Friday, January 13, 2012

New Stuff, a Card, an Excuse, and a Give-Away

The new Hero Arts Catalog just arrived at my house, along with the following goodies:



Then, yesterday, I just HAD to go to Marco's Paper to pick up more white envelopes, and while I was there, the following items jumped into my basket.




When I got home, I deeply regretted not spending $15 on the ScorMat thingie. May go back next week and get it and the soft green Smooch I put back because buying five bottles of Smooch at once seemed undisciplined. Only buying four is sooooo much better....


On top of the above goodness, blogger Audrie sent me a package of goodness in December. Check out that adorable SU punch, the cherry cobbler ribbon and pompom trim, and the sheer quantity of perfectly tiny and wonderful embellishments!





As if a new house and new craft space weren't enough blessing. All this goodness to play with, too! I decided to try to use at least some of Audrie's package right away, and the gorgeously rustic wood buttons she sent seemed a natural first choice.









Now for the excuse. A surprising number of you have asked for pictures of my craft space. It's still a mess, although at least I can work in it. But showing it to you in its current state would feel like showing you my dirty laundry. Ewww. Soon, I will have it worked out and will share.

And now for the give-away. You may have noticed that Audrie sent me some Cuttlebug border folders. Since I am standing firm on my "no expensive machines that require lots of accessories" resolution, I can't use them. If you would like them, please leave a comment saying so. I will choose one random person who's commented by Sunday night, midnight EST to receive them.

Of course, you may still comment if you DON'T want the folders. I love comments. They are like a mug of hot chocolate on a cold, windy, snowy day, such as we're having right now. They make me feel all warm inside. Please know that I truly, deeply appreciate your comments, emails, and readership of my blogs.

Supply
stamps: Hero Arts To/From Petals
ink: various
paper: PTI natural
accessories: buttons, twine

78 comments:

  1. Don't want the cuttlebug folders, lol, just leaving you with a steaming cuppa choc, enjoy.......:))
    Love the use of the button, so cute! Nice to get some goodies, those look yummy. Ok, now for the Q:: do you color your images with the 'Smooch' ? Looks imteresting, have not seen it here in South Africa!
    lotsa luv

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  2. Oh what fun! Love both of the cards and I know you will have fun with all of the purchases (and the ones I see in your near future). Would love the cuttlebug folders. I admire you sticking to your stance on buying machines. I have a great weakness for my Big Shot and anything that goes with it.

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  3. I'm afraid I am not as strong as you and do indeed have a die cutting machine. Two actually, as I was fortunate enough to get a Vagabond for 1/3 the price and I can now cut metal and heavy boards for a variety of projects.

    I am also very interested in seeing your crafting space. But when it is all done and pretty. I am in the process of designing a new space for myself and would love to see what others have done.

    And to wrap up this very long response, I wanted to say I love your work and have used many of your designs as inspirations for cards I have done. I love the clean and simple layouts. Thanks for all the wonderful work.

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  4. Oh, I would love, love, love those Cuttlebug borders!!!!

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  5. I don't have any borders folder yet and love to win them! I am always addicted to anything what my Big Shot can do...lol..

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  6. What a nice package from Audrie! Nope, don't put me on the cuttlebug list --- I think the same way you do about that machine. Thank goodness I show SOME restraint --- you'd never think so if you saw my card room. I LOVE the stuff you bought, especially those starburst stamps. You're going to make some lovely stuff with those, I know! And now I'm going to branch out and get some smooch, so I'll be ready when you show us what you did with it on your new stamps! Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to seeing your craft room --- AFTER the dirty laundry is gone!

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  7. Lots of wonderful goodies. I have the Hero Arts Flag set and can't wait to see what you do with it.
    Would love to win the embossing borders. Thanks for your inspiration.
    Looking forward to seeing your new craft space.

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  8. I am not nearly as disciplined as you, Susan, and I do enjoy my Cuttlebug. It has helped me bridge to a more CAS style while still having a little something-something to the card. I'd love to try the borders.

    Thanks for all the great ideas and designs you share each day. I look forward to seeing your stamping space.

