Saturday, December 31, 2016

One Last Gift

Happy New Year!!!

As has been my New Year's Tradition, I'm part of the Seasons Givings blog hop tonight to ring in the new year. This is just a gathering of kind-hearted and generous bloggers and crafty companies who want to thank their readers with a gift.

Blogging has become one of my great joys in life and I've met so many wonderful people through their visits here - many of whom are now my closest friends.

So in the course of the year, your visits, your comments, your cards, your time spent on my YouTube Channel and Instagram bring me so much joy, and I'm very grateful to all of you that you choose to spend even one minute of your life here on my blog, so my small gifts today are really just the teeniest tiniest thank you ever.

Speaking of gift-giving, I think it's our duty as card makers not to let the non-cardmakers in our lives purchase cards under the soul-killing glare of fluorescent lights in their grocery store or Target. It's just not right.

So as part of our handmade only Christmas this year, I made card sets for the ladies.

I used these GORGEOUS tins (available for free with a $50 purchase during Sale-a-Bration, which begins January 4th) for the packaging. The lid is gold. These are so classy and elegant.

I stamped the included tabs with the Tin of Cards set.


Tin of cards by Understand Blue

I made four each of thank you, birthday and sympathy cards. When I make card sets, I want them to be simple (because I'm making a lot of them), clean and striking. So my favorite thing do do is use the Clarity Stamp stencil brushes for pretty background for a bold sentiment. On the thank you cards I used the Seasonal Decorative Masks, some masking tape and Crushed Olive Distress ink to make an angled background. The font is stunning, and comes from another Sale-A-Bration goodie, the stamp set So Very Much.

So Very Much by Understand Bluev

For the birthday cards, I wanted them a little more festive, so using a different stencil from the same set, I ink blended Peacock Feathers, Picked Raspberry and Mustard seed distress inks. I love to have my stencil images fade out towards the bottom, and the stencil brushes are dreamy for that. To add the look of foil without all the work, I added some 1/8" foil Rainbow Tape to dress it up just a bit. The sentiment is from Birthday Blast.


Birthday Blast by Understand Blue

For the sympathy card - I made each set of four a different color, using the TCW Mini Branches stencil and various inks. The sentiment is from Rose Wonder.

Rose Wonder Sympathy by Understand Blue


Now I have to tell you about my FAVORITE new thing - the Colorbox Cleaning Pad. I showed my team members this on my last live video and they loved it too. If you want to really remove ink before it stains your clear or cling stamps, this little guy is the way to go. It looks just like a firm foam inkpad, but it does not smell, is not greasy, and the cleaner in it is miraculous. Iliana told me about it - and it's as amazing as she said it was. She loves it so much she started selling it in her store - you can buy them here.

I'd say for favorite new crafty items, that cleaning pad and the stencil brushes are near the top of the 2016 list!  All the supplies I used are listed below.




Speaking of cleaning, everyone always asks me how I clean my stencil brushes. The honest answer is, I really don't. Here are a few of my brushes and I just designate one per "family" - I use my blue brush for all my blue inks, and just swipe the brush on my grid mat until it gets most of the ink off. I have other brushes for greens, purples, grey/black  and brown. If you want to rinse them off you can, but they'll need to dry completely before you use them again, which requires patience, which is why I don't do it.


So don't let your friends buy cards! With a MISTI and these brushes, a really nice gift can come together quickly.

So let's talk about gifts! I have lots of fun thank you gifts for you!

I will be giving away the following to one lucky reader!

Original MISTI Tool
Original MISTI Tool
Clarity Stamp Stencil Brushes
Clarity Stamp Stencil Brushes
Christmas Pines Stamp Set
Christmas Pines Stamp Set
Pretty Pines Thinlits
Pretty Pines Thinlits dies
1/4" handheld circle punch
1/4" handheld circle punch

A Package of My Favorite Blue Envelopes


All you have to do to be eligible to win this awesome prize package, is leave me a comment telling me your favorite thing that happened in 2016 so we can end the year with sweetness. 



And for my customers - anyone using the host code 2RDM4HTC by January 4th at noon central will be entered into a drawing for a set of stencil brushes as well. Stencil brushes for everyone!

Now go visit my awesome friends who are giving away billions of thank you gifts as well. I'm sandwiched between two dear friends - Lori and Jenn!




 Thank you again for spending time with me - I really appreciate you! Happy New Year!

334 comments:

  1. What a sweet gift, Lydia! Thanks for the opportunity! My favorite thing that happened this year was marathon watching Doctor Who with my daughter (my first time, her second or third).

