Three Wooden Crosses

Can you believe this is the last week of February....already?!?!? That means that March is right around the corner and perhaps at some point it will turn to Spring and we can put this deep freeze behind us! I'm done with winter, can you tell? LOL! I have a bad case of cabin fever and I'm itching to get outside with my boys!  One good thing about the weather still being yucky is that I don't mind being trapped inside if I can spend the time stamping. Today I'm sharing an Easter card I recently made during one of our recent Arctic Blasts, where the wind chill was -30 degrees! 





I started by coloring the Three Wooden Crosses (1116K) with Copic Markers. I used E31, E33 and E35 specifically. I cut the image out using an oval Nestability die. Then, I masked it with a Post-it Note and sponged it with light blue ink, layering the ink, so that it was heavier toward the bottom of the crosses. The ground beneath the crossed was sponged with brown in k in the same manner. The colored image was layered with a dark brown scalloped oval and set aside while I worked on the rest of my card.

 

For one side of the card front I used Kraft colored cardstock that was embossed with a wood grain embossing folder to match the texture of the wooden crosses in the image. I used smooth blue cardstock for the opposite side and embellished it with a dark brown decorative border to hide the seam between the 2 card front panels.  Then I stamped the I Am The Resurrection Greeting (303D) on the lower portion of the left side of the card front.  The matted image was adhered in place just off center as shown and then I embellished the upper left portion of the card front with 3 different colored banners and a button tied with a blue twine bow.  This card was then completed by attaching the card front to an A2 dark brown cardstock base. 

 

I'm really happy with how this turned out, but blue and brown are one of my favorite color combinations, so I might be a little biased. I hope you like it too!

Thanks for stopping by!

 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Lucky To Have You!

Have you seen the new Stamps for St. Patrick's Day and Easter that DRS Designs has recently released?  The card I made for today shows off the new Infinity Shamrock (281E) and the Lucky To Have You Greeting (317E).  Although I've used some of the new St. Patrick's Day stamps here, this isn't necessarily a St. Patrick's Day card.  It's nice when stamps can be versatile like this--It's more bang for your buck!

 

The Infinity Shamrock was colored with the Copic Markers G00, G02, and G05. I layered it with light and dark green cardstock that was cut from Nestability dies, and then set it aside while I worked on my card front.  The card front was created from light green card stock that was stamped with the Splatter Background (855H) and dark green ink. The edges were also distressed for a little definition. A white scalloped border was added to both the top and bottom, and a sheer green ribbon embellished the top.

The card base was made from dark green card stock that was cut to make a note card. The finish card size measures 5" x 3.5". The card front was adhered in place on the card base, and the matted Infinity Shamrock image was adhered on the left-hand side to make it complete.

It's really nice to finally start thinking about making cards for the Spring holidays and moving away from all of the cold Winter ones. Don't you agree?!?!?

Thanks for taking the time to visit today!


Smiles,
Jennifer

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A Warm Winter Wish!

Hi Everyone!

Hope you're doing well and staying warm!
Anyone else excited that January is just about over??  Only about 50 more days until Spring!!  I've had enough of the cold and although we haven't had much snow this Winter, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone on the Northern East Coast. I can't imagine getting 1, 2, or even 3 feet of snow with a single snow storm, let alone have several of these kinds of storms over a single Winter!! I'm sending a Warm Winter Wish to all of you with my Snowman card today! 

 

The card front was created using an image and sentiment from DRS Designs.  The Medium Mr. Snowman (242H) was colored with Copic Markers.  Both the image and the Warm Wishes Greeting (611D) were cut out using Nestability dies.  Then, before removing the dies they were sponged with light blue ink. They were both matted with dark purple cardstock and then set aside while I worked on the card front.  

I embossed the light blue card front with a snowflake embossing folder and then sponged the edges with purple ink.  It was matted with white cardstock and then a crimped white panel, lined with purple cardstock was added to the lower portion. Snowflake ribbon embellished the crimped panel and then I adhered the snowman image and sentiment in place as shown. 


