Sunday 23 July 2017

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 291 and 292

Crumbs, so where did THAT two weeks go to then? It time for a new fortnightly challenge in the Snippets Playground folks! As always, a huge thank you to everyone who came to play this past fortnight.

Let's get straight in - here's my snippets card for the coming fortnight - trying out a couple of new things along the way:
I used:

- white card blank made using Strathmore Mixed Media Vellum surface 300gsm paper (at 300 gsm it's very sturdy card in fact, and I used it as it's 'a very slightly off-white all of its own' - I wanted all the bits of off- white to be from the same shade (OCD once again!)

- a snippet of the Mixed Media card, which I coloured using the fabulous TH Distress Oxides that arrived here the week before last. I used the pads straight onto the card - just some daubs here and there, heat drying in between colours and then added more colour into any bare patches here and there using a sponge applicator - colours used were 'Broken China', 'Faded Jeans' and 'Iced Spruce'

- next, sprayed the inked up piece of card using a Mini Mister, which produced lovely water marks and heat dried again - then did a happy dance :)

- for the top layer of the card I die cut a snippet of the white Mixed Media card using my much loved MFT 'Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Diagonal die, and set it aside

- then I stamped a hibiscus flower and two leaves using stamps from the Clearly Besotted 'Aloha' set. Stamped them using VersaMark and then heat embossed using Ranger 'Liquid Platinum' embossing powder

- next I coloured the leaves and flower using my (a second outing only!) Ziggys and fussy cut round them leaving a narrow white border

- now I could check exactly where the word 'Aloha' from the same set ought to be positioned on the band across the die cut - did this using the Misti and a small piece of acetate on top of the die cut, which is printed with lines/squares for alignment. Held it in place on the Misti with magnets and once the 'Aloha' stamp was stuck to the Misti lid it was just a matter of whipping the acetate away and leaving the die cut panel in place ready for stamping

- again, I stamped using VersaMark and then heat embossed using Ranger 'Liquid Platinum' embossing powder

- finally, it was just a case of assembling all the pieces to make up the card itself. I used red line tape to adhere the Distress Oxide panel to the back of the die cut frame, glued the backed frame onto the card front and used more red line tape to attach the leaves and flower

My original intention was to use a Distress Oxides panel of orange tones I'd already made but it looked much too 'samey'. Thankfully I'd been playing and had a few pieces in different colours - the blue is more like the sea and sky in Hawaii :) So says my in-house critic anyhow!

I'd like to enter this card into the following challenges:

The Flower Challenge #10 - 'Embossing Heat/Dry' - I chose heat embossing and it's the first time I've entered this lovely challenge, one for the future girls! It closes on 25th July - the same day as the latest Rudolph challenge begins over at ScrappyMo's!

Certainly I'm really pleased with the Distress Oxides, such luscious, creamy and rich colours - although I do need much more practice at one of the other techniques which is so popular right now. Inking onto my craft mat, spraying with water and then 'smooshing' - sigh. I have a sneaky suspicion I was too liberal with the water - but am delighted at the 'apply straight to the card and then spray' approach! I need to check out Loll's videos!

Once again, no need to really spell out what this fortnight's prize is made up of, although funds wouldn't run to TH Distress Oxides I'm afraid - but if you live in the UK Joanna Sheen has the original set of 12 selling at £49.99, which is about a £16 saving. So here's the prize:
It's is a MFT 'Stitched Cover-Up Companion - Diagonal die (I first used mine here in May, then ran off and bought one for the toy box - and it can be used either way round depending how much space you want above or below the 'banner strip'), plus the Clearly Besotted 'Aloha' stamps set. I love that the stamps come with three sizes of flower and two sizes of leaves - just perfect for making up a little montage of flowers :) And, when I Googled, I was stunned at how many colours of hibiscus there are in real life - absolutely tons of them! I will split the die and the complete (obviously) set of stamps if you only wish to play for one or the other.

The Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks from now on and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 5th August. 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 (Concord & 9th 'Heartstrings' die set and the MFT 'Label Maker Sentiments' set of stamps) plus my picks from the past two weeks - hopefully as well as another lovely guest designer too!

