Glimpse Inside + Win Your Fave July Issue!

Wave that pennant banner in celebration of crafty summer fun! Whether you’re jetting off to paradise with your craft room in a carryon or enjoying a staycation in the comfort of your home studio, you can look forward to a month of unique décor projects, glittering wearable creations, adorable softie dolls, and more within the pages of these fantastic publications. If these issues light your creative spark, take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING discount that we are offering exclusively to our blog readers.

Use Promo Code: BLOG0712*

The autumn issue of Somerset Life captures the magic of the pretty details that tie our life together. Our Blogs with a View department features Vanessa Valencia’s whimsical blog, A Fanciful Twist, and Susannah Conway shares her thoughts on embracing the unknown in her article, “Being Brave in Love and in Life.” Leslie Shewring is back with a delicious peach, raspberry, and mint green color scheme peppered with color-coordinating buttons, lace doilies, grosgrain ribbon and tiny fabric swatches. Artist Rae Missigman shares how to take a cue from your natural surroundings and complement your sunny décor with a brilliant shade of white. These and more creative living ideas are in store for you in this bountiful issue.

~


Enjoy the Summer ’12 issue of Jewelry Affaire, a title adored for its glamorous, whimsical, and innovative jewelry pieces. Dive into a reef of jewelry wares with a striking necklace and earrings set, and add a touch of decadence with clusters of crystal and glass. Upcycle a golden chain of paper clips into a necklace, and get a handle on some vintage flair with authentic key and lock charms as well. From sea-inspired sparklers to more than a hundred scrumptious summer designs, this issue shines with handmade jewelry gems–and so will you!

~

The darling Scottie plushie and his fashionable owner on this cover of Stuffed will tickle your cute bone and hopefully your creative bone as well. Maneuver through traffic and wave to the Hollywood sign as you visit the hometown of Jenny Smith’s L.A. Animal collection. Pop by the small coastal village of Olive and Ethan, two brothers who spend time exploring the island together. We welcome back Junker Jane and her dreadfully sweet dolls and are excited to meet Anne-Claire Regan’s cast of characters that perform under the Big Top. Step right up to this issue that is sure to entertain and inspire you to create with needle, thread, and felt.

~

Fill your summer with this issue of Somerset Studio that will keep you crafting long after sunset. Join a group of artists who ban together to create a collaborative mixed-media quilt called The ART Harvest, and see how Michelle Montgomery transforms milk carton material into art. Go retro with our With One Stamp department, which showcases the innovative stamping projects created by various artists with a library card-inspired stamp. Creativity Coach Quinn McDonald walks you through the process of categorizing and capturing your many ideas to keep you from becoming overwhelmed with inspiration –if that’s even possible!

~

This issue of Art Journaling proves to be another show-stopping hit, featuring articles and projects that combine emotion and words, creativity and paint. Amber Walker shares how returning to college as an adult inspired the use of spray paint in her journaling. Discover how Caiti Santa Maria rekindles her love of art with an online art journaling workshop with Elsie Larson and Rachel Denbow of Red Velvet. Stephanie Schutze presents her first art journal that expanded her scope of mixed media, a “world full of possibilities, endless inspiration, techniques, and styles.” These artists take their insightful, brave, and inspiring thoughts and translate them onto the page, bringing them to life with patterned paper, paint brushes, and hand lettering techniques that they cultivate along the way.

~

Belle Armoire will delight the seasoned DIY artist and push the creative limits of new seamstresses. Retro-inspired hats, bohemian camisoles, and funky tie necklaces are all fun variations on classic clothing pieces. Artist Holly Lake inspires you to create without imitations and embrace a style that has been influenced by previous generations. Join Ruth Rae as she shows you how to combine free-motion sewing with marking techniques to form new lines, patterns, and textures in any work of art. Allow yourself to be whisked away to a prairie tea party, an enchanted forest, and a bohemian village with a variety of culturally-inspired wearable designs.