 

The card front was adhered to an A2 (4.25" x 5.5") purple cardstock base and I embellished the back of it with the Especially For You Snowman (239C), to let everyone know that I made this card! 

 

 Thanks for stopping by, Everyone! Stay safe and warm!
 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Warm Wishes Mr. Snowman!

So, now that the holiday hustle and bustle is over, has your daily routine returned back to normal? All of my holiday decorations are finally put away and now that my older son is back in school, I'm finding more time to work on my resolutions--to be more organized and take more time for me! This "me" time includes whatever I want to do and stamping is high on the list!

After cleaning up and organizing my stamping table this past weekend, I quickly got back to getting inky and one of the cards I created was this Warm Winter Wishes card. So appropriate for all of us in the Midwest and East Coast experiencing another Arctic Blast right now.  We need all the warmth we can get!

I used the new Medium Mr. Snowman (242H) for the focal point of my card.  I know there's not too much coloring you can do since a snowman is all white, but I researched how to color snowman images on Pinterest and found a few tips that were helpful. One technique is to actually color outside the stamped image line. If you look close at my snowman you can see the bluish-gray ink around the edges. I think this really helps enhance how the snowman looks.  Of course coloring his hat and scarf in bright colors helps him stand out as well!  I paired this image with the Warm Wishes Greeting (611D), and decorated the card front with some iridescent snowflakes that were adhered with matching turquoise brads. The finished card size is 4.25" x 5.5."

 

I hope you're all staying warm and cozy inside today!

Thanks for stopping by! 

 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Full of Love

Hi Everyone! 

I hope you're all doing well and that you had a nice holiday. Any big plans for the New Year? My resolution is to be more organized and with that I hope it helps me to stop procrastinating and stay focused! I'm sure this is a resolution that many of us share!

That being said, I am trying to work ahead and I've already started on some Valentine's Day cards using brand new stamps that DRS Designs already has available for purchase. This card features the Valentine's Full of Love Greeting (273F) and the Interlocking Hearts (247F).

I chose to make the greeting as the focal point of my card. I love all its gorgeous variety! The different styles and sizes of text are really eye catching! To highlight it, I used a Nestability die to cut it out and then I sponged pink ink over the text while it was still in the die. I created my own coordinating pattern paper on the bottom of the card by stamping the Interlocking Hearts stamp repeatedly using red ink on pink card stock. This card was simply embellished it by using a decorative border punch on the red panel and I added several pearls to dress it up. Finished card size is 5.5" x 4.25."

I wish you all a very happy and safe New Year! Thanks for stopping by!  

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Good Friend Quilt

The colder temps are here and it's time to get out those quilts! And if you're anything thing like me you've also got out your space heaters and hoodie sweat shirts too! LOL! I can't stand the cold and even though I keep my house around 70*, I often use space heaters in the rooms I spend lots of time in, like my stamping room! 

The colorful vertical panel was created using the Designer Quilt Square (166D) which was stamped repeatedly in a vertical line and colored with Copic Markers.  Then for added texture, it was embossed with an embossing folder.  I used the Good Friend Warm Quilt Greeting (169G) in the center of the card front.  It was sponged with light pink ink while still in the Nestability die to create the white frame around it.  

I love the way this card turned out. I think the colors are cozy and I sure hope my friend enjoys it! 

I hope you all stay warm too!
Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Christmas Cabin

I'm a little behind this year, but I'm happy to report that I have another quick and fairly easy Christmas card under my belt!  The creation of this card was fueled by a nice, flavored cup of coffee, which seems to be one of my staples nowadays! The Arctic blast that we had blow through recently has caused nothing but warm and cozy thoughts in my stamping room--I refuse to let this kind of weather bring me down, or tolerate it so early in the season. I see it as the perfect excuse to stay in and stamp. What could be better?