    Suzanne at we3roys(at)comcast(dot)net

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  9. Ooh fab stash and fab cards too

    HOw's that craft room coming along?

    Kathyk

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  11. Actually, Susan, if you wanted to use the borders, you could do so by putting the paper in them and using a rolling pin...check the web as there are a couple of tutorials out there for using embossing folders without a machine. I tried it...not the easiest thing in the world to do, but doable! And thank you for your kind wishes regarding my husband <3

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  12. Take your time on showing us your craft room. I know you want to get it just right before showing us. We are patient. Beside you have a whole home to organize.

    Thanks for your give-a-way offer but I am not entering for a chance to win. I have to use the CB folders that I already own - they are not getting enough love.

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  13. Love seeing your new stamp haul and what you are doing with them.

    Please don't enter my name for the folder give-away. But please enter my name for the restraint give-away! ;-)

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  14. love the cards, i could use those little folders!

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  15. I love those cards--now I want that Hero Arts stamp! Can't wait to see what you do with some of the other goodies, as I have them too and am always on the lookout for ideas. (Already have the CB borders--just commenting so you get some hot chocolate)

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  16. Beautiful cards, Susan. I too gave into the urge (how can one resist when one recieves an e-mail detailing 25% off Hero Arts stamps!) and bought myself two new stamp sets including the Dictionary Greetings shown in your picture. I haven't used them yet but oh how yummy they look in their new shiny packets.

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  17. Susan, I always look forward to seeing your blog posts, it's like picking up a favorite magazine! I love your clean and simple style, and these cards are no exception. Good luck settling in to your new crafting space...happy work! Thanks for the chance for the embossing folders but I actually already have them (and like them alot!).

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  18. I giggled at your restraint statement at the 4 bottles vs 5 as you could have put me in your shoes. Sometimes kick myself for not getting the one extra thing, especially when it is not there up on my return.

    Love how you used your new goodies. The flowers are fabulous! Count me in on the EF. I loooove my Cuttlebug and use it in some way on just about every card I make so these would be a great addition to my "accessories" ;) Have a fabulous weekend!

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  19. I have always been impressed by your simplicity \thanx for a chance to win dose folders .. i have recently acquired a sizzix machine

    its very difficult for me to make cas cards / ihope i can make one day

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  20. Have to say Susan that I love visiting your blog! Love the way you put things. Having restraint in getting 4 bottles of smooch instead of 5...I usually end up kicking myself for not getting whatever it was I put back! Would love to have those embossing folders. They're actually a set I'd looked at and decided not to get. Have a great day!!

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  21. Don't want the folders (I have far too many!!) - but have to comment on the super cards. Love that flower stamp. You have some lovely new stash and I look forward to seeing what you make!

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  22. I would love to give a good home to the embossing folders. I love your site - it's one of the view I make a point of visiting everyday, and I love what your influence is doing to my stamping style, even if it is hard work sometimes!

    Have fun organising you craft room, if it wasn't for the fact that it takes away from stamping time it's actually quite a fun activity.

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  23. I would happily take the Cuttlebug borders off your hands. I was going to resist getting a Cuttlebug but the Christmas before the one we just had, my parents gave me a Cuttlebug for Christmas and so of course, I had to start buying embossing folders and Nestabilites!

    Looking forward to seeing the craft room. I'm reorganizing the one I have (have been trying to do so for about 6 months so half of my stuff has been spread out on the spare room bed, but I now have a deadline as friends are coming to stay Jan 28 so I have to finish by then - hooray - I love deadlines - they work really well for me!).

