Friday 15 August 2014

Time for another blog hop.....

Welcome to the Creative Expressions August 2014 Blog Hop! Hopefully you got here from Kim's blog but if you didn't here's the start at the Creative Expressions News Blog!
These new Christmas designs from the Singles Range at Creative Expressions, include seven different stamps. As you will see from the samples made for the Blog Hop, they do not just have to be used as they are but can be altered and interchanged to give lots of different options.
One randomly selected person commenting on this blog post before the closing date will win the following fabulous prize, which includes some of the new stamp designs.

For my project, I used the Merry Christmas stamp……..
I started out by taking the Fern Background stamp and stamping and then embossing it in gold onto a piece of white card and then I repeated the process to give myself two stamped background panels.
Can't have them looking all white and plain......they need colour!  So colour they got in the form of Squeezed Lemonade, Wild Honey and Ripe Persimmon Distress Ink.  Using some Cut 'n' Dry foam I started off with the lemon, in the centre of the piece then moved onto the wild honey and finally the ripe persimmon on the outside and then finally a quick rub over the whole thing again with the lemon.  
 Once I was happy with the colour I mounted both panels onto a pieces of gold satin card, then mounted these onto a card blank.

Then to create the centre topper panel I stamped and embossed the Merry Christmas twice onto some white card. Trimmed and mounted one of them and placed on top of the background panels.
From the other stamped panel I cut out the Poinsettia and the small floral panel at the top, painted them with distress ink and glued them in place,decoupage style, using some 3d glue gel.  
Then to finish I added a nice bow to the left of the topper using some sheer ribbon.

Thanks for visiting my blog, don't forget to leave a comment below in order to be in with a chance of winning a prize!
Once you have done that, you will need to click here to visit whoever's blog.
To help you along the way, here is a list for the Blog Hop:-
5. Donna Ratcliff (You're here :-) ! )
Start page, prize details and how to take part: Creative Expressions News Blog. The blog hop started on 15th August at 6.00am and ends 19th August at 5pm.
Thank you for taking part in our Blog Hop – good luck!

Donna xx

239 comments:

  1. Stunning card, love the background, so lovely.

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  2. Fantastic how you've used a non Christmassy background but with clever use of inks made it totally right for this project.

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  3. Really gorgeous! Stunning colours. :)

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  4. Now I would never have thought of these colours but they work. Stamps are gorgeous.x

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  5. stunning card love the colours

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  6. Wow! That background is fabulous. Xxx

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  7. Fabulous hop and a gorgeous creation! Love those strong and vibrant colors.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  8. Hi Donna Thank you just lovely Take care Kitty.

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  9. A lovely warm Christmas card.

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  10. Hi Donna
    I love the background and these stamps they are beautiful
    Hugs
    Heather T

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  11. Good morning Donna this is a gorgeous card. I love the colours you have used it makes a very warm card. Have a great day. Hugs Jackie

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  12. Morning Donna, wow, love the background stamp, stunning card. Love Jean xxx

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  13. Beautiful card and I love the background as well as the new stamp!
    XxRuth

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  14. Morning Donna, This is a beautiful, sumptuous coloured Christmas Card, I love it !!
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

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  15. Love the dramatic background, unusual but very striking

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  16. Hi Donna, This Card is Truly Stunning I Love The Warm Rich Background you've Created, and The Fabulous Stamp, I have purchased most of The Creative Expression Stamps and The Team has given me so many great ideas.
    Hugs from Sam x

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  17. I love the gold embossing on this card, opulent .

    Love Elaine x

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  18. Hi Donna. Love the card, so warm and welcoming. The stamps are great. Take care.

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  19. Good morning Donna Your card is beautiful I love gold for Christmas Beryl xx

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  20. Stunning christmas card, very rich warm colours. Reminds me of an open fire on a winters day.

    Michele.

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  21. Wow! I LOVE this background , it is so rich and opulent looking, the stamping of the sentiment and the poinsettias are also wonderful, really love your card.

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  22. Wow. Thus card looks very autumnal. Xx

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  23. Morning Donna. Really clever use of the non-christmassy background and the different colours but its really nice. Its amazing how all the cards so far are so different. Thanks.

