Wednesday, September 9, 2009

A Year of Leaves Blog Hop!

This blog candy is now closed. Find the winner here.

Thank you for joining the Gina K team and our guests for this special " A Year of Leaves" hop today!
Today I have a sample that's Pure Luxury: Chocolate Kiss, Soft Sand, and Ivory, that is! They are just the perfect neutrals alone or together, so rich! I embossed the oak leaf from this set in gold EP onto the Chocolate Kiss CS, and colored them in with a Q-tip and bleach! I think this just might be my favorite way to color the leaves now, you can see below how realistic looking the fading light to dark and variety of colors are! Stamp on any earth tone paper and watch the new colors appear as the bleach does its magic! And virtually no "technique" to it either, just dip and rub!
I rubbed a little gold metallic paste around the edges of the mat and a little on the punched chocolate oval frame, doesn't the chocolate paper look so beautifully burnished? I added some ribbon and a few of the adhesive nail heads to embellish it. I tore the edge to make a little more distressed and "leafy", then you have a beautiful peek of the inside.

I lined the inside with the Ivory and stamped "Thanks" and the little caterpillar, both from the set at the corner. Stamping the oak leaf repeatedly on the envelope flap makes easy coordination.

For even more inspiration, please visit our Illustrator of the Year of Leaves stamp set, Melanie Muenchinger's blog. You'll want to leave a comment on her blog because she is hosting a drawing for her gorgeous stamp set there tonight!
Melanie has asked her two guest designers to join in on her blog hop too:
Selma Stevenson
Karen Knegten

Also showcasing Year of Leaves stamp set samples tonight are these GinaK Designers:
Gina Krupsky
Carolyn King
Donna Baker
Erika Martin
Jessica Fick
Kurtis Amundson
Lee Murphy
Theresa Momber
as well as our CenterStage Spotlight Designers:
Geri Utterback
Shelly Wilson
Tina Gilliland
Would you like to win "A Year Of Leaves"? I will post the winner here tomorrow night!

142 comments:

  1. Melanie, your card is gorgeous! I love how the bleach brought out so many colors in the Chocolate cardstock. I would love to win this set, thanks for the chance!

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  2. This is such a stunning card Mel, blows me away!!!!

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  3. This is a truly eleagant look with this technique. I must try it. You make everything look so beautiful...great design and a wonderful inspiration. I would love to win this set.
    T Pollack

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  4. This is simply stunning!!! LOVE IT!

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  5. Melanie, I just love this card. The bleaching technique is so beautiful with the leaves set. I would love to win this set, even though I doubt my cards will do it justice compared to yours!

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  6. Very beautiful, classy & elegant card!

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  7. Gorgeous card! What I love is that you make it sound so easy to make these gorgeous creations of yours. Crossing my fingers to win this fabulous set, otherwise I will move it to the top of my want list. Kheila

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  8. What a gorgeous set and your technique and detail on this card are just stunning!

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  9. Love your card and plan to get
    the bleach out tomorrow. Thanks
    for the inspiration.
    Gladys R.

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  10. Your stamps and this card just knock my socks off! This one really was hit out of the ballpark. What inspiration you give to everyone. If I had to describe this card it would be...STUNNING & ELEGANT! Thanks for all that you do.

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  11. beautiful Mel!
    thanks for the chance to win=)

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  12. Love this technique...stunning card and matching envelope. Who knew a Q-tip and bleach could have such a WOW factor!

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  13. This card is just stunning! The colors are SO rich looking. Love the bleaching too.
    GREAT job!

    :-)

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  14. Beautiful stamp set Mel. Love the Q-tip w/bleach technique. Easy but so dramatic.

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  15. What a fantastic fall card. It is just beautiful. Love how you colored the leaves. Thanks for a chance to win this set.

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  16. Wow! That is a beautiful card Melanie! I can't believe how very real those leaves look by being bleached on the Chocolate Kiss cardstock! You truly made this an elegant work of art!!!

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  17. Wow! Your leaves look amazing with the bleaching technique. I would love to win this set!

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  18. This is such a stunning card!! Love it!! Thanks for all the inspiration!!

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  19. Your card is gorgeous! I love this set as much as A Year of Flowers!

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  20. What a beautiful card! I want to try the bleach technique, too. I really like your stamp set. I made some cards with your Inspiration Mosaic stamp set and my friends liked the outcome. Congratulations on your new stamp set! Thanks very much.

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  21. Melanie, your card is lovely- thank you so much for the tip on using bleach, I will have to give it a try and hopefully it'll turn out a bit like yours. Thanks for the chance to win the gorgeous stamp set of leaves, I have really enjoyed looking at what you have all created- such inspiration.
    Many hugs,
    Trish

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  22. Melanie, this is absolutely breathtaking! I am in love with these beautiful leaves! The bleaching technique is so classy and elegant! Thanks for the chance at winning this set!

