Artsy Inkers
Stamping => Stamping Challenges => Topic started by: djc on June 30, 2015, 06:14:15 PM
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Winter Holiday Cards in July Challenge -- 2015
Some of us have gotten a head start on our holiday cards by participating in Cindi's Christmas All Year! Challenge. This month, I'm taking over for Cindi by offering our yearly Winter Holiday Cards in July Challenge.
The Challenge:
You have a full month--July 1 through July 31--to post your entries in the album set aside for this challenge in the gallery and link them to this Discussion Thread. The challenge ends on July 31 at 11:59 pm PDT.
Remember you must enter only new cards--nothing you made or posted prior to July 1, the first day of the challenge. If you have a special technique you'd like to use that does not include stamping, your card will still count. It would be nice to combine stamping with other techniques, but sometimes that isn't feasible, and I want your cards to be something you will love. So your paste-embossed, embroidered, stenciled, Iris folded, etc. cards are welcome.
Requirements:
1. Complete the tasks as described in this challenge.
2. When you post your card in the gallery, please label it with the name of the appropriate holiday and add the words "in July." For example, Christmas in July, Hanukkah in July, Kwanzaa in July, etc.
3. When you post your project in the gallery, describe it. Tell how you made it and what you used. Space is limited so feel free to streamline your comments. Maybe you could make a listing, for example:
- Stamps:
Cardstock/Papers:
Card Size:
Inks/Coloring Medium:
Accessories:
Technique:
I tried this out on a card I posted some time ago, and it works fine. Check it out: Bicycle Card (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=48&pid=283#top_display_media.)
Next, come back to this Discussion Thread to link your post here and to tell us how it went--the good and the bad. This is where we'll have the space we need to describe the process.
Combining Challenges:
You can combine this challenge with another challenge as long as the host of the other challenge will also allow it.
Prize:
There will be a prize awarded at the end of the challenge. Your name will go into the hat once for every card you post in the gallery and link to the discussion thread. OK. I already know that the next question is do I get my name in the hat 10 times if I make 10 of the same card. I'll say you can get your name in the hat up to three times for multiples of the same design. Fair enough? There's no limit to the number of different cards you can post. You'll get credit for each different card.
I hope you'll join us and begin making your December holiday cards. We can inspire and motivate each other. Don't forget to have fun!
Daria
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Sounds great! I hope I can get quite a few done this month! ;D
Stampwilly
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Thank you for offering this challenge. I am looking forward to it!
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I am now home and hope to get into the Christmas in July spirit soon! I have some loads of laundry to do first!
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So far I have made 3 cards. Here they are!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1742#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1743#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1744#top_display_media
Stampwilly ;D
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April, all three of your cards are wonderful. The Sparkle and Sprinkle image is so much fun, and the babe in the manger is lovely. Thank you for participating.
Daria
ETA: April, could you put your cards in the album set aside for this challenge? Right now it shows an ugly cylinder as a place holder; once a card has been posted, it will look the part. lol.
djc
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Thanks for offering the challenge, Daria! I managed to get 3 done this weekend and I've got a couple more in the works!
April, your cards are so pretty, I love those stamps. I'm gonna have to look for those!
Here's 3 that I've finished-
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1747
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1746
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1745
I am starting to get bored with my Christmas stamps! Other than the Joy one, it's been quite a while since I've bought any. I'm on the lookout for some new ones.
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Your cards are lovely, LeighAnn.
Stampwilly
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LeighAnn, I love all three of your cards. You have some wonderful images and cool layouts. Thank you for playing. Daria
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Thanks everyone! Daria to answer your question on the gelato background- I did a full 8.5x11 panel of the embossed snowflakes and once I was done with the gesso and it dried, I sprayed it with some krylon fixative spray. For some strange reason it yellowed a couple of spots of the embossing! Nothing major and I will be able to cover it up with an image if need be.
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Thanks, LeighAnn. When I see video demos, they don't mention fixing the gelatos.
Daria
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Here are 3 more cards! I am on a roll! ;D
Stampwilly
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1756#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1757#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1758#top_display_media
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You're on a roll, April. As always, I love your cards.
Thank you for playing.
Daria
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I finally have one Christmas card finished. I hope to finish many more of the bits and pieces that I have stamped. For this card, I did combine with the Oldies challenge, but I used a non-traditional color scheme.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1761#top_display_media
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Beautiful, Heidi! I need to check out the cards posted to the Oldies Challenge. I'm loving the cards posted here that used that challenge too.
Thank you for playing.
