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December 30, 2014

AmyR's Valentine Cards 2015 Series Card #2

Happy New Year's Eve eve! I'm still on a creative and filming kick (it's been fun! I went so long feeling drained and exhausted and NOT creative that I'm loving this sudden surge of creativity!), so if you missed my previous cards and videos be sure to scroll down to check them out.

I wanted to get this posted now (the night before New Years eve depending on when you're reading this) as I have an insanely busy day ahead of me. We're all in the friends wedding that I made all the invites for, and will be running around getting ready, pictures, prepping, etc etc etc before the ceremony in the evening (followed by a big New Years Eve bash. It's going to be fun but in my condition I just hope I have the energy to get myself and 3 kids through the day and the ceremony LOL!). Anyway it's going to be fun :).

So I got another Valentine card made with a video so here it is in the meantime:

Vtine-Series-Card-2-by-AmyR

I like making Valentine/love cards that don't scream "Valentine's Day" and that you could really use all year round. Coffee-themed anything is definitely all year round for me!! 

I followed along with MFT's newest Wednesday Sketch Challenge - it's not up yet as I'm posting early so later on I'll edit this post to include it. If you check out MFT's blog it will be posted there!

Vtine-Series-Card-2-Closeup-by-AmyR

Vtine-Series-Card-2-Inside-by-AmyR

I gush a bit about my love for Starbucks in the video LOL. Honestly when my mom had her coffee shop SHE made the best latte's etc (no joke - they were absolutely fabulous - 100x better than Starbucks!), but she closed her place down and opened a clothing store. So now my only option for a good latte is Starbucks - which is in the city - which is over an hour away. So I don't get to go very often (prolly a good thing - calorie-wise and $$-wise) - but my obstetricians office is less than a block away from 2 Starbucks so every doc appointment I get a latte LOL!

Anywho - I obviously have extra gift cards sitting around so it was perfect to use on this card and to show how the Gift Card Grooves Die-namics work. Just looking at the MFT site they appear to be sold out right now (I think they sell out quickly every time they re-stock) but there's options to be notified via e-mail when they're re-stocked!

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

  

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!

Supplies-Image 

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AmyR's Valentine Cards 2015 Series Card #1

I've got another card and video to share! I feel like I'm on this end-of-the-year blast and cranking out projects like a crazy person all of a sudden LOL!

That and I'm DETERMINED to figure out these new/upgraded editing programs (I went on about my woes in yesterday's post) and the only way I can really do that is to have more things to film and edit - so I guess it's a win win for everyone. I will say I figured out a *bit* more when editing this video (after some hair pulling and near tears moments - being so hormonal right now I cry over the littlest things - it's insane) but I still have a ways to go.

Anywho - I got a new stamp set from the Simon Says Stamp Better Together release (so much cute stuff - I need to order more!) and decided to make a Valentine card with it:

SSS-SfY-Kite-Card-by-AmyR

 This is a 4-Bar size card.

I played around with my Distress inks and some emboss resist and all that jazz - just fun and simple.

SSS-SfY-Kite-Card-Closeup-by-AmyR

SSS-SfY-Kite-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

  

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!

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December 29, 2014

Skating By...:Making a Card #103 Video

Hello everyone!

I can't believe it's almost the end of 2014 - it feels like this year just flew by. I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas (and if you don't celebrate Christmas I hope you had a great Thursday) and are ready to ring in the New Year!

We kept everything pretty low-key over here last week - it was nice to just spend time with the kids and hubby and then celebrate Christmas with extended family. I've been REALLY enjoying getting a chance to sleep in in the mornings with everyone home - not something I get to do very often!

I FINALLY got some time to just sit down and make a card - no rhyme or reason I just wanted to stamp and color. That actually all went pretty well - it was the editing of the video that ended up driving me bonkers. I go on a bit of a rant (sorry!) in the video about it - basically I decided to update my Mac to Yosemite OSX over the holidays so that all my other programs could be updated and I TOTALLY regret it at the moment. Everything is different, especially my iMovie program. It took me more than twice as long to edit the video and figure out what on earth I was doing - and I still couldn't edit things properly. 

I think for the most part y'all won't notice much difference - but on my end I was ready to pull my hair out. I also mention in the video that my hubby gifted me with a new editing program (Final Cut Pro X) for Christmas which I've wanted for years now. I've been hesitant to get it b/c it looks like it has quite a learning curve (and if you know me at all I'm not too great at anything tech - I muddle through it all as best I can), but with this iMovie upgrade I am more motivated than ever to figure out this new program!

