Sunday 28 May 2017

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 283 and 284

We're almost through May now - good grief! Once the year ramps up it really does seem to fly past.

During this coming fortnight I have a long weekend away booked, in Stratford Upon Avon - for my old boarding school reunion. Lovely hotel, right beside the river and little boat cruises from their own jetty. So watch the headlines over next weekend for reports of pensioners doing swimming competitions along the river! One of my besties from those days is unable to make it this time (Hi Moira!) but our other great friend/partner in crime, Angie, will be there helping me to stir up trouble when we can. And, we three do plan to have a girly weekend away before too long to make up for the disappointment.

Len and Parsnip will be at home but the Playground will be in your hands for a few days in the middle of the fortnight. I probably won't have a chance to comment on entries whilst partying. But, due to the new timings on picks and winners, I will be doing a scheduled post for the 'middle of the fortnight' as usual - on Sunday 4th June.

As always, a huge thank you to everyone who came to play this past fortnight - loads of gorgeous entries. I so love seeing what you've been up to and also to pick up loads of ideas along the way (too many in fact!).

This is my snippets card for the coming fortnight:
I used:

- 4.25" x 5.5" white card blank, tent style

- snippet of white card stock, onto the centre of which which I stamped a selection of stems, leaves, flower heads, twizzles and a sentiment from the W Plus 9 'Doodle Buds' stamp set - using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink and the ever useful Misti

- then stamped the leaves and flower heads onto a right old selection of snippets - too small to really identify properly (oddly enough though they did come from where I keep my Contemporary Christmas papers - so when you're hunting don't dismiss looking at those for 'everyday' scraps/snippets!)

- fussy cut and then glued all the little elements in place onto the image panel - gosh some were so fiddly! 

- meh, then had the beginnings of a card ...... hooray as it took ages!

- furtled around in my scraps of Core-dinations card and die cut two layers from the Avery Elle 'Postage Elle-ments' die set in turquoise, to pick out the turquoise seed head - and there was a frame

- glued the frames together. Used Stick-it sheet when die cutting the top one, then wiggled the two layers together as perfectly as possible before running the now double layered frame through the Cuttlebug with the two embossing plates AND an embossing folder - purely as padding, unopened. A tip I found this past week - and it worked beautifully!

- stuck the frame onto the image panel, which had been suitably trimmed down

- finally stuck the whole piece onto the card front

- in-house critic was asked his opinion about adding a few turquoise sequins - and he said 'Step off the podium lady!' - so I did and left it well alone from that point on

The 'Doodle Buds' are such a great set of stamps! Initially I wanted to stamp and heat emboss a few before colouring with Zig Watercolour brush markers as those have been sadly neglected. But, as it's a snippets card I felt bound to use those little snippets for the paper piecing. Took a lot longer and I had to stop and think about the ordering of the layers more than once - but it's another way to show how versatile this stamp set is. Each element is separate, bit daunting at first but good fun when you get going!

And the die set I used is also great fun and very versatile - I used it recently HERE.

Probably don't need to spell out what this fortnight's prize is made up of:
The prize is the W Plus 9 'Doodle Buds' stamps set and the Avery Elle 'Postage Elle-Ments' die set - same as I used on my snippets card of course. There are lots of ideas about using the stamp set to be found on line and with a bit of clever masking you could build up a lovely bunch of flowers all ready to colour in. The largest die is almost  4.25" x 5.5" by the way, so it's perfectly fine for a lot of card sizes. I do like the American 4.25" x 5.5" size of card rather than our UK 4" x 6" size - it somehow just seems more balanced to me.

I will split the prize if necessary, am mindful that not everyone would like both parts of the prize - although (as so often!) I do think they go together well. But, as always - both items are one complete prize if you wish to play for them as a pair.

The Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks from now on and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 10th June. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

It's still a maximum of ONE entry and please say in a comment if you wish to play and be a possible winner of the prize. The prize is both items together as a single prize, unless you really do only want to try for a 'split' - in which case I'd do a further draw for the other item. Please also link back to the Playground in your blog post to be eligible for the draw.

Remember, if you link into the Playground and don't say clearly that you're wanting to be in the draw then you will be bypassed if your name comes out of Mr Linky. I'm sure you all know I ask for a positive 'yes' just in case you're playing only for fun. Thanks!

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 :)

Be sure to call back next week to see the winner of last fortnight's prize (the Chevron edger dies and the Flora cat stamps) plus my picks from the past two weeks - as well as another lovely guest designer too!

Love from Parsnip and of course from me,

73 comments:

  1. Super card, Di, the paper pieced flowers are beautiful, worth all the effort of fussy cutting.

    Have a fabulous long weekend......I'd love to be a fly on the wall. It sounds like you are already planning lots of mischief! Stratford Upon Avon is a beautiful place visit - hope the weather stays fine for you.