~

Do you remember the very first art project you made in school? Chances are that it was with a similar watercolor crayon resist technique that this issue of The Stampers’ Sampler revisits with an ink-resistant adhesive called Teykol. Cards can come in all shapes and sizes, as Donna Bowman exemplifies with her petite 3-inch squares adorned with details like patterned tissue tapes, miniature filmstrips, and vintage buttons. Check out the submissions that were the cream of the creative crop in our Coin Purse Tempting Template challenge, and find out how our readers “put a cork” in their unique mixed-media artwork — all packed into this issue that will appeal to stampers of all ages and skill levels.

~

Want to win one of these issues? Comment below with the title you’re most looking forward to reading! One person will be selected at random to receive their choice of magazine. Winner will be chosen and announced July 12th.

 

*Free shipping offer applies to U.S. purchases of the following July 2012 issues only: Art Journaling, Belle Armoire, Jewelry Affaire, Somerset Life, Somerset Studio, Stuffed, and The Stampers’ Sampler. Discount code does not apply to items purchased from The Shoppe at Somerset and expires 7/31/12. Contest is open to U.S. residents and ends 7/11/12 at 11:59pm.

Update: Congratulations Kate Blue, you are our winner! We will be in contact with you regarding the details of your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated! Want another chance to win? “Like” us on Facebook and follow our updates tomorrow morning for a surprise giveaway!


Posted: Monday, July 2nd, 2012 @ 9:13 am
Categories: Art Dolls and Softies, Art Journaling, Artful Living, Glimpse Inside And Sneak Peeks, Mixed-Media Art, Stamping, Textile Arts.
Tags: , .
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118 Responses to “Glimpse Inside + Win Your Fave July Issue!”

  1. Sandy Zeiset says:

    Love, love, love Art Journaling Magazine. So much inspiration packed into each issue!!

  2. Heather says:

    When I saw the pages of Somerset Life reflected above, I actually gasped. I love vintage books and textiles, so seeing them married in such a lovely way made me quite excited for the upcoming July issue! Thank you, Stampington for always keeping me inspired when my busy life as a wife/mother limits my world as an artist.

  3. Libbi says:

    I love both Studio and Art Journaling!! You ALL rock!

  4. Gina Shillitani says:

    Can’t make up my mind between Art Journaling Magazine and Somerset Life! Awesome!

  5. Jo ross says:

    Love the vintage pockets almost as much as the scottie and his human! Inspiration has struck again. Thanks!!!

  6. Jennifer says:

    Somerset Life entranced me from the minute I laid eyes on it. Then I read the paragraph about the additional articles and ides and I’m even more excited!

  7. Vicki says:

    Love Art Journaling!

  8. Vesna says:

    It’s difficult to make a choice, all of your publications are full of ideas that get the mind going and inspire me to make something. This time I vote for Jewelry Affair and Belle Armoire.

  9. Susan says:

    I’d love to win the new Stampers Sampler!

  10. I would have to say Jewellery Affair as I have not had the opportunity to read this publication and would so love to be inspired. My second choice would be Belle Armoire.
    Thank you for the chance to win.
    Lynne

  11. Michele says:

    I already subscribe to Somerset Life (I eagerly await each new issue.) But I haven’t checked out Somerset Studio yet and would love to win a copy. (And by the way, the day you are announcing the winner, July 9th, happens to be my birthday! It would be a lovely birthday surprise if I happened to be the winner!)

  12. Vivian H says:

    Between Somerset Studio and Art Journaling. Can’t decide but I do love surprises. :)

  13. Bonnie says:

    As a lover of all things vintage, especially clothing, this Belle Armoire issue looking very enticing!

  14. Eileen Johnson says:

    I am just itching to see the new Belle Armoire, looks just beautiful from the sneak peak. It is hard to decide indeed!!
    Here’s hoping!
    Eileen of Tea Time Textiles

  15. Robin says:

    The new issue of Art Journaling looks completely inspiring! My creative juices are tingling!

  16. kate blue says:

    drooling over them all, BUT I’m gonna go “outside my box” and say Somerset Life :)

  17. Theresa says:

    I would love to win this copy of Somerset Life – as the wonderful Vanessa Valencia is in it and I’ve not yet become addicted to this publication yet! Thank you for the opportunity!

  18. Kimber says:

    Art Journaling looks to be an amazing read! Thanks for the chance to win ome!

