Showing posts with label Encouragement Cards. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Encouragement Cards. Show all posts

Friday, September 18, 2026

IN A CARD MAKING RUT? GIVE THIS A TRY!

Hi Stampers!

Have you ever found yourself in a card making rut? You pull out cardstock, ink, stamps, and maybe a bit of patterned paper. You create the card base, stamp, maybe even do a bit of die cutting, put it all together, and call it good. The card looks nice, but you feel it looks just like the last ten cards you’ve made. What to do? What to do? We are going to answer that question today, and it all begins with the cards. Let’s take a look:


VIDEO





CHANGING THINGS UP

When it comes to card making we all have our comfort zones, but sometimes the comfort zone starts feeling boring. Not to worry. It is easy to put some zip and zing back into your cards. Here are a few things I do when I feel I am in a rut.

1. Use the supplies I have on hand in a different way, or a way I’ve not used in a while.

2. Add metallics - spatter some gold, mat a greeting with metallic cardstock, add a strip of gold or silver glimmer paper, use metallic embellishments, etc.  (I sometimes forget about my metallic supplies.)

3. Use something new with something you have had for a while. Most of us have more supplies than we need, but a new stamp or die set, a new embellishment, or a new ink color can jazz things up a bit. The new item might remind you of something you have, but have not used in a while. 

4. Try a new to you technique. Trying something new gives you a fresh perspective, and energizes your creativity.

5. Get out those embossing pastes (and similar products). Yes, they can be messy and you need to have a plan for clean up, but it is so worth it. 

6. Clean your crafting space.  As you go through drawers or bins, or clean off a shelf, you just might run across a supply you forgot you had! And you just might find that card making rut is long gone.


USE YOUR GO TO SUPPLIES IN A DIFFERENT WAY


Embossing folders are an easy way to add texture and dimension to any card. I use them often, but rarely do I add to the embossed panel. I tried something different with this embossed panel. Instead of embossing on plain cardstock I embossed an ink blended panel. After embossing I used a sponge dauber and a bit of brown ink to lightly go over each leaf.  Next I used a glitter brush (clear) to highlight areas of the leaves and add a bit of shine.

(Supplies - Glitter Brush - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies Stampin’ Up!)


ADD METALLICS



(Supplies - Hello dies - Scrapbook.com; Gold spatters - Gansai TAMBI; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)



SOMETHING NEW & SOMETHING OLD


I have had Distress Oxide inks for two or three years. For some reason I don’t use them much. I bought a great set of leaf dies, and I realized those inks would help me create lovely fall leaves. I love the results!

(Supplies Leaves dies - scrapbook.com; Greeting - Dare 2 B Artz; Blended inks - Tom Holtz/ Ranger; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LEAVES DIES


TRY A TECHNIQUE YOU SAW DEMONSTRATED


Oh my goodness! How did I not think of this? Just spread glitter glue (Stickles, Pops of Color, etc.) over a stencil! Let it dry, and you have a great background. Trying something new is invigorating!

(Supplies - Stencil -The Crafter’s Workshop; Greeting - Scrapbook.com; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


TRY A (DIE) CUT AND PASTE


I had these die cut leaves sitting on my table. I almost put them in my leftovers bin, but for some reason I did not. Instead I pulled out a stencil, and right there beside the stencil file sat this prism paste! So, I used it, and I loved the background with the leaves.i was so excited.

(Supplies - Leaves - Scrapbook.com; Prism paste - Sizzix; Greeting - Trinity Stamps; All other supplies -Stampin’ Up!)



TODAY’S CARDS


When you find yourself feeling like you are in a card making rut try mixing things up a bit. Use your supplies in a different way, try a new technique, use supplies you might have forgotten you have, add something new to your stash and pair it with something you have. If you feel you are still in that rut - clean your craft space! I promise you will have a renewed enthusiasm and be out of that rut!

That’s all for today. Until next time …
Stamp Happy!

Kim
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Wednesday, August 26, 2026

MAKING MULTIPLES OF CARDS - MY APPROACH

Hi Stampers!

You might have heard - I do not like making multiples.  It is something I try to avoid like the plague! When I first started card making a way back when, making multiples of cards was defined as making numerous cards that looked exactly the same. I knew card makers who every year would put together  50-60 identical Christmas cards! I tried doing the multiples thing one year for my Christmas cards. I made about 8, and that was it. Multiples just aren’t my thing, but sometimes they are necessary and I admit there are some positives when it comes to multiples. So, today I am going to share my version of multiples. Let’s take a peek at the sample cards:



VIDEO





PROS OF MAKING MULTIPLES
The cards take less time to make because:
* one layout is being used
* they measurements for mats and panels are the same for each card you get into a rhythm while cutting them an that speeds things up. 
* it is easy to use the assembly line method for assembling the cards

Sometimes they are practical
* party invites, wedding invites, etc
* when you need cards for card ministries, craft fairs, etc. 

