Sunday 20 September 2015

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Week 195

Well, we made it through the week - dearest Sarn jumped in on Monday to say she would look after the Playground for me, I did decline her kind offer but how sweet was that then? AND, she did hop round you all, in front of me during the week to comment - just in case I was tottering along like an old biddy - bless :)

Writing this on Saturday morning, and for the first time in over a week I can feel the teensiest improvement in the old back. It's the nature of it that it travels around different areas - almost as if when I protect one sore set of muscles it then moves onto another area. Nasty piece of work if you ask me!

Anyhow, let's do a quick canter this week - first of all here's my snippets card:
I used:

- 6" x 6" square white card blank

- a smaller snippet of red satin mirri card for the largest frame, glued onto the card front using Collall All Purpose glue

- a whole sheet of pale green snowflake patterned paper from Wild Rose Studio's 'Annabelle's Christmas' paper pack

- a snippet of almost plain green paper from the LOTV 'Classic Christmas' paper pad, with the back covered with some 'Stick-It adhesive sheet. This was then die cut using a Sizzix card front die called 'Peace, Love, Joy' 

- after removing the backing from the die cut I popped it onto the centre of the sheet of pale green snowflake patterned paper and trimmed along each edge

- layered the 'message piece' onto the red satin mirri card, again using Collall glue for some wiggle time

- backed another snippet of red satin mirri card with 'Stick-It' adhesive sheet and die cut the letters 'J-O-Y' (the letter dies come in with the die set) then popped them onto the word JOY - after running a red Whispers pen (which doesn't bleed like a Pro Marker would of course) round the edges - I hate white bits where they shouldn't be :)

- something was missing so I walked away for a while, had a think and eventually came back and die cut a single snowflake using a die from the Whimsy 'Layered Snowflake' set, covered it with clear Wink of Stella and once dry popped it in the middle of the letter 'O' using a small piece of thin sticky pad

- added a snowflake diamante embellishment on top - just the snowflake and bling made all the difference (IMHO) - but, you could also use the letters 'J-O-Y' alone or with a snowflake on (say) a plain white snowflake background, I think that could look very elegant

So, that's my snippets card for today, and it fits nicely in with the current challenge over at 'Merry Monday #171' which is 'Sentiment in the Spotlight'. I think I covered the Merry Monday brief - n'est ce pas?

And now onto this week's picks - sheesh, a lot of entries and also many of you were keen on the Tim Holtz prize on offer. Who knew? I truly thought I was 'tail end Charlie' with those birds, once again!

Carol L always features on my weekly list of possible picks at least once, usually more times. I chose this entry as it's a perfect Christmas card - using the wonderful Arboscello Tree die by Memory Box and just so pleasing to the eye. Love it!

I certainly went WOW when I spotted this absolutely gorgeous WOW card, made by Viv. Just perfection and so, so beautiful - welcome back Viv! Viv has been travelling round the country in her role as Vice-President of England Bowls for what seems like ages now - we missed you chick!

I'm sure that many of you know that Bonnie is on the DT for 'Merry Monday' - one of my favourite challenges. And this is the latest DT card she brought to show us. Now, I thought it was all one stamp that Bonnie had used - but not so! That little beauty was made by careful selection and positioning of a variety of Christmas sentiment stamps. So clever and one I bet a few of us would love to CASE! Slightly sick grin here, Bonnie has a Misti Stamp Positioner - am totally green around the gills with envy. I do so wish someone in the UK would stock them - right now the postage and also the risk of paying duty is quite off-putting, such a shame!

And here's another Christmas card, made by Annie. And certainly one I'd love to CASE as well. I just adore the idea of die cutting the bauble from the front of the card and then popping a snippet of sparkly card or paper behind the aperture! Great idea and so effective too!

I love this card, made by Lynn, using snippets of white card and transforming them into this real beauty! What's interesting too is that the shades of white vary - but of course when you create wonderful stamped and inked backgrounds it really doesn't matter, so don't throw those slightly off-white snippets out girls!

Kate hopped in with this stunning card - some beautiful die cutting, wonderful flowers too! What really made me smile was that Kate used a snippet of wallpaper sample on the card. Such a great idea - I'll be off to Homebase as soon as am more mobile :) Tee, hee - and able enough to beat a hasty retreat with an armful of wallpaper samples!

