Sunday 29 April 2018

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #325

Crumbs, time is really flying past in between challenges! I have absolutely no idea how I used to manage running a new one each week. Perhaps it's just me slowing down - like the Duracell batteries bunny advert?

Here's a couple of bits of shopping info. for UK Playmates.

I trotted into Hobbycraft last week as I do buy some of their white card blanks (branded as Craft UK Limited). Sometimes I make my own but their 6" square ones with envelopes are hard to beat for the price at £5 for 50. And I never feel too guilty at chopping them down to 5.5" x 4.25" cards - especially since I found the matching envelopes for that USA size on-line for sale here in the UK. Right at the front of the shop I spotted some of the same brand 5" x 7" card blanks, with envelopes, on sale for £2.50 for a pack of 50! Snatched those up and went to find the 6" square cards. Tootled back to the counter to pay and blow me - the 6" square card blanks are also on offer for £2.50! It seems that most, if not all, of the card sizes in that range are on half price offer right now. I didn't think to ask how long the offer runs for - sorry!

Also, I often use what I refer to as deep red satin/matt mirri card when making Christmas cards. I love that stuff as it's so rich and elegant but it's almost impossible to find. However, I stumbled across it on-line in Joanna Sheen's shop a week ago. It's called 'Red Velvet' - which is so appropriate - and comes in packs of three A4 sheets for £3. Not cheap, at £1 per sheet, but you certainly can 'eke' it out if you use it to die cut the likes of poinsettias/candles for example. I ordered some and it's really beautiful - and if you spend £9 the postage is free. I can't promise, but I have a feeling that orders over £9 in value might also be free to other countries. That seems too good to be true so please don't quote me!

Let's get straight on with my snippets card - it's bright and cheerful, just like the Spring we never really had:
I used:

- 6" x 6" square white card blank

- snippet of green card, trimmed to an eighth of an inch all round smaller than the card front and glued in place

- snippet of white card for the stamped panel - stamped using MFT's 'Marble background' stamp, the Misti of course and SU's 'Daffodil Delight' ink pad. I was really glad to have the Misti - it sure helps stamping when you have a dodgy back

- then I cut the marbled panel into three parts - the centre one is slightly taller than the others to accommodate the die cut word

- die cut the word 'WISH' from the centre panel using MFT's 'Wish' die - and backed the cut out portion with medium weight double sided adhesive sheet. That was also a snippet - I never throw away offcuts of adhesive sheet, they can be pieced together easily 'behind the scenes'

- then die cut the word 'WISH' three times from snippets of orange card before building them up (using a glue pen for the upper layers) into the cut out 'WISH' apertures - and topped a fourth layer just onto the candle/letter 'I' using a little snippet of green for the 'candle' itself and more of the same orange for the flame

- then glued the three panels onto the card front, which already had the green background 'frame' in place. Little hint, I glued the top and bottom panels in place first and the centre one last - that way it doesn't matter if you're a teensy bit out with the gaps at top and bottom of the card, so long as the centre panel is placed with even spacing above and below it then you're good to go!

I've had the MFT background stamp ever since it was released a while ago and this is its first outing. It would look very dramatic stamped in something like black - perfect for a chap! I stuck to one colour but reckon you could ring the changes by using more than one colour of ink pad or stamping onto coloured card rather than plain white. And, after I'd made this card, I also stumbled onto a great idea that our little friend Amanda showed on her blog very recently - she stamped and white heat embossed the marbled background and then rubbed over it with coloured inks. Very effective as well!

So, here's this week's Snippets Playground prize - pretty obvious what it is of course!
It's a MFT 'Marbled Background' stamp (6" x 6") and also the MFT 'Wish' die - just like I used on my card for today. The die is self-explanatory of course - and the stamp is red rubber on cling foam, which makes for a good impression. It works perfectly in the standard sized Misti - but, if you don't have a Misti or similar stamping press then do what I used to do - use one of your cutting machine plates as a stamp block :)

Both this prize stamp as well as mine arrived with tiny pieces of white on the red rubber - but it's just from where the stamps have been sliced up with their protective wax backing sheet on. They flick or wipe off easily - so if you either win or buy this stamp then don't worry. I used my Lawn Fawn stamp cleaning cloth to wipe over mine but haven't opened the prize stamp, that's up to the winner :)

I'm making this one single prize girls - they  work so well together and I think you will agree too, plus it saves me working out who wants what and possibly posting a split prize of course.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 12th May. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

It's a maximum of ONE entry and please say in a comment if you wish to play and be a possible winner of the prize. 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 in a comment on here, 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.

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(s) of last fortnight's Clarity 'You Hung The Moon' and Whimsy 'Fadoodles 2' stamp sets, plus (hopefully) a Guest Designer and fortnightly picks of course.

Parsnip has taken up baking! It's carrot and raisin cake on today's afternoon schedule apparently - the little perisher seems to do it just so he can lick the spoon and mixing bowl.Can't see him volunteering to do the ironing though!