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  2. Hi, Lydia!
    Your artwork is fabulous. I always enjoy visiting your blog. Well, I'd have to say that my best 2016 experience was our oldest daughter's wedding in August. She was a lovely bride....I cried, of course.
    I really hope that you have a happy and blessed 2017.
    Thanks for taking part.
    Blessings,
    Karen Letchworth
    www.karen-mycuprunnethover.blogspot.com

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  3. One of my favorite things of 2016 was taking my kids to Lagoon Amusement Park for the first time. We went each summer growing up, and it was good to start to build that memory with them, too.

    Happy 2016 and 2017 to you. Thank you for your lovely blog and your even lovlier sense of humor.

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  4. My fav 2016 was visiting my daughter and family 1500 miles away.
    Mkschmidt4atgmaildotcom

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  5. Happy New Year!!! Thank you for all the fun inspiration and this wonderful giveaway!!!! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was seeing my daughter graduate high school and moving her into her dorm at the University of Texas in Austin!!! Hook Em'

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  6. Wishing everyone a Happy New Year.

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  7. 2016 was a busy year for sure, but one of my favorites was moving my daughter into her own apartment at college. We had so much fun setting up their new place and watching the excitement on their faces. Can't wait to see what 2017 brings

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  8. I have two favorite things that happened this year - the birth of my youngest grandson Johnny and a reunion with my long lost brother.

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  9. Your cards are beautiful! Lucky friends! Thanks for the tip on the Colorbox cleaning pad. I especially like that it doesn't smell...that can be a problem for me. One of the best things to happen to me in 2016 was having one of my cards featured on my favorite craft company's blog. What a thrill!

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  10. It is always a joy to visit your blog. We had a crazy year, bought a house and fortunately sold the other. Happy New Year!

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  11. Excuse me while I drool over my keyboard as I imagine winning your fabulous prize. I may be the only crafter left alive who doesn't own a MISTI so isn't it time I win one??! My favorite thing about 2016 was that I went through a couple of health scares but came out intact and fine in the end. I also learned how to make my very first pecan pie...yay!

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  12. Hi!
    First let me wish you a very Happy New Year.
    I love your latest set of cards - so simple yet so classy.
    My favourite thing that happened in 2016 is that my very dear friend of nearly 30 years was told that finally he was clear of cancer after over two years of painful chemo.

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  13. All I can say is wow. Your projects are stunning and your generosity is over the top. I would love a chance to play with some of these items.

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  14. My favorite thing that happened in 2016 is that I got to see and spend time with my 2 oldest grandchildren who I haven't seen in over 2 years!!

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  15. The favourite thing that happened to me was my daughter getting married, there were only seven people present including their three children and me and my husband, it was tinged with sadness as the groom had lost his brother earlier in the year and his parents had passed away in the three years previously. It was a brilliant day and the sun shone even though it was November. My daughter looked stunning and so happy and her two little boys aged 3 and 5 were the ring carriers and her daughter aged 14 was the bridesmaid. The church was filled with music as my husband walked my daughter down the aisle. Altogether a beautiful day.

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  16. what a wonderful prize pack! My crafty goal this new year is definitely to craft more! Happy New Year!

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  17. My favorite thing that happened was the my boys got into their colleges of choice. Happy New Year!

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  18. Lydia, I have enjoyed your work all year long and look forward to 2017 with this beautiful community of card makers. My favorite thing of 2016 is the kindness campaign. I think we all need to be reminded of the importance of simple kindness!

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  19. The best thing that happened to me in 2016 is that I found a new job closer to home which will give me more time to craft and to enjoy life in general

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  20. My favorite things that happened in 2016 was my grandbaby being born and my husband getting a job after three months of unemployment!

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  21. Love your blog! I think I enjoy reading your writing even more than I love your fantastic artwork! The best thing that happened to me this year is to find out that I will become a grandmother for the very first time. Even though he will not be here until late January, all the shopping, planning, showers & creating have been fabulous.

    Happy New Year!

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  22. I loved the holiday I had with my family :)

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  23. For me 2016 was another year of trying to do only things I wanted to do! it never seems to work out but along the way I know I have made someone else happier by doing something they wanted to do, Happy New Year to you and yours, Peg ❣

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  24. Thanks for the chance to win. This prize package is great.

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  25. Love your gift and the packaging especially!! I'm always on the hunt for cute packaging for card sets and love this. A high in 2016 was reconnecting with an old friend that I had lost touch with.

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  26. Happy 2017! Thank you for sharing your talent and your delightful perspective on everyday things and happenings. Your blog alway makes me smile. My favorite thing from 2016 is that I became a Grandmother! Hope 2017 is delightful for all!

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  27. I love your work. I'll be subscribing to your blog so I can follow you ... as for the best thing that happened to me in 2016 ... I lost 80 pounds and got my life back! Thanks for the hop.

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  28. i got to hug you and steal your wine, my favorite thing i did <3

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  29. I too love the idea of gifting cards to non-cardmakers! Thanks for the beautiful inspiration of the cards you posted.

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  30. Happy New Year! My favorite thing of 2016 was celebrating 35 years of marriage with the hubby!