Love from Parsnip and of course from me,





85 comments:

  1. This is a beauty Di, love your inky background, oxide inks are a lot of fun aren't they! Hope to play along this ftnt too, Cathy x

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  2. Hi Miss Di, a lovely summery card, love the background you created on the vellum and the flower looks so pretty. Have a wonderful weekend, I hope to play along with the rest of the class this fortnight... have a wonderful weekend... Megan

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  3. Such fun with distress oxide inks! Your hibiscus flower is looking so summery!
    And Yes for both the prize, so cute!
    Have a good day!

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  4. I can't believe I'm first into the playground this week! Your card is absolutely gorgeous, so I'm definitely playing for the prize! I've not tried Distress oxides yet, is it the reaction with water that makes them different from normal distress inks?
    Jane

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    1. Hi Jane
      Hi Jane!

      Yes indeedy, it's a bit of the reaction as they're a 'mix of water-reactive dye and pigment ink fusion' - according to Ranger who make them. That means they keep their richness whereas the normal Distress inks tend to look quite watery by comparison. Also, they're so smooth - and I believe they stamp sentiments perfectly (not tried that one yet). x

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    2. Di...they stamp beautifully... so they are a win win in my books as the distress inks never do..too watery for me as a stamp but perfect for backgrounds xxx

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  5. Oh what a great card, Di! Beautiful colors & design--love the flower! So far I'm holding off on the DO--no place to put them here--haha! I really like the look of the MFT die, so will just play for it this time.

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  6. FAB make, great prize, yes please!

    Stay dry peeps

    Kathyk

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  7. What a gorgeous card Di...your direct background is stunning and works so well with the flowers..beautiful! I'm so pleased you caved in to the D'Oxides...they are a game changers in my books. I am waiting for 4 of the 2nd release to arrive. The wrinkle free technique..or smooching as peeps now seem to call it...is really easy. Just add a good push of ink,making sure you use a "proper" heat/craft mat (this is really important..ie not glass etc) add enough water to create little droplets on the ink and you are good to go. Make sure you dry between layers too! You need to build up the layers rather than try for a 1 off. It's a fab prize please put me into the hat! I hope the sun returns we're off to S'ton and will wave to you.Have a lovely Sunday and thanks as always. Hugs xx

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    1. So interesting to read your comment about using a 'proper' craft mat for using the DOX inks - I've been using my glass mat and wasn't really getting the results I expected although mostly usable with a few tweaks. Blogs are great for gathering information and inspiration

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    2. Hi Val, I wonder if you'll hop back and see this - I'll try to remember to leave a comment on your card when I 'do the rounds' later on. Woodware do a brown silicon coated roll up craft mat that pops into a tube when not in use and takes up very little storage space. Like you, I have a glass mat (by Tonic Studios) to protect my desk as well as being invaluable for alignment etc with the grids! But, I haven't been doing as many layers as Jane suggests in the 'smooshing' so will revisit the pieces I kept from the abortive attempts! :) x

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    3. Forgot to say - I do use the silicon coated mat for 'smooshing'!! :) Joanna Sheen stocks this one: https://www.joannasheen.com/craft-supplies/hot-stuff-mat/ It's the same size as mine so is probably a Woodware product :) When you use it place it upside down and pop a ruler on either side as it will tend to curl up.

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    4. Thanks so much Di and yes I did pop back and see this. I tried one quick piece using a brown non stick roll up mat which I've had a while and also tried with an unused smallish cutting mat which was loitering. Good results with both but the cutting mat was best but of course more difficult to clean afterwards. Certainly better than using the glass mat.