And love of course from me,

64 comments:

  1. Your marbled background looks great and - stunning- it is a stamp!! Wow!! Love how you cut it in three panels! And that big sentiment is wonderful! It's really a striking card, so beautiful and impressive!

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  2. I am back to play this month in your snippet challenge and would love to be entered to win. Love your card!

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  3. Such a striking card and the background stamp looks so useful, also the word die as well. I've popped a card in on time this week so could I please say a 'yes' for an opportunity to go into the draw. I do hope your back is holding up and that you're not overdoing things. I'm sure some warmer weather would help everyone and surely there is some coming along soon - please!!

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  4. Mr Mojo appears to have come back to may, so I'm looking forward to play along this time. I have been eyeing this MFT background stamp and love the way you've used it on your pretty card. So yes, I will most definitely playing for this prize. Before I move to Crete, I bought two sets of 13.5cm square cards with envelopes and still haven't used them up. As for Joanna Sheen, I have ordered from them a few times and I always received free shipping to Greece. Heavy items such as cardstock are only available within the UK, though, but there's always a clear statement on the product page to indicate this.
    Marianne x

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    1. Sorry about the typos...really should have put on my reading glasses first...or used a proper pc instead of my iPad...always having trouble typing on my iPad LOL.

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  5. Ooh! Fabulous card. What a gorgeous background stamp . . . and thanks for the shopping enabling!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  6. This marbled background stamp is a beauty and the big sentiment die goes really well and a great card you have made with them Di. I am definitely a 'yes please' for the prize. x

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  7. Lovely make from you and a resounding YES PLEASE to a draw entry to win this fab prize

    Happy Sunday

    Kathyk

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  8. I entered in the challenge with my snippets card. Yes, please. Thanks for the chance to win these fabulous toys! :D

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  9. love that stamp......thought you'd had the ink and washing bowl out! The shopping tips are fab too! I'm just playing for fun thanks, it's just nice to come and play xxx

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  10. What a wonderful card you have created! I love both of the items. So, need to get craftin' and if my card is chosen by Mr Random, yes please squared!

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  11. Such a fun card, Di! This time I'll play for the prize--don't have similar items in my huge stash, surprisingly--haha! Boy did you get some good deals!

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  12. Great card, Di, and a great prize!
    Yes please, I would like to take part in the draw.
    Hugs, Liv

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  13. Di your card is another stunner xx

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  14. Hi Di, another great card. Please Oh please could we have a pic with you and Parsnip?

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  15. Super card, Di, I love your marbled background. So much easier than marbling! I'm Yes Please to have my name in the hat for the prizes this time.

    I popped into Hobbycraft on Friday and took advantage of their card packs offer. What a bargain! xx

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  16. Super card Di, great background and a lovely die. Wonder what you are wishing for!?

    Kath x

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  17. Oh, this is such a wonderful card and I love that simple design. The little candle substituted for the letter "i" is the perfect touch! That marble background can be either elegant or playful, depending on the colors and design as well. The more I look at this card, the more I love that olive green and orange color combo...great job! Yes please to this fun die and stamp.

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  18. I managed to make a card last night and then saw that you had your new Snippets challenge up on the blog. I immediately took a photo and uploaded, so that I didn't forget. We are leaving on a family vacation in several days so I'm trying to get my challenges straight and cards loaded before I go. Yes please to this week's prize! That marble stamp would be great for so many projects and I like the bold die sentiment. I make so many birthday cards that this sentiment would get a real work out.

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  19. A fabulous card Di - I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance to win the prize please.

    Thanks for the info about the card blanks - I'll pop into our local store tomorrow to see if they have any! I've bought several things from Joanna Sheen - great customer service. You're right too about no P&P for all orders over £9.00. There are a few things they can't send overseas, but otherwise it's free - you don't get that from many companies.
    Kath x

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  20. Your card is gorgeous but as I have a lovely big pad of marbled paper in lots of colours I'm just playing for fun this time
    Jane

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  21. Hi Di this is a stunning card. I am playing just for fun this time. Have a great week. Take care. Hugs Jackie

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  22. Gorgeous card Di. Yes, Joanna Sheens free postage over £9 works international, and she also has a vast choice of freebies if you spend over £30. Sometimes I see things a little bit cheaper, but with the free postage and some unusual items I often pop over for a look at her specials. Will keep an eye out for that card. Great deal on the card blanks. When I link up I will love to play for the prize. Hugz

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  23. Love your card! Awesome technique! I'd love to be entered in the draw for the prize!

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  24. Beautiful card, and because I'll be linking up tomorrow, it's a yes from me for the prizes, please xoxo

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  25. Such a pretty card Di! Love the marble background and that Wish die is great for birthday cards. I'd love to be in for the draw on this one - and I even have snippets on my card! Yea!
    Lynn

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  26. Di, I dearly love that gorgeous background stamp and the colors you chose are marvelous! Unlike most weeks, I'm going to toss my hat into the ring for the prize, either one or both. :-D Will have my card posted shortly.

