This is a unique challenge blog where we are inspired by and focus on the Vintage; shabby; mixed-media; art journaling; industrial, timeworn and steampunk genres and encompass the talent, flair, expertise and ideas of many artists that we are inspired by. We welcome all types of projects - cards, journaling, assemblage, layouts, albums, atcs, altered art in fact whatever you want to share (as long as it is in good taste).

Friday, 28 February 2014

'A Vintage Journey begins

Hello and welcome to 'A Vintage Journey'.

Vintage is a word that can have several meanings. Its primary definition is of old, recognized and enduring interest, importance or quality. It can be used as a noun or as an adjective, and is usually associated with the quality of aging, enduring or improving over time. Journey is to travel somewhere or the passage or progress from one stage to another. Put the two together and that is what we are doing here, following our guru Tim Holtz and sharing our creativity, expertise and talents to bring the vintage genre to centre stage.

We hope you will be able to find some time to join us on this voyage of discovery to see more and to do more in this amazing world of art and craft that we are part of. There is no map just lots of tours, excursions and adventures of exploration, stretching the mind and imagination.

We are travelling with an incredible group of guides who will lead us into known and unknown pastures and expeditions of revelation, sharing stories and insights into this vintage/shabby/mixed-media style that we love.

Here they are -

UPDATE 3rd March
The 11th Creative Guide is now added to the list, Jennie Atkinson.
 Jennie has been away and her details went astray it seems somewhere in the ether, but we have them now and you can read her bio below.




Alison (butterfly)
My creativity was never really on the visual side - I was more the words, music, books, theatre type. When I became a freelancer in Spring 2012 after eight years at the Royal Shakespeare Company as a Text and Voice Coach, it was supposed to give me more time for friends and family.  I had no idea that within weeks I would be in thrall to a whole new creative passion - stamps/inks/paints/texture - you name it, I want to play with it... there's so much to learn, discover and explore.  
Now I have to balance the two worlds - hence Words and Pictures.  And it's pretty much all down to Tim Holtz and his stamps and Distress mediums - my first crafting love.  Yup - another addict here... so much for friends and family!
 

Anne
I have been crafting for most of my life, although working, marriage and a family stopped my crafting for many years.  I contracted a serious illness about 7 years ago which caused me to retire early.  My Daughter in Law and I decided to make our own Christmas cards a few years ago and I have been 'hooked' ever since.  Once I discovered Tim Holtz and his products there was no holding me back, I am now totally addicted!  I would say that crafting has been a life saver for me and I cannot imagine my life without it now.



Annie
I have been crafting for many years but once I started stamping/making cards around mid 90's it became an addiction. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that stamping would develop as it has over the last 10 years! Around 2004 I remember watching a well known shopping channel and there was a young man who inspired me with his enthusiasm for  stamping and Ranger Products....yes....it was Tim Holtz!! I purchased the DVD and Distress Embossing Powders and have been a huge fan since this time. 
It's been amazing watching Tim and his products/projects grow.   I adore his stamps and the Distress range of inks, paints, stains, glue mediums, tools etc and use them in all my crafty makes. Like most, my creative style has certainly evolved and I love vintage/grunge/mixed media. I joined blogland in 2012 and have never looked back, its great to share makes/tips/techniques and to be inspired by fellow crafters. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this wonderful Challenge Blog and Design Team and I look forward to sharing projects/techniques with all of you along the way.  x
   

Astrid
Art and craft have been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, painting, drawing, knitting and dyeing wool have all been part of my creative repertoire. I have been paper crafting and stamping probably for about 10 years or so, but did not get seriously into it until about 2007.
Being a teacher by profession I received my first stamp, a box of embossing powers and embossing ink, as a Christmas present from a child in my class whose mum owned a rubber stamp shop. That was the beginning of a hobby that no doubt will last well into retirement! I have been a huge admirer of Tim Holtz and his products since I first discovered Distress Inks, so being part of this team is like a dream come true!
 


