Monday, April 15, 2013

April Showers Mug Rug Blog Hop

Oh, how I love a good blog hop...and Mdm Samm and Erin are great at providing the most fun ones around!  I was quick to sign up and lucky to get into this one...


So many of us admire these small projects, these "Mug Rugs"...I have seen countless swaps dedicated to them.  I had never made one though until it came time to participate in this hop!  I am a bit afraid of crumbs and coffee being spilled on my handiwork!!  True confessions...I am considering a coaster between my mug and my rugs!!!

I decided to make two for this round and they both are dedicated to things that make me smile...

The first is a tip of the ballcap to Mr Springsteen, whom I adore, and his song about getting older...Cadillac Ranch...




 These are 3 Cadillacs nose down in the dirt, just like the song says...

 I thread painted the details on the cars and hand embroidered the wheels and tires...

 I am a bit proud of how the tires came out...

And I had a most excellent mug (although I had to add 2 other year models to my lineup) for inspiration that I found at Target this last winter...you may note the mug has not made it onto the rug, lol!

My second inspiration is a little bug who I look for all summer and consider it a lucky day when I find...the Praying Mantis...


 My son took these pictures last fall when one was kind enough to "drop by" the house...

 And here is my "rug" which is most decidedly inspired by the drawings of Charley Harper
 Lots of hand embroidery detail and machine thread outlining

Here he is nestled in the daffodils we were lucky enough to enjoy this weekend...

I went with one of my favorite orange mugs for this one but a search of Amazon told me there are several praying mantis mugs there I could choose from...wouldn't have believed it, but there you go.

Please visit all the fine folk I share this day with here

MONDAY, APRIL 15th
Cathy @ Cate's Linens
Nicola @ Sunshine Reflections
Martina @ Sunshinequilting
Judith @ Frimart
Anita @ Anita's quilts en handwerken
Linda @ Sew Nicely
Kris @ krislovesfabric <---you are here!!
Laura Ann @ The Fuzzy Hat Quilter
Carol @ Just let me Quilt
Selina @ Selina Quilts
Mary @ Crooked Gulley Art Quilts
Marisa @ Passion et Couture

Happy April!
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93 comments:

  1. Vroomans' QuiltsApril 15, 2013 at 12:31 AM

    What wonderful mugrugs from such personal inspiration! I love the Praying Mantis, also - one of mother natures natural insect controllers and they are so fun to watch.

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  2. Judy BApril 15, 2013 at 12:46 AM

    What very inventive mug rugs! Thank you for sharing.

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  3. BillieBee (billiemick)April 15, 2013 at 12:50 AM

    OMGosh Kris!!! You are so creative. Love the mug rugs, The music and The Boss......grin. He's such a cutie. It's 11:49 here and I'm blasting the music loud....hahahaha. Just us to old folks here tonight.

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  4. Patty C.April 15, 2013 at 12:54 AM

    Very creative- love your bug ;)

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  5. Lavonna ZWBApril 15, 2013 at 1:11 AM

    I love how you made the rug to match your mug. Great!

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  6. AmyApril 15, 2013 at 1:14 AM

    Love both of your mug rugs! Your Cadillac Ranch mug rug is better than the real thing! The thread painting on the mantis is beautiful! Nice Work!

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  7. KarenApril 15, 2013 at 1:21 AM

    Awesome mug rugs! I'm surprised you haven't made one before, but I totally understand not wanting to get them dirty! So creative of you today! Love them both.

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  8. JanetApril 15, 2013 at 1:46 AM

    Lots of fantastic detail on these! Love the greens too. Very springlike.

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  9. MartinaApril 15, 2013 at 1:53 AM

    Very precious! Great idea and wonderfully made! Love them!

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  10. CorinaApril 15, 2013 at 1:57 AM

    Lovely mugrugs, the cars look so good!

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  11. AnitaSApril 15, 2013 at 2:18 AM

    Your car is amazing. Lovely mugrugs.

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  12. Sunshine GirlApril 15, 2013 at 2:39 AM

    Wow they are both fabulous - I love your wheels on the cars too very nice. Thanks for sharing.

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  13. newsurfiegirlApril 15, 2013 at 3:20 AM

    Great mug rugs! I love the praying mantis!