  19. Randi S says:

    Art Journaling is my favorite, hands down!

  20. Emily Nilson says:

    I love Aylar’s Garden in Jewelry Affaire!

  21. Snao says:

    Decisions, decisions … do I have to pick just one?? Could it be between Art Journaling and Somerset Life???!!!! Please??!!!! :D :D

  22. Kari says:

    i would love Art Journaling or Somerset Studio!

  23. Barb says:

    S-set Life for me! Well, wait… I think Art Journaling! No… Life! Well… Art Journaling! Oh, I can’t choose! Either one would make me so happy!

  24. Sally says:

    Love, love, love Belle Armoire! Such inspiring projects keep my fingers stitching!

  25. Annie says:

    I am already inspired by Somerset Life and the sneak peeks you so generously share. I’d love to pull it from my mailbox and be able to sit and dream with it…many more times than once, that’s for sure!

  26. Mary Anne says:

    I want to see them ALL, but if I have to settle on just one it would have to be Somerset Life, which is one of my favourites.

  27. Lisa Castillo says:

    Love Somerset Life and Somerset Studio! Really all of them are wonderful!

  28. Pat Langley says:

    I would like to see Somerset Life.
    I enjoy Summerset Studio and Belle Jewelry

  29. Aidel.K says:

    I love that necklace in Jewelry Affaire! That’s what I want to check out the most. (Somerset Life & Stuffed really appeal to me also,though.)

  30. Abby says:

    I’d love a copy of Somerset Life!

  31. Ann Portner says:

    Oh Boy!!! Only one huh? Somerset Life it would be. Every issue makes for 1001 quiet evenings of wishing, dreaming……………….and creating

  32. Ella says:

    They all look amazing! I would love to win Jewelry Affaire! Thank you for the chance :D

  33. Sharon McEntee says:

    I’d like to check out Jewelry Affaire, as I have a stash of fabric and beads and need some inspiration with what to do with them. The fabric bangles look like a good start.

  34. All the images are so inspiring! Since I subscribe to SS Studio and Life I’ll go for Jewelry Affaire! Thanks for the chance to win!

  35. Linda Flader says:

    I already have this issue of Art Journaling (love it!). I would love to add the SS Life to my library. Fingers crossed. thanks.

  36. wendymc says:

    Every one of them looks fab, but the art journaling looks amazing! Thanks for the shot.

  37. Jingle says:

    I am looking forward to checking out Stuffed and the Stamper’s Sampler! They all look great! I might pick up Somerset Studio for the beach this week, actually! :-)

  38. LOVE Art Journaling, can not WAIT to get it! And Studio as well…and Life…oh boy they are all fabulous!

  39. Renee Zarate says:

    Art Journaling looks fantastic, it always is! I’d love to win that one.

  40. tina says:

    Oh wow – what fun. I usually always buy every issue so if I can win one I will be most happy if I won the art journaling issue. The pages you shared are what got me — 2nd choice would be somerset life.

    but then again I would be happy with any issue of any of your magazines. love them all.

    have a crafty week
    tina

  41. Sharyn Cleary says:

    Definately Art Journaling, always inspiring and interesting.

  42. Carol Weiler says:

    I always find lots of inspiration in Art Journaling. Love it!

  43. Lisa M says:

    I always, always look forward to Somerset Studio. It’s the one I would buy if I could only have one! I have every single issue and often pore through them for inspiration and ideas. It only gets better with time!

  44. Cindy LYnch says:

    I am in love with all of the mags, but the latest issue of Art Journaling was a great inspiration….so, I’m thinking I’ll find lots of exciting stuff in the next issue as well… Art Journaling, it is!

  45. Helena Chaikin says:

    The new Stamper’s Sampler looks delicious! Would love to win it…

  46. Linda Dunn says:

    Somerset Studio is always an inspiration. Beautiful page design and photos.

  47. I am looking forward to Belle Amoire with Jewelry Affaire as a close second!

  48. NM Creatrix says:

    Art Journaling for sur! Please pick me…

  49. jani-b says:

    I’m Interested in paper crafts so I’ve never picked up an issue of Stuffed. The photo layout you’ve provided and the mention of circus characters will put Stuffed on the top of my shopping list!

