Tuesday, November 3, 2009

To Ink or Not to Ink....that is the question


Hi Folks.....not only did I make a bit of a blunder with my image for this week's Penny Black Saturday DT card....I had a real dilemma......it took all my willpower not to get inking the edges with my favourite Tim Holtz Distress Ink....Brushed Corduroy and blending tool which are a permanent fixture on my desk....but a challenge is a challenge so... WHITE ON WHITE it was.....but it was driving me mad..what would it look like with inky edges....so here is the burning question.....TO INK OR NOT TO INK....
WHAT DO YOU THINK?

BEFORE


AFTER


And check out this cuddly dude.....yes I couldn't resist.....one of the new Penny Black Slapstick Stamps.....exactly the same as the Hero Arts Clings...but who on earth came up with the name "Slapstick".....OK you slap it on an acrylic block and it sticks....BUT....it just doesn't sound right



and would you believe the Christmas Box has been well and truly raided again.....so on a rainy Friday afternoon I set to work.....mega production line...and I need to find a hidely hole for said box or I fear it will be M&S Christmas Cards again this year.....oh the shame!!!


Tell me what you think about the INKY question and at the end of the week I will chose a name at random and send you all the bits and bobs to make the SNOWMAN card....along with some extra images and little goodies.  Catch up with you all tomorrow for a challenge card or two.
Hugs Kath xxxxxxx

106 comments:

  1. i think the inky ones just win
    in my mind
    lesley xx

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  2. Morning Kath

    Definately 'to ink' in my view. Confess I did add just a smidgen, but I did not colour any image so hoped that would be a good exchange.

    B x

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  3. Oooh Kath these are all beautiful but i think definately "to ink" It makes such a difference and gives such depth and seperates all the different elements stopping them from blending alltogether. Keep up with the inking i say xxxx

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  4. Defintely the ink ones, they stand out more,what a cute line-up on your windowsill, love the mass productivity! Hope you have a brilliant day Kath.

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  5. INK INK INK - have just discovered inking myself - ink everything thats what I say! LOL

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  6. Love both your cards they are fantastic. Thank you for visiting my blog and leaving kind comments. I think your card with the distressed ink looks amazing as it gives it a real difference to adding a bit more colour.

    Jayne xx

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  7. Morning Kath, I think the ink edges look better as it makes the image stand out more and show the texture of the background better. Hope your keeping well and its good to see your back to the old comments form, it works on my computer :-)

    Karen xox

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  8. morning kath, i just love the cards but i have to say the 'ink' ones just have the edge. hope you are well x karen x

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  9. Can't help yourself Kath, lol! Definitely the inky ones. What gorgeous cards - beautiful.
    HUgs
    Suzanne x

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  10. Hi Kath I much prefer the inky ones, they just seem to pop out more. For the white on white challenge though, I think I would have just inked the scalloped circle and left the rest white. Don't you dare buy any cards this year or we will all be after you!!! Debs x

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  11. Kath, Beautiful cards, but I personally just love the one with the inked edges. To me it just makes the whole card 'pop'.
    Marion

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  12. Kath, when I saw the white card at the top of the post I was all for saying no ink, then when I scrolled down and saw the inked version I changed my mind immediately - definitely inked! (IMO)
    Clare x

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  13. Definitely the inky ones. I'm a brushed corduroy fan now, thanks to you :). Love that snowman stamp, a perfect set of cards. Good job I'm hundreds of miles away or I'd be raiding your box too! :)xxxx

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  14. Hi Kath
    I think to ink wins every time!
    Although all your work works well whatever - now that's a bit of a tongue twister lol!!!!
    Have a great day.
    Debs xx

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  15. Just to be awkward... (who me?)
    I like the snowman one inked but I prefer the snowflake and mouse one uninked. Although I think I would have like to see the snowflakes inked best!
    I do love those inky smwoflakes of yours!

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  16. When I first saw that you were thinking of inking,I thought 'Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo'. But now I've seen them, thank heavens you keep Brushed Corduroy and a blending tool on your desk! They're beautiful!
    x

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  17. like both of them! They look so different with only a little bit more colour ;O)
    Hugs, Alex

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  18. Oh, what beautifyl card! 'to ink'in my view!

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  19. Lovely cards Kath as always - but I think the inked ones have just a bit more show..... me thinks I must keep my inking tools on my desk permanently now!!
    tfs
    Hugs
    HW
    x

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  20. Think both are gorgeous. But I think the ink just makes it stand out that bit better. So by a fraction - ink.
    Andrea.xx

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  21. Kath, definately inky.....beautiful cards and just that little bit of ink makes all the difference....


