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Thursday, 2 June 2011

... June SOAP, Day 2

 ED - A quick heads up - this morning my email inbox was flooded with emails that were dated from as far back as 10th May - It seems that some emails are reaching me, while others aren't! I am working to respond to the folks who, no doubt felt that we were ignoring them! I await the response from the email folks as I have no idea why this has happened! In the meantime, if you contacted us recently and got no response, please feel free to either message me on our Forum, or even Facebook, until I have confirmation that the email is running correctly. Thank you!!

 


Good morning and welcome to day 2 of the June SOAP event - did you manage to get around everyone yesterday ok, I know we had a few link-oopsies!

My little sample today features stamps from the Dainty Doilies larger set, I made a simple card by stamping the doily images directly on to my card front and then adding a little accent piece in the shape of a heart - I had white embossed one of the images onto vellum and punched out a heart shape, I then stamped the centre image inside the heart, layered on a button and lined it up over the doily. A little gel pen dotting and faux stitching and I was done!!


Just before you scoot off to see what everyone else is up to, I have decided to run a little comp today, I have a couple of spare July sets and I just thought, maybe, you might be interested....?

Here's the scoop - I invite you to leave a comment here to be in with a chance of winning! Tell me what you like best about stamping, is it the relaxation, the craftiness, the folks you meet through it? what do you like about it?

I will pick a random winner at the conclusion of our SOAP event - now get this - the winner will win one free set from the upcoming July release - BUT!!! and pin back your ears - If I can find you on the forum - ie, if you have ALREADY joined the forum, and by that I mean BEFORE 8:00AM this morning, my time, you will win an extra bonus set!! AND If I can find a post that you have made on the forum - ie, if you have actually posted on the forum before this time, you will win another set!!! so, the potential is there for someone to win 3 free sets!!

This will not be the last forum based comp that I run, so if you haven't joined up already, there's no time like the present!! LOL!!!  Here we are.

 Now, I can't wait to see what the girls have made, here are their links!! Have fun!!


















87 comments:

  1. Wow, Claire, this is so pretty! Love the heart and button detail, and the red on kraft is a great homely look too. I love my doilies, am now saving for the little set and a couple others too ;-) And, silhouettes!! I can't wait for July!!

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  2. Hi all, I love that everyone is willing to share ideas and tips, and that the internet makes us all International buddies!
    Now I'm off to see what everyone has made today! :)

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  3. I love the heart-shaped vellum piece - it really adds interest to the already beautiful card.

    What I like most about stamping - I LOVE that I can create a little piece of art that I can share with others. I love that it brings a smile to their faces. So, thank you for allowing me so much fun and to make it possible for me to bless others.

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  4. If I totally honest, the purchasing side of my stamping hobby (habit?!?!?!) is what gives me the greatest thrill - followed by the relaxation I get from it. As a SAHM, it's one of the only times I get total me time - and I just love it!! My own little oasis...

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  5. Gorgeous card Claire!
    LOVE everything about this hobby and I really mean everything..the making a gift/card for somebody..meeting soooo many very sweet people in blog land..buying stamps and goodies..finding a new place for my treasures in my tiny room..just looking at my goodies...inking up my stamps..exploring things ..trying new techniques.....reading blogs..finding new ideas .....everything!

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  6. *Drool....this is stunning Claire I love kraft this doily is lush!

    Have a super day

    Ali x

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  7. Thanks for the chance at this beautiful new stamp sets back in July.
    I like stamping fun, something different every time because you can invent and make it back to share with other people and show them what you have created. You can use a stamp so many different cards / creations and I think also very nice to.

    Greetings Astrid.

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  8. Thanks for the chance at this beautiful new stamp sets back in July.
    I like stamping fun, something different every time because you can invent and make it back to share with other people and show them what you have created. You can use a stamp so many different cards / creations and I think also very nice to.

    Greetings Astrid.

