Saturday, October 10, 2020

Simon Says Stamp Make Merry Blog Hop

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am happy to take part in the blog hop for the Simon Says Stamp Make Merry release today. You should have come here from the very creative Keisha Charles.


The Make Merry release is a wonderful release full of autumn and winter/Christmas themed products, but many of them can be used at any time of the year. You can find the entire Make Merry release here. If you use the code FSTC25 you will get a  Stickles Festive Glitter Glue with your order. This promotion will expire on10/11 at 11:59 pm EDT.

I made a card and a sketchbook/notebook, both are tutorials. Let start!

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The card has a fun double embossing technique and is very inky with lots of texture. I love texture and for autumn themes it works particularly well. I used the beautiful Center Cut Fall Leaves background stamp. This is a large 6 x 6 in card.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Emboss the stamp.

Start by embossing the Center Cut Fall Leaves with Mixed Media Sea and Lime Powders. There is a heart which fit into the opening in the stamp, but I removed it first, since I wanted the heart to be open.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Stamp again, but off-set the stamp so that the impressions won't line up. You can use a stamping platform, but I just eye-balled it, using the heart in the center as a guide. My impressions could have been a little closer together, for more of a 3-D effect, but I liked this overlapping effect too. 


I did a video on this technique recently, but for a different card. I am adding it here if you want to have a look, since the technique is the same. It is only the background stamp and the ink colors that are different. Click here to watch it in HD


Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Ink with distress inks.

Smear Distress Inks on a non-stick craft sheet, mist with water and press the paper into the ink.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

When dry, add more ink in the same way, for a textured effect. This time, I also used two Distress Oxide Inks.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Splatter with white paint.

Splatter with a little White Gloss Spray. It will pick up some color from the ink and get shades of yellow and orange.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Die cut the title.

Die cut the Thankful For You from the Make Merry release from gold glitter paper and from two shades of orange/red.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Card sentiment. SSS Thankful for you.

Layer the sentiments together, placing the gold letters inside the orange/red die cut. I also added a gold piece in the background, which just shows a little bit.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Die cut the Leafy Branch from the Send Happiness release from the orange paper. 

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Here you can see the fun double embossing effect, if they are closer together, it creates more of a 3D shadow effect.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I also added some sequins to the card, using the Marvy Jewel Picker.

Layers of ink - Inky Heart Autumn Card Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

You can also leave the heart stamp inside the background stamp when stamping, for a different effect. But here I wanted the heart to stand out by being different from everything else.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

My second project is a sketchbook/notebook/journal. I love to make my own sketchbooks and they are also great gifts. I always carry a sketchbook when I am out in nature and by making my own, I can add my favorite paper inside, use different books for different themes or seasons and make them just the right size. You can easily turn this design into a card instead, if you would rather make a card.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Coat with gesso

For the base of the book, I used mat board, which is perfect for book covers and can handle paint and ink very well. Cut two covers. Mine are about 4.3x6 in. Coat with gesso and let dry.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I used the stunning and very versatile Geometric Arch stencil from the Make Merry release. Place the stencil over the cover and apply Texture Paste with a palette knife. Repeat for the back cover. Let dry. I cut off the part at the bottom after the paste was dry.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Stamp the leaves.

Stamp leaves from the pretty Autumn Leaves set on watercolor paper with Archival Jet Black ink.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Smear squares of Distress Ink on a non-stick craft sheet and mist with water. Don't add too much water.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson. Ink leaves with distress ink.

Cut the leaves apart roughly and press lightly into the puddles of ink. Use two or three ink colors on each leaf and you can also leave some of the white paper showing. This is a quick and easy way of getting a watercolor look on the leaves.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Let the leaves dry and cut them out. There are also coordinating dies to the Autumn Leaves set. I repeated the inking process with just a tiny bit of Distress Oxide ink. They give a nice chalky look combined with the Distress Ink. 

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Finally, I added a tiny bit of Gilded Avocado Opal Blaze Polish to the leaves, using my finger. You only need very little.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

When the paste is dry, paint the covers with Distress Paints. I watered the paints down a little.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I rounded the outside corners with a Corner Chomper. When dry, add some Clear Rock Candy Crackle Paint around the edges. You can also skip this step.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

When the crackle paint is dry, crackles will appear. Paint watery Carved Pumpkin paint over the crackle paint and mist heavily with water. Some of the paint will run into the grooves created by the stencil, as you can see here. This gives a great look as it dries. 