    ANne

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  22. Hi there Mrs K xxx Well, what a choice here!! Fabulous cards on both counts me thinks but I have to admit that the inked ones just do it for me a bit more. Awesome image that snowman - love it!!! Hope you are well and sorry Ilve no been baout much. Will send PM hopefully later today if I get a sec (ha haaaaa!!)

    Biggest hugs, Dawny xxxx

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  23. Although the 'un-inked one is thoroughy gorgeous I will vote for the inked ones :-)
    x

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  24. I prefer it inked Kath, just makes the layers pop out more! Love the snowman too, he looks fabulous :o) Well done on making a start on the chrissy cards I can't seem to get my head round it this year.....is pregnancy a good enough excuse for sending shop bought cards??

    lotsalove

    Amanda xxx

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  25. These are stunning Kath! Inked ones stand out more. Anesha :-)

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  26. Stunning cards Kath, but I would have to say it has to be 'to ink' in my opinion. I love the effect it gives and it just makes everything stand out. Hope you have a good one, take care Ann-Marie xxx

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  27. Hi Kath,
    I like the ink one so pretty.
    an you send one card to The Netherlands please:-))))
    THere are fabulous

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  28. Good Morning Kath!


    I love all your inky creations and they always look just perfect I am definitely puting the inky tool and maybe a few brown tones of distress inks on my christmas list thay always seem to give your cards the perfect finishing touch!...

    Emma xxx

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  29. Everything you do is great Kath - but for me the inking just gives the edge!

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  30. I love the inky edges, it draws you eye into the card.
    luv
    Debby

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  31. It has to be inky for me! I love all your cards but the inky edge just looks great :-)
    Jane
    x

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  32. definitely INK!
    it always amazes me just how much more defined it makes it
    and wow, have you been a busy wifie!!
    Debz
    xx

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  33. Well, I like the inked ones too. These are beautiful Christmas cards, Kath!

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  34. Hi Kath, I think both cards are fab (as they always are) but I have to say the inked one is my favourite.

    Max x

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  35. Both of these cards are beautiful Kath, but for me the Inky one wins.

    Hugs
    Penni
    X

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  36. ooh Kath , when I seen the card with the ink it won me over. That snowman stamp is absolutely georgous. Your cards really inspire me

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  37. I just love them both ways! =) But since you asked I think I may have to pick one...so I got to say INK away!! =D You're such a talent, I love your gorgeous creations! =)
    Hugs, SannaS

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  38. Looking at the two it is difficult to decide as with or without ink the cards are adorable. But if I have to choose ... it has to be the inked ones. The ink just give the card a little bit of a special touch. Petra.

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  39. Oooooooooooooo, the inked for me, just adds the finishing touch
    Hugs
    Christine xx

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  40. You made a great white on white card for the challenge but I like the inked card better.
    Eveline.

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  41. I like both of them Kath! I think I'd have inked him in an icy blue though.

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  42. Wow kath.. that looks awesome.. its the finishing touch that gives a little more dimension on the white cards!! love it.. xxx Marley

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  43. They are both beautiful but I prefer the ink on the edge- love how it sets off the edges and gives depth. All of the cards are so cute!

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  44. It looks rather good with the inky edges! definately a keeper :)
    I hope you manage to get on with your cards, M&S cards are a big no no lol
    xxx

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  45. Oh, what beautifyl card! 'to ink'in my view!
    by by tanja

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  46. I loved the all white card and thought it was perfect - all set to say "no ink" until I scrolled down and then I was torn... what a difficult question for someone still on her first cup of coffee..... but after way too much reflection, I say inked wins. (I have a similar addiction to the Vintage Photo ink - never leaves my desktop either. TH + genius!!)

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  47. Oh Kath, I am definitely with you on this one it has got to be 'to ink', I like the first one but the inked edges really do set's it off.
    Kim xXx

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  48. I've always loved the starkness of white but the ink adds warmth and depth to the card. I'm completely on the fence, I think you can go either way.

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  49. Well Kath it's cetainly inked for me, it just gives it that edge (pardon the punn). Your right about the slapstick name as I thought they had brought out a humourus range!
    Happy crafting
    Tracy x

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  50. Well I think they're both gorgeous, and your post did make me chuckle because I'm exactly the same - I have a brushed corduroy pad permanently on my desk and I ink all my edges without even thinking about it :)

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  51. They both look good to me. Generally though I'm for inked edges. I recently made an all white card for the colour create challenge but I used a very pale grey to do my inking.

