Sunday, July 26, 2009

Sneak Peek: Inspiration Mosaic and Elegant Post

Last month's BIG stamp in "Arranged with Love" was a BIG hit, so you knew I had to bring you more large stamps for easy creating, right? My love of clean lines, bold prints, tile mosaics and fine art (the architecture and stained glass of Frank Lloyd Wright and the paintings of Mondrian), have all inspired my newest set for Gina K Designs: "Inspiration Mosaic". This geometric background works like a sketch you can turn four different ways to create structure on your card; the direction you take it from there is up to you! Be inspired! This set has something for everyone, to suit any style. The grid turns your paper into several "mini canvases" perfect for a variety of techniques: spotlighting your stamped images, easy color blocking and paper piecing to name a few. Choosing which samples to share today was extremely difficult! I went with some very simple ones to start, but I know you'll see some very different ones in our hop today! ;)


Above I've stamped it in Vivid Coffee Bean on Pure Luxury White and colored a few select areas with Copics (don't be afraid to leave some white space!) and stamped in some more little squares to add interest (the row of squares and single square are separate images). This gives the feel of stained glass or a gallery print, my husband (former architect) loves this card. I adore these earthy colors, the grid makes adding hues for color challenges a snap! Card base is Pure Luxury Green Apple (Pale Olive Copic is a beautiful match!), you will love this juicy new color!
Here it is vertically, I've stamped in Coffee Bean again on a sheet of Basic Grey Offbeat DP, now it looks like a floral screen. See how each part of the print is showcased in a pleasing way? I have a new "sketch" without having to do all that layering! All I had to do was add the sentiment (love how it's framed up instead of "floating") and a little white flower embellishment, and the little "brads" you see in the top and bottom corners are circle stamps in the set!

And last, I've turned it one more time and created this simple scene with some of Gina's "Tropical Flowers" branches in Memento Tuxedo Black on Pue Luxury White and a bit of sponging olive, yellow and rust inks, masking the "top layer" rectangles before sponging so my greetings would really pop. Isn't that serene, like you're looking out a window? The dashed lines are also in this set, these are fun to add anywhere you need a little something and can also be used like stitching. Card base is the new Gina K Pure Luxury Pumpkin Spice.




After a week of stamping with this frame, I've found creating easier than ever, and using it with a huge variety of stamp images from our collection!! Expect to see this set pop up in a few more peeks this week, it's really kind of addicting! :)


Our next peek is Nina Brackett's "Elegant Post", which features you guessed it, a post and lots of things to hang up! Here I wanted to add more plants to the scene to go with the potted flowers, and found Rupa's ivy from "Easter Blessings" was a perfect fit. I stamped my post in green to match the new Green Apple Pure Luxury CS and stamped the vine over it and colored with with Copics. I didn't have to mask it since the green colored leaves hide the green of the post!
I punched the threading water border on the side to allow my green CS Cuttlebugged with the Leafy Branch folder to peep through. Sentiment from the set is framed with Petite Oval Nestabilities. White is Pure Luxury.


For more projects made with the stamps previewed today, be sure to check out our other Senior Design Team Member's Blogs: Cathy Tidwell

Donna Baker

Emily Giovanni

Erika Martin

Gina Krupsky

Jessica Fick

Kurtis Amundson

Lee Murphy

Lynn Mercurio

Theresa Momber
don't forget to check out our CenterStage Spotlight girls joining us in Previews today: Sue Walsh is showing an Elegant Post card today and JenMarie Taylor has a card made with the new Inspiration Mosaic stamp set.


More peeks tomorrow!! :) What do you think of "Inspiration Mosaic"? Would you like to win it? Please leave a comment in this post telling me what colors, sets or techniques YOU would want to try with it first! I will announce a winner on Thursday! :)

106 comments:

  1. It IS addicting! I want to use it with everything. Awesome set and gorgeous cards, Mel!

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  2. You're such a rock star!!!! This set is just amazing and you just kick it up that much more. Time to get my thinking cap back on. Hugs!!!