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  9. The white really finishes the card. It's beautiful.
    I like stamping, you start out with a blank piece of paper and you create something the minute you put a stamp with ink on it.
    Eveline.

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  10. Wow I love this card thanks for showing me such beautiful examples.

    Janette P

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  11. The embossed heart on your card is so pretty!

    The best thing about stamping? I have met some of my closest friends through our love of creating. I just adore the way you can take one stamp and give it dozens of different looks too.

    Penny

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  12. Have looked at everyone on the blog, but what a beautiful card creations and insist. Have fun back at idieën done. I just do not know how Sarah Martina Parker to respond, but I hope it was successful. In fact, it's slightly different than the other. Lol.

    Greetings Astrid.

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  13. Ooooh, so very pretty. I love the colours on the kraft.
    Ears pinned back in hopeful anticipation. You are a generous soul.

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  14. Wow Claire you are definitely one of THE most generous owners of a stamping company I have ever run into.
    I love the shopping for stamps and accessories, the thrill of searching blogs for inspiration and then the actual creating/assembling of my cards/projects.

    When I was much younger I hated even the thought of going into a card store...found it totally boring. And send a card? Never happened. lol
    Now I love making my own cards and sending to friends/relatives. Go figure.

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  15. Love your card, beautiful! I work in a funeral home and it is so relaxing and rewarding to come home and sit among my "goodies" and make something creative. I tend to make cards per the persons personality, likes, really personalize them. I recently made a graduation card, cap, tassel,gown, and the entire look as my daughter appeared as she was dressed for the program with the school colors. I did the same thing for my nephew.

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  16. LOVE THAT CARD, CLAIRE! I want to go make 10 of them, it is soo pretty!!!!

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  17. Woohoo.... chance of winning sets...woohoo! I love all the wonderful crafters and friends that I meet on a daily basis. I also love how stamping forces me to be creative everyday. Off to hop!

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  18. Your doily card is lovely.
    "Pin back your ears" has me stumped!!!

    What I like best about stamping is it keeps me grounded. I need something to keep me home, sane, and in control of my life. As I create I think about the teachers I had that brought me to the place where I am now. You never know around what corner you may find your ah ha moment like I did today regarding
    the stamping arena.

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  19. Oh wow, what a generous offer! And your card, as usual, is simply gorgeous! Let's see, regarding my craftiness--before I retired my profession was science and research, much of which involved highly standardized processes. I think the crafting has been a way to be involved in creative activites. More recently I'm getting a lot of enjoyment from interacting with other crafters all around the world!

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  20. My favourite Kraft - just love your lacey card, and the vellum heart - must try that!. I like that crafting (especially card making) is so personally rewarding - I think if I gave a "store bought" card to any of my family, friends, they would probably give it back! And I just love how friendly crafters are, so willing share ideas, techniques etc.

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  21. I'm excited for July because you're excited! What I like the most about stamping is that it's challenging in a way that is different than my "everyday life". I get to play with paper and coordinate colors and patterns and inks! I hop all over the place on the 'net looking for inspiration. When it's all said and done, I have challenged myself to put everything else aside and make something with heart. That's what I love about stamping. Oh, and the shopping too! :)

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  22. Claire I just love the simplicity of your card - so, so clever (as always of course!) I also think maybe you're becoming a give'a'way junky :-) Not that I'm complaining mind - the more you do giveaways the more chances we all have of winning WMS goodies LOL!

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  23. Your card is fabulous! I love the idea of cutting out a shape from part of a stamped image. It really stretches the use of the stamps.
    What I love about stamping (card making) is the ability to have/create a card on hand for every occasion and being able to customize it for the recipient. I have not purchased a card of any kind in several years. And I have had several people tell me they save all the cards I have made for them. Not too many do that with purchased cards, I'm sure. Thanks for a chance to win a great prize.

