Sunday 22 May 2016

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 230

We've had some lovely weather this week and the Playground is full of activity with birdies nesting and Spike visiting each night to play football with his feeding bowl :) Having said that, today (Saturday as I write this) is just a tad wet!

Let's go straight to my snippets cards for today - note the use of plural! First card:
I used:

- 6" x 6" square white card blank

- snippets of patterned paper from LOTV's 'Country Gent' paper pad, die cut using a square Spellbinders die (approx. one and three eights of an inch across) - four squares from each snippet

- then they were glued in place onto the front of the card blank. By a stroke of luck my calculations were right and they fitted perfectly but the contingency plan was that I started gluing the squares in the top left corner and worked across and down towards open edges. That way, if the spacing ended up with too much white at the right hand side or along the bottom, I could give the card blank a swift trim

- next I stamped the image using a Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink pad and a Little Claire stamp called 'We Six Dogs'. Coloured the image using Faber Castell Polychromos pencils and Sansodor blending fluid - I chose the papers first deliberately so I could try to match the pooches up :)

- die cut the image using a Lil'Inkers 'Stitched Rectangle' die and popped it onto a plain brown snippet from the same LOTV paper pad then glued it onto the card front

I'd like to enter this card into the current challenge over at Cardz 4 Guyz #120 where the current theme is 'Man's Best Friend'.

My second snippets card is for cat lovers:
I used:
- 4.25" x 5.5" white card blank

- snippet of white card, embossed using SU's 'Square Lattice' embossing folder, trimmed to slightly smaller than the card front and glued in place with Collall all purpose glue

- the image was stamped using a Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink pad and a Little Claire stamp called 'Hello Cats'. Coloured the image using Faber Castell Polychromos pencils and Sansodor blending fluid then just trimmed it all round

- popped the image onto a snippet of light turquoise card (same colour as the balloons) then glued it onto the card front

Time for this week's 'peek at the picks':
Alice made this absolutely fabulous vintage styled 'jar' which will hold a packet of chocolates - using so many wonderful elements, including what I picked up as a tumble dryer sheet for the rose leaves! I can see from the comments left since I first popped this on my list of picks that many of you also love it - what a clever crafter!

Mo hopped over with this really sunny card - it's so pretty and I love it. Really great idea to wrap the organza ribbon across the image. And I also picked up that the plain yellow mat behind the white stamped image layer provided all the yellow flowers and the scalloped circle behind the sentiment. Impressive way to get the most out of one piece of card where the gaps would be hidden anyhow!

Do remember that it's Rudolph Days over at Mo's, starting on Wednesday until the end of the month!

This is such a sweet baby card, and another example of loads of pretty elements being perfectly added to compliment the really cute and beautifully coloured image - made by Karen P.

Brenda always makes such fabulous cards, and this is no exception is it? It really is like looking into fairyland :) 

Gosh, I totally adore this card, made by Heather. Lots of tips and hints over at Heather's blog about the making of this beauty as well! I did get the 'wibble-wobbles' when I read that Heather used her craft knife to cut out the centre of the frame - lil' ole me and knives don't get on, let alone super sharp craft knives!

Just had to include this terrific card, made by Sue S! It's such a great design and the 'pièce de résistance' is the fabulous 'pleated skirt fold'. As Sue says, there are plenty of tutorials to be found on line and I'm certainly gonna have a go!

This is my last pick of the week, made by Meena. It's a mixed media canvas and the detail is just stunning! So many techniques and different layers - the dress alone is an absolute work of art, constructed totally with 'bits and bobs'. It's all the more impressive as Meena is unable to sit at a regular desk and craft, yet she produces amazing work! I wonder in my comment how long it took her - four days was the reply. To be honest, I'd take more like four weeks and am so aware of all the love and effort that went into this canvas. Meena, you get a big gold star this week!

Guess what, we had no new Playmates this week - although 56 of you came to play, which is pretty amazing! I love that you return to play and also that you are so kind and supportive to one another as well.