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  3. Wow! I am amazed at these new sets. The Mosaic has so many uses. I would love to try the quilt look with it.

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  4. oh - you have done it again! Love the stamp!
    Sandra

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  5. Oh I'm so loving all of the things you've done with this set. I adore mosaics and can't wait to get my hands on this one (and I'm loving all the sentiments I've seen so far with it). I really want to try it with masking and polished stone, with some great blues and greens. Thanks for a chance to win! :)

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  6. LOVE the second card (well, I love all of them but that second one is just stunning). I am so excited to see the rest of the samples!). I would love to try the quilting look but i also would love the color blocking as in the first card!

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  7. I was'nt sure when I saw your new set but I'm hooked!! everyone has made such stunning cards with it. Your card made with Elegant Post is very pretty too.

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  8. You are amazing - love, love, love it! I'd love to try two things come to mind right away and plan on doing so as soon as I get it:
    1) Emboss it
    2) Paper piece it with some sewing...quilt-like look.

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  9. You know...We should just buy all the sets sight-unseen, because when we see the previews it's all we can do to not attack the mailman!! I love these!!

    ~ky

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  10. I'm voting with your husband. I love your first card done with Inspiration Mosaic. It's beautiful! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome set!!

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  11. Wow!!! I love them both! And that new green is GORGEOUS!!! I can't wait to try they Inspirational Mosiac with some turquoise and silver!

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  12. I LOVE LOVE IT!!! I would love to try using it with a different color in each square and maybe a different technique in each... chalking in one.... stamping in another... maybe a paper piecing.... soooo many ways to try it!!! Can't wait to get it!!! Great job ... AGAIN!!!

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  13. Great cards! I love it stamped on the DP! I'd Love to try making a quilt card with that stamp! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  14. Ohhh I KNEW you'd have the most amazing cards showcasing your set!!! I LOVE the quilt ideas....but you also have shown some other amazing designs I can't wait to try!!!!

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  15. This is such a cool grid. The first thing I want to try is using masks and vintage colors to turn it into a collage of floral or postal images. Mmmmm, I hope I win this! Love it!

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  16. Oh, wow! This is just fantastic -- what a great idea! You are so, so clever -- every release I am amazed at your innovative design ideas! Awesome!

    I REALLY like the instant sentiment frame this set provides, and I'd LOVE to try my hand at stamping with it on patterned paper... Thanks for the chance to win -- fingers crossed!

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  17. The Mosaic set has so many possibilities Mel! If I'm lucky to win, I want to try it out for stamping collage with, maybe with the reds/yellows/oranges with a touch of blue or green to take us from summer to autumn.

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  18. Oh, what a fabulous stamp set - so many possibilities! I would especially love to try spotlighting with it - fun, fun! TFS!

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  19. Melanie, this is a most interesting new stamp you have!! What can't you do with it??? I just love your idea of stamping it on dp -- I think that's what I'd like to run with first! Thanks for the opportunity to win this versatile stamp!

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  20. This is so cool, I think I like this better than the flowers even, and I would never had believe you'd top that! I think I like the way you are heading with the tropical flwoers with this image. Cute!

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  21. I love this stamps! I've never seen anything like it and although it probably isn't a technique, I think it would make an excellent choice for masculine cards. Those are always difficult for me. I would also love to color it with Copics!

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  22. Love your mosaic inspiration cards!! I would love to try the quilt look and the stamping on the dp. Love it!!

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  23. Wow! I'm in awe of how many different looks your mosaic stamp can produce. How did you ever think of it? It's so simple yet powerful! And Nina's set is gorgeous!

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  24. You've done it again! What a talented gal you are. I am a quilter, so can't wait to use your mosaic stamp. And I love its versatility. It is going to be so much fun to play with. Thank you for the chance to win it.