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  31. So many things to be grateful this year but one of them is finding your blog and signing up to receive your posts. They always make me laugh, usually make me think (depends on caffeine intake) and I forward them to all my friends. Happy New Year and thanks for all you do.

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  32. Great cards! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was training and running my first 5k race in November. i still train so I can run a 10k this year.

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  33. I love that card tin...so fun and yes, it makes me cringe when people buy store bought cards!
    2016...I'm thankful for my family's health + happiness.

    Happy New Year!

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  34. My favorite time was all the love I received after my husband pass so suddenly. Catching you and the "girls" on online card classes is fun too.

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  35. My Favorite thing for 2016..... I started making cards again!!!! Oh! And I discovered your blog toward the end of the year! Thanks for all the creativity!

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  36. I so look forward to reading your blogs. They always make me laugh. In 2016 I bought a house life is good!

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  37. My favorite thing of 2016 was the announcement of my sisters pregnancy :)

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  38. My favorite part of 2016 was the birth of my grandson, Quinn. He is a blessing to our family!

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  39. Thank you Lydia for your inspiration and your stories, so enjoyed. Those brushes are to die for. I am wanting more to have one for each colour as you have done ... one day. The best thing that happened to me in 2016 hands down is the MISTI design team and CHA .... like WOW! Every good wish for 2017 to you and yours and I can't wait to meet you in like 17 days!!! yip yip

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  40. Great present, lucky folks who got it! Favorite thing, getting to spend time with family and friends. Thanks for the chance at an awesome prize. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2017!

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  41. What an awesome gift idea. Love the tin. I've been spying those brushes, so cool. Best thing for me in 2016, meeting Anderson cooper, exciting.

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  42. WOW The best thing in 2016was having the doctors say my sister in law is cancer free. It doesn't get much better than that.

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  43. Copic Bootcamp, a Raise, my One Year wedding Anniversary, and going into contract ona house. woohoo.

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  44. I always love reading your posts!
    My favorite thing of 2016 was finding the courage to enter cards into challenges. I don't enter to win so much as to just push myself to do more. And I hope to enter even more this year. Thanks so much for this fabulous & so generous giveaway! Hope your 2017 is a blessed year!

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  45. Cute cards as gift ideas! Love the Colorbox cleaning pad, looks awesome too! Thanks for generous giveaway. My best memory of 2016 was Christmas Day because I had all my kiddos home for Christmas.

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  46. What a lovely card set! I'm betting the recipients were thrilled! *snicker* I just read your leave a comment comment. Funny!

    My fave thing that happened in 2016....well, I quit the most aggravating of my five jobs in the middle of December....being able to leave on that last day, outwardly very dignified and professional while screaming, "I'm free" in my head and pretending to knock papers off everyone's desk while prancing out of there Sound-Of-Music-singing-in-the-meadow style was pretty satisfying. :-)

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  47. Love your blog posts! You have a very well developed sense of the ridiculous that allows me to start off the day with a grin and/or a few chuckles. Thank You! My favorite thing of 2016 was getting my craft room built so I could stop rummaging through boxes to find my tools! YaY!

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  48. First I have to say I so look forward to your email stories. I love your mind!!! Hahahaha
    One of the best things that has happened is watching my 83 year old father (as he says) "get into the 21st century" with his first iPhone. It is so fun receiving texts from him.

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  49. Enjoy your blog ! Christmas with the grands awesome.

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  50. My favorite things was taking a vacation with my family as well as my mom to Nova Scotia and PEI, we had a great time!

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  51. Thanks for the opportunity to win some magnificent prizes. I love to read your blog posts! My favorite thing about 2016 was a proud momma moment when my son got accepted to the program that will let him earn an Associates Degree while he's in high school, he's so smart and such a great kid!

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  52. I got a boyfriend and I got a job!

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  53. Yohr bolg is on my list of favorite things of 2016...or friendship and your kindness to me...witch leads me to my favorite part of 2016 was embarrassing my stamping family fully

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  54. WOW...Amazing prizes! My favorite of 2016 was a trip to the PNW and Canada with my hubby to celebrate our 20th Anniversary. We had so much fun!

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  55. My favorite thing that happened didn't happen until nearly the end of the year, but it was wonderful! We decided to take a little trip down the coast to Charleston, Savannah, and finally to Fernandina Beach. Once we were in Fernandina, my husband suggested we drive on down to my hometown, St. Augustine! I have been homesick ever since we left (in 2004!) and have only been back twice, so that trip made my year! We were only there for 5 or 6 hours, along with thousands of tourists, but I loved every second of it.

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  56. Gorgeous gift idea! We spent our first full year in a house and neighborhood we love, so that made the whole year kinda special. Happy 2017!