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  24. Hi, lovely card , shall try your way of colouring the background as it looks so even. Lilian

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  25. This is so opulent Donna and rich looking. Just love how you have gone from white card to a stunning background x

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  26. Morning Donna, first time for me visiting your blog but it won't be the last. I love this card especially the colours, so rich and warming. Stay safe, healthy and happy. June Smith x

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  27. Hi, love the card, the background is amazing. Regards Rosemarie

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  28. Stunning card. Love the different textures and lovely complimentary colours x x

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  29. This is beautifulDonna.Love the background.
    Gr Elly

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  30. Good morning Donna what a beautiful card I'm loving the background you have done. And the colour is really warm looking. Take care Donna xx

    Debs A xx

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  31. Hi Donna,
    Beautiful card, loving the rich colours in the background and on the poinsettia panel too.
    Donna Jones

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  32. Hi Donna,
    Lovely card. ,Love the colours.Keep crafting

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  33. Hi Donna,

    Stunning card. Love it. Thank you.

    Much love,

    Shirley T. xxx

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  34. Morning Donna
    This card is stunning just the colours I like for Christmas Gold and Red beautiful
    Hugs
    Carol x

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  35. Great card, really like the colour, it's so different,xx

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  36. Beautifully done...that background is stunning!

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  37. STUNNING!! STUNNING!!

    Hi I'm new here and can just say this is a wonderful idea "blog hopping".
    Love the Stamps!!

    Happy Creation;)
    Anki J - Sweden

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  38. Absolutely stunning card......

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  39. Hi Donna, Beautiful card and colours love Jean Z xx

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  40. Morning Donna, a beautiful elegant card.
    Nancyd xx

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  41. Thanks to the blog hop it's my first visit - lovely new stamps and thanks for the inking technique!

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  42. Hi Donna
    really enjoy the blog hops, they are fun and give chances to see others members of the team at work, using different techniques.What a fantastic card you've made, it's lovely
    Seems Creative Expressions have come up Christmas trumps again!
    and love your Spaniel photo , gorgeous ! x

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  43. Lovely card amazing how much can be done with these stamps. Lovely blog. Hugs from Ireland Evelyn. X

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  44. Hi Donna wow I love the background you have created isn't it fab (just love the names of the distress inks!). Great Christmas stamp too. This blog hop is wonderful and really gives the chance to meet new designers. Have a great day love Diane G xxx

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  45. Love the card happy crafting .. xlove the colours

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  46. Absolutely stunning and I love the colours you have used...they make it so very different...just wonderful!

    Love Sheila x

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  47. Morning Donna - yet another stunner! Love the colours you have chosen & as usual great stamps!
    Janette xx

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  48. Love your inking technique and these new stamps are lovely

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  49. Hi sweety, love your card, love the colour, it's lovely seeing all these cards, first time I've blog hop if that's what you call it lol crafty hugs Julie laz xx

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  50. Good morning Donna,
    I love the colours on your background, I'll definitely be trying this. Thanks for sharing such an inspirational card.
    Lots of love, Karen xx

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  51. Love the colours on this card. Very striking. Great tutorial too.
    Love from Christine in Darcy..x

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  52. Absolutely stunning card Donna, the background is fabulous. Enjoying all the inspiration on this blog hop. Pat x

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  53. Hello Donna, A stunning card, love the warm colours and the background is amazing. Enjoying the blog hop and all the inspiration. Brock is a cute boy.
    Hugs June xxx

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  54. Lovely colours unusual for Christmas but effective!

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  55. Hi Donna
    Wow wow wow what a stunning way to use the Merry Christmas stamp. I just love this card. So simple yet it's so effective. Thanks for sharing this technique. I just love this stamp.

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  56. Morning Donna, a stunning card. Love the colours.

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  57. Fab design, quite unique, looks gorgeous, great hop too, xxxx

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  58. Beautiful card - love the way you created the background. Very inspiring!

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  59. So far so good, no broken links on this blog hop. Lovely card Donna - not familiar with your name or your blog - so it was nice to come here on the hop.

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  60. Hi Donna,
    This is absolutely stunning! colours are fantastic and I will definitely be trying this one!!! Love it!!!
    Thank you
    Lorna

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  61. Stunning colours on a beautiful card.
    Now on to the next leg of the hop.
    Christine (Andypandy)

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  62. Good morning, I love that background stamp, I think you are the first to use it - pretty card !

