Sunday 26 January 2020

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #370

We came close to me not being able to set the new Snippets Challenge as there's so much going on. However, here it is - phew!

First, here's my snippets card, which is much more vibrant in real life:
I used:

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

- a snippet of white card - trimmed to a quarter of an inch smaller than the card front, meaning it's an eighth of an inch smaller on each edge of course

- chose a snippet of paper from the Carta Bella 'Beach Day' paper pad, with a matching strip in lime green from the same pad

- next stamped three pots and three cacti/succulents using Memento 'Tuxedo Black ink and stamps from the (now discontinued) Clearly Besotted 'Simply Succulents' stamp set and coloured them using Faber-Castell Polychromos pencils. Matched them to the backing zig zag paper but the camera thought otherwise of course!

- then die cut the pots and plants, before adhering them together on the back with little strips of ordinary sellotape so that the plant was slightly tucked underneath the pot

- now I knew the heights of the pots with their plants in I could slightly trim the patterned snippet, back it with the lime green strip, trimmed so that just a smidgen shows at the top of the strip, stuck them together with a tape line runner and then added the completed strip to the bottom of the white card panel I cut earlier. Trimmed the strip from the back in line with each side of the panel

- glued the panel to the card front and then added the little pots using thin sticky pads for a bit of dimension

I didn't add a sentiment for the moment - I would use a Clarity message sticker just in one top corner if I decide to add one at a later stage. If I do this same design again I'll hand/fussy cut the pots. As it is, I trimmed the white border from the bottom of the pots but think it would have been better trimmed all round. Although, the dies really are so good for cutting the plants themselves of course! Do wish I'd stopped and tried to line up the zig-zag pattern centrally - but this card was lucky to get made at all! What is really extra sweet is that the stamp set has a teeny stamp of two eyes and a smiley mouth (and a little 'hair bow plus what looks like a little hat) to add character to the plants - if you feel so inclined. It's a fun set with lots of possibilities.

And of course, here's the prize for this fortnight:
A Clearly Besotted 'Simply Succulent' set of stamps with matching dies. See the eyes and mouth? Plus what I'm sure is a jaunty little hat (that's in the middle at the top of the set of stamps).

It's no good, I'm going to have to have a little play at creating a character! Besides which, Santa brought me a mini Misti (to complement my standard sized Mist) which I'm finding is great for quick access and stamping small items.

Sooooo, I bit the bullet and have treated myself to Altenew's Mini Blossom die cutting machine - it's also within easy reach for when I just need to cut a sentiment or even these little dies I used above. It only arrived today (Saturday) and I've had a very quick play - I love it! Much easier and quicker - as well as a help with this ongoing shoulder business (which is improving all the time, albeit slowly).

Have said previously - I make no apology for often having Clearly Besotted products as prizes, love their products and they don't break the bank if you're lucky enough to snap them up on clearance.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 8th February. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

It's a maximum of ONE entry, 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 want 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' on the blog post itself - just in case you're only playing for fun - otherwise I don't add you to my little list.

HUGE thanks to so many of you who have either sent craft items to Mary in the USA, or to me for onward posting. She's in regular touch and already is bowled over by your kindness.

I plan to post off the Snippets Grand Draw prizes (minus one still - Gail of Crafty Nomad where are you?) this week. In between turning round a hairdressers appointment, shopping trip, change of car and various other things. Then I'll be free to go through my own stocks and sort out Mary's parcel. Can I please ask that if you do intend to sent anything to Mary via me that you really try to get it to me by the end of this coming week. I would like to post my parcel the week after this coming one if possible (which will be the week commencing 3rd February). Ha, providing I'm not banned from the Post Office if I've had a run in with Mrs Grumpy when posting off the Grand Draw prizes!

Having said that, how lovely it would if now and then in the future, as you see fit, you post Mary some Happy Mail. I aim to do that - until she shouts that the house is bursting at the seams :)

Dudley is full of mischief as usual here. He insists on trying to bring home twigs he finds on his walks - not that long ago he tried to haul a branch almost as big as he is back to the house!

Last, but not least! ScrappyMo is running her Rudolph Days Challenge once again this year - HERE. You have until the last day of January to enter!

