Monday, January 28, 2013

Postage Stamp Inspired Valentine Magnet and Giveaway!

If you're joining me from the Spread the Love Valentine Blog Hop hosted by Jennifer at Ellison Lane, welcome!  Feel free to stay and play awhile after entering the GIVEAWAY!



Here’s a quick and easy little project to spruce up your space for Valentine’s Day.  Or maybe your valentine’s space?  Maybe he or she is a philatelist (there’s got to be a few of y’all out there that has a special stamp enthusiast in their lives, right?).

Maybe you’re aware of the USPS’ ongoing Love Stamp series (or maybe not, but surely you’ve seen some of them around).  The stamp we’re taking inspiration from was issued in 1984 and looks like this:



Image Credit

Materials:


White thread - not shown


  • 5” square of white fabric - I used a square from a Moda Bella charm pack
  • 5” square of fabric for backing - I cut mine from a random scrap of a red solid
  • 4" square of scrap batting - You can also use craft or wool felt in a neutral color to make the magnet more stiff. I had batting so that's what I used.
  • Embroidery floss - I used colors from the Sublime Floss Breakdance palette
  • Magnet(s)
  • Water Soluble / Disappearing Ink Marker
  • Sewing thread - white (not shown in photo)
  • Embroidery pattern - free just for you!


Tools:



Sewing Machine - not shown




  • Pinking shears
  • Embroidery needle
  • Sewing machine (not shown in photo)
  • Pins
  • Hot glue gun + glue



How To Make It:

First print out your embroidery pattern. Make sure to uncheck the box that says "Fit to Page". This will ensure that the pattern prints out at the correct size. Measure the 1 inch test box after printing to be sure.

Get your white square of fabric and line up the square inside the grey box. This will ensure your pattern is centered on the square, which is important later when we trim it up.

Using your water soluble marker (or other disappearing marking device), trace the pattern onto your white square.


Layer the square on top of the batting scrap (try to center the batting square under the fabric). Pin it in place through the hearts.



Thread your embroidery needle with three strands of floss in the color you want to use for the text and knot the end. I used Boombox from the Sublime Floss Breakdance palette. It's a grey that has kind of a purple undertone. You could be true to the inspiration stamp, or go totally wild with your color choices! I thought the Breakdance palette would be fun since the stamp is from the 80s.



Starting with the O in the middle "Love" and working your way out, backstitch all the letters, leaving the hearts until last. You'll want to start in the center because, just like in quilting, it will help to prevent puckers when embroidering through the batting.

If you need some instruction on backstitching, there's a simple tutorial on Sublime Stitching.

Thread your embroidery needle with six strands of the color you want to use for the middle heart and knot the end. Backstitch the hearts, changing the floss color for each one, or leaving them all the same, it's totally up to you!



Lightly spray your design with water to remove the ink (or use the method according to your particular instrument). Allow it to dry.

Layer your embroidered square on top of the backing square as if you were making a quilt sandwich (so right sides facing out). Pin in place around the edges. (Yours will ideally be lined up more evenly than mine - I was just trying to show the backing square behind it for clarity).



At your sewing machine, sew with white thread (and your choice of bobbin color depending on the backing fabric - I just left it white since it won't be showing) around the perimeter of the stamp using a 1/2" seam allowance. You could use your ruler and draw with disappearing ink if you want to be really precise. I just use the markings on my machine as a guide. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end.



Using your pinking shears, cut in the seam allowance, leaving 1/4" to 1/2" of fabric. The pinking achieves two things: 1) To prevent the edges from fraying, and, 2) To resemble the perforated edges on a stamp.



Decide what you'll be using your magnet for.  I knew I wanted it to be strong enough to hold heavier toddler artwork on our fridge, so I opted to use 4 magnets, one in each corner.  The number and placement of the magnets is entirely up to you.



Using your hot glue gun, glue the magnet(s) to the back of the "stamp". Allow the glue to cool and dry, and then you're all done with your magnet.



You can use it on your magnet board in your office.



Or you can use it on your fridge to hold your quilt inspector's artwork (like I will be doing).



