Sunday 4 February 2018

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #319

I've gone with the majority of you and from now on the fortnightly challenges will be numbered as challenges rather than two-week numbering. To be honest it was confusing me here when I did the in between weekly post in the fortnightly challenge! Two numbers was harder to handle somehow. So, challenges will still run on a fortnightly basis - and we can still celebrate special milestones I'm sure.

My snippets card for this fortnight was made with Len in mind - although I've since come up with a different idea! That's what happens when you make cards too long in advance, as well as Mr Mojo having made a return visit or three!

I spotted the die I used on this card over at the Seven Hills Craft blog and thought it was perfect for either Valentine's Day, Anniversaries or 'just because'. It looks such a simple card but Dumbo here decided that it would be even better to inlay the words - hey, ho, kept me busy for almost an entire day:
I used:

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

- a snippet of red glitter paper from an XCut 'Darks' pack of Adhesive Glitter sheets - which I adhered onto a snippet of card stock (I used SU 'Smoky Slate' but it doesn't matter as it was just to lift the die cut words so they would be flush with the main grey panel once I'd finished)

- then I die cut the red glitter words using the Lil'Inkers 'Love You More Than Words' die and set them to one side. As Lynne in NI picked up, I always pop little pieces into a plastic lid when I'm working to stop them from escaping. Mine just so happens to be a clear lid from one of those small double layer boxes of Ferrero Rocher choccies (my very favourite - yummy)

-  next I worked out the size I wanted a SU 'Smoky Slate' (aka grey!) panel to be and trimmed it to size - another snippet gone

- while I was using the trimmer I cut a narrow snippet strip of the XCut red Glitter paper across the middle (and positioned it on the card front so that just a little strip would peep from underneath the top and bottom of the Smoky Slate panel (this is a real cost saver when using precious card or paper for backing purposes. Saves on making a full square or rectangular mat and still gives a pop of contrast (in this case I could have used the centre of a square of the glitter card of course to cut the die and then used the outside 'frame for matting

- die cut the words again from the grey card and removed the die cut very carefully from the die itself as I wanted to use a lot of pieces to fill in between the red glitter words. Most of the teeny grey pieces that are in the centre of total loops stayed in place in the die cut thankfully 

- at this point I really began to doubt my sanity at even thinking of inlaying such a fiddly die but I'd started so was determined to finish

- took the grey panel and added a smaller piece of medium sticky  sheet to the back then set to adding the red glitter die cut words into the apertures - that part was quite good fun 

- then it was time to add all the teeny little grey infill pieces, which took ages! The easiest way is to position the grey die cut bit by bit on top of the red glitter one and gently poke out the tiny infills. You then feel them lock down into place

- then ran the (by now) grey and red glitter panel through the Cuttlebug using embossing plates and an unopened embossing folder (for thickness) just to make sure everything was firmly pressed down

- final step, at last, was to adhere the grey panel on top of the two red glitter strips. I wasn't totally sure about what would happen if glue didn't hold the top and bottom firmly or even worse squeezed out onto the red glitter layer

- I could have taken the time to experiment with some tiny scraps from the waste bin but that possibility of 'glue ooze' was still bugging me so I tried another of my little tricks - which worked like a charm!

- I flipped the grey panel face down on the desk, and left the adhesive sheet backing behind the die cuts in place as that stuff is so unforgiving if you get things wrong when placing layers together - hence my love of wet glue or Stick-It sheets

- then I ran a strip of red line tape across the top and the bottom of the panel, leaving the protective red plastic in place

- next filled in the rest of the back of the panel with Collall All Purpose Glue before flipping it back over and carefully positioning it, centred between those red strips

- then straight away I gently lifted corners at one side of the top and bottom of the grey panel, slipped my very pointed tweezers in and peeled away the red line tape covering so that the sticky could adhere to the red glitter paper. Perfect!

I do often use a similar trick with red line tape so it wasn't a totally idea to be honest, more of a way to avoid any messy glue ooze. Normally that can be removed with a glue eraser or even the sand eraser but I just wasn't sure how it would work on glitter - plus it's stuck there like a limpet now with no chance of peeling back!

