Sunday 12 November 2017

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Weeks 307 and 308

What a change in the temperature here - certainly a bit of a nip in the air and surely more people have to be thinking about Christmas by now? It's a bit hard to avoid really, given the TV adverts and supermarkets displays. Len was in a local supermarket the other morning and they were playing Christmas carols already - wonder what the staff will feel in six weeks time?!!

So, here's the thing. As the snippets challenge is only fortnightly nowadays it's made life a lot easier and this year I won't be doing the 'extra snippets card and prize per day' that I've run a few times over the festive season. I might pop something extra in but haven't decided as yet.

Needless to say, there are already a few Christmas themed prizes in the Playground toy box (bought during the year before I made this decision) and I propose to start offering those in the challenges running up to Christmas. Just to get you in the mood :)

So, here's my Christmas snippets make for this fortnight - and what a time I had taking the photo. That blue mirri card literally does act like a mirror to the extent you could see loads of detail - including the whites of my eyes at one point! In the end the best I could do, whilst almost swinging by my toes from the ceiling light fitting in the craft room, still has dark shadow behind the die cut, sigh. Trust me, it's all a lovely rich shiny blue with no dark areas at all in real life:
I used:

- A6 white card blank, tent fold

- snippet of silver mirri card stock, cut just smaller than the card front and glued onto the card front then set aside 

- snippet of glossy dark blue mirri card with little silver stars dotted here and there (wish I could remember where I got this as it's such a lovely design), trimmed smaller than the silver mirri layer and set aside  (NB, do not glue to card front yet)

- snippet of white card stock trimmed to around 2" in height and a bit wider than the dark blue 'stars' layer

- then stamped the sentiment, using Memento 'Mediterranean Blue' Brilliance ink and a stamp from the Paper Smooches 'Christmas Sampler' set onto the white strip of card. I fathomed out it needed to be done at this stage for easier alignment in the Misti :)

- made sure the sentiment stamping was fully dry and added Stick-It to the back of the white card strip before die cutting the Nativity scene,  using the really lovely Sugar Peas Designs 'Nativity-Scape' die

- they really thought this die through and above the cutting for the scene itself, a Star of Bethlehem is also included - so it cuts in one pass. Plus, despite the intricate design, it cuts like a hot knife through butter

- once the scene was die cut, forethought made sure it didn't need any further trimming at the bottom edge, it was lined up with the ready trimmed piece of dark blue starry card and gently pressed into place

- flipped the layer over and trimmed of the excess from the die cut on either side (that's why I didn't glue the blue layer to the silver one - so I could trim the die cut down with sharp scissors)

- added the Star of Bethlehem and then popped one small, clear crystal, sparkly gem in the centre - finished! And, it still goes as normal letter rate too.

I really enjoyed making this card but the secret is to plan each step ahead a bit like an engineering project. Also measure very carefully to get the right balance between the sentiment, the scene and the sky before you begin to even think about die cutting the Nativity-Scape itself. One tip is to be prepared to use tweezers to remove any little scraps of backing paper if you do decide to use Stick-It self adhesive sheet - those little palm trees have the narrowest trunk and in every case the backing paper tore at that point. But gosh, what a stunning die!

Also, although I went for a night sky, I've seen some fabulous makes on line where the backing was coloured with Distress inks like a vivid evening sky and the die was then cut from black card. Lots of potential and genuinely one of the most beautiful Nativity scenes I've ever come across.

Which, of course, leads us into this fortnight's prize:

Yup, it's a Sugar Peas 'Nativity-Scape' die and (once again, even though we've had this as a prize previously, 'cos it's such a lovely set) the Paper Smooches 'Christmas Sampler' set of sentiment stamps.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 25th November. 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. As I already said, the prize is as above and I will happily split the die and the stamps set, in which case I'd do further draws for the other item. 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 :)

Speaking of Mr Linky, he seems to have slammed the Playground gates at 10am rather than 11am yesterday - I think it's to do with the clocks changing after I'd set the link widget up. Sorry if you got caught out.

Be sure to call back next week to see the winner of last fortnight's prize which is two 6" x 6" Studio Calico 'Snippets' paper pads along with two Woodware 'Numbers' stamp sets, another lovely Guest Designer and my picks from the past two weeks.

Love from Parsnip and of course from me,


56 comments:

  1. your card is gorgeous.
    I wish to play in this challenge.

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  2. A beautifully made card Di and I adore that blue sky and then the white die cut scene with the silver backing mat and the pretty Star of Bethlehem with the sweet clear crystal gem. If I get a card in I would love to be in the prize draw for this die and stamps combo. x

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  3. Hi Di, a super stunning card and die, I even thought the shadow was intentional as it looks like a mountain range, love the blue white and silver, hope to play along this fortnight, if I make it count me in for the prize... have a wonderful week... Megan

    In a side note, as a former preschool teacher we used start singing our performance Christmas songs at least 10 weeks out, so that the kids who only came once a week had enough practices.