Oh I do so love this card, made by Laurie! The die is a Cheery Lynn one called 'Witch's Laundry' and it's such a fun die - a perfect way to use up snippets too! I'm sitting on my hands here but bet that one of these will fall into my shopping basket over at Maddy Lisa's before the day is through!

So, that was this week's picks - I managed a few more than I'd expected, and now it's time to welcome two new Playmates to the Playground:

Chris S brought us a gorgeous snowflake Christmas tag to see - I love all the blues and it looks so Nordic, just beautiful Chris!

Donna nipped in with this great card - the film strip die is a perfect way to personalise cards I think! Donna also has a trick for stopping tent style cards from splaying out (and looking like a ballerina doing the splits!) - she kindly sent me instructions but I haven't cracked it yet - to be honest I think I was doped up on painkillers when I had a play, so must try again!

Welcome to both of you - and it would be lovely to see you in the Playground again! I take it the girlies shared their choklit and also showed you where the illicit whisky still is hidden - they think I don't know! Ha, nothing gets past Parsnip and me when we're in full 'ferreting and searching' mode :)

So, with a little drum roll, it's time to pick the winner of some or all of the Tim Holtz 'Bird Crazy' stamps and dies - plus the Accessories stamps set. Oh how I wish I had more of this bumper prize to offer - in all there were 38 of you longing for the whole bundle and a further five of you would have loved just part of the prize. And, the first person to pop out of Mr Random had indeed said a huge 'yes please' to the whole bundle:
It's over 30 weeks since Liz last won a Playground prize, and most weeks she comes to play, often three times like this week, which is brilliant! Plus, Liz is also often a weekly pick - here's an example from this week's entries, just fabulous:
So I know you'll all be delighted for Liz - I'm sure she'll be back soon with some fun cards using the stamps and dies! Psst, I still have your snail mail address Liz and will post your prize ASAP this coming week!

This coming week's prize is another 'no brainer' of course. It's a Sizzix card front die called 'Peace, Love, Joy', just like I used on my snippets card. I've also got a packet of A5 'Stick-It's sheets as part of the prize. This is such a detailed die to stick down and I do think the Stick-It sheets are a bit of a life saver.
I thought it was time to throw a Christmas prize into the pot now and then - Autumn is on the way and quite a few of you are thinking about making Christmas cards already.

The Snippets Challenge will run for one week and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 26th September. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

Maximum of three entries and please say in a comment if you wish to play and be a possible winner of the prize. Do say if you only want one or other part of the prize (the die set or the 'Stick-It' sheets), but both are up for grabs as one prize of course. And please also link back to the Playground in your blog post to be eligible for the draw.

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 :)

Di and of course, Parsnip!
x

63 comments:

  1. Wauu how many fantastic cards and other projects,love ali
    Your card is gorgeous,Christmas is coming
    Hugs Tamara

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  2. Wonderful Christmas card, Di!! The snowflake in the "O" is a perfect catch-eye!!
    And stunning picks, all so beautiful!
    I'm in love with Lynn's card, it's a true beauty!! Love also so much Kate's card with the wallpaper sample, she has had a fab idea and the result is really interesting!!

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  3. So sorry to hear your back is still playing you up. Hope it continues to improve.
    Lucky Liz. What a great hand of picks you have this week.
    Love your card.
    Hugs
    xx

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  4. OMGosh! I just popped into the Playground to link a card I'm about to post and read that I'm the winner of this week's fabulous prize. Thank you SO much, Di. Doing a Happy Dance here!!!

    I love your snippets card this week, the red 'JOY' is stunning and the finishing touch of the snowflake is just perfect. Great choice of picks too - a beautiful selection.

    The Peace, Love Joy dies are really lovely, but as I've just won the weekly prize, I'll be a No Thanks to go into the draw this time. xx

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  5. Wow Di! Its a very elegant creation and caught my eyes! Love that little snowflake with the pop of red!
    Congrats to Liz! Really her card is a CAS beauty! Gorgeous picks too!
    Count me in for the prize!

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  6. Your card is beautiful! Love the pop of red and the snowflake! Great picks this week! Congratulations to lucky-duck Liz! The prize looks great - thank you - please count me in! I'll be back to play along as usual!

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  7. Splendid makes again today and Congratulations to Liz on winning the prize.