Lots of love from us all - Parsnip, Dudley (woof, woof!) and of course me,


55 comments:

  1. Love your vibrant succulent plants card Di. It made me think Mexican!

    Sounds like a busy week ahead. Please try not to overdo it!

    Please remind grumpy post lady that without customers like you, she wouldn't have a job.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  2. This is a super cheery card to brighten yet another dull day - shame when cameras aren't co-operating with matching colours as well as we do!! Take it steady with all you have going on at the moment.

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  3. Oh this is just so cute love the dies and the colourings perfect in everyway and no need to worry regarding how it looks its brilliant take it easy enjoy your day x

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  4. A fabulous card Di and I would love a chance to win the prize please (I love CB stamps and dies!).

    You new die cutting machine sounds perfect to help you look after your shoulder.

    Kath x

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  5. Hi Di, sorry for being so tardy. Been battling the bugs for a couple of weeks. I did email you yesterday. Maybe I got quarantined!!! Love those cute little cactii and the zig zags make your card so happy and jolly. Would love to be included in the draw when I get my snippets card made. Working on scrap mountain range at every oppotunity. Hugz

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  6. Forgot to say just playing for fun x

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  7. How cute are those little succulents. I could keep these plants alive I'm sure!

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  8. What a fun and cheery card Di! I love those cute little cacti and their little pots. Your paper is fun and cheery and a great place to place the cacti. The solid green stripe at the top of it works perfectly. Love it! Please don't over do it my friend and just smile at Miss Grumpy and say, "job security". That's what I do with my Miss Grumpy! I will certainly try to remember to send Mary a card from time to time. The old memory isn't what it used to be, but will put a note up somewhere reminding me to do just that. Kahlua loves her sticks too when we are outside playing, the bigger the better for her. lol I'd like to be entered into the drawing please!! Hugs to all, Brenda

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  9. Perhaps you should give this yummy prickly cacti card to the porcupine that works in the Post Office!
    Yes please to this set (cos I know lost of people who are also prickly - and not prickly nice like hedgies either!)
    Off for a teeny but of fun this week so done my car early! xx

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  10. Darling card! I love these cacti! Definitely playing this week! I hope Mary likes everything in the box I sent! I have never heard of the Altenew Mini Blossom thing... I'll have to check it out!

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  11. I love your little prickly card. I had to laugh a Viv's comment. Seems there are many Post Office workers that have prickly little days. Thankfully the ones at my new post office are all very sweet. I've started showing them the card before I seal the envelope. The ladies love them. The men....not sure! A little story...if I may, at our old post office there was a male clerk that was just miserable to everyone. If there were two clerks working I would give up my space in the line just to wait for the friendly clerk. One day I heard him grumbling about how he would be spending Thanksgiving Day, alone with a the TV and a TV dinner. I went home and asked my husband to go back and invite him to dinner, which he did. The clerk was so taken by the invite, he never was rude or cross to me or my husband. Did he come to dinner? Nope, but he knew he had a place to go if he wanted to. Was he prickly to other customers...he sure was. I think some people just like being prickly! May you all have a week that is as beautiful as the cactus flower.

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  12. I'm with Viv....give the postal clerk the prickly card!! Ha.
    This is the cutest card, Di. You are way too hard on yourself abt getting things lined up and trimmed. Every single one of us is a cardmaker hobbyist and I bet not one of us noticed anything amiss with your card!!! I sure did not. It's lovely and so fun! Yes, please to the prize!!!
    SO GLAD TO SEE MARY SHOWING UP IN THE PLAYGROUND!! Loved her story abt inviting the grump at the PO to TG dinner. Even though he did not come, it meant a lot to him to be invited!! We never know what is going on in another's life and this man was obviously very lonely.
    Thank you for another challenge. Hugs!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  13. Yes, please.

    Cute cards. It reminds me of the story of my Uncle visiting my mama in Arizona many years ago. He was there for weeks and they would go in the dessert and dig up cactus. Lots of them. He had a pick up and he and my aunt took home a load full to South Carolina to plant in a nice garden. Little did the realize that it was ILLEGAL! [Bunny]

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  14. Such a cute card, Di! Clearly Besotted does have a lot of great stamps & good for you supporting a UK company! Keep me out of the draw this time--I've had a good run of luck lately. Glad the shoulder is improving & that Dudley is being Dudley--haha! I only had the Mini MISTI for a long time & still grab for it most often. Of course, if I cleaned my table it'd be easier to use the full size one--haha! Wouldn't it be fun to see Mary opening her cards & packages? How wonderful to so easily bring someone joy who's been through so much.

