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Sunday 22 November 2020

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #391

Wowser, extending Challenge #390 by a week and also allowing two entries certainly boosted numbers of entries into the Playground this past couple of weeks (109!) with many of you hoping to win the Lavinia 'Whimsical Hares' stamps, an Inkylicious 'Mountain & Valley Sun/Moon' Stencil & Masks template - plus a brand new set of 10 make up brushes for blending inks. As with the 'Hap-pea' stamps and dies the other week, I knew it would be a popular prize and you've certainly proved that! I'm slightly behind with commenting but am in the 80's (entries, not age!) so will get to you soon if you wonder where I am. ☺ The draw will be in a week's time - good luck!

I've been taking things more gently and, whilst not yet fully back to normal, my shoulder is loads better - huge thanks again for all your kind wishes. Who knew something like that would be so easy to do - one slight turn and wham!

Sarn, and some other lovely friends, have been really supportive offering to help in the Playground - Sarn even asked me on Thursday if I wanted her to step in with this post. So sweet - thank you all, especially Sarn of course. I soldiered on, having been out for a drive mid-week and did make a snippets card for this challenge - hooray! I struggled a bit using the Cuttlebug for the main die cut but thankfully the little Altenew mini die cutting machine was perfect for a lot of the card 'bits and bobs'. 

And this is the result:

I used:

- 4" x 6" white card blank, cut down from a 5 x 7" one

- piece of white card - approx 5" x 7" to allow room to trim it down later (I used half a card blank the same as the main one, purely to keep the whites exactly the same shade)

- then die cut the long edge of the piece of white card using a NBUS Gemini Edge'ables 'Balloon Bouquet' die 

- trimmed a snippet of black card down to 4" x 6"

- trimmed the white 'balloon edged' panel down to 4" x 6" and glued it to the black panel using Zig glue pens (it's worth doing it that way round so that any slight deviation in alignment can be carefully snipped off before it's actually on the card front, if that makes sense!

- then glued the whole front panel onto the card front using Collall All Purpose glue

- trimmed a snippet of rainbow paper left from a card I made recently, from Whimsy's 'Rainbows' paper pack (sitting on my desk as a reminder to send some sheets to a sweet friend for her to play with - I haven't forgotten J, just been a bit out of action!)

- then added that rainbow snippet to the left hand side of the card front, again using Collall Glue always my favourite to use wherever possible as it's so manoeuvrable, with the rainbow colours deliberately in reverse to what i planned next 

- die cut a full rainbow 'Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain' selection of balloons using little snippets, the same balloon die and my little Altenew die cutting machine 

- glued those in place using a Zig glue pen  then added a touch of white Gel pen as suggested on the die packaging image - ugh, too bold! What to do? Out came the Mono Sand Eraser and a little bit of gentle rubbing later made it seem much better - phew - I love my sand eraser!

- as I was more or less following the design on the die packaging, I hunted right through my sentiment dies and eventually die cut, using a black snippet backed with Stick It plus a Britannia Dies 'Happy Birthday' word set, the sentiment. A die set I've used so much over the years and it never disappoints, despite so many new designs on the market these days 

- popped the sentiment in place using a Zig glue pen, put my Teflon 'bone folder' on top of it, rubbed firmly and it was done - as Len says, also suitable for a boy - which is great news as I always struggle with cards for boys!

And here are the snippets I pulled out of my 'plain coloured card snippets concertina folder' plus a snippet from the Whimsy 'Rainbow' paper pack:

This is exactly as I pulled them out and popped them onto the desk. I know, my OCD means I just can't store snippets without trimming them into squares, strips or rectangles! Unless they're a die cut oval or such, in which case they're spared a quick hair cut! I used the rainbow paper to find the best match I could for the balloons - used them all with enough plain rainbow coloured snippets left for at least one more card the same, although I did colour one balloon with a Pro marker to make it look more like indigo.