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  24. Isn't Audrie one of the best? She and you are among my top go-to gals for ideas. I gave in and used my Christmas money for a Grand Calibur. I'd love to have the embossing folders to go along with it. I used most of the Christmas money on the machine and will have to acquire the accouterments gradually. Lovely card, as always. I wouldn't invite you in to see my craft area either -- mostly because it's ALL over the house. {sigh}

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  25. I love your sense of humor! And thT score thingiemis going to call your name all week. I have the Martha S scoreboard and I LOVE it, I even take it to card class becausemI have to score my fold. I have the same problem. LOL things call my name continuously, but sadly I'm in head over heels into the die cutting well. Hi, my name is Paulette and I'm a die-o-holic!!! They are my favorite tools, however I rarely pay full price, I choose shapes that are timeless and can pull double duty. And I shop where there is no tax if possible like PTI, Sizzix, Scrap-Mart and where there is free shipping and or coupons like at JoAnns or Hobby Lobby or Michaels.

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  26. Love the cards-and I love your blog-I read it last at work after I have Done all the emails-sort of like dessert.
    I have a big shot that I love-but I will pass on the cuttlebug folders!
    Hope you are having a wonderful day, not too hindered by the weather!

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  27. Here's a good comment for you- I dreamt about you last night! LOL! I came to your new house (which is lovely and right by a lake in my dream) and then you took me to your work, and introduced me to your boss who was the president of Lego. I have no idea where this all came from, but it was a pleasure 'meeting you'! I enjoy following your blog and am thinking of starting my own soon.....

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  28. Love your cards! They are so cute and look wonderful with the buttons! I would also like to be in the drawing for the cuttlebug folders! I just received a cuttlebug for Christmas and so they can be added to my little collection! Thanks!

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  29. I'm somewhat new to stamping - started about 6 months ago, have been looking at your blog for about 4 months, really enjoy your creations. Would love to have the cuttlebug folders, I picked up a big shot on sale, so I'm hooked.

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  30. Beautiful cards, I could use those little folders!

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  31. This post made me smile Susan, it's the thought process behind how much we allow ourselves to buy at one time:) What did intrigue me was, if I order a Hero Arts catalogue, will mine come with all those stamps?!:)Love the way you used the button on the flower.
    Val x

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  32. Those buttons look so nice on one-layer cards, and the flowers are so lovely!

    Comments ARE like a nice warm mug of hot chocolate, aren't they? It is so nice when someone takes a little time to let you know when they dropped by. :-)

    I don't need the Cuttlebug folders, thank-you, just commenting. :-)

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  33. stampandweave from SCSJanuary 13, 2012 at 6:12 PM

    Beautiful cards! I'd love to win the folders. My parents bought me a Cuttlebug for my birthday, and I love it! I'm pretty frugal and also don't like having a lot of gadgets around taking up space, but, for me, the bug has earned it's space and has been well worth the money, even if it had been MY money. :-)

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  34. You are wonderful! I love your blog! So glad you could use the stuff. So sorry I didn't notice you don't do machines (the Cuttlebug is only around $60.00 though). Smiles. I love ya lady! Keep it comin', Audrie

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  35. You feel blessed and you bless us, in turn. I would love the folders. I'm afraid I just broke a similar promise to myself and bought a die-cut/embossing machine ... the madness begins (and the FUN I hope!): oh, what dies and folders to buy of the hundreds that are out there?! Love today's cards, BTW, especially the third one with the flower falling off the corner.

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  36. I would love your cuttle bug folders: I am addicted to embossing folders and love my big shot machine. I enjoy your cards: my cards are not always so simple but one of these days I will try your challenge. It's snowy here in Ft. Wayne today, too.

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  37. Love those new cards! (the first 2 flowers remind me so much of the doilies that my GM used to make...) Friends that send you gifts "just 'cause" are truly special!
    I have those border folders, so I don't need them; hope that they're loved in their new home!

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  38. Well look at you AND getting to physically go to MARCO's!! Total jealousy here in AZ.

    But blog candy???????? :) Love that... hee hee

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  39. I love your site. I come here every single day. You've helped me make more simple cards, and for that I thank you.

    I would love the cuttlebug borders!
    Thanks for having such an awesome site!

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  40. I noticed that you were offering to give away your cuttlebug folders - sooo, please add me to the pile of entries! I often use your blog for inspiration and am glad to hear that the crafting space is coming on - and will be looking forward to the pictures but totally understand the desire to not share until it is all A-OK. I must say your three versus two or four is one of my main mantra's now!