Brenda
I have designed and created things all my life even as a child in primary school I can remember designing patterns and images for my cross stitching, and it was my Mum who taught me how to knit and to use a sewing machine. As I got older I loved observational drawing and studied oil painting at college. As a teacher I loved taking my children out into the environment to draw and look for examples of art and architecture and we always made our own books to keep our topic work in. This kept me going through my teaching years as there wasn't much time to explore my creative side, but since retiring I have been able to have the luxury of designing, creating and making in my work room much more. I love all things Tim Holtz and my most favourite genres are vintage and shabby chic. I am looking forward to this next journey and so happy it's a vintage one.
 


Candy
Art makes me happy.  It started with crayons and coloring books and has always been a part of who I am.
Although I don’t have degrees in art, I’m not convinced that most creativity comes from a book. I think, to a certain extent, it just “is”.  Without regret, my family took priority over my artistic adventures for quite a while. Then, a few years ago, my daughter asked me to help her make a scrapbook as a shower gift. That was the rebirth of my creative journey.  I can’t seem to get enough of learning and playing. Tim Holtz and his vintage style captured my heart. I am drawn to it because I think it reminds all of us of days gone by when we were children living in a much simpler world. It has such a nostalgic, calming effect and I adore creating vintage pieces that hopefully convey that gentle feeling. I am proud to be a Ranger U alumni and a member of this very talented design team. 



Chris
Now medically retired, and crafting when mobility and dexterity allow, I started designing for the craft market in 2000 and brought the first commercial crafting CD to market on Ideal World in 2001. I did regular TV appearances on Ideal World and then Create and Craft and various exhibition workshops up until 2004 when my health stopped me. I continued designing CDs for Create and Craft until 2009 when I retired. Crafting has now returned to being a hobby and also a therapy for my hands and wrists, it remains an absolute passion!



Jenny
I've been artistic and crafty all my life, sewing, drawing, stitching, sometimes for pleasure, often out of necessity. As a keen genealogist I needed to find a way of presenting my extensive family history research and discovered the joys of scrapbooking. One thing led to another and card making for friends and family soon took over. A persistent Hels Sheridan encouraged me to start a blog in April 2012, I discovered the world of Distress, and it all grew exponentially from there. As a qualified teacher I have a real passion for sharing techniques and ideas with anyone who'll listen! After all, isn't this about 'sharing the love'?


Terry
The first time I touched a stamp was in the Summer of 2007. I had been invited to a Stampin Up workshop and my only thought was wasting a Sunday afternoon! I attended a few workshops here and there, but I still had very little interest in this hobby.  Then I attended a stamping convention in 2008 and saw Mr. Holtz in action and fell in love with all things vintage, grungy and Tim! I found myself wanting to learn more, but there was nothing "Tim" going on in my area, so I learned on my own about this incredible inspiration and by 2010 became a real blogger. Let's just say a hobby I found interesting, but somewhat boring, has become a way of life and in many ways a lifesaver! 

Trace 
I am a mum of three beautiful children, two boys and one little girl..aged 11, 9 and 4. I am married to my best friend and so much more..  I have always loved crafting and even from an early age was always creating in one way or another. My style has grown and changed and is still evolving but always present is my love for all things Tim, distress and steampunk.
I can still remember the first time I went to a stamping class and left armed with heat tool, stamps inks and powders and from that moment I was hooked!
I love tags and making dimensional pieces and am always learning from the talented places in blogland and love trying and developing new things! My love for all thing Tim Holtz, distress and vintage is my true passion and there is usually plenty of distress goodness and stamping involved. I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this fab design team and am loving my creative journey .



