Category: Techniques

Cut, Shake & Share: Valentine Treat Ideas with Heart Gusseted Treat Bags

Last week on my live, I shared several fun ideas using the Heart Gusseted Treat Bags (#167073). I posted about the project I created during the live, but then realized I never shared the other projects—so today I’m fixing that!

A variety of decorated gift bags with heart designs, featuring messages like 'Hugs & Kisses' and 'I Adore You'. The bags are embellished with red and pink colors, and some contain chocolates and other small gifts.

These four additional projects all feature cutting a window into the treat bags using the Endless Love Dies (#167061), then using the die-cut heart from the bag on a coordinating project. It’s such a fun way to stretch your supplies and get multiple projects from one idea.

Helpful Tips Before You Cut

A handmade greeting card featuring three red heart cutouts with a transparent background, displaying colorful sequins inside, and the text 'Hugs & Kisses' on a pink ribbon.

Be sure to watch the video where I share tips on how to avoid cutting through the sides of the bag. For this technique, you’ll want to use the Mini Cutting Plates (#151004) and place one inside the bag, so you’re only cutting through a single layer.

If you’d like your bag to stand up like mine, score the bottom of the bag at 1/2″, then fold that section to the inside to create a flat base.

Project One – Large Heart Window Shaker

For my first project, I used the large heart die to cut a window in the bag. I then cut a smaller heart from Real Red cardstock and embossed it with the Hearts of Love 3D Embossing Folder (#167071).

To create the shaker:

  • I used a 3″ x 3″ Flip Flap (#166514)
  • Filled it with the Loose Valentines Assortment (#167074)
  • Attached it to the back of the embossed red heart
  • Then adhered everything to the inside of the bag behind the window
A handcrafted gift box featuring red and white hearts with an arrow design, embellished with an 'XO' motif and colorful ribbons, presented on a textured background.
A decorative Valentine's Day card featuring layered hearts, one red with a black outline, and the text 'XO' on a white heart background with small red hearts.
A decorative treat bag featuring a large red heart with an arrow, a transparent heart-shaped window filled with confetti, and a string bow. The background is white with small red hearts.

I finished the bag with additional die cuts and Real Red Baker’s Twine (#164051).

For the coordinating project, I used the heart cut from the treat bag along with extra die cuts and twine then attached them to an Iridescent Treat Bag (#166204)—quick, easy, and adorable.

Project Two – Filigree Hearts & Shimmery Window

For the second project, I cut the smaller hearts and layered them with the filigree heart dies.

A decorated packaging with red hearts and the text 'Hugs & Kisses' holding colorful candies, next to a chocolate bar wrapped in pink paper with a tag that says 'I Adore You'.
A decorative white bag with red hearts and the phrase 'Hugs & Kisses' printed on a pink ribbon.
A handmade card featuring three red heart cutouts with iridescent backgrounds, accompanied by a pink 'Hugs & Kisses' sentiment and adorned with a pink ribbon.

To create a shimmery window:

  • I cut open an Iridescent Treat Bag (#166204)
  • Adhered it to the inside of the gusseted treat bag

For the greeting, I used the Three Banner Punch (#167050) for a quick and easy sentiment. The final touch was Bubble Bath 1/8″ Faux Linen Ribbon (#167075)—the perfect delicate accent.

Coordinating Candy Bar Treat

To coordinate, I layered one of the hearts cut from the treat bag onto additional die cuts. I embossed Bubble Bath cardstock, wrapped it around a candy bar, and added:

  • A strip of Real Red cardstock stamped with XO in black
  • A big, beautiful bow made from the Bubble Bath Faux Linen Ribbon

Quick, easy, and super cute!

A wrapped chocolate bar decorated with a pink and red heart-shaped tag that says 'I ADORE YOU', resting on a textured surface.
A wrapped chocolate bar with a pink embossed cover featuring small hearts, a red band displaying the word 'XOXO' in black, and a decorative ribbon.
A decorative gift wrapper featuring hearts and the phrase 'I Adore You', on top of a chocolate bar.

Any of these projects would make a perfect Valentine treat for someone special, and they’re a great way to get even more value from your Heart Gusseted Treat Bags.

💖 Remember: You can purchase all of the products used for these projects on my website. I appreciate your support.

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
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andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Celebrate National Polka Dot Day with a Simple Stamping Technique

At work, I usually kick off our morning stand-up meetings by sharing fun things to celebrate—and did you know today is National Polka Dot Day? 🎉 That little fact got my creative wheels turning and inspired me to celebrate with a hand-stamped card.