ANYWHO - that's part of what's going on here for me at the moment ;). On to the card:

CCD-Skating-By-Card-by-AmyR

I pulled out my CCDesigns Meoples Ice Princess image along with my Chilled Out Sentiments set and my Doodlebug Frosty Friends patterned paper.

CCD-Skating-By-Card-Closeup-by-AmyR

All the coloring was done with Copics and the die cut snowflakes are SSS dies (links in the supplies).

CCD-Skating-By-Card-Copics-by-AmyR

and here's how I finished off the inside:

CCD-Skating-By-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

To see how this card came together you can check out my video below:

  

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!

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December 24, 2014

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope y'all are having a fabulous holiday season with friends and family! :)

Myself along with several other MFT DT members are sharing a Christmas-themed card today - you can check out everyone else's on the MFT blog HERE.

Before I get to the card (and video!) I just wanted to say a BIG Thank You to all my readers/subscribers/commenters! I really appreciate all the feedback, support and interaction I've received via my blog, YouTube channel, Facebook page and Instagram! 2014 has been a great year, it's hard to believe I've had this blog for over 9 years now! I started it in July of 2006 and can't believe all the twists and turns this whole journey of papercrafting has taken me on over all these years.

Anywho - before I start getting all emotional (with my prego hormones on overdrive right now that's way too easy to do) I'll just say THANK YOU to all of you and get to the card:

Dec-25-Card-by-AmyR

I went with a "simple" crazy-sweater sort of theme (kind of an oxymoron I guess but hey whatever works!) using the MFT Cool Day stamp set and Die-namics and the Comfy Sweater Die-namics.

Dec-25-Card-Closeup--by-AmyR

I inlaid the polar bear and the comfy sweater dies into the white card front - easier to explain in the video - so it's completely flat. 

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Dec-25-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

And then I finished off the inside of the card with the extra sweater die cut I was left with that I dressed up with the sign and sentiment from the Cool Day stamp set.

To see how this card came together you can check out my video below:

  

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Supplies holiday AmyR

 And if you missed any of the previous videos in my Christmas Series you can find them here:

STAMPtember Lots of Snowflakes: Christmas Card Video Series #1

Bellarific Friday Oct 10, 2014: Christmas Card Series #2 Video

Bellarific Friday Oct 31, 2014: Christmas Card Series Video #3 (2014)

MFT November Countdown Day 7: Christmas Card Series #4 Video

MFT November Countdown Day 6: Christmas Card Series #5 Video

MFT November Countdown Day 3: Christmas Card Series #6

Christmas Card Series #7 2014

Christmas Card Series #8 2014: Mass-produced Wedding Invites

Christmas Card Series #9 2014: Quick and Simple

Bellarific Friday Nov 21, 2014: Christmas Card Series #10 Video

November MFT Creative Challenge: Holiday Home Decor

Bellarfic Friday Nov 28: Christmas Card Series #12 Video

Bellarfic Friday Dec 5: Christmas Card Series #13 Video

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December 19, 2014

Bellarfic Friday Dec 19: Making a Card #102 Video

**post #2 for today! I posted a Quick Tip video this morning that you can see if you scroll down below or click HERE <-----**

Well I am slowly getting back into the groove of stamping/posting/filming! I made and filmed another card for this week's Bellarific Friday post!

The challenge for this week was this sketch:

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And here's what I came up with:

Dec-19-BF-Sketch-Card-by-AmyR

LOL good thing I finish the insides of my cards as I think this would be rather boring otherwise. I started off using the small accessory stamps that come with the Smarty Cat stamp from Stamping Bella. Instead of using hearts I just stamped 4 images along the bottom of the card.

While I was at it I decided to finally try out the SSS 120lb white card stock that I've had sitting here for MONTHS and never had a chance to play with. I talk about my thoughts on it in the video.

Dec-19-BF-Sketch-Card-Copics-by-AmyR

Now the inside:

Dec-19-BF-Sketch-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

Funny thing is that with this card the inside and outside of the card are totally interchangeable depending on whether you fold it in or outside the score line. So this could be the card front and the small images would be on the inside, or the way I have it now.

Dec-19-BF-Sketch-Card-Closeup-by-AmyR

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

 

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!

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Quick Tip Video: "Shimming" Your ATG

I'm back with another video! If you've been watching my videos for a while you'll know that I use my ATG for almost all of my adhesive needs. I LOVE my ATG. Lately though it's been driving me batty with the tape sliding to the edge and off the edge of the roller (not completely off of it but wonky enough to be annoying and not work perfectly).

I never used to have this problem and I've been using my ATG for years and YEARS - so I figured out the probable cause as well as a solution - and since it's easier to explain via video here it is:

  

You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!