Jennie
I can't remember a time when I didn't craft - in particular cereal box handbags, slippers and dolls houses from an early age!  I have always loved anything to do with paper and nine years ago was a founder member of Shetland Scrapbookers after a friend got a book for Christmas about scrapbooking and we were totally hooked.  However,  after discovering Tim Holtz and Ranger products a couple of years later life was never quite the same!  I love all the wonderful techniques Tim shares with us and I love to use these in scrapbook layouts and mini books of my two lively grandchildren, as well as heritage photographs.
I am somewhat obsessed with making flowers, mainly in a shabby rose style and I am always trying to think of new ways to use Tim's dies to create different looks.  I love the vintage style as I love crafting with lace, subtle colours and old style ribbons and buttons, and it is amazing how well they fit with my favourite distressed and inky look too.  I am really excited to be part of this wonderful vintage journey with you all.

The Travelling Instructions are in the side bar and if you  pop over to the Creative Travellers' (DT) blogs you will see what an amazing team we have to guide and inspire you.
 
So please step aboard and join the fun. Remember the quote from Ralph Waldo Emmerson?
Life is a journey, not a destination.
That is so true about what we are starting here.

See you next Friday where the fun begins.

96 comments:

  1. Replies
    1. Thank you Mark for that lovely comment, much appreciated xx

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  2. Wishing you and your team every success in your new Vintage Journey. I'm sure I'll be joining in with the fun and learn so much from you and your talented team Brenda. See you next week . Hugs Rita xxx

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    1. Thank you Rita - we are all so excited to get going xx

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  3. I am in Tim Hotz heaven as all my favorite crafters are in one place! What a fabulous team you are and I adore the bio's and photo's. Looking forward to your first post!
    Hugs to all,
    kelly

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    1. Thanks Kelly we are looking forward to it very much too xx

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  4. Huge congratulations on assembling such an amazingly talented buch of ArTists. I struggle with this style so hoping to learn a lot from all the teams tutorials & challenges.

    See you week one:-) xxx

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  5. I'm happy to see you all here together! a very talented design team! I can't wait to see your creations! See you next friday! BArbarayaya

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    1. Thanks Barbara, yep see you next Friday indeed xx

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  6. Fabulous roll call of talent you have here. Looking forward to seeing what the future holds
    Lynn

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    1. Thanks for your comment Lynn, lots of exciting challenges to come xx

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  7. Wow, what a line up! Looking forward to next week!

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    1. Thanks Helen, looking forward to seeing you here xx

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  8. So looking forward to indulging in some serious Tim time with such a talented team. Can't wait! Jenny x

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  9. I am so looking forward to this....it's so exciting and I am thrilled to be part of this alongside such amazing talent!! trace x

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    1. I think we are all so excited and want to get the first challenge launched aren't we. Only one more week to go xx

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  10. WOUW what an amazing team of talent here. I´ve always loved this style, but admit, I´ve not been very good at doing it myself, but I hope, that this can maybe be just what I need to learn a lot more about HOW now, so I´ll definitely be following here, that´s for sure, and who knows, maybe you girls ARE the ones, who can teach me and make me confident enough to even join in sometimes??? I sure love, what all you ladies are creating and always dream about being that good one day too.
    All the best of luck with this challengeblog and I´m so looking forward to follow and see, what you´ll have to teach us here.
    Have a wonderful week-end niow and time ahead.

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comment Maryann, I am sure you are going to love what you see xx

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  11. Thrillingly! Good luck and much pleasure Ladies! Such a range of very talented women- AMAZING!