Now for the prize draw, for the really popular 'Eline's Elephant' die set and the 'New Baby' word dies. And the winner is:
 
Well done Lesley! It's almost six months since your last win so this was about due I think! I still have your snail mail address and will post the dies off to you this coming week :)

This coming week's prize is made up of a little selection of stamps - it's the Little Claire's Designs 'We Six Dogs' and 'Hello Cats' stamps, the same as I used for my snippets card:

Plus, an absolutely gorgeous Anna Griffin 'Flora Collection' stamp set, kindly donated by Mary Anne - thank you again! The set even has a beautiful poppy in it :)

Now, those of you who use Little Claire's Designs stamps will know that they don't go overboard on fancy packaging, but the stamps really are excellent quality. And interestingly, I could be wrong, but having bought these some while ago for the toy box they are larger than the 'dinkie' size they now produce. I think they reduced the stamp sizes in December 2015 and these cuties have been here longer than that :)  Anyhow, as I didn't have my own Anna Griffin set to use for my snippets make this week, I thought I'd add the Little Claire's 'critters' in as well. You are very welcome to play for all three stamp sets as one prize if your number is drawn - the choice is yours.
  
The Snippets Challenge will run for one week and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 28th May. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

A maximum of ONE entry and please say in a comment if you wish to play and be a possible winner of the prize. If you only want to play for one or two of the stamp sets, just say so in your comment and if you win then I'll do a further draw for the other item(s). Please also link back to the Playground in your blog post to be eligible for the draw.
Mr Linky is below - please let me know if you have any problems linking, it's easy for me to sort out so don't struggle on alone :)

Wishing you all a lovely week, with more sunshine, and I hope to see you in the Playground. I read on line earlier today (Saturday) that the UK is due to have a three month long heatwave from June to August. Hotter than the scorcher of 1976 apparently - I was peeping out of my pram back then and thought it was a bit on the warm side, wink. But, IF the weather folk are right (which I doubt anyhow) - can you imagine how we'll fare over here? We are so not geared up for extreme temperatures! I'd better break the news to Heath Robinson and see what mad cooling systems/schemes he can dream up :) 

Di and, of course, Parsnip
x

71 comments:

  1. Two cute cards, Di. Little Claire make some really adorable images, don't they? I especially love the patchwork effect on the background of the first one.

    I came home yesterday from a week away with friends in Norfolk, so I'm trying catch to catch up with all my blog visiting this weekend. Gorgeous picks this week, I'll be off soon to have a closer look.

    I seem to remember a heatwave being forecast for the UK last summer too. I think I must have blinked and missed it! ;-)

    I'm a Yes Please for the lovely stamps this week. xx

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  2. Oh my goodness, I love that you made two cards this week...one with dogs and one with cats! I have one of each myself (real furry ones, that is) and love those adorable designs. Yes please to the wonderful stamp prizes and congrats to the winner and weekly picks! So much card making talent out there!

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  3. Just love your doggie card Di, both the image and patchwork background.

    Some lovely favs again and that you so much for including me in the picks, it's one of those that I really enjoyed masking.

    B x

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  4. Love your cute animal cards & the neatly cut and placed squares.great colouring too.

    Outstanding picks this week . . . Simply fab work.

    Many congratulations to Leslie on her win.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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    1. Oops, stupid phone changed spelling of Lesley's name.

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  5. Squeeeeeeeel thanks Di! Doing happy dance! Totally love all the picks, though I've no idea how you choose, I managed to comment on nearly all the entries, took me all week! I have no idea how you manage it all! Hope to play this week , but just for fun ;) , don't want to push my luck! Have a god one xxx p.s. Great tip about placing the squares, might have to case if that's ok, so I can use my stitched rectangles again!

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    1. CASE away Lesley! That's what the Playground is all about - sharing :) I heard the happy squeeeeeeel from here BTW!

      Hugs

      Di xx

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  6. Lovely cards Di - such sweet images for dog and cat lovers. I'll be in the playground soon but just playing for fun this week.
    Kath x

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  7. Super make and picks ... playing for fun again this week

    Happy Snippet Sunday

    Kathyk

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  8. Ooooh what cuties your cards are Di just love those images and the papers used are gorgeous too! congrats Lesley on her win and again lovely selection you have showcased .....hope you have a lovely day xx

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    1. Playing for fun only do not include me in the prize many thanks xx

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  9. Lovely creations Di! Sooo cute!
    Hugs :-)
    francesca

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  10. Gorgeous Picks, Miss Di and beautiful cards from you too. I love Little Clare - just the right amount of cuteness!