    Just uploaded my entry ... just playing for fun this week, thank you

    GOOD LUCK everyone

    Kathyk

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  8. Every Sunday morning I come along and read your post Di - I just love seeing your card and the picks of the week. This week has really made me smile alongside my morning cuppa - what an honour to be picked out - so chuffed to see my card up there with such stunning work. Oh my some people are so clever including you Di as your card to start us off is brilliant as always. Congratulations Liz - I'm sure we'll see some stunning cards made with your prize and I'm not in the least bit jealous LOL. Good to hear you are improving Di. Take care and don't do too much. Annie xxx

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  9. Morning Di so sorry to hear you haven't been too good and your right the pain does travel but hopefully now your on the mend but don't over do it ..........like we do!! so lovely as always is your card and congrats to Liz and what a lovely show case too take care Sandra H x

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  10. Beautiful card! The "Joy" word looks so rich - just gorgeous! Thanks so much for joining us at Merry Monday.

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  11. A fabulous card Di - the snowflake adds the finishing touch. I'll be in the playground later and would love a chance of winning this week's prize.
    Kath x

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  12. So glad to hear your are on the road to recovery Di....6 weeks is a very usual time span for mechanical back pain to settle. Your card is gorgeous, love the red mirri card..it really stands out. Very well done to Liz a very well deserved win but I am soooo jealous...LOL.Have a great week I hope to pop in to play a few times.Hugs xx

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  13. Hi Miss Di & the lovely Parsnip
    Yes please if I am lucky.
    Hopefully your feeling much better now, and things are feeling more comfortable for you, but take care not to overdo things.
    Congrats to your picks of the week, and Liz on her wonderful win.
    Thank you so much for all your hard work involved in this wonderful challenge, especially as you have not been A1.
    ooooooo! I nearly forgot to mention that super card you have created.
    Love the fab design, and the wonderful red mirri used.
    Going to be a wonderful win for the lucky person.
    Good luck everyone.
    Lots of crafty Get Well Hugs, and Wishes. Jenny L.

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  14. I love that Sissix die on and what a beautiful card you have made with it too Di. Congratulations to Liz for winning and all those fantastic highlighted cards this week. Glad you are feeling some improvement in your back too. x

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  15. Thank you for the warm welcome, Di :)
    I'll exchange health woes with you one day... it won't make either of us feel any better, but at least you'll know you are not alone :)
    Off to finish my snippets card now...
    Take care. x

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  16. Lovely card Di, I love it when a die does the designing work for you : )
    Count me in for the prize draw, I can see many more stunning cards made with this.

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  17. Oh, these are such a wonderful looking Christmas cards. I absolutely love the simplicity on them.

    Congrats to the lucky winner. Great picks for last week.

    Yes please for the prize. I will be back with my card for the challenge (umm, maybe in a couple of days...)

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  18. Stunning card, Di! Congratulations Liz!
    Yes please for the prize draw! I have my fingers crossed.
    Hugs, Valerija

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  19. Love your Snippets card this week! Congrats to all those showcased and the winner. I would love to be in the draw for this fun prize.

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  20. Hi Di your card is stunning and yes please to the prize. Take care of yourself. Hugs Jackie

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  21. This die is awesome, Di! Love that joyful red foil! Super elegant! Thanks so much for the kudos. (Wish I could get a MISTI to you without having to get another mortgage!) And thanks for sharing this with us at Merry Monday!

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  22. Back again! No 1 card today and yes please I can I be put in the hat for the goodies this week. Thanks so much! xx

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  23. Great card and a lovely die. Great picks and some stunning makes.
    Sorry I didn't make in this week but been making a start on ripping out the old fitted wardrobes and other such jobs getting ready for the new stuff, clothes and things all over the place .

    Kath x

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  24. So happy to hear that your back seems like it is finally beginning to hurt a bit less. Sometimes it just takes a while of being 'kind' to muscles & vertebrae to improve things. This pretty card took a lot of work with all the treatments you've done. It turned out just beautifully, and adding in the dimensional snowflake was a brilliant touch. The red Joy has such a nice gleam and really grabs the eye. Congrats to Liz on her great win, and you've got some fab highlights this week. Hope to get back later for a closer look. Big hugs & TFS

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  25. So glad to hear that your back is improving but I'm sure it's still frustrating to be limited in your movements and in pain. What a gorgeous card, and that snowflake adds just the perfect little touch! Yes please to this week's prize!

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  26. What a gorgeous card. Fabulous die made all the better with your brilliant idea to cut the Joy twice from the red miri andpop it forward. The added nowflake is perfect.

