Saturday, March 20, 2010

A Salute to OWH!

*EDITED: With 93 stops on this fabulous hop...it's taking a LONG time to really check out all the goodness out there and give each blog the attention they all so deserve SO--I'm extending the deadline to post a comment to enter for my blog candy until 12:00noon Mon 3/22. I'll post the winner here Monday before 5:00pm and contact the winner as well*

Happy Spring everybody! What better way to kick off a new season than start a new venture, right? ...So... Welcome to my stop on the OWH Springbreak bloghop! If this is your next stop on the hop, welcome! If you have absolutely no idea what 'OWH' is, you've got to check out the start of the hop at http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org. You won't want to miss a single stop!

Here's my first card for the troops:


I used lots of fun stuff on this one. Flocking on the bunny(Doodlebug), MS border punch,QK Santa's Workshop, Nesties labels ten and thirteen, and the new SU border punch. The paper is BG Lemonade and Bo Bunny.


Here's a quick and easy tutorial on making the grass border in the nestabilities:


First, you'll need the Martha Stewart grass border punch
and your chosen paper. Punch along one edge.


Next, line up the grass border where you want it
on the nestabilities die and tape the
die cutting-edge down on the front of your paper.


Turn the die with paper attached cutting-edge up
and run it through your die-cutting machine.


Here's what your grass border looks like.


Now, cut your full nestabilities shape out with
the same die you used for the border.


To finish it up and add a little extra dimension,
I used pop-dots on the back of the grass border and bunny.


I adhered the grass a little higher to keep
the white border all around, but it would also
look great flush with the bottom edge.

Just a simple, quick technique for those who might be new to nesties or die-cutting in general.

I'm super excited to participate in the OWH cause. I was in the Army for 8 years and my husband just recently retired last fall from active-duty after 20 years of service. When we heard about what OWH does, we both thought how awesome that would've been as a soldier to not only have the means of sending cards home to family, but to receive boxes and boxes of these lovingly handmade cards from so many people showing their support.

If you're not familiar with this awesome organization and you'd like to learn more, spend a little time at their homefront blog here. I just loved the topic of their March 12th post about involving kids with sending letters to the troops. One of the questions asked was "will the service members write back to the children?" I can't speak for all of them, but I do know when my husband and I were deployed and would receive 'anyhero' letters from back home, it was a very special feeling of pride in country and staying connected to home and the real meaning behind what we were doing. Long before the days of OWH, when my husband was a brand new soldier and deployed to Somalia in 1993, his hometown school would send letters to the troops and he had a penpal that he wrote to for many months. He still talks about this kid nearly 20 years later and how much those letters of encouragement meant.

Here's a pic of my hero on the day of his retirement ceremony last September.



Now for some real fun!
Anyone who's visited my blog before knows what a total Martha Stewart punch addict I am. So in honor of my first bloghop with OWH, I'm giving away a brand new Martha Stewart grass border punch just like the one I used on my card to one lucky winner! All you have to do to be entered to win is leave me a comment on this post(if you're not with blogger, be sure to put your email addy in your comment) by 11:59pm Sunday 3/21. The winner will be selected by random number generator and posted here on Monday 3/22. (Sorry--only open to US residents)

If you'd like to start making cards for the troops, be sure to check out all the details on the OWH site. The deadline for Mother's Day cards is April 1st. The next stop on the OWH Springbreak bloghop is Stephanie's. I love her clean gorgeous style! Click HERE to visit Stephanie's blog and keep hopping!!

87 comments:

  1. What a fantastic tutorial on how to do this! As I looked at your card in the first pic I was hoping you'd show us how :)

    Thank you for YOUR service to our country, and for joining us in ours!

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  2. Love your tutorial...such a fantastic way to enhance your cards! Thanks!

    Love the card, btw...that bunny is so cute!

    Thank you for your husbands service! I appreciate all you, him, and your family sacrificed for the country!

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  3. Wow what an amazing card, I just love all the activity, the colors the textures it is just perfect. It will really bless the sender and the reciever! I agree totally, OWH is wonderful.

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  4. love this so much, I don't have any of these things, so I guess I'll need a list and a 2nd job.

    Congrats to you and your hubby for your retirements.

    Thank you to you both for serving our country.

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  5. Cute first card! Great way to use your punch to give your card punch! Did I really say that? Yes,

    Most of all thank you both for your service.
    darlene a

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  6. I loved the tutorial on using nesties (hoping that is nestabilities)I just got my cuttlebug yesterday and spellbinder nestabilities are 40% off at hobby lobby today!! I also LOVE MS punches! Thanks for sharing!