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Die cut Thankful For You from cardstock and a leftover inky paper. Cut off the 'for you' part.

Notebook inside pages - layers of ink

Cut papers for the inside just slightly smaller than the covers. Round the outer corners and punch holes with a Crop-A-Dile. Bind the books with Tim Holtz Mini Book Rings

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Assemble leaves under the title panel until you are happy with the look.  

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Here you can see the shimmery effect of the Opal Blaze Polish better. 

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I also used a Thought Token with some Dried Marigold paint rubbed into the word to make it stand out better. The sequins come from the Simon Says Stamp Smiles pack.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The crackle paint has a glossy finish, which contrasts nicely with the matte look of the texture paste. The paint sinks into the crackles, making them more visible.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

The leaves from the Autumn Leaves set are so pretty. They would also look great on their own on a card. I have a bunch of leftover to use for other projects.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

I left the back cover as it was, but you can add leaves there too if you want to.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.

Here is my sketchbook out in nature ready to be filled with ideas and thoughts. If you want more sketchbook / notebook inspiration, check out my post from yesterday where I made three vintage nature notebooks.

Layers of ink - Autumn Sketchbook / Notebook diy Tutorial by Anna-Karin Evaldsson.


Don't miss all the inspiration along the hop. There are of course prizes to be won too, 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 14th of October.

Your next stop on the hop is Bibi Cameron and she will show you wonderful card inspiration.

Here are all the stops along the hop:

Anna-Karin Evaldsson (you are here)


For more Make Merry inspiration, remember to check out the Make Merry gallery at SSS, and if you make something with products from the range, it is fun if you post it in the gallery too. There are galleries for all releases, and for the card kits, full of inspiration. Part one of the Make Merry blog hop was yesterday, so don't miss all the inspiration there.




Thank you so much for taking the time to visit my blog today!  

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.

119 comments:

  1. Wow beautiful Autumnal colours, I love your first Thankful card and the sketchbook is stunning!

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  2. Your mixed media is amazing! I LOVE the colors and the double embossing!

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  3. How creative! I like the mixed media and the first card with the double embossing. Something new to try! TFS

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  4. You really did an amazing job with the new products. So talented. I am loving the background stamps with the center cut out. They are all must haves.

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  5. Thank you so much for sharing these fab projects, I'm looking forward to the video for the double embossing!

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  6. So many cool looks. I am going to watch the video...Great colors!

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  7. INCREDIBLY AMAZING projects!! I am blown away by your creativity and such an inspiration!! WOW!

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  8. I feel like I've been touched with many rays of sunshine! Stunning colors and designs.

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  9. So beautiful! You have so much talent, thanks for sharing these projects!

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  10. The Mixed Media is so Beautiful! I love the stunning colors!! Absolutely Beautiful!
    Have a wonderful day,
    Migdalia Rodriguez
    Migdalia's Crafts

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  11. OMGOODNESS! Your work is truly beautiful! I felt like I was looking at pure sunshine! I applaud your creativity and enjoyed reading your steps. Thank you for sharing.

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  12. So much creativity in this blog post. The technique of double embossing is new to me and I'll have to give it a try.

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  13. Beautiful creations! Love the cover!

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  14. Love the journal! Would love to make one just like it.

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  15. Lovely and I particularly love the sketchbook!

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  16. Great color combos - love them all!

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  17. I love your journal cover. It is always fun to apply texture paste and play with paints

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  18. Wow, your projects are awesome!! Love that orange!!!

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  19. Beautiful projects. Thanks for sharing

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  20. Love those leaves! Awesome techniques!

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  21. What beautiful and inspiring projects. Thanks for all the great ideas.

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  22. Wow!!! Amazing cards!! I love the double stamped look!!!!

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  23. OMG the background is stunning - thanks for sharing

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  24. Very beautiful thank you for sharing your creativity and inspiration. I can't wait to try the double embossing.

