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Friday 1 April 2011

...SOAP...


Ladies and Gentlemen, may I welcome you to our very first SOAP event!!!! Hurrah!

You might be aware that recently we changed our schedule to move away from a monthly release of new stamps to a more leisurely bi-monthly release plan. This means that we will be releasing new stamps every other month and in between we have SOAP!!

SOAP is our new Stamp of Approval Parade - and it's what we will be doing in the 'in between' months. It's our chance to have another peep at what we just released this past month - and it's your chance to find new ideas and inspiration for things to do with your newest goodies, which, hopefully you now have at your fingertips.

We appreciate that many folks have only just received their new goodies right about the time when we are usually beginning to show what's coming out for the next release and we thought that it would be a good idea to slow things down a little so that we can all have time to appreciate our latest stamps and keep that lovely 'new goodies' feeling for a little while longer.

We aim to produce around the same amount of sets per year, but we think that spreading them out in this way will help us to get more out of our investments. We're hoping that you will be able to find inspiration that you can actually play along with, and to that end, we have a little competition coming up at the conclusion of our SOAP event - here's what the schedule looks like:

April SOAP event - 4 days

April 1-3 

• samples showcasing our March release. Begin here at the WMS blog and you can follow the links to see who else is parading!

April 4 

•  Final day of samples
•  Exciting announcement that you will not want to miss!!!
• You are invited to play along in our CASE competition - details on the day.

Sound ok so far? Good!


Now, leave a comment on this post telling me what you really think of this plan - we can handle it! Don't hold back!!! - I will draw one random comment to win a large set of stamps of your choice! I will make the draw on Monday evening.


Here's who is parading alongside me today:




    • Laurie Schmidlin
    • Lynn Mercurio
    • Mona Pendleton
    • Sandie Dunne
    • Sarah Martina Parker
    •  
    • And here is my project for today, I made a little pennant (- well, not so little actually,). It's big enough to pop up on the wall alone as a decor item. I didn't get a chance to use the banners during the release, I was knee deep in cowboy land back in March and so here is something I wanted to try.

      I love the clear embossing powders used over coloured inks - see the sheen on the little banner stamps.



      I started with one of the medium sized banner stamp designs from the Vintage banners set we just released. In the pic below - the mini pennant on the right was stamped in red ink and trimmed with a Spellbinders Nested Pennant die template from this set. The one on the left was stamped first in red ink and then I stamped another in blue. I trimmed both with the die template and then I used a craft knife to trim the top section off the blue one, following the line of the design. I adhered it over the red one to get a two colour pennant. I found this easy and so I made a little batch of them.

    •  
    • I laid them out in a pleasing arrangement and began to stitch them together, which was super easy because they are such simple shapes.


    • Once they were stitched together I trimmed a backing mat out of blue cardstock. I used one of those edge punches to give a fancy edge.


      I made a little sentiment panel using a lovely  new Spellbinders fancy tag die. I paired it with two semi circular banner designs from the Mini Banners set - these are super easy to trim out with a 2" circle die or punch.

      •   
      • Did you like my flower? - I am ever so slightly botanically challenged - I normally don't make or use flowers much, but I really wanted one for this pennant.
      • I laid out my Spellbinders Blossom dies on the base plate of the Grand Calibur and cut all my petals in one go. I love that the base plate actually says 'base plate' as I am really good at getting the plates mixed up normally.
      •  
      •  I stamped the blossoms with a text stamp from the Text it set and then set to work with a little smooth headed tool - massaging the petals on a piece of foam until they started to curl up and take on some dimension.


      • Thought you might like to see my stamping foam - someone noticed it in a previous post and I thought you might like to see it all - my itty bitty girl illustrated it for me so's I could see us all in the middle of the night while I'm working  and they are sleeping!!!! lol!

        I use the stamping foam for every project I make, I stamp nothing, not even a tiny sentiment without a little foam under the cardstock - the difference it makes is very noticeable and I swear by it!!



        Hope it tickles!! Don't forget to call back and tell me what you think!!!

      139 comments:

      1. Aaah, and I thought you were going to be on Eastenders!! It sounds like a really really fab idea, and we get to see your creative streak that inspired the stamps in the first place! I love the gigantic banner you made, it looks great stitched together. xxx

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      2. I think it's a great idea, Claire! I especially like that it will keep new stamps feeling new longer.