I hope you enjoyed this project, and if any part of the tutorial was not clear, please let me know! Thank you so much for stopping by, and please remember to follow me (see buttons on the sidebar - top right) so we can stay in touch! Happy Valentine's Day, Y'all! Make sure to check out the other blogs participating in the hop! You definitely don't want to miss out on all the GIVEAWAYS!

Here's the line-up: 

1/28: 

1/29: 

1/30: 
Blog: Owen's Olivia - Giveaway: During Quiet Time  

1/31: 

2/1: 
Blog: Sew Crafty Jess - Giveaway: Hot Pink Stitches

Speaking of giveaways, here's how to enter to win a Moda Birds and Berries Layer Cake from Material Girl Quilts.  Simply leave a comment!  That's all folks.  Of course, you want bonus entries right?  Well that's simple too, just become a follower of Doodle Do Designs and leave a separate comment letting me know how you follow (via a reader, email, GFC, etc).  Easy peasy.  The giveaway is open through February 5, 2013, when I will close comments and pick the winner using a random number generator.  Good luck!

The giveaway is now closed.  See the winner here.

Linking to Fabric Tuesday on Quilt Story.

291 comments:

  1. great tutorial - what a cute Valentines gift! Thanks

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  2. Cute idea for Valentine's Day! Thanks for the tutorial.

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  3. thank you so much for this lovely giveaway ^_^
    my little girl would love those purple colors

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  4. I now am your G+ and GFC follower, please let me know if you are on FB too

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  5. What a cute idea. I love the magnet. And thank you for the giveaway.

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  6. Such a cute design - thanks for the tutorial!

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  7. I follow you through Google Reader!

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  8. Such a cute magnet! Thanks for the chance.

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  9. I follow by GFC Kristan, Thanks !

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  10. Wonderful tutorial and pattern! LOVE IT!!! :D
    Thanks for the chance to win xo.

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  11. I remember that stamp! Seems like it was on a million wedding invites!

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  12. Great tutorial! Thanks for including me in your giveaway

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  13. That is such a cute magnet! Thanks for the tutorial. :)

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  14. Good morning your blog is new to me. I like your cute Valentines project.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(sot)com

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  15. I am a new follower via GFC.
    conn_and_vans_mom(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  16. Cute project and love the giveaway. thanks.
    Mary D
    www.stitchesonmyneedle.blogspot.com

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  17. This is adorable. I really like that it is quick to do too. Thanks for the tutorial and giveaway.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  18. I follow on GFC.
    ks(dot)eyles(at)yahoo(dot)co(dot)uk

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  19. A am a new follower and will be back again to visit your blog.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  20. Valentine's tutorials are so much fun and just love the colors red and white. Of course, I have a birthday on the 16th so I will be making your tutorials for a birthday present for my niece, who also shares the same day with me. Thank you for the inspiration and for giving us all an extra Valentine's day present by giving all of your followers a chance to win.

    Sandi Timmons
    sandit1@sbcglobal.net

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  21. Cute magnet ! This would be great for my 11 yr old daughter to try as well !

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  22. This is such a cute magnet, thanks for the tutorial!

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  23. I love your stamp. Even more so since my husband is a mail carrier.

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  24. What a cute idea! And what a lovely quilt inspector you have:)

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  25. Thanks for the tutorial! I enjoy seeing how others sew.

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  26. I am now following this blog. I don't know the tech term for how :( but I guess it is with the Google blog thing.

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  27. What a darling little magnet! Thanks for the tutorial. Great gifty idea!

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  28. And....I'm a follower through Google blog.

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  29. What a cute little Project!
    Thanks for Sharing,

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  30. Thanks for the chance to win a layer cake. I've never used one before.

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  31. First time visitor! I like your blog!

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  32. AND now I'm a follower!!! By reader.

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  33. What a cute design. I love the hand embroidery. Thanks for the tutorial--and the great giveaway.