Daria
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Here is my card for the Challenge : http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1763&message_id=8004e64746ddbaa588a5571be27f9235&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
I actually tried Molding paste in the stencil, I think I would like the effect if the glitter were fine instead of chunky like I used, but I still like the sparkle with the silver embossing of my sentiment tag, the cream paper I stamped on was a slick shimmer paper and I thought I messed it up when I stamped cause I thought for sure my stamp slid but it ended up looking good when I embossed it.
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What a lovely card, Connie! So different!
I did get one of my bits and pieces made into a card this morning. It also crosses over into the Oldies challenge since that was what I was playing with most of this week.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1764&message_id=7723961d76e0e4a82efda94302c1bb65&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
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Connie, I immediately went looking for that stencil, and I never would have considered it if I hadn't seen your card first. Now it's on my Wish List. Beautiful card, and I love that glitter.
Heidi, I love the shadow stamping that you are doing, and the embossed background in white is lovely.
Great cards.
Daria
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Here are my last 3 entries. I think I am done for this month! Thanks for the fun challenge.
Stampwilly
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1767#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1766#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1765#top_display_media
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You did well, April. You have posted lots of lovely cards.
I still haven't made a single one.
Sigh.
Daria
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Daria, I wouldn't have bought it for myself either I don't think but my hubby bought it and I thought how am I going to use this ;)
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Connie, tell your husband he has a good eye for possibilites. I thank him.
Daria
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I was just sorting through cards, and I counted 35 Christmas cards in the stack. Not too shabby, but I feel like this is a good month to keep going with them as I bet I will lose steam nearer to the holidays.
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Yeah, Heidi! ;D I have made 26 this year so far and I have about 4 left over from last year. I need about 16 more. ;D
Stampwilly
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Here's my latest from this week I have done. This heat has made me dream of cooler temps. I know it will be here before we know it!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1770
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1769
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1768
Heidi , the bird is from I brake for stamps. I've had it for a couple of years now but I'm pretty sure they still carry it.
Connie, your Dh is a great shopper!
April and Heidi, you all are doing well for the year!
I've added some stamps, embossing folders and stencils to my wish list!
Im now sure how many I will need. My mom and Grandma have both requested some Christmas cards. I'm waiting for a number on how many.
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LeighAnn, those are terrific Christmas cards.
With all this talk of how many Christmas cards you have all made and how many you need, I felt my stomach fall. I've only made two all year long. I just went in to see if I had any from last year, and I have twenty-one! They are the ones that are not quite my style, some that I made at workshops; most will have to be hand-delivered. That's OK. Thank goodness I have some.
Daria
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I know a few of mine are leftover also. Last year I did not have time to make any gift tags, so I am really hoping to get that done this year.
Yes, there sometimes is that problem of the cards that need to be hand delivered. Hopefully you will have the opportunity to use those ones this year, Daria!
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I have a few in the works, but only one is complete this morning.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=81&pid=1775#top_display_media
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I made a total of 5 yesterday! 4 were using the same stamp set. I only got 2 uploaded as of now, I'm having issues with the size of my pictures. They're too big and a bit fuzzy looking. I will try again later.
Heidi, I love those colorful snowflakes! You mentioning gift tags reminded me I bought some really cute stickers last year with the intentions of using them on gift tags! I should probably add that to my crafty to do list!
Here are 2 of mine I finished-
This one is not technically a Christmas stamp but I thought it would work. She was so much fun to color,I plan to use this image for more Christmas cards.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1780
And here's another. I've been trying to work on my ink blending skills and this card took me forever to finish! It's hard to know when to stop adding ink!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1779
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LeighAnn you are really on a roll! I need to comment on your latest gallery entries!
So I think it was last month that Cindi had the prompt of a pierced edge for the challenge and I never got around to it. Well I finally finished two today with that prompt!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1783#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1784#top_display_media
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Wow! You guys have been busy. LeighAnn, are you taking coloring courses? I'm so impressed with the coloring and blending on your pieces. You used so many different coloring mediums and they worked together beautifully.
Heidi, I love your snowflake card (with the HA shadow inks), and your Christmas tree cards are winners too.
I love seeing the cards being posted.
Daria
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I finished a card from the last of the odds and end I had stamped out. After this, I will need to actually stamp out some stuff and not just assemble.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1795&message_id=5e9302179ecb497e9f58c1873e73937d&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
LeighAnn, I agree with Daria, it does look like you have been taking coloring courses.
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Aww, thanks Daria and Heidi! No classes, just lots of practice and watching you tube videos.
I've learned a lot about coloring from Sandy Allnock's YouTube channel. Even though a lot of her videos are regarding copics(and I don't have any of those) I find her tips so useful.