A colorful greeting card featuring a central yellow circle with the text 'HELLO Sunshine', set against a patterned background of pastel circles and small black flowers.

I wanted to keep this project super simple, but still include a fun and easy technique. I paired two unlikely stamp sets—Exploring Nature (Hello Sunshine) #166913 and Love Story (small flower) #167065.

I used the small flower from Love Story to create a playful polka dot background by stamping the image in black on white cardstock. To add color, I inked sponge daubers #133773 in Coastal Cabana, Daffodil Delight, and Melon Mambo and stamped over the flowers—quick, easy, and so cheerful!

For the focal element, I added a Coastal Cabana tag embossed with the Mini Corrugated 3D Embossing Folder #165559, finished it off with a big baker’s twine bow, and cut my Hello Sunshine sentiment using the Stylish Shapes Dies #159183 out of Daffodil Delight cardstock and stamped in black. I mounted the finished piece on Melon Mambo cardstock to tie it all together.

Quick, simple, and oh so cute! 💕

Be sure to check out my Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube if you’d like to see a short video showing just how easy this technique comes together. And while you’re there, remember to subscribe so you be able to catch my upcoming projects!

All of the products used are available to purchase on my website. I truly appreciate your support—shopping with me allows me to keep creating and sharing fun projects with you. 💖

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Hello Sunshine & Travel Dreams ✈️🌞

Did you know that today is National Shop for Travel Day?
That feels perfectly timed because my future travel plans include a Caribbean cruise—and after almost two years of planning, I’m finally down to under 100 days! 🎉

With travel on the brain, it felt only right that during my live yesterday I featured the Beach Boardwalk Suite. This collection also has a coordinating scrapbooking kit, and I can hardly wait to use it to document our trip once we return. 🌊📸

For this project, I used the Global Design Project #GDP530 layout challenge as my starting point. I pushed myself a little out of my comfort zone and treated the layout more as inspiration rather than a strict roadmap—which is definitely not my norm!

Two colorful greeting cards featuring a beach scene with palm trees, a large sun, and the text 'HEY, SUNSHINE'. The background has soft pastel colors and textured layers.

Design Inspiration & Creative Changes

Logo of the Global Design Project featuring a globe icon with a heart, accompanied by the text 'GLOBAL DESIGN PROJECT' and the hashtag '#GDP530'. Below is a simple design with circular shapes in green and white, set against a light green background.

One of the main elements in the challenge layout is three circles on the side. Instead of circles, I swapped them out for three palm trees, keeping the visual balance while adding a fun tropical twist. 🌴🌴🌴

I also decided to turn this into a slimline card, which is one of my favorite formats. This size fits perfectly in a legal-size envelope, making it great for mailing or gifting.

Card Size & Base

While there are many slimline sizes, I typically make mine 8-1/2″ x 3-1/2″. I also love turning them into pocket cards for money or gift cards.

  • Card base: 8-1/2″ x 8-1/2″, scored at 3-1/2″ and 7″
  • Card base color: White

Background & Layers

I cut a second piece of white cardstock to 8-1/4″ x 3-1/4″ and used my blending brushes with Strawberry Slush, Petunia Pop, and Pool Party to create a soft ombre background.

For the square focal element, I cut a piece of Beach Boardwalk DSP #166820 using the largest square from the Stylish Shapes Dies #159183 and framed it with a 3″ x 3″ piece of cardstock:

  • Card 1 frame: Strawberry Slush
  • Card 2 frame: Petunia Pop

Want to see all the steps come together?
Be sure to check out the replay from my live, where I walk you through the entire process and share extra tips along the way. 🎥✨

Stamping & Die Cutting Details

Two hand-crafted greeting cards featuring a watercolor background with pink and blue tones, silhouettes of palm trees, and a yellow sun.
  • Palm trees stamped from Boardwalk Fun Stamp Set #166822 in Petunia Pop on the DSP
  • Additional palm trees die cut in black cardstock using Boardwalk Fun Dies #166828
  • I layered two of them over the stamped palm trees to create a shadow effect.

For the sun, I used one of the stitched circle dies (third smallest) cut from white cardstock and blended Daffodil Delight and Timid Tiger for added depth ☀️.

Sand, Waves & Finishing Touches

  • Sand: Torn Crumb Cake cardstock, stamped with dots from Swirled Designs #167030 in Pecan Pie, then softly blended for dimension
  • Waves: DSP cut with Light & Wonder Dies #165762, edges highlighted with Pool Party ink

I stamped “Hey, Sunshine” in black ink in the bottom right corner and wrapped Strawberry Slush Ribbon around the ombre background before assembling everything.

