Review of 'Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals

Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals
A Mixed-Media Workshop with Carla Sonheim 

Recently, I was fortunate enough to win a copy of Carla Sonheim's Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals.  I was pretty excited from the moment I heard the book was out--you may have noticed that I've been posting several links to reviews and tutorials about it.  I've never taken one of Carla's classes, but I've seen enough of her work online and heard enough from her students to know she's awesome.  So her book had to be awesome too.

What impressed me was the alignment of her ideas with the philosophy of Zentangle®. The 'no mistakes, go with the flow, joy of creating' feel to her work seemed to me like it was something most tanglers would enjoy, even though her technique uses more realism (in a very imaginary way, lol).

So anyway, on with the review.

Specs
Cover: Heavy covered cardboard
No pages: 144
Size: 8.5 x 0.6 x 8.5 inches



Content

Section 1: Just Messing Around-Sketchbook Play and Other Nonsense
1 Blobs and Sidewalk Crack
2 Photos and Life
3.Memory and Imagination

Each chapter of Section 1 contains three exercises and a mini gallery of examples from various artists.

After reading this section, I was inspired by a pair of dirty socks.  Surely, you can see it?  Obviously, these socks are hiding a ....
......Bactrian Camel!

I was also inspired by a picture that Carla provided of a cracked sidewalk.  She had examples from two other artists.  I immediately saw something much different, so I had to come up with my own interpretation!

I'm working on one of the tutorials now, but it's going to take a while, so you'll have to wait for that!

Section 2: Mixed-Media Projects-Paintings, Artist's Books and Other Fun Stuff
4 Oaxacan Dotted Elephant
5 Imaginary Animals-Abstract Watercolor Starts
6 Junk Mail Creatures Book
7 Watercolor Transfer Animals
8 Doggone It!
9 Animals In Tape
10 Creatures on Wood, Part 1
11 Creatures on Wood, Part II
12 Go Fish!
13.Wrapped and Tied-Fabric Animals


Each chapter of Section 2 contains illustrated tutorials and techniques.

Section 3: Artist's Gallery of Inspiration-Featured Artists
The title of this section pretty much says it all.

The book itself is appealing to look at, with lively illustrations and instructions that are brief enough to keep you moving along, but detailed enough so that you can follow them.  

Conclusion
I love this book.  It might not appeal to someone who is only interested in 'Fine Art', masterpieces created after years of study and practice.  But for those of us who simply want to create, who want to find new ways to discover the world around us--this is a fabulous book.

The only thing that I felt could be improved was the cover material.  The binding is a bit tight, and the book doesn't easily lie flat.  I tried the method of carefully folding the book back.  The binding holds up well, and you can get the book flat for easy reading while you create, but... the cover creases.  A minor point, since I'll probably end up getting paint and glue all over the book anyway, but I like to keep my books as pristine as possible.

If you don't want to wait to see if you win, Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals  can be purchased at Amazon or your local bookstore.

Giveaway Closed!  The winner was Ninna Hellman.
What:
One copy of Carla's book Drawing and Painting Imaginary Animals, a Flexi-Sketch Blank Sketchbook 6 x 6 in,  and two American Craft Precision pens, 1 brown & 1 black.

How:
1. Leave a comment.
 2.Include your email or some method so I can contact you if you win. Failure to leave contact info means your entry won't be entered! Enter email addresses in this format: email[at]thisplace[dot]com. 
If you don't want to show your contact info here, email me at LifeImitatesDoodles[at]gmail[dot]com. Please put 'Imaginary Animal Giveaway' in the subject line.

Where: Leave your comment on this post with your contact info (or email the contact info as explained in How).

When: On Sunday, October 28, I'll announce the winner.

Who & Why: I'm giving this stuff away. Disclaimer: I won the book I used for the review. Carla Sonheim and her publisher did NOT ask me to do this review or giveaway.  I just wanted to do it because I thought you would enjoy it. So there, lol.

Good luck!

Comments

  1. looks like a fun book and a treat of a giveaway.
    woolgerbj[at}gmail{dot] com

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  2. OH my! this looks like so much fun.
    cherokee410@kc.rr.com

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  3. Been drooling over this book since I saw the first review. Thanks for your review, also. The book is on my Christmas/want list.
    dnjrich@centurytel.net

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  4. OOO - I want! I still have not gotten around to purchasing my own copy so maybe this is why!!