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  11. Lovely cards and picks Di...I just love those little Clare designs

    Anne

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  12. Very lovely cards Di.
    Thanks for the challenge, I used my left-overs inside my card.
    For me a YES please.
    Gr, Elly

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  13. Such a sweet card Di and some lovely picks this week and congrats to Lesley lots of huggles Sue xx

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  14. Looks like you and I used our snippets in much the same way this week Di! LOL Love those cute doggie and cat cards! Congrats to Lesley G for her win, as well as all of the wonderful notable creations in the playground this past week! Playing just for fun this week, but thanks just the same :)

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  15. Oh, thank you so much Di to have picked my jar in pole position! LOL :D I really enjoyed make it! But all the others pick of the week are breathtaking, and I'm in love with the supersweet Brenda's card!!
    Congrats to Lesley!!
    About your cards, I can say that they both appeal perfectly to me!! I love cats and dogs!!! Fabulous and fun creations with the doggies and the kitties,and the white embossed backgrounds give a so classy look to them! I think that the first one could be perfect for a man, and the feline one for a woman... but I don't know what is my favourite, I love very much both them!!!

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  16. The ducks are having the vapours! There's Elephsnts in the duck pond using it as a watering hole. Can Hettie get her bucket and shovel !! Hugs Nrs A.

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  17. Not one but 2 sweet cards! Love those cute images. Great picks this week too!

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  18. I love all those squares on your card. Due to my math skills I would have to cute the squares, place them on a sheet of cardstock, then cut the cardstock to form the card! Your papers are perfect to use for the dog stamp. It is adorable and so is the kitty stamp.

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  19. Hello dear Di, I'm quickly popping in whilst Daisy snoozes...we're having a fun time despite the 6am dawn chorus ;0) I love both your cards, such sweet stamps, I agree re the quality of Little Claire's . Lovely picks and yes please to the prizes...great stamps and even a generous bonus set from Mary Anne. Hugs xx

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  20. Two really lovely sets of stamps Di and beautiful cards, and the patchwork effect on the first is perfectly executed, thanks for the tips on that, and the embossing looks great on the second. Great picks again this week and congratulations to Lesley. If I manage to get a card in this week, as I am still playing catch up since my week away, I am a 'yes please' for the draw. x

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  21. Hello Miss Di
    I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to play last week and thank you so much for highlighting my card.

    The top picks this week are stunning as is your cards.
    Please could I be put in the pot for the 'we six dogs' stamp.

    Hope you have a fabulous week.
    Hugs Eve xx

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  22. Love your animal cards, Di--incredible picks, too! I'll play just for the Anna Griffin stamps this week. Think we're predicted to be abnormally hot, too--not what I like unless I'm at the lake!

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  23. I love your designs, especially the first one - just perfect for our challenge at Cardz 4 Guyz, thanx for sharing.
    Hugz, Jan (DT) xx

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  24. Hi Miss Di

    Great makes from you this week.. .. and great inspiration from your playmate picks too. So many fabby ideas!

    Just playing for the fun of using up my snippets thanks Di.

    Love and hugs
    Jules xx

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  25. Love you fun pets! Looks like a pet party brewing at the playground! I do hope they'll behave. Great picks too. Glad to be back to visit. Hope you are feeling much better than the last time I popped in.

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  26. Dogs and cats- both are just adorable! Always so much fun to come over here - gorgeous picks - as always!

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  27. Adorable card and such a fab way to use snippets (I should remember this next time I dig into my box of stashed snippets ...I actually have made couple of these patchwork styled backgrounds out of snippets, just never remember I should/could make more of them, lol)

    This week I'll be busy with work (and golf :) so I'll probably won't have time to make a card for playground. But just in case there are rainy golf-free evenings with a crafting mojo on: YES please for the prize/s

    Have a wonderful kick for this week!

    Hugs from Finland,
    Eemeli

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  28. Look at you with two darling snippets cards this week and they weren't without some effort either (thanks for the tips!)! I love that you are fair to both your dog peeps and your cat peeps and those who have both. Once again you've gathered the most amazing art for showcasing!! I hope you have a great week! Tell Parsnip that Hammy says Howdy! Hugs, Darnell

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  29. Di, your pet cards are amazing! Especialy the dachshound catches my eyes (we've got one, named Tom). And also your picks are amazing.
    Wish you the best,
    Lia xx

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  30. Hi Di your cards are gorgeous. I love the cards you have picked as well. I would like to play along for the stamp set with the butterfly and poppy in it. Have a great week. Hugs Jackie

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  31. Afternoon Di, Two super cute cards from you this week. I love the little dogs and cats and love the patchwork background.