Here's my (really old!!) video showing how to refill the ATG 714:

Refilling the ATG 714 

I've previously purchased my rolls by the case from the NHS Media store - honestly I think the last time I bought them they were a fair bit cheaper than they are now (it's been at least 2 years since I've ordered from there) - so I don't know if I'll order there again or not. I always get people recommending US sites to order from - but I have yet to find one that doesn't charge an insane amount for shipping (making it totally worthless to order from for me) or uses UPS to ship (which for Canadians is a no-go b/c the brokerage fees when the package arrives are astronomical).

So I've just been ordering the little 2 packs from CCDesigns and SimonSaysStamp when I place orders - so much easier to just toss a pack or two into my virtual cart when I'm placing an order :).

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December 18, 2014

Product Review Video: By DIEzyne Dies from CCDesigns

Hello everyone! I've been trying to chisel away at my to-do list this week, and after some technical difficulties (related to video uploading and the fun of technology!) I've got a new video to share with y'all!

CCDesigns recently started a new line of steel dies called By DIEzyne - you can check them all out HERE. And here are my thoughts on them:

 

You can watch the video on YouTube HERE <----click!

I mention in the video that CCD has a Facebook group that's packed full of inspiration from the Design Team, plus graphics and tutorials on how to use these dies, along with a place for members to share their creations and whatnot. It's an approval-only group - so you ask to join and then Christine (owner of CCD) will approve you.

You can apply to join the group HERE <----click!

OK! Now I have one more thing checked off my list, and have been feeling good the past few days (if you missed my insanely long Life Update video from the other day you can find it here) so I'm hoping to fit in some stamping time! :) :) :)

LINKS:

By DIEzyne Dies

Post-It Labeling Tape

C.C. Designs Metal Snippers

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December 15, 2014

MFT Dec Creative Challenge: Felt

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Hello everyone! It's time for this month's Creative Challenge with the MFT Design Team - and this month the challenge was to play with all of MFT's gorgeous felt.

For many of us, this is the time of year we crave warmth, comfort, and coziness. What better material to feature with this month’s challenge than felt? Our line of MFT felt coordinates with all of the colors in our extensive Replenishments line so crafting projects with a beautiful complement of papers, buttons, inks, and ribbons is a piece of cake. Make no mistake though, felt will be the star of the show in this collection of inspiring projects!

Make sure you check out MFT's blog post for links to all the other DT Members blog posts to see what they made!

Honestly I'm still not feeling all that creative and normally would have REALLY struggled with this right now - but I've wanted to make die-cut felt hairclips for months now and just never got around to doing that. So of course this challenge gave me the excuse to go out and get the clips and get creating:

MFT-Dec-CC-Felt-Hair-Clips

I made 3 different pairs of floral hair clips - all using MFT Die-namics and MFT Felt. They're SUPER-easy to make - just check out my video below:

  

And of course I had to get my little model in on the action:

MFT-Dec-CC-Hairclip-1

MFT-Dec-CC-Hairclip-2

MFT-Dec-CC-Hairclip-3

Sorry my light is horrible for pics lately - the last few days it's been grey/overcast/foggy and just BLAH. Couple that with an 18-month-old that can't sit still for even a second and these were the best pics out of a million *wink*. 

One idea I had while making these was that they make a perfect quick and easy (and last minute b/c how often do you need one?) gift - but they need something to go on to really finish it off.

So I made some tags that the clips can attach to:

MFT-Dec-CC-Felt-Hair-Clips-On-Tags

I used MFT's Traditional Tags STAX Die-namics for my bases then layered on Natural card stock that I stamped with different background stamps (my 3 favorites) and die cut with the new Stitched Traditional Tags STAX Die-namics. I popped that layer up on foam tape to give some space to attach the clips:

MFT-Dec-CC-Felt-Hair-Clips-Tags

I used the long oval dies from the Gift Card Grooves Die-namics to die cut holes in the stitched tags that the clips can be slipped into. It worked PERFECTLY (love when that happens). I used the longer die for the Blu Raspberry clips because they were so large and needed to be spaced further apart, and the smaller die for the other 2 pairs.

I then finished off the tags with stamped and embossed sentiments from the Simply Fabulous Saying stamp set that I die cut with one of the Fishtail Flags Layers STAX Die-namics and that was it!

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December 13, 2014

Life Update: Preggo Vlog?!?

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I posted - the past week has been pretty rough - LOTS going on, coupled with me being exhausted/achy/not feeling well/etc etc etc. I just haven't felt up to stamping or being creative much at all - my stamping mojo has completely abandoned me :P. 

