Preview Day 2- A warm welcome to our newest illustrator

I couldn't be more pleased to introduce you to our newest illustrator, Asela Hopkins!
I've known Asela for quite some time. In fact, Asela was the first ever Gina K. Designs guest designer. She is also part of the original Stamps for a Cause Design Team. I have always loved Asela's art and I purchased some of her stamps when she illustrated for Cornish Heritage Farms, (a great company, but you already know that!)
Some time ago, Asela decided to take a break from illustrating to make a major move across the country with her family and settle into a new home.
One day, Asela and I were chit-chatting on the phone and I happened to mention to her that if she ever wanted to get back into illustrating, we would love to produce some of her art.
Later, we talked again, and we are now blessed to have her join our family as a part-time illustrator!
Her first stamp set with us is called "Botanical Dreams."

I am totally jazzed about this set. Wait until you see all of Asela's gorgeous hand-drawn images that are so life-like and lend themselves to so many gorgeous techniques.
For this card, I used a technique called crayon resist. For those of you who haven't tried it, it's easy and provides a spectacular result.

To begin, I used Stazon black ink, Asela's large flower image and a piece of glossy white card stock. I randomly stamped the flower image all over the piece of glossy card stock.

Then, using a white crayon, I colored areas of the flowers that I wanted to remain white. I colored the majority of the petals for a dramatic look. Sometimes it's hard to see where you've already colored but if you tip the card stock into the light, you can see the wax against the glossy cardstock.

Next, I sponged Stampin' Up classic ink in More Mustard and Really Rust all over the top of the flowers, covering all of the white areas with color.

I allowed the ink to dry for a minute or two and then, using a piece of paper towel, I wiped the surface. (You will see a dramatic result as the ink comes off of the flowers but remains vibrant on the rest of the card stock.)
Here is a close up view.

I hope you've enjoyed today's project.
I know you will love Asela's first GKD set.
Would you like to win one?
Leave a comment here and I will randomly choose a winner and announce it tomorrow.
Want some more inspiration? Check our what Asela Hopkins, Joanne Basile, Erika Martin, Emily Giovanni, Michelle Giraud and Melanie Muenchinger have created with "Botanical Dreams."
And great news! Kurtis got his stamps today so check out his fabulous project using Rupa Shevde's "Retro Boutique!"
Tomorrow, I will be revealing sneak peeks for two more sets including the new "one free with 3!" So stop back for more peeks and more chances to win! And then Friday night, it's our release party in our forum from 7-10 PM cental! Woo-hoo!!
Make it a great day!
Hugs,
Gina K.