  50. Lori E. says:

    I absolutely LOVE Somerset Life! Always look forward to devouring each edition! Close second is The Stampers’ Sampler…

  51. Linda S. Cravens says:

    What a choice. Since I already subscribe to Somerset Studio and Stampers Sampler, I’d have to go with Jewelry Affaire. The photos are way cool and the mention of key & lock charms,my favorites, makes it super appealing!

  52. Sharon C. says:

    All of your publications are full of the most delightful, creative and inspiring ideas, it’s hard to choose! I have recently become intrigued with art dolls, so my choice would be Stuffed.

  53. Dee Holst says:

    I’m an Art Doll fan so Stuffed looks very enticing. Then again, I’m just learning beading so Jewelry Affaire—hmmm!

  54. Jani Howe says:

    As I have just this year begun journaling and can’t seem to read enough about it, I’d love to see this issue of Art Journaling! Finding time to do all the reading I’d like to do is the hard part! Stampington has always been my ‘go-to’ place for information about stamping and collage!

  55. Maureen says:

    Oh my, but all your magazines are lovely!! I would enjoy a copy of Art Journaling the most, followed closely by Stampers Sampler! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

  56. Terry Lummer says:

    Oh, dear, I am stuck between Jewelry Affaire and Art Journaling. I read a wonderful article on your blog about art Journaling that truly inspired me. I have never read Jewelry Affaire and I would love to give it a try. Hmm, so many wonderful magazines to choose from.

  57. Madeline Rains says:

    Art Journaling please! I am in the middle of my first art journal and would love to learn more!

  58. Sharon Marie Hobson says:

    I sooooooo…..wish that I could have a copy of ANY of your fantastic mags. Especially Art journaling, or Jewellery Affair, or Somerset studio, or stuffed, or somerset place, or Stampers sampler, or ANY. I JUST LOVE THEM ALL. But I am not allowed to spend any money because I am ill and can’t go work. Hubby has low paid job. But am trying to sell my jewellery and crafts so one day I may be able to indulge. x
    From sSharon in UK. xxx

  59. Cathy H. says:

    My favorite to read would be Art Journaling!! What a fun summer give-a-way!!

  60. Angie says:

    I enjoy them all but would have to pick Jewelry Afaire. I am into designing jewelry right now and love all the inspiration in the pages of that magazine. Any one of the magazines listed would be a treat.

  61. KimMJ says:

    Would love to win Studio or Art Journaling…they both look amazing! Thanx for the chance to win!!!

  62. Val says:

    I love all of Stampington Magazines. Out of the choices I would have to pick the Belle Amoire. Any of the magazines would be wonderful to have. Thanks for this opportunity.

  63. Pat K says:

    They are all so appealing Somerset Studio and Art
    Journaling would be great! Thanks for the opportunity!

  64. Su Hayes says:

    Art Journaling is my very favorite Magazine. It is wonderful to have a chance to win a copy. Stampington rocks!

  65. Maria Matter says:

    They’re all so inspiring! Art Journaling would be my first read…love mixed media!
    Thank you!

  66. Jackie Halstead says:

    I’ve never tried art journaling–Even the brief glimpse was inspiring. That would be my choice!

  67. Somehow, Somerset Life always manages to find new ways to use the materials I most love working with.

  68. Lucie Hale says:

    Can’t decide which one to get and read first: Art Journaling or Somerset Studio. Both your sneak peaks gave me inspiration and the desire to dive into them today!!!

  69. robin west says:

    Somerset Studio! always great and inspired ideas.

  70. I am choosing to say Art Journaling….I purchased Somerset Studio and Jewelry Affaire at Barnes and Noble on Sunday! I love all of your publications and I have the library to prove it!

  71. HawaiianLibrarian says:

    Somerset Life or Somerset Studio? oh such a difficult choice! I think…Somerset Life, and if I don’t win, no pilikia, no problem, I’ll just order my own copies. mahalo for the op to win an issue!

  72. I love the Somerset Life and the Art Journaling…(I love the Stampers Sampler too, and that is why I subscribe to it!)

  73. Yvonne says:

    Hi,

    Somerset Studio is one I would love to read. Red-range and blue one of my most favorite combos, I can’t wait to read the With One Palette article.

