Sunday, January 20, 2013

Hello Simon Says Stamp and Show!

There is a lot of blabbing away in this post, so grab some sustenance first if you choose.
A new year has brought a new creative journey. I am beyond honored to say that I am now a part of the Simon Says Stamp & Show Design Team! WOW Crafters WOW! Talk about a humbling feeling to have been asked, and the biggest honor to work with this talented crew...I am still in shock! I will do my very best to live up to their expectations. 
However, after reading what my first challenge was to be, I was very taken aback. Today's challenge of "What Am I Known For" is the hardest one I've ever had. While I'm pretty sure I know what I'm known for personally...just being fabulous ;0)...I have no idea what I am known for creatively speaking. I love dabbling in several different genres of Art. I want to try it all, and take what I love to use in my projects. I don't like to be stuck in a creative rut, and mixing it up solves that for me. I'm sort of all over the place, so I do my best to share the process and steps of how I create, so that I can show others who are just like me, but I don't think being all over the place is something I want to be known for.
I can certainly pick out work that belongs to some of my blogging friends before I know for sure who created it. Some people just have a certain style that is easier to distinguish, but do I? I've searched my artistic soul to try and figure this out. I've looked back at all of my projects from 2012 to see if I could identify a certain characteristic that points to me, but I just couldn't find one, aside from the obvious use of metal and/or wood embellishment on almost every single one, often too many at that. I've often said I am the gaudy paper crafter...more is better, right? :-)
Strangely enough, as all of this inner reflection and investigation was going on, I was working on my husband's Christmas present. I made him a 16x20 inch mixed media painting on canvas for his office, which was based on four photos I took and collaged together to create a scene of the two things he does almost everyday here in West Texas...work and play golf.  This course is where he won the City Championship a number of times. Oh yeah that's my man!!! This would be hole 18, but I certainly doctored it up...a bunch as you will read.  We could only dream of a city public course this lush and green, but I can spin it how I want...right? He also works in one of those buildings downtown, and oil and gas is his field of work.
When I finished the piece, it became apparent to me that I often create scenes in my projects. I went back to look at all those 2012 projects again, and it was like a smack in the face. More than half of my projects contained a scene. They were all scenes that I planned out to look realistic and representational (Some drawn out in my Art Journal first.), but ended up using so many elements to spin it, that they turned out a tiny bit abstract. Further thinking on this, lead me to note that these are also the pieces that are easiest and fastest for me to do. I can fly through one without eating, talking, or taking photos, because I get so drawn into them. The non scene items are harder for me, and require me to think through them, and I often procrastinate making them.
As you read above, I got so carried away with the canvas that I neglected to take any pictures except for these two. Here is the canvas painted with Claudine's Acrylic Paints and Ranger's Paint Dabbers, before I started adding the buildings, lots of Tim and Wendy stamped foliage, Distress Stains, Idea-ology goodies, Wendy Embossing Paste, Flower Soft, Mudd Puddles, and a Wood Stamped and Embossed fence.
To make the buildings, I stamped the Hero Arts image onto silver tissue paper using Espresso and Pitch Black Dabbers. I cut them out and did my best to make them look like the buildings in my down town area. I used Glue N Seal to adhere them to the canvas.
Embossing Paste makes the best clouds. This stuff looks yummy too. If I was about 3 years old, I'd eat it! I also used it mixed with paint and Flower Soft, and along with some Mudd Puddles I made the rough areas and greenery.
Crackle Accents was added on top of the blue paint, and then I used Chipped Sapphire Distress Stain and worked it into the cracks to make it look like a pond. This pond is actually on the hole before this one, but in my little world it needed to be, so now it is.
The sand is Mudd Puddles. The flag is red ribbon and white wired raffia.
All of the trees were made with Tim and Wendy foliage stamps and paint. I did a little free hand painting for detail on them as well.
The fence is Kraft Paper stamped with the Wood Grain Stamp and then Embossed with the Wood Grain Fade. Walnut Stain Distress highlights the raised areas, and then it was coated with Glue N Seal to strengthen it. I cut this into strips, cut slits into them and inserted strips into strips to form a fence. This fence is also really on the hole across the way from this one, but I'm telling you it looks better here!
The pump jack actually moves, but I told my husband "No playing with it!" I don't want him tearing it up. There is actually not a pump jack on this part of the course, but there is one across the street, but I wanted one there, so now there is. "I know that possibility begins with imagination!"
So maybe I'll be known for creating scene...someday. Regardless, SSS&S has given me a free therapy session, and I didn't have to lay on the couch to figure it all out...kudos to them for that. And, as far as personally, I've asked a few people close to me and it seems I am different things to different people, but they are all good....phew!
So, what are you known for? Do you always have a cup of coffee in your hands? Are you forever adding brown ink to the edges of everything? Is no project complete without a button? Whether you feel like being inspired by something you’re known for in your crafting, or if you’d prefer to scrapbook or journal something that you are known for in general we can’t wait to learn a bit more about you and your crafting. After you create your work of Art, enter it into our challenge, and you might be the lucky winner of a $50 voucher to Simon Says Stamp. You can also be named as one of the "Top Three Picks" for this challenge. Good luck!
Supplies:


