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Thursday 1 November 2012

...November release day 3 Vintage Christmas Background



ED - This competition is now closed!

Good morning! Welcome to day 3 of our previews for tomorrow's release.

The DT ladies who are previewing with me today are:


Pop over and see what they've been up to if you haven't already. The gals are previewing the Half pint Heroes addittions set, Cabin Plaid and a fun little tiny set, Sheriff.

This morning I wanted to give folks the low down on the new Backgrounder stamps. We're releasing 3 new backgrounders tomorrow and I have been very excited by how well they work. I must admit there was a time when I had concerns about producing large stamps - these babies measure 4.5 by 5.75 inches and are designed to cover the front of a card in one go. No more lining up.

We will have:

Vintage Christmas Backgrounder
Cabin Plaid Backgrounder
Yonder Star Backgrounder

All 3 stamps are a massive 4.5 by 5.75 inches in size which is nearly the size of one of our larger sets, and they are priced £12.00 each.

I made up this little Tea Cracker - I'm intending these for my Christmas table, but they would suit any occasion, just decorate them to match your theme. The cut files for this will be available for free during the release! I used the new Backgrounder - Vintage Christmas Background. My Tea cup is actually a little coffee cup and is smaller than a standard size tea cup, these little crackers are very dinky!


What I love about this background stamp is that it is based on the original pattern design that I made for the Very Vintage Christmas sets - a whole new wave of possibilities for that set opens with this background stamp also! The pattern also appears in the original Vintage Ornaments set (due back in stock very soon).

Above you can see the decorative holly shape from Very Vintage Christmas and how it looks so co-ordinated with the cracker! The 'Noel' sentiment is from the new set Compliments of the Season Two - also releasing tomorrow. If you have good eyes you can also see the pale diamond shape stamped behind the Noel, another co-ordinating stamp from Very Vintage Christmas. I am itching to create lots of matchy matchy goodies with these two sets!!

Previously we have always provided backgrounder sets as strips that could be lined up to produce larger areas of pattern, but I have to say I can see the merit in these larger stamps now that I have used them. In future we will most likely offer a mix of both.


For today's project, here's what I started with. The stamp - you can see it above, still on it's backing sheet, I have not felt the need to purchase large blocks for them as I think I have found the perfect way to use them - courtesy of technique Queen Lynn Mercurio. Lynn first suggested to me the idea of using a brayer. I didn't have one so I purchased a small one and haven't looked back. You don't need one, I have inked these stamps up with pads just the same, but I do think I get particularly good results with the brayer.


The brayer makes it really easy to ink up the stamp evenly and avoids the situation where areas of the stamp get clogged up with excess ink - and  this is important in our next step.


Once the stamp is covered in ink, I laid the template for my small Tea Cracker down on top of the stamp - couldn't be simpler. In the pic below left you can see how I laid a sheet of scratch paper over the top so that I could smooth the whole thing down without getting ink all over my fingers. Take care to smooth all over the cardstock at this point. The backgrounder stamp makes mass production of these Tea Crackers very fast.


 On the right once I peel back the template it is completely stamped, no need to line anything up! fabby!

I flip over the template and gently make the folds, you want the little thin areas between the diamonds to fold upwards on the blank side as shown in the pic.


then I take a pen or pencil, or even a wooden spoon handle and roll the cracker around it - this makes for a nice smoothly rounded cracker.


After taping the edge with strong tape I can insert a joke, or some small sweets, and decorate.


I chose to brush my cracker with Brushed Corduroy distress ink, I wanted to bring out all the corners and add a little definition, can't seem to make a move without distress ink lately...or ever....

I tied up the ends of my cracker with some gold lame ribbon that I had sort of inked up with a red copic, this worked great, I still got the gold shimmer, but with lovely red edges to match my cracker!!! I'll be back later on with more and some interesting news on the shipping front!!!



 Hope it tickles!

OOh and since you have read all the way down to the bottom of the post, might I interest you in a giveaway? Leave a comment here telling me what you think of our new backgrounders and you will  be elegible for our draw. Tomorrow night, at 6:30 before the release i will draw a winner to receive ALL THREE Backgrounder stamps!!!


91 comments:

  1. What a fun party cracker Claire! love the holly adornment (AND your pretty holiday tea cup and saucer!)

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  2. I am a HUGE fan of large background stamps so am sooo excited about WMS large background stamps!! They look like fantastic designs from what I have seen here and from the rest of the DT! Love these teeny crackers too, very sweet!

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  3. Your new background stamps are stunning and thank-you for the tips on stamping with them.

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  4. What a gorgeous new background!! I love that they are huge and the patterns are wonderful! What a pretty cracker!