The focal point of this card is the Christmas Village Cabin (212G). I masked it and then stamped the bare trees from the Christmas Village 4 in 1 Accessories #2 (210G) over top of it. I love the way the image turned out, especially once I colored it with Copic markers.  It really came to life and reminds me of the cabin friends of ours have, Up North, deep in the woods.  It gives me that warm and cozy feeling and because of this, I thought the Simple Joys of Christmas Greeting (957F) was the perfect pair for it.  For a little bling, I used Stickles to make the snow and roof tops glisten. This card was simply embellished--2 red brads, a tiny red bow, and a textured card front made this card complete! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Stay warm!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Christmas Reindeer

Hi Everyone! Welcome back to the DRS Designs Blog!

The tricks and treats have passed and now November is here! Can you believe it?!?! This is the time to start thinking about what you will be doing for your holiday cards this year. With that in mind, DRS Designs is getting ready to release new holiday stamps perfect for this occasion. Today I am showing off the new Feeding Reindeer (188F) stamp that will be released very soon. I chose to use him alone on my Christmas card, but he coordinates with the pieces to the Christmas Village.  

I colored the Feeding Reindeer with Copic markers, and I cut the card stock around him in the shape of a tag to show it off. I added Stickles for the snow, and sponged light blue ink around the top of the tag for the sky around him.  I added different colored cardstock cut on a diagonal to form my card front and in the empty space formed between the 2 red panels I stamped "Merry Christmas" from the Christmas Multi Greeting (341H).  The Reindeer tag was embellished with a big red bow and adhered to the card front with foam tape.

Please keep in mind that DRS Designs currently has several opportunities for you to win store vouchers and get free stamps just for playing along. Check back tomorrow for a new challenge posted here on the DRS Designs Blog, and run over to the Just Inspirational Challenges Blog where DRS Designs is the sponsor this week. Their challenge theme is "Wishes."  Think Get Well, birthday, Christmas wishes etc. for this challenge. Good Luck! 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day! 

Jennifer

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Non-traditional Thanksgiving Greeting

A couple weeks ago I created today's card for the DRS Designs "I'm so hungry" blog challenge, but due to a nasty computer virus I was unable to get it uploaded onto my computer to share.  I'm glad that's all in the past now because you can only do so much on a smart phone and I'm happy to have my computer back! 

When I first sat down to create this card, I really wasn't giving it much thought and as this card progressed it turned out to be a Thanksgiving greeting using non-traditional colors! I really liked the way the olive green, mauve pink, and the yellow color combination came together.  I first colored the Indian Corn (151H) with Copic markers. Then, the image was masked and light brown ink was sponged around the image while it was in a Nestability die. On the pink cardstock in the background, I stamped the new Silhouette Cornstalk (179B) repeatedly using Versamark ink to create my own pattern paper. The One Line Thanksgiving Greeting (841D) was stamped above the image, and I used a portion of the new Thank You Lord Greeting (165G) for the sentiment below it. The finished card size measure 4.25" x 5.5" and other than the knot in the ribbon, this card is nice and flat for mailing. Have you made your Thanksgiving greetings to send out yet?

Thanks so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop by today. We appreciate your visit! 

Until next time,

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Autumn Greetings

Hi Everyone! 

Jennifer here today showing off one of DRS Designs newest Autumn stamps, Indian Corn (151H). Lately, I've been all about diagonals and I've incorporated them into the last few cards I've made-- this one is no exception! 

I started by coloring the image with Copic Markers and then fussy cut it out. I used Nestability dies to cut the oval and scalloped pieces of card stock out. The oval was embossed with an embossing folder to add some texture to the card front. I love this look and need to remind myself to do it more often! I think it's unique and it really makes the eyes focus on the image that lays in front of it. For the background, I created my own pattern paper by stamping the Splatter Background (855H) repeatedly using yellow, green, and orange inks to match my color scheme. I also embossed the green strip of cardstock that was used to hide the seam between the 2 background layers. The Small Autumn Greeting sentiment (422B) was stamped just below the divided border with black ink and for the final touch, 3 green rhinestones were placed in the lower right corner of the card front. 