To be honest, I made a rod for my own back by inlaying the die cut - even though the results were so worthwhile. I could have just stuck the die cut straight onto the grey panel by cutting the heart shaped words straight from the adhesive glitter paper without even backing them with card as well as eliminating all that fussy poking out of teensy little pieces. The glitter paper holds its shape really well even when die cut finely - unlike the way that peel offs tend to distort. Also, and this may have been a trigger for me doing an inlay - the die cuts in two pieces. If you look closely you'll spot that the words 'you than' come out separately to the rest, But, on hindsight I don't think that's enough of an issue to make me spend such a long time messing around inlaying this particular die cut in future :)

So, here's this week's Snippets Playground prize:
It's a Lil'Inkers 'Love You More Than Words' die and also a pack of 10 sheets of that luscious XCut Self Adhesive glitter paper - both the same as I used for my card of course. The glitter papers are red, lime green, cerise, purple and a beautiful peacock blue - and totally non-shedding as well.

There is a caveat on the prize, which will apply from now on. Both items form the one prize and I won't be splitting future prizes unless I decide that it's really got to be an option, which is extremely unlikely. These babies go together - of course, if you win you can always pass what you might not want onto a friend once the package arrives with you. So you play for the complete prize and I post off just one package to the winner. It also means I only need to keep one list of prize players with no options of course - keeping this as slick as possible girls!

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 17th February. 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 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 a really lovely Guest Designer, my picks of last fortnight's entries and also the winner of the MFT 'Sushi Date' set of stamps.

Love from Parsnip and of course from me,

80 comments:

  1. This is a beautiful card with the bright red glitter sheet for the letters against that super cool grey colour, and love the strips of the red as borders too Di. I can see that the infilling would have taken a lot of time and patience but really worth the effort. I am definitely a 'yes please' for the draw this time. x

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  2. You have the patience of a saint Di!! The inlaid text looks amazing well worth the effort, but it does sound like the other way would save heaps of time. Would love to throw my hat in the ring this fortnight and will try and "pull my finger out" as they say and get some cards made lol! Cathy x

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  3. What a great look that is Di, well worth all the hard work.
    Yes please for the prize

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  4. So pretty card!
    Love glitter paper!
    I will try to participate for the prize.
    Thank you
    Hugs

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  5. Oh, oh, OH, what a gorgeous card, Di! Love the inlaid die cut and the red, glittery, sentiment. I'll definitely be playing along this week and tossing my hat in the ring for the prize. I'm going to try to be generous and say I'm willing to split the prize (I love the die and do already have glittery paper in my stash!) but truth is, I'd love to win both. Is that greedy? :-D See you with my entry in a day or two.

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    1. Not greedy Connie, and you get both parts of the prize if you win as I've stopped the option of splitting them. Good luck! x

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  6. Goodmorning Di, what a pretty card you are showing today. The shape of the letters as a heart is really nice!! You had some work to do but the result is great. And I say yes to the prize...
    Lia xx

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  7. Wow, I can totally see how creating this beauty was time-consuming, Di, but so worth the effort. I do hope you have recovered by now lol. I guess we will all be playing for the prize this fortnight. I know I will! Have a wonderful Sunday!
    Marianne x

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  8. Fabulous card, Di, a real labour of love but so worth the effort. Having inlaid intricate dies cuts before, I know how long they take, but usually I only inlaid them once!! LOL! I'd love to win this super prize, so please put my name in the hat.

    Glad you're making things more manageable for yourself with the Snippets Challenge. xx

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  9. A fabulous card Di and I love the the inlaid die. It's one of my favourite techniques as I find it very relaxing! I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance of winning this week's prize please.
    Kath x

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  10. Just popping in to look at your pretty creation for the new challenge and see what I'v missed, slowly trying to ease back into the swing of things. And think I do have something on my post today that will fit the bill so off to link.

    B x

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  11. Great card !!!!!!
    Love this die !