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  41. I'm anxious to see your new crafting space, but I can wait until you're ready. Love the cards - the buttons are so pretty. And I would love to win those Cuttlebug borders so thanks for the chance.

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  42. I would love the folders. My wonderful daughter bought me a Cuttlebug last Mothers Day.
    I would use those folders when drinking hot chocolate...and peppermint schnapps.
    Enjoy your goodies!

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  43. I'm happy to leave you some warm chocolatey goodness, especially since you sent me the first Thanksgiving card I've ever received. Thanks, stampy pal! Love to add to my Cuttlebug collection, so send those borders my way, Susan! Enjoy your new space, can't wait to see it.

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  44. I just love it when items .. jump .. into my basket (although hubby is less keen about these products shopping gymnastics!) Love your cards, those buttons are beautiful and an inspired use. I always struggle with how to use embellies on a CAS card.

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  45. Love seeing your cards and these are fab with the addition of the little buttons. Just finishes the card. I'd love the folders and look forward to seeing how you use the smooch. x

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  46. Wonderful cards... and I love the wood buttons. All of your goodies look like so much fun. I've been wanting to get some of the great colors in the Smooch ink. It looks like a fun product. And yes... throw my name/number into the drawing for the Cuttlebug folders. I have the machines to use them... and you are so right... those machines certainly DO continuously "call" for all sorts of expensive stuff... but I do love my dies and embossing folders... I'll probably be the only gal in the poor house with such fun card making stuff! It's certainly an addiction!

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  47. These cards are great! Love the flowers and the rustic wood buttons look good. Fun stash of "new" stuff. Loved your theory that four is good, five is too many. Haha! I'll be looking forward to seeing what you make with your new stash. Yah, don't ya love those tiny pom-poms? JoAnn's Fabrics sells them by the yard. I bought 6" of a few colors to try on cards. The pom poms were a nice addition to the kid's birthday cards I made. Thanks for offering the "giveaway!" I'd love to be picked to receive it. :)

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  48. Dont want the folders :)
    But - u know, u can still use the folders without the cuttlebug. Just place the paper within the folders and rub the folder with the handle of a pair of scissors firmly. You may want to protect the folder surface with a thin paper.. just a thought..

    And love the cards. Inspired to use a Hero Arts stamps set I've been staring waiting for it to speak to me :)

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  49. Just found your site recently and am really enjoying the beautiful simplicity (haha) of your cards. Loved how the last 'thank you' sample was stamped off the corner.
    Anyway, completely understand about holding off on the craft-room reveal, I'm right there with you. It's pretty bad when you just have a small path to walk through :-). Good luck on getting it photo-ready.
    Would love the cuttlebug folders - do use my cuttlebug a lot. Thanks!

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  50. your resolution made me giggle, it's unfortunate that as soon as you get one of those expensive machines, you then have to spend a bucket load of money to make it useful... I started out with 1 or 2 things for my bigshot, and wasn't using it much, now I have more, not surprisingly, i'm using it more... Could always go with bonus embossing folders, so pop me in the draw please.
    Long time follower, rarely a commenter...
    Jess

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  51. It's 5 a.m. and I always know I can get up and find your email. Thanks for sharing your talent and your life with me. And yes I'd love the cuddlebug folders.

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  52. Love, love, love all of your goodies that you were given and bought. We're in the middle of a move and I can't wait to get my craft room set up again. I wish I had been thinking like you before I bought a Big Shot. It's really nice but definitely adds to the cost of things. Way too many cute accessories that are just waiting to come home with me. Love the cards you made. Thanks for sharing!

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  53. Come over to the dark side, it's fun. For the record, my Cuttlebug cost all of $35 on sale and I bought it because embossing folders are really inexpensive. Dies can be pricy but I carefully pick and choose those I buy (like I do punches). Plus dies takes up way less storage than punches! Anyway, to each his own and I admire your conviction to stick to your guns. Jen PS. Someone gave me those border folders so you can keep me out of the drawing!