CONS OF MAKING MULTIPLES
My biggest complaint is boredom!
* using the assembling line process for cutting card pieces and assembling them begins to feel robotic
* the cards are each a clone of the others, there is no real personality
* for me it is difficult to complete my cards

Whether you follow strict rules for making multiples or mix things up a bit, it is always good to start with a great layout. Here is the one I used for today’s cards.

CARD LAYOUT # 2634



HOW I CHANGE UP THE MULTIPLE PROCESS 
TO KEEP ME GOING

* I select a layout that can be used in portrait or landscape orientation without no change to the cutting measurements
* I use different patterned papers for each card or small groups of cards
* I use different colors of card bases
* I used different greetings

These changes add no significant time to creating the cards. The assembly line process can still be used. These changes keep the biggest advantage of creating multiples, but gets rid of the boredom and hohum!

WHAT YOU NEED
For each card you will need the following
* Card Base - 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4”
* Inside Panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4” (optional for white or light colored cardstock bases)
* Patterned Paper - Two designs - cut one each from each design - 2”x2” square and a 1’ x 2” rectangle
(you will have 2 squares and 2 rectangles).
* Cardstock for mats - Two colors of cardstock. Cut one at 4 1/2” x 3 1/2” and one at 4 1/4” x 3 1/4”
* Greeting, embellishments, adhesives, stamps, inks, dies, etc and other items needed to finish card

WHAT TO DO
* If you are using an inside panel, stamp a sentiment on it and the like, then adhere to the inside of the card. 
* Adhere the patterned paper pieces to the 3 1/4” x 4 1/4” mat -  the two 2” squares go on the left side. The two 1” x 2” pieces go on the right side. See the card layout above for placement.
* Adhere the 3 1/4” x 4 1/4” mat to the 3 1/2” x 4 1/2” mat.  This is the focal panel/
* Adhere the focal panel to the card base, centered left to right and top to bottom.
* Adhere greeting of choice.
* Add embellishments to complete the card.

CHRISTMAS VERSION

The first time I heard about multiples was in the context of Christmas cards. It seemed to me that all card makers selected a layout , color scheme, images, and greeting for a card, then created multiple copies of the card. I remember discussions about ordering 2 -3 packs of a specific patterned paper to have enough of a couple of patterns to complete the number of cards needed. As I mentioned, I tried this approach, and failed. I found I am okay with using the same layout, but I change up the patterned papers, the color scheme, and the greeting! That helps me keep going. The cards will have the same layout and will look similar, but will not be exactly alike.


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

LANDSCAPE VERSIONS

Another way I take the boredom out  of making multiples is choosing a layout that can be used in either portrait or landscape orientation without changing any measurements. 


(Greeting top card - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

USE DIFFERENT GREETINGS


(Top left card patterned paper and greeting -Scrapbook.com; Die cut greetings - Scrapbook.com; Greeting bottom left - Waffle Flower; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


(Top cards butterfly paper and bottom card patterned papers - Scrapbook.com; Other papers and cardstocks - Stampin’ Up!; Embellishments - Simple Stories; Greetings - top left Stampin’ Up!;top right - Scrapbook.com; bottom - Waffle Flower)

USE DIFFERENT COLORED CARD BASES

I am learning to use white card bases, but they are not my favorite. I prefer colorful card bases. When making multiples using different colors of card bases and different patterned papers ads variety without infringing on the positive aspects of creating multiples!


(Die cut greetings - Scrapbook.com; Stamped greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments top left card patterned paper- Stampin’ Up!; All other embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD



* The patterned paper was scraps. It is no longer available. The embellishments are also retired.

TODAY’S CARDS


If you enjoy making multiples that are identical, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Card making should be enjoyable. My twist on multiples is just that - my twist, and it makes me happy. Do you have card making processes you tweak a bit to make the experience more enjoyable for you? 

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim
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Thursday, August 13, 2026

AN EASY PATTERN LAYOUT FOR SQUARE CARDS OR ANY CARD

Hi Stampers!