    I'm a Yes Please for the lovely prize this fortnight. xx

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  2. I adore that card Di and love the pretty paper pieced flowers and the beautiful frame around it, and a really stylish sentiment too. We went to Stratford on Avon a couple of years or so ago and the centre around the water is really lovely and we had a boat ride too, and I hope you have a great reunion bash. If I manage to get a card in I would love to be entered into the draw for both the stamps and the dies please.

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  3. I love your pretty flowers Di, I hope to get an entry in once we get home from holidays

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  4. So pretty, love the combination of paper piecing Di and postage border is enhancing its beauty with a lovely sentiment! I just made a card last night, hope it will count for your snippet entry! And "Yes" for both the prize it's so beautiful, Thanks for the opportunity to win!

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  5. Goodness Di! Just reading through all the steps that put this card together has me exhausted! However, it was well worth the work because this is a darling, sweet, whimsical card that would cheer anyone up. Have a wonderful time on your adventure...and we'll keep the lamp lit here in the playhouse for you! Yes please to this fabulous prize!!

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  6. I really love your card, Di! I've wanted that stamp set forever & don't have the dies either, so I'll play for both prizes this time. Hope you have a great time at the reunion. I actually went to Stratford Upon Avon when I was in England in 1977, so can picture where you'll be!

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  7. Hi Miss Di, I love your card and those are beautiful prizes this fortnight, hope you have a wonderful time catching up with your school buddies, my Mum does that too, she and her friends are planning attending their School Fete/fair as they have been friends for mmm five decades, I haven't given away too much. Have a wonderful week... Megan

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  8. Wonderful card as always. Love the image, the sentiment and beautiful soft colours.
    Yes for the prize, please.
    Have a great day, Valerija xx

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  9. A really lovely card Di, I just love the pretty fussy cut flowers! I will be entering a card, so would love to be in the draw for this fab prize please.
    Wishing you a lovely weekend away, Stratford-upon-Avon is a beautiful place to visit.
    Janice x

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  10. With a quick look I did not even realize you had paperpieced everything! Then I started reading the details on making the card and had to take another look on your creation. You placed every little piece perfectly, no mis-placed ones :)

    YES please for the prize/s. I will have my card in my blog in the evening and will be coming back with the link.

    Hope you have been enjoying your weekend. The weather is awfully cold here in Finland and there should be also a huge rain area coming in less than an hour so will be keeping inside today. Maybe a little bit of crafting before a date with a new guy, lol.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  11. Simply LOVE your pretty paper pieced flowers & the wonderful sentiment. Fab card mate and a super prize.

    Enjoy your shindig with your chums . , . Will keep an eye on the news!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  12. Your reunion sounds such fun Di....to be a fly on the wall....LOL.Have a brilliant time.Such a super floral card...it sounded tricky but worth the time. The frame is a perfect finishing touch. Yes please to the prize and I will be back to enter soon. Take care and enjoy your break.Hugs xxx

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  13. Just love a bit of paper piecing, and your card is just fabulous, made even more awesome by all the complicated layering, which I didn't fully appreciate until I started reading, and my poor brain still struggled to work out the how. Have a fabulous time, you deserve it, and I really will try and visit the playground, if only to keep an eye on the misfits. Have fun xxx

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  14. That's a clever and beautiful card and as always the 'how to' description is appreciated. I'd love to be included in the draw this time around please - great prize. Enjoy your reunion with friends from school - more adventurous than me - a few of us 'old girls' just meet up for coffee occasionally which is fun though.

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  15. A lovley card I like the colours. Have a great trip meeting up with your old friends. and its a yes from me to be entered into the draw. xxx

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  16. Hi Di, nice to be back in the swing of making cards again. Been a bit lost over the last few weeks, with family matters etc. Love go in chance to win please.
    Hope you are well and look forward to hearing from you.

    x

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  17. I'm so happy to know you're feeling well enough to take a fun trip! Wishing you lots of fun and good times! I just love your little card today with those pretty flowers and a wonderful die! I've had those dies on my wish list for a looooooong time, so yes please to this fabulous prize! Enjoy your getaway!

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  18. Enjoy your trip!! :)
    Lovely use of your scraps and these flowers look so pretty! Love how you framed them!

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  19. The paper piecing is so much fun! I will have to see what I can come up with for my snippets this time!

