Willowynn
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Sketches for November

29/11/2018

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Eucalyptus trees sketch - Margeaux Davis 2018
A couple of my recent drawings... moody eucalyptus trees (based on a photo taken by photographer Ian Brown), and a crow. I've found that drawing branches is quite relaxing, the more twisted and wonky, the better. 
Crow pencil sketch - Margeaux Davis 2018
And this little crow was a good exercise in varying tones and getting the blackest blacks from my pencil. Also, I really like crows :) 
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Doll heads on my table

29/11/2018

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Willowynn doll heads
I'm busily working on some new cloth dolls which I hope to have available by end of November (but probably early December). Looking up just now, I caught sight of these two little heads resting in crochet cotton balls and smiled... they looks so content. So thought I'd share that with you :) 
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Doll petticoat and bustle making

31/10/2018

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Doll underclothes by Willowynn
I'm spending this lovely rainy day sewing clothing for my new collection of cloth art dolls. The dress I'm currently working on is Victorian inspired, and I've found that to get that lovely Victorian dress shape, the dolls really need to wear a petticoat and bustle underneath. 

This next group of dolls should be finished and available to purchase via my online store by the end of November. To see some of my dolls, take a look at my gallery page or have a look back through the Willowynn artworks category on my blog.
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Fairy wrens and rain

15/10/2018

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School holidays means drawing instead of sewing. I don't know why. Also there are lots of fairy wrens flitting around at the moment. If I sit very still, they come through the windows and hop around on my desk. Here's a little watercolour drawing I made, inspired by my little friends.
Fairy wren, Margeaux Davis, 2018. www.willowynn.com
We've had almost a week of steady rain here in the Northern Rivers so I've been sketching my boys with their gumboots and umbrellas, among other things...
Boy with umbrella - Pencil sketch - Margeaux Davis, 2018 www.willowynn.com
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New dolphin sewing pattern

25/9/2018

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My new dolphin soft toy sewing pattern is now available to download via my online store. My boys and I really love marine creatures and I was inspired to make this one after our regular sightings of pods of dolphins swimming in the sea at our local beach.
Dolphin soft toy sewing pattern by Willowynn
This sewing project is nice and simple and works really well with old denim or cotton sheeting. Enjoy! 
Dolphin soft toy sewing pattern by Willowynn

Dolphin soft toy sewing pattern by Willowynn
4 Comments

My new workroom

5/9/2018

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Willowynn work room
Lovely rainy day rugged up and making things in my NEW cosy work space. I'm now in the tiny cabin in our yard, surrounded by trees. It's the work room of my dreams. Thank you Matt, for sharing it with me (it used to be his).
Willowynn studio / workspace
Willowynn studio / workspace
2 Comments

The fox and the crow 2

14/8/2018

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Another scene from the Aesop's fable, 'The fox and the crow'... a little challenge (see previous blog post) I set for myself this year. This one is watercolour, pencil and ink and is now available to buy as an art print, in my online store.
The fox and the crow. Watercolour, pencil and ink.  © Margeaux Davis 2018
© 2018 Margeaux Davis
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Fabric Snail soft sculptures for August

1/8/2018

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Snail soft sculpture by Willowynn
I've finally finished sewing my snail soft sculptures - after a couple of weeks away from my work (camping with my kids / school holidays) and an entire work-space move (more about that later).

There will be three large snails (AU$190 each) available to purchase via my online store from Friday 3rd August, 8:00pm Sydney time (Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST).

Each snail is carefully handmade from linen remnants, firmly stuffed with toy stuffing and measures around 20 cm long and 15 cm tall. 

I hope you like them!
​Margeaux 
snail soft sculpture by Willowynn
Willowynn snail soft sculpture
Willowynn snail soft sculpture
Willowynn snail soft sculpture
Willowynn snail soft sculpture
5 Comments

Workroom

13/7/2018

7 Comments

 
Margeaux Davis (aka Willowynn textile art) in the work room
At work, stuffing fabric snails while warming up in the sun. 