The palm trees were popped up with Stampin’ Dimensionals, and I finished them off with a simple knot secured using Mini Glue Dots. A few Strawberry Slush & Pretty in Pink Gems #165615 added just the right amount of sparkle ✨.

Inside Pocket

A colorful greeting card design featuring palm trees and a sun, with the text 'HEY, SUNSHINE'. The card is partially open, revealing a two-dollar bill inside.

On the inside, I added a strip of DSP to the top of the 1-1/2″ folded section and used Tear & Tape on the sides to create a pocket—perfect for cash or a gift card.

This bright, happy card has me so ready for warm weather and sunshine, especially while we’re still in the middle of winter ❄️➡️☀️.

💬 Tell me:
What trip are you dreaming of taking this year? And can you see yourself using the Beach Boardwalk Suite for your summer plans?

If so, be sure to add this amazing suite (and all the fun extras!) to your cart today. 🛒🌴
If you enjoyed this project, remember to click follow so you’ll be notified when I share more creative inspiration and upcoming projects.

Thanks so much for stopping by—I truly appreciate you! ☀️✨

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A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Create Unique Backgrounds with Nature’s Symphony Techniques

This week the Global Design Project featured another color challenge using Night of Navy, Azure Afternoon, and Balmy Blue. I briefly considered using December’s Product of the Month since those blues would have worked perfectly, but in the end I decided to do something a little different and create my own background paper.

I pulled out the Nature’s Symphony Stamp Set (#166919) and Dies (#166925) and had so much fun experimenting that I ended up mixing and matching the technique with several different background colors. Each one turned out completely unique. Can you guess which one was my original? I’ll give you a hint—it started with Very Vanilla cardstock, which I really love because it highlights the technique.

A collection of five handcrafted greeting cards featuring various shades of blue and white floral designs, with the text 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' prominently displayed on each card.
Logo for Global Design Project featuring a globe with a heart, along with color swatches labeled 'Night of Navy,' 'Azure Afternoon,' and 'Balmy Blue'.

Creating the Textured Background

I originally planned to stamp the image and let it peek through the die-cut opening, but once I started playing, I realized I wanted even more texture. Instead, I layered stamped and die-cut elements to really build depth.

To make your own background, start with a piece of Very Vanilla cardstock cut with the second-largest die from the Perennial Postage set (#162607).

  • Stamp the large leaf image randomly in Balmy Blue
  • Add the textured line image in Azure Afternoon
  • Finish by stamping the small leaf in Night of Navy

Now for the fun (and slightly scary) part—crumple the paper. Yes, really! Squish it up to create a rough, worn texture full of dimension. Once flattened out a bit, use Blending Brushes (#160518) with Balmy Blue and Night of Navy to add even more depth.

A handmade greeting card with a blue floral design featuring layered leaves and flowers, with the text 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' prominently displayed in a white speech bubble.
Close-up of a card featuring a decorative design with blue leaves and a central message that says 'You Make Me Smile' in a playful font.
Inside view of a handmade card with a scalloped border, featuring light blue leaves and decorative prints on a silver background, set against a blue card base.

Adding Extra Texture

In the Nature’s Symphony die set, there’s a small die made up of hash marks. It doesn’t cut out an image—it cuts tiny hash marks creating textures instead. Run this die across your background in multiple directions. After sending it through the Cut & Emboss Machine, the paper will be flatter again, so go ahead and crumple it one more time. Be gentle—those cut areas can catch—but allow some sections to bend and open for even more interest. Add a little extra ink with your blending brushes to highlight those textured areas.

A handmade card featuring a blue background with a layered design, adorned with various leaf shapes in different shades of blue. The message 'You Make Me Smile' is prominently displayed in a decorative frame at the center.
A handmade card featuring blue and white paper leaves and flowers, with the message 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' prominently displayed on a scalloped tag. The background is a textured dark blue, enhancing the layered design.
A handmade greeting card featuring a blue color palette with layered leaves and the phrase 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' prominently displayed in the center.
A close-up of a handmade card featuring a decorative tag that reads 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE', surrounded by various shades of blue leaves and twine.
A handmade card featuring a blue and purple floral design, with layered leaves and a tag that reads 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE'.
Close-up of a handmade card featuring die-cut leaves and flowers in shades of blue, with a central tag that reads 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' in elegant lettering.
A handcrafted card featuring layers of blue paper with floral and leaf embellishments, and the message 'YOU MAKE ME SMILE' in the center.
A close-up of a decorative card featuring the phrase 'YOU MAKE ME smile' on a textured background with blue and cream colored elements, including leaves and twine.