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  20. Your card is beautiful Di and I love how you paper pieced the flowers! Something I need to do more often!! I hope you have a wonderful time away, so good to get together with friends and good for our souls too. I have made some cards using snippets, so I will have to get them in a post so I can play along. Hugs, Brenda

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  21. Hope you enjoy your time away as much as it sounds like you will!
    Love this pretty card. Beautifully worded sentiment.
    'Yes please' to this competition.
    Thank you. x

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  22. A fabulous card. I'll be in the playground next week as we're in a wet Cornwall this week. I'd love a chance to win the fab prize please. Enjoy your reunion.
    Kath x

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  23. Wonderful card! I just love how you used the flower stamps together!! And such a great prize! I would love to win! Thanks so much for the chance! Hugs, Robin

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  24. While reading your description, I assumed the image was one stamp -- a composed bunch of flowers. Now that I see it's made up of lots of pieces and it required a fair bit of masking and planning, I admire it even more. It's a lovely card, fab use of snippets, and well worth the time you put in, IMHO.
    (hope to be back within next 2 weeks with an entry. In the meantime, enjoy that reunion.)

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  25. That stamp set is so amazing! It works really well stamped and coloured, but I've never thought to paper piece it, and I do love a bit of that. Have a fabulous time at your school reunion. I always think it's great that some people manage to go back to their old school and meet up with old school friends - definitely not something I'll ever be doing! xx

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  26. Again a great card from you with lots of works, Di! Stunning!
    This time I want to play AND be able to win. :)
    I wish you a nice school reunion!
    Hugs,
    Liv Xxxx

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  27. Fabulous card, love the super image and the lovely die, great colours and design.
    I am hoping to enter and if so I would like to be entered into the draw.
    Hope you have a great weekend at your annual drunken get together. When I hear Straford-on-Avon I always think of a sketch that Dame Edna Everidge did from inside Anne Hatherways cottage. Obvious a lot of the place is cordoned off and she was pointing to the ropes and said the poor things must have been a crippled midget as she needs these ropes to get around, doesn't sound funny like this but it really creased me up the way she did it.

    Kath x

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  28. Super card, worth all the work & time taken to complete it. Great colours too. Enjoy your break away, sounds like fabulous fun x

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  29. Damn... forgot to mention - again - meh. Once I get back to crafting, currently messing about in the garden I'd like to play for both the stamps and the dies... at some point I will remember to say this in one post lol x

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  30. Yes please to the prize, and hooray for your adorable paper pieced card! It sounds like a LOT of work, but you ended up with an amazing result. Listing all the steps involved sure makes us aware of what actually goes into a card doesn't it? Have a great weekend away, catching up with old friends.

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  31. Another lovely card, Di. I love the paper pieced flowers and the frame is beautiful too. Thanks for passing on the tip - I'll try to remember it for future use ... this old brain doesn't remember as well as it used to :( I don't think I need to tell you to enjoy your weekend - you always do - and I'm sure you are leaving us in very capable hands, i.e. Len & Parsnip :) Oh, and yes, please, do count me in for the prize. I especially like the dies but the stamp set is gorgeous too. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  32. Ooooh, yes please on the prize - I have had both of these treasures on my list for a while!! Love how you paper pieced your flowers, Di!! Great card - worth the extra time! Have fun on your get-away!!!

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  33. beautiful card Di, love those whimsical flowers. Would love to play along for the prize, thanks :)
    hugs
    preeti

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  34. I'm early this time instead of running in as the gates close. Your card is full of fun and joy. Good tip about running through the machine again. I never remember that. Yes please to the prize. Have fun with your friends and enjoy the break.

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  35. Hi, Di! Fabulous card, love great colours and design.
    I'm very happy to know you're feeling well enough to take a fun trip - have a great weekend away, catching up with old friends - enjoy your reunion, Majda xx
    And yes - I'd love a chance to win the fab prize please:-)

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  36. Lovely make, just uploaded my own entry - yes please to this weeks prize. Have a wonderful time in Stratford on Avon

    Kathyk

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  37. Beautiful card Di, yes please to be in your draw. Hope you have a fab time with your mates, look forward to seeing you on the evening news ;)

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  38. What a pretty card! I love those paper pieced flowers; they are adorable! I would love to play for the dies only this week; thanks so much!

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  39. Your paper pieced flowers are so sweet, Di! Have a wonderful time away. Try to stay out of trouble! :) xx

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  40. Love the floral collage you created!!! I would be happy to have either or both of the prizes.

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  41. Really pretty card Di. Such a great way to use snippets! Yes please to the fabulous prize.

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  42. Oh, I adore what you did with the flowers, Di, and the framing die is marvelous! Since I don't have anything like that die, I guess I'll have to play for the prize this time. :-D

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  43. A fabulous card Di. I love paper piecing. Have a lovely time away with your friend. Barbxx

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  44. Love you card it may have taken you a little longer to paper piece but I love how clean and neat it is playing just for fun Nicky

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  45. Love this card and lovely stamp on it. It is gorgeous. Thanks for gorgeous challenge too. I would be glade to win the prize.