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  15. How cute and fun cacti card!! Really adorable and perfect for any need, well done to make it without sentiment! Clearly Besotted are good quality stamps, and also so lovely!
    Such a surprise will be for Mary opening all the packaging! :)
    Good luck with Mrs Grumpy LOL :D
    Hugs (and cuddles to the mischievous Dudley!)

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  16. That dp is so bright and pretty Di and looks great with the beautiful coloured and fun cactii. What is the matter with people, if you work in a PO you would expect people to bring in parcels to send, I think she could do with some customer service training! I am sorry I have been so busy I was not able to enter this time but will do my best with the next. If I enter it will be just for fun. x

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  17. Card made - I'd love a chance to go into the draw please for this cheery set.

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  18. The card is absolutely stunning. And I'm not surprised how generous everyone is being, when someone's in need the craft community always are xoxo

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  19. Fab snippets card, I was greatly inspired by your design. I haven't had good luck with mini machines. My first broke after 5 days; I was sent a replacement and it broke in less than a month. I'd love a review after you've used yours for a bit. Continue to heal, and yes to this prize please.

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  20. It sounds like you are super busy Di, hope things calm down. This is such a cute card. I am playing for fun this time thanks as I have a similar succulent set on their way to me!! Hugs xxx

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  21. Super prickly card Di - I can't look at cactii without grinning as it reminds of one that dad had that looked rather rude (think of male anatomy!), but as I'm still being very good it's a no thanks from me.

    As for mini misti - I love mine and use it all the time (only getting the TH platform out if really necessary). Same with the TL baby blue - brilliant and easy for cutting so many dies and it gets used more than my big electric one xx

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  22. Hi Di! I am still trying to get the new crafting year started. I think my mind is still on our holiday to Tunisia -- miss the sunshine and warm weather, I just don't like this cold and dark life we have now in Finland.

    Lovely and cutie creation. I am trying to get my snippets sorted and will be adding my card later for the challenge. Definitely "yes please" for the prize.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  23. I can see why you chose this sweet cacti set Di. BEAUTIFUL card! Yes for the sweet prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  24. Oh, Di, what an adorable card and those stamps & dies are such fun! I'd love to play along this week and will play for the prize this time. I just can't resist those cute little plants. :-D

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  25. Hi Miss Di and the lovely Parsnip and of course cutie Dudley.
    Yes please if I'm lucky.
    Don't faint I have managed a snippet card after a long absence.
    Love your wonderful design card and very beautiful and fab creation.
    It looks so colourful and bright just what we need to cheer us up on some wintery drab days.
    You are such a very thoughtful person posting to Mary for others.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  26. A fabulous card Di, I love your zig zag paper, it goes so well with the cacti and makes me think Mexican. I will be a Yes please for the draw. Love to you and your boys x

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  27. Hi Di your card is gorgeous I love it. Sounds like you have a busy week ahead. I am here just for fun this time. Take care. Hugs Jackie

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  28. This is adorable!! Love the stripes along the bottom! And, yes, you most definitely need to make a character with that sweet little face and the top hat! I will play just for fun this week, thanks!

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  29. Hi Di, such a sweet card! I can't resist those cute succulents, so yes please to the draw. Thank you! April xxx

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  30. Your card is lovely, great design and coloring! I'm excited for a chance to win.

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  31. Your card is just as cute and fun as can be, and the chevron stripes just add to all the bright and cheerful fun! So happy Santa treated you to the mini Misti and you treated yourself to the new die cutting machine as well! If anything eases the stress on your shoulder, it's a good investment. I'm playing just for fun this time, but thanks for another fun playground challenge!

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  32. Just playing for fun Miss. hugs Me.

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  33. Yes please for the prize, I am feeling lucky, 29 is my lucky number!

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  34. Just uploaded my entry this time around - just playing for fun this time

    Happy Friday

    Kathyk

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  35. I was so pleased to read your follow up post, that Mrs Grumpy wasn't grumpy this time!
    Yes please to the prize if I win - you know how much I love Clearly Besotted products!