    So sorry to hear you are still suffering with your back...I too well aware how the pain can travel...amazing how that can happen. I find sometimes deep tissue massage can help a wee bit.

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  27. AWESOME Merry Monday card. I bow to the master.

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  28. Morning Miss . . . beautiful die cut festive card you've made there. LOVE the snowflake in the centre of the Joy word. Perfick!

    Good showcase picks too (and I KNOW how hard it is to pick just a few now!). All so lovely.

    MANY congrats to Liz on winning your super generous prize. Better run home with that QUICK Liz . . . there's 37 other screaming girls running after you!

    Playing just for fun thank you.

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  29. Hi Miss Di, so sorry to hear you are still suffering. Super christmas card, fabulous die and I love the way you finished it off with that snowflake. Wonderful picks again and huge congrats to Liz on her win (I did go shopping for a set of those super birds - just waiting on postie). Only playing for fun again this week xx

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  30. Gorgeous card Di, hope everything is well for you!
    Hugs, Hazel x

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  31. Hello Di
    It is so good to hear that your back is a little better - please don't overdo things and take it easy as we don't want any set backs....tee hee!! do you see what I did there - set backs!!! sorry it is not funny ;-)
    Wow wee your card is stunning so 'YES PLEASE' to be put in the pot for the prize.
    I am sure that your class of playmates cards are getting more spectacular each week so your job is so difficult to pick highlights - I don't envy you!!
    Hope you have a fab week.
    Eve xx

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  32. Glad to hear your back is on the mend I can sympathise with your pain.
    Just playing for fun this week. I've been having a sort out of old Christmas cards and lined up a few for upcycling following your lead, whether they ever get made will be another matter!
    Great showcase and a fab card from you too.
    Linby x

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  33. Your peace, and love card is lovely, Di! Such a classy look! I just entered my second card for this week, and count me in for the drawing. Hope your back continues to improve...

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  34. Congratulations to Liz for winning the CB bundle!
    Love your elegant Christmas card! And your weekly picks are fabulous!

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  35. Gorgeous cards and picks! Yes please to prize, Di. Hope your back is getting better all the time, April Xx

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  36. Oh Good Morning Di - hope your back is better - think you have passed it on to me - mine is killing this morning. Now I don't like to tell tales Di but your playground monitors have been up to no good - I've heard they have been drinking behind the bike sheds and what's worse they didn't invite me - LOL. I'm playing for fun this week as I have some of those sheets and much as I love the die I could (given the motivation) cut similar on my Silhouette so will leave the prize to someone who would really love it. See you soon. Off to bike shed as have got invite now. Annie xxx

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    1. Tee, hee - that was me in disguise behind the bike shed :) Hope that back clears up soon Annie!

      Hugs

      Di xx

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  37. I hope this day finds you feeling better Di - there's nothing worse than not being able to sit comfortably. Thanks for spotlighting my card along with the other wonderful and inspiring creations! Congrats to Liz on her win - I can hardly wait to see what she does with those crazy birds! Your card is so pretty with that big red "Joy" taking center stage! It's a beautiful Christmas card! I'm playing just for fun this week, but thanks for another fun playground challenge! Have a good week ahead, y' hear? :)

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  38. Helllo Di, I've been away for a few days and just got home and starting to catch up. I'm glad that you are feeling a little better and hope that it won't be too long before your back is completely better.

    You chose some great picks again this week and congratulations to Liz on her win. Your card this week is again a 'cracker' (Christmas card) and it's a super prize. I'll be joining in later in the week when I get myself sorted out. Barbxx

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  39. Tee hee I'm back Di with Daisy's first ever card challenge entry......she loved making these. I think she will need to be in the nursery playground don't you...not quite up to the big girls one quite yet in case she gets knocked over by their ball games ;0) xx

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  40. So nice to be back in the playground again, Di ... it seems like ages since the last time though it's probably only a week or two really. Your card is lovely and the snowflake makes the perfect finishing touch. The showcased cards are fabulous too. Still working from the dining table but hoping the craft room makeover will be complete by the end of this week. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  41. Beautiful snippets card Di! Especially love the red foil and sparkly snowflake --- gorgeous. Good to hear that you have had at least some improvement on your back! Thanks for sharing all the picks from last week ... beautiful and inspiring cards. I'll be back soon to play along. I don't get to the playground as much as I'd like to, but definitely will find time this week. xx

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  42. Hi Di, beautiful chrissy card, love the red highlight and that gorgeous snowflake, perfect finishing touch. Gorgeous showcase again, I'm playing for fun this week. Hope your back continues to improve, :) Cathy x

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  43. Gosh I hope you have the crazy birds for a prize again! Liking that white and red card of Carol L's - fabuloso. And those witches britches .. what can I say?