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  24. Hi Clair,
    I was invited to a little home stamp party many years ago and I was addicted on the spot! I have always loved sending out cards to friends and family and would order from one of those catalogs. I also had expectations of scrapbooking our memories. Needless to say I only got one small scrapbook made for our Son because of my card making. We are now retired and my card making has reached new heights! It fills my time and the challenges keep my mind busy and thinking. Thank you so much for all you do and your encouragement to all the lives you touch! You will always be “Wonder Woman” in my book!
    Huggles, Joanne Garland

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  25. Clare, The papercrafting family makes you feel welcome, no matter where in the world you are, Australia for me. What the bloggers share with us mere mortals,inspires us to achieve more.I truly feel blessed to have found such a creative outlet.Karen

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  26. Hi Claire,
    I love stamping as I find it a great creative outlet. I wish I could be a little more organised, today I NEED to make my DD a birthday card, she's 14. I'll be using Earth Angel stamps, they fit her perfectly. :)

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  27. I love your stamps! I love stamping for all of the reasons you listed and more. I enjoy making and sending cards, meeting people in person and online and shopping. Thanks for the chance to win. <3

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  28. The SOAP events are fantastic! While I love release weeks, this honestly is more fun for me! I think the reason I love to create cards and scrapbook pages is because it makes me feel like an artist. I can't draw well at all, I actually dropped out of my 7th grade art class and switched to orchestra because I was so bad. Since then I have honestly thought I was no good at art! Now I can create something, sit back and look at it and just think "I am amazing! Look! I made this!" It is the most fulfilling feeling!

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  29. I love the stitching round the edge of the doily - adds a certain something :-)

    I find stamping just zones out the rubbish in the world around me. No matter how bad my day - within 10 minutes of getting to my craft desk, all is forgotton. My husband says its like I'm inside a box far far away as he can be stood next to me asking a question and I just don't even hear him!

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  30. Beautiful doily card and I love the colors you chose :) I love being able to make cards. They are quick and the best part is being able to send them out to people. It's not like knitting a scarf or a ceramic bowl, I mean, how many of those can you give to the same person. With cards, there is always a new celebration to come along! I love it!

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  31. Great card!! I really love the great people I meet, relaxation of the craft and sending out in the mail something I made to various friends & family! Thanks for the chance.

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  32. the red and white look super against the kraft cardstock Claire - the white heart in the center really stands out!

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  33. First, the card - beautiful! Adding the white embossed heart to the center of the doily was an inspired choice. And the gel pen additions really make things pop. I'm tucking this one away in my Favorites file.

    I've always been a very organized, check box kinda gal. And I had a tech career in database management that required every T to be crossed and I to be dotted. So stamping allows a creative side of me to emerge that I didn't even realize was there. I get so much satisfaction out of my creations and enjoy giving them away because I put my heart into each one.

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  34. wonderful card. i know several people i could send one like this to. what do i love about stamping??? uh everything? the art of inking, pressing to paper, the lovely papers out there, the lovely images i can create time and time again, the feeling of being arty/creative when i can't draw a straight line w a ruler??? staying/getting connected w people when i'm homebound due to a disability? i can look at blogs, see wonderful creations. dream of making things. oh i love it

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  35. Claire - this is just gorgeous - the colours are fabulous! And I really like the white vellum heart!

    And what a generous lady you are - the chance to win so many sets of your stamps - here's hoping.

    Hope the gremlins in the email systme are sorted soon. Hugs. xx

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  36. Love the doilies! They are beautiful!
    What I like best about stamping.... it is my escape. I have a very stressful life right now, hoping to make some very major changes very soon,and stamping allows me some relaxation time that I really need.
    DeniseB

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  37. Oooh! So generous. I'm not on the forum, but you've certainly motivated me to do so.

    My favorite thing about stamping is that it's "me time." I work full time and have two young children. Technically, I do not have time for this hobby but it is the thing that is keeping me sane.

    Thanks for the chance to win, Claire!