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  25. You've done it again. I love the mosaic stamp. There are so many possibilities, embossing, paper piercing, and simply stamping.

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  26. I love the mosaic stamped on the designer paper. I can't wait to get it and use it to stamp on a couple of coordinating designer papers and paper piece it. What a fun stamp!

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  27. Melanie...these are so nice! I would love to use alcohol inks and embossing powders...both sets rock...ty and ty for a chance....Cher
    hilly77@comcast.net

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  28. I love it! And I can't wait to paper piece the heck out of it!

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  29. I am surprised at all the different ways you have used the "Inspiration Mosaic" and would love to try each one of them, I was also extremely excited by the "Elegant Post" and sure would love to play with that too!

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  30. These are all gorgeous - but that one with the offbeat paper is just FANTASTIC! Love that color combo! I didn't even know how to use this set - and now that I've seen it on patterned paper, I love it!

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  31. I love your new Inspiration Mosaic and think it will be darling with the "Hippy" & "Hoppy" Sets. I think it's stunning with the designer paper.

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  32. Wow Melanie!! I love this stamp set, and I want to try masking some of the boxes and stamping things peaking out of them...like a portion of an animal or part of a flower. So Neat!! Thanks for the chance to win this FAB set!!

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  33. So many ways to be used! Change the color combos with the season, it could look like a DP...stamp little snowflakes in one square, or ornaments etc for each season.
    The sentiments are wonderful also!
    Thanks for the hard work on this one (well all of your sets actually!)

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  34. Great cards.
    I'm thinking it might work to use it as a collage effect for small photos?

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  35. WOWza! These are stunning! Your new set is a complete trend setter & Nina's is gorgeous too. I love what you've done with both. So much variety! :O)

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  36. These all are so amazing Mel! I agree, very addicting! LOL! LOVE it! Thanks for another brilliant stamp set!

    LOVE how you have used that vine on the pole! That looks awesome!!

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  37. I love this set and have a few ideas for using it but I think the first will be to use my Janome with it. Your projects are beautiful. What a great set for making some of those quick cards.

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  38. Wonderful examples - I want to make them all. Not enough hours in the day! Thanks for the inspirations.

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  39. Inspiration Mosaic is a very interesting new stamp set, Melanie. I was unsure about it when I first saw it, but I have enjoyed all of the previews so far. First off, I would like to try stamping on dp like you showed in your "sneak peek". Thanks for the opportunity to win this versatile stamp set!

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  40. OMG.. see when I think there's no way for you to top yourself you prove me wrong once again... These cards are AMAZING Mel..

    Mishy

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  41. I was completely stumped when I saw Gina's snippet. Amazing what it turned out to be. Love your samples today.

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  42. I love the mosaic and all of your stamps. I really think the first thing I'd have to do is make one of the squares a window or even an opening then second or third make a little scene in one of the square's. Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful set.

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  43. Oh Mel, you are always coming up with something unique! I think I would try your "inspiration mosaic" stamp with "wee tees" first! Oh the fun we could have with those two sets together. Then I'd work my way to "The Best Things In Life" set. Then "have a cookie set"..... then.... need I go on?! lol

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  44. I love this new set and can see so many ways to use it. I'd love to use it with different dp cut and paper pieced!

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  45. this is a beautiful stamp!! so versatile...i would use the new herb expressions set from stampin' up...they would be perfect for it...

    lindsay

    mlmck@cogeco.ca

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  46. I am not sure if it will work, but you know that technique where you heat emboss and then soak the paper with water and dab your reinkers with your aqua painter and refill then touch to the paper. I think that might look really neat with this background set.

    It's a good life!
    Terri E.

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  47. Oh I love both sets, would be hard to pick one, I would love to try the new Green Apple paper, too. I think paper piecing with the mosiac set!

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  48. Great set! I think of paper piecing first--would make a great quilt card. I also liked Theresa's example with sponging and stamping.