I also like Krisitna Werner, wplus9 and the frugal crafters channels for coloring techniques.
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LeighAnn, thanks for the tips. I had those blogs saved, and now I've also saved a direct link to the corresponding You Tube channels.
I don't have Copic Markers either. Well, I have three (the palest blue for shadowing, one to quickly color skin on small images, and the blender which removes color). Still, when they came out, I watched some of the videos on I Love Markers, and like you, I found the tips there useful for coloring with other media. I just dabbled though and didn't really delve into it. You are really putting what you've learned to use, and I love the results.
Daria
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Thank you for your fun Christmas Cards in July challenge.
Here is my submission: http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1800#top_display_media
Nora S
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Nora, those are really cute cards. I like what you used for snow. Star Dust isn't as sparkly as the other Stickles, but it makes the best snow.
Thank you for playing.
Daria
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Daria, here is the set of three.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1801#top_display_media
Nora
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Nora, I love your cards. Those birds are so darn cute, and I like the watercoloring you did.
Thanks for playing.
Daria
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I created a Christmas card today using a technique I learned in my Craftsy Watercolor Cards made easy class and a new Lawn Fawn stamp set I just got today!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1815&message_id=86887831fcf16f7097606ce48098ec06&message_icon=info#cpgMessageBlock
I can't wait to create more with this stamp set. It is a fun Christmas set, but the bunnies can be used for so many cards!
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Here is my submission for the Christmas in July Challenge. I made two cards of this image.
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1816#top_display_media
Nora S
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Heidi and Nora, it was so nice to find new Christmas cards in the gallery when I checked in. Love 'em all! I don't know if I'll be able to make any cards this month, but I'll be coming back here for inspiration when I finally get back to the craft room.
Thank you for participating.
Daria
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Daria, I am sorry you haven't had time to work on your Christmas cards! It is fun to look at everyone's cards. I just love the bird stamp that Nora used! Sparkle and Sprinkle has several lovely birds!
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I have enjoyed looking at all the wonderful cards and getting inspiration! Great job everyone.
Stampwilly
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I made two more Christmas cards today. I had a lot of fun with them!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1826#top_display_media
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1825#top_display_media
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Heidi, I love the background paper you stamped with the colorful snowflakes.
Your snowflake embellishments reminded me of all the little stars I have saved from a border stamp. I need to use them this year!
Thank you for playing.
We still have a week to go before July is over. I'm still hoping to get a start on my Christmas cards.
Daria
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It has been so long since I have been here that many may not even remember me.
Finally moved house...so those hectic months of packing and unpacking and putting our stamp on the new house are over. We have been busy landscaping our back garden as it had never been finished.
Finally seem to have a wee bit more time so hope to get over here to participate more often.
Just submitted a card to the gallery for this challenge. "Hope I have done this correctly...been so long that I forget. I titled it Christmas In July 2015
Here is the link
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1827#top_display_media
Funny how you always see thing after you take the photos and post the card. In retrospect, I wish I had inked the corners with a dark enk on the edges...just to tie in the brown mat...may still do this (very carefully)...
Maureen aka Scrappymo!
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Hi, Maureen. Welcome back! I love your decorated Christmas tree. I can just imagine how those gems sparkle on that cute tree. I'm glad you found the time to play.
Daria
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Popped by with another Christmas card. The picture is not very crisp...seems a bit out of focus...sorry!
Good to be back over here. Will get round to visit all the other entries tonight. We are up at the lake and I tend to visit in the late evenings when DH is already asleep. Try to spend the days up at the pool or at the lake as it is very hot here. Has been over 100 Fahrenheit at times!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=81&pid=1829#top_display_media
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I've really enjoyed seeing all of the Chrimstas cards this month! I've got a lot of inspiration from everyone! And a few things to add to the ol' wishlist ;D!
Daria, I hope you'll be able to craft again soon! I've missed seeing your cards in the gallery.
Scrappymo! I remember you, glad to see you back! I hope you're here to stay. I love your cards you did!
I have a few more I made last week but had trouble with getting them to upload properly. this will probably finish up mine for the month. I'm really glad my Christmas mojo has come back. Does anyone else tend to struggle getting in the mood to make Christmas cards? I tend to make most of mine in November and January!
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1834
http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?pid=1835
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I love the recent additions to this challenge. Those are wonderful cards!
I'm working on something. Everything should be dry enough to assemble the card by tomorrow. I'll get to post something after all!