  74. Sherri Boyce says:

    I would love to win Somerset Life! It is my all time favorite! It has a little bit of EVERYTHING!

  75. planetjenn says:

    Somerset Life for certain! I already have Somerset Studio and Art Journaling…fabulous as always!!!

  76. Andria says:

    If I have to choose just one, I think I’ll go with Somerset Studio, though Art Journaling is neck and neck. The publications look great!

  77. Oh, goodness, I live for Somerset Life! Love it, want to marry it!
    Thanks for the opportunity to win it!
    Sherry

  78. Kristy Tyra says:

    I always look forward to the Stamper’s Sampler.

  79. I’m very intrigued by the new Art Journaling issue as I’m a beginner in that area. This issue is especially gorgeous, too. I’m addicted to all of your publications! :)

  80. Alina says:

    Somerset Studio is always full of so many inspiring ideas.

  81. pattisj says:

    This is such a hard choice, you have so many wonderful magazines. I would probably choose The Stamper’s Sampler, or Somerset Studio.

  82. Jean Goza says:

    Oh it would definitely be Somerset Life. Every issue is an inspirational read.

  83. Danielle says:

    I love your Art Journaling magazine and can’t wait to read this issue as it looks fabulous!

  84. Marva says:

    I love the Art Journaling spreads you show! I am fascinated by all the different and beautiful work that everyone does in their journaling.

  85. margie says:

    Stuffed! Love all the issues.

  86. This newest Somerset studio is just wonderful – full of fantastic color and design. The art journaling mag looks like it’s fabulous also. I’m always inspired by your publications – wonderful eye candy for the artist!

  87. Fredi Alt says:

    Art Journaling always stimulates my senses and imagination! The colors and pictures and ideas and possibilities and and……!!!!!

  88. jenni says:

    somerset life and somerset home. i love this magazine so much. it just speaks my heart and i’m able to translate the pages into my home and into gifts. i love somerset studio and learn from it, but it’s these two magazines that enable me to make art big enough to live in!

  89. clintine steele says:

    I LOVE ALL your publications – even if I do not participate in the particular endeavor covered (sewing, doll-making, digital art), my newest fave is art Journaling (I don’t even journal!)because I enjoy the background techniques. My stand-by favorite has always been Somerset Studio. I will purchase that issue sight unseen for guarateed inspiration!

  90. Nancy Broeker says:

    How could anyone choose just one? Every one of these magazines is filled with wonderment. I love them all. My favorite is the Memories. Next most favorite is the Sampler.

  91. Donna says:

    What to choose . . . what to choose?! This time it would have to be Somerset Life, no wait, make that Belle Armoire. No, no, it’s definitely Somerset Life. Yes, Somerset Life has my vote.
    Or maybe . . . Geesh, could you make it any more difficult to choose? OK, Somerset Life is the one.

  92. Lora Gandy says:

    I have subscribed to Somerset Studio for years and still find it amazingly inspirational. All of your publications make me lust after more ability and TIME! I do enjoy Belle Armoire and would love to have the lastest copy as I love the ideas of bringing many of my favorite techniques to fabric and clothing!

  93. Kerry says:

    Tough choices, I love the art journaling, and somerset studio. But I want to start making stuffed animals, so… I might want stuffed! Good luck everyone!

  94. Sue says:

    I would be delighted to win an issue of Somerset Life! But I am looking forward to all of these issues, one way or another…I practically live for Somerset!

  95. Dawn says:

    oooo, I would love to get a copy of Art Journaling this intrigues me, I would love to see whats inside

  96. Mary Gryger says:

    Somerset Life is an embodiment of the beautiful, gentle life I wish to live and to share with others.

  97. I subscribe to three Somerset Magazines but I’d love to win a copy of Somerset Life. It looks beautiful and creative. Thank you for this chance to win a free issue. Cool!

  98. melissa says:

    These all completely rock!! The Stampers’ Sampler would be my pick if I was lucky enough to win. By the way, my husband and I just celebrated our 18th Wedding Anniversary :-) . Wink,wink.

  99. Doreen says:

    Would be great to win a copy of The Stampers’ Sampler.