    Congratulations to Lesley for her win and to your top picks. Lovely work from them all. Barbxx

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  32. What sweet pet friendly cards you have inspired us with today. I'm impressed with the patchwork on the doggie card and love how you went about it, including having a contingency plan in the background. Count me in for the prize.

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  33. Super snippet cards Miss Di, especially the dogs with the snippet squares. Fabulous picks too and congrats to Lesley.
    Running way behind but will hopefully pop by later in the week but just for fun xx

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  34. Hi Miss Di. :) Your cards for this week are soooo adorable! I love both your cards, but I think I love the one with the cats a little more,as I can see there one little cutie that looks like my little kitten,heheh.
    And wow, there are some really gorgeous picks this week! Congrats to each of them and to the last week's winner! I would like to play for the stamps this week,they're irresistible. Thank you!
    Wish you a wonderful and creative week.xx
    Renata S.

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  35. Hi Di and Parsnip,
    Hope you're having a good start to the week! Wonderful picks this week, I'm loving all the different styles on display at the playground. Love your cute makes, especially the doggy gang. I love that paper pad from LOTV, such a shame that they don't make them anymore. Great advice about doing the patchwork background, I have dumped a couple in the past because of 'wonky' layouts!! I'm playing JFF this week, love Jacky x

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  36. What a fab pack of pooches.
    So pleased you joined us at C4G. :)

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  37. 1st. card, A super sweet card, loving your stamp and background. Thanks for playing along with us at Cardz 4 Guyz. Caz DT

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  38. Both lovely cards Di, the first one is a great way to use up the snippets! Great selection of picks as always.
    Janice x

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  39. I love both your cards, especially the background of squares on your doggy card. I'd love to be in the hat please, but not for the doggy stamp as I already have that in both large and dinky sizes!
    Jane

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  40. Hi Di,
    Your cards are so lovely! And for me as a cat lover, I would like to say "yes, please" for the chance to win that amazing stamp! ;)
    Hugs, Liv Xx

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  41. Thought I'd bring a little bit of Texas to the playground with my card today Di.
    Great showcase of cards and I love the prizes. Will toss my name in the hat on those. Your cards are so cute and fun.
    Lynn

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  42. Just linked up a card - just for fun this time :)

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  43. Had a giggle about your comment on my entry Di - does it *really* show a man who is capable of multitasking? Or one who starts lots of things and never finishes either of them? It was inspired by my memories of Dad's workbench in his garage, and he was definitely one of the latter.
    Jane

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  44. Wow...thank you Di for picking my MM and this is the 2nd time u have picked. Am dancing....your 2nd card is so cute...am in love with those cats....

    hugs
    Meena

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  45. Hi Di, here I am turning up like the bad penny again. The problem with my arms is rather killing my incentive for card-making right now, but I am trying to make myself do things, so hopefully I will get back into it again. Being both a 'dog person' and a 'cat person' I just love both of your cards this week, and would certainly like the opportunity to be in with a chance of winning the stamps. The other stamp is beautiful, but not one I would use much, so would be happy for that one to go to someone else. You have again highlighted some beautiful projects in your picks. Well done to all concerned. Kate x

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  46. Wonderful card and wonderful stamps. Yes please for the prize.
    Valerija

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  47. Oh my gosh, these cards are so darned cute! I ,love the quilt pattern behind the dogs. It has such a homey feel...man's best friend and a lovely quilt for you and pooch to snuggle up under! Well thought out!

    The cats are adorable and that is my fave discontinued SU EF...

    Popped by with a card. Thanks for noticing my card and featuring it. It was a fun card to make and I was proud to snitch the center of that mat for the flowers etc.
    Yes please for the prizes.

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  48. Great cards Di, as usual - yes please to the prize

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  49. Cute cards and picks, Di, I love them.
    Yes for the prize, please.
    Have a great day!

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  50. SUCH cute cards as usual!!! I'd love the chance to win that adorbs doggie stamp!