Let's move onto the prize for this fortnight's challenge (yup, back to two weeks and only one entry - fingers crossed!):

My 'sample' card is very similar I agree, although I do like the rainbow panel that I added from my current favourite paper pack. The first part of the prize is a Gemini Edge'ables 'Balloon Bouquet' die very, kindly donated to the Toybox by our lovely Viv. To make a snippets sample card I bought the same die although I needed NO persuading as it's such a fun die and you can use it in many more ways than I've chosen. The card on the packaging image opens up with a black background behind but I couldn't really fathom out how to back what would then be the back of die cut balloons in the time I had to play, plus, the die measures 6.2" in length meaning it won't go through the Cuttlebug sideways to die cut the long edge of an open card, although it's only 2" or so wide. I tried by just folding the card with first a metal plate in between (potential disaster darlings) and then folding it between the clear cutting plates, too much of a crease beside the fold lines to restore it to a decent card. I can see a Big Shot or perhaps a Gemini here at some point - anyone got any strong feelings about how good they are? I've also seen the card made with a backing of blue sky and fluffy clouds which looks great - and I bet it would look wonderful with gold/and/or silver balloons to celebrate those Anniversaries. As Len keeps saying to me - think outside the box. Pale pink and/or blue for a new baby? ... I'm thinkin', I'm thinkin'!!

Plus, as the prize was a lovely donation to the Toybox from Viv, I tracked down the set of Britannia 'Happy Birthday' sentiment dies I used for my card, which comes in two sizes, to add to the prize from me. The font is a bit like the peel offs most of us set out with but absolutely loads better to handle when cut in card and also timeless IMHO, and here they are:

Very recently ordered and they're currently in the post so I 'borrowed' this image from the seller's JJD's UK online shop website. Both items make up the one prize.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 5th December. 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.
 
Please also remember that I only allow a total of nine other challenges, which makes 10 in total, when you enter a snippets make into the Playground.
 
Dudley continues on his mission to entertain us here during the latest lock down - he's such a funny little dog! He's lost a snippet of weight overall but the extra long walks mean he's gained an appetite which he didn't have previously! He still hankers after Julie our post lady - I can see that a Christmas card from him (as well as us of course) is a real 'must'!

When Dudley returns from his midday walkies he still always has a treat and now stands on his hind legs as usual ........ with the addition of spinning round in anticipation. It's sweet but also quite sad to think that the Bichon breed learned to dance on their hind legs when they fell out of favour with the royal courts in the late 19th century and ended up living a rough life begging on the streets. Despite this, and their subsequent return to popularity, they never lost their gentle and loving nature right through the breeding lines which gave us dogs such as the original Bichon, Maltese, Bolognese, Coton du Tolear and of course Havanese! Darnell triggered this memory with a recent post showing some really cute photos HERE.

Finally, remember it's ScrappyMo's Rudolph Days challenge from the 25th to the end of the month! And of course, my card today is being entered into Darnell's November NBUS Challenge HERE!

Lots of love from us all - Parsnip, Dudley and of course me. Stay safe.

 


55 comments:

  1. I love your bright rainbow card Di, count me in for the prize draw : )

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  2. A lovely cheery 'Richard of York...' card along with the usual excellent 'how to' description. Good to hear about any potential pitfalls 😉. Pleased to hear your shoulder is getting better

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  3. What a beautiful card Di- love those balloons! Hopefully I may get time to enter this fortnight... but packing and moving may take precedence I am afraid.
    Stay safe
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  4. That's such a fabulous snippets card. All those balloons in the rainbow colours are so cheerful. Great birthday card.

    Glad you're on the mend mate.

    I have a "normal size" (i.e. NOT A4) Big Shot which I adore. It came with the extended length platform and plates, but I don't use them. I use the smaller "normal size" plates with it because you don't have to wind the handle for as long to get the plates through - and you need LESS storage and operational space as the plates aren't as long. Hope that makes sense!