  100. Julia Molewyk says:

    Somerset Studio and Art Journaling both look amazing. My one choice would be Art Journaling. All your featured publications are so inspiring. Thanks for the chance to win!

  101. Denise says:

    I would love to win Somerset Studio. I love ALL your magazines! Thank you!

  102. Okay so selecting just one is near impossible, but I have managed to do it: The Stamper’s Sampler!
    Congrats to whoever wins!
    Gentle Hugs, Stacey

  103. Somerset Life is one of my favs. Love most of your mags. Thanks for offering this giveaway!!

  104. I have been a HUGE fan of your publications for many years and would love to win a chance to take one of your publications for a creative test drive!

  105. Kathy Bumb says:

    I love all your magazines, but especially would like the new issue of Somerset Life. It always has such beautiful creations and tutorials.

  106. Kristin says:

    I am looking forward to the Holiday Celebration mag, it gets me so excited about making my Christmas gifts, which I always get my ideas from there!

  107. Karen says:

    Love the colors in the Somerset Studio preview – looking forward to checking it out!

  108. Melanie Butler says:

    Can’t wait for the new Somerset Life!!! <3

  109. Tara Medrano says:

    As Usual….ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS. Eye Candy for the Soul……….

  110. Tara Medrano says:

    Somserset LIFE looks exceptionally INSPIRING!! I LOVE this magazine!!

  111. nancy Johnston says:

    Art Journaling is always the one I really look forward to, then Somerset LIFE. LOVE you folks and appreciate all your work.

  112. Pat says:

    So hard to choose just one! Somerset Studio, I guess…

  113. Ann Linton says:

    Art Journaling Magazine is my favorite. There are so many techniques that translate to other projects, as well. It is a great way to use and preserve special ephemera.

  114. Sami Thompson says:

    Oh, the copy of STUFFED, please! I love the others listed, but I’m trying to control my Stampington addiction (Bwa-ha-ha! Impossible!) to the best of my ability. I have nearly every issue of STUFFED & it’s such a wonderful read.

    I already binge-read many Stampington titles, but I can quit anytime I want to – I just don’t want to. These are the best publications in crafting – they never disappoint! Thanks for all you do!

  115. Susan Vann says:

    Such wonderful ideas and projects in your July Art Journaling issue. I can’t wait. Hope it’s me that you pick.

  116. Vicki Kroll says:

    Stampers Sampler for me. I love to stamp and have been doing it since long before it was popular. I love the ideas presented in your magazines. They get my creative juices flowing. Thank you for the chance to win one of your magazines.

  117. Susan Murati says:

    Love all your magazines!!!! I look forward to my retirement when I will have more time to complete projects, including those in Belle Armoire!!!! I have my fabrics waiting…………

  118. Lynda says:

    Stamper’s Sampler never fails to inspire. Thanks for a chance to win the newest one.

Jordan Art Dolls and SoftiesArt JournalingArtful LivingGlimpse Inside And Sneak PeeksMixed-Media ArtStampingTextile Arts ,

Wave that pennant banner in celebration of crafty summer fun! Whether you’re jetting off to paradise with your craft room in a carryon or enjoying a staycation in the comfort of your home studio, you can look forward to a month of unique décor projects, glittering wearable creations, adorable softie dolls, and more within the pages of these fantastic publications. If these issues light your creative spark, take advantage of our FREE SHIPPING discount that we are offering exclusively to our blog readers.

Use Promo Code: BLOG0712*

The autumn issue of Somerset Life captures the magic of the pretty details that tie our life together. Our Blogs with a View department features Vanessa Valencia’s whimsical blog, A Fanciful Twist, and Susannah Conway shares her thoughts on embracing the unknown in her article, “Being Brave in Love and in Life.” Leslie Shewring is back with a delicious peach, raspberry, and mint green color scheme peppered with color-coordinating buttons, lace doilies, grosgrain ribbon and tiny fabric swatches. Artist Rae Missigman shares how to take a cue from your natural surroundings and complement your sunny décor with a brilliant shade of white. These and more creative living ideas are in store for you in this bountiful issue.

