Sunday 18 March 2018

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #322

And 'The Beast From The East' is trying to hit us once again here in the UK. So far we've just had snow flurries but we did plan ahead and stocked up with food in Friday just in case. So at least we can stay at home warm and cosy if we do get a huge fall of snow.

I had great fun making my snippets card for the coming fortnight's challenge, so much so that I ended up making three cards at the same time. Here's the first one, at his insistence. It's little Parsnip!
And here's two more:
I used:

- small white card blanks, size 3.25" x 3.25" square

- plenty of snippets, not one fresh piece of card was cut into for the bears and the backing layers

- a terrific set of dies by Mama Elephant called 'Favour Bag Accessory - Bear'

- I planned out the colour combinations and then die cut out the main die which was the bear faces

- then cut a contrasting background in a 3.25" x 3.25" square, which is exactly the same size as the width of the bear's face

- glued the bear faces to the backing squares, and in two instances then backed those squares with a further narrow 'frame' of contrasting card

- then cut out all the pieces needed for the features, ears and hats - keeping them in little pots as I went, one for each bear (I use the upturned clear plastic lids from those round tubs of cotton buds - so useful for all sorts of things!)

- and it was just a matter of sticking the little contrasting bands into the  apertures in the top hats (tiny piece of red line tape behind worked a treat) and using a medium, as well as a very fine, glue pen to adhere the rest of the features in place

- I didn't run the bears through the Cuttlebug as I would normally do - lest I ended up with a crease across the top hats as they overlap a layer of card, plus I'd used glue rather than Stick-It sheet

- glued the bear panels to the card fronts - three sweet little cards, all done!

First of all, this set of dies is made with the Mama Elephant 'Favour Bag' in mind - it's a lovely die but quite expensive at £36. It was unavailable for ages, and in a way that's as well 'cos I decided that I really wouldn't be making loads of favour bags anytime soon. But, I so loved the matching sets of dies, which work well on cards - make a taller card and you can add a sentiment of course.

I chose the bear set, because of little Parsnip - and I do like the fact that it also comes with dies to make a panda face, different mouths, a muzzle and eyes - and even a very splendid handlebar moustache! I cut some round pink eye shapes to add as 'cheeks' as I'd seen that on line as an idea and thought it looked cute! I really can see this set being used for little cards from the Playground/Parsnip, Christmas (add a little die cut of holly to the hat), Valentine's Day (add a little heart to the hat), same for St. Patricks's Day (make a shamrock using tiny hearts) - the list goes on.

There are other die sets available as well - the favour bag of course (which will go through a Cuttlebug), a bunny, a cat (which I know lots of you cat lovers would adore) and Halloween - all with the straight sides. Plus other sets without the straight sides for Christmas, a dog, Valentine's Day and so on. Just take a look over at Mama Elephant HERE. And I have no connection to Mama Elephant - I just think they came up with a cracking idea!

So, here's this week's Snippets Playground prize:
I know! You might be gawping at this Mama Elephant 'Favour Bag Accessory - Bear' die set - just like I used for my cards above - and be thinking it's way too fiddly and complicated to use. Not at all I promise - it's quite therapeutic. I used my craft wire clippers to separate all the pieces and they're now stored as usual on a magnetic sheet in a file. The A4 magnetic sheets are stored inside heavy duty plastic pockets - and, behind the magnetic sheet (which holds several other dies and die sets) I slipped a copy of this little guide, which can be found on the Mama Elephant website:
Favor Bag Accessory - Bear
It shows which piece is which and also some samples of the ways they can be used to create your very own little bears :) I've printed off a further copy, which will be enclosed with the prize when it's sent to whoever is the winner this fortnight.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 31st March. 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. 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 :)

Be sure to call back next week to see the winners of last fortnight's 'Concord and 9th 'Sprinkles' Turnabout stamp set. Plus a Guest Designer and fortnightly picks of course.

Love from Parsnip - who quite openly says the card depicting him is the best of the lot! He's very glad he didn't end up with the slightly serious mouth of the panda and to be too 'smiley' reduces the enigmatic cloak he likes to keep around himself - he really is a vain little toad at times :) And love of course from me,


69 comments:

  1. oh those pandas are super cute!
    I will play in this challenge!
    have a nice day
    hugs

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  2. Awwww.... Loooooove these cards!!! How cute, sweet and fun!!! Parsnip portrait is adorable! :D
    This die set is just delightful! Yes please for entering in the draw! :)
    ... I'm the first to enter in this challenge! Stunning! LOL :D
    Stay safe and warm, in case Burian2 will arrive! We waiting it for the last days of the month... :(
    Hugs

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  3. Oh Parsnip you vain little fellow but I am sure that card is a true likeness of you.
    Just playing for fun as usual.
    There you are with cold and snow and here we are with the whole spectrum of Heat Fire Wind and Rain in fact itis becoming quite chilly here after the 30+ we had yesterday.
    Hugs
    Margaret M

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  4. Hope the snow doesn't get you, but glad you've stocked up in case, Di! Your cards are just adorable! I'll play just for fun this time. Hugs, Greta

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  5. Cute use of snippets Di, love the enthusiasm. Snow! Hope it's not too bad this time, perhaps our down under heat will melt it in a flash today...hugs.xx 💖 [Aussie aNNie's Blog]

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  6. Oh, this is such an adorable die and I applaud Parsnip for his choice of the bear die. No wonder you didn't stop at one version as they are all way too cute! Yes please for this charming prize .... hoping you stay warm and snug!

