Friday, August 1, 2014

August 2014 Release Week - Bokeh Made Easy

Welcome to Release Week at Wplus9 Design! We have lots of new products hitting the market soon and we are so excited to start sharing them with you.

I hope you don't mind, but we are doing things a bit different than usual. We are removing the hype and bringing the craft!

You'll find a full list of all of the products that will be available beginning August 5, 2014 at wplus9.com, as well as at many of your favorite retailers at the end of this post. What?! Yep, we are getting right down to business.

So let's kick things off with a look at Strictly Sentiments 5.

I have been kind of obsessed with techniques lately, specifically backgrounds. Strictly Sentiments 5 is perfect for using with fun backgrounds. The sentiments are perfectly scaled and the fun font is modern, just a little quirky, yet still sophisticated.

So today I'm sharing a video featuring both, Strictly Sentiments 5 and an easy bokeh-like effect. I LOVE this technique and hope you enjoy as well!

Watch above or in HD at YouTube

Here's some still shots of the featured cards.

The sentiments in this set are gender neutral, so just switching up the background colors makes it quick to create a stash of cards for boys and girls of all ages.

I really loved the blues and yellows in this one. It ended up looking a little more celestial than bokeh to me, but I still love it either way.

There is lot of new stuff coming your way. Check it out:

August 2014 Release - available 08/05/14

Photopolymer Clear Stamps

Flora & Fauna 2
6x8" Clear Stamp Set
$21 USD

Fresh Cut Containers
4x6" Clear Stamp Set
$14 USD

Hand Lettered Thanks
4x6" Clear Stamp Set
$14 USD

Lucky Stars
4x6" Clear Stamp Set
$14 USD

Papel Picado
4x6" Clear Stamp Set
$14 USD

Punny Produce: Pears
3x4" Clear Stamp Set
$6 USD

Strictly Sentiments 5
4x6" Clear Stamp Set
$14 USD

Steel Rule Dies

Flora & Fauna 2 Companion Die
$13 USD

Fresh Cut Containers Companion Die
$18 USD

Hand Lettered Thanks Die
$7 USD

Clear Cut Stackers: Pear Die
$7 USD

Papel Picado Companion Die
$10 USD

Giveaway Alert

Strictly Sentiments 5 is such a versatile set that I am sure will become a "go-to" for me. Would you like to win it before you can buy it? Just leave a comment below by 10:00 a.m. EST on 08/02/14 to enter. I will select one random winner from all comments. Winner will be posted on our Releaser Winners page by noon.

Good Luck! And thanks for stopping by. Be sure to come back tomorrow for more previews of our August 2014 Release!

To see more Strictly Sentiments 5, be sure to stop by Kara's blog today as well!

Featured Supplies

158 comments:

  1. I adore these cards! They look like so much fun to create and a fun way to combine stamping with watercolor. Thanks so much for the chance to win that awesome sentiment set! <3

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  2. Great video and another wonderful release!

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  3. WOWOWOWOWOOWOWOW!! LOVING it ALL and I can't wait to see the AMAMZING Inspiration for the rest of the Release Products!! =) LOVING your Cards and the FUN Video!! =) THANKS SO MUCH for sharing and have a FABULOUS WEEKEND!! =)

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  4. Such an awesome technique, I can't wait to try it!!!! Love the new stamps!!!!

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  5. Beautiful cards to showcase this stunning sentiment set! In awe...The video is fabulous!
    ~c

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  6. LOVE these new sentiment fonts. Did I say LOVE?

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  7. I'm so happy to see a Wplus9 release! And the products being released look fantastic. Can't wait to have them and use them! Love your beautiful bokeh cards today. ;-)

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  8. Wow! These new sets look awesome...and your designs are beautiful Dawn!

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  9. Amazing release, Dawn! I'm loving every one of the new products. Loved your video too--what a wonderful technique!

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  10. Another amazing release!!! Many sets on my wishlist :)

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  11. My favorite release is always wplus9. So not surprised I love and need it ALL!

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  12. LOVE it! Looking forward to the release!

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  13. Love both of your cards and can't wait to try the Bokeh effect a little. I too suck at using that little sticky placement tool so use my too big, too clumsy fingers.

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  14. Oh boy!! I am looking forward to seeing all the things created with the new stamps!! I love the 'new' format too! Thanks for the chance to win some of your wonderful products!!!

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  15. Oh! They are all divine! Think there are quite a few that I need! :-)

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  16. I am so in love with those bold sentiments! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  17. Great cards! I love the effect! And I love sentiment stamps and this looks like a must have!

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  18. I am in big trouble 'cause I'm gonna want ALL of these new release goodies!

    Your cards are absolutely gorgeous, Dawn! LOVE them both!

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  19. Awesome !! I am loving the dreamy background ..