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  25. I love the warm, fire filled colors of autumn and your cards capture that look so perfectly.

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  26. Very beautiful thank you for sharing your creativity and inspiration. I can't wait to try the double embossing.

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  27. Very beautiful thank you for sharing your creativity and inspiration. I can't wait to try the double embossing.

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  28. Your card and book cover are stunning! I love the colors and different techniques you used!!

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  29. You show cased these products in a new way.

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  30. WOW your project is gorgeous!!!!!

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  31. Oh my goodness - I love the double emboss technique. So gorgeous!

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  32. Amazing projects Anna-Karin... love the neat double embossing technique... those leaves are so pretty! Oh, that crackle background is amazing! I want to reach out and touch it! Thank you for the inspiration! Be safe and God bless!

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  33. These are just AWE-mazing and beautiful.

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  34. These are beautiful! going to try your double embossing technique. Thank you for sharing.

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  35. I’ve just made a page of notes with all of your techniques to return here and give them a try. So inspiring! And just gorgeous.

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  36. Love these. The colors ans texture are awesome

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  37. Beautiful projects! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  38. Love these vivid colors & mixed media journal! I’ve never done anything like these & look forward to experimenting! Thank you for the inspiration!

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  39. Love these vivid colors & mixed media journal! I’ve never done anything like these & look forward to experimenting! Thank you for the inspiration!

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  40. Beautiful cards, wonderful techniques. I really love the first one -- the Center Cut Fall Leaves background stamp is one of my favorites from this fantastic release and your background coloring is gorgeous.

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  41. Thanks for sharing your beautiful creations, Anna-Karin. Loved the colors you used.

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  42. Love the way you colored the leaves, they turned out so beautiful, thanks for sharing the technique. Your cards are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

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  43. Gorgeous, love the oranges and yellows!

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  44. Your cards are stunning! I really like the double embossing!

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  45. Those leaves are just beautiful. Cool technique!

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  46. Wow wow wow ! Those leaves 🍁 are so lovely.

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  47. I really like how you made the leaves for your second project. Very nice!!

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  48. Wow it is all so beautiful and appreciate the closeups to see the AMAZING Detail. Thankyou for some AMAZING Inspiration. xxxooo

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  49. Such beautiful projects, thank you for sharing!

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  50. Wow! Spectacular! That technique is so neat. I’m going to try it.

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  51. Love,love,love the touch of purple in your leaves. You have me inspired to make some fall cards.

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  52. Bright sunny cards that perked up my mood!

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  53. Such wonderful vibrant colors has a wonderful artsy look.
    Melissa
    "Sunshine HoneyBee"

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  54. Very cool and unique looks your projects have!
    I have never heard of double embossing so will have to check out your video to learn a fun new technique! Thanks for sharing!

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  55. really creative how you colored the leaves

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  56. Anna-Karin, this is my introduction to your creativity & I'm blown away by what you've done! I watched your video & bookmarked it so I can return. I also want to look back on your older posts when I have a bit more time. Thanks for sharing your uber talent!

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  57. The card and notebook/journal are stunning! Love the colors, and appreciate all the time you took to show us the step-by-step process you used.

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  58. I tried making leaves like that...didn’t turn out nearly as vibrant as yours! I will try again because yours are so pretty!

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  59. Dear Anna-Karin,
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful work with all of us. Thanks, too, for the video you shared. I love the double embossing technique! You are a treasure and I appreciate your samples very much.
    Blessings on you now and always!
    Lori S in PA

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  60. That double embossing looks amazing, and I am in love with your cover. That stencil is my favorite item from this release!

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  61. Fun fall colors! Beautiful! Thanks for sharing!

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  62. so pretty! love the double embossing technique!!

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  63. All of the yellows and oranges are just stunning. Definitely makes me think of fall

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  64. I love the double embossing technique! Thank you for sharing your cards.

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  65. Your card is lovely, but the sketchbook cover is to die for, Love it!

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  66. Love this release! A hit out of the ball park! Lovin your Projects too!

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  67. Love your double embossing technique! Thanks for creating and sharing such beautiful colors and creations!

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  68. Love the double embossing technique, thanks for sharing. Both your projects are gorgeous!

