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Friday, July 6, 2012

"The Sketchbook Challenge" Book Blog Hop giveaway


I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Sue Bleiweiss’ new book, The Sketchbook Challenge: Techniques, Prompts and Inspiration for Achieving Your Creative Goals. She’s asked the artists featured in the book (including me!) to help celebrate by giving away stuff from generous sponsors in a Book Blog Hop. More on that later in this post. First, I want to tell you about this great book. 

You may know that I am one of the artist hosts for the 2012 Sketchbook Challenge. (If you don't, run on over to The Sketchbook Challenge blog and join the fun!) I joined up to participate in January 2011, when the whole phenomenon began. Later that year, Sue contacted me and asked if I'd like to be included in her book by the same name.

The Sketchbook Challenge (Potter Craft, $21.99 U.S.; also available as an e-book) is more than a book filled with pretty art work. It is truly inspirational. And it contains solid information about materials and techniques, too. I love the format and the size (7.5" x 9"). There are themes to help motivate you to start – or keep – a sketchbook, tutorials for mixed-media techniques, strategies to take your sketch off the page and into a piece of art, and in-depth profiles of artists who have used The Sketchbook Challenge as a launch pad for their own artwork. This is a great book to curl up with and read cover to cover, or to take with you and read small sections as you have time.

Here’s my sketch, done in February 2011, of my bedroom window, with the bare winter trees outside:



And here is the artwork I created based on that sketch:


It is a small art quilt. You can see that I toned down the colors somewhat to make them more somber and wintery. I love how the stitching makes the glass look wavy. My house was built in 1916, and it has several wonderful windows like this.

 

And now, about the give-away!
In honor of the release of the boo, I am giving away a generous prize from Mistyfuse: A 10-yard combination package of Mistyfuse that includes 6 yards of White and 2 yards each of Black and Ultraviolet and a Goddess Sheet. Total retail value: $48! Wow, thanks, Mistyfuse!

Leave a comment after this post for a chance to win! I will pick a random winner on Monday, July 9 at 7 a.m. EST. Please note that it may take a while for your comment to appear. I have to moderate/approve all the comments, because I got hit with Japanese porn spammers when I wasn’t doing this! 

We have a winner: RoseOfSharonStudio won the Mistyfuse. Thanks, everyone!


There are still for more chance to win goodies; make sure you check out the blogs listed below on the dates listed:

July 6: 
Diana Trout –  dianatrout.typepad.com

July 9:
Tracie Lyn Huskamp –  www.thereddoor-studio.blogspot.com/
Judi Hurwitt –  www.approachable-art.blogspot.com

July 10:
Jane LaFazio –  http://janeville.blogspot.com/
Kelli Nina Perkins –  http://ephemeralalchemy.blogspot.com/


Want the book? It is available for purchase through:


126 comments:

  1. I love how you made the leading in the glass appear dimensional with the grey atop the white instead of the other way around. It was a lightbulb moment for me!

    edie

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  2. Oh gawd, Japanese Porn spammers? EEK Never a good idea that someone won't mess up. Speaking of good ideas I like your quilt and always follow your work as well as your sister artists!

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  3. aaahhh.... hit by Japanese porn, must have been quite a shock!
    That book looks great!
    greetings from the Netherlands!
    Marjolijn

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  4. This is a beautiful little quilt, I really love the window. I would love to win some Mistyfuse to work with. Thanks to all the sponsors and artists involved for this giveaway.

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  5. I love the art quilt - the bare branches are great.

    Mistyfuse is such a great product: I would put it to good use.

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  6. I can deeply appreciate your time and energy to moderate and approve posting for the reason you indicated. But I also would love the opportunity for a chance to win a prize from this Book Blog Hop. --Sharon

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  7. Hi Susan, love all your work, you are my favorite, thanks for sharing your part in the book, cant wait to get my copy....and sure could use some misty fuse..

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  8. Love your sketch and the art quilt of your window. Wow! Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

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  9. This book sounds fantastic. Can't wait to have a look at it. Your window quilt is wonderful. I'm always in awe of the talent that is out there.

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  10. Trees and leaves are some of my favorite things to create in my art. I was looking for inspiration today, and I found it here!

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  11. What a generous prize! That should get any artist's creative juices running.

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  12. Love the two different moods the two pieces create.

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  13. I like your little quilt and the book also looks beautiful. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  14. Your window quilt is grand, thanks for sharing, and for the blog giveaway. (I wonder if Japanese quilt artists get spammed by American porn?)

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  15. I love the window. And trees are my favorite subject. I have the book and it's awesome!

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  16. Congrats on your beautiful quilt and the book project! <3 I'd be so stoked if I won some Mistyfuse. Thanks for the giveaway!!!

    --Mina

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  17. Such a nice view you created in your art quilt.

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  18. I've been following, and enjoying, your posts about the sketchbook challenge so owning a copy of the book would be fantastic.

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  19. love those old windows, and your quilt is wonderful. thanks for the opportunity!

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  20. would love to win Misty Fuse products, I have never used them before and all I do is fusing work, so would really like to give it a try and see how it compares to WU

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  21. I love your windows! Thanks for sharing and the inspiration.