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  38. Your card is wonderfully gorgeous! It's a true piece of art, which is why I love making cards and gifts for others. It is relaxing for me and their eyes light up when they get a homemade card! BTW, is it difficult to heat emboss on vellum. I have all the goods, but have hesitated trying it. I would probably catch myself or the vellum on fire! LOL! All of the WM stamps are terrific.

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  39. Hi,
    I will admit I am new here today, and found your site from Katie's My Paper Haven blog. I am not sure what forum you mentioned, but if I can please have a chance to win just one set, that would be wonderful. I really didnt come here to try to win anything, but seeing the doily card, I am now very curious of your stamps and will go check them out now!

    *Hugs*
    ~Andrea

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  40. I have been stamping for 20 years and I think what I like about it is there is always something new to learn, some new technique, or product or (ahem) stamp that makes it continually seem fresh and exciting. For someone like me, who can’t draw a stick, stamps allow us to be creative and express ourselves. Most of what I make goes to family, friends and co-workers and it is special to be able to personalize gifts and cards.

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  41. Your card is so unique! I love the embossed heart as an embellishment.
    For me, the best part of stamping is the world that I'm in when I go to my craft space, alone, and it's just me and my imagination. It's so peaceful.

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  42. I enjoy stamping because it allows me to "grow" my very small creative side without taking tons of time to complete a project AND I get to use the end product for something useful! AND I love to learn about color and play with it.

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  43. What I love most about stamping is that it is very therapeutic...I just get lost in it at times. It certainly isn't something I should be doing while the spuds are cooking!! Also, I just love knowing that the recipients are getting something totally made by hand and especially with them in mind xx

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  44. Hello Claire! The thing I like most about stamping is being able to brighten up someone else's day with a card. Not that many people make handmade cards, so getting one in the mail is always a special thing.

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  45. Oh my is this ever gorgeous Claire!! I LOVE your red doily with that sweet vellum heart in the middle!! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!!

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  46. There are so many things that I love about stamping. I work full time and have three kids going in three different directions so when I find the time to stamp it's a relaxing therapeutic time for me to unwind doing something that I enjoy. I also love creating handmade cards and gifts for those special people in my life. I also love how stamping unites people from all over the world.

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  47. Stamping is my little stretch of sanity each evening... no dirty toddler faces, no dinner dishes, no noisy anything... just me being me, and enjoying it! ;)

    I do declare that I am a member of the forum although I need to check in and bop around a bit more. Such a fabby prize - thanks for the chance to win!!

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  48. Claire that is a cute card.... This larger set reminds me of a spirograph... I used to play with that a lot when i was young.

    You asked about the favorite thing about stamping. I am not sure i can pinpoint a favorite as i think it's a combined experience. I LOVE to get stamps I adore... and the chance to use something i adore is so much fun... but then to make something for someone with stamps I adore makes that project so special... and then there is the aspect of sharing my creations or exchanging ideas with others who are as passionate as I am... that gives a whole other dimension to stamping/crafting. I will say that i have some awesome internet stamping friends... some of which I hold dear, despite never having met face to face.

    Claire, what is you like best about stamping?

    Thank you for the opportunity to win such great prizes... we are very lucky to have you in our stamping world!

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  49. Hi Claire,
    I love how you created a doily heart in the middle of your card, so clever and so fun..something I just know I'll have to try :)

    What I love about stamping is being creative and expressing myself, being able to let go and allow my imagination to run wild without limits :)

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  50. Claire, that's one goegeous card. I love just about everything about stamping. I never thought I was artisitc in any way until I found this hobby that allows me to make beautiful thimgs that are cherished by my friends and family. I love going to the conventions,finding products at my LSS, laughing at my mistakes and cheering my successes, finding great companies and blogs online. But especially the crazy, kind talented people I've met in this hobby. They're the best. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  51. What a beautiful card.
    I love everything about stamping, but especially the fact that I can produce something reasonably artistic even though I can't draw!