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  63. Beautiful Card Donna!

    I love the colours, they are so stunning and your techniques are fab.

    Hopping on to the next blog now.

    Happy Crafting!!! :) X X

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  64. Hello Donna. Gosh what a great card. Loving all the examples but this is magical. xx Margaret Col.

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  65. wow love the glittery background and the colours are fab xxx

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  66. Love this card and I love the different interpretations you have all had with the Christmas stamps Helen xx

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  67. Hi Donna
    I like the colours you have used,I usually go more for blue,but you may have converted me.
    Love Angela x

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  68. Wow - I do love the colouring if this card and am going to save the instructions. TFS.
    Janet in Kent

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  69. Hi Donna.
    Your card in the blog hop is absolutely beautiful, and so inspirational! I love the colors and now I have got in idea for another Christmas card my self, thank you :)
    Love from the Faroe Islands,
    Marianna.

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  70. Hello Donna such a beautiful card so pretty,Hugs Sarah xx

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  71. Wow lovely card Which definitely sends winter warmth. X x

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  72. Hello Donna,
    What a beautiful card, the stamps are enhanced by the gorgeous colours you have chosen. All the blogs I've seen so far are absolutely gorgeous. I suppose because the stamps are so easy to work with.

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  73. Donna, love the way you did the background. Beautiful card/

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  74. This is Christmas in the glow of an open fire! The background is amazing and allows the stamped sentiment to stand out.

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  75. Hi Donna, such a rich and warm card, absolutely gorgeous, thanks for your inspiration xx

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  76. Hi Donna
    Lovely card. Great effect with the embossing and distress inks.
    Best wishes.
    Ang.

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  77. morning Donna - wow a very different colour combo for this card - totally agree with other people's comments - so rich and luscious xx

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  78. I'm amazed at how different all of your projects are using the same products as a starter. What a glowing card for the coldness of winter, quite beautiful/

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  79. Good morning Donna,
    I love the colours you have used as it reminds me off a roaring fire on a cold winters night. I love how you have brought out the colours gradually getting lighter and brighter and with the gold card and embossing it just brings it to life.
    Crafty hugs
    Norah (Glenochil)

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  80. A lovely card. So different than the normal Christmas colours in the warm yellows/oranges.

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  81. very warm colours for a christmas crad. unusual but work so well with these stamps. remind me of a nice glowing hearth xx

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  82. Hi Donna, I really love the backgrounds you've done on this card - the colours are fabulous, and really set off the main sentiment! Thanks for sharing, Susan x

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  83. Beautiful background, lovely colours and very festive feel to the card.
    Lilygee x

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  84. Lovely card, the colours are stunning
    Hugs to all
    Michelle xxxx

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  85. Hi Donna I love the background stamp & the colours you have used are lovely. The new stamps are fabulous so versatile
    Hugs Lynda Brock xx

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  86. Great card using unusual colours

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  87. Do a a brilliant card, it goes to show how two people using the same stamp can make two total different cards. Hazel x

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  88. what a stunning elegant card. Love the techniques used, hmm wonder if I have those colours lol need them now. The card matches and showcases the stamp excellently. The stamp is so versatile so many ideas now popping into my head, I need the stamps as well.

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  89. A beautiful, elegant card, the use of the colours is really stunning and shows off the stamps to perfection

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  90. A beautiful card and embossing is so fantastic! Jacqui

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  91. Nice to see a different colour card

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  92. Hi Donna, another blog, another great idea. I have to agree with Marion in saying what a great colour you chose for your project. I'm loving the blog hop as I'm getting to see new bloggers with great ideas. x

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  93. The merry Xmas stamp is beautiful and I love the distress ink background. Lovely card

    Muriel

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  94. Love the merry Christmas stamp and the background really sets it off
    Best wishes,
    Pat

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  95. Hi

    Love this card, never thought about doing the colour over embossing powder, a must try.

    Best Wishes

    Julie Bee

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  96. Gorgeous card, I especially love the split background, brilliant idea! I don't usually like gold but with the other colours its lovely.
    Huggles
    Louise x

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  97. Beautiful colours on this card. Really different to "the norm".

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  98. Lovely rich colours, beautiful card.

