Sunday 7 February 2016

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 215

Hi there! What a fabulous selection of entries we had, once again, in the Playground. It truly is so good to see so many of you playing along and finding such clever ways to use up your snippets!

My own snippets card for today came about when I was pondering over which prizes to offer, as is often the way when I make my Sunday Snippets card. Bet you never guessed that one :)

Anyhooooo, whilst thinking, I decided to tidy up a bit and pop some scraps of card into the snippets folder and there was this piece of card stock glaring at me (yet again) from the 'miscellaneous' slot. It was way too pretty to throw away but somehow it had had managed to get an unsightly crumple in it. It's a piece of 'rainbow' card and the pattern runs diagonally - bingo! I worked out that I could chop the card down to a usable size, lose the crumple and have the colour graduations running straight across the card - a bit like a sunrise. How I wish I could produce this background so perfectly using inks!

I did first spot this gorgeous die over at Chris's Ramblings and Chris also used the die beautifully with white as well as black - and also her inky backgrounds were much more inventive than mine. Apart from all that, my card is a pretty unashamed CASE really - thank you Chris for the inspiration!

This was the end result - really quite easy to do once all the measuring was sorted out:
I used:

- 4" x 5.25" white card blank, tent style

- a snippet of black card stock for the 'frame' behind the snippet of 'rainbow' card

- the rainbow card snippet, trimmed to size after measuring the width of the die I wanted to use

- yet another snippet, black card stock again - backed with Stick-It adhesive sheet

- then I die cut the flower border using a Crafts-Too 'Butterfly Garden' die from the black card snippet. Being unsure how it would release from the die I also used a piece of waxed paper between the die and the black card - but I do suspect it would release beautifully as the die feels almost like it has a Teflon coating to me

- at this point I felt brave enough to stick the border to the rainbow card before actually stamping the sentiment. Good grief, this could have been a major disaster - but it worked and I stamped the lovely sentiment using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink, my Fiskars stamp press and an Inkylicious stamp from the two-stamp set called 'Sunshine Wishes'

- next assembled the card, black layer and then rainbow layer with the butterfly garden silhouetted on it and the sentiment already stamped of course

- the die comes with seven 'free flying' butterflies - and as seven is my lucky number I used them all and popped them onto the card front fluttering hither and thither :)

Here's a couple of little tips. I hate stamping straight onto card stock but for this card (and many others before if truth be known as I learned the hard way to be cautious) I used a piece of the offcuts of the rainbow card to check how clearly the stamp worked on it rather than wreck the thing. As you can see, it worked fine - but the next thing was how to make sure the card stock didn't slip about when I was actually stamping using the Fiskars press. Often a stamp positioner will hold your piece of card steady - but if that's not going to be the case then the solution is easy peasy - especially if you use a slippery glass cutting mat for your work area. Just apply a couple of stripes of removable tape runner to the back of the piece of card to hold it onto the work surface. After stamping the sentiment - or even an image of course, - just rub your finger over the back of the card stock to ball up the removable tape runner lines.

OK, that was my snippets card for today - let's now take a peek at a few picks from last week. Oh, I like that phrase 'peek at the picks'. This week I've tried to really focus on some ideas and techniques that you may want to try out:
This terrific card was made by Cathy R, and you need to nip over to her blog to see how she used 'rusting powder' to create the wonderful background panel. Clever stuff!

I love any form of paper patchwork to use up snippets, and this lovely card made by Kath really caught my eye!

How cute is this card then? Made by Cornelia and what really caught my eye is the clever way the card top has been split across the heart. A perfect Valentine's Day card.

We had some really great Valentine's Day cards in the Playground this past week, here's one idea that I love - made by Jenny H. The owl stamp is so funky and that sentiment, which you could produce on your computer, is perfect! A card with a difference - I might make something similar for the in-house critic :)

This is such a clever idea too! Liz made it, although it's a different card shown on the thumbnail in Mr Linky - so in case you missed seeing this I thought I'd add it in as well! And, Liz has a link on her blog to a video tutorial if you want to have a go for yourself.