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  12. wow what an amazing team - can't wait to see what you all make - fabulous news - this challenge will be an absolute pleasure to participate in! Hugs Rachel xx

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    1. Thanks Rachel, we hope we will inspire and keep you busy lol xx

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  13. A Dream Team and I am looking forward to seeing the challenges and hopefully being brave enough to join in :)

    Love Chrissie x

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    1. Thanks Chrissie, please be brave as I am sure you will enjoy every minute xx

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  14. Wow what a great team! I so love this style and will look forward to all the beautiful art and hopefully get to join in from time to time. X

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    1. It will be lovely to have you join us Anita and so glad you love this style too xx

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  15. I like the DT's old photos :)
    Looking forward to next Friday :)

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    1. Glad you like the photos Joanna and looking forward to seeing you join the challenges xx

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  16. Great New Challenge with my favourite crafters all in one place so I'm excited to start this journey can't wait for the 7th March, as I'm addicted to all things Tim I say let the fun begin lol :)) Have become a follower and will see you on the 7th.
    MaggieH

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    1. Thanks Maggie and I think you will love the challenges, thanks for following xx

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  17. I feel so honoured - and very excited to be part of this wonderful team! Anne xx

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    1. The excitement keeps building doesn't it? Roll on next Friday I say xx

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  18. woohooo I'm so excited...will be playing along xxx

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  19. Congratulations to ALL you fabulous ladies, with being a new Challenge Blog with all the right ingredients, fabulous and good luck, can't wait for the fun to begin. Hugs Terry xxxx

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  20. Wow! What a fabulous team .... can't wait to see all your creations. Good luck with the new challenge ladies. xx

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    1. Thanks Linda, we can't wait to show you all what we have been making xx

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  21. So happy to be here... it's going to be fun!!
    Alison xx

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    1. So happy to have you here too Alison, fun and laughs me thinks xx

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  22. Can't wait to see where "your guru Tim" will lead you ;)
    Have fun!

    Claudia

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    1. Thanks Claudia, further into vintage land we go xx

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  23. This sure is a Dream Team! Congratulations to you all, my very favourite crafters, looking forward to the journey. Your childhood photos are adorable, great start. There is an apt Irish expression for Good Luck, translated it says 'May the road rise with you'. Roll on the 7th. Nicola x

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    1. Thank you Nicola, love the Irish expression and I hope you will take the road with us xx

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  24. Awesome to have a blog challenge like this again... I have added you to my blog links on my sidebar so i can get updates and find you nice and quick. i dont seem to have many challenge sites listed to keep me motivated. I intend to try and keep up with this one when i can..
    and WHAT A TEAM..... lots of blogging friends that i recognise. well done everyone. i am looking forward to seeing your blog challenge grow.
    Z x

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    1. Thanks Louise, we will get a button sorted for side bars and hope we keep you inspired and motivated xx

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  25. This new challenge really appeals to me. As you know Brenda I have become very interested in this style and I am loving bringing it into my crafting. What a talented bunch you have assembled. When time allows I will really enjoy taking this journey with you. Thanks so much for your creativity. Hugs Jane xx

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    1. Hope you get plenty of time to join in Jane (Daisy permitting that is). xx

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  26. Wow! What a brilliant team! Look forward to the inspiration and taking part when I can. Chrisx

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  27. Another DREAM TEAM EEKKSSS this is going to be FANTASTICA, it's a brillliant post to get to see all those FANTASTIC designer when they were sooooo cute and to learn a little bit more about them, my wings are flapping like crazy I'm so excited to see what this DREAM TEAM create...

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    1. Well we hope we live up to the dream Dianne, thanks for your comment xx

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  28. This all sounds so FUN and exciting!!! Congrats to all the DT!!!

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    1. Thanks Anita, I think it will be fun and challenging lol xx

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  29. Looking forward to next week, Elizabeth x

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    1. And we are looking forward to seeing you too Elizabeth xx

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  30. This is a seriously amazing DT and a super exciting new challenge blog. Looking forward to next Friday. Mo x

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    1. Thanks Mo, we are ultra excited to get going, see you here next Friday xx

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  31. What an awesome DT, I can't wait to see the creations! ~Diane

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    1. Thanks Diane, we can't wait to start showing them , hope we inspire xx

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  32. What a wonderful team!!! I'm not a specialist of Vintage, but I love all what is beautiful, full of lovely details and artsy, and I must say that everyone in the team I think has such skills and talent!!...So really looking forward to seeing certainly fabulous works here, and from time to time try to participate if I can... Great news, good luck for this new Journey Brenda and everyone! Coco xxx