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  99. Such a rich looking card...I like the color you choose for your card...
    What fun blog hop
    Well done

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  100. Wonderful card, do love the background, it is so rick looking

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  101. Hellooooo Donna! Oh wow! What a beautiful card and such gorgeous vibrant colours! Love it and apart from blending in the colours doesn't take much to do at all. These stamps are just gorgeous! The embossed gold is stunning and the vibrant red poinsettias are the gorgeous finishing touch. Stunning! xx Love Karen xx

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  102. Donna what a lovely Christmas Card it looks so rich. ♥

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  103. Hi Donna, what a truly beautiful card. love the back ground and the stamp is gorgeous.yvonne xxx

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  104. So so citrussy love the colour, smashing job......... hoppin' x

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  105. Wow, what a gorgeous card. Love the way you embossed and then used distress ink to colour with. Never thought of doing this.

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  106. Fabulous card. Amazing colour choice. So dramatic x

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  107. Hi Donna, love the fern background stamp and the colours you've used.

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  108. Hi. Gorgeous card. Love the colours you have used xx

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  109. Unusual colours but they do make a lovely Christmas card

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  110. Absolutely stunning Donna. Glad to have had the opportunity to visit your blog site.

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  111. Hi Donna, I'm really enjoying the blog hop and you card today is stunning. I love the colours - it gives it a really opulent feel. I thoroughly enjoyed your blog and shall certainly be dropping by again! Enjoy the rest of your day.
    Margaret A.

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  112. Hi Donna

    I wouldn't have, for one minute, thought to use these colours for a Christmas project but oh my, this is gorgeous!

    I should blog hop more often, all you C.E. team are amazing!

    Crafty hugs

    T xxx

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  113. Fabulous! What a great colour-scheme too

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  114. Hi Donna
    Gorgeous. A fantastic Christmas card. Thank you.
    Bye for now.
    SandraP

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  115. Hi Donna,
    Absolutely gorgeous, love the colours you have chosen. Very regal. One of my favourites so far. Thank you. Alison xxx

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  116. Oh WOW just absolutely beautiful and so stunning.
    I like this very very much.

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  117. fab card made from great stamps ,Laura O

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  118. Love the colours, am going to try this myself, thanks for sharing. Hop!

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  119. Beautiful colours. I love these singles stamps and the samples are amazing x Chris

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  120. Hi Donna,this card is stunning ,a work of art.
    Ita.

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  121. hello wow, love the idea of the colours,could you tell me how you did the background. bluebell-flowerwood.

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  122. Lovely card, the background is gorgeous

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  123. Hi Donna
    Beautiful Christmas card love the colours
    Hugs Annx

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  124. Wow, I just love that background and your colors.

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  125. Wow wow wow Love the colours on your card.x

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  126. Love the background colours Great Christmas card

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  127. Gorgeous colours on this card, beautiful stamps. Theresa

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  128. hi donna, ooohhhh what a gorgeous card i really love those colours and also the stamp

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  129. Hi Donna
    What a lovely colourful card, today. I love it....
    Rosie xxxx

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  130. Really tasteful card, the colours are stunning. Crafty Regards julie kay xx

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  131. Beautiful card Donna, autumnal colours are so pretty.

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  132. Everything about this card is just beautiful. X

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  133. Lovely warm colours and great stamping

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  134. I love the bright colours and the stamps are beautiful.

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  135. A very rich, luxurious looking card, just right for the Christmas season, totally beautiful

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  136. Hi Donna,what fantastic colours together.not just for christmas.
    Beautiful card

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  137. love the colours of this one
    chrissy o x

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  138. Hi, stunning card. This is right up my street. This is the first blog hop I have taken part in and looking forward to having a nosey round your blog. Kind regards Joanne K x

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  139. Beautiful card, love the background, lovely colours!

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  140. Loving the gorgeous colours in your design, ....oh and Brock is adorable!

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  141. Hi Donna, this card is so different, with the colours, very striking , I really like how you have mixed the distress inks.

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  142. Love this so bright and cheery. Not sure if I could do it but love it.
    Hugs
    CraftyJacq
    Xx

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  143. Lovely card and now thinking how lovely these colours are for Christmas cards x

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  144. Hi Donna, a beautiful card and I love the way you have coloured the background stamps.
    Frances

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  145. Hi. Beautiful card. I just love the colours you have chosen. SueL

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  146. Wow, love this card. Great colours xx

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  147. Loved your color choices, totally works and looks very pretty.