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  57. Wow! An awesome gift! Thanks for the chance! My favourite memory from 2016 is the week-long camping trip a bunch of my family took to Algonquin Park (a gorgeous provincial park here in Ontario). Happy New Year!!

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  58. My favorite thing in 2016 was finishing my cancer treatment!! I am still kicking and enjoying everyday with my family.

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  59. Love your work, first of all, and your gift package is amazing!! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 is my #2 girl got pregnant and we are waiting for our grand daughter to arrive at the beginning of February! So excited!

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  60. My favorite thing this year was how we just ended it-- my husband took me on a surprise trip for our anniversary and that was a great way to close it all out! Looking forward to a happy and healthy 2017!

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  61. I have been watching for a sale so I can buy those brushes, but when a sale comes along, they are sold out! LOL Happy New Year Lydia. The best thing that happened to me this year was - I found out I was going to be a grandmother. It was especially wonderful because my daughter in law has cystic fibrosis and never expected that she would have a baby boy next year!!! I'm looking forward to his birth and many more exciting events to come. I hope 2017 is a great year for you, too.

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  62. Love the tin and your cards, just gorgeous! My fav thing that happened is my daughter got engaged this past year! Thanks so much for the chance to win and Happy New Year!

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  63. My favorite thing that happened last year was reconnecting with family.

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  64. I watch you on Crafty Chats and love them!!! The great thing this year...I got to spend more time with my siblings who live out of state!

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  65. 2016 - lost weight and got healthy! Woot!

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  66. Happy New Year :)
    The favorite thing that happened to me in 2016 was being on my first Design Team. Super exiting and I learned a lot during the term. Can't wait for more in 2017 :D

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  67. My favorite thing this year is I defended my PhD thesis and I got a postdoc grant! Happy New Year!

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  68. Happy New Year to you! We got a new puppy in 2016, he has brought us a lot of joy.

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    1. I love all of your ideas and cards, and there were do many positives in 2016, but the bar of all was the birth of my Granddaughter, Grace, the sweetest baby ever! Thank you, Lydia, for sharing your amazing gifts!

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  69. Happy New Year!!! I hope 2017 is your BEST YEAR yet!!! Believe it or not, my favorite thing just happened. We spent the week in San Francisco and it was an amazing trip and the perfect way to end the year.

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  70. Thank you for your inspiration Lydia, also for this giveaway. I have to say that my favorite thing in 2016 is discovering the world of cardmaking. :)

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  71. Happy New Year! Thanks for being part of this amazing hop and offering such a generous prize. I am thankful for the good friends and health rebounds in 2016.

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  72. This was not my favorite year since I lost my husband in October. However, on the positive side, I found out what wonderful neighbors I have, my children are there for me even though they don't live close by and my grandchildren have been a great blessing, also my great granddaughter.

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  73. We just celebrated an absolutely amazing Christmas! Happy 2017!

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  74. thanks for the cleaning tip. Have to check that
    one out. My favorite thing this year - I was
    able to get into the pool a lot this summer.
    the weather cooperated and the water was warm
    and I could enjoy it. Now I'm looking forward
    to next summer.
    thanks for sharing during the year.
    Happy New year

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  75. My favorite event of 2016 was our family vacation to Disneyland. Happy New Year!

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  76. The birth of our first grandchild was the highlight of the year for me!

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  77. The best thing that happened in 2016 was an unforgettable mother/daughter trip to NYC. Happy new year!

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  78. Happy New Year! I became a dog foster mom in summer 2016 and successfully found a permanent home for Bucky and have 5 applications for cutie little Abby right now!

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  79. Happy New Year! My favorite thing in 2016 was welcoming my new baby grand-nephew, Jason! I got to hold him at 4 days old. What a sweetie!

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  80. My daughter was able to travel to Spain. Life changing for her!

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  81. So many little moments of happiness: baby's first steps, new baby chicks, honing my sewing skills, but I think my favorite was having my parents visit. They live 2000+ miles away and I don't see them nearly often enough!

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  82. Such a great gift you made!
    My nephew was born this September, I´m happy for my sister:-)

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  83. Happy New Year, Lydia! My favorite thing this year was reconnecting with a sister with whom I had lost touch :-)

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  84. Such an amazing blog hop and prize!!! Thank you so much for sharing:) My favorite thing in 2016 was having my son and his wife telling me I would be a Grandma in 2017!!! Best news ever!!!!

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  85. The best thing that happend in 2016 is the birth of my 4th granddaughter.

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  86. 2RDM4HTC. My favorite thing this year was spending time with family. And I lost 23 pounds in 2016! More to lose but heading in the right direction.

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  87. Happy New Year! The best thing that happened in 2016 was I met an amazing man & he loves to keep me crafting happily!

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  88. Happy New Year! My favorite thing to happen this year is reconnecting with old friends and spending crafting time together. Thanks for the giveaway!

    stephs361@yahoo.com

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  89. My favorite thing for 2016 was being picked to be a DT for Scrap Our Stack! I am so excited. Love your work, your site and Spiltcoast! Happy New Year.

