.

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  61. Gorgeous cards! I've been MIA-I've missed you!- but I'm back and ready to rumble, er stamp.
    Love what you've done with Santa perfect nose)and am really excited about all your delicious Christmas designs. You do make the hols card making soo much fun :)
    BTW, thanks for the versamark trick! I've wondered how you got such good coverage :)

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  62. ohhh my I think I may have found my new love! That Santa is amazing. All the DT creations have me itching to create for the holiday's!

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  63. I just love the windows and the round Santa is perfect!! I just ordered some stamps and looks like I'll be placing another order soon?!

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  64. Claire, I love the cards & am excited to see all the stamps in the release. Thank you for the "versamark" tip. You are very generous for sharing your techniques & I appreciate it all. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...lol.

    Thanks Again :-)

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  65. I love everything I've seen so far! I picked up the heirloom dies just last week, so these stamps look to be on my list this month!

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  66. beautiful! i love the santa image.. and the vintage ornaments.. i love seeing what the DT comes up with! each creation is so unique and puts such a great spin on the sets.. such inspiration makes me drool!

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  67. These are fabulous!! I am in love with the detail of the Santa but the simplicity of embossing and coloring! How fun and dramatic!

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  68. Oooooh Claire - tag/round images are a problem for peeps like me! I saw the gorgeous pine wreath from this set on one of the DT blogs yesterday *sigh* .... and the new Winter Greens :0)!!! Loads of good things happening here. (Love the window card again today - how do you bring yourself to actually give them away?????) LOVING the colours you're working in right now too! So vintagey Christmas and warm - Yum!

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  69. This release definitely tickles - I am still giggling from yesterday and today is fab!

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  70. Bee-u-tee-ful! Just when I thought I did not need ANY Christmas-y stamps... you slay me w/that window & that candlestick!

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  71. As usual, Claire, the previews are inspiring. From what I've seen thus far, Festive Foliage is my favorite set. Your renderings of the holly and pine cones are perfect. You've created magic with your font choices once again.

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  72. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the ornaments. Did I mention I love the ornaments? I can't wait for this release... Twas The Night Before Christmas is just flat out wonderful, very inspired, unique set set and your samples are just gorgeous. I woke up this morning thinking yeah, more sneak peeks at WMS!!

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  73. Beautiful, Claire! Love the half moon Santa!

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  74. Claire, these are remarkable! I love how you create such warmth with your projects; it's like I could reach out and cozy right up to them! I think I need to come to YOUR house for Christmas!

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  75. Oh Claire, your Twas the Night Before cards are stunners! Love that little window and all the possibilities - I'm intrigued. And the Festive Foliage stamps are to die for! So many fabby projects from you and the DT! Today I was blown away by your card, Mona's box, and Laurie's card. Wow! Since I have a lot of Christmas stamps already I've been resisting getting more (last month I held strong) but your art is so unique and gorgeous after seeing the projects today (you sly boots!) I've decided I can no longer resist. :-D Can't wait for the release!

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  76. Oh Claire, I am just in LOVE with Around Christmastime, and also with Festive Foliage - they are stunning!! I always love release time because we get to see some goods from you!! I can't wait for Sunday ;)

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  77. I really like the Vintage Ornaments and the Festive Foliage.

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  78. Love the Believe card! Santa through the window! the little bell! Also love the backgrounds you created with the holly leaf (must have!!) and the candlestick!

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  79. Upon awakening this morning my first thought was "what is on Waltzing Mouse Preview this morning?" Well I got goosebumps all over! That Santa is amazing, just the right touch of whimsy and vintage appeal. You are one very talented woman.

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  80. Stunning projects and images Claire!! I adore your window with the sweet little tag and jingle bell!! And your Santa medallion and card....Oh my goodness how fabulous!! LOVE where that creative brain of yours takes you. It's always inspiring!!

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  81. Perfection! thank you for the versamark trick. I was wondering how come my attempts with all my distress inks were so yucky!!!! this new release is wonderful!!!

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  82. Wow, looks like another "magical" release! Pity for me it took me so long to discover Waltzingmouse Stamps, but I guess it's good for my wallet ;)
    I can't wait to see more!

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  83. Wow!!! Amazing!! I love that round Santa! I have some catching up to do, hihi , due to busy times at work I haven't seen any of the new releases and I was soooo curious, so I'm going to surf around the next hours, ha ha!! Love these!
    Hugs, Wendy

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  84. Your ideas and work always blow me away...the window cards are so unique. And that Santa is wonderful too...What a treat to come and see your creations!

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  85. Oh my word, Claire, the window cards!! Soooo fabulous! I can't wait to see the whole set...simply divine, it must be. I'm a recent WMS devotee, but now that I'm a follower, I'm hooked! Recently bought 4 sets and I want MORE!! ;) I'll be waiting with baited breath for Sunday's release! I wish I weren't so far away so I have wait SO long to get my stamps! ;)

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  86. Love the window and the stamps. Awesome job! Thanks for the chance to win an awesome stamp set.