I hope your hands get creatively dirty soon!



63 comments:

  1. Congrats! I'll bet your husband loves having your collage hanging in his office.

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  2. oh my goodness...what a treasure of a gift..and I just love creating scenes myself...there's always a little story behind a scene....congrats on your new posting...

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  3. Sincere congratulations Anita! I am so very happy for you! Enjoy the ride. The piece for your husband is fabulous!

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  4. Huge congratulations Anita!! So pleased to hear your news and what a way to celebrate! This truly is a masterpiece and the step by steps (which you are also known for:) really help to give us more insight into the details you have included. I bet it looks amazing hanging on the wall at home and will hopefully give you a daily reminder of how clever you are. And now you need us to undergo a therapy session too!!! How long do I have:) !? Huge hugs, Jenny x

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  5. Congratulations Anita! Wow this is a fantastic picture. Beautiful colors and a great idea to add to it so many great elements. I love it. These are great trees and the city.
    Greetings Asia :)

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  6. Many congratulations on your DT place, it's very well deserved. This canvas is stunnng, the pump thingy was a genius idea.

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  7. Major Congratulations Anita - Lucky Simon Says Stamp and Show! Have a totally fabulous time with them. Your art scene is stunning and sooo creative. Rock on girl! Nicola x

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  8. First of all I want to begin by congratulating you for being selected to be a part of the Simon Says Stamp and Show design team. Your creativity, knowledge, and graciousness will enrich the team. Secondly, I want to praise you for this amazing mixed media piece that you made for your husband. The composition is superb and the imaginative detailing is incredible. One of my favorite parts is the ingenious pump jack that you put together with all those TH embellishments. Hand made gifts are some of the most heartfelt, but this is also sure to become a family heirloom. Blessings!

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  9. Yay, yay, yay - CONGRATULATIONS! You + SSSaS is just a perfect fit - and has put a big smile on my face this Monday morning... And what a joyous piece to start us off - a magnificent canvas made with heart and soul, your ever-amazing use of products and techniques, and to top it off - that brilliant, brilliant pump jack! I'm open-mouthed (and still smiling!). I'm so thrilled for you, and can't wait to see the new creative journey unfold...
    Alison xx

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  10. How very deserving are you. SSS obviously knew they were on a winner. You are a very talented lady and a very humble one at that. I too don't know what my style is, It depends on my mood and who I am creating for. I think what ever you do is amazing, and this canvas is no exception. the fact that it comes from the heart and is telling a story is beautiful. I am sure your husband and family members are very proud of you!!! Congratulations

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  11. Ah, Anita! I am so happy for you. SSS is so LUCKY and BLESSED and FORTUNATE to have you on board. I had two things come to mind immediately when you asked what you are known for: warmth and detail. Your personal warmth comes through in every single piece you create. Your work is inviting...."come in, look around, have a bite to eat, chat awhile". I always feel like I am hanging with a really good friend when I am enjoying your art. It draws me in. And the detail you incorporate is amazing! Little touches that elevate the whole piece. Scalieri once made a comment on Mozart's work, something to the effect that his arpeggios came straight from heaven. The little details in your art (like the working oil press) elevate and wow me every single time. I am so excited for you! This is your time, kiddo....don't you ever doubt yourself for one minute....you are equipped for this. Talented enough to hang with "the best of them." Just continue to be your warm, wonderful self....I am so proud of you!