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  90. My favorite thing was my grand daughters wedding.

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  91. Happy New Year!! I have been a split coast stamper lover for around 20 years I think. Beata!!!!
    Love it.

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  92. Wow what an awesome idea and great prize package. Thanks for the chance to win. 2016 was a rough year for my family but one good thing that did happen was that through the rough times we became stronger people and have a stronger relationship with each other and God.

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  93. You are so sweet, and I adore these cards. Simple, elegant and gorgeous!

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  94. This is an easy one... I became a grandma again. I have one grandson who is 14 and now I have one that is 9 months.

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  95. Wow, Lydia! What an awesome prize package! One of my favorite things about the last year was discovering your blog. (I love your funny, upbeat spirit!) Also, getting to spend so much time this year in my crafty space has been absolutely awesome. :-D Happy New Year!

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  96. Wow, how generous!!! Happy new year! I do think I had a "favorite thing of 2016", it's been a really rough year.

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  97. What a generous gift - 2016 was a tough year for me as both of my parents passed away (within 6 months of each other). I am looking forward to a more joyous 2017 with our kids and grandkids ... Happy 2017 to you.

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  98. Happy New Year!! Thanks for the opportunity to win this amazing prize. The best thing that happened in 2016 is the amount of inspiration I got from Instagram that led me to begin calligraphy.

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  99. One of the nicest things this year was discovering your crafty chats. So enjoyable!

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  100. Wow! Awesome cards and prize!!! Thank you for being part of this amazing Blog Hop!!! My favorite thing that happened last year was lost weight. Happy New Year!!!

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  101. Happy New Year! My daughter got the opportunity to go to France as an exchange student and turned 16 years old while there. And then, we had the opportunity to host a French exchange student.

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  102. Happy New Year! Super cute cards. We got to go to Europe for vacation w/my 3 daughters. It was amazing! Thanks for the chance to win this awesome prize.

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  103. great cards! My baby girl got married to a wonderful man! every parents dream for their kiddo.

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  104. WOW #1: Lydia, what GORGEOUS cards! Just beautiful!
    WOW #2: Holy smokes, that is a giveaway I can only dream of winning! (Thanks for the chance!)
    My fav. thing from 2016 was that we got to spent a lot of "down time" at our cabin by the river. This is my happy place where I spend endless hours taking pictures and colouring!
    Happy New Year!

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  105. That is one awesome prize! A favorite thing that happened this year was finally closing on our house. There were lots of bumps and roadblocks along the way, but it is ours now. Happy New Year and I look forward to your posts in 2017!

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  106. Wonderful creations!!! My favorite thing in 2016 would have to be Seeing how much my son has grown this last year. He has experienced so much and learned so much, just in this last year. He is such a wonderful boy. I'm proud to be his mother and proud of who he's becoming.

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  107. Happy New Year to you and the Other, Lydia!! My favorite thing that happened this year is my oldest son got married! What a magical day it was!! Love the card box, pretty cool!! (((HUGS)))

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  108. Wishing you wonderful blessings for the new year. Keep up your blog work-I love it! Best of 2016-being with my mom and my sisters for my mother's 89th birthday!

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  109. Your sample cards are lovely and your prize is SO awesome.
    Thanks for the chance to win.
    Sierra
    www.sierrasgift.blogspot.com

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  110. Love your work, writing and tutorials. You always make them so much fun. I was blessed with a new grandson in Aug. Such a joy!

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  111. I got to see relatives from Europe that I haven't seen in over 20 years. It was such a fabulous time.

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  112. my favorite thing this year was being able to spend sometime with my mom since she lives 2500 miles away from me.

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  113. What an awesome giveaway! My favorite part of 2016 was spending time with my two year old great niece. Can't wait to introduce her to card making!

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  114. Hope you and your loved ones had a Merry Christmas and have a happy & healthy new year. My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was learning from the lab that my furbaby's lump was NOT cancer - THANK GOODNESS!

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  115. My big thing in 2016 is that I won a challenge and got to be a guest designer. That probably isn't a big deal but I was over the moon with excitment and so thrilled to be chosen. Wishing you the happiest, craftiest year ever.

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  116. Happy New Year Lydia! My favourite thing that happened in 2016 was a fantastic summer camping trip I took with family and friends. created some wonderful memories, enjoyed the outdoors and loved exploring where we were!

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  117. Happy New Year. Traveling with my husband and visiting a half dozen National Parks I've never seen before.

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  118. My favorite part of 2016 was that I laughed a LOT! Your blog was part of the reason I laughed...because you have a way of seeing the fun and whimsy in everything. I have also started a home based business that's brought me joy, and my kids always add to the mix! Happy 2017 and thanks for the chance to win a MISTI, because I really really need the help!