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  44. Your card is just gorgeous, Di! So glad your back is starting to get better & hope by now you can really tell an improvement! Lovely picks--congrats to all! I'll throw my name in the hat this week.

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  45. Hi Di :)
    Yes please to the goodies if I'm fortunate enough to be drawn.
    Lovely hedgehog pics :)

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  46. Hope you and your back are staying out of mischief this week! Just playing for fun this time
    Jane

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  47. Another gorgeous card..love, love the addition of the snowflake...sometimes I walk away from my cards too, then all of a sudden tit hits me what it needs...the snowflake is perfect! And yes of course to the gift! Great choice of beautiful cards this week too, I always get great ideas coming here!!

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  48. Yes please, Di for the prize.. and wonderful card and picks .. praying for your back and if you need a monitor on duty for next week can do it for you, :D
    hugs, Shaz in Oz.x

    {Shaz in Oz – Calligraphy Cards}

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  49. Just playing for fun this week. Glad to hear your back is slowly improving. no crawling around the back garden looking for spiklets mind! hugs Mrs A.

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  50. A lovely selection this week Di and do love your card, the traditional colours always please and love that die (can I go in the draw please).

    B x

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  51. Cor and wowser! That one big and beautiful card Miss - so yes please for me name in the tit for tat Misses please. Your card is beautiful Miss and the way you've used it is not something I would have thought to do - all those different colours, just perfect! I can't stay long Miss as I'm behind with me 'omework and I gotta check out the photo of Mr & Mrs Hogs and I'm obsessed with them minion things too Karen x

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  52. Oh, Di, that is a stunner that you opened up the week with here!!! LOVE the shimmer and shine of that red. Looks great over the patterned paper and embellished with the lovely snowflake!! Yes, please, for my name in the hat, too. So glad your back is feeling a teense better. Still sending wishes for a complete recovery. I know how those spasms can travel, too....ugh. Take care and let others do for you!!!

    Congrats to Liz, the lucky winner, this week. Looking fwd to seeing what you do with the TH birds!!! Also, congrats to the amazing top picks!!! WOW!!! Just amazing and fabulous. Glad I am not the one that has to pick!!! Such creativity here.

    Have a lovely rest of the week!!!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  53. Please don't include #35 in the drawing as I realized I entered too many challenges for the SSS Flickr rules. Sorry for the trouble, Di!

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  54. Playing just for fun this week!

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  55. Your snippets make is gorgeous, Di! Hanging that snowflake was brilliant! The picks you chose are splendid and I'm delighted to see Chris and Donna joining in the fun at the Playground!! I hope your back is doing much better!! Love and hugs, Darnell

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  56. Well thanks for reminding me - I would have forgotten to link up my card - I am a little rusty after my long absence.... - LOVE your Christmas card - that die cut is so pretty and that little sparkly snowflake in the middle of joy is such a cute embellishment! I have missed your playground and all its gorgeous inspiration! So glad to come back to it! (Just playing for fun this time).Hugs, Cornelia

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  57. I always nip in and drool over all the pretty cards even when I don't manage my own. They are so inspiring but I get a bit dazzled and don't know where to start. Your card is fun, bright and cheerful, just right for Christmas. X Just paying for fun.

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  58. Hi there - I hope your back is getting better now Do ???
    Gorgeous selection of card picks there - so amazing :-)

    Just playing for fun - thank you :-D xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  59. I'm pretty late this time but since I used a snippet I was anxious to join in. I love this card you made today. That red satin mirri paper is so gorgeous. What a stunning card it makes. I hope your back settles down and starts to feel better. That is not fun.

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  60. It's funny because I just got the feeling I'm always about the same number and I don't plan it! Your snippets card is divine, my friend! And I love all your picks - don't know how you do it, especially when you are not feeling well and on meds. Isn't that little cherub amazing! It would be so cool if kids could stay that age for about four years! You take care - no worries about commenting on my entry! Love and hugs, Darnell

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  61. Ooops, I put this comment in the wrong place. Granny is bezausted!! Where's my entry? I'll copy and paste this in the right place if I can find it. Geessssshhhh!

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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.