This looks absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the tutorial! I can't wait to see the rest! Thanks for the chance to win!
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Another wonderful stamp set! I think my next order will be a big one! The technique you used on this card really shows off the floral images. Good work. Thank you for a chance to win this great stamp set.
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Wow! That card is STUNNING! Of course I'd be thrilled to win the set! Thanks for the chance! I'd even love to win the card! It is beautiful! Congrats Asela!
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Thanks for showing how to make that beautiful card. Love the flower and I look forward to seeing the rest.
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WOW!!! How pretty is that card. I just love it and it is as easy as you said. I would love to win anything off of this site. So far Nothing. What does that say about Luck. Thanks for sharing.
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I used to do crayon resist with my kindergarten students, but I've never tried it on cards. Great idea I'll have to try. I love this one flower and can't wait to see the rest of the set.
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love the technique and the set! please enter me. thanks! Tracy in Michigan, crazyforsu@aol.com
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Wow! That is a gorgeous card. I haven't used that technique in a while, time to give it a try. Thanks for the inspiration!
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WOW! Would I ever love to have this set! Thank you so much for sharing such a great card!
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Crayon resist has to be one of my absolute faves...and this stamp looks just awesome done with it. Looks like my kindergartener will be losing her white crayon yet again!
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From the sneak peeks, this looks like a beautiful set! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
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Wow! Thank you for reminding me that the old techniques are classic because they still create a WoW! response.
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WOW! That flower is just amazing. I love that technique. I have never tried. I need to read your tutorial again before trying. Hugs,michelle
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Great to see Asela's work again! That is a beautiful flower image and your card is fabulous, Gina!
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looks great! love the look of this card!
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Oh my gosh....this set is be-u-ti-fi! The cards are so awsome. I can't wait to get my hands on it.
Charlene
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This is a neat technique. Can't wait to see more of her ideas.
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Oh my! LOVE IT! Can't wait to see the rest of the new ones!
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WOW Gina! I love that card! I didn't even think to do that and it looks fabulous with that stamp!!!
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I can't wait to try this technique. You make it seem so easy. Thanks for sharing your beautiful card.
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I just love Asela's designs and although I haven't met her, we have a mutual friend who speaks so highly of her. Love the card and a great reminder of a fun technique. Congrats Asela.
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I love that technique, and it goes perfectly with that stamp!
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Thanks for the refresher course on a neglected technique. I think I'll try it tomorrow.
This new set of Asela's looks wonderful and a must have. I'm so happy to see her creations again.
Hugs,
Colleen
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I love this flower...I can't wait to see more of the Botanical Dreams set.
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Beautiful card! Incredible that we can still do such wonderful things with the simplest tools...a crayon. Look out grandkids, grandma just might after your stash of crayons! (they never use the white one anyway)
Thanks for sharing your talents with us. I'm looking forward to lots more in the future.
Your newest fan,
"Gramma Sue"
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WOW! Welcome Asela!! I'm already loving this first peek at your newest work! And Gina ... I just taught crayone resist to a recent class ... this technique is perfect for such a an image as this delightful flower! Best Wishes to you both!
~Tex
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Beautiful card, I can't wait to see the rest. Great tutorial, thank you. I can't wait to see the rest of the set.
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What a beautiful stamp. I can't believe how stunning it looks and such an easy technique. Where do we get the paper? Would love to win a stamp too!
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What a beautiful stamp set. You are so lucky to have such fabulous designers. I can't wait to place an order!!
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I looked at all the sneek peeks for the botanical dreams set and I am in love. this is a great set, so much potential to create with.
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I love Asela's work and the card was gorgeous! Thanks for sharing the technique, I've gotta try it!
Monica~
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Gorgeous flower! I look forward to seeing more from Asela's set!
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wow! great set and awesome tutorial!! i have seen crayon resist before, but you have now inspired me to give it a go
thanks
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Wow. Another great set. So excited about the release!!!
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Wow!! This tutorial featuring Asels is phenominal!! I cant wait to get these stamps and start exploring the endless possibilities!! Thank You Gina!
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I love Love LOVE Asela's new stamp set. I can't wait to see the whole thing. She is so very talented. Who am I telling, you know that already. I think you have a real winner and your sales are going to go sky rocketing. Can't wait to see the whole set. Time needs to fly so I can see.......
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Hi Gina,
Congrats to Asela! I'm sure her whole set is as lovely as the peek you've given us today!
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I love Asela's artwork and read every post to her blog. She's a wonderful illustrator! How nice that she's illustrating for you!
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cute card
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This project is just stunning! Oh I am in awe of the beauty of this card, Fabulous!
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Love this technique and will definitely have to try it!!
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Wow! What a gorgeous card with such great images! Thanks for a chance to win!
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Beautiful card -- I really need to try that crayon resist! Can't wait to see the whole stamp set
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The crayon resist technique is gorgeous with this stamp set. What a beautiful set of stamps! Can't wait to see them all at the release party!
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What a wonderful set and so beautiful, especially with the crayon resist! Thanks for the chance to win!
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Absolutely stunning card...can't wait to see the set!!!
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Beautiful card Asela and congrats! Can't wait to see the rest of the set!
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This set looks beautiful and I really love the card you made with it. BEAUTIFUL!
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Great card made with a super image! Love the resist technique. Congratulations to Asela.
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Wow! That is one beautiful flower stamp! I'll be checking out the other blogs after a good night's sleep! Thanks for bringing such talented artists to stamping for us, Gina!
Sara
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Wonderful flowers just in time for summer. And what yummy colors you used. Thank you once again for sharing.