Just a friendly reminder to check out the latest DRS Designs Blog Challenge. The theme is "Twine" and there's a fabulous prize up for grabs. Click on THIS link for all the details and to enter your project before the deadline at 6pm EDT today! 

Thanks for stopping by. We appreciate your visit! 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Halloween Is Almost Here!

Posted by Jennifer E.

I'm still playing with DRS Designs new Halloween stamps. I can't seem to get enough! Maybe it's the weather or the fact that Autumn is my favorite time of year, but I'm really excited about all I've created recently.  On the card I made for today, I'm showing off The Raven (125G) and the Spooky Tree Limb (136F), and with October about a week away, I thought it was appropriate to show off the Run In Fear Halloween Greeting (532E) as well. 

I added a bit of color to the image using Copic Markers, embellished it using a spider web border punch, an embossing folder, twine, brads, and my favorite Halloween Bat punchies!  I even added some extra dimension to this card by popping up the image/greeting panel by adhering it with foam tape. 

I hope I've inspired you today to get inky! If Halloween isn't your thing, but Autumn is, check out DRS Designs latest Blog challenge.  I promise you won't be disappointed. It's a color challenges that perfect for fall images and this link has a ton of inspiration.  Give it a try, one lucky winner might just be you! But hurry, the challenge ends later this evening!

Have a wonderful day!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Halloween Village

Is the weather changing already where you live?  Friday it was a hot and humid 91 degrees and then a big storm come through and instantly the weather changed.  Since then we've had sunny days, about a high of 74 and no humidity! The Fall-like temps are here and by next weekend the high is only supposed to be 60! This kind of weather definitely gets me in the mood for apples, cider, pumpkins and pie! Can't forget the ghosts and goblins too!

This card shows off the new Silhouette Spooky Village (141H) from DRS Designs.  I added a bit of color with Copic Markers and then used the Accent Bats (517A) and the Halloween Arc (043E) to complete the scene. The edges were distressed to give it a spooky feel and my focal image was complete.  I created the card front using orange cardstock--the top was dry embossed and the bottom was stamped with the Large Original Plaid (641P) maker stamp. I layered it with yellow cardstock and then with a back panel that was adhered with a single yellow brad at each end.  The stamped image was adhered in place as shown and then the card front was adhered to a black cardstock base.  Finished card size is 5.5" x 4.25."

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Witch Feet!

I can't believe that next week is September already, can you?!? Hardly seems like Summer has even started yet and it will be October and time for pumpkins before we know it! I admit though, a small part of me is almost giddy that Autumn is near. It's my favorite season! I'm in love with the new Halloween stamps that have been shown here in a few sneak peeks lately and nothing gets you ready for the next season like stamping up cards for it.  I've been inking them every chance I get!

Here's another sneak peek card I made showing off the new Halloween Shoe Fits Greeting (143D) and the adorable Witch Feet (140H). 

I colored the image with Copic Markers and sponged green ink around it while it was in a Nestie die.  Using the Out-Of-The-Box Technique allowed me to use a smaller die that looked better with my layout--that's why the broom is hanging out of the oval shape a bit.  As you can see I split up the greeting above and below my image and three bat punchies embellished this card nicely.  A white gel pen gave them eyes and made them creepy.. It's almost like they're looking at you! Hope you like it!

Thanks for stopping here today.  We appreciate your visit! 

Smiles,

Jennifer

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Dashing Through The Dough

Just the other day, one of my friends posted on Facebook that there are only 20 Fridays left until Christmas!! Can you believe that? I know it's right around the corner, but in that perspective it makes it seem like it will be here so much quicker!