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  5. I love the new background stamps Claire! I don't have any like that but I can see how cool they could be! Can't wait to try them out.

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  6. Wow...incredibly gorgeous! Absolutely LOVE the little gift too!

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  7. i'm loving these new background stamps. The crackers are gorgeous. Caroline xxx

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  8. I really, really want to win this one! I love stamping my own patterned paper and these background stamps are going to make it so easy! Love this idea Claire...this is going to be a huge seller!

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  9. Love the backgrounder stamps!!!
    I've inked them up this way to and never have issues...and that stamp from very vintage Christmas is extremely well worn in my craft room!!!

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  10. Wow! These seem like a great idea! I can't wait to try them out - thanks for the chance to win these stamps! All your examples are to die for!

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  11. Great project! Thanks so much for the detailed instructions! And I am really loving the new backgrounds, I love how different and versatile they are! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

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  12. Background stamps always match your inks LOL much easier than finding matching papers. Loving that wee cracker Claire and can think of so much that could be done with it, crakers are not just for Christmas. I might have to hold on to see all the new stamps but for that craker, that's something I need now!

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  13. I love your background stamps, and what a clever way to make a cracker.... my kids would love these!

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  14. I love the new background stamps, I'm always looking for a way to avoid using designer paper! Love the new vintage Christmas background best, it is gorgeous! And I'm super excited that the vintage ornaments will be in stock soon!

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  15. Oh what a delicious,humongous stamp! I LOVE IT. Your project is so clean and crisp in design~I love the presence it provides.

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  16. Wow, fabulous backgrounds! Gorgeous samples too. One can never have enough backgrounds, they're so versatile. Would love to win these, thanks for the chance!

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  17. I love the idea of the background stamps. I have avoided collecting the wooden mounted ones because they take up so much space, but with the acrylic ones I can see how this wouldn't be a challenge to my storage situation.
    Wonderful idea! Can't wait to see more.
    Terrific tea cracker too. Love how you altered the gold ribbon with copic. You're genius. And I am also loving Lynn's technique to ink up and use the stamps. with the larger stamps I'm always afraid I'm going to rip them in half by trying to pull them off the acetate. Thank you Lynn!!

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  18. Oh, please pick me....I never win anything. I love the way these bacground stamps look and LOVE that you share so many of your techniques.

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  19. I love the background stamps! It is so hard to get decent backgroud stamp, so these are perfect!! There are sooooo many uses for them.
    Love the cracker too!!!
    Debbi xx

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  20. I love background stamps that fit a card front completely, I find them very versatile. The Vintage Christmas Backgrounder is so elegant, love the design!

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  21. Such beautiful designs! All the WMS sets that I own happen to be background stamp- so I obviously love the designs regardless of size- but these will be such a breeze to use! Am already dreaming up cards as I type :)

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  22. The large backgrounds are great!! They are quick and easy. I can see how both sizes have their application. I use both in my stamping.

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  23. Wow fabulocious stamps. ..thanks for sharing inking with brayer genious! Love love love your cracker perfect addition for table or christmas tree

    Ali x

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  24. I love background stamps. I am looking forward to seeing more background stamps from WMS.
    I love the previewed Yonder star backgrounder.

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  25. I love the idea of an all over background stamp that requires no lining up. And using a brayer to get an even ink coverage--absolutely brilliant!

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  26. Gorgeous, love it! I love backgroud stamps, they are so usefull.

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  27. I love that you are doing such big background stamps, I'm sure we will be seeing even more beautiful background images in future :-)

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  28. Such a cute cracker! I love that the new background stamps are full-sized to stamp all at once - no more lining up (or in my case, mis-aligning)!!

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  29. Well done Claire once again showing your flare for all things Christmas whilst remaining very unique.
    Cannot wait fo the new releases whether I'm lucky enough to win or not I know where I am heading tomorrow night. See you there!!!

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  30. How CUTE is that?! You always make the *best* little 3D treats :)

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  31. ... Yet another range of stamps to add to my ever growing "need that" list! They are stunning as ever ;D

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  32. I love backgorund stamps, and yours are so pretty. Thanks also foryour tutorial.

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  33. I love the background stamps, I've never tried using a brayer but I think I might have to invest in one now.

    Thanks for the tip

    Sarah x

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  34. I'm new to your stamps but I absolutely love them. The Tea crackers are so pretty I want to make lots. The background stamps are such a good idea and could be used in so many ways. Got my fingers crossed. Thank you for the opportunity to try and win.

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  35. Fun cracker and loving the new backgrounds!! With large bg's you can also lay paper or paper towel (as you stated) over the inked stamp and use the brayer to transfer the ink evenly!

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  36. I have several large background stamps in red rubber and I'm really excited about the thought of some clear WM ones.