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    5. Thanks Val - I wonder if it's due to the most successful mat having just that little bit more of 'hold' - if that makes sense?! Ha, and I have one the same here but do I risk the cleaning up? Tee, hee - not YET! xx

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    6. I'm so glad to help...it really is important not to use a glass mat for any of the wet techniques, as Tim Holtz says the mat is am important craft tool and you will not get the effect using other surfaces! I craft on a base of a glass mat but all my inky work uses a Woodware craft mat as I have found this as good as the ranger one and is a bit bigger. I haven't looked at the J Sheen one but it sounds fine. Crafty hugs xxx

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  8. Less is more and your card is showing it! I love it!!
    Lia xx

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  9. Beautifully done Di! I love this die cut.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Hugs
    Valerija xx

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  10. The colours you've used on this card are so good and as always your explanation helpful. Can I please say a 'yes please' for the draw.

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  11. I really like your Aloha card, with that great background, pretty flower, and silver sentiment that really grabs the eye! Yes please to the draw this week! I'd love to CASE this card :) Thanks to for the links to Loll's videos. I'm a beginner with these oxide inks but I love playing with them!

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  12. Hi Miss Di and the lovely Parsnip.

    YES please if I'm lucky.

    Your card is wonderful and your inking is so fab.
    Love the flower and your inked background as it sure looks like the sea too.
    Such a very wonderful die cut and such a super stamped flower.
    Good luck to everyone that enters, and thank you Di for the chance to win such a lovely prize.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  13. I love this diagonal cover up die and what a pretty hibiscus flower over the top and beautifully coloured Di. The background is fabulous with the oxide inks too, a really summery creation. I would love to be in the draw for just the die please as I have several hibiscus stamps already so won't be greedy...lol. x

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  14. I should have my card ready to enter by tomorrow and I admit that I was greatly influenced by your gorgeous hibiscus flower card, Di ! That being the case, I guess I'll have to play along for either of the prizes this week, since I love dies of all shapes and sizes and since I'd also love to have the flower stamps. But I'm also happy to split the prize so that someone else gets to enjoy being a winner, too. :-D

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  15. Beautiful card! Thanks for telling me about another challenge site too. The stamps are lovely and the die is fabulous! I would be happy to win it! Hugs, Robin

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  16. Fabulous card Di, super background and love the choice of colour for the flower, looks really great against the blue.
    When I finally get round to finishing my card, sounds as though it is complicated but it is not it is just that there is a bare patch and I don't know what to do with it, I would very much like to be entered into the draw for a chance to win these prizes.

    Kath x

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    1. Oh Kath - for a bare patch just throw some grass seed on :) x

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  17. Wonderful card Di. Love everything about it. You certainly are showing me that I might NEED DOX inks, but I am not caving yet!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  18. ooh this is gorgeous and you've given me an idea. I have been playing with ink on vellum and have a piece that I did not know what to do with - but now with your help I have an idea! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  19. Thanks for the tip Di. I like those tropical vibes on your card. The stamps are lovely. Please put my name in the hat for them ;)

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  20. Hope you are well. Beautiful card, Di. Love the colours. Great work with the DOx inks. My card used them too, but not as advanced as you. I need more practice using them. 😂
    And yes, count me in for the prize pack please.
    Have a great day!

    Trina xx

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  21. Gorgeous card Di! LOVE your DOX panel. The shades of blue with the orange hibiscus are just perfect together. And what a cool diagonal die. Hope to play along ... it's been a while. xx

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  22. Really pretty card Di. The colours are so lovely. Yes please to the prize! :)

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  23. I'm not sure where the last two weeks have gone either, can't believe we're heading towards the end of July already!

    I love your card. What a fabulous die, I haven't seen that one before. The background is beautiful. The Distress Oxides give a lovely effect....something else I'll be adding to my wish list!

    I'm a Yes Please for the super prize this week. xx

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  24. Love the gorgeous orange hibiscus; very pretty card. I love that die you used from MFT, very interesting. I'd love to play for both prizes this round. :-)

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  25. This is a terrific tropical card, Di! I agree the blue looks very like the ocean and it makes a gorgeous background for the pretty flower!! Hugs, Darnell

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  26. What a great card Di, such a pretty made background and I just love that die....a new one to me! Yes please to enter the draw, I'll be adding my card soon.
    The time is going by far too quickly!
    Janice x

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  27. This is beautiful so elegant too! love the colours used on your gorgeous floral image the die is brilliant and love the background truely another of your amazing makes Di xx