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  20. Gorgeous! Love the color combos and the fun font of the sentiments!

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  21. I love that you showed us everything at once! I would love to win the sentiments with the really cute and original font!

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  22. I absolutely adore the sentiment set! And you described it perfectly...modern yet a bit quirky. So versatile!

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  23. I love this technique and am anxious to give it a try. The new sentiment set is perfect!!

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  24. Absolutely love this idea and can't wait to try it! And by the way, it's not you...that particular tool works great for some things but is way too sticky for placing sequins. Looking forward to August 5 for the new release!

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  25. You are incredible!! Thank you for another inspirational video!!

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  26. Amazing cards and I love the font used on this new set, it's going to be well loved I can tell.

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  27. I am so excited to give this technique a try, I love the bokeh look and you make it look so easy to achieve! Love the new sentiment set as well and I'm looking forward to ordering it in a few days!

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  28. Wow stunning cards, Dawn! Love all the goodies in this new release!

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  29. I love the fonts in the new sentiment set and can't wait to add this to my stash!

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  30. Oh boy, is my wallet in trouble. I love this release!!! Thanks for the giveaway.

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  31. Great fonts for the sentiments, and I love your backgrounds!

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  32. Lovely fonts in this set! I struggled with the quick stick too- until I realised there was a poky tool at the other end of the stick that you can take out and use to hold your sequin down when you pulled off thr tacky tip!

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  33. Yay!!! Love the strictly sentiments set it will be a go to for sure and I was just thinking about a thank you die this is perfect!

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  34. Love the fonts on the sentiment set; thanks for the chance to win. Looks like a great release!

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  35. Those cards are gorgeous! And the new sentiment set is beautiful, I definitely see that as a go-to sentiment set!

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  36. Kind of cool to be able to see all the stamps and dies! Thanks for the chance to win!!

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  37. Yay! I am so excited to finally get a WPlus9 new product fix! So many must haves, including Strictly Sentiments 5 for sure - it's my favorite to date! Doing my happy dance!!

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  38. I love all of the samples so pretty and i cannot wait to get some of the new products to play with :)

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  39. Beautiful cards! I love your new release! I have missed your releases since it has been a while. Keep the fun stuff coming! :)

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  40. Love the font on these sentiments! Thanks you the chance to win .

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  41. Great release! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  42. Your cards are so beautiful! I can't wait for those new stamps and dies to go on sale!

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  43. I love the font on this sentiment set! Seriously fun card!

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  44. Must try this technique at a wedding card I have to make. Love the new stamp sets!

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  45. AMAZING technique and love the sentiment stamps

    I'm off to dig out my water colours and try this... so excited!! Thanks for sharing:)

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  46. I've always love "bokeh" but don't like the results I get when I use it. This is so much more realistic...and appears to be simpler to do. Can't wait to try it. Loving the font on these sentiments, as well.

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  47. Wow!! Love that technique, love the sentiments, they are so pretty!! Thanks for the chance to win :)

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  48. I'm hooked on sentiment stamps and love the script on this Strictly Sentiment set.

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  49. Just stunning backgrounds, and what a great release! I love seeing it all at once. Thanks for a chance to win that lovely sentiment set!

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  50. Goodness, that is an amazing technique and I think I will have to give it a go. Also really love the new products coming out.

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  51. Such a beautiful card!! Thanks for sharing the wonderful technique in your video, so soft and pretty!! This stamp set is the perfect compliment.

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  52. Just watched the video. How much fun is that! Thanks for the inspiration & beautiful cards. I would like to win this stamp set. It would be beyond useful!

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  53. wow, sentiment #5 and look so different from those in the past!!! LOVE them

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  54. Loved the effect. Thanks for the lesson. I hope to try it soon.

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  55. Great video! I will certainly have to give it a try - beautiful cards too!!!!

    Deanne :)

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  56. Love this!!
    The "Oh Yeah...you got this"...it's one of my favorite's to say to my kiddo's!

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  57. Love your new products! Especially the sentiment ones!
    And thank you for bokeh effect tutorial. So simple and such an amazing result!

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  58. YAY!! Love the Flower and Fauna2! and Hand Lettered Thanks Die set.

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  59. Ya! I love all the videos lately, especially this one! Thanks!

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  60. WOW! Those cards and backgrounds are wonderful! Thanks so much for the chance to win!! Keep up the great work and videos too!

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  61. Loved this tutorial and can't wait to try it! Would love to win something:) Thanks for the opportunity!

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  62. Gorgeous cards!!! I can see why this will be a "go to" set for you. Stunning! Thanks for the chance to win!

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  63. Oh Yeah...would love to win a set. Thanks for the chance.

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  64. Aaaamazing!! I love this release and would love to win a set.