    When I'm not making cards I make quilts and I HAVE to have the Lone Star one, though first in the basket for me will be the lone Star set and maybe the background next time round!

    Looking forward to shopping tomorrow, hope that Hurricane Sandy hasn't delayed the arrival of these gorgeous temptations!
    Anne
    x

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  37. Love the cracker!

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  38. Claire, I love the backgrounder stamps in the larger size. I am not so good at lining things up even with my cheat stamp a ma jig thingie. This will help A LOT!!! Love your cracker project - I have never tried a brayer - time to reconsider this... and the brush for the distressing is brilliant - I love the effect you created with it!

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  39. Amazing how you can create such interest and depth with only one colour ink and some distressing! Fab!
    Gorgeous backgrounds!
    Robin

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  40. Love, love, LOVE background stamps ( and WM!!!!)

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    Margaret C

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  41. I LOVE the new format of the backgound stamps. I am not always successful in my attempts to line up stamps just so, and having a large format stamp makes it so simple! Thanks Claire!

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  42. I'm super excited for the background stamps! I was always so terrible about lining up the strips.

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  43. LOVIN' the new background stamps!! Ger x

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  44. Claire, while WM strip background stamps are easier to use than other companies', I am very excited that you will be offering these large background stamps. And I love the patterns you have chosen for the inaugural release.

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  45. Love the new background stamp format. Some background strips are harder to line up than others. I am "mad for Cabin Plaid". And the Vintage Christmas Background is simply elegant.

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  46. I love your cracker & the background stamps. Thank you for the information as to how best to use them & for the opportunity to win.

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  47. What a wonderful technique....thank you for sharing how you did this!!! Easy peasy from the looks of it...and I have a brayed....woo Hoo!
    Paper Hugs,
    Jan

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  48. Claire - just love the new background stamps. While I thoroughly enjoy making plaid patterns, it will be great to just ink it up and have it done in a flash!! Perhaps we can some more in due course!

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  49. I'm glad I read all the way to the bottom. These are a great size! I have a box of bg stamps from a few different companies but nothing quite like these!

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  50. Liebe Claire..bin total begeistert von den tollen Hintergrund- Stempeln. Man kann so viel damit gestalteten. Toll!!!


    Liebe Grüße Moni

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  51. Loving the new background stamps - I'm hopeless at lining up strips, so these are just perfect!

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  52. I just discovered your stamps today!

    I LOVE everything!
    Can't wait till some of the Christmas ones are back in stock!

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  53. Beautiful sets Claire, and I love the full background stamps: I'm not too good at lining up things, so this will make it easier for me to make a good looking background. Can't wait to see the reveal!! I'm really excited about the quilting motifs!!

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  54. I LOVE your new background stamp- It's so regal-I could see this becoming one of those 'go to stamps' beautiful!!

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  55. I can't wait to get my hands on the new backgrounder stamps - they look so easy to use. I also LOVE the way that your designs are so easy to mix and match. I already have the vintage Christmas set and can see so much potential with the new backgrounder stamp to match. I hope I'm lucky!

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  56. Just love the Vintage Christmas Background, can't wait for tomorrow-I am just like a child on Christmas Eve!

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  57. Ummm, I totally want a set of stamps that has that cute reindeer and the sweet trees that are on your tea cup! That little cracker holder is ADORABLE! Love the holly berries and leaves stamped in festive red to match the background!

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  58. Love big background stamps and am very pleased to see some with your flair.

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  59. Very elegant cracker! Great tips on using the background stamps--I like that you don't have to line them up.

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  60. Wow love background stamps...your project is so pretty and the stamp covered the paper so nicely.

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  61. I love using background stamps, but haven't ever warmed up to the strips. It's often too much work to align them perfectly. So it's wonderful that you'll be offering full size background stamps. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  62. Claire,

    You've hit the nail on the head with the background design. We'll all be rushing to get one for our collections. After all, it will be so easy to store, it's a must have, gotta have item!! Endless possibilities with it. Plus also got distracted first by your gorgeous cup and saucer!

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  63. Gorgeous!!
    And I'm going to agree with Kelly...
    a set with the adorable reindeer and trees would be nice...hint!! :)
    But a gorgeous stamp...
    and I love all your background sets so I know I will love these new ones equally...
    the full size is fun...
    and now with Lynn and your tip about the brayer...
    I think I shall be investing in one! :)

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  64. I love the idea of the big background stamps - no need to line anything up!! And the designs that you have created are lovely. They will definitely be coming home to me! Adore your tea cracker - makes me think that I need to add a Cameo to my Christmas list. ;)

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  65. Love, love, the big background stamp. To be able to stamp a matching colour to cardstock would be wonderful. Thank you for the chance to win, and your inspiration with that gorgeous little cracker.