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      3. Lovely banner! You disguised your being botanically challenged very well! Great idea to slow thongs down - the world is all rush rush rush so to have a slower pace is refreshing!

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      4. WOW Claire! Your creativity and 'thinkin outside the box' just blows me away! But then you do have the sneaky advantage of playing with your own designs - probably in your head long before they make it to paper I'm sure LOL! I love the idea since getting new stamps is sooooo inspiring and everyone thinks so differently. Besides I'm still playing with March too. Hugs

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      5. This sounds like a great idea. It can be quite overwhelming being shown new stuff every month and not getting to enjoy what you have. I do look forward to your new releases but am looking forward to seeing how people are using their sets. Thanks!

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      6. I'd love to see new WMS creations every day (-: but I actually think this is a very sound idea - giving us "ordinary" people more time to USE our beautiful stamps in between beeing tempted by your fantastic team to BUY your newest ones!

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      7. Claire, I love this idea! And the name as well, though I wouldn't have figured out the meaning myself, ha ha! With the times of delivery for the new stamps, you hardly have time to play with them as much as they deserve, before the new ones come out, and this way you are able to make creations, then find new inspiration with all you girls, and then make your own new and inspired-by creations. I love it! Will be hopping around the blogs with a lot of pleasure!! Thanks all!
        Hugs, Wendy

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      8. I think it's a better idea to slow things down. you can't always afford them all every month and I want them all, so you could buy half one month and the other half the month after, and I also think that for people overseas, where the stamps might take a while to get there you haven't moved on the next new set.

        Love the banners, I bought this set, thanks for the inspiration.

        Hugs Carol xx

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      9. Great inspiration Claire. Love your project! - I love the idea to get more inspiration from all of you and looking very much forward to it!

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      10. That's such a fabby idea :D I can't wait to see all the inspiration from you clever ladees xox

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      11. Hey, this isn't April Fool, is it? I think it's a WONDERFUL idea! Anything that gets us another look at inspiration pieces from you and the DT has got to be all good!

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      12. AMAZING Claire. Love the way you combined the pennants to make one ginormous one...how very clever!

        I just adore your family portrait too. That is precious.

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      13. Great idea Claire, to have the chance to really make those stamp sets earn their keep. You need play time as well and I love the banner you have come up with.

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      14. I'm liking SOAP VERY much! I have to make mothers day cards tonight, but all this inspiration is going to temp me back to the wild wild west!!! A touch of genius from you (but then that's nothing new!!!) x

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      15. I think it's a marvelous idea because sometimes I order some stamps and before I get to ink them up the next release is upon me. I don't get to enjoy my stamps as much as I would like, so this gives me the opportunity to do so. It also gives me the chance to be even more inspired by the treasures that you post, Claire.

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      16. This is a fabulous idea! I can barely keep up with things, so I love that I have two months to look and be inspired.

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      17. I luv the creations...wow...that is an amazing pennant...SOAP is a fabulous idea...run with it....have a super weekend!

        enjoy *~*

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      18. This is a great idea, i love new releases to, but it can be overwhelming. I always love to see what others do with their stamps and get really inspired to stamp myself.

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      19. I'l miss that excitement of having new releases every month though...but the SOAP idea is great!!
        Love your banner Claire : )

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      20. Great Claire! I like your idea!

        Beautiful Banner, it is a brilliant idea to put it together the way you did!

        Hugs
        Majo

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      21. I know exactly how you feel. I often don't get around to my new stamps until the next release and then all I want to use are the new release ones! Great idea! Thanks! Peg

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      22. I'm still new to WMS (only own 4 sets so far) but I like the idea of bi-monthly releases and more time to play with the new stamps. :) I have a day job so there's only so much time I can devote to crafting, much as I'd like to play in my craft room all day, every day.

        Love your project. I'm a great fan of clear embossing powder on coloured ink, too!

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      23. This is the best idea I have seen for a long time. You are right that we get our stamps out of the package and before we get to use them it is time for another release. I applaud your slower pace and am looking forward to seeing more creativity. Thank you.

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      24. Great idea! New inspiration from the lovely design team is always welcome.

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      25. This seems like a really good idea! I looove the stitched together pennant! What a great idea!

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      26. Shelley Williams1 April 2011 at 13:06

        I love this idea. I always feel so rushed to use new stamps. Now I can relax and get creative without feeling pressure to purchase new, when I have not used the old. Thanks for this great idea! I love all your stamps!