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  119. Happy New Year! My favourite thing for 2016 was having my husband announce he will be retiring in 2017! He doesn't take time off and it will be so nice to have more time together and possibly go somewhere.

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  120. Happy New Year! My favorite thing that happened this year was getting to go to the StampFest in Lakeland Florida and meet Dyan Reavely. She is so inspiring! I love card making so much!

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  121. What a gorgeous tin! My most favorite thing this year has been watching my little boy play basketball, he has made baskets and grown and has fun. I love seeing his grin!

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  122. Your cards are beautiful !
    My favourite thing in 2016 happened not long ago : my mother and I made cards (christmas an other) to sell on a little local christmas market : we sold around 250 cards; and the entire income is for a daycare home for mental disabled people. We were so glad people supported and still have the heart on the right place.
    Thank you for your great give-away !
    Happy, healthy, crafty 2017 !

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  123. Wow! I love your giveaway...a great way to start the year! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was meeting my granddaughters at the zoo (we have zoo passes)...these girls (age 1 and 3) are the highlight of my days!

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  124. Although it may seem strange...the thing that meant the most was getting through the year and the holidays and starting to create again. I lost my mom and my sister this year...truly heartbreaking. They were my biggest fans and supporters when it came to my art and stamping so creating took a back seat for a while. Thank you for all your inspiration and making us smile!!!

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    1. Oh Maria I am so sorry - I can't even imaging. Big hugs to you! I'll step in as your biggest fan! xxoo

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  125. Happy new year and all the best. My favorite thing that happened last year was creating my blog.Diana

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  126. So many favorite things in 2016 since it was the first part of my son's last year of high school. Senior Night was the best since I got to escort him onto the football field.

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  127. Nothing better than two New granddaughters in one year! Happy New Year!!

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  128. Nothing better than two New granddaughters in one year! Happy New Year!!

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  129. My husband survived prostate cancer! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  130. Love your blog, so inspirational! Thanks for the chance to win these awesome prizes!
    I have been wanted to buy those brushes for a long time!

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  131. My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was helping to create a little store at the cottages where we have scrap retreats. Thanks for being a part of this awesome blog hop. :-)

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  132. What lovely gifts you created, Lydia! One of my favorite crafty things happened at the end of our gardening season in the Midwest. The moment I read your post about Duoprinting with Chlorophyll, I dashed out to my beloved Herb Garden to pick several leaves. I created amazing herbal prints for cards... and the scent in my studio was heavenly. The timing was so perfect, since one week later, my garden was covered in a thick blanket of snow. You can only imagine how excited I am for Spring to return, so that I can print again with goodness from the garden! Hugs for all of the stories and cards you share throughout the year, Lydia! ♡Dawn@Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes

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  133. My best experience in 2016 was when I began paper crafting, especially cardmaking. My crafty resolution is to be more productive and make more beautiful things that might give happiness to others. :)

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  134. Thank you for the chance to win. My favorite thing that happened this year was spending time with friends in Napa.

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  135. Wow!! You are so sweet to go this My mom still knows me and she has advanced altzheimers ❤️ Every time I see her ( I live out of state) I hold my breath but she still greets me with "hi Sharon " Makes my life good

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  136. WOW,LYDIA! AMAZING WORK! I have been looking at those stencil brushes & was drawn to them when I first saw them, & JUST KNEW they would be WONDERFUL to work with! ;) SO GENEROUS! THANK YOU, AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU & YOURS! ;)

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  137. Ooops! Forgot to answer your question, Lydia! LOL Something that happened that was GOOD last year, I've begun teaching a class in card making! I am LOVING IT!!! ;)

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  138. I haven't used those brushes yet - they look cool! I had so many wonderful things happen in 2016 (very blessed) but I guess my favorite would be my son's graduation from college recently. Thanks so much for the wonderful prize opportunity! Happy New Year.

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  139. Spending time with my grandchildren and getting to attend their activities and play with them. Pure joy! Nothing compares!

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  140. Love your artwork. My favorite thing was the birth of my granddaughter, Mabel. She is the sweetest little thing. Happy New Year to you.

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  141. Your card gift sets would be cherished by anyone. I have done something similar to my sister-in-law with "thinking of you" cards as she is such a thoughtful person. Your giveaway is wonderful. I have been wanting to invest in those stencil brushes for a long time as well as that stamp set. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to win.

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  142. Love your cards! My favorite thing of 2016 is not really a thing but in knowing who I am and being confident that even in my shortcomings I am loved and so blessed!

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  143. My favorite thing was a new grandbaby! Happy New Year!!!

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  144. I will definitely be giving the Color Box Cleaning Pad a try - thanks for the tip! So many wonderful things happened in 2016 ... my Granddaughter started JK and my eldest son got engaged :-)

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  145. The circumstances weren't the best but I was able to see my dad and stepbrother who I hadn't seen in many many years.