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  65. What stunning cards, Dawn ... and such a fabulous technique ... I have to try it! Love the new format for the release ... love the new release! Anita :)

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  66. Oh Dawn! This month's release is amazing! Thank you so much for the beautiful bokeh effect video. Can't wait to try it!! ♡

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  67. I'm a sucker for good sentiments and lovely fonts and you have both in this set. Really loving it. Thanks for sharing such a fun and fabulous technique. Your cards are so pretty.

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  68. Wow! I love the colors you choice for the backgrounds. Must go play ............Thanks for the chance to win goodies.

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  69. Oh my gosh i love this new set up!!! Now can really plan where my craft monies are going! So much good stuff!

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  70. Love the release and the great card. Thanks.

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  71. Got my eye on the Fresh cut containers. Perfect compliment to the Fresh Cut stamp sets. Thanks for the chance to win the sentiments stamp set.

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  72. Beautiful Bokeh and whoop whoop for the new release!

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  73. Love these cards..sooooooooooo GORGEOUS!
    such a great release too..can't wait to see what you will make with all the stamps...

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  74. Those sentiments are fabulous! Tha font is amazing!!!

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  75. Loooove them! My poor wallet.

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  76. Fabulous video!! I'm soo excited to try out that technique!!! And seriously…SO IN LOVE with this release!!! Can't wait to get my hands on them and create!!!

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  77. The font on this new sentiment set seems a match in Heaven for these bokeh cards. Gorgeous!

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  78. These are fabulous! I love the bokeh you created. And the front in Strictly Sentiments 5 is incredible. I see several other sets and dies I'm dying to get, too.

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  79. Can't wait to try the new products. Great stamps!

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  80. How fun! Love being able to see everything right away, and the sentiment set is an awesome one. Your cards are wonderful!

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  81. Stunning new release!! Love the Thank you set its adorable!!! And your Bokeh cards are beautiful!!! Thanks for the inspiration :-)

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  82. Would love to win, thanks so much :)

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  83. I am becoming all about your stamps and dies! Love them! This is an excellent set!

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  84. Dawn, I've been watching your sneak peaks with anticipation, and I haven't been disappointed! Fabulous release! And great cards! :-)

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  85. Beautiful cards! Love the new release! Thanks for the chance to win an awesome versatile stamp set.

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  86. I love the Bokeh, and I LOVE this sentiment set. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  87. Super excited about a new release from you! I love your sentiment stamps, they are the perfect mix of everything awesome! Thanks for the inspiration today, can't wait to try this technique!

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  88. Dawn I loved your video, it makes me want to try this out! I have sequins issues too! ;)

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  89. Love the font in this set! Your video showing the technique is great - I love "seeing" techniques in action~

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  90. Love the way you did the bokeh look.

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  91. LOVE the bokeh effect. This is a seriously great sentiment set!

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  92. So glad I found this blog and found out about this company. ( I discovered it while taking the online watercolor class) I love the Strictly Sentiments 5 set .the font and the sayings are great!

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  93. What a great technique! Can't wait to try this.

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  94. Wow! These sets are wonderful! I LOVE your bokeh cards!!

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  95. Lovely cards! The colors are fabulous! This release is awesome!!!

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  96. I love, love, LOVE the font in this set Dawn! What a fun, new look sure to add so much to so many cards!

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  97. Would LOVE To win that sentiment set!!! Thanks for the chance.

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  98. Such a great technique, and a fun new set! I spied the containers for fresh cut flowers, too- can't wait to see them in action!

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  99. Oos, strictly sentiments 5 looks like lots of fun!

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  100. I love this release! The strictly sentiments set is awesome!!

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  101. Thanks so much for the video! I've been wanting to try this bokeh technique & now you've given me the courage! This release is super, Dawn! I love the font of the sentiments & am super excited for the new containers to hold my Fresh Cut Florals!

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  102. Yes I would love to win it pretty please!!

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  103. Beautiful new sets! I'm always in need of more sentiments and the new set would be perfect. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  104. Dawn, I think that is the best version I have seen of this effect. Will so have to try it. Love thesentiments.

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  105. Beautiful cards & great technique! Super excited about all the new goodies being released this month!

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  106. Bokeh cards were dreamy. Like the change of pace, especially the videos, for the new release.

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  107. I really like the bokeh technique in your video. So realistic! Love the new bold sentiments! Looking forward to seeing the rest of the release in action

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  108. Can't wait! Love the pear stamp and dies! Off to watch the video.

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  109. Awesome new release and both cards are just beautiful! Love the font of the Strictly Sentiments 5.

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  110. Love your cards, and that fab sentiment set. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  111. Strictly Sentiments 5 looks like a very versatile set. Your cards are beautiful. Thanks for the chance to win!

    Sherry in MI

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  112. Great cards with that bokeh technique! Strictly Sentiments 5 looks like a perfect go to set. Great new release, too.