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  36. Thank you for bringing the vibrant colours and the (distant) memory of sunshine to a grey winter day Di! I love your zingy looking cacti! I'm one of those people that loves the white edge to die cuts but it really works to just trim the bottom of the pots to have them resting on their shelf. And I don't know whose house this is but I really want to see the rest of their decor!!

    It's a yes please from me for entry to the draw - I can see how versatile this set could be!

    Enjoy your new machine - must look it up. And enjoy the trees that Dudley brings back for you!

    Vicky xx

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  37. Great card die, the patterned paper goes perfectly with the lovely cacti. Your card reminds me so much of the decor in my favourite Mexican restaurant. It recently reopened in different premises, after we thought it was closed forever. It would have been rude not to pay them a visit this week!

    I'll be a Yes Please for this lovely prize. xx

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  38. Your card is really cute, Di. We have lots of succulents and many other plants. My hubby's hobby is doing Bonsai. But he has such a green, green thumb that he grows everything! I love it! So, yes, please for the prize!
    And here is my link as I am still not able to enter it myself:
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/133625822@N05/49469378622/in/dateposted-public/
    (it was different, tho, in that after I clicked on the photo of my card, it went to a green screen rather than giving me an error message. Weird!!!).
    Thank you ;-)

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  39. Wonderful, Di!
    This time I only want to play.
    Hugs, Liv

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  40. Hi Miss Di

    Loving your cactus card. Such fun.

    I agree .. .. let the post office assistant have it! LOL!!

    Just playing for fun and to show off an image that I hope makes you smile. It really reminded me of Dudley.

    Just playing to use up my snippets.

    Love Jules xx

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  41. Oh, I love these cute little cactus plants and I have two in small pots on my window sill. Seems like they're the only ones I can keep alive, lol! Yes please to this fun prize.

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  42. Oh my stars! I love your adorable cacti card. That's so generous of you to giveaway a stamp and coordinating die set. Definitely for sure, I would like to be entered into your draw. Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

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  43. hi di, i finally made it! your card is adorable and yes, i would like to have my name added to the list for the prize. we're lucky we have a very nice postal worker so we give her chocolate treats every year at Christmas. maybe treats will sweeten your postal worker. :)
    linda

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  44. hi again di, no worries. this is my first visit to the playground; i've been meaning to jump in and i do sometimes get mistaken with all the lindas out there. oh yes, ms. grumpy could use and share chocolates. :)

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  45. I saw that you had a pleasant encounter with your gumpy postal clerk so looks like you're safe for another month at least, haha! Maybe she managed to snag some early Valentine chocolates to put her in a good mood.
    Yes please to this adorable set with the mix and match cacti and pots.

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  46. Just popped by to play again Di...

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  47. Fantastic fun card and cactus. Id love to play this time please. We have one of those grumpy people at our post office, we all hope we don't end up with her, the others are all lovely. Hugs Emmax

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  48. Your card is so cute, Di! I love all the cacti! What an awesome prize - I'm definitely a YES! I love Clearly Besotted stamps and dies and I only have a few. Hoping I get lucky this time! Thank you as always for your inspiration, your link-ups, and generous prizes! Wishing you a wonderful day!

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  49. That's a wonderful card! I don't own any of Clearly Besotted's awesome stamps, so would love to win the set :)

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  50. Hello Di, your cute little cactus shelf garden is fabulous and so are you.... my parcel arrived today for the Grand Holiday Give-away... I'm thrilled and dumb struck, an awesome prize and wow got all the way to Australia in record time, you're a treasure and thank you from the bottom of my heart, I love using up my 'snippets' and I have heaps, hugs to your and Dudley, Robyn

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  51. You made a great card with these stamps and dies. Succulents are not in my stash yet, so I say yes to the great prize!
    Lia xx

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  52. Such a fun card! I’d love to receive the prize, if picked.
    Thank you!

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  53. Cacti cuteness! Love the beautiful LO Di! I love succulents!
    And Yes for the prize!

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  54. Great succulent card! And that spiky patterned paper is perfect to go with the plants. Yes please to the prize.

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  55. wow, I am a cacti fan and yours are super cute. and I like all the colours.
    yes for the super prize, please.
    have a great weekend.
    hugs xx

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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.