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      27. I love your mat! That flower is pretty special too.

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      28. Love this giant banner Claire - the colors you used are wonderful. Great colors on your pretty flower - and the stars look great along the edge of the tag with your sentiment! Wonderful project today! Can't wait to see what all the DT has to show us!

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      29. Brilliant plan! I love to see all the samples and get new ideas - the more the merrier! And you have such a wonderfully creative team.

        Your pennant is gorgeous, Claire! The flower is fab!

        Lynne x

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      30. I think it's a marvelous plan! Even though I haven't been able to get any WM stamps lately, I love looking at what everyone does and this will give us even more goodies to peruse!

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      31. This sounds like a great idea to me. We are all a bit stressed with increases in higher costs for everything so this is a more workable situation. Thanks for thinking of this idea.

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      32. What a great idea "SOAP" who could argue with more great inspiration!! I love the pennant you created. Thanks Claire

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      33. As someone who just received her stamps yesterday!,( long sad story that you know all too well) I thoroughly approve of this idea. It makes me feel I'm not so far behind everyone else. And I love to see what all you crazy gals come up with. I'm looking forward to the next few days for true inspiration.

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      34. This is one of the best ideas..life goes so fast and stamp releases too..its so much fun to play and explore a stamp set you have ..much better than buying new ones all the time...and most people(me too) are not able to buy each month and all they like.
        Allways love to see and get new inspiration/ideas.
        Love your pennant Claire and thanks for all you do!

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      35. Claire, your banner is adorable, and your stamps and projects so inspirational. Bringing out new stamp sets less often gives everyone have more time to create which is a good thing:) Seems we all have far too much to do these days.

        The family portrait is darling. Best wishes to all of you!

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      36. Claire you are truly amazing, lo the SOAP idea an I have to be honest I am still trying ti find time touse all of yourwonerful stamps so I love the idea,

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      37. I want anything that allows you to give us more ideas like this large banner...gosh that's a great idea, Claire, I wondered how big it was and how you'd got the fancy edge before I read on to hear how...super job!!

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      38. I was disappointed with the announcement at first but then I realized this is the reason I love WMS! I have sets that have not seen ink because I was so excited for the next release and moved onto something new. Now although the wait seems so long - I cannot wait to see all the new goodies you and the DT ladies have come up with to get our creative juices flowing. Hats off to you Clare - your stamp designs and dedication to your customers is what makes WMS a winner in my book!

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      39. Love the new idea! I'm a full-time working girl so the extra time between sets is fantastic! Now I can take my time looking over the new stamp sets before another one descends from above ;)

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      40. LOL... I see I'm not the only one considering it to be April Fool's!

        Nice banner! Like the example of the foam.. will have to try that! Thanks.

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      41. Claire....I soo appreciate your bi-monthly stamp release for those of us that don't get a chance to use the products from the previous release. This is a fabulous idea and one that "other" companies should try too!

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      42. I love the idea of the new releases going bi-monthy. Bring on the samples! I love to see everyone's projects with the new stamps. Thanks for going into the details of your great pennant.
        Donna S.

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      43. Love the SOAP idea! I really appreciate the concept of a re-visit to our images that all-too-often get set aside in order to move on to the next challenge. Love your pennant, too. VERY classy!

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      44. I love love love this new way of doing things. I'm one who likes to see lots of ideas for my stamp sets. Besides, who really can afford to buy every month from so many different companies? I'm all for slowing things down! Your pennant project is fantastic! I love how you combined the images to make one big pennant.

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      45. Your Newsletter is great and your idea of every other month sounds like a good idea. I still have some of your stamps I haven't gotten to try yet! I love your cards and your banner is such a creative idea I love it! Jan :)

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      47. Very sneaky! I envision an early summer day, the grass is green and the sun is shining.. colorful pennants are hanging for a little boy's birthday party.. these mondo-sized ones would be fantastic flapping in the breeze!

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      48. WOW!!!!! Your banner is absolutely fabulous! I can't tell you how much I love it!!!!

        I love, love, love your bi-monthly release schedule. And I think it's great to highlight the newbies to give more time to play. Sorry, no criticism. I don't see any need to do anything differently.

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      49. Gorgeous pennant and love the step by step.

        Terrific idea I think - love seeing all your fantastic stamps and what you can do with them all. There are always too many new releases everywhere and so its a great idea to be able to play for longer before a new bunch of goodies is on offer.