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  52. The card is delightful. It is hard to say one thing I love best about stamping so I will say when my creations brighten someone's day it makes it all worthwhile. I have a dear friend who was recently diagnosed with a rare cancer and started treatment 1 of 18 this past Tuesday. I have been sending one card a week since her diagnosis and she told me at dinner last week that it has been so uplifting to receive her card each week. She looks forward to the designs and words I share with her. She said they were made with love and obviously a lot of thought as the sentiments were so appropriate. THis makes it all worthwhile to bring joy to others through your craft!

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  53. great card!
    as for stamping i think the thing i like is that just by changing the colour of the ink or emb powder you can get a copletely different look. from vintage browns to girly pinks!
    It also allows me to exploe my creative side, esp as I have no 'artistic' abilities!!
    keeping my fingers crossed xx
    Kathleen Mc xx

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  54. I just love to make something pretty out of a blank piece of paper.. I find it incredibly fulfilling and just plain fun! p.s. your card is GORGEOUS! that stamp is amazing..

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  55. I can't wait til July!!
    As far as stamping is concerned, I love to give them away and I love the fact that I can finish a project in one night! I also like to sew but it doesn't always feed the need for immediate gratification. Thx Claire! Your the best!

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  56. Oh Claire These are so pretty!!!

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  57. I love stamping for multiple reasons - it provides me a creative outlet; it gives me the joy of creation and it takes me into a world of its own!

    Thank you for hosting the comp!

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  58. This is beautiful, Claire. Love what a little fun white gel pen action can do to make something just great!

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  59. Hi
    Recenty fell upon your website......love your designs and the inspiration fab. Thank you
    Find the Forum excellent.
    Jessybell

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  60. This is just stunning! Can't wait for my doilies to arrive now x

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  61. as much as learning how to stamp and make cards it is hands down The Wonderful Women from all over the world that I am meeting that is my favorite!
    That is how I found you and your amazing stamps through another crafter in Scotland, Sarah who has ustream shows. It is a constant circle of creativity and sharing that enriches my life and friendships.
    I am off to see what other creative goodness other members have made.
    With Gratitude,
    DesertNana

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  62. Great card Claire - l love it.
    I love so much about this hobby we all share but the best thing is that although I am a person who is extremely challenged when it comes to drawing or painting, I can produce passable cards that help me to develop my creativity.

    Hugs
    Carol

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  63. Oh this is absolutely stunning love the colours....perfect! :) Hugs x

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  64. Stunning, stunning, stunning. Did I say stunning?

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  65. My 9-5 job requires a great deal of scientific thinking, so I really need that creative outlet to keep my brain in some kind of balance. I have "met" some very talented people whose work I greatly admire and the wonderful thing is we all come from different walks of life (and time zones, which I have alittle difficulty adjusting to) but we are all encouraging of one another - something alittle to rare in this day and age.

    PS Your card is amazing.

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  66. Lovely card. Embossing in white always adds such a 'wow' factor.
    I love the creativity that stamping affords and the simple pleasure and joy it brings to me and those who receive my bits and pieces.

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  67. Sheila M Jones3 June 2011 at 15:38

    I just love making things! I really enjoy being in a wee world of my own and creating something lovely. Unfortunately it's taking over the whole house, with surfaces covered in most rooms with some crafty loveliness!

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  68. Claire this card is lovely...all the layers...the faux stitching...I can't wait to get this set when it's restocked ...The thing I love about stamping is being able to create....deciding whether to color with watercolor or ink or markers....so many choices...I love working with beautiful materials, flowers, embellies, etc...It is like a getaway each time I do it....Looking at other's creations is amazing...so much talent....Thanks so much Claire....