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  52. Its a bit of a tough one - the non inked one looks really crisp but I do think the inked one has the edge and gives it depth!

    Sheena

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  53. Distress inks are something I think I will have to invest in now. Looks fab with the inky edges. Yet another must have me thinks lol

    Manda x

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  54. I love how it looks with the ink. I just about always ink my edges. I think it makes the card have a more finished look. I've been nervous about the white on white challenge. Your cards have inspired me! I think I'll give it a try.

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  55. Okay, when I saw your white-on-white card yesterday, I thought it was absolutely perfect. I was wrong. The inking makes such a difference ... now all your wonderful details just pop! Now I "need" distressing ink!!

    Jo xx

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  56. Hi Kath,
    I am a fan of white on white, and your challenge entry sure got me going, I made a baby card straight away as I was in the mood for it...

    Your PB card was GORG...
    now I have seen these little beauties I have to get that Cuttlebug...lol. It's sorted my christmas card's that's for sure.
    Thankyou so much for sharing

    As for what I prefer, I LOVE them all...
    x
    Vicky

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  57. I think I have to be the voice of dissent and say I like the non-inked one best! It's just so crisp and clean.

    I think I might have liked inked edges better if they were perhaps grey, or something a little lighter than that brown.

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  58. Kath, I loved your all white card, but then adding the ink just made it pop and added dimension. You do lovely work. Pet your pal for me.

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  59. Maybe there is a middle-ground? Ink the papers, glitter the snowflakes?? Well, I think they ALL look terrific, I was just attempting to be unique!! Those Slapstick images are gorgeous and it appears that they stamp perfectly, gorgeous cards!!
    Take Care,
    Stephanne

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  60. Beautiful cards! I LOVE the ink.

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  61. Hi Kath
    I like them both. Saw the uninked one first and thought it was fantastic so was going to say no inking. Then scrolled down and saw the inked one and it is fab too! Think the inked ones gets my vote but only by a whisker. Sorry I haven't been in touch when you were good enough to give me your number but things here have been a bit of a nightmare. Hoping to get in touch soon
    Lyn x

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  62. Oh gosh, Kath! They're all beautiful, but I've just GOT to go with the ink! It just makes everything pop so beautifully!! Awesome cards! hugs!

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  63. Gorgeousness abounds! WOW - I have to go with the inky ones though - totally spectacular! ~chris

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  64. Love all the cards kath, but if I ha too choose it has to be to ink

    Big hugs Carol x

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  65. like everyone else has been saying - the inking just makes everything pop and look utterly fabulous!!

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  66. Yep with ink, hands down, (but the withouts are gorgeous too)

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  67. Yep with ink, hands down, (but the withouts are gorgeous too)

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  68. Love Love Love the ink, it just gives the cards an EDGE!!

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  69. definitely INK!
    but...may be change a color of ink...green or blue...

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  70. OMG I love these cards Kath, but I vote INK, it makes them look stunning.

    Carole x

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  71. I love both versions...but I think I prefer the 'inked' one...it just adds a touch of warmth to the white.
    Lol...at the 'Slapstick' name...but I do think that snowman is adorable! *U*
    Helen x

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  72. Kathy your cards are gorgeous! How on earth you end up with such perfect cards EVERY time astounds me - and on a production line too!

    I'm going for the 'INKED' look. It totally finishes off the cards and looks fab :)

    Thanks for offering the bits too - I'll be keeping my fingers crossed as that little snowman is soooo cute!

    Carol x

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  73. Hi Kath,

    For a minute I thought I was looking at my card. I have used the mice on a scallop and done it all white!!!
    Love the inked version too

    Hugs Ali x

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  74. When I saw the all white card I thought it was fabulous. But now seeing the inked one - well it is even more fabulous. Love all that display of cards. Must try some white ones - mine are all colourful so far.

    Kat xx

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  75. Errmmm, I love them both (as I do all of your cards!) but I especially love all the inking you use - and if you look very closely at my PB card, there's a little blue ink on my edges, hee hee! All gorgeous cards you've made today!

    Beth xx

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  76. Don't you dare put that ink pad away!! It is one of your trademarks....although all your cards are amazing, the inky edges just seem to add something extra :)
    Love the 'accident' one too.....and don't even get me started on X factor.......i was so angry, i could not stop going on about it!!!