    Marjeta

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  46. Oooer miss what great card, adore that stamp set and due, very clever card, I do love those flower designs too, don't see those dirt of things here. I'm on buying ban so no drooling too much as I look, had trouble picking card for my link over as every card of four or five cards, can't remover which had snippets somewhere..
    Have lovely rest, I'm but green at you going there, how luffly, and glad for you too..
    Thanks for sharing your inspiration!
    Shaz in Oz.x

    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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    1. Oh needless to say yes pls thanks berry much, to prize if I am chosen. Not likely but never know. ;-)

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  47. The effort to paper piece was worth it to produce this stunning card. Enjoy your break.
    I'd like to be in the draw for these please.
    L x

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  48. Hey Di, Love your snippets card. Just dropping by the playground to give you a card.. it is to remind us that when life gets hectic - just bubble your troubles away - with a bubble bath.. Yes.. I would love to be in the draw for this fabulous prize.

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  49. Hi Miss Di and the lovely Parsnip.
    Yes please if I am lucky.
    Your card is so very wonderful and I love the paper pieced flower stamp, and the wonderful embossed frame around it.
    As usuual a wonderful use of snippets.
    Hope you are enjoying your reunion, and not getting up too much trouble with your friends.
    Not heard of any swimming antics going on in the news yet. LOL.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  50. Just playing for fun Di as always your card is so inspiring l just love it enjoy your re-union and l'd like to hear all the news take care sending lots of love xx

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  51. I love your card!! The colors just make my heart happy :) I would love to play along for the prize :)
    Susan

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  52. Lovely design, at first glance I thought you'd coloured in the flowerss, love the papers you picked.
    Would love to play this week x Amanda

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  53. Morning Miss Di, loving your funky flowers, it's a real burst of Summer.

    All linked up, think I may have missed the last, sorry, but had a couple of surgeries and thrown all my days's out, what's new I hear you ask !

    B x

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  54. Hi Di. Fantastic card. Love all that paper piecing of pattern paper snippets. Works perfectly for that whimsical stamp set. Love that stamp set and I've been eyeing that die set, so I would definitely love to play for them. Thank you for the opportunity.

    Have a fabulous weekend.

    Trina xx

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  55. Hello Miss! I made it this week.... I am off to Leamington tomorrow - hope you are behaving yourself and not making 'Much Ado About Nothing'!!
    Missing you all but time is non existent - hope all Ok with you all. xxx

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  56. This is a very pretty paper pieced card, Di. The colours are pretty too!
    I like those dies. The stitched look is great and the edging pattern is lovely.

    I would say yes please for the dies only and be glad to leave the rest of the prize for a second draw.

    Thanks for the chance to win and all the work you put into this challenge. I am glad the new format works so much better for you!

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  57. A wonderful card Di, great use of the snippets. I'm sure you're having a splendid weekend, especially as Stratford Upon Avon is such a lovely place to visit.

    This fortnight I'm saying yes please, I would love to be in the draw for the super pretty prize.

    Love and hugs
    Maarit

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  58. Oh my, this flower set is darling and I would love to win both the stamp set and die. I love how you pieced the flowers and the fun paper you used. My whole favorite part of your card is the "twizzles" you added. They make the card so whimsical and fun. I know you will have a terrific, fun holiday with your friends. Such a happy getaway.

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  59. Really gorgous card Miss Di and a fabulous stamp set which I would have said yes to but my 'in progress' sort out is producing more flower stamps than I could fill my garden with so I'm playing just for fun this time around xx

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  60. Hi Di, beautiful paper piecing!! I am playing for fun after my lucky cat win!! Hope you are enjoying Stratford! Hugs, April xx

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  61. Yes please, would like to be in the draw. Fabulous work Di.

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  62. Lovely card Di, and yes please for the draw

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  63. Isn't it funny how you think a card will be fairly quick to make and then it takes ages because you keep adding things to it?! Either way, your card is just so cute and pretty, and I love that frame! Yes please to the draw this week.

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  64. Love you snippets card Di - those flower stamps are fab, so I'm a yes please for the prize draw :0)
    Sorry to be so ate commenting...thought I already had!
    Helen x

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  65. I just saw that I accidentally added a second card - unfortunately I can not delete it. Di, can you do that for me please?
    So sorry :(
    Hugs, Majda

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  66. I made it! phew, thanks for letting me come and play, and have a chance at the prize! xxx

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  67. I will play along this month for the prize. I could split it to share the wealth as I would prefer the die set. Thanks for offering this great challenge! My scrap box thanks you too!

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  68. great card, so modern. I hope you had an amazing weekend in Stratford Upon Avon !
    yes for the prize, please and have great weekend!
    hugs xx

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  69. I don't see my entry yet, hope I did it correctly. Yes, I'd love the prizes. Love your site and enjoyed your take on your reunion!

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Thank you so much if you take the time to comment!

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.