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  22. All of your work is so beautiful! You have amazing stitching skills. Congrats on being part of the Sketchbook Challenge. Great blog, and a great book!

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  23. Oh I would love the chance to play with some Misty Fuse

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  24. It's a lovely view outside your window, but have to say that the window itself is gorgeous! That's one of the pleasures of living in an older house. I'm looking forward to getting a copy of the book!

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  25. Your window is so great! Luv those old houses and window views. Great give away! Terrific products.

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  26. Your piece for the book is lovely!! Thanks for a chance to win! The book is fabulous.

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  27. The window detail is wonderful, love the starkness of the branches.
    Erin

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  28. Lovely window view! Would love to win this wonderful giveaway! Thanks for all your beautiful inspirations!

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  29. Thats a gorgeous window! Really enjoying the blog hop too!

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  30. I love the little art quilt. Awesome that you can create a piece from your own house.

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  31. ah your sketchbook...sometimes your best friend...sometimes it feels like the enemy with it white pages stretching out in from of you

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  32. Thanks for being part of the Sketchbook Challenge! I am enjoying it (and really being challenged!) Thanks for the inspiration!

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  33. What a beautiful window! An inspiration in itself.
    Would love some Misty Fuse to play with. Thanks.

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  34. I could really use this book.

    melodyj(at)gmail(dot)com

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  35. Beautiful art quilt!

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  36. Thank you for sharing your sketch and final piece, both beautiful. Thanks for the opportunity to win.

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  37. What a generous give-away! I love your window quilt. I will have to check out the sketchbook book. ~ Karen

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  38. It's a great book and you add to it. The quilt is wonderful.

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  39. It's wonderful to have professional artists sharing with other artists.

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  40. Funny ... I've been searching my studio for my Misty Fuse all morning! No luck! Your window is wonderful. Can't wait for my book to come so I can see all the art I've been seeing on the blog hop.

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  41. I love Misty Fuse, it has so many uses. I can never have enough in my stash.

    You were are Quilting Arts again yesterday in NC. Always good to see your projects, this one was the name badge holder, I just might make one.

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  42. Very cool! Always loved seeing your sketches and interpretations, Susan. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  43. • • • Love your little window.

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  44. Your work is always an inspiration. Looks like I'm going to HAVE to get a copy of the book, The Sketchbook Challenge! Thanks for the giveaway. I LOVE Misty Fuse and my supply is running low.

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  45. The sketch and quilt are both good.

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  46. I love your piece! I enjoy looking at and using architecture in my quilts too. Thanks for the opportunity. BTW my favorite is still the kitty!

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  47. Ok, now I understand why we have to moderate comments, ha!Anyway, I would absolutely love to get my hands on some misty fuse! Thanks for the chance!
    Cathy, ahappygreenfrog@hotmail.com

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  48. I love your work and your colors! It reminds me of tropical breezes. I have just gotten the book and am beginning my own journey. Thanks for such a generous giveaway!

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  49. I love how you translated your sketch into an art quilt! (And I wish I had that window, too.) Thanks for offering a giveaway!

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  50. Love the view from your window. It could be interpreted so many ways. Thanks for the chance to win.

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  51. What a beautiful view you have out the window... thank you for sharing.

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  52. What a gorgeous quilt! Love your inspiration!

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  53. I love the depth in the window frame.

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  54. oooh -- I'd love the mistyfuse!

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  55. There is always someone who has to spoil security. Sorry it happened to you. I love the dimensional look in your work.

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  56. I really love this type of quilting and want to try it myself "one of these days" lol

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  57. Would love to try Misty Fuse.
    Thanks!

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  58. I am trying again as I had to reset password. Love how you did the window frames and panes. Just lovely. Keep up the good work

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  59. love your work, love the book. sorry to hear about the porn spammers.

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  60. thanks for the great giveaway!

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  61. Really like your little art quilt, but then again, you know I'm a big fan! Thanks for the chance to win this fab prize!

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  62. The book looks wonderful and what generous sponsors! I love your art quilt!!

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  63. Thank you for the wonderful giveaway. I knew you were in the sketchbook challenge from prior posts -- just didn't realize there was a book too. Your trees through the window remind me of the trees and moon artwork that you posted.

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  64. love to win thanks for the chance

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  65. Clever ideas. Darn that Japanese porn. Sure slows things down.

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  66. This book looks like lots of fun. I love art quilts. I haven't made one yet, but I plan to soon. Thanks for doing a giveaway.
    Lisa

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  67. These look great. I can't wait to see the book.

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  68. I'm a fan of your blog. Thank you for taking the time to write it. And thank you for the opportunity to try the Mistyfuse treasure chest!

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  69. One way or another, I will have this book in my hands. The talent within the pages is amazing.

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  70. Your window quilt evokes such a lovely, quiet feeling of relaxation.
    Thanks for this chance to win Mistyfuse, such a helpful product.
    Thanks to for all your INSPIRATION!