        Great makes by everyone ! Well done WMS !!!

        Jo xxx

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      50. Claire I think the SoAP idea is a good one. Everyone loves to see ideas for using their stamps and it will help to have some breathing space in between releases.

        Janette P
        platts2011@hotmail.com

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      51. Love your banner Claire and especially the colors on it. But most of all, how you've change to releasing only every other month. Great plan and I wish more companies would do this!!

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      52. (Uh oh, 13th comment - that can't be good luck, LOL!) I think ANYTHING involving Waltzingmouse stamps sounds GREAT to me, I just wish I had been able to purchase some of these newly released sets so I could play along too. I look forward to seeing what everything has created for us. The WMS DT is uber talented!

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      53. Hi Claire, I'm not a stamper but having discovered your stamps I was hooked. I made a purchase a while back and am still only messing around with them. Your blog is great full of creativity and inspiration and I'll be logging on more often. Love your inspirational stamps. Slowing things down will allow 'slow mos' like me to learn and catch up. Many thanks for sharing your beautiful work. Mary xx

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      54. Love it. Love the name. Love you stamps, and am glad to see you stamping more. You're one talented artist.

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      55. I love it. I laverne the name. I'm glad to see you stamp more, you are one talented artist.

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      56. This is such a smart idea! Having a second month to show off more projects for the just released stamps! Love it!
        And your pennant is gorgeous!
        Thank you so much for sharing all of your creativity. And your budding artist's work on your craft foam too. I see it runs in the family :)

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      57. I absolutely love the idea of releasing every other month, and having SOAP in-between! In order for me to really get the most from the stamp sets I order, I don't allow myself to get caught up in the wonder and magic of a release. I have had to self-impose the rule that I can only order a set after it is out for at least 3 months and I absolutely love everything I see done with it. When it is on my wish list for that long, I know that I will get good use out of it. Your new schedule will certainly help me love these sets longer and see the many things that can be done with them! Which of course means that a quarterly WMS order will occur each year!

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      58. Fantastic pennant, Claire! What a great design idea, to combine four small ones to make one great big one. And I especially like the flower!

        I love the bimonthly schedule and the your SOAP idea. Excellent! To see more of your and the DT's creativity with the stamps is a big bonus. Score!!

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      59. Claire, I think your SOAP idea is brilliant as is your pennant! However, I have LOADS of older sets too and I want more inspiration for those as well as the latest release! THANKS!

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      60. Great blog today!! I can see my mornings filled with seeing the new ideas from you and the design team. The thought that YOU will be able to enjoy more time stamping can only help to inspire us as well as your creative juices. Now that there will be more time, do you see any video's coming our way. I would love to watch you create and hear your comments.

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      61. First of all, your projects are AMAZING!!! And I LOVE this idea of doing an every other month release, and showcasing the newly released items in between. Wish other companies would follow suit ;)

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      62. Great idea; I love seeing the samlples. Iris

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      63. I think it is a great idea! i hate that I have barely gotten my new stuff, and then MORE new stuff is out! Gives me more time to play with my new toys without getting distracted!

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      64. I like the idea of a bi-monthly release - with too much coming at me, I feel bombarded with too many choices. SOAP is good.

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      65. Gorgeous banner Claire and I love the idea...I did try to figure out that SOAP thing myself with no luck, but it makes perfect sense now!

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      66. This is a terrific idea! As you stated it gives people a chance to get used to and play with the stamps from the previous release and we can see the results.

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      67. Good idea Claire - gives people time to save up!

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      68. I think you should be given an award for being courageous enough to just plain slow things down in this crazy world we live in! As they say, take time to smell the roses! Go girl.

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      69. Beautiful project Claire! So creative! Love you big pennant and the 3D flower is gorgeous!

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      70. THANK YOU! How refreshing to actually get to USE what we buy before being hit with a new release! Sometimes it just gets to the point of overload.
        Love the kiddie art at the bottom of your post :)

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      71. Fab idea - I often unpack my goodies when they arrive and then can't remember the reason I wanted them.Inspiration is priceless as far as I'm concerned - just can't get enough of it!!!

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      72. I think this is a fab idea, giving us time to soak up all the wonderful inspiration from you and the talented DT team-I can't wait!
        Love Sarita xx

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      73. I like the bi-monthly idea, especially for us overseas customers as the mail takes longer to arrive. I love the banner set - dont have it - YET ! tfs.