    I have no experience with A4 machines if that's what you meant. But again, with a larger machine, you need to consider space requirements. If you meant an electric die cutting machine, can't help you there either - no experience of them. I'm all manual as there's no plug near my Big Shot (another thing to consider!).

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  5. How funny, I'd already made my card and it features diagonal rainbow stripes! Glad to see you are able to do some crafting again. I use a Grand Calibur which I like because it's very similar to the Cuttlebug to use, only it takes up to A4 size. I don't think they are made any more though.

    Just playing for fun this time as I already have similar dies.

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  6. Those balloons look like fun - count me in please this time

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  7. I Love this card Di, especially the bright balloons against the black, yep! suitable for either sex. Great sentiment also.

    Good to hear your shoulder is better. I have a Grand Calibur, love the A4 size for a few embossing folders I have and large dies, although my Tattered Lace Baby Blue is used a lot too, I don't think either machine is made now. Although I do look at the Big Shot Plus, but don't have room for it. I think it more "adjustable" than a Gemini, but having never used either I could be wrong!
    If I find a snippet????? I'll join in LOL and comment then too.
    Faith x

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  8. Beautiful colorful card Di!!! I love the birthday dies!
    Maddie gets an ADVENT Calendar with dog treats... do they have those in the UK? You should get Dudley one... it was Maddie's FAVORITE thing last year... spins and yelps of excitement!

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  9. Hello Di, your rainbow card is beautiful despite the discomfort you are still experiencing in your shoulder. Glad to hear it's improving. I know how easy it is to put something out like that. I've done much the same with my hip and all I did was turn around sharply! Now I'm limping Hopalong Cassidy style but, I feel it is improving today. Hugs to you, Dudley and Parsnip xx

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  10. Your card is lovely and fun! There's so many ways this die could be used and changed up. How generous to offer such surprises, Di -- you've got a heart of gold, a win from you is like Christmas!

    Cuttlebug - great but small and depending on the "sandwich", sometimes it was hard or unable to function the need, plus remaining stuck down for stability depends on the tabletop.
    Big Shot -- love it and thought I'd won the lottery when I bought myself this one. I have had trouble with a few sandwiches and takes up more space.
    Big Shot Express -- love it and I did win the lottery! Hubbs bought it for me last Christmas but it does take up space, is heavy and the plug in but it cuts for you at the push of a button! All great things to be mindful of, so do count your options.

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  11. A super card with that pretty balloon die, and thank you to Viv for supplying it, and the added larger and smaller birthday sentiments are a great addition to the prize. I will be a 'yes please' if I manage to get a card in. Glad to hear your shoulder is on the mend Di and that Dudley is keeping you amused as usual. I have a Gemini which is good for all the slightly larger projects but have to admit that I don't tend to need that big a surface to die cut on very often. I got the Gemini because I needed a new machine in a hurry when my Caliber broke, and this was at a very good price because of a large discount being offered at the time by Hochanda, and it doesn't take up as much space as the Big Shot which is good for me being limited for working space, but the plates bend a lot which I don't think happens with the BS. The electric machines are good if you have arm or shoulder problems and I don't know what the BS Express electric machine is like to use, but overall I think the BS is better in a lot of ways except for that fact that it is a lumpier machine. Hope this helps. x

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  12. Hi Miss Di the lovely Parsnip and cutie Dudley.
    Don't faint I have managed to join the challenge after a long break.
    Yes please if I ma lucky emough.
    Your card is brilliant and what a super idea the Rinbow papers was.
    I love how you have cascaded them down the side.
    Love the ballons and that is a very usueful die to own.
    Thank you to Viv for donating it.
    So glad your shoulder is on the mend hopefully.
    Lots of crafty love. Jenny L.