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  7. I love the grass technique. I can't wait to try it. I'm a Martha Stewart punch freak too. Great card for a great cause.
    karel2006@comcast.net

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  8. Love all your background papers. And, super love that grass punch.

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  9. What a great card. Thanks for the tutorial. That make a lovely focal point.

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  10. I HAVE to make one of these cards. So many awesome techniques used. So many other cute things on your blog too!

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  11. I love the grass, I'm always cutting and snipping to get the grassy look!

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  12. fantastic card and I absolutely love the tutorial...inspires me to use my stash in new ways. Thanks for your and your DH's service and support of OWH!

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  13. I love your flocked bunny card! I love the MS grass punch. It is on my list of "must buy when there's some moolah". LOL! robinski6 at yahoo dot com

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  14. What a darling card! I would love the MS punch...I would definitely use it for cards for our heroes. Thank you for supporting OWH.
    Pollywol321 at comcast dot net

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  15. Cathy, How clever you are! I really enjoyed your tutorial and I can think of many applications for using your technique. Your card is beautiful! AND most of all, thank you to you and your husband for your service to our country and to all of us. Blessings, Louise

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  16. That's a great tip! I only have a couple of Martha Stewart punches, but I love them. I wore one out (the pine bough) on my Christmas cards this year, and I just got the one with the birds on a wire. Love it!

    Congrats to your husband on retiring, and thank you to both of you for your service. Happy Blog Hop!

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  17. Wonderful post. From your tutorial pics to the picture of your hero hubby, to your bright, cheerful card, it's all great!

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  18. Love your tutorial and sweet card, and your story is fabulous. Thank you to both you and your dear hubby for your service. (we're raising a stubborn doxie and teenager at the same time, too...LOL)

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  19. thanks for this great little tip/tutorial - it is super cute... i have Martha's goo drop punch that I can see doing something similar with {{devilish grin}}

    Thanks for yours and your husband's service from a fellow Vet <3

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  20. Your tutorial is great! I've loved coming across the instructions on various blogs today. So many new tips to use when I make my next batch of cards!

    Also, thank you for your service and your husband's. I'd imagine making cards for OWH is very sentimental. :)

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  21. Cathy,
    Thank you for that amazing tutorial and your card is amazing.
    God Bless,
    Jeanine #14 on the Hop

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  22. Great tutorial! Love the card how fun is that?

    Thanks for the sacrifices your family made...

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  23. Your card is just precious! I'm thinking I need to get started with die cuts because they're just so versatile. And I love Martha Stewart - everything she does! Thanks for the blog candy.

    jeanne706 at yahoo dot com

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  24. I too love Martha! Her items are great and your card is just adoreable!

    Julie
    ejej523(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. your card is wonderful.. and such a cute bunny card... I love MS punches.. just don't hv many.. I'd love some more.. how generous! hugs xo bonnierose in Fargo
    bonnieangel1797@gmail.com

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  26. OMG, beautiful card! Thanks for showing how you made it. I have a few nestabilities dies and will have to start playing with them more. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  27. Such a cute card. Thanks for the tutorial on how to use the nestabilities. Thanks for your service to our country and our freedom.

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  28. Your card is adorable!! I love that grass punch and your nestie..such a fun card!

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  29. Cathy, I enjoyed seeing your step by step process. I don't think I would have ever thought of that! Hmmm, you have a thing for Martha Stewart punches?! You have a LOT of company here I'm sure!!

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  30. Great card! Fantastic tutorial with the nestabilities die! Thanks for the inspiration but most importantly thanks to you and your husband for your service to our country.

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  31. Great card! thanks for thr tips!


    AprilsL8@windstream.net

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  32. Adorable card! Thanks for the tips too!

    And as a current military wife I must say thank you for your time in service to our country, and now for you sharing your creativity with OWH to help other families feel closer to their loved ones.

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  33. I've yet to try the nestabilities but you've showcased them nicely. I also love the flocking on the bunny! Too cute.

    Thanks for your service to our country both now and in the past.

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  34. All these people making cards with nestabilities are making me wish I had a cuttlebug! Oh well, my Cricut will have to do. :) Love your cute fluffy bunny...

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  35. Thank you for your service. I am glad that you both enjoy what OWH does.

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  36. Thanks for the great tutorial. I never would have thought of doing that by myself. I love your springy card.