To make light of the situation I created this comical Christmas card--one that all of us stampers can most likely relate to. Isn't it true that buying stamping and crafting supplies can really make you feel like you're dashing through the dough?? I really like this card because it's perfect to send to a fellow stamper who you know could appreciate the humor!  

Here are some of the details on how I created it:
The Christmas Village Craft Store (101D) was stamped, colored with Copics, die cut and then sponged with blue ink for the sky. Glitter was added to the snow caps on the building and the ground. The Flying Cash (547F) was stamped repeatedly and colored with Copics as well to create the background. The card front was stamped with the Dashing Through The Dough (545D) sentiment before embossing it for some added texture. Once all of the pieces were assembled as shown, I added a green bow and several small pearls to embellish it perfectly. 

Well, regardless of how many days are left until Christmas, I hope you've been inspired by all of the Christmas cards you've seen here lately and that you've enjoyed today's post.  So, tell us, are you making your Christmas cards already? 

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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For Your New House

Hi Stampers!

Jennifer here today to share a card I made for my Sister. She recently moved into her own condo after living with a friend for many years. The newest Bee-themed stamps were perfect for her "new home" card:

Our House to Yours Greeting (1150D)

Honeycomb Design (019C)

Beehive (1143L)

Bee Trail (1147B)

and the Bitsy Bumble Bee (1020A) is an older image that is still available in the current catalog.

 The hive image was colored with Copic Markers and cut out with a Nestie die. Then I cut a Post-It Note mask and sponged blue ink around the edges while it was still in the die. It was matted on a black scallop.  The black card base was cut and folded to make an A2 size card.  I stamped a yellow piece of cardstock for the card front with the Honeycomb design using yellow ink and then split the "Our House To Yours" greeting and stamped it as shown so it would fit around the image. Black grosgrain ribbon was tied across the lower portion of the card front and then the matted image was placed in the center. Next I stamped, colored, and fussy cut the Bitsy Bee and adhered it to the upper portion of the hive image using dimensional tape.  The final stap was to stamp the Bee Trail to make it look like the bee had just flown into place on the card front.  For the most part, this card was pretty simple to create. 

My Sister really liked this card and has it displaying on her mantle.  I hope you like it too!

Have a great day!

Smiles,
Jennifer

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Christmas Church

Hi Everyone! 
Jennifer here today with another post for you. I hope you're all enjoying the new Christmas in July release.  I'm really enjoying these new stamps and the adorable Christmas scenes that can be created with them.  However, for today's post I've taken a different approach by using the new Christmas Village Church (107D) image alone for the focal point on my card, rather than pairing it with the other village stamps that are available. 

 I used kraft cardstock to create the base for an A2 size card.  I added some texture to the card front by matting the dark brown panel with white and red cardstock and then embossing it with the Swiss Dots embossing folder.  This was placed vertically on the left hand side of the card front as shown.  For the scene I created here, I used the Christmas Village Four in One Accessories stamp (119D) to add the pine trees to either side of the church.  The image was then colored with Copic markers and fine glitter was added to the snowy areas for a realistic look. It was matted with dark brown cardstock and then again with a red scallop. Then it was adhered it to the center of the card. I split up the Richly Blessed Christmas Greeting (865G) to accommodate my layout and highlighted the word "Christmas" by stamping it on a banner and matting it. The look was completed by adding a red brad to either side of "Christmas" and then adhering it in place just below the image as shown.

Like what you see? Make sure to run over to the DRS Designs site and check out all of the new Christmas Village stamps that are now available for purchase! I promise you won't be disappointed and while you're there, enjoy all of the great scene cards create by the DRS Designs DT.  

Thanks for stopping by and have a Happy day!

Smiles,
Jennifer

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Hot Diggity Dog!

Posted By Jennifer E.

