Thursday, January 10, 2019

SSS You Are Loved Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am happy to take part in the Simon Says Stamp blog hop to celebrate the release of the You Are Loved collection. This is the last stop on the hop, and you should have arrived here from the wonderful Barb Engler.

The You Are Loved collection contains a wide range of new dies, stamps, stencils, watercolor cards and sequins. You can see the whole collection here.


There is also a free gift for you. If you use the code LVE584, when you make an order, you will get a  a free Tim Holtz Festive Berries Distress Oxide Ink Pad (while supplies last!) with any purchase. The code will expire Sunday, 1/13 at 11:59 pm EST.

I made a wall-hanging and a card, both with step photos. As usual, you can use the techniques on almost any type of project. Let's start.

 Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.


I really like the Windows to my Heart die and thought it would look good as a background. The wall-hanging is about 6 x 6 in and I used mat board as my base. I found a sweet photo of my mother and grandmother, which fit well on the project. For a different look, use other colors.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. With Simon Says Stamp You Are Loved Collection.

This is the die and the stencil set that I used: Windows to my Heart and Heart Layers.

Layers of ink - Simon Says Stamp You are Loved Collection.

And these are the three stamp sets: Ornate Love, Love Messages and Bone-a-Fide Birthday.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Die cut the heart windows.

I wanted nine heart windows on my panel, but the die only has six. To get three more, I marked the center of the die and placed the second cutting pad just inside that mark. My hearts aren't lined up perfectly, but it didn't matter.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Coat the watercolor paper with gesso, to prepare it for the next step.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Apply paint to the paper.

Paint watered down Distress Paints on the panel and mist with more water.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Stencil hearts, with SSS Heart Layers.

When dry, stencil the smallest hearts from the Heart Layers set with Peacock Feathers paint.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The background Sizzix mat board was also coated with gesso, and then painted brown. When dry, I adhered old book paper to it and added a layer of matte medium on top too.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

White wash with Picket Fence paint, to tone down the text a little.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Apply Crackle Paint.

Glue the heart window panel to the background with matte medium. When dry, apply Rock Candy Distress Crackle paint, using a palette knife. Press with the knife, so that you get a thicker layer of paint in the windows, and a very thin layer on the rest of the panel. Don't worry about perfection here. Cracks appear as the paste dries. The thicker the layer, the larger the cracks.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Water down brown paint and apply to the cracks. Wipe off the excess with a cloth. If you want a less grungy look, use a different color paint for the cracks. White looks wonderful too.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Crackled heart windows.

Here's a look at the finished hearts. They look almost like crackled glass, and the words show through in fragments.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Crackle paste background.

You can use a brown Distress Crayon where the cracks are smaller, apply it with your finger, and again wipe of the excess. The crayon can be used for the larger cracks too, but I thought that the paint gave a better result there, and it is quicker. These fine cracks give a very cool texture.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Rock Candy hearts.

Three gumdrop hearts were colored with alcohol ink and I also used some Clippings Stickers. Apart from that, I didn't add many embellishments, since I wanted the window hearts to show. For a different idea with the Windows to my Heart die, creating dimensional hearts, check out my Celebrate 2019 layout from earlier this week.

Layers of ink - Mixed Media Heart Windows Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. With SSS Ornate Love.

Stamp LOVE from the Ornate Love set with brown Archival Ink and ink with Distress Ink. Cut out and glue to the panel.
 Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. With Simon Says Stamp Bone-a-fide set.

The card has a completely different look from the panel, and I thought Leo might get this card on his birthday. The dog in the birthday cake from Bone-a-Fide Birthday is such a fun and cute image, and it is fun to color too. I watercolored the image loosely with Distress Ink.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Paint with Distress Ink.

Stamp on watercolor paper with Archival Ink. Smear Distress Inks on a craft sheet, mist with water and pick up with a paint brush. Color the image loosely, leaving some of the white of the paper showing.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

For some bling, apply Glossy Accents to the candles and Crystal Stickles to the icing.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Here's a closer look at the happy dog.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I distressed the edges, and used vellum and another piece of watercolor paper as a matte.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The background is a dry embossed panel, made with the Sizzix 3-D Confetti Hearts folder (you can find a tutorial for it here).