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Wow! Double Wow! How I would love to win this set by Asela! The asters are beautiful, and the technique is so good.Thanks for sharing.
nelda mc765 @ charter .net
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Oh boy! These are fantastic...can't wait to see the rest.
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I am new at most of this stuff and this was a great showing of the technique. and i would love to win.
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I have seen this tutorial before, but never looked this good!! I love this and can't wait to see more.
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Only one word for this card "WOW" love a reminder of the techinique and the flowers are again "WOW" What a great card.
JeanAnn
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Wonderful news to see Asela over here! And her new set looks fabulous - of course your card does a wonderful job of showcasing it too!
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What a beautiful card!! TFS.
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I love that flower!!! Can't wait to see the rest.
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It's always so exciting to have a great illustrator's work featured. And I absolutely love the results of the crayon wax resist. Beautiful project.
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Great resist technique and it works perfectly with this image. I love your color choices for this card, too!
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yes sign me up I would love to win, have always appreciated botanical designs! thanks for the crayon resist lesson.
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I'm very excited to see the whole set. Love the resist technique.
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I LOVE the flowers! Can't wait to see the entire set!
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Beautiful card as you would expect from Asela. Thanks for the step by step instructions on how you did this.
I would be thrilled to receive this set - please put my name in the draw.
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awesome technique and great images to do it with.
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This is a great card and I love the resist done on it. Congratulations on adding Asela to your design team.
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Gorgeous!
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Wow! This card looks fantastic. I love the colours you've used. Thanks for the chance at winning these lovely stamps.
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Wow, love Asela's stamp with that technique Gina....looks fab.
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Thank you for sharing your creative work! This stamp set looks beautiful!
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Love Asela's artwork , welcome Asela ! Would love to win this set ! Your card is gorgeous !
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I love those colors....and I always forget about that technique.....can't wait to see the rest of this set. Love the flowers.
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Loving that stamp and that technique is great, I have heard of it but never tried it as it looked complicated, but you have explained it excellantly so I am definately going to try it now.
Thanks Gina
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I was so excited I spelt my name wrong LOL.
Lisa Wyatt
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could you iron off the white crayon after it was all dry? would be a batik effect maybe?
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OH wow!! I love that flower so much! And the crayon resist rocks as well... I always forget about that! Thanks again!
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Hi Gina, I'm definitely giving this technique a go - it looks so cool! Lots of love, Denise x
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Gorgeous card! I love those flowers. I had forgotten about this technique, thanks for refreshing my memory!
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Ohhh! THis takes my breath away. Absolutely BEAUTIFUL set! TFS!
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Wow! I'm so excited that Asela has joined your design team. Her work is fabulous. Botanical Dreams is so pretty and so useable! Thanks, Gina, for jogging my memory of crayon resist. Its definitely an oldy but a goodie!! May God bless, Sandi
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Your tutorial on crayon resist will be fun to try...Thanks! Asela's set is really great & I enjoyed browsing the other designers blogs to see what they came up with. Whoever wins this set is one Lucky Duck
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I love this flower, and can't wait to see the rest of the images!
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I totally love the flower! I can't wait to see what else the set holds!
Perfect with crayon resist
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Wow! That flower is gorgeous! I can't wait to see what else Asela has drawn
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flowers are one of my addictions and I absolutely love that one....Love that technique too....can't wait to go and buy some crayons to try this!!!!
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Love it, love it, love it! This is just so me this stamp. It is glorious and I would be honored to own this stamp.
Retired Heather
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What a gorgeous card and stamp! Can't wait to see the rest of the Botanical Dreams set. I love the flower image and the way you used the crayon resist technique. It is lovely!
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WOW this card is beautiful. I love the technique and the colors on this card. The stamps are so cool. I just love Alesa creative style. Thanks for a chance.
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I love this flower stamp! Thanks so much for demonstrating crayon resist so clearly. I can't wait to try it.
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Beautiful stamp and a stunning card with fab stand-out colours - thanks for the tutorial Gina, I'll be giving crayon resist a try over the weekend.
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i love asela hopkins - hook me up!
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i love asela hopkins - and i love that card! hook me up!
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Ok, Ok this is stamp number 2 I will be getting towards one free with 3. Can't wait to see the others.
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Love this stamp set and the vibrancy of the card. What a great color combination.
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This set is awesome and I thank you for giving me a chance to win it. Thanks for the tutorial as well!
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Oooo - this is going to be fun!! I love flowers and this one is gorgeous! I love the crayon resist technique with flowers, your card in gorgeous - and did you see what Asela did with her's... she made earrings - very cool!! Can't wait to see the full set!
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Yes I would love to! And I love that crayon resist!
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Great looking set! Thanks for the chance to win. Thanks also for the tutorial-I've tried it once but that was quite a while ago.
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A girl can never have to many flowers, and this set is just calling my name, along with the song, 'You don't bring me flowers anymore". Why wait, when you can send them yourself...and the tutorial is great. Sometimes forget to use the techniques we've enjoyed so many times in the past...this is a great one for that stamp. Maybe I'll be the lucky one...and You will bring me flowers....right to my door....
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Ooooooohhhhh! Soooo pretty! Love the colour combo, and the image is excellent! Can't wait to see the rest!
Diane
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Love this card, the colours are so vibrant. Great job. Hugs n' Stuff, Lynne
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WAOUW.. awsome.. I definatly needs to try this awsome technic.. I've never seen this..
And of course I WOULD LOVE to win a set
Have a great day