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  87. Reminded me of the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. When I threw open the shutters...oh my it's just simply magical!!!!!

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  88. Wow, those stamps are amazing. I really was going to only buy one set, but I think I could use all of them!!! Thanks for sharing your great works!!

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  89. OMG, I am so loving these sneak peeks and what your design team have been making with them all.

    There are quite a few so far on my to buy list!

    Barbara

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  90. very clever! Love your projects!
    Sandra

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  91. Gorgeous projects. I love that little window with the view of Santa flying by.

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  92. Absolutely fabulous, Claire. Your latest creations are truly gorgeous, and as for the stamps ... I just hope you've got enough stock in-hand!! The half-moon Santa is inspired, and the fonts you've used are gorgeous. And thank you so much for the excellent distress/versamark inks tip.
    I'm totally tickled!! Roll-on Sunday!!

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  93. Wow, these are just beautiful. I love the Believe in the Magic of Christmas card. My daughter loves the Polar Express and it reminds me so much of that. And the Crescent shaped Santa, ingenius!

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  94. Cindy Holshouser5 November 2010 at 23:51

    Super darling images. And I love the rich blue color on holiday cards - so pretty.

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  95. I started following your previews from Joan's blog -- wow what great images! My favorite so far would be the Vintage Ornaments -- love the patterns you have used, very classic looking.

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  96. I can't wait until Sunday! Such beautiful images and fonts.

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  97. Love the cards here.... fabulous window card! Lots of inspiration on all the blogs!
    DeniseB

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  98. I love the sleigh and reindeer silhouette!! Of course all your stuff is great!

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  99. i love love the half moon man. the gift set is just divine. thanks for sharing the versamark trick. can't believe how lovely it came out after stamping it like that. must try.

    have i mentioned PSYCHED i am about christmas? :D

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  100. I love the twas the night before window stamp, and the half moon santa from around about christmas is beautiful!

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  101. What Festive Ideas!! All the wonderful projects coming out now that it is November!! So exciting..Great peeks Claire:)

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  102. Oh my goodness Claire! ALL of your projects are amazing! You are so created and talented beyond belief!

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  103. I am LOVING the window scenes, so gorgeous, Claire!! Your candlestick/snowflake background is very pretty--love the neutral with the pop of bright blue!!

    That half-moon Santa is adorable....I can't wait to see more!!

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  104. Oh My Goodness..I am soo loving what I see so far. I am soo thankful you gave us a heads up about getting the Spellbinder ornie die...hee hee hee. I'm the only one in town who has it!! Anyway, I cannot wait to see all the stamps this month! I have a feeling it will be the best ever release.

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  105. LOVING all these fun samples I am seeing with your new stamps!! They are gorgeous!!

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  106. These are so gorgeous!! Can't wait till the 7th :)

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  107. Your stamps are so cute, clever and ever so versatile. I want them all...every month!

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  108. Your latest offering's making my head swoon, girl! Way to go! Thanx for the inspiration and t'riffic blog candy opp (I've got my fingers crossed)!

    This is the first I'd heard of this little Versamark tip w Distress Inks - TFS!

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  109. OMGosh, both these sets are to-die-for!! Love them. Wonderful creations as always :)

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  110. Claire, the set with the tin and the card as well as the "window" card are absolutely gorgeous. I like the colours of the set very much, it all fits perfectly together and the stamps used are really very beautiful.
    And as far as the "window" card is concerned, I just love it and I think I must have this little window, it's really so cute and it offers certainly many possibilities to create the "scene" behind the window.

    Kind regards
    Carola

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  111. The window and half moon Santa are both so great! Love your projects and I'm really looking forward to another release.

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  112. crschaf@knology.net6 November 2010 at 14:55

    Oh MY!!!! this is my favorite technique for a Christmas card! It is very magical-how could anyone not BELIEVE?! Your work is awesome!

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  113. Claire, thank you for the Versamark/Distress Ink tip! I shall have to try that.
    I'm loving everything I'm seeing so far, just like every other release that you have done! All of the samples are divine. I'm completely in love with the half moon Santa image. And the Festive Foliage is a MUST HAVE!

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  114. Oh my Claire,
    This is just beautiful. Love the colors and love the stamps. I haven't been around lately! So much to catch up on.

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  115. Claire,
    Everyday of the release preview is like Christmas morning! The little window is a must have and I love the half moon Santa. Thanks for the Distress/Versmark ink tip.I can't wait for Sunday!

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  116. Claire, it's hard to decide what I think is my favorite (for you have exceeded expectations again!!), but I'm leaning towards "Twas the Night before" and "Around Christmas": such lovely things you have made with them! Can't wait to see the complete sets!! Thanks for the fun :-)

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  117. It's beautiful! Love everything! Thanks for the chance!

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  118. Great samples! I can't wait to see all the new sets.

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  119. Very beautiful and I think it´s a "must have"...

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  120. Can't wait for my sets to arrive, they are all gorgeous :)

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!