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  146. My favorite thing that happened this past year was to have all my children and theirs home with us for Christmas. That was awesome. And, thanks for the opportunity to win such a wonderful prize. You have a wonderful new year too.

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  147. My favorite thing in 2016 was having all my family back in KY!
    Love your designs - best wishes for the new year.

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  148. My favorite thing was taking my kids to spend time with their grandparents!
    Thanks for the chance - this is an amazing prize!

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  149. What wonderful cards and what a thoughtful gift for your friends. The best thing about 2016 for me was a new grandbaby.

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  150. My most recent favorite thing in 2016 is my new GSD puppy! She is a sweetie. In the crafting world it is being part of some really amazing groups of ladies that are so inspirational! Thanks for the give away!

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  151. My favorite thing for 2016 is we finally sold our condo and will be moving to a new city soon - thanks for the grand give away blessings

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  152. My most favorite thing this year was hearing that my daughter's breast cancer had not spread, could be treated without chemo and that the prognosis is excellent. She is undergoing treatment now and I would encourage everyone to get that mammogram, if you haven't done so. That's it. Thanks Lydia for an awesome prize giveaway!

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  153. This has not been the best of years for my husband and I because of illness but on the bright side we are still here and functioning and doing will. Also I can do more cardmaking as for almost a year couldn;t do my crafting. Happy New Year to all.

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  154. I've got two favorite things (sorry, I can't narrow it down to one). One is spending time with my grandkids, and the other is learning to watercolor. I have really enjoyed your blog. I find myself in full agreement with many of your opinions. I often wish I could have expressed my own as well. Happy New Year!!!

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  155. My favorite thing in 2016 was hosting Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner for the family. Togetherness...that's what it's all about.

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  156. Oh, my goodness - awesome giveaway and beautiful card sets. Love the tins. My favorite thing this year was our family Christmas. 5 of our 6 children and their families were here; 20 out of 24 present. What a blessing!

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  157. Happy New Year!!! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was i got married!! Thanks for the chance to win this wonderful giveaway 😊

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  158. My bestest thing was babysitting my only granddaughter two days a week! To watch her grow from one to two was amazing. Her coloring is increasing to the point we made a paper ornament for Mommy and Daddy this year!!!

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  159. Super card holder tin. It is always nice to have a selection of cards made ahead of time. It was great that my family was healthy in 2016. Thank you for a chance to win some awesome goodies. I would love to get a Misti.
    God bless,
    Peggy Allen

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  160. Love your blog and great videos that you have done with Jennifer and Kristina. They are precious. I rescued a little dog(Maltese named Sophie) from a Rescue Organization. She was two years old and was from a puppy mill. She is a lot of fun and has brought many smiles this year.

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  161. Happy New Year Lydia! My favorite thing that happened in 2016 was a special beach trip with my hubby in May. We had so much fun and it was so nice to get away. I want to go back again this year. Thanks for all your inspiration and for a chance to win a fun prize. Hope you have a blessed 2017.

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  162. I've experienced many wonderful things this year, so I'll go with the most recent...we adopted a dog! Happy New Year!

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  163. Thank you for the chance to win! I enjoy visiting your blog and reading your posts. My favorite thing abouat 2016 was buying a cottage next to my sister.

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  164. Well, it seems like a little thing but I got to spend the year working with a tremendous young man. I was given the opportunity to pick my "assistant" for a project I was assigned to and so I selected Paul. He is entertaining while being conscientious and dedicated - and since we were working at night and there wasn't anyone else around, it made for a short summer with a lot of laughs. With less than four months until I can retire, it is nice to end on a high note!

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  165. Birthday milestones! What a blessing. Happy 2017!

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  166. My most favorite thing that happened in 2016 was to finally get to enroll my granddaughter (who lives with us and her daddy) enrolled in preschool! It took 7 months of battling with her mother and going to court to get her enrolled but I would fight the battle again in an instant just to see her happy smile when she walked into school her first day! It was like a 10,000 watt lightbulb had been turned on! She told me I should leave because she had friends to make! That was after she woke at 4am because she was so excited to go! I hope she keeps this attitude about school!
    Thanks for the chance to win some absolutely AMAZING products! My fingers are crossed an praying to the crafting fairies for some good luck! Happy New Year!

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  167. Wow, what a generous give away! Gosh, picking a favorite thing from 2016 is hard, there was a lot of good this year. (and of course, some not so good but we won't think about that!) One of the best things for me was discovering crafty chat! I have really enjoyed getting to know some of the people in the crafty world better! :)

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  168. 2016 was a blessed year! In June all four children and 10 grandchildren (scattered across the country) were able to schedule a visit together with us in Florida. We all had the most wonderful time. Epic!