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  14. NatiApril 15, 2013 at 3:57 AM

    Really gorgeous, thanks for sharing!

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  15. Britt-IngerApril 15, 2013 at 5:30 AM

    Your mug rugs are awesome. Thanks for sharing

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  16. PaulineApril 15, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    Fabulous! Great creative thinking and making, I love your mug rugs, thanks for sharing.

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  17. JoyceLMApril 15, 2013 at 6:08 AM

    Thanks for sharing your cute mug rugs.

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  18. charlotteApril 15, 2013 at 6:34 AM

    Wonderful job Kris. I am with you on putting a coffee cup on the white mug rug. Maybe you should hang it somewhere instead. The praying mantis is wonderful too.

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  19. GillApril 15, 2013 at 6:40 AM

    Great mug rugs - I especially like the praying mantis!
    Thank you for sharing!

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  20. RhondaApril 15, 2013 at 6:53 AM

    Love your concepts and finishes for the mug rugs. That Praying Mantis is really good. BTW, I've become a "FOLLOWER" of your blog!

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  21. Quilt Doodle DesignsApril 15, 2013 at 6:54 AM

    Love the Praying Mantis, so cool!

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  22. UnknownApril 15, 2013 at 7:01 AM

    Very cute and lovely stitching

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  23. Elizabeth CoughlinApril 15, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    Really clever and wonderful workmanship!

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  24. JeanieApril 15, 2013 at 7:02 AM

    I'm in love with both of your mug rugs! So creative and I love your use of fabric and your thread painting. If you don't use them....put them on the wall for everyone to admire!

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  25. eleni_sApril 15, 2013 at 7:23 AM

    very pretty mug rugs!! love the colors, very fresh!

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  26. Patty April 15, 2013 at 7:27 AM

    Very creative - I love the cars all nose down in dirt.

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  27. Marjorie's Busy CornerApril 15, 2013 at 7:34 AM

    Oh I just love them!!!

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  28. UnknownApril 15, 2013 at 7:42 AM

    I love your mug rugs! I like your idea of ​​using as inspiration photos or videos! You did a beautiful job! Your mug rugs are original, cute and unique!
    Marisa.

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  29. Judy Cooper Textile ArtistApril 15, 2013 at 7:43 AM

    Very creative mug rugs. Thanks for sharing.

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  30. Sowing StitchesApril 15, 2013 at 7:49 AM

    Loving the bug! :) Perfect for morning tea in the garden! Fantastic job on both of your mugrugs! Thanks for sharing, Beulah

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  31. CatherineApril 15, 2013 at 7:50 AM

    I love your rugs. They are fun and unique. We don`t have praying mantis here, though I remember them when I lived back east. Great mugs too!

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  32. FrederikaApril 15, 2013 at 7:56 AM

    How lovely.
    Great job
    Thanks for sharing
    Frederika

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  33. Daryl @ Patchouli Moon StudioApril 15, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    Kris your mug rugs are great! Maybe you should make one more to actually use as a mug rug using tea-dyed fabrics; that way if you stain any coffee or tea on the rug it will only add to the dyed affect.
    You should use the praying mantis one as it's darker and any spills won't show if it happened to stain. But that white one with the cars, I might be afraid to use too, lol.

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  34. craftykatApril 15, 2013 at 8:06 AM

    Very clever and awesome!

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  35. MaraApril 15, 2013 at 8:09 AM

    Great Hand Embroidery work, do you first quilt the mug rug and then applique on top?

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  36. VickieApril 15, 2013 at 8:12 AM

    You must be a Texas girl ? I haven't visited the Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, but it is on my list of things to do. Very fun and original mug rug !

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  37. RosaApril 15, 2013 at 8:35 AM

    Great idea nad wonderful.Thanks for sharing!

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  38. Joyce CarterApril 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Great job on the mug rugs, Kris. I love the stitching and the colors.Very pretty. Thank you for sharing today.

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  39. AnonymousApril 15, 2013 at 8:40 AM

    Very clever. I love them. Thanks for sharing

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  40. Nancy in INApril 15, 2013 at 8:43 AM

    Love these small quilts as you can try new techniques. So cute.