Finishing the Cards

Once the background was complete, all that was left was deciding what colors to stamp and die-cut for the remaining elements. I used the same technique on multiple cardstock colors, but Very Vanilla really lets all the details shine.

I finished each card by layering the die-cut elements, using Dimensionals behind the delicate leaf piece for added depth. A quick tip: if you cut the cardstock layer that sits behind your postage die piece to the correct size, you can die-cut one of the leaf shapes from the center first, saving cardstock before adhering it.

For the greeting, I used the second-smallest rectangle postage die, added small piece of paper that I used the Three Banner Punch #167050 to turn into a tach and finished with Very Vanilla Baker’s Twine behind it. Did you notice on some of the cards it isn’t very vanilla? I customized the twine color by brushing ink directly onto it with a blending brush—a great trick when you need ribbon in just the right shade. I always keep white or vanilla twine on hand for this reason. To finish things off, I added a touch of bling with Muted Palette Dots (#165155).

Final Result

In the end, I created five stunning cards, all using the same basic technique but each with its own unique look and feel. It may sound complicated, but it’s actually pretty easy once you try it—and I even made a hyper-speed video so you can see the whole process in action.

Which one do you think was my original? 💙

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Easy Fun Fold Gift Card Holder Tutorial

Two decorative cards featuring the phrase 'Sweet Heart' in bold red letters, adorned with hearts and a colorful background of heart patterns.
A handmade greeting card featuring the words 'SWEET HEART' in bold red letters, adorned with heart patterns in pink and red colors, and a layered heart embellishment on the side.

On my Monday Live, I shared an easy-to-make fun fold gift card holder inspired by my recent mini album. This sweet project features brand-new products that were released just yesterday, and I absolutely love how simple yet impressive this design is.

Card Base & Structure

Start with a piece of Real Red cardstock cut to 4-1/4″ x 11″.
Score at 5-1/2″ and 9″.

  • The 5-1/2″ section will be on the left side of the card.
  • Fold the 2″ section inward, then fold again on the 5-1/2″ score line.
  • This creates a pocket on the inside of the card.

Secure the sides of the pocket using Tear & Tape (#154031), leaving the top edge open so you can tuck in a gift card or cash.

Inside Panel

Cut Flirty Flamingo cardstock to 5-1/4″ x 4″ and emboss it using the
Hearts of Love 3D Embossing Folder (#167071).

Attach this to the inside of the card on the 5-1/2″ x 4-1/4″ section.

Designer Series Paper

From the Made with Love Designer Series Paper (#167054), cut:

  • 4″ x 3-1/4″
  • 4″ x 1-3/4″

Place these pieces on:

  • The 3-1/2″ section folded to the front
  • The 2″ section folded inside to form the pocket
An opened greeting card featuring a colorful design with red and pink hearts on one side and blank white space with the word 'I DO' on the other.
An open greeting card featuring the phrase 'I ADORE YOU' on one page, with a decorative pattern of hearts and a $10 gift card inserted on the side.

Left Folding Panel

Cut Basic White cardstock to 3-1/2″ x 7″ and score in half at 3-1/2″.

Stamp “Sweet Heart” from the Love Story Stamp Set (#167065) on the front and decorate as desired.

Attach this panel centered over the embossed section on the left side of the card base.

For one version, I placed the mini hearts directly on the white panel. For the second card, I added them to a 1/4″ strip of coordinating paper for a slightly different look.

Closure & Finishing Touches

For the closure, cut:

  • One solid heart
  • One lined heart

Using the Endless Love Dies (#167061).
Add arrows if you’d like for extra detail.

Attach the hearts to the front using Stampin’ Dimensionals, creating a small pocket for the folded panel to tuck underneath.

Finish the card with Bubble Bath Faux Linen Ribbon (#167075).

I love how simple and easy this fun fold gift card holder is to make, yet it has such a wow factor. Be sure to check out the video to see the step-by-step process, and I can’t wait to see your ideas using this design and these beautiful new products!

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
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A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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Finding Inspiration Through Casing a Designer | #GDP528

Casing Inspiration: Three Unique Card Designs

A card design featuring pink flowers and blue accents, with a stamped greeting saying 'Thinking of you,' framed by a gray vertical panel, and a pink border.