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  13. I love your card, Di! I'm so glad to know you can use you AlteNew in spite of your shoulder. I hope to play in this challenge but my plate and brain are overflowing with snippets that I'm not sure what to do with :)

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  14. I love your card, Di, and that die is superb! I don't trim my scraps because I tell myself that the extra little bits that stick out might be just enough to use a larger die if I twist and set it just so. lol But every time I struggle to get scraps out of a folder without pulling it up and opening it entirely, I get frustrated that the odd corners are binding up against each other. Sigh... I'll definitely be playing for the prize this fortnight. :-D

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  15. I love your card Di!! The rainbow stripe panel really adds a fun punch of color! Glad to hear you're doing a bit better. Take it easy, and try not to push things and set yourself back!!! I'd love to be in on the draw for this fab prize!!
    Susan

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  16. Beautiful happy card Di, yes please to be in your draw.
    So glad to hear you're on the mend x
    Afraid I can't contribute anything to the die cutting machine comments, I'm still using my trusty cuttlebug - it has quite a big crack on one side so I'm hoping it can hang on for another while!

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  17. Beautiful dies and card Very useful.

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  18. Great post once agai Di, especially with you handicap (no not Len). Love the card, great design and colours.

    Kath x

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  19. Just playing for fun as I have the britannia die cuts. This is a super bright and cheery card. hugs Me. Flipping heck its a bit chilly out on the swings tonight. God job I brought me hot water bottle with me and me thermals.

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  20. So glad you are being better, Di! Take care and don't move too much quickly!
    Your sample card is better that the original one! LOVE the rainbow papers that matches the scraps inlay, and such cute balloons die! Very useful!
    Hugs and cuddles to the funny Dudley, surely he is a big help to put a smile on your face!

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  21. It's hard to believe you managed to make this beautiful card, with all the little bits and snips involved, AND then went on to blog this information and history-filled post. Not only did we learn the pros and cons of various die cut machines, but we even got some background on our favorite little Dudley! I do hope you didn't cause your shoulder to rebel after all that cutting and gluing to make your card though.

    Yes please to this fun die set. I really like the look of the black background, which makes those balloons stand out. So festive.

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  22. Good to hear you are making a recovery, Di, take it steady and don't overdo it.

    Fab make and prize but I'm just playing for fun this week

    Happy Monday

    Kathyk

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  23. So sweet, Di. I will be playing later in the challenge, but will be just for fun xoxo

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  24. Your colorful birthday balloon design is festive and fun, Di! I love the rainbow panel and all that paper piecing you did for the balloons! I'm glad to hear your shoulder is well enough for you to shoulder on!! I didn't know that about these gorgeous pups and why they danced on their hide legs. Thank you for the info, the shoutout, and for sharing with everyone at NBUS! Keep safe and well! Hugs, Darnell

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  25. Wow! Such a great birthday card, Di! And a great prize!
    Yes, please, I would like to have the opportunity to win it.
    Thank you for your comment on my blog and reminding me of joining you this time. A wonderful invitation!
    Hugs, Liv xxx

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  26. Glad you’re on mend Di. Been praying ... do take care. I love my electric a4 machine maybe you need one... I still mostly use my cuttiebug but prob 1/3 of time electronic these days.
    No thanks to candy as have plenty of balloon and happy birthday dies too. Think may have one identical to that actually though not that that brand, very like it.
    Thanks for sharing, and God bless, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Wonderful Words of Life - Shaz in Oz}
    {Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}

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  27. I'm back because I was able to use some snippets from our card group meeting the other day. Yes, please to your delightful prizes! Hope you are still progressing shoulder wise every day. Hugs from across the pond!