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  41. DeeApril 15, 2013 at 8:46 AM

    love love love your caddy mug and rug:)

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  42. GwenApril 15, 2013 at 8:47 AM

    I have to admit that your mug rugs are certainly unique and original! You did a great job on making them! We found a praying mantis INSIDE our house one year when the kids were all still at home--my boys were so excited! We were able to find some crickets in the garage to feed to it. THAT was an interesting experience!

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  43. LindaApril 15, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    I've driven past these cadillacs when on my way out of Texas on vacation! It is certainly an "eye-popping" sight! How fun that you've put them on a mug rug! Your praying mantis is also wonderful! Great job!

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  44. SparkyApril 15, 2013 at 9:13 AM

    I listened to Bruce while adding my spin on your mug rugs lol. LOVE Them all...what is it with all you buggy lovers lol your caddy's is perfection....you will see why...great showing.. ohhh GREAT PHOTOS>.tell your son..he did good!

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  45. PattyApril 15, 2013 at 9:23 AM

    I like your mug rugs. Well done.

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  46. Linda CApril 15, 2013 at 9:41 AM

    Very clever! The colors are bright and spring like and just make you smile. I think I would consider a coaster too, LOL.

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  47. Just Quilt ItApril 15, 2013 at 10:14 AM

    Great job! I love the preying mantis. I love finding them in my yard, also.

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  48. Needled MomApril 15, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Great job!!! Your detail work is exceptional!

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  49. LJApril 15, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    I, too, have wondered if I'd use a mug rug as it was intended. Maybe a mug...but to put a cookie on it and stain it...that kinda makes me cringe!! lol Your rugs are great.

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  50. LouApril 15, 2013 at 10:42 AM

    Great job!!!
    You can almost anything on Amazon:)

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  51. HeatherK @ A Reformed Heath'nApril 15, 2013 at 10:55 AM

    I really like that thread art. Going to need to practice more, but I have tried it before. I have no problem using my creations, but maybe that's because I still have kids at home ...

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  52. CathiApril 15, 2013 at 11:26 AM

    How incredibly creative! Both your mug rugs are little works of art! Fabulous!

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  53. Leanne ParsonsApril 15, 2013 at 11:46 AM

    What a great job! I love the praying mantis.

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  54. Kathy @ Kwilty PleasuresApril 15, 2013 at 12:08 PM

    Being a gardener..I LOVE the praying mantis!

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  55. Quilter KathyApril 15, 2013 at 12:30 PM

    So fun and creative...love the cadillac song and the mug rug!

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  56. UnknownApril 15, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    I love Springsteen and your mug rugs are so fun! Thanks for sharing!

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  57. Kathy HApril 15, 2013 at 1:16 PM

    Excellent Cadillac mug rug.loved it. Well done on the preying mantis too, but am not fond of any bugs.

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  58. MarcyApril 15, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    Shazam! The cadillacs are a riot and very well done. The bug is great too.

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  59. BizyStitchesApril 15, 2013 at 1:23 PM

    you put a lot of thought into your mug rugs. Thanks for being in the hop.

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  60. SusanApril 15, 2013 at 2:15 PM

    Love your mug rugs and not sure which I like more. The caddys are great but the praying mantis is perfect! We look for them each summer here as well. Thanks for sharing.

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  61. JanaramaApril 15, 2013 at 2:22 PM

    Gorgeous mug rugs! So very unique and fun. I got the heebie-jeebies when I saw the giant praying mantis on the side of your home. I'm not a fan of real bugs. (Shudder)

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  62. Mrs.PicklesApril 15, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    very lovely work!! thanks for sharing!!

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  63. ThreadCatcherApril 15, 2013 at 3:51 PM

    The touches of embroidery/hand stitching makes your mug rugs extra special. There seems to be a mug for everything these days! Thanks for sharing.

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  64. Bente-I like to QuiltBlogApril 15, 2013 at 5:08 PM

    love your mugrugs, they are unique and so well done.
    Thanks for sharing!
    Liebe GRüße
    Bente in Germany

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  65. Ella and NestaApril 15, 2013 at 5:10 PM

    The Cadillac mug rug is sooo cool!

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  66. JulieApril 15, 2013 at 5:33 PM

    The Cadillac Ranch one is so awesome! Modern, wonderful quilting - just gorgeous. It was enjoyable to see the mug of inspiration - nice job!!