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  12. Congratulations and a huge welcome to the DT! We are so happy and excited to have you on board and can't wait to see more of your creativity. You have created a wonderful and original gift for your golfing champ hubby and I'm sure he is vey proud to show it off. Enjoy the ride with us and stay inspired!!! Sarah

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  13. First thing Monday I go to SSS&S and what a lovely surprise today to see you're on the team, I'm so happy for you Anita and its going to be great to see your work there every week. I love the scene you made and I bet your hubby loves it.

    I agree it's a you challenge and not easy to identify how you are known if you love it all, we are the same in that but Imalso wholeheartedly agree with what you came up with, I know I always see the scenes in your beautifyl creations. Anyway huge congrats and have fun. X

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  14. So my guess was wrong! I think you will be a FABULOUS fit at SSS&S! I love this canvas. All the attention to detail. And I think that is your "thing" that you are known for. Attention to detail. But that's kinda hard to convey in art. I know R loved this and I'll bet you that he IS playing with the pump jack every once in a while! Boys, ya know!!! Congrats on your new gig. You are gonna rock it.

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  15. Anita....first of all a HUGE congrats on being named to the Simon Says Stamp and Show design team. You are an awesome addition and I so look forward to working with you! Now...WHAT?!!?! This piece is seriously fabulous! OH MY GOSH! I can't believe all of the little details that you have incorporated into this piece. From the Flower Soft to the pump jack...it's magic! I know your husband has got to love this! <3 Candy

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  16. Really interesting post and for sure...a huge challenge. I'll be thinking about what I'm known for and possible entering the challenge. Great prize. And oh...big Congrats! on SSS&S!!!

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  17. This is fabulous and fun! You are a talent. Great job on the challenge. And congrats on the Simon Says Stamp and Show design team. Yippee!

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  18. Fantastic!!! Congratulations, this is so well deserved. Ever since I found you, I love to check out what you are doing in the creative world, because it is always something really good!
    I love how you made your Derrick on your collage! Awesome! Can't wait to see what you are doing at SSS!

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  19. Huge Huge welcome Anita to the team, you are going to be such a wonderful asset and you only have to look at this creation to see why. WOW WOW what a wonderful inspirational piece. I love your step by steps, the flower soft, colours, stamping, buildings, wonderful use of Idea-ology to create the pump. Just an amazing piece of art, full of surprises. Tracy x x

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  20. Brilliant news! Its a win win all round, lucky for you but also lucky for SSSS to have such an amazing talent to add to their team x

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  21. Wow, wow, wow - who's a very clever girl then! Many congratulations on being part of the amazing SSSaS Design Team, I am absolutely thrilled to bits for you. I think you have an eclectic style because you can turn your hand to anything and you are also wonderful and generous with step-by-steps, guiding us through your amazing creations. I absolutely love your husband's canvas and how proud must he be to have this hanging in his office. The pump is so brilliant I think you should make him another one just to play with..... Well done again, richly deserved and can't wait now to see more of your excellent art. Hugs, Anne x

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  22. OMG, OMG, OMG am I doing the Happy Dance for you! Big Texas style Congratulations, Anita! How wonderful and how exciting! Now this mixed media canvas it so chocked full of fun details and oh so clever! That pump is something else and only a Texas Girl could come with that one! Well, I would tell you to have a great week, but I know you are! Hugs!

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  23. Absolutely one of the most incredible projects I have ever seen! Wow, you have outdone yourself, and that in itself is quite an accomplishment!

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  24. Whoohoo, a huge CONGRATS to you, my friend! They are soooo lucky to have you on their team and I wish you all the best going forward! You certainly have set the bar extremely high with your first piece for SSSS. This is totally mind-blowing - and so totally ANITA! So awesome to see your creativity run free like this, it literally knows no bounds. Thank you so much for all you share - looking forward to a fabulous 2013 here at The Artful Maven Haven!