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    1. okami0731[at]verizon[dot]net

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    2. What a fun book I love to draw imaginary animals and find this very inspiring! I want it! smiles, Nova Cynthia

      novacynthia@gmail.com

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    3. What a fun book I love to draw imaginary animals and find this very inspiring! I want it! smiles, Nova Cynthia

      novacynthia@gmail.com

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  5. Absolutely include me in this giveaway! The book sounds like so much FUN!

    webster@harbornet.com

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  6. Oh wow Sandra, I've really really really been wanting a copy of this book. I do hope I win one. My email: lmoore(at)flippinweb(dot)com I'm feeling lucky!!

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  7. Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks so much!

    tcrowley122[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  8. I am so excited about this book and can't wait to see it in person!
    Kellyaubert@comcast.net

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  9. thanx for your generosity, pls include me in this giveaway for this wonderful book
    bart-joan (at)libero(dot)it or
    b_fazio(at)tin(dot)it

    ciao joan

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  10. Brilliant & inspiring! I love this!

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  11. What a wonderful idea! I actually have won a copy of Carla's new book and after your doing this thought I should try to win a copy for the same reason.... I have a blog and would love to offer this as a giveaway as I shall be raving about it I am sure (I did so with her first one!!!)
    Thanks
    shenam@shaw.ca

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  12. Woohooo! I LOVE Carla Sonheim and have been *itching* to get a copy of this book! Thanks for the opportunity!

    Shannon Ganshorn (at gmail dot com)

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  13. LOVE Carla's work and can't wait to see the book. Winning it would be WONDROUS!

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  14. Thanks for the review. You are always introducing me to fun and interesting things!
    BetteAbdu {at} gmail {dot} com

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  15. I love Carla Sonheim's work and I have her first book. Thank you for this opportunity!

    adine@evatt.com

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  16. Carla's work is amazing!! I'd love to win this book!
    sunmask@yahoo.com

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  17. Thanks very much for being so generous! I would really like to win your giveaway. Not just for Carla's book but for the extras :). I have no idea what an American Craft Precision pen is. Thanks - Heidi. Hjmedhurst@shaw.ca

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    1. Heidi,
      An American Craft Precision pen is similar to a Micron pen--fabric tipped, non-bleeding, waterproof, permanent pigment ink. Acid-free and 100% archival. I find that I draw differently with them, though I'm not sure why. I didn't want to link to the ones on Amazon because I think they are over-priced. I've found them cheaper in local stores.

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  18. I love Carla's work. My daughter and I have taken her Silly classes and LOVE them! I have her first book and I want this one too! Glad I found your blog. I do Zentangles too. I love to draw them and also use them in my jewelry work. Here is my email just in case I win! staciejewelry@yahoo.com

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  19. Thank you for this opportunity. i believe that this book crosses generations, and if I am a winner, will be using it with our grand children. (although I may use it too)
    jim.erin@rogers.com

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  20. Oooh what a wonderful giveaway! This book looks ADORABLE! Must add to my wish list in the event that I don't win hehe. Thanks so much for the giveaway :)
    azizah.asgarali (at) gmail (dot) com

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  21. Love this book. Would really like to work with it and learn to loosen up my inner silly. Thanks for the opportunity. Danielle (dbrault1@shaw.ca)

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  22. Posted for Sue Stevens
    I tried to post a comment on the blog but I can't seem to do that from my iPhone....boo. I've had difficulties on other blogs also (so haven't been able to enter any of the other giveaways - boo). I could have used the computer at work but get do buy I forget :)
    Anyways - thanks got the book review - I look forward to trying done of the ideas - love Carla's work! Haven't gotten the book yet - holding out until my next order from Indigo.
    I haven't visited your blog in a while - it was nice to visit again and spend a little time looking around!

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  23. I LOVE Carla-and I want her new book-Oh, I will buy it if I have to, but come on, the law of averages should be on my side, right? I am just learning about Zentangles and they are addictive, too. Thanks for the giveaway even if it isn't moi. emmagessel@gmail.com

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  24. I really really really want this book!!! I would so love to see it. thanks for the chance to win. Marcia @ eagleschool . org

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  25. oh I would love this book. mtn18us@yahoo.com
    thanks Michele

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  26. so wonderful to see the pieces you have made inspired by Carla! I just posted a couple pieces i made from one of her tutorials on her blog, but not from this book. The book sounds wonderful. thank you for a chance to win it.

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  27. my wife has this on her wish list apparently, so i better enter to win! thanks so much!

    kevin.sunley (at) gmail (dot) com

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  28. I have been following carla for awhile hoping to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
    lelloavengers(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  29. I would love to win a copy of this book! I love Carla's style! And your creations are awesome! Thanks for sharing! tammy[at]embellishstudios[dot]com

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  30. I have been trying to win this book for weeks. No luck, but I have been thrilled to find some wonderful artists. Love your work. Thanks for that.