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  34. thanks for sharing this :) I like your blog ang now I'm yours follower :)
    greetings from Poland

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  35. Happy to follow you vai Blog Lovin'!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  36. HI! NEAT PROJECT!
    I WANT TO DO THIS TOO!
    THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1948@yahoo.com

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  37. That is such a cute design, thanks for sharing it.

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  38. Happy Valentine's Day! Early!! Such a cute idea! Thanks for the tutorial and enter me in to WIN!
    lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  39. I'm your newest follower!
    lisamcgriff (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  40. Such a cute 'stamp'! I used to collect pins that resembled the USPS LOVE stamps each year and this reminds me of those.

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  41. Love the magnet! This idea could be altered for any holiday. Thanks for the loveley give-away.

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  42. Following you now through blogger!

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  43. This magnet is really cute. And do-able!

    rmk815(at)gmail(dot)com

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  44. I now follow you on bloglovin.
    rmk815(at)gmail(dot)com

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  45. I'm a new follower by email. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  46. this is adorable. very creative. thanks for the great tutorial.

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  47. I love the month of February simply because of Valentines Day! I love that magnet.

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  48. Cute little magnet project. I am always looking for something quick to make for valentine's day since i usually don't start thinking about it until the end of january. the directions were great.

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  49. well isn't that darling? I'd never seen those stamps before... see something new every day!

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  50. Great magnet!!! Thanks for the very clear tutorial.

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  51. Cute Magnet.... I would love tho win.

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  52. Thanks for the magnet tutorial & thanks for the giveaway.

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  53. I'm a new follower - by email and GFC. THanks.

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  54. Really cute idea. I love embroidery, so I'll have to try it.

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  55. I am now a follower of Doodle Do Designs!!

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  56. What a darling project! Thanks for the tutorial!
    :o)
    Rose
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  57. I'm a new follower, via GFC.
    Rose
    pippirose59 at gmail dot com

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  58. What a great tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

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  59. That's a really cute idea for a magnet. It's personal aand pretty. Love it. Thanks.

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  60. nancy: rangerer@sbcglobal.netJanuary 28, 2013 at 3:56 PM

    Thanks for the chance for the generous give away.

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  61. That's a really cute magnet idea! I'll have to make some as gifts. :D

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  62. Cute magnet, and I love stitching almost as much as I love quilting!

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  63. I am now an email follower. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  64. I love your little project! It is so cute!

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  65. I am now a follower on Google.

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  66. Your magnet is darling. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  67. Such acute little project, and can be done in so many colors..and so many different designs my head is imagining, best get some on paper so I remember them! Thanks for the chance to win.

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  68. Oh, I could use this in so many ways...lol. Thanks for the giveaway. vickise at gmail dot com

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  69. Thanks for the tutorial and the giveaway! The magnet is such a cute reminder of what family is all about - definitely a good addition to the refridgerator.

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  70. Cute magnet! I like that it is fast and easy -- instant gratification can be a wonderful thing. :)

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  71. Cute magnet..makes me want to start embroidery again!

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  72. Thank you for the chance to win! I love your blog!

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  73. So Cute! Looking forward to exploring your site. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  74. I am a follower using Google friend connect.

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  75. That's such a sweet magnet

    addibrae(at)hotmail(dot)ca

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  76. How cute! I think that'll just what my daughter's new place needs.

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  77. I would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity!

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  78. Very cute idea - thanks!

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  79. Your magnet is just too cute! Thanks for the tute and the giveaway.

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  80. Cute project! Thanks for sharing! :)

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  81. I am a follower too! vickise at gmail dot com

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  82. Kristan, this is absolutely darling!

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  83. What a cute tutorial! Thanks for sharing!

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  84. Please tell your quilt inspector he did an excellent job! Thanks for being part of the blog hop.

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  85. I follow you via email: wordygirl at earthlink dot net

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  86. What a great giveaway! Thanks :)

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  87. And I follow you by GFC, Thanks :)

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  88. What a wonderful project! Just lovely! I collect magnets so this is just perfect for me, hehe. Great tutorial and photos, Thanks for sharing with us.