I need to stop there with the picks folks - a basket of ironing is calling me plus I've sat still for long enough.

This week we have three new Playmates joining in the fun:
Louise H came to play twice, and after some deliberation I've picked her second card to show you here. I love Art Deco - so elegant.


Pen came to play three times (must be the lure of the 'hooch' in the tree house) - and I've chosen to show you her third entry - I adore the soft and feathery look!

Erika skipped in to share this really pretty card - paper piecing is one the very best ways to use up snippets isn't it? Lovely card!

Thank you so much for coming to play and we hope to see you all again really soon!

Before we move on, our Barb is celebrating a year since she began her blog, with some really lovely candy. You have until 28th February to add your name into Mr Linky over at Barb's Faraway Cards - and this is the generous and varied prize you can win, if you haven't entered yet what are you waiting for?

Time for the prize draw here now. We had the heart die, the glitter papers and the hearts embossing folder on offer - and our winner is:
Oh yippee, it's a first win for Carole according to my records - and she also whipped into the Playground as one of the last entries, which shows it's never too late to play along! Could you please drop me an email Carole (address is on the RH sidebar) letting me have your snail mail address and I'll post off your prize as soon as possible this coming week.

And the Playground prize this coming week is:
Linked to today's snippets card (as is almost always the case) - it's your own Crafts-Too 'Butterfly Garden' die and Inkylicious  two-stamp set called 'Sunshine Wishes'. I do so like the second sentiment 'Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves'.

The Snippets Challenge will run for one week and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 13th February. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

Maximum of three entries 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 either the die set or the sentiment stamps then just say so in a comment - if your number comes up then I'll do a further draw for the remaining part of the prize. But, both items are up as one complete prize if you so wish of course. 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 :)

Enjoy your week - whatever you have planned! Valentine's Day isn't far away so I guess we'll have a few entries featuring even more love and mushy stuff this week :)

Di and, of course, Parsnip! (Who says quite adamantly , one kiss blown in his direction and he'll run for cover!)
x

66 comments:

  1. I love your snippets card Di and the very clever way you managed to cut the background so the stripes of colour are horizontal instead of diagonal and it certainly makes a great sunrise, and then the black silhouette die with all the pretty butterflies is just perfect with it. Congratulations to Carole for winning last week and so many wonderful entries again and love your selection of highlights too. x

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  2. Very pretty card with this silouette and the rainbow snippet for the background!! Looks great!
    Congrats to the winner and stunning picks this week, I'm very impressed by some of them!
    Here it's 1.55 of night... so now I must go immediately to sleep! But before, I wanted enter my card in the challenge and say yes, please, I want to play and enter in the draw for the prize.
    Good night to me and good day to you :D

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  3. I love that card, Di! I love a card with silhouettes against a lovely background and yours certainly fits the bill - and then some! Yes please on the drawing!!

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  4. What a pretty card. One would never guess that the background is patterned paper. It worked perfectly! Such a sweet sentiment too. I'd love to play for the prize this week, thank you!

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  5. If you didn't say it was rainbow card, I would have thought this was fabulous ink blending! Gorgeous card! I'll be here to play along this week and as always, I am a YES for the prize! I had fun looking at your picks this week! Congrats to the lucky winner!

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  6. Very elegant card. I was going to say how I love that background (thinking you have made it yourself) but it seems to be non-selfmade. Well, anyhow it looks very nice.

    Lovely picks from last week. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight, lol. YES please for the prize (I'd might end up being a copy cat, though...)

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  7. I have this die, what a lovely way to use it, thanks for the inspiration Di.
    Thanks also for showcasing my owly card, I'm sure the in-house critic would love one too : )

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  8. Wait...you didn't sponge that???? Whoa! That's just gorgeous! Yes, please, to this gorgeous prize set. Who can resist it after seeing your card???