    Huge hugs,
    Linda

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  25. Love your canvas! Congrats on becoming part of SSS's team!! So wish you lived closer!

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  26. What an amazing scene you have created! Holy Mackerel, Anita... the pump alone blew my mind. Love the bulidings and all the detail. Your hubby must've been floored when he received this. Congratulations on joining the Simon Says team - you will be such an asset and I just can't wait to see where your creative mind goes in 2013!!! Enjoy the ride!!!

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  27. Kudos Anita, congrats on being a designer for Simon Says, that is wonderful news!!! You really deserve it girl, your stuff is fantastic! This canvas is so amazing, what a work of art, your husband is sure to love it!!!!

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  28. Dear friend, I nearly fell out of my chair when I saw this very special art piece you created for your husband. It definitely is 'you' through and through. Your attention to detail, ideas, colors are just out of this world. Who cares if it's not exactly like real life? That's what photos are for! Job v-e-r-y well done and kudos on becoming a dt member for Simon! You are rocking my world!

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  29. I am so excited to be working with you, and also let me just say that WOW. I'm glad to at last see these detail shots of this project - it is truly amazing!! I am excited to see the ideas and inspiration you bring as part of the team.

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  30. Hey Anita!! Whooohooo! Im so excited for you!! Huge congratulations!! Cannot wait to see more wonderful inspiration xxx
    so happy for you xx
    kazxx

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  31. Wow. Just the oil derrick made from TH metal items is mind-blowing enough, never mind making the whole scene the way you did. Congratulations on your new design team position -- I know I'll enjoy seeing what you make each week.

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  32. Love this Anita! All the yummy textures really bring it to life - gorgeous canvas work - and I can't even begin to say how much I adore the pump. Creative you!! Congrats on the Simon Says Stamp - you will rock their world girl!

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  33. Dear Anita, congrats on being a designer for Simon Says! Your art is fantastic and you deserve it! Thank you for all the inspiration you give to me. Wishing you even great success with your wonderful art!
    Hugs MARTINA

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  34. Wow, girl, CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so happy for you! And this piece of art is AMAZING! You are so talented, and SSS is very lucky to have you! I can't wait to 'scene' what you have in store for this year (sorry, just had to ;))

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  35. congratulations Anita. Am totally loving your beautiful mixed media piece of art. Wishing you happiness always. x

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  36. Congratulations Anita so well deserved..WOW!!To your AmAzing art work....This piece is fabulous...looking forward to more Brilliant creations... Hugs May x x x

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  37. Congrats Anita on being asked in the SSS design team and I have loved reading your posting about it. What a great canvas you made for your husband and thanks for sharing how you made this.
    Now i have to think about the challenge....maybe i come up with something to share too!
    Enjoy it all!!

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  38. Congratulations on being on the SSS & S team! They are super talented and so are you! This canvas is so awesome! I love all of the textures and the buildings! The pump is quite clever too! :)

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  39. Well, first of all, (and again :)) Welcome, Anita!! I'm so pleased to have you on board the team with project one 'under your belt' so to speak!! This project is fabulous and I have no doubt your hubby is very proudly displaying this in his office! I love the way you combined techniques of stamping and painting to come up with a wonderful masterpiece!!

    *mwah*
    Steph
    Simon Says Stamp!

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  40. WELCOME to the team!!!! So excited to work with you and see all of your interpretations of the challenges! I can see by this beauty that you will knock it out of the park every time!!!

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  41. Geez - that was great!! Love that you just put it all out there - and it took you where you need to be. Congratulations on the SSS design team - I always love your work and how you are so meticulous (usually) at showing each step. And I totally understand the quandry of what am I known for? I am still exploring everything I can get my hands on!! I hope your husband takes good care of his Christmas present...it's great. Particularly love the oil derrik!

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  42. I can't find the words to say how lovely this canvas is! One comes to mind. Breathtaking:) Congrats!

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  43. Very impressive Anita! Great how you combined different materials into a great canvas.