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  7. This card is so darn cute! Loving the little faces!!!

    Will be back later to drop off a card.

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  8. Oh so cute Di, definitely a YES for the prize draw : )
    I do love the little Parsnip card, but my fave has to be the panda, on a bit of a panda kick at the moment : )

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  9. What a fabulous set of cards using this brilliant die set - great explanation too as ever. Plenty of the white stuff fallen overnight here and still coming down thick and fast - that's me grounded again!!

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  10. Fabulous cards - they are so cute and a great way of using snippets too. I'll be in the playground later and would love a chance to win this fab prize, please.
    Kath x

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  11. So sweet! I bet Parsnip is feeling really big headed now.
    We've got several inches of snow here - we were staying overnight at our daughter's house and the drive home was VERY slow and careful.
    I'm playing for fun again this time
    Jane

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  12. What a fun cards Di..really super cute. The beast is being a pain isn't he...brr I am really bored by this weather. On a happy note the 1st day of Spring is on Tues day.I'll play just for fun this fortnight. Keep warm, hugs xxx

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  13. Fantastic set of cards Di, so clever! Would love to throw my hat in the ring to win this fortnight. Parsnip's card IS the cutest! Stay safe in that dreadful weather, Cathy x

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  14. Just hoping that the snow doesn't get as bad this time and everyo e stays safe! I have one of my shows later and it is a bit off the beaten track so am waiting to hear if it is on or not. Glad you have supplies in anyway Di. I love your cute and fun bears and the dies look great for making lots of different little characters. I am playing just for fun this time. x

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  15. Three super adorable cards Miss Di, especially the one of Parsnip. Fabulous die set and could see it would make fabulous little book covers and tags as well as favour boxes and cards. Temptation is too great this time so a 'yes please' from me to going in the hat xx

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  16. Will be entering laters if all my scheduling goes to plan. Just for fun this time. How's the snow your end ?
    We have 6 inches and the road out of the village to you is shut!! I'll start Norm off this end shovelling and if you can get Parsnip doing the same your end they should both meet about Wednedsay!!! Kids are all out snow boarding down the slop to the stream outside our garden. Hugs Me. P.s. Norm has his nose pressed against the front window but he has only been out for 5 mins so I told him to keep shovelling.

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    1. Ditto here - but the temperature has just risen above zero so where folk have been digging it's melting a bit - so far. Parsnip was last seen heading off in your direction with his survival kit of cheese sandwiches, choklit and a Thermos of tomato soup - plus a shovel of course. All I could see was the little bobble on his hat ........... and snow being flung about as he tried to dig a path. He might be some time as they say!

      xx

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  17. Your cards are so cute, Di!
    This time I only want to play.
    Hugs, Liv
    xxx

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  18. Back with my card. I am just playing for fun this time around.

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  19. It's been aaaaaages since I got to play on the Playground! (not been using my computer much, as back-lit screens are giving me migraines. Luckily don't need them for crafting! lol)
    But I figured that since I just made a bookmark using nothing but snippets, it would have been rude not to.

    Would love to play along for the prize this time. Those dies - and the cards you made with them - are just too cute! :)

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  20. Oh my goodness, these card are just adorable Di!!!! I am in love with each critter you have made, it doesn't get any cuter than these fella's!!! I sure hope you don't get much snow Di. We are all ready for spring I think! Been a weird winter all over, so come on spring! Hugs, Brenda

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  21. Oh, so cute!!! Of course, the one depicting Parsnip is the cutest!! I just became acquainted with Mama Elephant a few months ago and they have THE cutest stamps and dies. I agree that this idea they had for the bags and add ons is genius!! I definitely want to be in the pool for winning, now I have to go make a snippets card (which won't be very difficult at all!).

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  22. What gorgeous and sweet cards. Love them all!
    Yes for the prize, please.
    Valerija xx

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  23. These are really cute cards Di.

    Kath x

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  24. Oh, WOW, these cards are so cute, Di. I love how the dies can be mixed and matched. I'm a Yes Please for the draw.

    After a pretty hairy trip home up the M5 from Plymouth this morning, through a blizzard and an abandoned trip to North Devon for a few days, as we don't possess a snow plough, it's started snowing heavily again tonight! I think I might sneak off to my craft room tomorrow for the day. xx

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  25. So darling, Di! I hope your Parsnip will be level-headed about the extra fame and attention! When images of Hammy made their appearance, we had to have The Humility Talk more than once!! Your cards are such fun and I can see how they were such fun to make! You're always generous, but this particular prize is super generous of you! Hugs, Darnell

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  26. Cutest cards ever and I hope that Parsnip is happy with how they turned out too. Yes please to this awesome die set. My two girls and I are crazy about cute critters and I love every one these!