My workroom gets the winter sun and is the best place to be when it's cold. I've opened up all the windows to let in the fresh air, as it's been really wet here lately. I'll be closing them and lighting the fire soon though... once the sun disappears behind the trees. 
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Snail shells sewn from upcycled linen cushion

6/7/2018

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Upcycled linen used to sew snail shells, by Willowynn
I found an old, torn linen cushion cover. I'm keeping the zipper and making giant snails from it. I was going to try to mend it. to use it as a cushion cover but it has a massive hole which is very frayed. Also, I think this linen is the perfect fabric for making snail shells. 

I use second hand fabric for almost everything I sew - old woolen blankets, scraps and remnants. With so much fabric and old clothing going to landfill, I don't like to buy new. Also, I think things like linen and wool are so much nicer when a little worn.  

Giant linen snails coming to my online store very soon. 


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Willowynn animal doll clothing sewing patterns now available

22/6/2018

3 Comments

 
Willowynn sewing patterns: stuffed animal doll clothing
The clothing sewing patterns for my stuffed animal dolls are now available to download and print! Hooray! Now you can make little overalls, pants, coats and dresses designed to perfectly fit your Willowynn animal dolls. ​
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
These little clothes are simple to sew and are the perfect project to use your special scraps of fabric. I particularly like using remnants of old woollen pants or skirts for the little coats and old denim or corduroy for the overalls (dungarees) and pants. And little squares of cotton print fabric are perfect for the dresses.  ​
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
The coats (or jackets) can be made with a hood or a collar and can even be made reversible. There are three different dress styles to make - gathered, A-line and an apron style (also reversible). My boys now have a whole wardrobe of clothes for their stuffed animals which, they discovered, fit some of their smaller non-Willowynn toys.
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
Animal doll and clothing sewing patterns by Willowynn
I'm really happy with the way these have turned out and I hope you like them. Let me know what you think. How is the fit? What did you make? 
3 Comments

Soft toy clothing patterns

17/4/2018

1 Comment

 
I've been busy designing some little clothing pieces for my Willowynn stuffed animal dolls. So far I've made a jacket (with or without hood), overalls, pants and some little dresses.
 
​I hope to have the sewing patterns / templates for these clothes available for you to download and print in a couple of weeks.  I can't wait to see the clothes you make for your Willowynn stuffed animal dolls! 
Willowynn stuffed animal dolls - clothing sewing pattern
Willowynn stuffed animal dolls - clothing sewing pattern
Sewing patterns for jacket and overalls coming soon
Willowynn stuffed animal dolls - clothing sewing pattern
Willowynn stuffed animal dolls - clothing sewing pattern
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The Fox and the Crow

17/4/2018

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To challenge myself to draw and paint more this year, I'm illustrating an Aesop's fable. It's good to push yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time, isn't it? 

Anyway, here is what I have so far. I really enjoy illustrating and have only just recently started using watercolour and I'm loving it! 
Watercolour illustration by Margeaux Davis (www.willowynn.com)
© 2018 Margeaux Davis.
This one (above) is now available to buy as an art print via my online store. 
Watercolour illustration by Margeaux Davis (www.willowynn.com)
© 2018 Margeaux Davis
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Make your own Easter bunny soft toys

16/3/2018

4 Comments

 
An alternative (or an addition) to the chocolate eggs for Easter... and a little present that can be handmade by you. My bunny and bear soft toy sewing pattern is available to download via my online shop. Plenty of time to sew this before Easter!
Easter bunny rabbit softie sewing pattern by Willowynn
Bunny rabbit soft toy sewing pattern by Willowynn
Bunny rabbit plushie / soft toy sewing pattern by Willowynn
This little bunny  rabbit softie would be an adorable companion for a baby or small child. Designed to be endlessly carried around and looks so sweet nestled in amongst a child's pillows. I think this is the perfect project to upcycled that piece of fabric you’ve been saving for something special, like an old baby blanket or soft flannelette sheet.

​To make the bunnies you see here, I used an old woollen blanket and soft pieces of grey and pink flannelette from baby bed sheets.

​Happy Easter!




4 Comments

Dolls for March

6/3/2018

4 Comments

 
My new group of four handmade cloth art dolls will be available to purchase via my online store from 10am (Australian Eastern Daylight Time - AEDT) Friday 9th March. 

​Each one of a kind doll is around 20cm tall, handmade here in Australia from vintage and second-hand fabrics, comes with a cloak or shawl and has tiny lace-up boots painted on. Intended as an art piece to display, and not suitable as a toy for children.