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      74. I like your idea! I LOVE your stamps!

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      75. I am fairly new to your blog and stamps but I think it is a great idea to do the SoAP -- more chances to see the projects without feeling the need to buy the newest stamp release.

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      76. Great pendant!! I love that you are only releasing new stamps every other month!! New stuff seems to be new longer!!

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      77. I think it's a great idea ... and I am sooo glad that you thought of this because it's so true ... and it isn't always financially possible to buy each month so Well Done and Thank You Clare for being so very considerate ... Love your pennant too ...

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      78. Your banner is just beautiful, Claire! I love how you stitched the banners together to create a larger one and I love the colors and designs together!

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      79. Hi Claire, I think that's one of the customer-centric decision a business has ever made! And I appreciate it whole heartedly. I even started a thread at SCS to make people aware of how you seriously you took customer opinions. Thank you so much for doing this for us!

        This will definitely provide a breathing space and time to really enjoy and savor every release!

        I wish all stamp companies on a monthly release could be like you :)

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      80. I like the every-other-month release. Sometimes it's a little overwhelming (and expensive!) to have monthly releases. Your idea of showing off the stamps is great!

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      81. Love the idea Claire and your example made with the pennant stamp is fabulous. I also think your tip about the stamp foam is great and I really like your decorated foam - so cute.

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      82. I think it's a wonderful idea - more time to play with our stamps before we think of them as "old". I loved the story about the family sketch on your stamping foam! How sweet!

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      83. That's what more of us need...to
        s-l-o-w---d-o-w-n! I think it's great to have the bi-monthly releases as it gives us a few more paychecks to save from so we can buy more - right? Your banner is awesome!!! I LOVE your work It's FABULOUS! Thanks for giving us a chance to input on the releases. Loves & Hugs
        Your daughter's an artist in the making!!! Love those presents/surprises!

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      84. GREAT idea!!! I'm new to your stamps and fell in love with the last release and like the idea of having more inspiration from the DT!!

        Thanks!

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      85. SOAP is a great idea Claire! I would love to see what everyone is working on with their new stamps. Your pennant is giving me some great ideas for patriotic and 4th of July (US Independence Day) projecs. I didn't purchase this set yet, wasn't sure of when I would ever use it - just seeing your one project - I haven't started blog hopping yet - has convinced me that I need this set.
        I love your stamping foam - your sweet girl did a Fantastic Job. It's always so much better to work when you are surrounded by the things you LOVE.

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      86. Now you see?!?! That's why I admire you so much. You're always thinkin' outta the box and coming up with creative and fabulous ideas. First of all, I LOVE the combo of pennants made into one major one. Your embellishing is super fabulous and really makes this baby pop!! LOVE your flower too. (I admit to being a flower-a-holic....grin) What a beauty Claire!!

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      87. sounds like a great idea to me, it is like giving us breathing room, more of a chance to use the product - the more inspiration the better!
        Sandra ltb

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      88. Great idea...can always use inspiratio! Like your banner...almost like quilting with triangles...LOL!
        Jan

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      89. That's such a fabby idea Claire!

        Allways love to see and get new inspiration/ideas.

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      90. I think this is a great idea - like a second bite at the cherry ! And who doesn't love a bit more inspiration !!

        YOU GO, GIRLS !!

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      91. SOAP is a terrific idea, Claire! We see things demonstrated that we love, but may not get the change to use until the next idea comes out and we need more stamps! Thanks for this idea. And, your project is wonderfully creative! TFS!

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      92. This is a wonderful plan; as I first began reading was a bit hesitant, as do love the monthly 'waltzes' but when I got to the part that said you plan to release about the same # of stamp sets overall ... I'm in! You and your design team always have such fabulous ideas for using everything and they truly are inspiring!

        Love how you combined the smaller pennants to make the big one, and the use of the Spellbinders tag sets as well! Awesome project Claire!

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      93. I think this sounds like a great idea for everyone. It will be great to see more ideas with the stamps and more of a chance for us to play with them before the next wonderful set comes along.