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  49. oooooh Melanie!! I love how you showcased your IM!! Simple yet the end result is FABULOUS!!! All the cards are just beautiful!!

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  50. Melanie, I love your new stamp!!! All of your cards are fabulous!

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  51. This is gorgeous! I would love to make up something with my favorite colors pink/brown and possibly try the quilting look. Great cards!

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  52. wow I thinks this set would be fun to paper piece with, thanks for a chance to win!

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  53. As a geometric kind of gal, I totally love this idea. I think first I would have to explore using fabric with this stamp set for a quilted effect. I also would like to make a little mini scrapbook mosaic with pictures on a card. So many possibilities; thanks for the chance to win!

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  54. I would love to try your Inspiration Mosaic on any Basic Grey dp or the new apple green looks yummy too!

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  55. Melanie-
    You are so talented. I can't wait to purchase the set.

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  56. What an amazing, awesome set. Your samples are fantastic! There are so many things that you could do with it. I would love to paper piece it! Thanks for a chance to win it.

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  57. Absolutely Beautiful Melanie!!

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  58. omg, you do such wonderful work Melanie! I LOVE your cards and I must have these stamps.

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  59. That set is great. There are sooo many things you can do with it!!! Can't wait to get it...great job on it!!!!!!!!

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  60. Love all of the cards you created with this very versatile set! I love how you stamped on the dp and accented with the flower. Love them all!

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  61. WOW fabulous. Loved each of your cards and totally waiting for the release so I can get my own.

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  62. You were right, I LOVE this stamp! I would make a collage of my Just So Hippy set in bright primary colors. Nina's set looks fun, like how you added the ivy.

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  63. These cards are absolutely full of gorgeousness. I love all of them and you made my day with your Elegant Post creation.

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  64. This set seems so versatile and I love all the samples you already came up with....it really has something for everyone: coloring lovers, paper lovers, stamping lovers...I was thinking of maybe giving this grid some texture with different material like glaze, fun fur or a masking technique ...oh, it really looks full of possibilities

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  65. I really like the new stamp; I could see doing some paper-piecing with it, but then I've also quilted and it definitely has THAT kind of "feel" to it. Thanks for great inspiration and a great stamp

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  66. I'm lovin' this simple design! Can't wait to see the whole reveal!

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  67. Oh what a talented girl you are! I'm just green. I really like the versatility of the mosaic set. This one's definitely going on my wish list.

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  68. What a great cards... I can see this being a good go to set offten... I see pinks and browns and flowers...

    reflections:0)

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  69. You have offered some wonderful choices with your new set. I love geometric images and could see my self using this to create 3-D images or to highlight images or sayings in the boxes. Thanks for the opportunity to win this set. I can see it being very versatile.
    Kristina g

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  70. This stamp looks like a must have for me. Love it! I think it looks good with floral images.

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  71. Great new set. I want to use it with patterned paper and piecing!

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  72. What a great new set you have created! I love, love, love your second card! I think that is what I would try first. I have lots of beautiful dp that I can't bear to cut into. Your stamp just seems like it would showcase beautiful dp!

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  73. I probably won't win, so tell me how much it is so I can buy it asap! LOVE it. I love sentiments, and so many of mine can be used just as one of your samples demonstrates. Very versatile set!

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  74. Super neat stamp! I love the first card. It feels like it could be a painting in a gallery. That is what I would want to do with it first, create some pieces of modern art with bold colour blocks.

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  75. Melanie! There are endless possibilities with your new stamp! It gives hope to those of us who are background challenged. :o)

    Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

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  76. WOW...awesome, versatile stamp...I love it!!! I think I would go with pink, brown, paper piecing, and stitching. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Susan H.
    tomsue@charter.net

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  77. Mel - You are amazing! This is so cool! I would definitely try something like you did with the Basic Grey paper. That looks gorgeous! I would love to win this set!
    ~Angie

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  78. What a treat this mosaic stamp is!! I quite often have a problem with dimensions when trying to piece things together when layering. Here the dimensions are done for me and it's one layer!! lol I can actually see myself stamping it off on other papers and cutting out the individual pieces to "create" my own look. Thanks so much for sharing your talents with us!!
    Gail S.