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  169. My most favorite thing that happened this year was the birth of my twin grandbabies. After losing our first grandson last year having these babies arrive was a miracle. Awesome giveaway. I'd love to win this prize. Thanks for the inspiration. I love your gift sets. I'm looking forward to lots of inspiration in 2017!

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  170. My favorite thing in 2016 is that I came out on the happy healthy side of endometrial cancer. Happy New Year and Thank You for introducing me to Technique Junkies.

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  171. I love your cards set--a beautiful and perfect gift! I appreciate all the inspiration that you provide here and on your YouTube channel! One of the special things that happened in 2016 is that my daughter graduated from college. Thanks for a chance to win your very generous prize.

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  172. One of my favorite things that happened in 2016 came about as a result of hurricane Matthew. My brother, sister-in-law, niece and sister-in-law's 94 year old mother came to stay with us when the hurricane was headed towards Charleston. While they were here we had a family get together with my children and grandchildren. My sister-in-law's mother has an accent because she was originally from Russia and my 13 year old grandson noticed the accent and started asking questions. He was really curious and fascinated when he realized she had lived in Russia and Poland during the Nazi reign. They sat at my kitchen table for hours as she made history come alive for him and she was so sweet and happy to share her memories with him. It truly was a memorable time and fortunately when they did go home, they did not have any damage to their homes.

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  173. Gorgeous set of cards! Love the colors and stencils you used!
    I got to have my daughter and her boyfriend here on Christmas Day! That was a high point since I don't get to see her very often! It was great having her here!
    Thanks for a chance at your fabulous prize! Happy New Year!

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  174. One of my favorite things that happened this year was listening to the crafty chat videos. I find it very interesting to learn about the different individuals behind the different stamp companies. Thanks for all that you do.

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  175. The best thing to happen in 2016...my son started high school and is doing amazing. He started a morning bible study before school and was featured in the school newspaper. He's made his mom and dad so proud! But more importantly, he's growing in his faith!

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  176. My favorite thing of the year is always enjoying my friends and life with my husband.

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  177. Finding out that we have a 5th grandchild coming!

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  178. What a thoughtful gift to make a box of handmade cards! I did that one year for my sisters and plan to do that for an elderly aunt this year. As for something good that happened in 2016, that would be a clean bill of health for me! Always a good thing.

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  179. What a very sweet way to start the new year. BIG Blog Hop! ;-)
    I gave my well used and loved Cuttlebug to my niece when I got a Vintaj Big Shot for under 50 dollars. So now my next wish list item is a MISTI. As I make cards for my sister this would be such a time and paper saver. I last gave her 30 cards and with in a moth she was out. lol
    XO Nana
    sistika at gmail dot com

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  180. My favorite thing that happened this year was probably being gifted with a car.

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  181. Love your videos, thanks for the chance to win. My favorite things was our 30th wedding anniversary trip.

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  182. Thanks for your inspiration...and a great giveaway! One thing that was great this year was being able to take a few short road trips with my husband and son...always great getting away with my "boys" for some family time!

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  183. My favorite thing this year is finding a lady named Jen of eve I love making her stuff and my thing for this year is finding more people like you. Thank you for what you do...

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  184. Happy New Year! Best thing that happened is all of our children & grandchildren were able to spend Christmas Day with us at our beach house, as it's summer here in Australia! 🙂

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  185. 2016 had two beautiful things happen: my son had a baby boy and my daughter got married. Both are gifts I treasure.

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  186. The best thing was having Eden in January! The most surprising thing was moving to Iowa in December! It's been quite a year!

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  187. This year's moment was having my 4 year old daughter see my best friend's 4 year old daughter again and have them decide they are best friends. They haven't seen each other in 18 months so now they interacted. It was very cute. Thanks for the project inspiration and giveaway.

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  188. Happy New Year. Thank you for participating in this year's Season's Giving, and offering such a generous prize. My favorite thing that happened in 2106 is all the wonderful comments my husband told me about the homemade cards that I sent into the office for Christmas. His coworkers and their spouses had so many wonderful things to say about the cards they received.

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  189. Love your work! My 2016 ended perfectly with my son's 18th birthday on 12/31 - he's my best present ever! Happy new year to you!

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  190. The best thing that happened in 2016 was that my home was complete once again - my eldest daughter came home TWICE this year. I always feel better when I have all six of my children with me. :)

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  191. Great Blog-My 2 new furbabies are my WOW Happy New Year!

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  192. Happy New Year!! Thank you for the opportunity to win your wonderful prize package, it would be fun to win. I had a lot of wonderful memories this past year but one of the best is after my Mom died my brother quit talking to me. This past year this has not only turned around but my brother, his wife, my husband and I have spent weekends at the beach together, sharing a condo and it's been a wonderful, healing time in our lives. Feel so blessed and answered prayer. Blessings on you and your family! ~~ Catherine

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