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  27. Super card Di - loving that awesome background stamp!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw :0)
    Helen x

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  28. Hello Diane! I hope you are doing very well. I'm very happy to make you laugh because my rabbits bibs :) I always enjoy to join your challenge and thank you for wonderful chance. Have a wonderful day!

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  29. Love the card you have made with the stamp, was so weird to be reading and suddenly see my name lol. As much as I like to win stuff I think as I already own the stamp I will leave that to everyone else. Hugs, Amanda x

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  30. Fabulous card Di. Gorgeous marble background and i love the simple design.
    And yes please for the prize.

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  31. Wow, this is a cool looking card Di! I love the background and that die. Sounds like you hit up some pretty good deals, good for you! We all love getting more stuff for our money! I know I haven't played along in a long time, not sure I will this time around either, bu hope to soon. Hugs, Brenda

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  32. Fab card, Di! Definitely a 'yes please' from me for the prize. I've been admiring that background stamp for a while, and I'm sure that die is a lot of fun too.

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  33. Oooh what a fab card Di, that marbled effect is just super duper and I do love the big bold 'Wish' sentiment especially nice how you've made the candle stand out by doing it in green. I'd like to play for both the prizes this time please :) x

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  34. Wow, that marbled background is super! I did not know the stamp and like it very much (as well as the card you made with it!). I would like to play for the 2 prizes, please!
    Lia xx

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  35. Love your card Di! I will be playing along very shortly and would like to be entered into your draw please.
    Hobbycraft card packs are such a bargain at £2.50 a pack.....I must stop buying them, or rather check check which I need before buy8ng! Lol
    Janice x

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  36. Love your card - and I would love the prize!!

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  37. My first time here and yes please I would love to win the prize. I'm so excited to find a fellow crafter not that far away from me - I'm just outside Andover.

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  38. Hi Miss Di

    A lovely card from you .. .. I thought you had been playing with shaving foam for the background when I first looked .. .. but I did think that collecting up Len's used shaving foam would be taking re-cycling a little bit far!! LOL!!

    Just playing for fun .. .. but someone is going to win a lovely prize.

    Love Jules xx

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  39. Well those 2 weeks disappeared in a blink! And a card blank bargain - !!
    Joined in this week and yes please!
    Big hugz. xx

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  40. Your marbled background is impressive and I love the big candle in the center of the sentiment! Great card, and yes please to this week's draw!

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  41. Beautiful marbled background and bold sediment, Di! A perfect festive card! Hugs, Darnell

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  42. Hi Di. I’m not sneaking in at the last moment! Cool card and background stamp. So definitely yes to the prize pack please! Have a great day! Trina xx

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  43. Love that marbled bg, Di, I have been drooling over that for a while now, so YES, I am in for the drawing!! Maura

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  44. Oops, I forgot to say thanks for running your challenge, I haven't been here for a while and am glad to be back!!

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  45. Clever background stamp Di..showcased well on your super card and as it seems to be all about wishing at the moment (see my card) I would love to be in the draw.Thanks :)

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  46. Very beautiful card Di. Love the background. Yes for the prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  47. What a fabulous card and a fabulous prize! But I think I will play just for fun this time; just for the fun of using up those snippets!

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  48. Wow, gorgeous card and gorgeous prize! Ican see lots of uses for that gorgeous marbled background - love it! I used lots of snippets on my project today! I'm a definite yes for the prize!

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  49. Forgot to add... thank you for the inspiration to use up my snippets! I tend to reach for those first anyway because I have so many but your challenge is much appreciated!

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  50. Beautiful card, Di! I'm playing just for fun this time :) x

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  51. I am playing for the wonderful prize, thanks. I do love your card and your blog getting us to use our snippets.

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  52. Gorgeous marbled card Di, looks fantastic, yes please to the prize thankyou, Cathy x

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  53. WOW so fun it is to drop in and visit you after what seems ages. Excited to link up my snippets card and a yes from me for the prize
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia

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  54. Beautiful card and I would love the prize!

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  55. Great card Di, love that marble stamp, yes please to prize draw : )

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  56. A great card and background stamp Di. Yes please for me in the draw. Thank you x

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  57. I love big sentiments and the background is totally amazing.
    yes for the prize, please.
    have a great day.
    hugs xx

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  58. I love the gorgeous card Di, sorry it's been a while since I joined in. Playing just for fun.

    Sue xx

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  59. Very cute card... YES please for a chance at the prize, thanks, Donna xx

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  60. Entering 3 hours before your linky closes... But hey, better late than never and I used a lot of snippets so I had to enter! :) A wonderful prize as always, would love to enter the draw. That marble background is stunning and I love the clean look of the card you created with it.

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  61. Fabulous card and what a gorgeous background stamp!!!
    Playing just for fun.
    Hugs, Majda

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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.