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I used a wire to attach the balloon to the background, giving it some dimension too.

Layers of ink - Birthday Cake Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The Crystal Stickles have different shades of colors in it and looks different depending on how the light falls on it, something that will be fascinating for a child.

There are of course prizes to be won and at each stop on the hop SSS is giving away a $25 coupon, randomly drawn from those who leave a comment. The winners will be posted post on the Simon Says Stamp store blog on Wednesday, the 16th of January.

Here are all the stops along the hop:

Anna-Karin Evaldsson (you are here)

For more You Are Loved inspiration, remember to check out the You Are Loved gallery at SSS, and if you make something with products from the range, it is fun if you post it in in the gallery too. There are galleries for all releases, and for the card kits, full of inspiration. There is also going to be a second blog hop tomorrow, so don't miss that.

Thank you so much for visiting today and I hope you will have a lovely weekend!

Happy crafting!

Anna-Karin

Supplies:

* Please note: the links are affiliate links, for which I receive a small percentage of sales generated by the link, at no extra cost to you.



130 comments:

  1. Such amazing projects! Impressed as always! Hugs!

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  2. You are so incredibly talented; I love what you create.

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  3. SQUEAL!! LOVE these!! Just BEAUTIFUL!! THANKS for sharing all of the AMAZING Inspiration and for the chance to WIN!! Have a FABULOUS Week!!

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  4. That little puppy dog card... so so cute!!! Your coloring is so beautiful, too! Very detailed and I love your vibrant colors. TFS! :)

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  5. what a fabulous selection of projects you have created with these amazing products. thanks so much for sharing

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  6. Amazing tutorial! Thank you for sharing your creative process. I just love that little puppy dog card. Cheers.

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  7. Thanks for sharing your awesome creativity - you make this process seem so easy and doable - thanks got the inspiration:)

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  8. Such a cute puppy card!! Wonderful creations!! Thank you for sharing!!

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  9. Awesome unique creations!! Thank you for your inspirations :)

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  10. Incredible mixed media creations! So inspired!

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  11. Great creation, thanks for the tutorial, love the new release.

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  12. Your projects are so inspiring. Great work!

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  13. That wall hanging is spectacular, it's so sweet! I love the crackle! Your card is adorable too. TFS!

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  14. I love that you did the wall hanging AND a card! That wall hanging is very inspiring and makes me want to try one! Thanks for the inspiration! kReN@afourthlife

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  15. WOW! Stunning projects! Love how you made 9 hearts on your layout and also love the scripty BG showing through them, as well as the crackling. And the puppy card is so fabulous; love all those yummy, distressed layers.

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  16. Adorable puppy card - I can just imagine how happy mine would have been with either a bone or a cake - let alone both! I love that mixed media piece - the colours are great and love the crackled hearts!

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  17. Beautiful! I love your colors and coloring!

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  18. WOW! The wall hanging is great. You might start a new trend with stamp and die sets.

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  19. Beautiful projects. I especially love the tribute to your Mother and Grandmother.

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  20. Wowza, awesome! Two awesome projects, but that mixed media one is fab! Love all the details, the colours you chose, and the cracking effect definitely adds to the whole look! LOVE IT!

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  21. So cute and such a different take on the products than from others on the hop!

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  22. I am not comfortable with multi-media, but your tutorial is so helpful. Thank you. Somehow, all the different parts come together very well. Something new for something old!! Love it!

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  23. I really like the way you used the crackle, it looks great!

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  24. what great ideas! thanks for the inspiration!!

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  25. Wow this is a very versatile release beautiful job !

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  26. Absolutely love how you took the cursor puppy and made him your own style. Fabulous!

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  27. Your wall hanging is stunning! It has a old tapestry look to it. Just beautiful.

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  28. Ok, I'm not gonna lie...your's are my favorite! The wall hanging is similar to my style and the tatter look on the birthday card. WoW, is all I can say.

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  29. The antique look is awesome! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  30. Love all the work that went into your wall hanging! Btw, Lisa Adessa taught me a trick to repeating a die cut pattern. You can shift the die over after the first cut so part of it insets into the part you already cut and the rest will die cut the remaining cardstock. Does that make sense? It keeps the pattern even and saves you from having to do any math or guessing!