    Congrats to the lucky winner and the wonderful picks! Very well deserved recognition!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  9. As always, a fab make and selection. Just uploaded my own entry - just playing for fun this week

    Kathyk

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  10. Well done for using up that pretty piece of rainbow card and thanks for the ever useful hints and tips. Just playing for fun this week.

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  11. Thanks for choosing my card in your 'peek of the picks'.
    I love your card this week - a great die and lovely background. I'll see you in the playground soon and I would love a chance of winning this week's fab prize.
    Kath x

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  12. Another great make Di and the background is stunning as is the die used too! and a lot of talented people with regards to the showcase well done all and congrats Carol enjoy your win xx

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  13. What a clever card Di. You have created a beautiful scene. I'm interested to hear that you use a stamp positioner. ..I have been tempted. What a super prize please count me in. I hope you are enjoying this sunshine while it lasts. Hugs xx

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  14. Love the rainbow effect Di and pretty use of the dies.

    B x

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  15. Wow many thanks for showing my card, I do love entering challenges and yours is just great. What a great prize again this week just love it.

    And dare I say I will probably be coming by again.

    Crafty hugs Pen x

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  16. Oooo what a super idea to use the rainbow paper and like you say, if only we could copy that colouring too, Luv Sam x

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  17. Beautiful card Di, love that paper with the striking black silhouette. Fab picks & congrats to the winner too. Would love to say 'yes please' & play along this week.
    hugs Jo x

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  18. Awesome pics this week Di. And your card is fab! Think I need some more of Sarnie's rocket fuel hooch as I have come home with a horrendous cough... well it tastes like cough medicine anyway!!!! Playing this week too.... xx

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  19. Love your card Di - the inky background is so pretty!
    Awesome picks again this week!
    Helen x

    PS - I'm a 'yes please' for the fab prize x

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  20. You've made a tremendous CASE of Chris's card, Di! And thank you for the removable tape tip!! As always the Playmate picks just blow me away with their talent! Now where is that Parsnip? Here I come, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah, mwah ... Hugs, Darnell

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  21. Fabulous picks and a very pretty card Di! I so like the striking black against the more subtle background.

    Love and hugs
    Maarit

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  22. Congratulations to Carole for winning a lovely prize and also to Di's lovely picks for the week.

    Your card is very pretty Di. The background looks like brayering. What a super diecut that is.

    Thank you very much Di for showing my blog giveaway. I've really enjoyed the past year and met lots of lovely friends. Many of them are playmates that I met in your fun Playground. Barbxx

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  23. Stunning card Miss Di. Love the way you used that rainbow card with the black. The prize is fabulous and tempting but I will be very good and say No thanks as I already have a Marianne flower border die and a CB sunshine sentiment stamp.
    Fantastic picks again theis week, congrats to Carole on her win and a big Hi to the new playmates. I reckon we'll soon need an extension adding onto the treehouse xx

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  24. LOVING your pretty rainbow card with the terrific silhouette die cuts. Great "outside the box" thinking for the background.

    BRILLIANT picks, as usual.

    CONGRATS to Carole on her win. Wahoo!

    Looking forward to the Pancake Race on Tuesday!

    (Playing just for fun thanks)

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  25. Gorgeous silhouette card Di! Amazing picks this week - so much talent and creativity!

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  26. I haven't joined in yet. Just wanted to say how thrilled I am that you case'd my card, what an honour! I see what you meant in your email now! Thank you for the link to my blog too! Your card is fabulous, I love the sentiment! Fab picks this week and congrats to Carole. Thanks again! xxxxx

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  27. Oh, I always love your explanation of how you made your snippets card Di...so educational and inspiring. I too have often found a sheet of old paper in my stash that is the worse for wear...and I never want to toss anything! Cutting it down and turning it into a wonderful background is the best second-chance you can think of, isn't it? Love that die cut against the sunrise background and would like to be in the running for this week's prize!