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  28. Hi Di. I am sure I have commented on this card already but it seems to have disappeared. I am interested in the oxide inks though I have so far resisted yet another new lot of inks, but I really like the backgrounds I have seen that are made with them. Your flower is beautiful. I have the usual red hibiscus in my garden, but also a pink frilly one and one that is bright yellow with a deep red centre. They are all beautiful, just like your's is.. I'd love the chance to win this week's prize please. Kate xx

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  29. I love your pretty tropical card Di and that die is gorgeous. I would love to join in and play for the prize. Barbxx

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  30. A fabulous card Di, love the colours you've used. I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance to win the die please.
    Kath x

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  31. A fantastic card Di, I love the stamp and the die that you've used to make it. I'm playing for fun this week.

    Sue xx

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  32. Aloha Miss Di

    A fabulous card . .. . love your background very much!

    Some great techniques there!

    I am just playing for fun thanks Di .. and the smug feeling I get when I use up some of my mountain of snippets!

    Love Jules xx

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  33. Aloha from me too..........long time no see..........hope you is well.....love your rudolph card too! It's a yes please from me lots of love Lesley xxx

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  34. how summery and beautiful....love your bkg.
    Thanks so much for playing along with The Flower Challenge, hope you join us again.
    Karen

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  35. me again just to say - yes please for the prize - I know I could have put that in my first comment, but I don't like to commit and not follow through!

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  36. Lovley card Miss. Like your reply to Kathleen just make sure you don't pick up the bird seed by mistake! Finally managed to make a card with a snippet. Yes please, stick me in the pot for the prize. hugs Mrs A.

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  37. love the background of your fab card, not played for some time but would love to be considered for the prize.
    Gail xx

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  38. Aloha Miss Pixie! I hope you and Mr Len are well, and not forgetting Parsnip either. I love Hibiscus flowers and nearly all dies too, lol, so yes please for the prize, it would help me remember warm summer days when the winter hits. Love your Rudolph Days cards too! Thank you Di, for all your hard work too Karen x

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  39. I'll post my card later and will play for the die. Thank you!

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  40. Oh, my....your Distress Oxides are amazing!!! Love this prety card. Yes, please, to the prizes this fortnight. Thank you for another fun playground game.
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  41. Yes please for the lovely prize

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  42. Oh Di, your tropical card is just gorgeous! I absolutely love the combo of blue Oxide inks and that orange hibiscus. Yes please to this unique die and lovely stamp set...I can almost feel the ocean breezes!

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  43. A lovely card Di and I have to say that I do get that longing feeling every time I see the Distress Oxides used, they're fab. I don't often have many snippets on my cards but I've got a fair few on this one so I thought I'd join you. Yes please to the die and stamp set and good luck to all. Crafty hugs, Sandra x

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  44. I will have to try later to add my card. Right now I am getting the message "fatal error" when I get to the last step. I am not sure if it is operator error, my computer, or your link!

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    1. I've managed to link you in Dorothy! x

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  45. Hi Di, hope it was gentle happy dance when the result of the Oxides showed forth!! :D looking after that back of course. All my cards used snippets, the tissue paper was actually screwed up scraps from present wrapper drawer, it didn't flatten as well as some but was only bit I had. Texture is good : D
    Love and adore totally fabby Die set and the stamp oooh I love hibiscus, soooo all hand sup saying yesss please.
    Waaay tired so won't chat long,
    Hugs and prayers for zeee back.
    Shaz.x xxxxxxxx
    Ps and hugs to Parsnip. Agree re blue with in house critic too.

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  46. Thank you so much for all of your efforts to get my card uploaded. I also had trouble with a couple of other sites using the same Mr. Linky. I think later I will try again. Thanks again.

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  47. What a beautiful background, Di! I LOVE this die and your beautiful hibiscus and would like to enter into the draw for these awesome gifts!