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  23. Wow! This card is beautiful. What a great tip!

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  24. What a wonderful idea. The card is stunning and can't wait to try it myself. I also love the seniments on this set (Year of Leaves). You are a talented lady.

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  25. I love looking at all your creations. You have such an amazing talent that inspires me. Your card is beautiful.

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  26. Melanie... this is FABULOUS!!! LOVE this set so much. Oh...btw... I have this set... hee hee. Imagine that!!! ME, with ONE of your sets??? *grin*

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  27. Melanie, I just gasped when I saw how beautiful your card was. I would never have thought of coloring with the bleach on the Chocolate and then adding the other colors. Yes, I would like to win this set. I really really like and want it.

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  28. Melanie- what a lovely card. I am going to try this technique on my next batch of leaves. This stamp set rocks!

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  29. Simply stunning. I've always been intimidated to try the bleaching technique but now that I see this, I might just have to dip right on in. LOL

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  30. Hi Melanie, Your card is gorgeous, just love the colors and the gold really brings everything together. fabulous...Thank you for the chance to win this set...

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  31. Gorgeous card Melanie! A real knockout. Thanks for the inspiration.

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  32. What a beautiful, elegant card! I just love the sentiments you have included in this set...

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  33. as usual - beautiful! Thanks for the inspiration!
    Sandra

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  34. Melanie, they look bronzed! I love this card!!!

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  35. Melanie,(love your name). I have always been in love with leaves, and my group of scrapbooking friends know that I do. what a treat to get a chance to win this set. I cant wait to try this technique with everyone. Melanie Beatty

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  36. Lovely, simply lovely! Crossing my fingers....

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  37. Melanie, just beautiful! so sorry to have missed the hop :(...but making the rounds to see everyone's now...just saw Geri's and hers were super amazing!!! so want this set (along with everyone) but trying to hold out for the Christmas sets....so hard to do!
    Linda

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  38. Beautiful! I can see using this set for a fall mini book.

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  39. This is a beautiful card with a lot of care and love. It makes me feel warm inside. Thank you for sharing.
    Smilin' Sher

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  40. What absolutely gorgeous leaves - and the paper is perfect. Thx so much for the inspiration!
    Elaine Moore - mtn.moven.faith@comcast.net

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  41. The bleaching technique has produced the most gorgeous leaves! Your card is stunning. Having an chance to win this wonderful stamp set is awesome -- thank you!

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  42. oh Melanie...this card is so lovely! I like bleach too but mine never looked this good! I want to win the card! but...love the set as well...really really nice...tyvm for sharing ...and maybe a chance to win. Tyvm Cher
    hilly77@comcast.net

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  43. Your card is beautiful!!! Great job on the leaves! Thanks for the chance to win this set!

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  44. Terrific card Melanie!!! I love the rich colors.

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  45. Melanie - I love this card. The bleach really brought the colors into the leaves so beautifully. Thanks for the idea. Gotta try this over the weekend.

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  46. What a beautiful set! I fell in love with A Year of Flowers, now A Year of Leaves. Beautiful card!

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  47. Absolutely gorgeous -- I love using bleach but have never used it with gold embossing and brown cardstock. Thanks for the inspiration and for the chance to win this set.

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  48. Melanie, this technique is simply gorgeous. It makes me want to go and try it right now!

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  49. Beautiful card. Like the sentiments, leaves and caterpillar too.

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  50. Absolutely gorgeous Melanie! Love the effect of the bleach on the black... stunning!

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  51. I am blown away with this set and the card. I am in awe of you!

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  52. What a fantastic technique and AMAZING results, Mel. I've got to head back to STV to check that bleach video out again. Just stunning.

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  53. Melanie, This card is Gorgeous! At first I thought maybe you had used the castaway stamp pad, but the bleach is even better! I love how you can control what areas you use a light touch or heavy touch with it. The leaves come alive!
    This set is truly a beautiful set and at the top of my wish list!
    Thank you for sharing your beautiful creation!

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  54. Love the effect of the bleach on the dark card... must give it a go!! Yours is one awesome blog that I love to receive.

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  55. You created not only an amazing card but an amazing stamp set as well. I love the simplicity of them both!

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  56. Love Love Love this set - your card is beautiful!

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  57. This card is beautiful. Would love to win.

    Thanks.

    Martha
    Marthamh2 at aol dot com

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  58. I love the card - bleach on a q-tim, a must try for me. I sure home I win this set!

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  59. Melanie
    that card using the bleach technique is absolutely stunning .
    This set of stamps has shot to the top of my want list .
    Being as the 9th was my birthday I would love the set of stamps as a present

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  60. This is beautiful. Love how the bleach worked. And the gold embossing is sharp! Great set, Melanie. Thanks for a chance to win.