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  37. Thank you for the tutorial and the chance to win a punch..I don't have any and would LOVE one! You card is really cute!

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  38. OMGosh how cute, I was thinking that now I *NEED* a grass punch and that is what you are geneously giving away! I hope I win!
    Blessing!
    (email in profile)

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  39. I just scrolled down thru your blog. You need to blog more! You're good, girl! I'm adding you to my favorites! Thanks for sharing your hero with us! Thank to both of you for your service!

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  40. Thank you and your husband for your service! I'm glad you both are home and safe! I've been sending cards to the troops for several years now, but just sending cards to OWH for a few months. It's great to make all kinds of cards and know that some service man or woman will use them to send a letter home!

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  41. I'm sorry, I forgot to give my email address (of course, I'll win the prize!);-) it is scrappygal1 at gmail dot com.

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  42. I love coming across an idea I haven't seen or ever thought of and your grass on the die cut is a good one! The problem with blog hops is I want to run off and try the cool ideas immediately, lol.

    Thank you for sharing your creativity. And thank you for your service. DH's too!

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  43. Not only did you make an awesome card with lots of layered details, but provided a tutorial, too. wow! Thanks for your service and thanks to your DH for his!

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  44. Oh and I have a decorative scissors that cuts the grass pattern....couldn't give up that one hee hee old school

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  45. I just discovered those punches and love them also. Great job on the card!

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  46. What an adorable card! And thanks for the nesties tutorial, that is one item I haven't conquered yet so I found it really useful. Happy Stamping!

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  47. Hugs and Happy Retirement to your DH. Beatiful card!! LOVE the grass!! Thanks for the tutorial!!!

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  48. I really like your cards! The nestabilities are really fun to use- I should really use them more often.

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  49. I think I just found an activity for my 1st grade Girl Scout Troop to begin doing on a regular basis...write the troops! Thanks for the idea.

    I love that grass border punch and can't find it around here- the store's are out! Thanks for sharing.

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  50. Tank you for your tutorial. I'm new to nesties, so it was just what I needed. I'm going to hand cut some grass and try it.

    Your card is adorable. I love all of the special details you added to it.

    A big thank you to you and your husband for your years of service.

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  51. I loved your tutorial! Your card is just the cutest! Love it. Thanks to you and your husband for your service to our country and thanks for hopping with us today!

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  52. Beautiful card!!! your coloring is amazing!!! Thanks for the tutorial on the grass!

    A BIG THANK YOU to you and your husband for your sacrifice and service to our country!!!

    As a military spouse and someone new to OWH, I thank you for taking part in this awesome blog hop and in OWH!

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  53. Love your card and your great tutorial on you grass is very creative......thank you for serving for our country.....and for sharing these awesome creation....here with us...
    gw0109@gmail.com

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  54. i love martha punches, too!. thanks for the tutorial... seems like I always just keep trying til things line up. Great advice.

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  55. Thanks for serving, sharing your technique and hosting blog candy. Your card was very cute.

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  56. First, I want to thanks you & your hubby for your service! My daughter will be going to Afghanistan soon, & she has served in Iraq, Germany & Katrina in the CO Army Nat Guard. (pics on my OWH post). Although I don't have the punch or the die cutter, I love the tutorial so I know how to use it when I get one. I'm disabled & make cards for the soldiers & a local veteran's nursing home, so I do what I can to support the troops. I'm always learning new things, so thanks again for your wonderful tutorial!

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  57. Thank you to you and your husband for serving- I love the flocking on the bunny...that is something that I haven't tried yet

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  58. Thanking you for a card idea seems kind of trivial compared to thanking you and your family for serving our country.

    I loved the grass idea. It was an "a ha!" moment for me.

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  59. This is the cutest card ever! Thanks for the step by step tutorial...very helpful!

    Corri

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  60. love that grass punch too. your card is so cute. i am glad your hubby is home safe! we appreciate his work on protecting our home soil.

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  61. Congrats on your first bloghop! Glad to see you back blogging. Awesome card!

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  62. Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing a piece of your life with us. :)

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  63. Love the tutorial for making the grass! That punch looks like fun to play with!

    halewis1213 at yahoo dot com

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  64. Such a nice card :) thank you for the tut ;)) great job!

    Hugs x

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  65. Your bunny card is darling! I'm a big MS punch fanatic too! Thanks for the chance to win one.