Daria
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Sorry that I have not been around to visit. DH sprung a few surprises this week. Two trips out of town this week (something we never do as keeping the place up at the lake means we need to be frugal when we are up there. Then tonight a supper out at the pub. I can proudly say that is was the best supper within a 30 minute drive...as it is the ONLY place to eat with a 30 minute drive...hahahah
The food was great but the Pub is really horrid with looped electrical wires hanging everywhere and sort of a disaster waiting to happen! I will get round to visit everyones card before the challenge is over...I promise. Off to have a very overduesleep!
Lovetopug and Daria...glad you remember me!
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Maureen, don't worry about it. I've had something that has kept me away more often than not for the last five months. That's life.
I finally posted a card to this challenge. I made three of these cards (http://www.duhnproductions.com/Pics/displayimage.php?album=lastup&cat=0&pid=1845#top_display_media).
I saw Cara's tutorial a very long time ago, and I liked the striped backgrounds she made. Finally, I made some and used. them. I find that when I can't get myself going, I still like to piece papers together. I have been saving up links to cards that use scraps, and this was one of them.
And here's a direct link to Cara's blog:
Cara's Tutorial (http://craftingadventures.com/wordpress/scrappy-background-tutorial/)
I first saw Cara's tutorial on Operation Write Home.
Here's a link to OWH with Sandy's Allnock's (Remember colourful from 2Peas?) video tutorial for other scrappy backgrounds:
Video Tutorial -- Using Scraps (http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org/2012/04/tutorial-101-using-scraps.html)
Here's a similar one by Gina K:
Stamp TV - Scrappy Background (http://stamptv.ning.com/video/scrappy-background)
Daria
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Way to go Daria! You did get some done in time. The cards are very pretty. I do like the background and the tutorial. I like how she even said the best way to apply the adhesive!
And welcome back Maureen! I am glad to see you posting here again. Good to know that you are nicely settled in your new place.
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Thank you, Heidi. That reminds me that I forgot to mention that I used a Xyron machine to apply adhesive over the entire piece of cardstock before attaching the strips of cardstock. That worked very well.
Daria
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I think I completed 9 cards this month which might be a record for me. I was really hoping to do a 10th today to get an even number, but it just didn't happen, despite some backgrounds I got done and two new Christmas stamp sets I got from the thrift store the other day. I think this was a very successful Christmas in July crafting month and thank you Daria for hosting.
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You're right, Heidi. You completed nine cards. Good job! All together seven of us completed thirty-nine cards. Not bad at all! The album for this challenge has two pages of pure inspiration. Thank you to everyone who participated.
My daughter Heidi is house-sitting for someone who has a very big dog. I told her she was to call me as soon as she got inside so I'd know the dog hadn't eaten her up as soon as she arrived. She called to say the dog greeted her with a tennis ball in his mouth. All is well. However, that means I get to do the honors today. I put all your names in the hat last night. That took a while because some of you were very industrious making nine and ten cards each!
OK. I'm ready to pick out a name or two.
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First I need to shake that hat so all the tiny folded pieces of paper bounce around merrily.
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OK. They made a nice, satisfying, rustling sound as they jumped about.
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Let's see whose name comes first.
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Just a minute.
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Nora! Congratulations, my friend!
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OK, let's see who else is lucky today.
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Nora again! That's amazing since her name is only in there five times!
OK. Let's try for a different name.
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Lovepug2!
Congratulations, LeighAnn!
LeighAnn, let me know if you've moved since the last time I sent you something. Nora, I could find your place with my eyes closed!
Again, thank you to everyone for playing along this month. Now, we just need to wait for Cindi to post August's Christmas All Year Challenge. As you know, I need to get busy!
Daria
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Congrats Nora and LeighAnn!
Daria, I am glad Heidi didn't get eaten up by some huge dog! Lol.
Yes it will be fun to see what Cindi has in store for us this month. So hard to believe it is August already!
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Thank you so much, Daria! Sorry I'm just now seeing this, we were in Florida.
I'm hoping I still have my Christmas mojo, I still have a lot more to make!
Thanks again for hosting, there's a lot of inspiration in this challenge. I plan to revisit for some inspiration!
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there's a lot of inspiration in this challenge. I plan to revisit for some inspiration!
That makes two of us!
Daria
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Wow! You had a busy month of July! Just finished looking through all of the wonderful cards. Great work.
August's challenge is posted. Maybe THIS is the month I'll make some cards! Haha! Anything other than wedding!
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What a wonderful surprise to find I am a winner of your fun challenge after I was away for the last two weeks.
Thanks to Heidi for picking my name, and Thank You, Daria, for your fun challenge!
Nora