Some of my favorite cards to stamp are birthday cards. I usually have quite a few to choose from when a birthday card is needed. However, last week when I went to write out a card for a friend of mine, I noticed my stash was gone!! The good thing about this is that it actually worked out to my advantage! She is a dog lover and I was able to stamp this cute doggie birthday card just for her.  It was a win, win situation for us both!

I started by coloring the Doggie Dilemma Dog With Fence (254H) with Copic Markers. After matting it I put it to the side to work on the card front. I stamped the Dog Bone (080A) on white card stock to create a border around the card front. I colored them lightly with Copic Markers and then distressed the edges with brown ink.  Next, the card front was matted with blue card stock. I created an A2 dark brown card base and adhered the card front to it. The matted dog image was adhered to the upper center area and the Hot Diggity Dog Birthday Greeting (732E) was stamped below it as shown.  I didn't add any bulky embellishments to it since it was going to be mailed.  It was a nice change keeping my card front clean and simple! Hope you've enjoyed my post today. 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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New Home Welcome

After serveral years of poor economic growth, the housing market seems to finally making a turn for the better in my area.  There's quite a few houses up for sale in my neighborhood and both my parents and my In-Laws are looking to relocate as well.  There's been a surge in the real estate business, now that the weather is finally nice, and it looks like I'll have some new neighbors soon! I've created a little note card to welcome my new neighbors whoever they my be!  

DRS Designs latest release included this adorable Mushroom House (091C) that I've paired with the One Line Welcome Greeting (737B).  I stamped the Mushroom House on ivory cardstock and colored it with Copic Markers.  I matted it with kraft cardstock and then again with dark brown cardstock that was cut with a decorative die.  The card front was made from a piece of kraft cardstock that was embossed with the Swiss Dots folder for texture and then matted in dark brown.  Two dark brown brads were added to fill in the space in the lower right corner.  I stamped the Welcome Greeting on a fish tail banner and adhered it to the top of the card front as shown. The last step was to adhere the card front to an ivory cardstock base that measures 3" x 5.5."

Don't forget to check out DRS Designs latest challenge, "On The Border."  Using any type of border on your challenge project will enter you in a chance to win are great prize from DRS Designs.  Hurry, today is the last day to enter and a new challenge will begin tomorrow!  

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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A Little Sunshine!

After seeing Karin's post from yesterday it seems like her and I are both overly excited that the weather has finally has warmed up.  Today, I too, am sharing a little sunshine with this card!  It shows off 2 new stamps recently released from DRS Designs, the Sandcastle (090G) and the Sending You Sunshine Greeting (094D).  I've also used the Polka Dot Background (688P) to create my own pattern paper on the light blue panel.

This Sandcastle image makes me want to just drop everything and run to the beach! Do you get that feeling?  I colored it with Copic Markers and sponged blue ink for the sky while it was in a Nestie die. This creates a nice, white frame around the image that doesn't necessarily need matting.  The layout used here was from the Splitcoast Sketch challenge, SC487. I love this layout! This is actually the second time I've used it and I'm sure I'll put it to use again in the future as well.  The yellow panel in the back was dry embossed and after adding a strip of blue cardstock to the right side, a brown grosgrain ribbon was added to decorate the bottom. A starfish brad embellished the greeting nicely and all of the panels adhered together were placed on a kraft A2 cardstock base. 

I hope there is warmer weather trending where you live and that you're able to enjoy it! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Smiles,

Jennifer

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A Salute to Jennifer!

Welcome once again to another walk down memory lane!  The last (but NEVER least) designer is Jennifer.  It's getting close to 6 years since Jennifer started designing for us and I can't begin to tell you how difficult it was to narrow down the hundreds of cards she's created for us to just the few I have here today.  I could go on and on about her stamping genius and how she puts them all together...but I'd rather show you!

Here goes...

 

 

Thanks so much for visiting!  As a special Thank You for spending a part of your Memorial Day Weekend with us please visit us at www.drsdesigns.com for special savings!

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