​These dolls are priced from AUD$340 each + shipping. There's a more detailed description of the dolls below... I should also point out that these dolls sometimes sell in minutes so be sure to move through the check out process quickly if you would like one. 

Thank you!
​Margeaux
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Willowynn cloth art doll handmade by Margeaux Davis
Description:
​

Small fabric art dolls designed and handmade in Australia by myself, from carefully salvaged second hand and vintage fabric. 

They are firmly stuffed with wool and their limbs are attached to the body with moveable button joints. Each doll wears a removable cloak or shawl and little lace-up boots (painted on). Their dresses are not removable. Each doll bears a small 'Willowynn' logo hand-drawn onto the inside of one leg, and comes with a small signed, dated and letter-pressed certificate of authenticity.

These dolls are intended as a treasure for display only and are not suitable as a toy for young children; due to delicate hand stitching, hair and small buttons. These are entirely artist-made cloth dolls with some imperfections and visible stitching. Though I have made them with the utmost care and attention to detail, spending many hours perfecting them - please be aware that limbs, head, hair and clothing are hand-stitched onto the body and will come loose if pulled repeatedly or handled roughly.   

Measures approximately:
Length = 20cm (8in)

Dolls will be carefully packaged in a lidded cardboard gift box which I have made myself from recycled brown card. 

​All four cloth dolls will be available to purchase via my online store from 10am (Australian Eastern Daylight Time - AEDT) Friday 9th March.

4 Comments

On my work table

24/2/2018

2 Comments

 
Willowynn art doll - work in progress
Lovely rainy afternoon here in my workroom, stitching tiny things.

I haven't shared any of my textile work here for a little while but rest assured, I'm still at it. I started the year a bit lacking in motivation, inspiration and confidence... so I've been occupying myself with other things, hoping it would  all come back... and it has!
Phew.
​
New dolls coming soon... then lots of creatures.
2 Comments

January sketchbook

26/1/2018

4 Comments

 
Six weeks at home with my kids during the school holidays means I don't get very much of my work for Willowynn done... in fact I don't really even try to get any work done.  I have been drawing though... which has been so nice. I think I'll try to spend more time drawing and painting this year... it's something I used to do all the time but dropped away once I had children.  
Cosy interiour - pen, ink, watercolour - Margeaux Davis - 2018
Brisbane weatherboard - Pen, ink, watercolour - Margeaux Davis - 2018
Pen, ink, watercolour - Margeaux Davis - 2018
4 Comments

December dolls

5/12/2017

3 Comments

 
Willowynn dolls December 2017
I'll have some new cloth dolls available to purchase via my online store Thursday 7th December from 10am Sydney time (Australian Eastern Daylight Time AEDT).

​I thought I'd add some photos of the four dolls below, along with a general description, so you can have a look before they are listed.  Each doll is priced from AUD$320 + shipping.
​I should also point out that my dolls sometimes sell within minutes, so if you'd like to purchase one, it's a good idea to go through the checkout process as quickly as you can, so you don't miss out.  Items in your cart are not reserved until you've purchase is complete. 
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll

Description:

These are small fabric dolls designed and handmade in Australia by myself, from carefully salvaged second hand and vintage fabric. 

They are firmly stuffed with wool and their limbs are attached to the body with moveable button joints. Each doll wears a removable cloak or caplet and little shoes or lace-up boots (painted on). Their dresses are not removable. Each Willowynn doll bears a small 'Willowynn' logo hand-drawn onto the inside of one leg, and comes with a small signed, dated and letter-pressed certificate of authenticity.

These dolls are intended as a treasure for display only and are not suitable as a toy for young children; due to delicate hand stitching, hair and small buttons. These are entirely artist-made cloth dolls with some imperfections and visible stitching. Though I have made them with the utmost care and attention to detail, spending many hours perfecting them - please be aware that limbs, head, hair and clothing are hand-stitched onto the body and will come loose if pulled repeatedly or handled roughly.   

Measures approximately:
Length = 20cm (8in)

Dolls will be carefully packaged in a lidded cardboard gift box which I have made myself from recycled brown card. 

Thanks!
​Margeaux
3 Comments

November 18th, 2017

18/11/2017

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Willowynn soft sculpture workshop
I'm running a special mushroom-making workshop in the beautiful old Federal hall, in the Byron Bay hinterland on Sunday the 10th December. We will spend the morning making some little fabric mushroom ornaments... just in time for Christmas.