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  61. I love all of your cards, they are wonderful and thanks for the chance to win this great set.

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  62. Melanie your card is stunning! I love the details you have done. Great job!

    Joan

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  63. Melanie your card is gor-jus! It is simply stunning. Marilyn

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  64. Wow this is one amazing card. I just love the colors, technique and of course the stamps. Thanks for a chance.

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  65. Melanie, This stamp set of yours that you are giving away is gorgeous beyond words and the sentiments are definitely "one of a kind." Love the card that you made to show case your set. Thanks for a chance to win such an amazing stamp set.

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  66. Melanie, your card is absolutely beautiful! I love using bleach on cards, it gives the image such a different effect. I would LOVE to win this set. Thanks for the opportunity!

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  67. Melanie, this is absolutely gorgeous. I love the soft elegant feel. Wow!!

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  68. Wow,after seeing this card and technique, I do know I need this stamp set. Your work is absolutely beautiful!
    Linda Peterson

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  69. This stamp set is beautiful! Your card is amazing. I can't wait to try my own bleaching. Thanks for the inspiration (once again!), Melanie.

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  70. Stunning, absolutely stunning!! Love it, love the technique.

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  71. Your card is absolutely gorgeous, Melanie! I love the gold embossing and the elegant effect with the bleach! A Year of Leaves is an awesome set! Thanks for the chance to win it!

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  72. I love the look of your card. So elegant looking.

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  73. Your fall designs are gorgeous. They would make great nameplates for a dinner party. So elegant. Thank you for the chance to win this set!

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  74. Love your leaf card. It looks so natural. Please enter me in the drawing for the set.

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  75. Really love this card, although I am not looking forward to fall :o( Thanks for sharing. Thanks for the chance to win this. Have a great day, Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne

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  76. Wow, just stunning!!! You so inspire me.
    T. Blue
    tmblueb@hotmail.com

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  77. WOW Melania, I love your card. It is beautiful.

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  78. Melanie,
    This stamp set is wonderful and you card here is beautiful. I have many of your sets but this isn't one of them. It is on my list though and just think should I win it not only would I have it, but then I could purchase another of your sets that is on my list....:) Well a girl can dream right?

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  79. This set is absolutely gorgeous! I have a Year of Flowers - so it would be great to add this set to my collection as well!

    Beautiful card! I have the metallic paste - just haven't done anything with it yet - I think I'm going to have to break it out!

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  80. Beautiful card! I don't think I ever would have thought to use neutral card stock for fall leaves and then bleach the leaves. I tend to use the fall colors of gold, rust, green etc. So I am going to try this soon. Thanks for the idea and the chance to win this beautiful leaf set.

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  81. That is a most bearutiful, rich, elegant card! I LOVE it! You do such lovely work. I'd really treasure the set if I were to win it. Thanks for the opportunity.
    tonilea
    jiffy1212@aol.com

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  82. This card took my breath away, so beautiful. Do you use the bleach straigh, or mix it with water?

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  83. What a beautiful card Melanie!! I can't wait to try this technique. Thank you for sharing and also for the chance to win such a great set!

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  84. Melanie- you've done it again! What an amazing set you have created. Your card is stunning. I love fall and all the beautiful leaves that come with the season. With your set you can create them throughout the year. Thanks for the chance to win this set.

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  85. I think the magic is your talent!!! Love all your tips and ideas and inspiration. Oh and generosity for sharing your new set. Thank you for the chance to win.

    Deanna aka moodymom
    lkcjkqsmom@yahoo.com

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  86. The card is beautiful and what a great stamp set. thanks for a chance to win.

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  87. This is absolelutely beautiful.
    Marianne

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  88. That is just the most gorgeous leaf card I've ever seen. I'm definitely going to try the bleach technique soon! Thanks for sharing!

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  89. WOW, you never cease to amaze me with what you come up with! This is lovely! And I so enjoy a blog hop and a chance for candy!

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  90. Your sets are so beautiful, Melanie! Fall is my favorite time of the year. And this leaf set makes it so easy to create those special cards. I love this technique on this set. It's just gives amazing results. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  91. That is just beautiful. I love the effect the bleach made on the leaves. Great idea, and beautiful result.

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  92. Melanie-
    Your set is gorgeous. And all of your sentiments and sets are so versitile. Keep up the good work.

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  93. Beautiful card with the bleach technique. I love all the types of leaves in this set...and all the great sentiments! Thanks for the chance to win and for sharing your art.

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  94. Melanie, your card is beautiful! I have stamped with bleach, but have never had such stunning results.
    I love the stamp set. Thank you for the chance to win it.
    Evette Rice
    evetterice@aol.com

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  95. I love the card. Couldn't believe what the bleach produced. Will try it soon! Sure would love to win this marvelous set.