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    1. We appreciate your lovely comment Coco and hope you will come and join us xx

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  33. Goodness gracious Brenda - you could not have found anymore talented artist than you have found. I have been following some of them for a pretty good while now. Just seeing these ladies create will be excitement! I really don't know much about this style but it looks like I will have to learn. Congratulations Brenda and I know this will be one successful endeavor!
    Sandy xx

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    1. Sandy we are super excited and waiting to start, I am sure you will love their makes and want to join in too xx

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  34. I am honored and thrilled to be a part of this vintage journey! How fun and exciting this will be?? XOXO

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    1. The journey has at last begun Terry and you and the others are just the best xx

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  35. Oh my gosh, I can hardly wait for this talented group to get started. I follow most of you individually but now you'll all be in one place. This is terrific.

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    1. So glad you you like this Darlene and we start next Friday woo hoo xx

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  36. Such a gorgeous and talented team!! WOW!!! I have a soft spot for vintage, can't wait to see your wonderful artwork!

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    1. Well I hope your soft spot means you will be joining us sometimes Gio, you will be most welcome xx

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  37. Well, this is very exciting! What a wonderfully creative team too. Looking forward to seeing what's to come.

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    1. We hope our creativity brings you inspiration and a desire to join in the challenges xx

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  38. I'm soo excited! I love all things vintage and Tim Holtz, of course! Your Design Team is awesome! Can't wait to try your first challenge! Best of luck to you! :-)

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    1. Well you are gonna fit in great here Cathy cos we all love exactly the same things xx

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  39. Wow, all of you talented folk in one place. Looking forward to following this exciting journey.
    Yvonne

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    1. Fabulous Yvonne, come and share the journey with us xx

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  40. Ooo! This looks like it could be fun. You have a great DT lined up. Will be sure to call by!
    Hugs
    xx

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    1. Looking forward to your visits Hettie and we'll share the fun together xx

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  41. What a fabulous idea! And, I certainly did enjoy viewing all the childhood pics of the design team members. Looking forward to all the inspiration that will come from this powerful team of talented artists.

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    1. The pics look fabulous together don't they? We are looking forward to sharing all our ideas and projects Joyce xx

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  42. Congratulations on the new challenge blog and the wonderful and talented Design Team you have gathered! The bios with the vintage photos was a perfect way to introduce them!! Wishing you all the best, Darnell

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    1. Thank you Darnell we really appreciate your lovely comment xx

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  43. What great news! I believe this will be very creative journey, with such a gorgeous design team! Can’t wait to start! Greetings from Slovenia

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    1. That's great Ana, we are all travelling together and looking forward to seeing what yiou and everyone makes xx

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  44. Big Smile on my face....great talents on the DT...love the pictures to accompany the bios...looking forward to next week!!

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    1. Yay, big smiles on our faces too Sara, looking forward to you joining us xx

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  45. Wow!! What a fabulous Challenge Blog and what a wonderful DT you have put together ... can't wait for it all to get started. This is bound to be a great success!!! I'm definitely following along on this journey!! All the best!! ox

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  46. Thank you Margaret for your encouragement, we look forward to seeing you back again xx

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  47. Love all the DT pics looking forward to joining in. x

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    1. Only a couple of days to go now Becky, looking forward to seeing you back again xx

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  48. What a fabulous kick-off to your new challenge site! Gorgeous inspiration pieces from the whole talented team. Looking forward to joining in on many of your VJ challenges!

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  49. Have just found you!!!!!and,so glad I have.Just spent a little while! looking through everything,what a brilliant blog/challenge site.I am rubbish at blogging but I LOVE to craft,so I have put you into my favs.and I shall be following you keenly.
    Many many thanks for such amazing inspiration xx

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