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  66. What a great card! Thanks for the grass tutorial. I'm a big supporter of OWH, have been from back in the days they started as CFH. Love the thought of putting a smile on a Heroes face as they pick out a card to send home. I know that many of them have access to email ~ but who prints out email and keeps it in a shoe box under the bed?? Would love to have that grass punch, I don't own that one. Then I could CASE your card!
    Thanks for supporting OWH!
    R/

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  67. LOVE YOUR CARD... love the grass stamp... Thanks for sharing and supporting OWH. MORE THAN ANYTHING THANKS for yours and your hubby's time in the service of our AWESOME COUNTRY.

    I appreciate you stopping by my blog during the hop and leaving your kind words. Good luck in my OWH giveaway!

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  68. Your card is AMAZING!!! Talk about eye candy...I think it had my eyes drooling at all the loveliness and wonderful details!! Thank you for the tutorial on how you created the grass. Now I have yet another MS punch to add to my ever growing wish list;o)

    Congratulations to your husband on his retirement!!! I also want to thank you and your husband for your service and dedication to our nation...and for continuing to do so through OWH!!! You are an inspiration to us all!!!

    Hugs!
    Carolyn

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  69. Thank you for being our heroes! Both you and your husband! You still are my heroes and I appreciate what you both have done in our armed forces!
    Your card is rich in colors, amazing with colors. I love the colors!!!
    And thank you for sharing your tip with nesties. I love using those fun nesties and your idea is terrific.
    Have fun and thanks for support the OWH as well as your personal experience being our heroes!
    Sincerely,
    Sher

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  70. LOVE that card and what a fantastic tutorial to go with! Thanks! Best to you and your husband!

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  71. Thank you for your service to our country and please extend my thanks to your husband, as well. I love this card and I, too, love Martha punches...but I don't have this one yet! Cheers!

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  72. Thanks for the "grass" tutorial. It was great! I love the card with the rabbit and the grass...just cute cute cute!!! Thanks also to you and your husband for your service to our country - we really appreciate you!

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  73. Thank you for the tutorial! That little bunny is adorable! Thank you to your husband and your family for serving our country!

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  74. slfrio@sbcglobal.netMarch 21, 2010 at 8:25 PM

    Cathy - love your card and especially thanks for the tutorial. How clever you are to have come up with that praocess. Thanks so for sharing with us on this blog hop. Best wishes to you and your hubby.

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  75. Cathy - I was hopping along...., and so excited to come to your blog...... you are a fellow dachshund lover!!! It was like a special treat to see your little pup on your blog!!! I am going to follow your blog, just so I can keep seeing your pup!!! Added bonus: Your card was great, and thanks for the tutorial!!!

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  76. Cute Cute Cute... and not just you and your hubby, but your card too. Thx for supporting OWH. Hugs, Loni (Stop #55)

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  77. Beautiful card and thank you to hubby and family for service!

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  78. Great cards! I love punches, including the Martha ones. Thank you for sharing :)

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  79. Thank you to your husband and yourself for serving our nation! We are firm supporters of our service men and women. The hubster is a vet, and my late Father served in WWII, so did my late uncle. my step son was in the navy, and my late BIL. both of my girls were in long relationships with servicemen...The oldest night still be with her soldier...unfortunately she has estranged herself from the entire family. but I am not here to talk about that. But I will say her beau is still active, was working as a recruiter, in lieu of going over there for e fourth tour. But when last spoke with my daughter he was considering a tour over their with the medi-choppers.(if I am calling them by the right name)

    so...i LOVE this organization and wish I had found out about it sooner. I am SOOO going to be making cards for them.

    Your card is AWESOMESAUCE!! I do not have a big grass punch like that, and unfortunately no nestabilities yet. I am recently disabled, and have lost my income, so craft money is a premium around here. I do buy a little each month, just not what I used to. LOL but I am a total paper addict! aren't we all, LOL

    Thanks for all you do, and DID!
    hugs,
    Susan

    ps...now following :)

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  80. Great card but most of all - great cause!

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  81. What a cute card - thanks for the tutorial, as well. So glad you were able to join in.

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  82. What a great idea. Your card is adorable.

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  83. There's so much on this blog hop to get through for a newbie, that I've only gotten this far! Your cards are lovely and a great tutorial I'll have to check someday when I learn more.
    I hope I'm not too late to be included for your blog candy....dmdotallnock at verizon dot net (Sandy's Mom)

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  84. Your card is gorgeous! I love the coloring of your image.

    Corinna
    www.myscrapbooklife.com

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