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  96. Awesome card. I just loved all of the great cards on the blog hop. It would be so great to win this set. Here's hoping!
    Nan

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  97. Breathtaking is how I would describe your card. It has such a rich,luxurious look. The bleach really brought out the colours for the leaves.
    I love this set -the sentiments are so true. It would be great to win it but one way or another it will make its way to me. It's on my wish list at present.

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  98. That is a beautiful card...bleach stampin is such fun!

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  99. Melanie, I love your card. This stamp set is gorgeous. It is among my must purchase list, when I get the cash. So pick me and that's one less on my very long list LOL

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  100. Fabulous card, fabulous choice of colors...love it, love it, love it. Would love to own this set of stamps.

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  101. I LOVE your card!!!! And YES I would like to win the Year in Leaves set. I have been wishing I could buy it but right now we can not afford to spend any extra. So please,please,please add my name to your list of entrants.
    Thanks so much.
    -Janie
    mmoor49 at columbus dot rr dot com

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  102. this is gorgeous I especially love the torn edge

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  103. Love the leaves...so classy! Great color combination too!
    Jan Castle

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  104. wow so simple yet so stunning...i have to try this!

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  105. Your card is awesome...it's so elegant! I'll have to give this technique a try. Thanks for the chance to win.

    Susan H.
    tomsue@charter.net

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  106. Absolutely gorgeous! I can see how versatile the stamp set would be. Love, Love, Love It!

    Kathleen D

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  107. Oh, this is just stunning! And such a gorgeous set! So beautifully done Mel!!!
    Blessings, Maria

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  108. Beautiful set Melanie. I love your bleach idea also.

    thanks much

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  109. Beautiful card--I like how you bleached the leaves.

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  110. Wow, those leaves just pop bleaching on that CS. Love the look. Thanks for sharing. I love leaf cards...one can never have too many leaf stamps! LOL

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  111. Stunning and so elegant. I love this card and your talent and I want every set you create and I just can't afford it! I keep looking and waiting for the budget to catch up to the want!

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  112. that be one gorgeous card----wow. i would have never thought that cs could be bleached. gonna have to try that one!!!

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  113. That bleaching is perfect for the leaves. I'll have to try that technique. What a fabulous and elegant card!

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  114. Simply a stunning card Melanie!!!
    I soooo love the way the bleach brings out the colors...
    Just great!!

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  115. Such a lovely card! I just love everything about it!!

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  116. Oh my goodness your card is simply lovely. I have seen other projects that use bleach but have never used it myself. But I think this is the inspiration I needed - I feel the need to do my Thanksgiving cards NOW!

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  117. Absolutely stunning!! Your talent never ends!! Thanks for creating so many wonderful stamp sets for me to enjoy!! blessings and hugs!

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  118. Melanie,
    I hopped over here from Gina K.'s.
    Your new stamp set is beautiful.
    Peggy Nickelson
    snickels@msn.com

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  119. Melanie, How Beautiful!!! The SI design team is having a techniques challenge this month using bleach - you have given me some ideas Woman!! If you do pick my name, please pick again. I just won not long ago. ;o) I just had to leave a comment for this beautiful card!!

    Take care and STAY POSITIVE!

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  120. This is the set I was not able to get for the release, but it is on top for this month. You made one amazing card, Mel! Fingers and toes are all crossed. Can't wait to see what you have up the old sleeve for the next release!

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  121. The card is awesome! Thank you for giving us some great inspiration!

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  122. Great technique! Your card is so elegant, Melanie.

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  123. Absolutely gorgeous! I'd love this set!!

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  124. Beautiful card Melanie!!
    God bless
    Giovana

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  125. I am new to this site. I love this card. Hope I win

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  126. I love this set and your card so gorgeous! Love the fall, rich colors!

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  127. Gorgeous as usual Melanie!! I will definately be CASEing this one!! :)

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  128. love this card and what a beautiful gesture for cards for Kate

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  129. Melanie, wow! Now that is talent. It looks like something right out of an expensive stationary store. Beautiful work!

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  130. I just can't wait to play with this stamp set. It is gorgeous and so is all of your work.

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  131. An absolute stunner Melanie!! Your new set is fantastic!

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  132. Stunning! I adore the bleach.

    It's a good life!
    Terri E.

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  133. What a stunning way to remind us how simple "bleach" can produce such dramatic results! You always amaze me! Brenda B

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  134. Gorgeous card. So easy and so effective. Did you use different amounts of bleach to get the different shades, or did it just happen with that card stock?

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  135. Melanie, this is simply stunning! I love how that bleach worked on the cardstock with your leaves!!! Perfection!

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  136. Melanie, this is simply stunning! I love how that bleach worked on the cardstock with your leaves!!! Perfection!

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