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  28. Finally made it here, knew I should have commented this morning but was in a panic as I have lost a stamped image, goodness know s where the heck it has disappeared to.
    Really lovely picks and a fabulous card from yourself and aren't we all wanting a day of sunshine, great background and love the black (can't spell shilloette and even my spell checker can't)
    All ready for Tuesday, bought the oranges and lemons for the toppings, ready to juice on the day, if anyone prefers anything else please advise to bring there own.

    Have a good week and see you on Tuesday for the pancake race, better keep Parsnip under cover don't want him harmed by a stray pancake.

    Kath x

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    Replies
    1. Parsnip wants HONEY on his pancakes!! Now hiding under the bed in a sulk so at least he's safe :(

      xxx

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  29. A happy card you made with a gorgeous sponged background! The black looks great - makes for a wonderful silhouette! Thanks for showering me with attention - so fun to see my card featured here - and all the other wonderful cads you picked for us! I am just playing for fun this week!

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  30. Finally got by with a card. Will be back to comment again later...

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  31. Popped back to comment properly now!
    Your card is great! Great use of that background DP. Your diecut looks great nestled onto that pretty dP.

    Lots of talent in the playground this week and some great picks by you

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  32. Gorgeous picks and a wonderful card from you as always Di, and I'd love to go into the hat this week. I'm dreading the pancake race, I just know that while the rest of you are flipping away confidently I'll still be trying to rescue a scrambled eggy mess from my frying pan. I reckon I'm a pretty good cook, but not when it comes to pancakes
    Jane

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  33. Your card is so pretty and the picks are inspiring, I wish I had more time for playing.
    I'm in training for pancake day. Eating them that is, don't be daft - not running!

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  34. Love your card Di.......brilliant! thank you for the win!..a total surprise to see my name...had to look twice!

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  35. Congrats to Carole, and all of those who had cards under the bright lights from last week! I'm always inspired by what I find here in the playground.
    Di, your silhouette card turned out beautifully, and 7 has always been my lucky number too!! LOL
    Yes please to the draw this week as I always love anything done in silhouette!! I hope the foot is coming along nicely by now too! (hugs)

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  36. Very pretty card Di! Love that die and sentiment you used. Another great showcase of cards this week too and a big congrats to the winner. I'll toss my name in the hat for the prize this week too.
    Lynn

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  37. This card is gorgeous Di, I really love it! Another die I have not seen before, this is bad for my purse! I would love to have my name included in the draw please.
    What a fabulous selection you have chosen this week, so many ideas to get us all crafting.
    Janice x

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  38. Ironing?? Can't you get Parsnip to do that? :-)I love your rainbow silhouette card - gorgeous! Congratulations to Carole and the lovely picks. A big yes to super prize please Xx

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  39. Lovely card and as always great picks from the playground I'd like to play along just for the stamps please.
    Linby x

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  40. That graduated shaded paper was a great find. Looks perfect with the ferns and butterflies. Yes please stick me in the pot this week.
    The Doc's phone is the latest casualty. The air is blue at the moment!!!! Hugs Mrs A.

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  41. Love your card, Di, & how do the picks keep getting better & better?! I'll play for the prize this week--thanks!

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  42. Gorgeous CAS sunset card Di. Good job of salvaging that beautiful sunset background ... gorgeous soft colours that really show off the silhouette stamping. And great tips for making sure things don't slip when stamping ... I have been taping down my card stock for a while. Now I have the Misti so the magnets hold everything in place. xx

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  43. Great picks to share with us. I feel very inspired by several of those card (and intimidated by a couple other). Your simple snippet card is very lovely. Whoo hoo! Yes I'll play for the prize this week.

