Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #390 - results

We're now heading into quite a strict 'Tier System' in yet another attempt to put a lid on COVID here in the UK. The converse of that is a five day easing of restrictions over Christmas to allow up to three households to meet up to meet up. It's worrying what will happen with the infection rate as a result - but it's obviously really important to a lot of people. And to be honest, if a ban had been left in place then you can bet many people would have rebelled and done what they wanted anyhow. We have one set of neighbours who mix people from five households in their home as a matter of course - and have done so right from the very beginning of this. That's what's known as 'taking the Mickey' IMHO.

Anyhow, let's dive straight in with my picks from the previous challenge - which was really tricky to whittle down - particularly as the challenge ran for three weeks:

What a great way to use up loads of snippets as well as return to the really therapeutic 'iris folding' craft technique. Gail brought this card to share with us and I love it!

I absolutely adore this white on white Christmas card, made by Lesley! It's so elegant as well as so clever to emboss the layers with different folders then add the twist of twine as a lovely finishing touch. 

Alison rushed into the Playground, after a busy time nurturing her wonderful flower growing business, waving this card (without any gilding wax on her slippers so she could trample it everywhere - a memory that still makes me laugh, I'm sure it was Alison and if not then it was an equally scatty Playmate!). It uses snippets, even a piece of cut down A4 is a snippet of course and whilst I do look for using snippets imaginatively I often do this myself. What I don't do is use the stamping technique that Alison did - flippin' fabulous! Do go and check it out as it's just got to be tried - misting sprays at the ready girls!

So that's three picks, as is almost always the case. It's really busy here as I'm frantically trying to add inserts into my Christmas cards and get them ready to post off as soon as possible - certainly the ones for outside of the UK at least! Having said that - I really could have gone on with loads more picks.

We also had two new Playmates:

Vivian Foo

Faith

Welcome to the Playground girls - lovely entries and do please come back and play again soon.

Can I please add a gentle reminder here, We are a snippets challenge, not just 'anything goes' as some people seem to think. 'Throw it in and see if I can win a prize' - nope, doesn't work for me I'm afraid. So, if I don't know or can't even see or read what snippets you used in your post - here's the deal. I may comment, but I won't ask what snippets you used if I can't find them or see mention of them. I just won't add you to the 'Yes please for the prize' list. This happens every so often and perhaps it would be more fair if everyone actually says what they used as snippets. I don't think we have too many rules but using clearly defined and described snippets is certainly one of them. Jumps down from soap box!  x

We had 109 entries in total - perhaps the three week timespan, the rather nice prize(s) plus, for this time, being allowed to enter more than once. It might be the most entries we've ever had. I'm still struggling to reach the magical 500 followers on my RH side bar though, sigh. So near yet so far, although I've been astonished by how many folk follow by email.

Now for the prize draw, which is a set of Lavinia 'Whimsical Hares' stamps, an Inkylicious 'Mountain & Valley Sun/Moon' Stencil & Masks template plus a set of 10 lovely soft make-up brushes for blending inks. And the winner is:

Lesley G

 

Congratulations Lesley! I hadn't realised how much you were hoping to win this prize until I re-read your blog post just now - so I'm double delighted for you. It's been a bit of a rough ride for you this past couple of years which makes this sweeter! More so as you're already one of my top three picks as well! Whoop, whoop - go and buy a Lottery ticket as these things usually come along in threes!

And, I did say how much I wished I could offer a prize to all of you - well, a 'Secret Santa' stepped in and has added a further set of blending brushes to the prize pot, to be sent by me with love from Parsnip and Dudley! You know who you are dear Secret Santa so HUGE thanks and our love to you for such a lovely gesture. And the winner of the blending brushes extra prize is: 

Alison C

Well done Alison! And you are also a top pick this time - how spooky is that then? Another one who should buy a Lottery ticket! I know you used to play very regularly and that life has been busy since you set up your wonderful fresh cut flowers business with funeral flowers, bouquets and allsorts - all grown by yourself. Perhaps this lovely set of brushes will encourage you to spend a bit more time crafting .................... when the flowers aren't calling for attention. ☺

Please send me your address(es), even if you know that I know it already, with your full name at the top as well so I can copy and paste for speed and ease. It's also confirmation that you still would like the prize of course and I'll do my best to post your prize(s) ASAP this coming week. Please put Playground Winner or similar in the subject line of your email in case it drops into my junk mail. Email address is on RH sidebar as always.

I did hesitate and wondered whether to change the top picks when two of them were then chosen as prize winners - but, I wanted you to see both of their cards as they're so lovely. And I don't like to mess around with how the chips fall. We have three really good and fun techniques, including Gail's 'iris folding' to try this time - if you take time to settle for a few minutes and read the girls' blog posts! It will be so worth it I promise.

Remember folks, there's still another week to run on Challenge #391 HERE. The prize is a Gemini Edge'ables 'Balloon Bouquet' die donated by Viv, plus a set of Britannia 'Happy Birthday' sentiment dies from me, which have arrived and are now tucked up in the Playground Toybox.

Dudley had us really amused this past week. He suddenly decided to hide some of his favourite toys under Len's pillow - first of all his Arabica coffee wood chew, then two nights later his Benjamin Bear toy - and the grand finale the following night was Benjamin Bear, Little Ted (a small bear) plus a fluffy toy hedgehog from his 'God/Dog mother Auntie SaRn that he's had from being a puppy! Thankfully we think the novelty of hiding toys has worn off as he hasn't done it for a few nights now. Len was beginning to worry that Stinky Monkey the Fifth might end up there - but that's one toy that goes everywhere with Dudley and he doesn't share it. Never a dull moment!

Love from Parsnip, a happy 'high-five' and woof from Dudley - and of course hugs as always from me. Stay safe, wear those masks, swipe sparkle on any body places still showing - and keep on crafting.