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  31. This is really unique! I love your pretty vintage look, and the color palette is so textured and cool. Very beautiful design!

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  32. Beautiful projects! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. WOW! Great techniques, texture, patterns and colors!

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  34. Love the details you show of your process AND of the actual projects. It makes it all come alive and is very inspiring and is so clear to see how to do it. Beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  35. I absolutely adore your wall hanging and your card!!! They ARE BOTH SO BEAUTIFUL AND VERY STUNNING!!!

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  36. love the distress-- some of my favorite products. Gorgeous!

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  37. Oh my!!! Your cards are simply stunning!!! Amazing details and colouring!!!

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  38. OMG, you are a multi media artist!! Love your cards and wall hanging. I can see creating a tic-tac-toe board with the hearts now that you've created 3 x 3 hearts! Thank you.

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  39. Wow....YOU were one very busy crafter.....gorgeous work!!! Thank you for all of the great artwork....

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  40. I LOVE how you transform the projects into a vintage look. I’m in love with your creativity on these products!

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  41. I love your first card! I am a big fan of the distressed look!

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  42. WOW ! Your layout is magnificent, adore your photo. Love all your details on this post, thank you for inspiring me.

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  43. You are a fantastic artist! I love the antique look of the heart card or is it an art piece to be treasured by the recipient. The dog cards is just so,so cute, you want to pick him up and squeeze him before feasting on the cake. Beautufil work!

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  44. Awesome projects and thanks for sharing.

    Linda D.

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  45. I am in awe by your creations! I'm not usually a big mixed media person, but I was quite inspired by your projects!

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  46. Beautiful cards and absolutely love how unique they are!

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  47. Stunning mixed media projekt! Very unique. Thanks for sharing your inspiration with us.

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  48. Some great idea's. Love the distress and zentangle work.

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  49. A BEAUTIFUL & ARTSY Wall Hanging! I ALSO LOVE your Birthday Card! SUCH AN ADORABLE IMAGE!!!! ;) A WONDERFUL JOB on your creations, Anna-Karin!!!! ;)

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  50. Love your wall hanging, so many layers and details! The little doggie is so cute.

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  51. The Record of my past is an amazing card. I absolutely love that card.

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  52. Anna-Karin, Your creations, with this fabulous Simon release, are incredible.

    I love all of your layouts, together with your eye-catching color combinations! Thanks for sharing these inspiring projects.

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  53. Love the wall hanging with the picture of your Mom and Grandmother. It's a wonderful piece and perfectly highlights the picture. The little birthday dog is sweet also. Thanks for sharing with us.

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  54. You are so talented! Love the cards and wall hanging.

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  56. Lovely wall hanging and fun birthday card. I enjoyed checking out your process for your page.

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  57. WOW that wall hanging is just divine - you are seriously talented!! Thank you for the step by step pics!

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  58. Great products AND projects Anna-Karin, thanks as always for the great process tutorial.

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  59. That wall hanger...WOW. So much talent!! I literally don't even have words. Thanks for sharing your creations!

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  60. WOW ... your work never disappoints ! Absolutely love the colors for your wall hanging and the techniques OMG AWESOME ... that crackle effect... just amazing ! Love the Boneafide card too ... so adorable !

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  61. Great projects. The wall hanging is so beautiful. Love the vintage grunge style that is has. The card is so sweet. Such a precious little guy. Thank you so much for sharing your art.

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  62. Thanks for the inspiration--the wall hanging is gorgeous.

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  63. The patina look to your cards and the way you make it look aged liked crack paint. Nice job. So inspirational! Thank you for the chance to win a giveaway. Happy Valentine's Day to You! You are Loved!

    Karen Berry

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  64. Love that vintage looking card! How cool and I know you put a lot of work into it. It turned out gorgeous!

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  65. So fun! The puppy card with the stickles is perfect for a kid!

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  66. Oh My oh My - the Vintage Card- the fringe, the details.. You go Girl!
    Nailed it.. Happy Creative New Year!!!

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  67. Gorgeous! You are very creative. Love your work!

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  68. Cute and creative. I like the details in the photos.

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  69. I love your amazing mixed media cards. It is something I want to try more of this year, so thank you so much for inspiring me.

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  70. WOW so creative, love the mixed media!!