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  12. Beautiful make. Simple but I think the bling gives it more detail rather than using just a plain colorful cardstock.

    Yes please for the prize.

    Hugs from sunny and cold (-20'C) Finland,
    Eemeli

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  13. Hi Miss Di

    Yay!!! I found time to play and use up some of my snippet mountain.

    Loving your beautifully made card. It showcases that gorgeous die so well.

    I know I normally play for fun .. .. but I can't resist a heart .. .. and this one is gorgeous. So could I please go into the draw this time.

    Love and hugs

    Jules xoxo

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  14. What a gorgeous card Di..the inlaying is fab but I can imagine what a beast it was! I'm glad you have done some streamlining for the challenge and I will be back to play soon. It's turned very chilly again....brr..back to some crafting for me but I have to walk Bear later. Have a lovely Sunday and yes please to the fab prize. Hugs xxx

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  15. Gorgeous card, great die. Yes please.
    Hugs, Chantal S

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  16. Love your card, especially with the popping red, yes please to the prize.

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  17. Oh my word, this is a stunning card Di!!! I love that die cut sentiment so beautiful and worth all the fiddling that you had to do to get it inlaid! But you had me chuckling as I know all to well how it goes and could identify with everything. Perfect card for the one you love, but you have me anxious to see what other idea you have for Len! And I have just made a snippets card, so can't wait to write my post and come back to play along for a chance to win that wonderful prize! Hugs, Brenda

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  18. Beautiful card, Di. The word die is perfect for Valentine's and the inlaying technique is worth all that effort. The glitter cards is lovely too - all the better because it doesn't shed! I tried to take your advice and make several snippet cards for this entry but failed miserably. Alan's hospital stay has put me quite out of sorts and it seems to be taking me a while to get back into the old routine. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  19. Your decisions make total sense, Di! Thanks for stating right out that you wouldn't be offended if we forwarded part of a prize on to a friend. Your card is absolutely beautiful! I can't get enough of good glitter paper, so I'm in for the prize this time! Thanks so much for keeping the playground open which is so much loving work by you, my friend!

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    1. Bless you Greta - wise and understanding words my dear friend as well.

      Hugs

      Di xx

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  20. Really stunning card Miss Di and well worth all the time you put into it - I just hope you poured yourself a large glass after all your hard work! It really is a wonderful die but as I can't see me getting too much use from it so will say 'no thanks' this time.... and I know I have a pack of that glitter paper - somewhere!! xx

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  21. Wow that card really is a labour of love and I'm sure Len will love it and appreciate the Herculean effort - it is gorgeous.

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  22. Lovely CAS! You has been so accurate with all these inlays!! Your hubby is so lucky to have a woman with all that patient! :)

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  23. Glad you stuck with it Di, it looks fabulous! Though it's hilarious that after all that hard work you've made something else, can't wait to see what it is!!
    LOVE the sparkly card and such a pretty die too, yes please to be in your draw for your goodies.

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  24. Great decision Di.
    Love your card, the red glitter looks fabulous against the white and worth all the effort. Can't wait to see your better idea.
    Have a great week.

    Kath x

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  25. Di, I will pass on the prize this time. I don't know if you accept projects when two crafters have collaborated. If this is a breach of the rules, just pass me by and I'll see you in two weeks. Higgledy-Piggledy

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    1. Of course I accept them Sharon! I've had a quick peek and it's so lovely to see young ones getting involved with crafting! x

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  26. WOW Di that die you used is simply stunning.I love hearts and have to try really hard not to buy all heart dies out there. Do count me in for the prize this week...keeping my fingers crossed. And joining in on the fun with a snippet filled creation....hoping you like it!!!
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia

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  27. Flippin eck Di, I needed a lie down after that, but loved how you shared the making of it, it felt like I was right there with you! Glad it was worth all that effort! I'm glad the recipients don't see some of the agonies we go through, or maybe they should?! I'll try and come play, eeeek where did January go, but it'll just be for fun thanks. Also thanks for keeping this going, and well done for simplifying it, as much as you can anyway xxx

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  28. Super duper make young Di, and a fabulous prize this week too so I'm going to say yes please to the prize

    Happy Monday

    Kathyk

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  29. Yummy card for Mr Len, Di. Like it lots! Fab prize too, so yes please. Think we will find the 2 weeks with one number easy (for all us in the corner with the dunces hats on) and hoping that just having one journey for posting will make it easier 9and less expensive) for you!!!! xx

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  30. Beautiful die and a beautiful card. It may have been fiddly, but all that effort was totally worth it.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  31. Fabric snippets this time around - playing for fun.