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  4. just been sat here in front of laptop waiting for the internet to come back up so I can leave a comment. I had the same thing with Mr Linky closing an hr earlier with the butterflies too. I do like this little scene you have created and rather like the blue shading that the photo is showing. Will try and enter with the internet and elf production permitting. Darn me if I didn't go to press the send button and I went orange again so have had to reput this in. Hugs Mrs A. If it goes ornage again I'm going to bed!!

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  5. What a fabulous card, Di. I know what you mean about the mirri card, stunnning IRL, but a b****r to photograph! It really is a gorgeous shade of blue though and I love the contrast with the white.

    So glad things are easier for you with fortnightly challenges and only one entry per person. I think we were all holding our breath, hoping that you weren't going to close the Playground gates for good!

    I'll be back to play later and I'll be a Yes Please for the lovely prizes. xx

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  6. Oh how I love your card, Ms Di! Must admit I did crack up with the picture in my mind of you hanging by your toes from the light! Do I need any more Christmas products?! Absolutely not, but I can't help but play for the prize this time as I don't have a die close to that one & I'm always looking for more Christmas sentiments as they are my favorite cards to make! Wishing you a great week! Hugs, Greta

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  7. A super cute card with detailing! So festive and cheerful!
    I totally love this gorgeous die with super cute sentiments, Yes for the prize!

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  8. Wonderful card and you are right about photographing mirri card - virtually impossible so you did well. I love the way you describe how you achieve results pointing out any pitfalls along the way - so helpful always. Back later with my offering.

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  9. That really is a totally delightful Christmas creation Di and a lovely die which you have used to perfection. Making a mental note that it's time to join in again (post it note I mean, my whole computer screen wears a yellow halo of them).

    B x

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  10. A fabulous card Di and I love the die you've used. I always struggle with photographing mirri too as I seem to get my own reflection in it! I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance to win this week's fab prize - thank you.
    Kath x

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  11. Beautiful Christmas card Di, I love the buildings set against the night sky. I too find mirri card a pain to photograph, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t!
    I will be joining the playground soon and would love to be entered into the draw please.
    Janice x

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  12. Morning Di - I can feel your pain over photographing the Mirri for your beautiful card. I'm amazed to be first into the playground this week! And I'm just playing for fun today as I already have some very similar things.
    Jane

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  13. Where is everybody this morning - I seem to be first. Just playing for fun this time

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  14. Oh what a fabulous nativity scene Di. LOVE how you created this card (I though the shadow was a mountain range until I read further!).

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  15. Card is gorgeous. I thought that the shadow behind the houses was made intentionally. It seemed great to me.

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  16. Photographing mirri card is always really difficult! Your card is delightful, love the blue tones with white and the amazing diecut silhouette with the Nativity scene!!

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  17. What did l read you right.....christmas carols being sung in the supermarket!! good job l have done most of my christmas shopping because christmas will be upon us before we know it......l just love your card and the die used is stunning love the mirri card too .......artic weather here today Di no venturing out for me take care sending lots of love x

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  18. That is a gorgeous card Di, the background looks gorgeous and a wonderful design.

    Kath x

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  19. Your card is gorgeous Di. Love the background and the die you have used.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Valerija xx

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  20. I absolutely love this die - it's so simple and so effective, sometimes it feels like cheating to use it. Ink up a background and stick it on top and you're done. Gorgeous colour of background card. Xx

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  21. Just uploaded my card ... yours is fab so, yes please to an entry in the draw

    Happy Sunday

    Kathyk

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  22. What a beautiful die and card! The shiny mirror card makes for a dramatic card design and I laughed at your trials and tribulation in trying to get a good photo without all the reflections in it. I guess there are drawbacks to everything, right?! Glad that your slower paced challenge calendar isn't running you as ragged because it's no fun for us if it's a chore for you. Yes please to the gorgeous prize pack!

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  23. This is a stunning card. Love that mirri card with the stars! Perfect for midnite sky.
    The die is fabulous and I would love to be considered for the draw!
    I am sure you are busy with Xmas cards now as the deadline only gives us another three weeks or so. My craft room is a sea of Xmas papers!

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  24. Good morning Di I'm late to the playground as we were busy celebrating a very special little girl's 4th birthday! What a really gorgeous card...I did laugh at the thought of you taking the photo....hope you didn't damage or harm anyone in the process..haha. The countdown to the big day really is in full swing. I have not even thought of pressies yet! Yes please to the super prize, I will be back to link up later in the week. Take care, thanks as always and hugs xxx

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  25. Gorgeous Christmas card, Di. I'm likely the last to start mine, because I still haven't! Eeek!
    Hugs,
    Em xoxo

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  26. Beautiful card, Di, even with the shadow on the mirri card stock. I think your photography is marvelous. What a fabulous die that is! Although I play for fun more often than not, this time I definitely have to play for the prize. :-D

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  27. Finally I managed a simple card and entered. Yes please for the prize(s) :)

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  28. Oh my! Your mirror card is gorgeous! I can just image how beautiful it is in person.
    I plan to play because I love both the die and the stamp set. Would love to play with both!