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  69. Just beautiful. I especially like the first card with the offset stamping and embossing in different colors! Thanks for inspiring!

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  70. Your cards are wonderful! I'm pretty sure your book is my favorite on the entire hop though. (I have a thing for books.OL)

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  71. I'm lovin' the oranges and yellows!

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  72. Those colors are so beautiful! I am not finished with fall yet and really enjoyed this beauty! I threw out a moved off set emboss just last week thinking it was an oopsie, but I see how it is really pretty when done. Dang it wasted that for nothing.

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  73. Gorgeous designs and colors on these beautiful creations! Love your card and sketchbook cover!

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  74. I love something about each of your cards! And those techniques too

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  75. Beautiful technique. I need to try it. I love the cut out stamps!

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  76. Beautiful! I love that double embossing technique!

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  77. Wow! What beautiful cards! I love all the texture and the gorgeous fall colors!

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  78. Beautiful cards! I love the double embossing and the way you colored the leaves.

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  79. Thanks for the inspiration with mediums I haven't used before. I want to try the double embossing.

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  80. Wow wow wow! So many wonderful ideas on your projects. Thanks for all the inspiration.

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  81. Very beautiful and elegant! Thanks for the amazing inspiration!

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  82. The amount of inspiration I got from your creations was out of this world! Everything turned out so beautiful and yes, new mediums to explore was a total bonus! Thank you.

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  83. Beautiful, I love the watercolored leaves.

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  84. The cards are on fire.
    Fantastic. thanks for
    sharing.
    txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  85. These were gorgeous. My favorite fall colors

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  86. Both projects are just stunning! Love all the layers of ink & embossing

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  87. Very artsy, love the vibrant colors

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  88. Very cool! Love all the textures.

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  89. Great projects - love the fall colors you achieved!

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  90. Inspiration does not begin to say how feel about these projects! Double embossing omg! So excited to try this. Also your leave technique is a must. I have been hesitant to do projects with my mediums but this was the jump start needed. Thank you love the colors you choose! Bold bright and happy! Thanks!

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  91. Great release! I love your creations, especially the beautiful leaves!

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  92. Wow! You used so many cool techniques! I learned quite a bit from your two projects. Both turned out awesome!

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  93. Great utilization of so many techniques. Beautiful pieces

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  94. Thanks for sharing these gorgeous cards! You chose such lovely colors.

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  95. I absolutely adore the sketchbook cover!

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  96. I love the double embossing on the card and the layers on the sketchbook cover are so beautiful! Thank you for the detailed steps of how your created these stunning projects!

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  97. I love the sketchbook! You are so creative.

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  98. Your projects are awesome! Creative process. TFS

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  99. Great autumn projects! Thank you for sharing your ideas.

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  100. Love how you created these colorful projects.

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  101. I really like the double embossing. I have done this many times by accident, lol! Love the texture on the sketchbook. Thanks for showing how you colored the leaves, so pretty!

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  102. I love your choice of colors for the center cut fall leaves card and the double embossing is inspired! Then I saw the art journal! It would be a perfect gift for my oldest son, so I am adding it to my to do list. Thanks for sharing your wonderful ideas!

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  103. Great details on the process. I like the look of the leaves. Great page grouping.

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  104. The colors are just sensational.

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  105. I wondered why they made a stamp with a heart & leaves. Thanks for showing me! Very nice card!!

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  106. Really great colors and TY for showing the thankful die. I can see myself scrapbooking with that one

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  107. Pretty cards. The textures and double embossing are very cool ideas.

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  108. Wow, lovely projects using these new release products from SSS!

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  109. Thanks for the double embossing technique - love it!

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  110. Unbelievable how stunning your card and sketchbook are with all the textures and double embossing. Thank you for sharing all the techniques of these two projects. So much inspiration here.

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  111. This is a spectacular post!! I am sorry I missed the hop but so glad I'm making the rounds anyway!!! Thank you for the WoNdErFuLlY comprehensive photos ~ I am bookmarking this <3 (Merry Christmas <3 )

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  112. Your projects are very nice! I just love the vibrant colors. I really like you did the leaves with individual dipping in the ink and the great colors!

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