    Hopefully you should have a parcel tomorrow :)

    Hugs
    Carol x

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  77. Well, I am bias cos I ink everything LOL, love both ways, but my fave is with the ink, just love the effect! I must get my teeth into some batches of cards, I just keep make single ones and well that is just not going to do at all LOL.
    Hugs Tab xxx

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  78. Am I the only one that likes it without the ink?? Of course either of them are gorgeous, but without the ink makes me think snow... :-)

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  79. oh tricky question! And before seeing your totally white card I would have said "to ink" but I just really LOVE your uninked one! It just looks so smart & crisp...and the texture and embellishments add the depth. So I say "uninked". Love ALL of your cards, Kath, I get inspired every day by reading your blog. jenny

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  80. Hi Kath, what a difficult question! Absolutely adore both versions BUT Mr Holtz and his inks always have the edge in my book!
    Have a great week.
    Sue x

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  81. Kath, I love them all, but I think it's definately to ink!!! Jo x

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  82. Kath......I love the all white card but have to be honest and say that the inked one is just that little bit more gorgeous.
    The snowman is adorable.
    Hugs
    Sheila-x-

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  83. Most definately 'To Ink' Your cards always look devine and these are no exception. Just Gorgeous!
    Hugs Sue xx

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  84. Yesterday I said that I loved the white on white, and I did, but INKED wins! It looks even better than the white on white did. Looks like just about everybody feels the same way. INKED, INKED, INKED
    R/

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  85. Inky for me too, love that slapstick snowman as well.
    big hugs
    En xx

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  86. Definitely love the "inky" one more...it just jumps out at you more. Thanks for the chance. Shirley.

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  87. Kath, I love the inky ones, but go lightly on the ink. A very soft edge really adds to the card. Thanks for sharing your wonderful work. Donna B.

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  88. http://allcreationsbypaula.blogspot.com/November 4, 2009 at 5:36 AM

    Keep on inkin' Kath,
    I just love visiting (stalking) your blog. You are so creative.
    The inked cards, pop the image from the page, and gives them more character. Keep those lovely cards coming.
    Paula

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  89. deffo inky....im just starting to ink mine on a regular basis it brings out the features terrific..hugs sassyx and lovin your work as usual stunners

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  90. love the inky edges - just adds something special to the cards

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  91. Hi Kath . . . I hopped to your blog IMMEDIATELY I saw that utterly gorgeous entry on the PB Sat Challenge site . . . I had to see what other wonderful things you do.

    I like BOTH cards . . . but my preference is the UN-inked one - just because it looks so crisp and wintery.

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  92. Love both cards, they are beautiful, but my favourite is definately the one that has been inked.

    Lynn x

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  93. Ooh Kath - love all these cards plus your fab "production line" and gorgeous Slapstick images - they are all totally fabulous!! Now here's the thing .... they are all gorgeous either inked or uninked , but personally I prefer the "inked" effect with the snowman (not that you have a pic of him uninked, of course ....) but for the meeces i actually prefer (by a mouse-whisker!!) the uninked one - I jsut so love the tranquility of the whole white on white thing!!Mind you, anyone would be delirous to receive any of these cards so at the end of day it's all down to personal taste :-)
    Hugs (and fingers crossed I'll win some yummy bits!!)
    Pauline

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  94. Well, when I saw it on Penny Blacks Challenge site, I thought. Geesh! Kathy has done it again! Such a great card... and I have almost all that stuff I could do it myself...but never thought of it. NOW! I see it with the inked edges and think...hmm, even better!! LOL So I think my vote is for the ink!! Great job tho as always. ANd yes, super cute stamps! Give Budster a treat for me. ;o) Im sure he needs one!

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  95. I absolutely love the inky version. I think that it gives the card that something extra. I hope you haven't been too badly affected by the flooding as well.

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  96. Hi Kath, This is a tricky one! I love the crispness of the uninked card but I think the inked edges just gives it the finishing touch! So I am going to say 'inked'.

    Lisa x

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  97. They are all so lovely, but.... the inky edges just finish the cards off.
    You are such an inspiration, thanks very much.
    Love Diane x

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  98. Wow they are so beautiful but I must say I like the plain white one.. I did a white on white for House Mouse and it's one of my fav cards...

    Hugs
    Dawn
    xx

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  99. Well, Kath, you said it: "...a challenge is a challenge" and I was ready to vote for the pure challenge contribution -- ahh, but then you had to go and ink a bit -- so it is ink, me thinks!

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  100. Hi Kath
    definitley to ink the difference is stunning i love your cards thanks for sharing them
    hugs Sylvie

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  101. I think I'm in the minority when I say I prefer the un-inked mice although I do like the inked snowman. Either way, your cards are simply lovely.

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  102. I prefer the inked version, but then i am getting rather addicted to the inky side of things lol beautiful cards as usual Kath x

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