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  79. The first thing I thought when I saw the first card was "Frank Lloyd Wright" and then your explanation confirmed it!. My daughter will be a second year architecture student and I would love to use this to make notecards and greeting cards for her to use!

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  80. Outstandin Mel - abnother homerun - I can't believe all the uses for this - does your mind ever stop?!?!?

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  81. I think this would be perfect for paper peicing I love this stammp!

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  82. WOW, This stamp is awesome. I love the quilted look that some have used to make their cards.

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  83. It looks like something fun and I would have to see it and try it! You have done an amazing job as always, of showing different ways to use it.

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  84. GREAT cards, Melanie!!! I love the ones you've made with your set - what a great variety of cards you made with it!! And, pairing Rupa's vine with Nina's set is brilliant!

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  85. Fabulous mel____cannot wait to play with it when I get back. Pure genius!!!!!! Love your cards 2

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  86. Love the new stamp sets. Would like to use the mosaic to make a
    baby quilt. The other one I would
    emboss. Thanks for a chance to win.
    Gladys R.

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  87. Melanie, the Mosaic stamp is so versatile! I can see myself using it for many, many cards. I can see using some Spellbinders in the spaces, I think this is amazing. I love the Elegant Post because it seems to work so well with many different stamps. I love the way you worked the Vine over the post! You are so talented! Thanks for all you beautiful work. I love, love, love trying to case your work.

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  88. I am loving this mosaic stamp set. It has so many possibilities. I especially like the idea of makinf it a patchwork quilt with designer paper and my Janome sewing machine.

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  89. Wow, I love this stamp! How would I use it? I think I would do some kind of layering with it. I would double stamp it and cut out some of the rectangles to pop with pop dots. I would probably pop a verse or greeting and then also one other with a flower or other visually pleasing stamp. Thanks for a chance to win!

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  90. I'd like to see it paper pieced with BG bittersweet or Porcelain!

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  91. Oh WOW, Melanie, these are all GORGEOUS!

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  92. What a unique idea! I'm loving what everyone has come up with for the sneak peek. This set looks like a "must have".

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  93. Oh!!! This is just stunning!! I love how you stamped on the basic grey paper!! I am dieing to order this set ASAP! I would love to color it as you did using a monochromatic theme of all blues! Or stamp on more yummy desiner paper. Huge versatility!!

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  94. I would love to do the card with the Basic Grey DP with the float sentiment "It's not the years.." It is absolutely simple and beautiful!

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  95. you know I adore all the cards you made using your new set - especially since I adore your new set!!

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  96. Fantastic Melanie!!!! All your cards are great, but the ones with you set are awesome! I love this stamp set, but then I always love your sets!

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  97. I have to admit that at first I was not very excited with this set--guess it is just so unique. But, as I have seen different creations, I am falling in love with it. You are an amazing designer. I can see lots of possibilities with it now.
    Cheryl Sims

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  98. I love what you've done with the mosiac stamp. I would love to use this with vintage colors as a collage with Teresa's new Timeless Treasures set.
    Cynthia
    olheiser@clearwire.net

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  99. I would use the words from many happy returns and crazy quilt stitch over the lines!!!

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  100. Incredible set! I can see myself trying out some black, red, and tan at first.

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  101. Wow! What a great idea for a background stamp! I love it! I would use brown and blue with it first, since it lends itself to such a modern look--perfect for CAS designs.

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  102. I love the graphic look and the wonderful, warm colors.

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Your generous feedback helps make my work and this blog better! Thanks for inspiring and motivating me! :)