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  32. Gorgeous card, Di, and well worth the time spent on it xoxo

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  33. Wow!! Gorgeous card, Di!! I can appreciate the fiddly-ness of inlaying die cuts, but what a glorious finished product!! I'd love to play along for the chance at the amazing prize!
    xx Susan Sudbury

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  34. Hello Di, oh, you made me laugh. A whole day paper piecing. Sounds like me ROFL. I hope you took chocolate breaks. I'm in the playground and I would like to play for the prize. Count me in. Hugz

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  35. What a fiddly process Di, but so worth it, your card is gorgeous! I love the glitter heart. I would love to play for the prize please, I’ll be adding my card soon. I can’t resist a heart die of any kind!
    Thank you.
    Janice x

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  36. Your card is just beautiful and the end result was well worth all the trouble it took to make it. I am one of those crafters who spends a long time working with intricate dies too, but for me it's therapeutic interchanging the negatives and it's one of my favorite things to do. I'd love to be entered for this prize, so yes please!

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  37. Gorgeous card Di but I think I'll play for fun this week as I just don't have the patience for all that inlaying and I don't think it would have anything like so much impact without. And I have enough glittery stuff to set up my own craft store!
    Jane

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  38. Wonderful card Di, great colours and I love the die you have used.
    Yes for the prize, please.
    Valerija xx

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  39. What a gorgeous card Di - and yes, I wish to play and receive the prize in the unlikely chance of being a winner
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  40. Beautiful card, Di, and well worth the effort, especially as it's for Len! I like the challenge / prize changes you are making and feel that it will be less confusing and less time-consuming for you, which is what we all want so you have more time to make your wonderful cards!! Thank you for all you do!! Hugs, Darnell xxoo

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  41. I would love to play for the prize :)

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  42. yes perlease Miss... yummo prize lovely paper of course, dont see that here . and am sure the die will come in handy too.
    Had huge chuckle re die cutting ..that sounds sooo like me I chose the hardest way around!
    love the red tape trick might use it on current card.. might..
    Hugs and prayers dear Di, Shaz in oz.x

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  43. Hi Miss Di and the lovely Parsnip.
    Yes please if I'm lucky enough.
    Your card is excellently created and well worth all that lovely work.
    Love that die and the gorgeous glittery sheets.
    I know what you mean about doubting your sanity at doing something.
    I felt exactly same with my Sniipets entry, and thought why oh why do I make things so hard for myself, but it's the challenge I think.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  44. Your card is stunning! I would enjoy the fun of being in the drawing for the lovely prize! Donna

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  45. Such a glorious card DI, love this glittery sentiment heart! Absolutely love your decision! Count me is this beautiful snippet prize!

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  46. Finally got my card posted and linked here. Thanks for the chance to win this lovely script die. I would love it!

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  47. Hello Diane!
    I'm very happy to join your challenge again!
    thank you for the chance to win the beautiful prize!
    Have a wonderful day!
    Gloria

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  48. Hi di.

    Your cards are just gorgeous.
    I'd like to enter to play and win please if that's ok. Prize looks fab and I wish everyone good luck

    Thank you
    Sharon

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  49. Your card is fantastic Di, I'm playing just for fun this time.

    Sue xx

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  50. Oh my goodness! I think I would have lost the will to live inlaying all those teeny tiny pieces! Your card does look absolutely stunning though. The perfect balance of mushy and elegance x

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  51. I'm not sure if I'm going to play but I just wanted to tell you I love your card, the die and your post!