​In this workshop you will learn some soft sculpture techniques as well as various stitches for hand-sewing and embroidery.
​
This class is most suitable for adults with some machine and hand sewing experience.​

​For more information, or to make a booking, please visit my online store.
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Tutorial: Miniature floor boards for diorama or doll's house

8/11/2017

4 Comments

 
I've been slowly making a sort of diorama / doll's house room to display my cloth art dolls in. As with most of the creative projects I take on, this one took a lot more time and effort than I anticipated... but I've really enjoyed it and have learned a lot along the way. 
Handmad diorama for Willowynn dolls www.willowynn.com
Diorama / room made using coffee-stained popsicle sticks
I wanted to make one large room with interchangeable walls, windows, a door and wooden floor boards.  I really love the way it's turned out - kind of like a cottage or cabin in the woods. I'll continue working on it - adding things like book shelves, furniture, curtains etc., but just wanted to show you what it looks like at this stage and describe how I made the floor, windows and door.  

​I'll start off by explaining how I made the tiny floor boards, and save the window/door tutorial for a later post...

DIY miniature floor boards for dolls house tutorial

To make the floor boards

You will need:
  • ​A large piece of plywood or MDF board for the base - cut to the size and shape you'd like your floor space to be
  • Lots and lots of wooden popsicle sticks (paddle pop sticks here in Australia)
  • Scissors
  • PVA or wood glue
  • Coffee grounds and vegetable oil
  • Vinegar, rusty nails, glass jar
  • Rag
Instructions:
  1. Trim the rounded ends off each of your popsicle sticks to give them straight ends (like real floor boards).
  2. Glue the popsicle sticks onto your board in rows, starting from one end. 
  3. To get a smooth, worn-looking surface, give your floorboards a sand.
  4. Stain your floor boards to achieve the colour you'd like (*See wood stain suggestions below).
  5. To give my floor a slightly glossy finish, I rubbed it with a leather shoe wax / polish. Just wipe it all over then buff it with a clean cloth.

Suggestions for non-toxic DIY wood stains*:
  • Dark grey/black: wipe with a solution made by soaking a couple of rusty nails in white vinegar for a day. 
  • Light warm brown: wipe with a solution made by soaking fresh coffee grounds in vegetable oil. Each layer will darken your wood a little more.
  • Any colour: rub leather shoe polish all over your floor boards in whatever colour you like. This creates a good colour as well as a bit of a shine.
Willowynn doll in diorama www.willowynn.com
One of my dolls inspecting the new space.
4 Comments

Willowynn in Homespun magazine

8/11/2017

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So delighted to find this lovely article written by Janai Velez featuring my workroom in the November issue of Homespun magazine. It really is beautifully written and I love the way Janai has described my dolls. I always draw a blank when asked to describe my work so it's really helpful to hear someone else's words. ​
Willowynn feature in Homespun magazine November 2017
Homespun magazine November 2017
Homespun is a treasure of a magazine, if sewing is your thing, and is packed full of inspiring projects, tips and interviews.

​The magazine is available from Australian newsagents throughout November and is also available as a digital copy online at www.zinio.com.
​

Willowynn feature in Homespun magazine November 2017
Homepun magazine November 2017
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Sewing pattern: Embroidered Christmas ornaments

7/11/2017

10 Comments

 
Embroidered Christmas ornaments by Willowynn
Fabric Christmas ornaments. Sewing pattern by willowynn.com
​These embroidered star, tree and round ornaments are easy to sew, make great presents and look lovely on a Christmas tree. I've put together some simple instructions, an illustrated stitch library and templates, to help you make these at home. You can download the PDF sewing pattern here, ready for you to print at home.

I hope you enjoy making these. You'll find more Willowynn sewing patterns available to download here.
Embroidered Christmas ornament sewing pattern by Willowynn
Christmas ornament sewing pattern by Willowynn
Embroidered Christmas ornament sewing pattern by Willowynn
10 Comments

October dolls

10/10/2017

10 Comments

 
Willowynn cloth dolls Oct 2017
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
Willowynn doll
I've finally finished the group of dolls I've been working on these past few weeks.