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  71. Oh my goodness!!! Absolutely love your wall hanging.

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  72. The card is adorable!! I love that you put the balloon on a wire.

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  73. Wow! Amazing projects! Glad to have discovered your blog on this hop!

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  74. Your projects left me with endless ideas popping in my head. thanks B)

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  75. Thanks for sharing your beautiful projects... its of great ideas!!

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  76. OH MY GOODNESS!! Fabulous, amazing and unique projects. Thanks for the brilliant ideas.

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  77. I love the Mixed Media take on these supplies. Thanks for sharing.

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  78. Such wonderful creations! Love the wall hanging.

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  79. I love the wall hanging and the way you were able to give it an antique look. Very pretty!

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  80. Wow,,, that is some super crafting,,, thank you so very much for sharing :)

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  81. Your wall hanging is amazing! I love the pretty design of the ornate love set! and your card is so cute!

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  82. Wow!!! Gorgeous wall hanging!!! Love all the crackle and spray!!! Your card is Adorable!!

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  83. Wonderful art projects! Love the wall hanging.
    Thanks for sharing...

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  84. Beautiful projects! Love the colors and textures!

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  85. That wall hanging is gorgeous! It would be a beautiful gift. Love the birthday card with all the fun texture and dimension. Such a cute stamp set!

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  86. You get so many layers and textures in your pieces, it amazes me. There's always something new and interesting to look at. And that rock candy crackle paste is so cool. Thanks for sharing with us!

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  87. Gorgeous inspirations! Very creative!!

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  88. Wow, awesome projects! Such great techniques!

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  89. Wow!! What a great project you made, awesome and your card is simply lovely. thank you do much for these great inspriation Anna-Karin and have a wonderful weekend.

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  90. Very beautiful and inspiring projects. I really love the crackled heart background on the wall hanging.

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  91. Great creations!! Love the birthday card...so cute!!

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  92. The hanging is elegant and
    vintage. Beautiful.
    Love the little puppy popping
    out of the cake. fun card.
    thanks for sharing
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  93. Fabulous wall hanging and cute card.

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  94. I love all the cracked goodness you created! Awesome!

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  95. Wow! You are so talented! Loved your use of the crackle.

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  96. Awesome You Are Loved release! AWESOME creations! I especially love your 9 hearts wall hanging!

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  97. Love all the cards. Great job.

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  98. There were a lot of techniques packed into that post! wow!!!!!

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  99. Your wall hanging is beautiful and gorgeous! Love all the elements and the colors that you used! Your card is cute as can be!

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  100. Love the look of the mixed media item. Loved the way you incorporated so many different sets in this release. Thanks for your time.

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  101. Wow...cool cards and techniques.

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  102. Your wall hanging is stunning and your card is so cute. Beautiful work!!

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  103. This release is just wonderful and I love seeing different ideas brought to life from the same products.

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  104. What a cool wall-hanging, and the birthday card is so fun! I love the dimension added with the balloon. :)

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  105. My jaw just dropped when I saw the wall hanging you created with this release! Im in love with everything about it, so mugh great texture. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  106. I loved seeing all the different pictures as the card progressed. So many amazing details.

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  107. Beautiful, unique projects. Love them all.

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  108. So many gorgeous projects you've done with this new release. Thanks for sharing.

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  109. The Window Hearts Die is one of my favorite parts of the release, and the stamp sets you chose are really terrific. SSS has offered us a great collection of things to celebrate love, and I have really enjoyed this fun hop so I can see great ways to use them all.

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  110. Your wall hanging is AWESOME. I enjoy doing mixed media projects so this really appeals to me, I love it! Your card is adorable, I love all the sparkle and shine. Thanks for sharing both projects and for the amazing inspiration. (mardy14@bellsouth.net)

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  111. Beautiful job on your projects. I really like the vintage look you achieved with your layout.

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  112. That dog is dog gone cute lol! I love the wall hanging. It has a vintage feel that I really like. Thanks for all the details.

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  113. I love your wall hanging. It's so amazingly creative. I love the vintage feel.

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  114. Your work is amazing! LOVE everything about it! Can't wait to go shopping for these cool new products by Simon Says Stamp!

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment! Happy Crafting!