This week I am sharing one more layout based on a quilt pattern. What is that pattern? I saw a quilt called “Bricktown” made with this pattern. Maybe that is the name, but I do not recall it being named that. I don’t recall it having a name, although it surely did. I just remember this pattern on a quilt we had when I was a kid. Whatever its name it is a great pattern for a card design, and as with last week’s pattern, it looks great on square cards. It is easy to create, and it does use patterned paper scraps! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:


VIDEO






CARD LAYOUT # 2632


Today’s card layout is easy, and is perfect for a 4 1/4’ square card base. You can also put it on an A-2 card base as well.  You will need EIGHT pieces of patterned paper cut at 2” x 1”. The pieces can be 4 of one design and 4 of another, or each piece can be a different pattern - it’s up to you.  Four pieces will be vertical and four will be horizontal.

WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base -cardstock color of choice cut at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4”, scored and folded at 4 1/4”.
* Inside Panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 4” x 4”.
* Printer Paper -can use patterned paper - it will not be seen- cut at 4” x 4”. 
* Patterned Paper Scraps - 8 per card; 4 will be placed vertically on the card and 4 will be placed horizontally on card, cut accordingly. On most of the sample cards I used 4 pieces of one design and 
4 pieces of a second design. On two of the cards I used several different patterns.
* Embossing Folder
* Adhesive
* Stamps, inks, dies, embellishments, and other supplies needed to finish card

WHAT TO DO
* Prepare card base, use bone folder to create a crisp crease on fold.
* Adhere inside panel to card.
* Place pattern paper pieces on printer paper. Start with upper left side. Adhere two pieces vertically. Move on to bottom left and adhere two pieces horizontally. Go to top right and adhere two pieces horizontally. Finally adhere the final two pieces vertically at bottom right.
* Place this piece in an embossing folder and run it through the die cut machine.
* Adhere the piece centered on the card front.
* Add greeting and / or images to front.
* Add embellishments.

SAME PAPER - DIFFERENT SIDES

Each of the cards below were created using double sided patterned papers. Sometimes the designs on each side work really well together.


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other - Stampin’ Up!)



(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simply Stories; All other - Stampin’ Up!)



(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


DIFFERENT PAPER PACKS - SAME COMPANY

Papers from different paper packs, but containing same colors and made by the same company will have coordinating colors.


( Greeting - Waffle Flower; All other supplies - Stampin’Up!)


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories;  All other - Stampin’ Up!)


(Embellishments -Simple Stories; All other supplies needed- Stampin’ Up!)


(Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies needed- Stampin’ Up!)

SAME PAPER PACK









SAME PAPER PACK - MULTIPLE PATTERNS

Scraps from the same paper pack always look good together! It is a great resource for mixing and matching patterns.


(Patterned paper - Simple Stories; All other supplies needed- Stampin’ Up!”)


(Patterned paper - Doodlebug Designs; Embellishments; All other - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD


PECAN PIE CARDSTOCK


TODAY’S CARDS


I enjoy making square cards, and the layouts this week’s  and last week’s (HERE) are perfectly proportioned for square cards. These little cards are perfect for saying hello, checking in on a friend, and offering encouragement. They are also great for creating cute cards for kids! They fit inside an A-2 envelope, so no special envelope or extra postage needed. Grab your scraps, and give this layout a try! I think you’ll like the results! Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim


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Thursday, August 6, 2026

CREATE A QUILT PATTERN CARD PANEL PERFECT FOR SQUARE CARDS

Hi Stampers!

Today’s card is a square one. The layout is quite basic, but the focal panel adds plenty of interest. Add a greeting, a few embellishments, and that basic layout really wows! The focal panel is based on a quilt pattern called Disappearing Nine Patch or Disappearing Nine Square. It is easy to create, uses scraps of patterned paper, and the card fits in a regular A-2 size envelope. Of course you can use the focal panel on an A-2 card, but this panel is perfect for 4 1/4” square cards.  Let’s take a look at the sample cards:


VIDEO




CARD LAYOUT #2631


This designs starts with nine 1” squares. Two simple cuts make the nine squares disappear! A series of squares and rectangles take their place. The most difficult part of this card is selecting the patterned papers to use! It is so much fun mixing and matching patterns and prints!

WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base - Cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 4 1/4”, score and fold at 4 1/4”on 8 1/2” side
* Inside Panel - White or light colored cardstock cut at 4” x 4”
* Mat -cardstock to coordinate with card base - cut at 3 1/2” x 3 1/2”
* Patterned Paper - Use scraps of paper, nine designs, cut a 1’x1” square from each scrap
* Backing - Printed paper - cut two at 3” x 3” (See note)
* Adhesive
* Embossing Folder (optional, but strongly suggested)
* Other - Prepared greeting (stamps, ink, dies, etc), Dimensionals, Embellishments
[NOTE - One of the two pieces of printer paper can be replaced with one 3” x 3” piece of adhesive sheet.]