​So I'll have five new cloth dolls available to buy via my online store from Thursday 12 October, 10am (Australian eastern savings time (AEST). I hope you like them.

​They each have a little cloak or cape and are packaged in their own handmade gift box with letter-pressed certificate of authenticity. Each doll will be priced from AUD$280 + shipping costs (worldwide).

​I feel I should point out too that these dolls are intended for display only and are not suitable as a  toy for small children, as they are quite delicate.
10 Comments

Dolls for October

21/9/2017

4 Comments

 
Tiny doll dress by Willowynn
Tiny doll dress by Willowynn
The group of cloth dolls I'm working on right now are taking a LOT longer to finish than I anticipated... and school holidays start next week. Soooo I hope to have five new dolls available here in early October rather than September (as originally promised). Here's one of their tiny dresses...
4 Comments

How to sew French knots

10/9/2017

6 Comments

 
How to sew french knots. Video demonstration by Willowynn.com
French knots on one of my mushroom hanging ornaments
I made a little video demonstration (below), showing how to embroider French knots. I found this embroidery stitch quite tricky when I first tried it and looking at diagrams in embroidery books didn't really help me. But I've since taught myself how to sew them so thought I'd show you how I do it.

​The key is to hold the thread taut with one hand while you wrap it around the needle and insert it into the fabric. Hold on to the thread until just before it is pulled all the way through the fabric (see video below).

This is an example of a singular French knot but you can make them larger by wrapping the thread around your needle twice rather than once. This video shows how I stitch the French knots onto my fabric mushroom hanging ornaments.

​... and here is a little diagram showing French knots in more detail. I drew this a while ago for one of my sewing patterns. Enjoy!
French knot diagram. Copyright 2016. Margeaux Davis - Willowynn.com
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    Margeaux Davis aka Willowynn

    Hello and welcome...

    My name is Margeaux Davis and I make cloth dolls, soft sculptures and sewing patterns. I also illustrate stories.

    ​I live with my young familiy in the beautiful Northern Rivers region, in Australia.  

    ​Here I'll share what I'm making (sewing or drawing), as well as some hints and tips to help you sew your own soft toys... 


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    Sewing patterns

    Bunny and bear stuffed animal doll / soft toy digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Blue whale soft toy digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Fox and wolf stuffed animal doll / soft toy digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Doll coat digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Doll overalls and pants digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Doll dress digital sewing pattern for 3 doll dresses by Willowynn

    Fabric moth and butterfly digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Pleated mushroom / toadstool digital sewing pattern / Christmas ornament by Willowynn

    Stuffed animal doll sewing pattern set of six / soft toy digital PDF downloads (10% discount) Bunny, bear, fox, wolf, elephants

    Doll clothing digital sewing pattern set / miniature dresses, overalls, coats and pants by Willowynn

    Embroidered hanging Christmas ornaments digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Platypus soft toy sewing pattern PDF by Willowynn

    Dolphin stuffed toy digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Whale & dolphin soft toy digital sewing pattern set by Willowynn (10% discount)

    Barn owl and penguin stuffed animal digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Embroidered Mushroom / toadstool hanging ornament digital sewing pattern by Willowynn

    Elephant stuffed animal doll sewing pattern / soft toy digital PDF download by Willowynn

    Set of two mushroom / toadstool digital sewing patterns. Embroidered and pleated / beginners and advanced / 10% discount

    Snail soft toy digital sewing pattern PDF


    Cards and prints

    'The fox and the crow' print by Margeaux Davis of Willowynn

    Pack of 3 Christmas greeting cards / Watercolour illustration by Margeaux Davis

    'Summer ramble' art print by Margeaux Davis of Willowynn

    'The fox and the crow (2)' print by Margeaux Davis of Willowynn

    Art postcard set of 4 / watercolour illustrations by Margeaux Davis of Willowynn

    Willowynn art doll postcard set of 6

    Willowynn nature / soft sculpture postcard set of 6

    Christmas / holiday greeting card pack of 4 by Willowynn

    Willowynn postcard set of 12 | nature and art doll cards

    Toadstool / mushroom Christmas greeting card by Willowynn

    Baby in nest Christmas greeting card by Willowynn

    Mushroom / toadstool Christmas greeting card by Willowynn

    Embroidered ornament Christmas greeting card by Willowynn



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