I've had a lot of requests for updates/info/life update videos etc - and it's been long overdue. Needless to say this one was LONG - and took forever to upload LOL!

If you missed my blog post from a couple months ago announcing this pregnancy you can see it here.

 

You can watch directly on YouTube HERE <----click!

Now that I've got this off my to-do list I can get to working on some other things - which will hopefully include some stamping! I miss it...

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December 05, 2014

Bellarfic Friday Dec 5: Christmas Card Series #13 Video

It's been a LONG day - but I finally got my video for today's Bellarific Friday card edited and uploaded, and all the links and whatnot for the supplies sorted out so here's the post!

The challenge for this week was a sketch:

Sketch-24-Dec-5-250x250

And here was the card I made:

Dec-5-BF-Sketch-Card-by-AmyR

I used Uptown Girl Savannah has a Star and colored her in with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS - I blab on and on throughout the video on all that :P.

Dec-5-BF-Sketch-Card-Closeup-by-AmyR

I created the background with SSS Lots of Snowflakes stamp set and a couple of Distress Inks (Mowed Lawn and Forest Moss) along with some Sparkle Sheer Shimmer Spritz - SO pretty in real life :P - nearly impossible to get on camera (another thing on my list to rectify - lighting).

Dec-5-BF-Sketch-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

To see how this card came together check out my video below:

  

Or watch directly on YouTube HERE <-----click!

Next week's Bellarific Challenge is this inspiration pic:

Inspiration-13-dec-12--250x371

If you play along (guidelines are to use current Stamping Bella images) you just need to e-mail Emily a pic of your finished card by Thursday Dec 11, 2014 for it to be added to the Bellarific Friday post!

Supplies holiday AmyR

 

I included links to multiple sources for some items, and also linked to the Spectrum Noir pencils as well as the Prismacolor pencils - the more options the better IMO! ;)

 And if you missed any of the previous videos in my Christmas Series you can find them here:

STAMPtember Lots of Snowflakes: Christmas Card Video Series #1

Bellarific Friday Oct 10, 2014: Christmas Card Series #2 Video

Bellarific Friday Oct 31, 2014: Christmas Card Series Video #3 (2014)

MFT November Countdown Day 7: Christmas Card Series #4 Video

MFT November Countdown Day 6: Christmas Card Series #5 Video

MFT November Countdown Day 3: Christmas Card Series #6

Christmas Card Series #7 2014

Christmas Card Series #8 2014: Mass-produced Wedding Invites

Christmas Card Series #9 2014: Quick and Simple

Bellarific Friday Nov 21, 2014: Christmas Card Series #10 Video

November MFT Creative Challenge: Holiday Home Decor

Bellarfic Friday Nov 28: Christmas Card Series #12 Video

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December 03, 2014

MFT December Release Rewind: Pure Innocence

  ReleaseRewind_400

Well the new December release has been live for a day so far - and now we're playing Release Rewind. It's a chance for the Design Team to share projects using some of the new products we haven't had a chance to play with yet!

Make sure to check out MFT's blog post for links to all the other DT member's blog posts to see what they've made :).

  MFT-Dec-RR-Card-1-by-AmyR

For my first card I used the new Pure Innocence Wild for You stamp set - SO cute. I paired it with the Giraffe Background stamp and Wild Greenery and Blueprints 21 Die-namics.

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-1-Closeup-by-AmyR

I colored her in with Copics and popped her up with dimensionals. I had several leftover die cuts of the wild Greenery from a previous card so I adhered them beneath the main image on this one :).

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-1-Copics-by-AmyR

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-1-Inside-by-AmyR

I finished off the inside by stamping her in the corner with Kraft dye ink, then stamping one of the sentiments from the set with Chocolate Brown Hybrid Ink.

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-2-by-AmyR

For card #2 I used the other new Pure Innocence set - Roarin' Good Day. I paired this one with the Zebra Background and the speech bubble and frame are from the Photo Booth Props Die-namics set.

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-2-Closeup-by-AmyR

More Copic coloring and both the main image and speech bubble are popped up with dimensionals.

MFT-Dec-RR-Card-2-Copics-by-AmyR

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I finished off the inside by stamping another sentiment from the set then created a "trail" of paw prints with the paw stamp and Grout Grey dye ink ;).

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December 02, 2014

MFT December New Product Launch

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It's here!! All the new MFT December products are available NOW at the MFT store! Make sure to check out their blog post for the links to all the other MFT DT member's launch posts - the more comments you leave the more chances you have to WIN!

Speaking of which - be sure to check out the whole post as there's info on how you can be entered to win one of 2 MFT $100 GC's!