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      94. You said it perfectly - the new stuff will feel new longer! It's amazing how quick stuff feels like old new when we're onto the next! I'd love to see older stamps in the bi-monthly events too - always fun to go back and visit oldies. I ended up only buying older sets in March, so I don't even have the stuff you're showing off today! I love your big pennant though - again, BRILLIANT idea with the patchwork!! :)

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      95. This is a terrific idea! I look forward to getting lots of inspiration from you and your design team :o)

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      96. I think it's a great idea to have a month of inspiration after a release. It gives your designers more time to dazzle us with ideas and a chance for us to use the new stamps. Plus, it gives our pocketbooks a bit of a break, too! Great idea!

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      97. Great pennant! I really like how you've spaced out your releases, and just so we don't forget you are now offering up this fun hop!

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      98. Claire, this SOAP idea sounds like a lot of fun! I already voiced my wholehearted approval for your bi-monthly release schedule, and now having this little bit of fun during the in between is great! Looking forward to it (though I didn't get to get any of the stamps from this past month's release... :( I'll try and play along anyway! :)

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      99. Wow, that banner is simply amazing!! Love the shiny embossing on it.

        I think this is a brilliant idea - we need to USE our new stamps and goodies before being overwhelmed by even more new things. I am off to look at all the wonderful samples now and get some inspiration :)


        Penny

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      100. I thinks it a great idea! I love the big banner and how you stitched it together.

        Jill-3girlsnurse@att.net

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      101. Claire, I love the slower pace (especially since I just got my order from the last release today: it seems the post for us US west coasters must have gotten held up in customs this time!!! 30 days this time, and with my last order I only waited 11 days: I'll bet that is frustrating for you to hear, Claire, because I know you must work really hard to get the orders out quickly!)
        I really love the BIG banner: that is why you are the designer!! I would have never thought of making a bigger one with parts combined from the set. You did a lovely job ;_)
        And thanks for the shot of your "family foam". I was the one who noticed it last time, and I think your daughters' sentiment is lovely. How nice that she knows where Mommy is at night and wants to be with you even then. Kids are so precious, and it sounds like yours are sweet and fun little ones!!!

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      102. Claire, I think it's a superb idea. Sometimes things get overwhelming and it's nice to take crafting at a slightly slower pace and really enjoy each moment. I'm just off to look at all the samples and look forward to playing with my existing supplies a bit more this month :)

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      103. The SOAP idea is fabulous! Great banner and I am off to see what everyone else has made.

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      104. I think it is a really good idea. Too often I get new stuff because I am so excited about it, but then don't have time to really play with it before something else comes along. This way we can spend time enjoying the new things.

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      105. I am loving this new arrangement called SOAP. I feel like I can 'rest' a bit in-between the releases and enjoy the new stamp sets. Excellent banner! Now off to see what the others have done.

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      106. Fabulous idea!! I love your stamps and your creative use of them. Keep up the great work.

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      107. love the vintage feel of the banner and how you created it from four bannars. The idea is great behind why you are doing this and I can't wait to see what all I'll see along the waltz.

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      108. I love this idea! Looking forward to many more great projects you'll share with us! Love the banner!
        DeniseB

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      109. Such a great idea to show some more examples using the latest range of stamps........With your girls we're sure to be inspired all over again! Love the idea of stitching your banner's together.....makes for a very interesting project........ Looks like you have another budding artist in the family too!

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      110. I think having a "SOAP" every other month is a great idea (and that is such a cute name!). I like the way you have redone the release schedule and I look forward to seeing what tomorrow brings!

        Chris L.

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      111. I love, love your pennant! Very nice! I think it's a wonderful idea to release every-other-month, to slow down the pace and have more time inbetween releases to create with the goodies you just bought! SOAP sounds like a GOOD thing! :)

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      112. Cindy Holshouser2 April 2011 at 08:28

        I like the idea. We can never get too many ideas for ways to use the prevoiusly released sets. And it's something to see while waiting for the next release!

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      113. Such a great idea to do this. I love it when I am inspired to use an existing set in a new way and shall look forward to seeing what you all do. Love the pennant projects. Can you give us any tips on using a sewing machine on card as I always seem to get the tension wrong and it is so frustrating to mess up the card I've just worked hard on.
        Hugs
        Carol x

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      114. Just love those banners! It sounds like you have put a lot of thought into your new schedule and I think more time between releases is a great idea! laura j

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      115. Great wall decor Claire!! Very clever and I like the warm tones you've blended together here.

        I really, really like the idea of slowing down releases. I love WMS but it seems that just as I get my stamps down here you have all moved onto the next release and I feel like I have yesterday's hand-me-downs (albeit brand new) toys to play with. Another chance to see you and your amazingly creative DT play with them a wee bit further is fantastic.