    Greetings, Alie :-)

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  44. Huge congrats Anita & wow what an inspired project to kick things off with. I'm sure hubby will treasure this forever, so much amazing detail. x

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  45. Wow.. Congrats, Anita! And your art work is amazing!!! Love it! ^_^

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  46. Hi Anita! Congratulations on your appointment to the SSS&S design team! I'm not surprised that they snapped you up! They're lucky to have you. As for your project, it's fantastic! I love how you combined the elements of your husband's work and play into one scene. The 3-D details are amazing! What a wonderful gift!

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  47. Congratulations Anita ! Excited to see you join Simon Says Design Team!
    WOW... what an amazing project; lovin' your texture technique and the use of Tim Holtz Ideology stash... you got my attention!

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  48. Happy to have you designing with us! Fantastic details on your landscape! The gears is fabulous and the edges of textures on the landscape fab! Beautiful project!

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  49. A huge welcome to our DT, Anita! So happy to have you a board! And what a terrific first piece you've made! Love the pump and the scenery you've created! What I think you're known for in my opinion is that you have a story behind every project. Every project has a soul. hugs, Sandra

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  50. Yea for Anita, you do deserve being on the Simon Says Design Team they do indeed know how to invite talented ladies. Yu are so great at this and can't wait to see what else you create. The pumpjack on the art piece is awesome, what an imagination you have. I know he was proud of it. That is a hard question isn't it what are you known for? I bet everyone of us would be scratching our heads thinking what am I known for? Hugs and hugs and wishing you the best my dear. xoxoxo

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  51. Congrats, Anita, on joining the Simon Says Stamp & Show DT. You will be a real asset to the team and I'm excited about seeing the art you create for them. This piece is phenomenal and it does really highlight what you are known for in my mind. When I think of you and your art, I think of incredible attention to detail, using products in new and innovative ways, and how the whole of the project is always greater than the sum of its parts. Each detail is wonderful on its own but the way in which you combine them and use them to support each other makes your art remarkable...like this piece. I also always learn from your process and your generosity in sharing it.

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  52. Anita I am the last, but I want to give the welcome back from CHa and congratulate the entry in DT Simon Says Stamp and Show!I'm really happy for you, you're a wonderful artist! !( and excuse me for my english!!!!!!!) BArbarayaya

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  53. WOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Anita, Was just over at Simon Says and saw your their newest Dt member, Way to go girl.
    Your canvas is amazing love all that texture!
    Hugs Lynn

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  54. Congratulations on your new DT post and your canvas is just amazing bet your husband loves it, hugs Faye x

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  55. this is a beautiful piece of art!!!! it was really interesting to read about how you did all of the different techniques!!!! (I had totally never thought of mixing Flower Soft into paint! awesome!) it reminds me of the artwork i did in college. . . so much fun to PLAY!!!!

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  56. That pump jack you invented (and moves!!! can you believe it!) is absolutely brilliant, Anita!

    Thanks for your awesome comment on my "remember"-box! Didn't know I was "known for great things". Actually I didn't know I was known at all *lol. But who ever knows...*giggle. That really means a lot to me, hearing it from you! :))

    Hugs,

    die amelie - Claudia x

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  57. Wow Anita - this is one creative piece of work!! I love that pump jack, it really is so clever and I bet we see a whole host of pump jacks appearing in blogland. Clever, clever you!
    Juliaxx

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  58. Congratulations - so well deserved. This project is really a master piece, I'm missing words !!!

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  59. wow! this is so very cool. I'm sure your husband was thrilled! So many different techniques went into creating this and it is absolutely gorgeous!

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  60. O
    H

    M
    Y

    G
    OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
    DDDDDD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    Anita, this is AWESOME!!! Love every single thing about it but what I love the most? I can hear your describing it all and that makes it all the more special.... love ya chickie... CONGRATS on your DT place.... am chuffed for ya xx

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  61. Hi Anita, first congratulations to join SSSS!!! You totally rocks with this art piece! I can’t imagine how many hours and patience you put in it! Marvellous!!
    P.S.: I am sorry not to be here for every post, but when I have time I am reading all!
    Hugs from Slovenia

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  62. Wow, that really gives me something to think about. I am one of those all over the place artists as well. Congrats on The SSS team as well. ANd your painting for your husband is awesome.

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