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  148. Really like the stamped background. Lovely card.

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  149. I love the stamps, and I love the way you blended the colours on the background! What a fabulous effect! Jo

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  150. Haven't visited your blog before, nice card. Love the photo of Brock!

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  151. hi so effectivealovely warm colour scheme for this card -

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  152. Just the kind of card that would warm my heart on a cold winters day. Hope I get one as nice as this!

    Hugs Alice x

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  153. Love, Love, Love this Stamp and the colours you use are wonderful

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  154. Gorgeous sponging for a dramatic background. Lovely card! Thanks for sharing.

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  155. Wow Donna. So different. I like it. The orange tones just ooze warm. Really clever
    Lots of love
    Jo xx

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  156. wonderful make -love the colours on this - brilliant xx

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  157. A stunning card. Love the sunset colours x

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  158. Just loving this blog hop and seeing how you all used the stamps and products in different ways. Loving the colours you are all using it really makes me think I need to get out of my comfort zone a bit.

    All the best Pauline ( freedom99)

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  159. I agree with Pauline - this blog hop is really a joy! And so's your card Donna - I love those colours!

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  160. How creative! I love how you treated the double panels and the gold matting. Using the sentiment panel as a bridge across them was genius. The little poinsettia square and fussy cut poinsettia are delightful and the bow was the perfect finishing touch. The color scheme is gorgeous. Well done.

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  161. I love the way you did the two panels, I never would have thought of that. The colours are stunning. Great card...love it ..will have to give it a go.

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  162. Gorgeous card Donna, love the background, very rich looking.

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  163. Beautiful card. Very rich looking. Susan McG x

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  164. Absolutely stunning! Love that colour, especially as I have orange and gold baubles on my tree!

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  165. I love embossing so this is right up my street. Beautiful colours. Gorgeous idea. Thankyou

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  166. Stunning colours, Donna, card is a beauty!
    Annie x

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  167. Wow Donna, this is fabulous. So love your background on this and the new stamps look divine as a focal point. beautiful.

    Love & Hugs

    Jacquie J xxx
    http://jewelscardcraft.blogspot.co.uk/

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  168. Morning Donna
    Stunning background, and such different colours for christmas. Loving these new stamps.
    Hugs
    Amanda xx

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  169. Hi Donna love it, love it, love it fantastic background stamp and colours, the whole card is very happy.

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  170. Hi, just love the background stamp. Great card!
    Gail Cx

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  171. Hi I really love this card it is a bit different, love the colours and the background is stunning.

    regards
    lorraine - scotland
    xxx

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  172. Ho beuttiful card, very autumnal colours would not have considered before but works. Elaine x

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  173. Hi

    Stunning card I love the colours. Great blog hop too. The new stamps and beautiful.

    June

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  174. Absolutely beautiful, the colours, just so stunning. I need, need, need to get more distress inks now.
    I love this hopping it is so good!
    Thanks Donna

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  175. Fab card .. love the background .. xx

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  176. Love your card Donna, and the colour is superb.

    Jean

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  177. How cool - really warm non traditional colours for this one, but it is beautiful. Love the techniques used, too.

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  178. Fab card really striking colours

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  179. Love these colours. Spectacular card.

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  180. Brilliant effect with the Distress Inks - it's so rich and warm x

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  181. This card is super. Will definitely try it and with different colours on the background. A real inspiration thank you Maureen

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  182. Beautiful, warm card - really feels like I'm sitting in front of a lovely cozy fire! So like the fern background stamp! x

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  183. This is gorgeous - such unusual colours for Christmas - but it really works - thanks for the inspiration x

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  184. Hi Donna
    Love the colours very unusual for the festive season but it works
    Hugs SueC x

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  185. Love the colours, so rich, would also work for autumn as well as for Christmas

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  186. Beautiful card wonderful use of stamps and colours really striking
    Jan xx

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  187. Hi Donna love the fern stamp as a background lovely bright colours and all the stamps are beautiful you can make so many different cards if you wish too thanks for showing this technic from kath

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  188. Hi Donna . I am new to the Blog Hop. The card is delightful my colours. At first glance I thought you had used gilding flakes but as I have all the colours will be giving it a go. Heres hoping for a win Mave x

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Hi thanks for stopping by