For my projects tonight I'm focusing on the new Stitched Fishtail Flag STAX Die-namics, and the new Friend Die-namics (which you can only get this month as a Free with $60 purchase - next month it will be available for individual sale).

MFT-Dec-NPL-SBPage-by-AmyR

8x8" Scrapbook page

I actually made a scrapbook page! It's been FOREVER since I've dabbled with pages. I had this photo of Katelyn from last year and it was just too perfect for so many of this month's products to not make a page for it.

The Stitched Fishtail Flag STAX Die-namics made a great background - I die cut several from Smooth White and Sno Cone card stock. Then I took inspiration from her little sweater and stamped the white die cuts with last month's Sweater Stitch Background stamp and embossed it with matte clear embossing powder.

MFT-Dec-NPL-SBPage-Closeup-1-by-AmyR

For my little bit of journalling I just drew lines with a ruler and pencil then wrote with a brown pen.

MFT-Dec-NPL-SBPage-Closeup-2-by-AmyR

The new Emmitt Alphabet and Emmitt Numbers & Symbols Die-namics were perfect for this page, and the heart was a leftover piece from the Photo Booth Props Die-namics.

MFT-Dec-NPL-Card-1-by-AmyR

For my first card I went bright with Razzle Berry card stock - I due cut the Friend with the new Friend Die-namics, then stamped the dots with the new Razzle Berry and Sweet Tooth pigment inks. I stamped the sentiment with Black Licorice pigment ink. Rather than wait for it all to dry I covered it all with clear embossing powder:

MFT-Dec-NPL-Card-1-Closeup-by-AmyR

It just gave it a fun gloss.

MFT-Dec-NPL-Card-1-Inside-by-AmyR

I did the same thing on the inside - stamped everything with pigment inks then embossed with clear.

MFT-Dec-NPL-Card-2-by-AmyR

For my final card I use the Stitched Fishtail Flags STAX again, and combined them with the new Go with It stamp set and Die-namics.

MFT-Dec-NPL-Card-2-Inside-by-AmyR

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GIVEAWAY info!! Visit each of the MFT Designers' December Product Launch posts linked on the MFT Blog and leave a comment by the end of the day on Thursday, December 4, 2014 for your chance to WIN one of two, $100 Gift Vouchers. The winners will be chosen at random from the comments on all the designer's blog posts.

 

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December 01, 2014

MFT December Countdown Day 1: Friends Like Us

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Tonight's the night! All the new MFT December goodies will be available at 10pm EST! Check out MFT's blog post for the last of the sneak peeks today then make sure to check back in tonight for the launch and a chance to be entered to WIN a MFT GC! :)

Dec-Day-1-Card-by-AmyR

I made a couple of quick and simple cards for today using the new Friends Like Us stamp set (LOVE this set) and some of the new Die-namics dies.

This first card uses the new Pierced Star STAX Die-namics - love them. There's always so much you can do with stars and adding the piercing detail is such a nice touch.

Dec-Day-1-Card-Inside-by-AmyR

LOVE this sentiment - totally cracks me up ;).

Dec-Day-1-Card-2-by-AmyR

For my second card I used the new Wild Greenery Die-namics and the Peek-a-Boo Circle Windows Die-namics.

I die cut the window into the front of the card, then adhered several die cut pieces of "greenery" in and around the window.

The sentiment was stamped with Jellybean Green Hybrid Ink.

Dec-Day-1-Card-2-Inside-by-AmyR

I finished off the inside with another stamped sentiment and a couple pieces of greenery and that was it!

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**some links will not work until the products are released in the MFT Store on Dec 2, 2014 at 10pm EST**

 

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  • I get asked a lot about where to purchase the supplies I use in my videos and blog posts. I list all the supplies I use at the end of my posts or in the description box directly below my video on YouTube. Compensated affiliate links used whenever possible at no extra cost to you. Affiliate linking is what keeps my blog and YouTube channel up and running and enables me to work from home with my kids! I appreciate your support more than words can say! I occasionally receive product for free from stores/manufacturers with no obligation on my part to use/review - I only use and share what I personally love. Everything else I purchase myself! I participate in an affiliate program with Simon Says Stamp. All opinions are my own, I do not offer paid endorsements/reviews (and never will) and I will not promote products and/or companies that I don't personally use and love. Thank you all so much for your support!! ❤️❤️❤️ Text and pictures © Amy Rysavy; All rights reserved. Nothing may be copied or changed without express permission from myself. My artwork on here is for personal inspiration only and may not be copied for monetary gain, submission to contests, magazines etc. Thank You for respecting these limitations!!

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