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  54. i would love a chance to win the folders. I LOVE FOLDERS, even though i still own just the old red sizzix machine, they work great in it! (and it's good arm exercise, haha)
    thanks for the chance
    linda patti tpatti@windstream.net

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  55. I'd love those folders too, but there are ways to use them without a cuttlebug. thanks for a chance though.

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  56. Your cards are so great!!! I love your blog!!! I would love a chance at the folders, haven't tried the boarder ones yet. =) Thanks for the chance and your blogging!!!

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  57. Darling cards, as usual!
    Would love a chance to win those embossing folders!
    Have a wonderful day!

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  58. I love your work! Always read your blog, and would love to win the folders.

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  59. I love to check in here and see your cards! Love your creations! That's quite a haul Audrey sent you! I have been wanting that little tag punch in a big way!
    Thanks for the chance at the embossing borders.... I love my Cuttlebug and use it a lot! I'd be delighted to have some of the borders to try out!
    DeniseB

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  60. Love the hero arts "stuff" - and to be able to get to Marco's paper - that truly makes me jealous! Those borders make cute cards - kind of plain and simple cards - love my cuttlebug!
    Love all your cards - thanks for the inspiration and will try to be patient to see your new craft space!

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  61. Can't wait to get new Hero Arts for myself...just a couple more pennies saved, and they're mine. In the meantime, I would love to have the border embossers. I do have a Cuttlebug and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

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  62. I would love the Cuttlebug folders. Just received the bug for Christmas, so some folders to put to use would be fabulous.

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  63. No folders needed. I'm just so happy you're back more. I love looking at your cards. Such inspiration.

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  64. Love your cards as always. Thanks for the wonderful giveaway.

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  65. Isn't it funny how things jump into our baskets? And 4 is TOTALLY fine where 5 would have been over-the-top.

    No, I do NOT want your stuff (want some of mine?)

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  66. thanks for the give-away,
    As always such cute creations, love the Clean and simple looks.

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  67. Haven't had time to read the rest of the comments but just in case no one mentioned it, you can also use the embossing folders w/a brayer. Just roll it on the negative side. The impression may not "pop" like it would with a machine but it's there. :)

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  68. I have been following your blog for quite a while because I love the simple and clean look of your cards. I too am waiting patiently to see what you have done with your new craft room. Today's card is so pretty - love the Hero Arts flower. Thank you for a chance to win some cute cuttlebug folders.

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  69. I love your blog and am routinely inspired by your designs. Thanks for sharing them with us. I remain impressed by your resolve to use all of your sets and need to do the same thing. Too mush is still too much. That said, I'd love the cuttlebug folders! Thanks for the chance.

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  70. Hi; I'm charlotta AKA la Vikinga and a regular reader of yours (but not a regular commenter...) and I really like your "simple" cards. I say so because I see you put a lot on effort in them just to make them look you made them in two minutes...
    I'm interested in the folders...

    La Vikinga / Charlotta

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  71. I refuse to purchase a Cricket, but I do love my Big Shot. I've never seen the border folders and would love to try them. Thanks from an avid NJ reader!

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  72. Love your "simple" cards and checking out your posts every day. Would love the border folders to use with my Big Shot!! Enjoy your new craft room and look forward to seeing pictures....

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  73. Free stuff? My kind of stamping toys. Always an interesting addition to a card. Ellen

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  74. I just love your blog. I've been stamping for years and I just love your posts. The inspiration is the best and makes my day.

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  75. Goodness gracious, so many comments LOL Susan, I love your cards the rustic buttons fit beautifully with the flowers and the rust coloured middle flower is absolutely brilliant, what a combination! LOL
    All those wonderful stamps should keep you out of mischief for a while:0) Gay xxx

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  76. I'd love the folders, but must in all honesty point out that you could do what I did before I saved up for a Cuttlebug....used a long acrylic block to press them down onto the paper!

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  77. Enjoy all of your stamping goodies! I love going to the scrapbooking store I feel like I am in scrapbook heaven. Those border folders are so nice to have. Hope I can win them.

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Thank you so much for taking time to comment!