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  51. Yes please Miss to the candy...
    and oh how cute are those stamps and cards you've made .. wunnerful indeedy! such creative work by the playmates and congrats to Lesley too on her win, you always have the nicest candy, miss :D
    Thanks so much for sharing.
    Shaz in Oz.x

    {Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

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  52. Love the pet cards, they are so sweet. Hope you have a great week. Yes to the draw please! Cara x

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  53. Your cards are always so wonderful but when you add cute cats and dogs, they're even better! Yes please to these adorable stamps! That embossed background on your cat card looks very much like a sweater, so cozy.

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  54. Oh my I just love, love your cards...so adorable and they make me so happy...I just love dogs and cats, so of course the answer is yes, yes for the draw, and how nice of your friend to send you a set to giveaway as well! Lovely pick of cards this week too...how fun!! sorry I have not been around much, but I have a nerve issue in my leg and have spent the last week off it (or trying to)...ugh!!

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  55. Hi - I so love your card - so cute, made me smile today. Thank you for having such a great blog. Always something different to see. I would love a chance to enter the giveaway.

    crafty hugs Pen x

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  56. Oooo that image is right up my street, as i so love 4 Paws and a wet nose and what a great way to use up your scraps, Luv Sam x

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  57. You've got the animal kingdom covered pretty well with these 2 darling cards. Really love the 'snippets quilt background' for the puppies (they do love a quilt to snooze on too!) and the mesh ef was perfect for these kitties. Cute, Cute, Cute. Congrats to Lesley for her win, and some of your highlights, I've enjoyed as I wandered blogland. Hugs to you & Little P...TFS

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  58. Oooo thanks for reminding me Di, but as i fly to Rome tomorrow, where i pick up a cruise ship on Friday, and not back till 6th June, so i had better play for fun this week, Luv Sam x

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  59. Well I am a true doggie lover, so let me just say EEK! Adorable, double EEK! Cats are cuties, also, but I am smitten with the poochies! Yes please for the draw, and a big congrats to last weeks picks. Excellent work, as always.

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  60. Finally I'm be able to enter in the challenge. These are very busy days for me :(
    Love really very much all these stamps, so YES, please, count me in the draw for the prizes

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  61. Lovely card and lots of nice snippets used too! I never realised Parsnip was such a little mercenary! But I guess an agent is a bit like that lol! Just playing for fun this week. L x

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  62. I always like the effect of a patchwork card, I don't know why I don't make them more often. I'm always impressed by the entries here and the work which goes into them. Some people are so patient. Yes, please put me in the draw for the prize. x

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  63. Thank you Miss Pixie - I have been laid up and not able to get over before today, I am very honoured to have been a pick, I do love the pink card I created for my brother.
    Your cards are fabulous! So many cute kitties and mutts: I adore animal stamps and cards!
    Yes please for the prize too because we are a cat and dog family so they would be well useful. I hope you have an awesome week Karen x

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  64. Oh dear me Miss Di, I've been playing truant for so long but I'm back now with a card that has lots of snippets on it, hope I'm not in too much trouble? The picks this week are stunning and I love your cards. Yes please for the Anna Griffin stamps. Crafty Hugs, Sandma x

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  65. Gorgeous cards Di! I have been playing truant too! Yes please to lovely prize. Hugs to you and Parsnip (prickly hug to Mr Spike!) Xx

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  66. Can't decide if I enjoyed all the lovely cards more or all the lovely comments. What a friendly and nurturing site. I am so glad that you all share so much! Thanks, Candace over the pond in Calgary.

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    1. Hi Candace, thank you so much for your really sweet comment! I tried to comment back but couldn't - so if you hop back here at any time I hope you see this. And, if you're into card making or crafting do feel free to come and play with us in the Snippets Playground!

      Hugs

      Di xx

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  67. Di was just looking at the dog card again and thinking how well you placed all those squares behind. I seem to have the most crooked eye around and always end up no matter how much I measure and mark with a card that looks like everything is leaning. Made me decide to give up on this type of design but I enjoy looking at others. That dog stamp is just the best, all those cute pooches.

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This is a public blog. Those leaving a comment on any post on this blog or entering a piece of artwork into a linky do so in the knowledge that their name and blog link are visible to all who visit this blog and in so doing have published their own personal details and consented to my use of that personal information should they be selected as a winner or to accredit work.