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  113. Love your video. The cards are amazing. The background is so søgt and I love that you added the white ink as well. Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful stamp set

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  114. Beautiful backgrounds and I agree, the new sentiment stamps are awesome! I intend to try the bokeh technique as soon as I get a chance. A little hint about using the PickMeUp stick for sequins - pull out the clear plastic end (opposite end from the sticky bit) and use the pointed end to hold the sequin in place as you pull the sticky end away. Works just great for me!

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  115. Gorgeous new stuff! Too many must-haves there!!!

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  116. I am completely blown away by your bokeh stamping Dawn! I really must try this technique, the results are amazing!! Totally loving the new Strictly Sentiments set, can't wait to see more from this release!!

    Carol gave a great tip on using the QuickStik tool - that's what I do with mine too and it works perfectly!

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  117. All of these sets are amazing and I love sentiment sets!!!

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  118. Fantastic inspired cards, stamps and die....so exciting!!! I can totally see why that set will be a go to set.

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  119. Great video, would definitely like to try this technique. Thanks for the chance to win :)

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  120. Thanks so much, would love to win this :)

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  121. These are all amazing, thanks for a chance to win!!!

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  122. Dawn, I just love your videos... this one has me so excited! I cannot wait to try this technique... gotta go!!! [Would LOVE to have this set =]
    Michele

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  123. Looks like such a fun release! Love this sentiment set! Thanks for the opportunity to win!

    Chris L.

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  124. Great technique and sentiments.

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  125. Your videos are wonderful. I learn so much from them! Love the stamps from this release.

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  126. What a fabulous stamp set with the most interesting colors for a background. I would love this set and see lot of use for it. :)

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  127. I so love that you are doing this - thank you! While is fun to do the sneak thing, I love to see the sets in their entirety now, as I'm following along all the amazing things everyone is creating. I am looking forward to seeing more and lining up to add them to my cart!

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  128. Wow--- I'm totally enamored with your background. Before I watched the video I thought is was various vellum circles-- I love the use of pigment ink. The movement and dimension of this background is awesome. I can't wait to see the rest of this preview :)

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  129. awesome cards again!!! Love the new release everything is so perfect for all occasion styles!!

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  130. I am IN LOVE with this release! It's fantastic! Especially the Flora & Fauna 2 set! I have been looking for the perfect hummingbirds and butterflies, and this has them together in one set! It's like Christmas! I'm so excited for this release!

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  132. OMG, I love your cards. They look so easy. Definitely going to try this out. Will be ordering the new sentiments 5 set for sure

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  133. OMG, I love your cards. They look so easy. Definitely going to try this out. Will be ordering the new sentiments 5 set for sure

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  134. OMG, I love your cards. They look so easy. Definitely going to try this out. Will be ordering the new sentiments 5 set for sure

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  135. This is a beautiful technique

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  136. What a stunning technique! I've played with it a few times this wknd and I'm loving the look I get. It's now Sunday pm and as I browse cardmaking blogs this pm, I'm seeing bokeh cards popping up all over the place. Just thought you'd like to know that you've apparently inspired a whole slew of us to get out our watercolors and play!

    Thanks for sharing your amazing artistic creativity with us! You truly have a gift!

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  137. AHHMAZING!! I love the new sets!! Tfs and keep up the great work!!

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  138. Looks like another awesome release!

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  139. Is it midnight yet? I want them alllllll!

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  140. Beautiful cards and a wonderful technique! I can't wait to try it! :)

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  141. Love your bokeh technique, Dawn! These designs are just lovely!!!

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  142. Wooooooow.....thank you so much for sharing how you created your bokeh background. It is absolutely STUNNING!!!

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  143. Looks like a fun technique, have to try it. Thanks for sharing.

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  144. This looks like so much fun, and the effect is just stunning! What beautiful cards, thanks so much for sharing!

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  145. I have just found your blog and really enjoy it. The Bokeh technique if very interesting and I will certainly try it. You mentioned in your video about the circle stencil that you made, but I have been unsuccessful finding the instructions. Did I understand you saying that you had listed the instructions at the end of the post? Thanks.

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  146. I have just finished watching your video and you mention your Ghetto circle stencil and you would have a link at the bottom of the post, but I have not been able to find it. Can you please tell me how to get to it. This is a beautiful card and I love your work. Thanks.

    Linda D.

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    1. Hi Linda! Here is the link to the post featuring DIY stencils video: http://www.stampawaywithme.blogspot.com/2014/06/video-diy-stencils-custom-colored-die.html

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  147. I love how you changed your card during the video and how you admit that you're not very good at something! It made it so wonderful to know that even the professionals are human and that it's ok to make mistakes, change things part-way through, and not be experts at everything. So Refreshing! Oh, and loved the technique video - awesome - going to try now :)

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