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  69. Oh this card is so pretty, I love the delicate white heart in the middle! My fave thing about stamping is it makes me feel like an artist! I can't draw very well so this means I can have a beautiful image on my card in any colour that I'd like and still say that I made it! Having gorgeous stamps like yours always helps too! ;-)

    Love Beth xx

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  70. Claire, that is just gorgeous! I love the heat layered over the doily and the color combo is always a favorite of mine. :)

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  71. What do I like best about stamping? The creativity, the fact that I can make cards, scrapbook pages, posters, or art with it. I like that I can finish a project in usually about an hour, instead of months or years that it takes to make a quilt (my other hobby). And I love the sweet people I've found on the internet who remind me that there are many good people in the world. And I love the inspiration I get from others in making my own cards, and, when my kids were younger, I loved having them use my stamps and seeing what they would create that was so totally different than what I could think of. (I'd still let them use my stuff, but they aren't interested anymore:-( Thanks for the chance to win Claire: you are one of those sweet people that I have met through the internet that I think of as my long distance friends.

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  72. Wow on that example! I just love to create and I find that stamping and paper crafts give me the best outlet for that. Stamps can be used in so many ways and I love to find them!!!

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  73. What I love about stamping is the endless ways to use them.

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  74. This is a beautiful card. I like so much about stamping--I like the actual process, giving the finished product to someone and all the wonderful ideas and tutorials in blogland.

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  75. This is amazing, Claire! I love the red and white on the kraft and the white edges on the card are perfect!!

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  76. Really enjoying the SOAP, great way to focus and give special attention to your stamps. Lovely card too! I really like stamping because I can clear my head, usually the kiddos aren't around to bother me and it is just me time.

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  77. Looooovvveee the inspiration, Claire!

    My favorite part about stamping is being able to share my creations with others. Although I'm not the most talented scrapper out there, family and friends love to get my creations. (doesn't take much to impress them, I guess! ;) )

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  78. I simply love creating something with my own two hands...and then giving it away! No fun keeping it yourself! I like that my kids have saved every single card I've made for them and have them posted on their wall.

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  79. Love your doily set! What a like best about stamping is the chance it gives someone like me, who can't draw, the chance to create something beautiful and artistic, because the drawing is done for me, and I just choose the colors, the layout, the design.

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  80. In my excitement, I forgot to say in my first comment what it is I like most about crafting - well, for me it's still a relatively new hobby, and I enjoy learning a new technique or seeing a different interpretation of something, that makes you go 'wow'. And also the process of creating something and ending up with something completely different to how you planned, and still love it! Very satisfying!

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  81. Hi Claire

    Your card with this beautiful stamp from the Dainty Doilies Set looks great! I love the red directly stamped onto the Kraft cardstock and that heart in the center is just gorgeous. I've never tried to emboss onto vellum, but when I now see your card, I definitely need to try it once, that gives really a great effect.

    And what do I like best about stamping? Well, first of all I like to be creative, stamping is for me a way to relax (and listen to good music while I do it), I've met many wonderful people who share the same interest and above all, I like to make cards and other things myself and to give them as a gift to those who appreciaty selfmade items.

    Have a nice day and a nice week-end!

    Kind regards
    Carola

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  82. The card is stunning. Simple and yet so effective. Love this collection of stamps.

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  83. Love the little doily heart!

    What I love most about stamping? So many things to list but I love the fact I can create something pretty. I always thought I could draw or paint so I wasn't artistic...but putting something pleasing and eyecatching together is creative too! And fun! And so easy with tour stamps!
    Thanks Claire!

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  84. It is all the things you mentioned + that the result (card) of me having a lot of fun with my stamps usually makes someone else happy too!

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  85. Hurray, Hurray... My Waltzingmouse stamps arrived in the mail yesterday (actually they arrived in my sister's mail box, but I've commandeered them!) I can't wait to start creating!!!!

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  86. GORGEOUS work - as always !!!

    I love these SOAP events - a double bite at the cherry !!

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  87. I don't know if I made your time cut off, but I'm already a forum member, and I love that stamping just lets my brain work in a different way, I find it all very calming.

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