WHAT TO DO
* Prepare the card base, score, fold, and go over fold with bone folder.
* Stamp message or image on inside panel if desired. Adhere panel to inside of card. Put card aside.
* If you are using the printer paper, take one piece and put adhesive on it in strips getting adhesive on as much of the paper as possible. If you are using the adhesive sheet, peal the backing off one side.
* Place the 1” squares on the paper or adhesive sheet. You will have 3 rows of 3 squares. And the piece is a 3” square.
* Place the 3” square in the trimmer at the 1 1/2” mark and cut. You now have two pieces that measure 3” x 1 1/2”.
* Place one of the 3” x 1 1/2”pieces in the trimmer with the 3” side at the top, slide over to 1 1/2” and cut. Do the same with the remaining piece. You now have 4 1 1/2” squares.
* Adhere these pieces to the remaining piece of printer paper arranging them in directions that suit you. 
* Put this piece in an embossing folder and run through die cut machine (This is optional, but strongly recommended.)
* Adhere this piece to the mat.
* Adhere the mat to the card base. 
* Adhere the greeting to the card. I used dimensionals to add a bit of height.
* Add embellishments. 


DISAPPEARING NINE PATCHES IN PURPLES


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


DISAPPEARING NINE PATCH WITH MASCULINE PATTERNS


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments: Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

DISAPPEARING NINE PATCH IN TEALS


(Greeting — Waffle Flower; Embellishments - card on left - Hero Arts; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

DISAPPEARING NINE PATCH IN GOLD


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARD


(Greeting - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simply Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

TODAY’S CARDS


There you have it, the Disappearing Nine Patch card layout. It is easy, looks great on a square card, and helps you use some scraps. Remember these cards fit in an A-2 envelope! I hope you give this card a try. Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim

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Thursday, July 23, 2026

TWO FOR ONE ASYMMETRICAL CARD LAYOUT - FUN AND EASY

Hi Stampers!

Today’s layout is perfect for creating two cards at once. I call it the Asymmetrical Layout. I enjoy using this layout, because it is a little bit different, allows me to use 3-4 colors of cardstock, and yes it can help me use larger cardstock scraps! Let’s take a look at the sample cards:



If you are interested in reading the story behind this card layout, another version of it, and more samples, see this POST

TODAY’S VIDEO




CARD LAYOUT # 2629



WHAT YOU NEED


* You will need the pieces of cardstock shown above. For card bases cut cardstock at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” score and fold at 4 1/4”. (Check your cardstock scraps! You might find scraps you can use.)
* I select 3 colors of cardstock - 1 for the card bases, 1 for the strips, and 1 for one of the 5 1/4” x 3” pieces. For the other 5 1/4” x 3” piece I use white or light colored cardstock
* Inside panel - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Pencil and ruler
* Embossing folder (optional)
* Stamps, dies, punches, inks, embellishments, adhesives, etc

WHAT TO DO
* Cut cardstock pieces. Prepare  card bases by folding and going over gold with bone folder.
* On one piece of the 5 1/4” x 3” cardstock, measure from the top left corner over 2” and mark, then do the same at the bottom right.
* Stack the two 5 1/4” x 3” pieces with the marked piece on top.  Keeping the two pieces stacked, place on trimmer and line up the two marks, then cut. Match up the pieces Top left with bottom right, and bottom left with bottom right.
* Emboss the two strips with embossing folder (optional)
* Adhere a strip at the bottom of each card base leaving about 1/8” border along bottom and on the left and right sides. 
* Adhere the left hand piece, lining it up against the bottom strip, leaving that 1/8” border along the left side and top. Adhere the last piece in place.
* Stamp or otherwise prepare inside panel and adhere.
* Prepare focal image and greeting for card and stamp, adhere, etc. 
* Add embellishments.

BIRTHDAY HANDBAGS


(Stamps & Dies - Catherine Pooler; Embellishments -Altenew; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BUTTERFLY GREETINGS


(All supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

BRIGHT GREETINGS


(Stamps and dies - Catherine Pooler; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


(All Supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

VIDEO CARDS



SUPPLY LINKS
SUDS EMBOSSING FOLDER *the embossing folder I used is no longer available, this one is similar

TODAY’S CARDS


So there you have it, the asymmetrical card layout. It makes it so easy to create two cards in no time! I think using an embossing folder on the bottom strips adds a lot to the card, but it is not necessary. Tone on tone stamping on the strip would add an interesting touch, as would scoring the piece at every 1/4”. There is always the option of doing nothing to the strip! I hope you give this card layout a try and add your own spin to the layout!