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  31. I so want this book. peggyhouser202@Gmail.com

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  32. What a great idea, thank you for the review and the giveaway! bazzarette[a]hotmail[dot]com

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  33. Carla's book looks absolutely inspiring and delightful. It would be a lovely treat! If I'm the lucky winner, my email address is ReginaHart (at) gmail (dot) com. Thanks for offering the chance to win!

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  34. I love Carla's book Drawing Lab, and would love a copy of her new book. Such fun!

    beepear@me.com

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  35. Your imaginary animals were inspired. Love the socks. Thanks for sharing!
    cvtamasiunas(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  36. Thank you so much for the chance to enter to win this book! :-)
    myriamdostert(at)gmail(dot)com

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  37. This book sounds GREAT. I have never thought of myself as an artist. However, I did always dabble in it. I use to draw comics and objects. I even still have a sketchbook I had in 7th grade ... more than 30 years ago. Being a CZT has renewed my interest in drawing things as well as expose the students I meet to "just do it" allowing art to be the one place where they can't "mess up!!!

    Dawn D. Jackson, CZT #9
    dawn_temp@hotmail.com

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  38. Thanks so much for your in depth review. I have known I wanted Carla's book but now I REALLY want it and just today I was looking at sketch books but felt I just couldn't afford it yet. So, thanks for adding your prezzies. Good luck to all...
    wwilloww(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  39. Thank you for your generosity of spirit. If i win the book I will be using the book in free art classes for disadvantaged youth. I think it will make them smile and inspire. I'll also enjoy Carla's work as I am a fan.

    A'isha

    aisha[dot]assou[at]gmail[dot]com

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  40. You are so generous, looks like a fun book. would love to take this chance to win it.
    herminekoster(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  41. What a great source of inspiration this book will be. I love your samples. Put me down for your drawing!

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  42. Entered for Diana Ching:Hello
    I have just seen your generous offer of a giveaway for Carla Sonheim's new book and would love to be entered please!
    Thank you :-)

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  43. Love you animals...i follow the other blogs in hopes to win one of the books but didn't so thank you for one more chance.

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  44. I would really like to own this book. Thanks for a chance to win it.

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  45. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    1. Hopefully, you didn't have to try too many times! I know blogger can be difficult.

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  46. Would love to win! I have one of her books and I love her style :) My email is gshillitani@yahoo.com

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    PS is something wrong with your CAPTCHA? it has rejected everything I have put in!

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    1. Finally got it to work but it took at least 8 times!

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    2. It is always possible that CAPTCHA is acting up. I'll take it off, at least as long as the giveaway is running. We'll see how much extra spam I get, lol!

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    3. Also forgot to put my email in the right format LOL

      gshillitani[at]yahoo[dot]com

      Thanks! I think I figured out the problem with the CAPTCHA, it was not displaying the number pics with the text. Seems to be working now.

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    4. I took it off, because you weren't the only one having problems. Hopefully the spam won't get too troublesome!

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  47. cool giveaway! Sheri pinkijj@yahoo.com

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  48. Can't resist....I have to try this one! They are so cute! ledenzer@yahoo.com

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  49. OMgoodness how I LOVE Carla's art and her approach to it! Thank you for offering a copy of her book... I'd love to win it!! My best to you.

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  50. Hi Susan, your site looks like a lot of fun! I love Carla's work, would love to win a copy of her book.

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  51. I love Carla's work - it's so much fun. I'd love to win her book!

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  52. This book looks so awesome!

    accounts[at]rycz[dot]com

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  53. I really would love this book. It is on my Christmas list, but I wouldn't mind an early present at all! Here's hoping you get to "play" Santa ! Email me at cathycusson54@Gmail.com to tell me when your "sleigh" arrives!

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  54. Thank you Sandra for offering to give a copy of Carla's book away. I have her first one and I would love to have this one and I like that you related her way of drawing to zentangle that it is just to relax and draw. That is awesome. Maybe I could actually draw things if I learned her process.
    craftydr@mindspring.com

    Thanks again Sandra.

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  55. I have Carla's first book and think it's great. Would love to win her second book, but if I don't, I will certainly purchase it after reading your review. Thanks!

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  56. Ooops, forgot my contact info. rabbitsthree@gmail.com

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  57. I would love this book!! Thanks for the contest!
    Suzanne
    ranza6980[at]gmail[dot]com

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  58. Looks like an awesome book! I'm in. mcg1355@me.com
    -Nick

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  59. Big fan of Carla's work; would love a copy of her book!