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  52. Oooo . . . so sparkly and beautiful!! I'm sure it took an amazing amount of work, but the end result was worth it! Would love to play for the prize this week, thanks!

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  53. Hi Di :-)
    So glitter, sparkly and pretty card! Thank you for the chance to win the beautiful prize!
    Hugs, Majda

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  54. haha You sound like me, Di; it would've taken me
    the better part of a day to do as well! But it is
    lovely!

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  55. I just love your card, very effective.Marlene

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  56. Absolutely stunning card. And truly a gift of love!
    Speaking of love, I'd love to play with those wonderful prize items, so please count me in. (And I agree with the decisions you've made to simplify things. Your time is precious so am glad that you are making more time to spend with Parsnip!)

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  57. Very elegant and CAS too. Just for fun Miss as I really wouldn't get the use out of the die lovely as it is. Hugs Mrs A.

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  58. This is just simply CAS and elegant with all the sparkle & glitter. Well done You. There's some stunning entries, some of which I've enjoyed on my blog surfing. I decided to jump on over and hope Parsnip remembers me! Looks like a grand prize, but I'll echo Mrs. A and say "just for fun" with many thanks for the chance. Hugs & TFS

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  59. I almost forgot to say "Yes" I'm playing for the prize and thank you. I love the inlay on your card and how pretty it looks. [Bunny]

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  60. Oops I forgot to say that I'd love to play for the prize. I must have bunny brain!

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  61. I am a bit confoooosed as to what day of the week it is lol, so feel free to delete if I already entered! Just playin' fer fun Di! xxx

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  62. Super inlay card even if it took longer than usual - it was worth it. Yes, please count me in for the prize.CarolG

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  63. Brilliant card, Di. I love the inlay - well worth the fiddliness! Yes please to the prize :)

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  64. Hello, Di! Your card is beautiful! Well worth all the time and effort! A lot of love went into this card! I especially love the sparkle! Also love this week's prize! Please count me in! Would be so excited to win!

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  65. Beautiful card Di, love the die too as it can be used both CAS and fussy. Yes please for the prize too as they would be well useful. Sorry the die was so naughty for you, lol, it's always the way when we need something it becomes an issue lol! Have a lovely week huni Karen xx

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  66. such a lovely card and yes, well worth all the time and effort.
    Yes please to the beautiful prize.
    have a great week - here is snowing all the time :)))
    hugs xx

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  67. What a fab prize and beautiful card Di! Please consider me for the prize!
    Hugs Hazel x

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  68. Your card is a beauty Di. What great work too. I had some of these lovely glitter papers in a Christmas present from a friend so will just be playing for fun this time. Barbxx

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  69. Hi Di your card is gorgeous I love that die so yes please for the prize this time. Take care. Hugs Jackie

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  70. Very elegant CAS card. Love the glittery sentiment heart.
    Just playin for fun.

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  71. I think that work with the inlay might have been worth it. It looks very clean and polished! I would love to play for the prize. Thanks for hosting!

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  72. Yes, I'd love the prize if my name is drawn. Thanks ever so much. Hope you are snug and warm this winter! I am.

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  73. Love how the sparkle of the die cut makes the sentiment really pop!
    I'm playing just for fun this time.
    Helen x

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  74. I am bowing in humble awe to your amazing inlay work, Di. You are made of stronger stuff than I to do all of that. I am so impressed at your stick-to-it-tiveness (no puns about adhesive were made in the composition of this comment!!) on msking this gorgeous card.

    Yes, please, to the prize this time. I know if I win, I will never be able to approach what you did here, but I am thinking that even with some shortcuts the cards will turn out passably attractive.

    Thank you for another fun chapter in the playground challenge!!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  75. Thanks for your lovely comment Di: here's one for Parsnip: https://creationsnz.blogspot.co.nz/2018/02/fur-you.html

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  76. Joining in finally, not on a last minute but almost! :) Great prize here as always, of course I'd be over to moon happy to win! Thank you for these fun challenges and happy weekend!

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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.