        Perhaps you could also do a challenge in the "non-release" month where an older set gets another moment in the spotlight too. xx
        PS: love your foam pad. How sweet of your wee person to decorate it for you. xx

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      116. Wonderful idea! And of course, I love everything you make, these projects are so inspiring!

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      117. I think this is a fabulous idea Claire! I love seeing the creativity here!! Now that I've just gotten my Grand Calibur and a few die cuts I'm finding I need to save more spend less(if I wish to stay married-lol!) so it's thrilling to know I have some chances to win some of your exquisite stamps and see them used in all their glory!

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      118. It is a great idea. We don't want the new stamps to feel unloved too soon.

        craftymom205 at yahoo dot com

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      119. LOVE the new SB banners and your creations/stamps make them even more appealing! This is simply FABULOUS!
        LOVE your hand-decorated family remembrance foam -- what a clever little Miss you have!!! ;-)

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      120. Love the SOAP idea! Great to see even more inspiration from the latest stamp sets!

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      121. 2nd comment as i've now deleted my 1st...lol*sat here hanging head in shame that the fat plaid wasn't the last release, and there is already tutorials...lol *(I hadn't got round to looking at those yet)
        LOVE the idea of the SOAP! And love your BIG banner...def on me to do list :)
        Shaz x

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      122. Claire, I think your idea is genius. I tend to agree with you that us stampers want everything new that comes out, while we often forget/lay back what we just bought and don't use those stamp sets like we should. The playmates are great ways to see what the best can do with our stamps. Thanks for doing this.

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      123. The combo of pennants is brilliant! I really like the colours you used, too.

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      124. I love your bi-monthly release schedule. And the SOAP idea is wonderful!! I'm really looking forward to all the extra inspiration.

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      125. Love the idea, I'll take all the inspiration I can get :) Oh and the more inspired/more ideas I have for a a set the more likely I am to buy it (pocket money allowing!). Thank you

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      126. Watching and blog around to see the great cards!

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      127. Love your giant banner - go huge and make it count ;)
        Love the idea of SOAP for the in-between months. The DT are coming up with even more amazing ideas - love them ;)
        Thanks for the giveaway chance! Hugs, Ruth S

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      128. Hi there!

        I think it's a great idea - the more inspiration around how to use your fantastic stamps the better!

        Hugs

        Laura

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      129. What a great idea Claire! I'm loving SOAP so far!

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      130. when you first put forth the idea to slow down the pace of your release i was so very thankful... it gets very overwhelming when new items are released month after month. it gets hard to keep up and i think can take the fun out of creating. thanks for slowing down the pace and giving us more creative ideas!

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      131. What a good idea Clare! I'm looking forward to seeing what all the design team come up with.

        Lynn Wild

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      132. I think this is a great idea. Should be great to see even more things to do with your stamps. Love, love, love it!

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      133. While I feel a pang of wanting to see new WMS as often as possible, given I'm one of the US'rs who the USPS has let down, I haven't even gotten to play with my March goodies yet! It will be so nice to relish some of what we already have and live in wonderful anticipation of what is to come! And, that banner is to die for - love seeing your projects again, Claire!!

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      134. SOAP is a wonderful idea. Love your illustrated foam.. so fun!

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      135. I think SOAP is clever Claire! And I know whenever you release stamps, your fans will be ready and waiting to buy them, be it every month, every other month or every quarter! More than anything, like I said so many times, no one shows off your art better than you. It's your posts we all miss the most. So glad to see you creating again. The new space must be wonderful to work in!

        And I see your wee girl takes after her mum in the artistic department.

        Hugs!
        Lisa

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      136. I'm late getting to the SOAP parade - but I think it's a great idea - I love to see what people make with your stamps. And the latest stamps are super.

        Love your large pennant - great idea for a party!

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      137. I'm late late late coming around to SOAP it up. but i'm excited about the samples and the many inspirations from an A+ DT. And a CASE competition to win a stamp set? what a "horrible idea" Claire *wink wink* - count me in, it's always a fun to play along :) how can one not after all this eye candy?

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      138. Finally....got around to leaving a comment here for a chance at SOAP. Your banner is wonderful and now I see why you were looking so hard to find the lil brown man at your door. I like the edge you gave the pennant in the absence of your Lacey pennant die.

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