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  71. I have only skimmed this book but intend to get it soon! What a great collection of ideas and inspiration! And now I have another blog to follow! Your window sketch was great, so simple and yet so provocative. Thank your for sharing, and for allowing us to participate in this hop!

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  72. thanks for the giveaway. Love all your work!

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  73. I just got the book today - beautiful! Love MistyFuse, too, so I hope I win.

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  74. What a nice scene outside your bedroom. I can see where you would be inspired by it. Have also seen many of your works and am always impressed by them. Thanks for sharing with all of us.

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  75. I missed the Japanese porn... darn! Love your quilt though. thanks for the chance at the Mistyfuse.

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  76. I love your window. Such lovely stitching detail.

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  77. I love your book with the butterfly wings, I work with a lot of my own photos, and you inspire me

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  78. I love looking thru your window. It's almost magical...Judith, Texas

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  79. Love your art! You inspire me. Thank you for the giveaway, I have already ordered the book from Amazon, cant wait to get it!

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  80. Your quilt is wonderful, Susan! Love the book concept, too.

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  81. I love window quilts -- so many good ideas. Thanks for the giveaway

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  82. Wow - your art quilt looks fantastic.

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  83. Love the window quilt! And I'd love the chance to try the Misty Fuse products!

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  84. Love your work for the sketchbook challenge!

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  85. Thanks for the opportunity to win some Mistyfuse. The Sketchbook looks amazing. The projects are so inspirational.

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  86. Your quilt is lovely! Can't wait to see the book!

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  87. Love your window piece.
    Thanks for the chace to win.

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  88. Beautiful. This book sounds like a great resource. Love what you've created. Inspirational.

    SewCalGal
    www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com

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  89. Always have loved your work and it truly inspires me as I make my small art quilts. Thanks for your willingness to share so we can learn.

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  90. The Sketchbook Challenge looks like a fun book to get the creative juices flowing. Thanks for being part of the blog hop.

    arlene_bauman@sil.org

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  91. THANKS for the opportunity to enter the very generous gift draw. Misty fuse is some thing I would love to try. So here's to a lucky day for someone and thanks to the sponsers.
    heather B Cape Town South Africa

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  92. Hi Susan... Saw your amazing work in the Teachers Exhibit at Vermont - wonderful! Thanks for partcipating in the Challenege and for all you do for all of us!
    Bethany Garner

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  93. Your window is wonderful! I love the trees behind the leaded glass. Thank you for the chance to win such a generous prize! Mistyfuse is an awesome product!

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  94. I love the winter tree effect and I would love to win some mistyuse

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  95. what a beautiful little quilt....I have never used Mistyfuse and would love to try it....thanks for the giveaway...

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  96. Love your takes on the window, particularly the quilt. Is the misty fuse something you might use making a quilted piece or for other applications?

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  97. I love your art quilt, it is so clever. inspiring, absolutely!! thank you:)

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  98. Beautiful design and quilting on your window piece! Looking forward to seeing the book in person. Thanks for offering this great give-away!

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  99. Love this as I love all of your work!

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  100. Theresa Merling: Mistyfuse is a fusible adhesive many art quilters use. It is very sheer and doesn't change the hand of the fabric much, and doesn't gunk up your scissors or needle.

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  101. I just bought the book yesterday and read about your process/project today! I'm amazed how close the finished product looks to the sketch!

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  102. After seeing the reviews of Sketchbook Challenge I'm very curious and would like to own it.

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  103. What an interesting post, and what fun to see the book! And I love that so many sponsors are committed to helping get the word out. Mary JO

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  104. I love the view through your window quilt. Thanks for the chance to win the Mistyfuse!

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  105. Love how you turned your sketch into an art quilt - beautiful!

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  106. Thank you for the opportunity to win such a great prize. And a big thanks for sharing your work.

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  107. Thank you for the chance to win this book. Your work looks amazing.

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  108. Incredible detail! Your colors and line draw me in... just beautiful work. Thanks for participating in the Hop! It's really fun to be introduced to your site. :-) Serena dot Asta at Gmail dot com

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  109. I love the white window frames instead of the usual black. It's a lovely mini quilt.

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  110. I was using some Misty Fuse the other day and was thinking that I need to buy some more, so winning this package would be great! Thanks, Susan!

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  111. I am such a fan of your work and I so appreciate you sharing your technique. I checked out Blurb and the book is wonderful.

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  112. I really appreciate the closeup photo of your quilt. Thanks for sharing.

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  113. Your little quilt is wonderful. Thanks for the opportunity to win (hopefully).

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  114. I love your blog and the sketchbook challenge. I was so inspired by it that I bought the book! Great format and looks like a journal. It is like what my journal could look like. Thanks for the draw.

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  115. Love than chance to win some Misty fuse.Love to follow your work and will be checking out the book!

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  116. Love that window! Your work is such an inspiration! Very curious about Mistyfuse- I love fusing but have never tried it. Please include me in the drawing! Thanks for having such fun chances!

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  117. Really liked your window quilt! Would love to try working with Mistyfuse. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  118. I love this blog hop. It has been so much fun.

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  119. You make both the sketch and the quilt piece look so easy. Now I have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

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