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  28. What a fun colouful card - love balloons!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw.
    Helen x

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  29. So wonderful birthday card. Love the colours and the dies you have used.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  30. Such a wonderful, colourful card Di. :-)
    I hope you all and Dudley are safe and well
    Hugz
    IKE xoxo

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  31. Amazing card and the die is fabulous love the rainbow panel great idea and again great use of snippets of card which is what your challenge is all about, so pleased your on the mend still take it easy, take care stay safe only playing for fun x

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  32. Oh wow my first challenge in years! So I hope I've done everything right. And you have fabulous prizes too! What could be better!
    ((Lyn))

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  33. A fabulous card Di and I would love a change to win the lovely prize. I'll post my card tomorrow as I need some daylight to photograph it!
    Kath x

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  34. Fabulous Prize Di - yes please if I am lucky enough - Love the way you have used the die - it is really versatile and lovely - Cheers Maurs xxx

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  35. So glad to know your shoulder has allowed you to craft without pain. Loving the fun, festive card with those colorful balloons and it's a Yes Please for the prize draw from me :) Take care and stay well!

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  36. Great card Di, please count me in for the draw

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  37. Love your bright and cheerful card, Di. Just what's needed on a dull day like today. The rainbow panel is just perfect to go with your colourful balloons. I'll be a Yes Please for the super prize. xx

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  38. Yes please to this fun prize! Your rainbow version is so adorable and colorful. You're right that the die can be used for a lot of celebratory occasions too.

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  39. So, so glad your shoulder is better, Di! I cancelled my Physical Therapy sessions--just too scary with Covid going wild. Absolutely love your card! There's just something about balloons that always makes me smile. Please put me in the drawing this time. Glad Dudley is keeping you guys entertained! Sending hugs, Greta

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  40. Such a cheerful creation! I started immediately thinking this could also be a good way to get rid of those tiny pieces of different kind of dp that I guess we all have in our stashes.

    Will be back later today with my card but will say already now: "Yes please for the prize" :)

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  41. Oh! and yes for this gorgeous prize too.

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  42. So glad to hear your shoulder's healing Di, it can't be easy to craft with an injured arm. Fabulous festive rainbow balloons which got my brain churning about ideas for my own card. I was pleased to learn that your adventures with pumpkin pie were successful; bread is the only thing I dare to bake as flour and I don't get along too well. Be well and stay safe!

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  43. Hi Di, glad you're feeling better and can get some crafting done. What a fun card - the colours are so vibrant. Yes please to the prize!

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  44. Yes please, I would like to play for the prize. Thanks!

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  45. Hi Di, thanks for another great challenge and for your kind gift of time as you responded to my email. I would love to be included in this prize - have a wonderful first week of December!

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  46. Lovely card D with all those lovely coloured balloons. Yes please I would like to be in the draw ...when I can get my image to link!!!!!...sending you an email...many thanks xx

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  47. Great card Di, count me for the prize please xx

    Lilian B

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  48. A lovely colourful card Di, such a great balloon border die. I would love to be entered into the draw please, thank you.
    Janice x

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  49. A wonderful rainbow coloured card Di and a great prize. Hope your shoulder is nearly better by now and Dudley still up to his tricks. I am just playing for fun this time. Have a good weekend, looks like it's going to be a wet one here x

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  50. Lovely card...I would love to enter for the prize...

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  51. Hi Miss Di

    Apologies for not making the last challenge .. .. .. even though it lasted three weeks!!!

    One of my brides was finally able to get married (the day before lockdown) and we had lots of last minute work to do.

    Loving your super balloon card. Fabulous use of snippets.

    I'm just playing along for fun Di.

    Love Jules xx

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  52. I finally have a bit of crafty mojo so I'm linking up with my snippets card. Please don't count me in the draw as I have similar dies in my stash. Thanks for the inspiration and I also want to thank you for the kind words of condolence you left on my blog about the loss of my Kiwi kitty a few weeks ago; they are appreciated. I'm way behind on blog visiting and not sure when I'll ever get caught up. Enjoy the weekend!

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  53. I love rainbow cards and yours is so beautiful. I am glad you are feeling better.
    yes for the prize, please.
    have a great weekend.
    hugs xx

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  54. Yes please for the prize. Thank you for your lovely comment on my blog Di.

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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.