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I am a sucker for flowers...I'm hooked and have not seen the rest yet. Great tutorial, i think my kids get rid of their white crayons...off to hunt for one.
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What a great idea using the white crayon! Can't wait for some time to stamp now... I just love flowers.
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The card is beautiful! I love the technique with the white crayon! I can't wait to give it a try! The results are beautiful. Thanks for sharing the technique and a chance to win!
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What a beautiful flower. I love the dramatic effect of this technique!
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I want! I need! I must have!
Holly
hogwildaboutstamping.blogspot.com
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This is such a beautiful card, thank you for sharing. Love it!!!
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Wow, Gina, that is the prettiest card I've ever seen using wax resist - Good Job! The new set by Asela Hopkins looks fantastic. Thanks for the chance to win.
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Wowza - what a gorgeous stamp set! I love it!
Teresa
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wow!! Love the card and the new set. Beautiful.
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Beautiful, stamp and card. . .
I would love to be a winner of this new stamp set. I keep trying to be a winner.
Jesse
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What a beautiful card and I love those flowers. Not that I "need" another flower set, but those are amazing...can't wait to see the rest of the set.
Shawn K,
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Love this technique...a great tutorial. And I'd love to win this set. Awesome!
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I love her designs. Her blog is awesome with color and ideas! Can't want to see the rest of the release... Thanks for a chance to win!
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This is so gorgeous! Thank you so much for the tutorial, can't wait to try it out!
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Is it Friday YET??? LOL! Wow, this is my first time to see her work and I'm just loving it!! Beautiful card you have done and love the resist!
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Beautiful card! I love the resist technique and I just LOVE this flower stamp! Great work! Thanks for sharing an awesome card!
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What another beautiful set! You amaze me with each new set, and how generous you are to give away one every day!!
Thanks,
Jill
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Hi Gina,
What a beautiful card. I love the technique used on this card. The colors are great too. Thank for sharing. Welcome aboard Asela.
Natalie
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Stunningly beautiful, Asela! The flower image is wonderful. Thanks for the great tutorial. I can't wait to see what other creations you have to share with us.
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Wow! This is a gorgeous set. Love the technique you did too. Beautiful card.
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I love it! What a striking card.I can't wait to see more of the designs.
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A new technique for me - I've always wondered what crayon resist was. Now I'll have to try it.
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Beautiful card, just when I thought I didn't need anymore flower stamps, I just have to have this one! LOL!!!
Kandi
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welcome to Asela! love what I see already. Gina, your card is awesome as usual
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OMG what a great daisy. I LOVE LOVE LOVE daisies and this one is beeeeutiful! I have several of Aselas designs from CHF and love her work. Would LOVE to add this to my other Asela stamps.
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I LOVE flower stamp sets! I can never have too many. I can't see what other things this set has in store!
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Daisies are my absolute favorite flower - they are so cheerful! Asela has created some awesome work and will be a great addition to Gina K as an illustrator! Congrats to all!
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Hello Gina and all your team! The card you've is so beautiful! Thank you for a wonderful tutorial! Thank you to Asela for her beautiful talent!
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Gorgeous card! This looks like it will be an awesome set -- cant wait to see the whole thing! Gotta try that crayon resist technique one of these days!
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What abeautiful card! I can't wait to see what comes next!
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I had forgotten about the crayon resist, this is beautiful and congratulations! I will have to get out the old white crayon
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Love this card. Can't wait to see the rest of the set.
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Beautiful set. I will be ordering soon!
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Congratulations to Asela, how exciting!!The card is beautiful. Love the crayon resist and can't wait to see the rest of the set. I would absolutely love to win one, thanks for the chance!!!!
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Do we really have to wait until Friday? I want the stamps today
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Wow! I love this set! And all of the sneak peeks were great.
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I've just returned from checking out the rest of the gals' blogs and this is an awesome set - I LOVE Asela AND the font used in the sentiments!
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Asela - please don't ever stop creating! Thanks for sharing with us - the tutorial is so helpful, and the stamp set is simple, but fabulous! My only problem is that I can't figure out how to shop for them!
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What a great card (I completely forgot about the crayon resist technique!) and great give away. Thanks for sharing!
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what a beautiful stamp !!! I want to win it
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What an amazing floral image! I love the fine details! Love the tutorial and the beautiful end result too.
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This set is so pretty! Loved all the sneaks peeks! Great job Asela and welcome to Gina K's team!
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I am always on the lookout for realistic-looking floral stamps. I think this set looks terrific already!
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So very glad to see Asela back!! And the newest effort looks to be a winner!
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What a beautiful card and stamp!! And such a simple technique for a spectacular finish. Love it.
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I have admired Asela from the very beginning and so glad that you have her as an illustrator now. This set is fantastic. You have teamed with a real winner.
Cheryl Sims
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I love the flowers...so life like. The crayon resist technique is so neat.
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wow! I love Asela's art! Way to go Gina K. The card is lovely too!
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WOW! What a gorgeous result! I'll defintely have to try that. Thanks for the tuturorial and the chance to win that beautiful stamp set! {SMILES}
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I love Asela's designs. This one is no exception. Love the crayon resist you did with this card. Barb
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awesome stamp and the card is so cute. Thanks for a chance to win.
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Gina, looks like another FANTASTIC set! I LOVE the orchid! but I gotta go twisted sister on the leaves -- I'm totally seeing, "but I never inhaled" with that one! LOL! The sneak peeks are GORGEOUS! ALL OF THEM!
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Love the card! Anything that starts with botannical has got to be pretty! I would love to win this set! Thanks!
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What a great flower! Love, love your card - the colors are awesome!
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