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  66. Claire I am so delighted and excited about the new background stamps. I have some large stamps and use the technique you've suggested. It works really well. I am totally smitten with "Yonder Star Background" because I love how easy it appears you can color or highlight specific parts of it and that it co-ordinates so well with the "Yonder Star" stamps. Can't wait to put my order in!! What a Fabulous release.....

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  67. I really like the idea of brayering the ink onto the stamp! I'm a big fan of large background stamps, but inking them up can definitely be challenging. The pattern of this one is SO lovely!

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  68. so excited to see the new large background stamps. Su ch a relief to a person who has trouble lining up those strips. What a gorgeous cracker and can't wait too see the rest of the release :)

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  69. so excited to see the new large background stamps. Su ch a relief to a person who has trouble lining up those strips. What a gorgeous cracker and can't wait too see the rest of the release :)

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  70. Love, love, the new background stamps!
    And this little cracker is just too adorable!!!

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  71. I think your new background stamps look really interesting--I like how you inked them up, and I love the results you and the DT are getting!

    Chris L.

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  72. Amazing little cracker Claire! I love these background stamps, and this one in particular makes me a very happy bunny, I've been waiting for this one for years! Love it!

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  73. Thanks for the brayer tip , I have one large wooden stamp that was disappointing. The new backgrounds look great- saves buyi ng patterned paper. The cracker is fab- I usually buy the make your own kit so you can get something great inside.

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  74. WOW. Claire, these new stamps are great!!!!!! Thanks for the chance to win. Love from Holland.

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  75. At last, background stamps that cover an entire card! Love those crackers Claire...very clever!

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  76. They are heavenly and I can't wait to try them!

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  77. Oh, my goodness! I thought that was patterned paper until I read your entire post. And you are so wonderfully detailed in your tutorial. Thanks! I was also amazed at how neatly you tied the ends until I realized it was the cut file. So many wonderful details!

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  78. I love BG stamps - have a slew from CHF, but I like that yours are even a stitch bigger. You do think of everything don't you. Thanks for the tip about the brayer. Makes sense. BTW - the pattern is gorgeous.

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  79. Oh!! Your background stamps are fabulous! And so is your Christmas cracker - what a cute project!

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  80. I LOVE the new backgrounder stamps! I never get the strip stamps lined up perfectly, which does not prevent me from using them but always niggles when I look at the results. Yonder Star background is my fave, it looks quilty and I think I could get a good bit of use out of it year-round!

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  81. I'm a big fan of the strips... but because these are "Claire approved", I will give them a go. Everything is beautiful as always... off to order a brayer. ;)

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  82. Oh WOW ... Gorgeous project!!
    And what an amazing stamp... I think its going to be a firm favourite, although named Vintage christmas background it could so easily be used for other projects throughout the year.
    And I think I shall have to buy a brayer, great tip!

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  83. Claire, I think that's a wonderful idea to make such large background stamps. I prefer stamped backgrounds to design paper and with large backgrounds covering a whole card that would be very easy.
    All three backgrounds are great, my favourites are the Vintage Christmas Background and the Cabin Plaid Background.

    And your Christmas Cracker just looks great!

    Kind regards
    Carola

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  84. The release looks amazing, as usual!

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  85. I am still squeezing that my fave motif from Very Vintage Christmas has been made into a background stamp. So glad you listen to your customers! Love it in this project.

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  86. I like using large background stamps, and use them in many ways. Haven't tried the brayer technique, maybe one of those will show up in my stocking this year. Usually just use my Sizzix clear plate as a block and stamp as usual, except standing up and paying lots of attention to the middle area, of course with a layer of foam underneath. Thanks for the chance to win release goodies!

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  87. Love your WMS background stamp. It's hard to run to the store everytime you want to match the background to your foreground papers and it's expensive to buy designer papers every time so this covers the entire area so nicely. Can't wait to give it a try!

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  88. Thank you so very much for a great way to stamp with the background stamp. I have small hands and sometimes handling a large background stamp gets awkward. Nice work! Patsy

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  89. Oh my goodness! I love the technique and the cracker. I have a Christmas party every year and I like to have something to give people to take home. I love this idea and think that I will buy the stamps to make them that will mean about 20 to 25. I have wanted to order stamps before but I live in the US in Maine and have not been able to spend enough to meet the free shipping to the US. Maybe I won't be able to resist any longer. I love the brayering and the sheet of paper over the top so as not to ink my fingers, brilliant. I never read all the information from a blog or company but couldn't resist reading yours and it was enjoyable with my morning cup of coffee. Again thank you for helpful techniques and a great read. Tricia

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