~


Enjoy the Summer ’12 issue of Jewelry Affaire, a title adored for its glamorous, whimsical, and innovative jewelry pieces. Dive into a reef of jewelry wares with a striking necklace and earrings set, and add a touch of decadence with clusters of crystal and glass. Upcycle a golden chain of paper clips into a necklace, and get a handle on some vintage flair with authentic key and lock charms as well. From sea-inspired sparklers to more than a hundred scrumptious summer designs, this issue shines with handmade jewelry gems–and so will you!

~

The darling Scottie plushie and his fashionable owner on this cover of Stuffed will tickle your cute bone and hopefully your creative bone as well. Maneuver through traffic and wave to the Hollywood sign as you visit the hometown of Jenny Smith’s L.A. Animal collection. Pop by the small coastal village of Olive and Ethan, two brothers who spend time exploring the island together. We welcome back Junker Jane and her dreadfully sweet dolls and are excited to meet Anne-Claire Regan’s cast of characters that perform under the Big Top. Step right up to this issue that is sure to entertain and inspire you to create with needle, thread, and felt.

~

Fill your summer with this issue of Somerset Studio that will keep you crafting long after sunset. Join a group of artists who ban together to create a collaborative mixed-media quilt called The ART Harvest, and see how Michelle Montgomery transforms milk carton material into art. Go retro with our With One Stamp department, which showcases the innovative stamping projects created by various artists with a library card-inspired stamp. Creativity Coach Quinn McDonald walks you through the process of categorizing and capturing your many ideas to keep you from becoming overwhelmed with inspiration –if that’s even possible!

~

This issue of Art Journaling proves to be another show-stopping hit, featuring articles and projects that combine emotion and words, creativity and paint. Amber Walker shares how returning to college as an adult inspired the use of spray paint in her journaling. Discover how Caiti Santa Maria rekindles her love of art with an online art journaling workshop with Elsie Larson and Rachel Denbow of Red Velvet. Stephanie Schutze presents her first art journal that expanded her scope of mixed media, a “world full of possibilities, endless inspiration, techniques, and styles.” These artists take their insightful, brave, and inspiring thoughts and translate them onto the page, bringing them to life with patterned paper, paint brushes, and hand lettering techniques that they cultivate along the way.

~

Belle Armoire will delight the seasoned DIY artist and push the creative limits of new seamstresses. Retro-inspired hats, bohemian camisoles, and funky tie necklaces are all fun variations on classic clothing pieces. Artist Holly Lake inspires you to create without imitations and embrace a style that has been influenced by previous generations. Join Ruth Rae as she shows you how to combine free-motion sewing with marking techniques to form new lines, patterns, and textures in any work of art. Allow yourself to be whisked away to a prairie tea party, an enchanted forest, and a bohemian village with a variety of culturally-inspired wearable designs.

~

Do you remember the very first art project you made in school? Chances are that it was with a similar watercolor crayon resist technique that this issue of The Stampers’ Sampler revisits with an ink-resistant adhesive called Teykol. Cards can come in all shapes and sizes, as Donna Bowman exemplifies with her petite 3-inch squares adorned with details like patterned tissue tapes, miniature filmstrips, and vintage buttons. Check out the submissions that were the cream of the creative crop in our Coin Purse Tempting Template challenge, and find out how our readers “put a cork” in their unique mixed-media artwork — all packed into this issue that will appeal to stampers of all ages and skill levels.

~

Want to win one of these issues? Comment below with the title you’re most looking forward to reading! One person will be selected at random to receive their choice of magazine. Winner will be chosen and announced July 12th.

 

*Free shipping offer applies to U.S. purchases of the following July 2012 issues only: Art Journaling, Belle Armoire, Jewelry Affaire, Somerset Life, Somerset Studio, Stuffed, and The Stampers’ Sampler. Discount code does not apply to items purchased from The Shoppe at Somerset and expires 7/31/12. Contest is open to U.S. residents and ends 7/11/12 at 11:59pm.

Update: Congratulations Kate Blue, you are our winner! We will be in contact with you regarding the details of your prize. Thanks to everyone who participated! Want another chance to win? “Like” us on Facebook and follow our updates tomorrow morning for a surprise giveaway!