    Linda

    ckoliop232@earthlink.net

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  60. Hello! Thanks so much for the review and this generous giveaway! I have Carla's first book and would love to add to my collection.

    I love the whimsy and discovery of animals in her method for this book!

    n.serene[at]gmail[dot]com

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  61. I too have watched from blogland sneaking peaks at the book and wondering what was inside. Thanks for the glimpse. It looks truly wonderful.

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  62. Nice to have found your blog and art work. I like your use of zentangle drawings and bleedthrumanades.
    Thanks for the occasion to win the book and extras. I truly love finding new blogs through these blog hops and book give-aways.
    I'll be sending an email to enter in the draw.

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  63. Thanks for a great giveaway! I've come from Carla's blog!

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  64. so kewl! I found you through carla and wow lots to look at! beautiful stuff! have a wonderful friday! ciao!

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    1. darn! email addy is attitude@telusplanet.net just in case! ciao!

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  65. Include my name in the giveaway. The animals are so whimsical, they can steal your heart!

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  66. this looks like a fun book! thanks for the giveaway!!
    :: sue ::
    alarmcat@cox.net

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  67. hi Sandra,if international droolers are welcome then put me on the list too.wonderful giveaway!

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    1. Ildiko, International droolers are welcome! I need contact info, though, in case you do win!

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  68. What a generous giveaway! I came via Carla's blog so after leaving this comment am going for a good peruse of your blog! Love the pieces you did using Carla's book
    crinkldy[dot]sarah[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
    Ps am in the UK but would gladly pay postage if I won!

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    1. International entrants are welcome! I've budgeted for extra postage, so I won't require you to pay it if you win. Good luck!

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  69. Oh wow Sandra, it is very kind of you. I've only recently come across Carla's work and yet to try anything, it looks like so much fun!
    Poppie_60@hotmail.com

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  70. Looks like a fun book!
    chelbellatencio@msn.com

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  71. I love Zentangle and, as a not so natuarally skilled artist, need the freedom of creating art that does not have to look "real". This would be such a fun book to explore and create wirh!

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  72. I so need this book to share the joy!

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  73. Absolutely ~ Positively ~ Magical ~ stokes@lava.net ~ Thanks Sandra

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  74. Carla's work is so imaginative & above all, fun! What a wonderful giveaway & I'd love to win. Thanks for sharing all that you do! dkspins@gmail.com

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  75. I would very much like to have a copy of the book. I think it is wonderful, and what cute drawings. Looks like very fun!
    tigrinnan@msn.com

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  76. This looks so beautiful! And would make a very happy addition to my bookshelf! debbiedoesdoodles[at]gmail[dot]com

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  77. This looks like a book I would really like to explore in depth. I just recently discovered zentangle and I am hooked. I would really like to get a copy of this book misthsouth@yahoo.com

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  78. Oh, I am late, I am late...but not too late, yet. This looks like fun. Count me in!

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  79. This awesome book would get me to think outside the box!!!
    deenaperl@aol.com

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  80. I LOVE Carlas workshops! Would love this chance to win this!
    waterfallmyst190{at}aol{dot}com
    Susan

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  81. I would certainly love this book! hello@kimhubball.com

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  82. I love Carla's first book and would love to win this one. Thank you.
    Marlene....email mnhamel@shaw.ca

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  83. So excited for this opportunity and for this great blog!!! Wow -- you have a fun blog like Carla does....A whole new world is beginning open up to this gal of 44. My email is sjhinrichs@venturecomm.net!!

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  84. oh this looks like a fun book to work with-- entering please! nytetyger[at]gmail[dot]com thanks!

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  85. Love Carla's work. Thanks for this opportunity to enter the drawing. Christie cabjuhasz@gmail.com

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  86. What a great book review! I love Carla's work!
    The only "art" that appeals to be other than Zentangle!
    Thanks for hosting the give away!
    Andrea
    andyinstitches@aol.com

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  87. What a fabulous book. Thanks for the opportunity to try to win. dukewife@hotmail.com

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  88. I'm beginning to realize it is actually possible to draw - never thought I really could but I'm gaining some freedom. At first I didn't think this was my kind of book - but then I'm learning that unexpected surprises happen when one actually starts to look..... just maybe!!
    Paula (PEP)
    Peprcfp@aol.com

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  89. Oh magic generator, pls pick me. I really could use a pick me upper. mearamarguerite@yahoo.com

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  90. Thanks for the opportunity! I love animals, domestic and wild and, of course fantasy animals always have a place in my heart! Now I am off to feed a very real coyote waiting in my yard!

    susan@careforthefuture.org

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