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  44. love your sunrise card and all the tips. and the picks are fab as usual. I'd like to play for the sentiment stamp only if thats ok thanks. Hope you and Parsnip take care at the pancake race tomorrow :) xxx

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  45. Hello. Beautiful makes and picks there Miss Di. Liking your card too and that die is adorable, and yes I would love to own it!!
    Now as for your comment about Parsnip. I am allowed to give him kisses...I know which shop he came from!!!!
    I will even bring him some honey for his pancakes! Afraid it is not the shop bought stuff though, only handmade!!
    Hugs
    xx

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  46. I'm whisking up the batter right now - well, it needs a bit of standing time, doesn't it!

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  47. Hi Miss Di

    I heard pancakes being mentioned .. .. so have a bag with some mixture, lemon and sugar, pancake pan and a very rare snippet make to share!

    Loving the background on your gorgeous make very much! Great finished look.

    Happy Pancake Day!!!

    Love Jules xx

    (Just playing for fun Di thanks).

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  48. Fab card Di, and great picks too! Yes please to be in the draw for your goodies :)

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  49. Popping in to say hi. Love your silhouetted garden! Gorgeous sunrise!

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  50. Yes please for the prize. Sounds like you are a little better - keep it up!

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  51. Card number 2 this week, Di!

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  52. Hi Miss phew managed to join in again at last .. where do the days go??..
    A VERY lovely CASE, Di but will decline the die offer.. have just checked out Barbs candy and added it to my sidebar too, good to share around ..
    Lovely inspiration by all of the playground ..
    Shaz in oz.x

    {Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

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  53. Wonderful picks and your card Di.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  54. Love your card, Do! And your picks are fabulous! Hope I find the time to enter this week, love the prize being offered :)
    Susan

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  55. your card is lovely, I love your beautiful background.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Hugs, Tina

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  56. Your card looks so dramatic with the black and pale colors. I would be interested int he prize if my number comes up.

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  57. Just realised that I'd not left a comment on this post. We were away for a few days, with the Internet connection being a bit hit and miss. Really striking card, Di. The silhouette really stands out against the lovely background.

    Thanks for choosing my card as one of your picks this week. I'd pretty much CASE'd this card, which is why I used the other card on the post for my thumbnail.

    Just playing for fun this week. x

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  58. Playing after a gap...a Yes from me for the prize.Will be back to visit the entries!!

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  59. wonderful card, and a great background. Put me in for the prize please. Lynn

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  60. Hi Miss Di and the lovely Parsnip.
    Yes please if I'm lucky enough.
    Congrats to the winner, and all the super cards showcased.
    I don't envy you having to make a choice with such wonderful snippets entries.

    Your snippets card is fabulous, and so creative.
    Love that rainbow snippets used it almost looks like you have inked it.
    Lovely stamping of the sentiment also.
    Thank yo so much for your wonderful tips on it.
    Thank you also for all your hard work involved in the fab challenge.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  61. WOW fabulous card inspiration and what a fun challenge blog! YES I would be thrilled to be eligible for the prize! Congrats to the last challenge winners!

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  62. So many amazing projects this past week. Great work and congrats to the picks. Glad I am able to play this week and yes please for the prize. That was such a great die for you to create with. I love the dark images against the pastel sky.

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  63. Beautiful card...I would love to wake up in the morning and see that beauty instead of the 14" of snow or more we have with 6 more inches of it tonight! I am extremely late in arriving here, but with all I am going thru right now I am just glad to be able to join in again and when I made this card for my DT commitment I also made it for this challenge by digging in all my scraps to use! Anywho, yes please for the chance to win...I enjoy all your cards and posts, even though (bad me) I can't always leave a comment! Have a great day!!

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  64. Fabulous card Di and some wonderful picks there :-)
    Just playing for fun this week thank you so don't put me in the Draw :-D

    Hugz
    IKE xxxx

    My Challenge Blog
    My Shop
    My Blog
    FB Fan Page
    Cat Lovers Challenge Blog

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  65. Great selection of cards there Di! I just made it today! Have a lovely weekend my friend! Hazel xx
    My Card Attic

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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.