Thank you so much for stopping by. Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim




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Thursday, July 16, 2026

GRAB YOUR SCRAPS AND GO AROUND THE BLOCK ONE MORE TIME!

Hi Stampers!

Well, it is definitely summer where I live. It is hot and humid, and normal for this time of year. The heat does not slow things down much. Our lives get really busy during the summer, but as I have mentioned before, I still want to make cards. When I go into my craft room I need a plan, and in mid July that plan is a quick and easy layout. Today’s layout is one of my favorites, and yes it uses scraps! Today’s layout is called Around the Block. It has other names, but Around the Block is what I know it as. I’ve shared this layout several times in the past. I think it is good to revisit layouts, fun folds, and techniques so we don’t forget them, so we can keep honing our skills, and sometimes we find ways to make a good thing better.  Let’s take a look at the sample cards:

LANDSCAPE


PORTRAIT



VIDEO




CARD LAYOUT # 2628
AROUND THE BLOCK


This card can be created in landscape or portrait orientation. Be aware of orientation when cutting directional papers.

WHAT YOU NEED
* Card Base - Cardstock - cut at 8 1/2” x 5 1/2” scored and folded at 4 1/4” or 11” x 4 1/4” scored and folded at 5 1/2”
* Inside Panel - Cardstock - white or light colored cardstock cut at 5 1/4” x 4”
* Focal Panel - Cardstock - white or light colored cut at 3 1/4” x 2” (this is optional)
* Patterned Paper - Two patterns -cut two strips of one pattern at 4 1/4” x 1” cut two strips of the other patterned paper at 3” x 1”
* Printer Paper - cut at 5 1/4” x 4” (optional)
* Tape - (optional)
* Other - Stamps, inks, dies, punches, embellishments, adhesives

WHAT TO DO
* Prepare card base - cut, score, fold
* Prepare inside panel and adhere it to inside card
* Prepare front panel using one of three methods
   METHOD 1- EYEBALL IT
The four patterned paper strips fit together to form a frame that measures 5 1/4”x 4” and fits on the card base just like a first mat. The long strips go on the long sides of the card front and the short strips go along the short sides of the card front. Look at the sample cards to see proper placements of the strips. 
    METHOD 2 - CHEAT SHEET METHOD
Use the printer paper cut at 5 1/4” x 4” to line the strips up along the edges of the paper . Then adhere the piece to the card front.
     METHOD 3 - ASSEMBLE & ADHERE METHOD
Turn the strips upside down paying attention to any directional patterns. Align the strips to form a frame. Use tape to hold the pieces together. Put adhesive on the strips, and adhere it as one piece on the card base.
* Prepare the center (focal) panel. Adhere it to the card front.
* Add any die cuts, punched items, and embellishments to the card front.

BRIGHT FLOWERS


(Patterned Paper - Scrapbook.com, All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


DAISY, DAISY, DAISY


(Card base, patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


BIRTHDAY BRIGHT BALLOONS


(Patterned Paper Scrapbook.com; Embellishments Doodle Bug Designs; Black marker - Sharpie; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

FLORAL HELLO


(Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; Sentiment - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

THANK YOU LADY BUGS


(Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; Sentiment - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)

PRAYERFUL FLORALS


(Patterned paper - Scrapbook.com; Sentiment - Waffle Flower; Embellishments - Simple Stories; All other supplies - Stampin’ Up!)


VIDEO CARDS

PASTEL BIRTHDAY BALLOONS
(LANDSCAPE VERSION)


The Around the Block strips were put in place with the help of a cheat sheet. Don’t worry! No one will ever know, and it is not really cheating!

LINKS

* The balloon punch I used for this card is no longer available but the punch and die listed above will give you a similar look. 
STELLAR GREETING
(PORTRAIT VERSION)



This time I used assemble and adhere method to put the strips in place. 

LINKS

TODAY’S CARDS




There you have it, the Around the Block Layout. What do you think? I like that this layout uses scraps, and can be created in either landscape or portrait orientation.Which method do you prefer for placing the strips? The Cheat Sheet Method, the Assemble and Adhere Method, or do you simply eyeball it and adhere to the card base? Whatever method you prefer, I hope you will find this is one of your go to layouts.

Thank you for stopping by. Until next time . . .
Stamp Happy!

Kim

As you know, I provide links to supplies I use for video cards as a resource only. I am not affiliated with, no do I receive compensation from any company, manufacturer, or other entity.

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