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  67. LindaApril 15, 2013 at 6:03 PM

    Kris, you did it again! Wonderful works of art!

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  68. SnoodlesApril 15, 2013 at 6:29 PM

    LOL I need to make one of those with Studebakers! :)

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  69. Emily CApril 15, 2013 at 6:32 PM

    Very cute rugs. Love that you have flowers, ours are just starting to bloom.

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  70. CeciliaApril 15, 2013 at 6:48 PM

    Great job! Your rugs are very cute. Thanks for sharing.

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  71. tink's momApril 15, 2013 at 7:44 PM

    congrats on being picked today. as cool as the cadillacs are I am in love with the Praying Mantis. You did such a great job on capturing his personallity.

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  72. QuiltsmilesApril 15, 2013 at 8:09 PM

    Kris, Well done on both. You are uber creative!!!! Jane

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  73. Teatime CreationsApril 15, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    Love the Cadillac rug. Great idea and tribute to the singer.

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  74. DeAnna April 15, 2013 at 8:25 PM

    You did a great job with the hand embroidery on both mug rugs. I especially like the tires. It's amazing where all our inspiration comes from. Thanks for sharing.

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  75. lefuntzApril 15, 2013 at 9:15 PM

    Congratulations on a top pick today! Well deserved but I like the praying mantis the best. I had two as pets when I was a kid. I spent a lot of time catching bugs for them and watched them for hours on end. Then one morning I only had one. So sad. I ended up letting it go. Your mantis is absolutely spectacular!

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  76. Carol SwiftApril 15, 2013 at 10:43 PM

    Your mug rugs made me smile...love them both! You really did a beautiful job on them. :O)

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  77. Karen OApril 15, 2013 at 10:57 PM

    I love both of these. What a great interpretation of both. LOVE the Praying Mantis!

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  78. CindyApril 15, 2013 at 11:24 PM

    Such fun inspiration! I love them both.

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  79. Gina LoomisApril 16, 2013 at 1:20 AM

    Kris, fantastic mug rugs! Your thread painting is awesome!! Thanks for participating and inspiring us!

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  80. KimApril 16, 2013 at 1:27 AM

    Very creative they are both cute.

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  81. apple blossomApril 16, 2013 at 9:24 AM

    cute as a bug...;P

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  82. TammyApril 16, 2013 at 9:36 AM

    What unique and cute mug rugs you have created. Thank you for shareing them with us.

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  83. Newbie JenApril 16, 2013 at 1:43 PM

    These are amazing! I don't know which I like best. Great thread painting of the details.

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  84. Deb@asimplelifequiltsApril 16, 2013 at 2:33 PM

    Very creative... I love all of the great details you added!

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  85. Scrapbook-ChickADoodleApril 16, 2013 at 5:28 PM

    The cars are great. Love how the mug fits the rug! The detail of the praying mantis is wonderful...really like his face.
    Congrats on being one of the chosen.

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  86. vickiApril 16, 2013 at 7:07 PM

    Love the car rug! thanks for sharing both. vickise at gmail dot com

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  87. SimoneApril 16, 2013 at 10:52 PM

    So cute! I love how you got inspired too. Very nice needle work. Outstanding actually. Thanks for being an inspiration.

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  88. WendyApril 17, 2013 at 12:32 AM

    Now, see, Kris, I thought your Billie-mug block swap really could have worked here too, but you did such an awesome job on these mug rugs you should be proud!! Great Job!! Thank you so much for sharing and now I have to go out your friend Billie's blog ;) Bless you!

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  89. Elita@Busy Needle QuiltingApril 17, 2013 at 9:01 AM

    Oh how cute! I love that song by Springsteen too. He's coming to Geneva in July! Great mug rugs!

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  90. ✄ Erin @ Sew at Home Mummy ✄April 17, 2013 at 8:17 PM

    Beautiful - very springy! I love it :) Thanks for hopping with us! I hope you had fun.

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  91. JoanneApril 18, 2013 at 12:51 AM

    These are just wonderful and so creative!

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  92. Connie Kresin CampbellApril 20, 2013 at 3:57 PM

    What creative mug rugs! Thanks for sharing and hopping!

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  93. KaHollyMay 7, 2013 at 8:23 AM

    You inspire me.

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