I don’t know about you, but inspiration is often one of the hardest parts of creating. Looking at what you have and figuring out how to turn it into something that not only speaks to you—but to others as well—can feel overwhelming at times. That’s where casing comes into play.

Casing (Copy And Share Everything) is one of my favorite ways to spark creativity. I often look to other designers when I need a jump-start, and the Global Design Project – Case the Designer challenges are a perfect source of inspiration.

This week we cased designer Ann Alexander, and during my live I shared how I pulled different elements from her card to inspire three very different designs of my own.

Card One – Same Layout, New Look

A handmade card featuring a botanical illustration of leaves in white on a textured blue background, with a greeting that says 'to a great guy'.

For my first card, I stayed fairly true to the original layout, but changed things up by using very different colors and imagery. I started with one of the new suites coming in January, Nature Walk (#166936), and used several elements from the suite including the stamp set, dies, Designer Series Paper, and embellishments.

To keep this card simple, I let the DSP do most of the work and added a stamped leaf image in Secret Sea along with a simple greeting. This is a great example of how keeping the layout but changing the products can completely transform a design.

Card Two – Color Combo with a Twist

Card featuring a floral arrangement in a cup with a greeting that says 'HERE'S TO YOU!', set against a layered background of gray and pink.

For my second card, I wanted to focus more on the color inspiration while still using the basic design—this time with a bit of a twist. Because the floral image in Weekend Adventures (#167318) isn’t a large focal image like the cased card, I chose to frame it using the Everyday Arches Dies (#164629).

I stamped the image on Watercolor Paper (#149612) and colored it using Water Painters (#168253) with ink pads for a soft, blended look. The greeting was heat-embossed in white on black cardstock and punched out using the Banner Sayings Bundle (#167051).

To add texture, I used the Lovely Stripes 3D Embossing Folder (#167179 – coming in January) and kept the color palette clean and bold with Melon Mambo and Smoky Slate cardstock. I finished the card with Muted Palette Dots (#165155) for a subtle pop of detail.

Card Three – Smaller Scale, Same Inspiration

My final card is the one I demonstrated during the live. I kept the same core color palette from card two, but added Balmy Blue and Pretty in Pink cardstock for a softer feel.

A handcrafted greeting card featuring a floral design in a coffee cup on a pink background, with a black 'HERE'S TO YOU!' greeting, layered elements, and decorative embellishments.
A floral card design featuring a colorful arrangement of flowers in a mug, set against a pink and gray background with a greeting that says 'HERE'S TO YOU!'

This time, I resized the layout to better fit the smaller image by cutting the design down and adjusting the focal point. I also flipped the card and went with a horizontal design rather than a vertical one. I layered Balmy Blue Sheer Ribbon (#165767) behind the image and finished the card with Rhinestone Basic Jewels for just the right amount of sparkle.

A Simple Splatter Technique (Used on All Three Cards)

Across all three cards, I used one of my favorite easy splatter techniques with ink pads and Water Painters. What I love about this method is how versatile it is—you can splatter in any color, make the drops big or small, and it won’t ruin your marker tips or waste ink.

Be sure to watch the video to see just how quick and easy this technique really is!

One Design, Endless Possibilities

A display of three unique greeting cards featuring floral designs, each in different color schemes and layouts. The cards showcase a mix of elements such as stamped images, embellishments, and various backgrounds.

Seeing all three cards together really highlights why I love casing a designer so much. Even though each card was inspired by the same original design, they each have their own personality.

  • One focuses on layout with a fresh color palette
  • One leans into color inspiration with a bold, textured feel
  • And one adjusts the scale and proportions to better fit the image

By changing just a few key elements—colors, focal point size, textures, and embellishments—you can completely transform a design while still honoring the original inspiration.

The final result is three different and unique cards, all sparked by the same design. That’s the beauty of casing—it’s not about copying, it’s about letting someone else’s creativity jump-start your own.

So the next time you’re feeling stuck, take a look at the work of designers you admire and see what elements you can borrow to get your creativity flowing. Let their creativity spark your own. Remember—there’s no right or wrong way to case a card. The goal is simply to get those creative juices flowing and make it yours.

👉 You can shop current Stampin’ Up! supplies and tools here:
Shop with Me Here

A beautifully crafted Christmas card featuring a window scene that displays a peaceful nativity setting on one side, while the inside is adorned with cozy holiday elements like hanging stockings and warm colors.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Contact me today to place your order!
435-232-2655 Cell ( Call or Text)
andersoncandice@hotmail.com

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