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  48. Your card is beautiful - the Oxide background is awesome and looks so cool behind the fabulous die and the flowers are so pretty! Yes Please to being entered into the draw for the awesome prize! Hugs xxxxxxx

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  49. Finally back into the swing of things and ready to enter a card. Nearly never got it made as I got hit in a stores parking lot while we were parked and now have whiplash! Uggh. But making this card made me feel happy to get something done! lol
    Yes please to the prize.

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  50. Beautifully created card Di...love the light and airy look and the flower is gorgeous, and the Aloha word is gorgeous as well. Looks like another die I will have to add to my 'must have' list (wont be the first time I have purchased a die after seeing it for the first time here)! I entered your last challenge...sort of..lol...I forgot to add my card to the challenge...so funny!! Thank you and I will say YES to the prizes as how can I resist!

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  51. Very pretty card Di, I love the effects of those oxides and the colours look so tropical. I'm playing just for fun this time around and I'll be back to catch up on everyone's blog later x

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  52. Good heavens, I actually made a card AND it used snippets, so I've finally come over to play! Expect Tree House hijinks!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  53. Di, your card is wonderful - love the flower and your inked background.
    YES please to the prizes I'm cross my fingers :-)
    Hugs, Majda

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  54. What a beautiful card you made Di, and those Distress Oxide inks are so beautiful. I am having some trouble linking up my card to the challenge and have emailed you for help! Yes please to the lovely prize.

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  55. I love your beautiful Aloha card, Di! Sorry I've been absent from the playground for a while - do I need a note from my mum? I'd love to be in the running for the lovely prize :) xx

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  56. Aloha Di, your card is beautiful. I love the background and the flower is gorgeous. I've not acquired any Oxides yet but it's only a matter of time before I succumb. I'm just playing for the fun of it so please count me out for the draw. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  57. What a beautiful card!! I love that background; it's fabulous! And the embossing is so pretty! I would love to play for the prize this week, thanks!

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  58. Aloha Miss Di. Wonderful summer card and oxide background.
    Yes please to the prize.

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  59. Looks a bit crowded in the playground today and I can't see Parsnip anywhere. Give him a big hug from me Di. Playing for fun as usual
    hugs
    Margaret M

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  60. beautiful card :) love the distress oxide background, very artsy. would love to play for the prizes please, thanks.
    Hugs
    Preeti

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  61. Oops, I thought I'd already left you a comment but can't see one so I must have had a senior moment! LOVE your card with that background and gorgeous colour... I'm still resisting the temptation to buy but not sure how much longer I'll last! Fabulous prizes but I'm only playing for fun this time xx

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  62. You are leading me astray. The more I see of the Distress Oxides the more I like the effects. I dare say I'll cave in soon enough though I really don't need any more craft stuff. It's such a pretty delicate background. x

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  63. Wonderful card, glad to see that you are loving the new oxides too. Just playing for fun this week x

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  64. Oooh...I love the bright summery colours on your card Di - so pretty!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize.
    Helen x

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  65. Fab card, Di, love so much how you used the diagonal die with the flower and the amazing oxides background!

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  66. Love the Background you made, Di. I have seen many using the oxides that seem muddy to me, but the colors on yours are gorgeous.
    Yes, please on the prize.

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  67. Beautiful card Di, love the bright flower against the oxides background. Think they are creeping higher up my wish list - to be honest I've not had a great deal of success with the distress inks, always a bit wishy - washy if you know what I mean. The oxides look a bit bolder, perhaps I should try them instead. Just playing for fun this time, really chuffed that I made it to The Playground this week, it's been too long!! I'm off to the swings ..
    Hugs Jacky x
    P.S. Glad I'm not the only one with OCD about matching whites - who knew there were sooo many white shades, perhaps we could've got jobs with Daz???

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  68. Di, I would love to be in the draw for the die and stamp set. I wasn't sure if you allowed projects other than cards - so I thought I'd just give it a go and see what happened.

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  69. Love to be in the draw for both the die and stamp set.

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  70. wow, I just love summer cards and your is perfect, amazing design with great colours.
    yes for the prize, please.
    have a great weekend.
    hugs, treebug xx

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  71. Made it ... not a lot of time to spare. :) xx

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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.