    Thank you and Material Girl Quilts for a neat giveaway and a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  89. I'm a new follower via GFC and Pinterest. You are so organized with all your boards, love it! hehe

    Thanks again for a chance to win.

    usairdoll(at)gmail(dot)com

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  90. A wonderful tutorial, I am a collector of magnets so this helps for other designs also. Thanks so much.

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  91. I am a new follower of your wonderful blog by email proudspirit57atgmail.com

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  92. such a lovely project! I don't think we have commemorative stamps for valentine's Day

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  93. What a sweet project! I love that it incorporates the embroidery and the quilty bits. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  94. And I'm following by way of Google. Looking forward to seeing more great things!

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  95. What a great tutorial and giveaway, thanks for the chance to win.

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  96. What a lovely magnet. And a lovely give away too!!

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  97. Great project. Love the embroidery.
    Linda F. LLfasRN (at) aol (dot) com

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  98. Such a sweet project! And thanks for the giveaway; please count me in!
    ap_lemos at yahoo dot com

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  99. Super cute! Beckymac1 at hotmail dot com

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  100. What a fun project!! Thanks for sharing and for the chance to win!

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  101. Cute project! Thanks for the tutorial :)

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  102. this is such a cute Valentine project! want to make one for my daughter, so she can use it on her refrigerator!!!! thanks! Cynthia, cynabar@sbcglobal.net

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  103. this is a very cute idea and great for a magnet collector

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  104. This is so adorable! I would love to apply this to other uses! Thanks for sharing and thanks for the chance to win!

    prajaline(at)gmail(dot)com

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  105. i'd never thought about a fabric magnet. a whole new world of possibilities!!

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  106. adding you to my google reader right now... :)

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  107. I am a happy new follower of your blog!

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  108. That is a very cute idea. I remember that love stamp-great design!

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  109. Thanks so much for sharing this fun project. I love to embroider and hope to get a few made soon.

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  110. I am a new follower of your blog through GFC

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  111. Great tutorial. Love the pictures. :)

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  112. Aw, that's totally cute! Thanks for the tutorial - I love anything embroidery!

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  113. Thank you for sharing this grrrreat Tutorial!! Way cool!! :)

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  114. I'm also a new follower, thru GFC. :)

    Thanks for chance to win your Drawing!

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  115. This is very clever. Great office gift!

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  116. Such a cute design. Thanks for a great giveaway.

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  117. What an adorable project! I can see plenty of places to use this beyond the refrigerator door!

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  118. So Cute! Thanks for the tutorial & giveaway too.

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  119. I love your idea! They'd make great teacher gifts :-)

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  120. I'm a new follower via GFC. So happy to have found you!

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  121. I love quick, cute projects like this. Nice job!

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  122. I follow you on google reader!

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  123. I LOVE your tutorial, thank you so much, I am off to try my hand at embroidery.

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  124. Thanks for the tutorial, I'm trying to learn to embroider and this is very helpful!

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  125. Love your little magnet. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  126. I remember those stamps and your magnet interpretation is so fun!! Great giveaway - cheers!!!

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  127. Super cute! I would love to win!

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  128. How cute and thanks also for a great giveaway!

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  129. Thanks for sweet little project! I would love to win!

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  130. Lovely little project! Two of my favorite crafts combined into one.

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  131. I'm now following your blog, look forward to your future projects.

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  132. What a cute project! Thanks for the tutorial!

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  133. I'm a new follower through GFC!

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  134. So cute, I will definitely be making this for my hubby!

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  135. And I now follow you with blogger/google :)

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  136. So {sew} cute!

    Deborah
    pinkscissorsdesign @gmail .com

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  137. Adorable project - these would make great little Valentines! Many thanks!
    ellen(at)myerly(dot)net

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  138. Thanks for the opportunity to win and the great tutorial. Craft-on!

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  139. Love the design and giveaway. Thanks!

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  140. Fun project! I love anything that includes hand embroidery. featheredneststudio [at] gmail [dot] com

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  141. I love this tutorial, I never would have thought of mixing a sewing project with magnets, but it is adorable! Thanks for the giveaway too!

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  142. I am a new follower of your blog, can't wait to read more!

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