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  29. Love this card Di but I can see why it was so hard to photograph. Yes please to be in the draw for your fabulous prizes. xx

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  30. Hello there, back to play in the playground after doing a stint of CAS cards with no snippets and I'd like to play for the prizes please. I love your card Di with that striking midnight blue sky, it looks fab and I do like the added bit of bling in the North star x

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  31. STUNNING card, Di. Love the die, you're brilliant design showcases oh so well!!! Yup putting both hands etc up for prize please!!!!!! Adore nativity dies haven't seen this one before.
    Hugs Shaz.x

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  32. Absolutely gorgeous card, Di! My inner crow loves anything shiny or sparkly.

    I totally know what you mean abt trying to photograph it, though. I tend to wear one of several bright yellow sweatshirts around the house that my hubby picked up for me on sale...(it's not rocket science why this hideous color was on clearance!! Ha.)....but he thought I would like them and so I nearly always have one on, trying to wear them out....(they seem to be proving indestructible, so I am thinking maybe they should make airplanes and cars out of this yellow substance!!) ANYWAY...whenever I try to photograph something shiny, it looks like a bright yellow supernova has exploded in my photo!! I end up having to go change my clothes to get a decent picture. Sheesh...

    Yes, please, to the very lovely die and stamp set. I do not have a Nativity die and I agree that this is one of the most beautiful ones I have seen. Just gorgeous!!

    Thank you for another fun day in the Playground!!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  33. Your card is exceptionally beautiful with that gorgeous color and a beautiful scene! I'm playing just for fun this week, but thanks for another snippet playground challenge!

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  34. A really stunning card Di. What a peaceful little scene. I know what your mean about mirri card. I can't even get a straight photo most of the time before I think about mirri. I'd love to play for the prize. Thank you for another funchallenge. Barbxx

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  35. Made it and yes please stick me in the pot this time round. Hugs Me.

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  36. What a beautiful card! That die is so elegant and adorable! And your shiny night sky must look fabulous in real life, but I'm sure it was a bear to photograph! I would love to play for the die this week, but will share the stamp set with someone else. Thanks!

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  37. What a fabulous card, Di!! And what fabulous prizes....I would love to be entered into the draw for them :)
    Susan Sudbury

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  38. Beautiful Christmas Scene :) would love to play for the gorgeous prize, thanks!
    Hugs
    Preeti

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  39. I love that beautiful rich blue background on your card - gorgeous!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw this time :0)
    Helen x

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  40. Oh! This card is wonderful! And that die! Wow!
    Yes, please, I would like to take place in the draw.
    Hugs, Liv

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  41. Your card is absolutely stunning Di, wow that's a real fireplace stunner. I'm just playing for fun this time Karen x

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  42. That IS a lovely nativity scene and well worth all the effort with the tweezers and the pain of trying to photograph it, Di! I can imagine how amazing this is in real life with that shiny mirror card in the brilliant blue! Please know that we all realize the horrors of photographing shiny cards, so we don't want you doing gymnastics to do so with that dicey back of yours!! Ceiling light fitting indeed! That's why we have husbands and little white perils!! Hugs, Darnell

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  43. Such a clean and stunning card Di.Loving the blue background. Ruth xx

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  44. Beautiful nativity card, Di. I love that dark blue mirror paper. I’m sure all that shine is just stunning IRL. Since I have no nativity anything, a nativity die would be a lovely addition to my stash and I always love Paper Smooches sentiment stamps... so yes, please add me to the prize draw.
    Have a fabulous weekend. xx

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  45. Beautiful Christmas card. Yes please for the prize draw.

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  46. That blue mirri card is gorgeous and makes a wonderful sky. I'm impressed by your photography! Yes please to playing for the prize x

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  47. Love the nativity card Di. Haven't been around for a while hope all is well with you and Parsnip. Just playing for fun.
    Hugs
    Margaret M

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  48. Gorgeous card, Di! The mirror card is fabulous for that sky background. It really is a pain to photograph though, isn't it? I've almost been caught out once or twice with odd reflections...! Yes please to the prize :)

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  49. Hi Miss Di

    Sorry for not having time to play more often .. .. but at least I have made it today!

    Loving your card. Very beautiful.

    I hope all is well with everyone.

    Just playing for fun Di, but what a wonderful prize.

    Love Jules xx

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  50. Your card is absolutely wonderful! I am a bit worried about the contortions you had to adopt to take the photo though! Yes Please - I would love to be entered in the draw for the super cool prize - thank you! Hugs xxxxxxxx

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  51. Hello. I'm back. Haven't played for a while but really need to get some of these scraps used up so thanks for the inspiration. I would love to win the prize so count me in please. Great idea to offer some christmas themed items. Love the card. That mirri card is so cool. Hugz

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  52. Hi Miss Di, I made it back this fortnight! I'll be on the swings. Please count me in for the lovely prize... have a wonderful week... Megan

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  53. Just scraped in Di! Your card is beautiful, love the diecut and the sentiment suits it perfectly. Hope I'm not being too cheeky being so late to throw my hat in the ring for the prizes! Off to see who's in the playground, Cathy x

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    1. Not cheeky at all Cathy - even one minute before the gates close is perfectly fine and eligible with me. It's a great prize so good luck. I'll hop over to take a look shortly :) Di x

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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.