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  27. Aww, sweet card collection mate.
    Hope you and Parsnip stayed warm and cosy indoors this weekend, eating chocklit and toasting marshmallows!

    Hugs, Sarn xxx

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  28. Scheduling worked and am on my iPad at the moment. Ice is just starting to melt but no sign of Parsnip yet. Hugs me.

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  29. OMG these are the cutest and are so perfect for all children or big children like me, Luv Sam x

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  30. Such a cute card, and it's a way in advance yes from me, please... unless my schedule changes, I won't be entering until next week xox

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  31. Your makes are fab Di! Fun cards! Hoping your snow has disappeared by now - we have a little left but the sun is out so doubt it will still be here tomorrow! x

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  32. Those are the most adorable cards, Di! What a wonderful set of dies. I guess I'll have to play for the prize this week but if my name doesn't get drawn, I'll track it down and buy it. :-D BTW, after a week of rainy days, we have glorious sunshine today. But they are predicting rain again tomorrow.

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  33. I do love bears! Yes, I would like to play for the prize! Thanks for the chance. I hope Spring will be sprung in your area soon! LOL

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  34. Such cute makes this week, fab prize, but only playing for fun as I don't do much die cutting

    Kathyk

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  35. These are adorable Di, so cute! Please put me in for the fab prize!
    Hugs Hazel x

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  36. Really!!!! blogger takes the cake!! .. for this poor tired blogger from downunder aka moi!
    .. he just ate me comment, not me homework!!
    Playing just for fun but love the inspiring cards Miss ... sorry been awol for whole month.
    Prayer hugs,
    Shaz in oz.x

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  37. So inspiring and super cute Di!!! They are so versatile and easy to make and your one is darn cute!
    Wanna put me in for the cute prize!

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  38. Di these are so stinking cute and not my style at all. However I know a little one that would love anything made with them so yes please for the cutiie pie prize.
    Thank you for the fabulous challenge too my lovely friend Karen x

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  39. Hello Diane! Your cards are so cute! I love them all!
    I'm happy to join this challenge again. Thank you for chance.

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  40. Gorgeous cards Di, hard to pick a favourite on out of the three. I'm playing just for fun this time around.

    Sue xx

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  41. I think the weather has been crazy the world over... Hope it's settled down in your area.
    The cards are just adorable -- they' make great little Valentine's for a school class.
    Just playing for fun this time.

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  42. We got hit with the beast from the west in a major snowstorm yesterday that left a foot of white stuff on the ground! It's been a very strange spring, as we've had 4 Nor'easter storms in less than 4 weeks with lots of snow! I'm glad we made it through the storms and found some time to craft! I really love those little critter cards you made and they're great for the wee ones as well as adults! yes please to the prize this week and do stay warm if you can!!

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  43. Love, love your cards. Yes please, I'm playing for that awesome die. My Frankenpineapple is a couple of days late. I thought I had linked him up. Must be jetlag......... Hugz

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  44. Oooh wow Di they are stunning cards xx

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  45. Here is my little easter lamb and it says Yes to the dies! The cards you made with them are super!
    Lia xx

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  46. Your cards are adorable. What a great set dedicated to Parsnip. I'd love to add it to my collection.

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  47. I am always amazed to read about the different temperatures in parts of the world. It is roasting hot here in Bangalore and my craft room being on the top floor of my house has been a furnace. Today we got an AC installed in my craft room and oooh it is so good! A big yes from me for the prize...good you showed how to use the set...your projects are super adorable
    Cheers
    Dr Sonia

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  48. At last, Di, I've managed to join in again today. It's not a card - my cardmaking mojo has gone AWOL - but a scrapbooking layout which has more than a few scraps and snippets on it. Your cards are adorable and perfect for small children who are bound to like those funny characters. I'd like to be added into the draw please - I have a squad of great-grandchildren who'd appreciate cards like these. Hoping to join in again next time too. Hugs, Elizabeth xx

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  49. Hi Di. I'm scooting in and rushing off again but hope to come back and enjoy the playground and how you did these fun cards after the ballgame. If I'm not frozen! Seems like Spring came and left!

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  50. Love your cards, just uploaded mine finally found sometime to play again

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  51. All three are just adorable! I'm a little
    partial to the sweet Panda myself. :-)
    And a yes, please, for a chance to win this
    awesome prize.

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  52. Hi Di, three beautiful cards, love the little Parsnip card, looks very stylish with his top hat on... hope to be back later this week to play along for fun... have a wonderful week... Megan

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  53. Awwwwwwwww....that is a cutie set! And I really love your pretty makes with these dies. Yes please for the prize (will be back tomorrow with my card for the challenge).

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

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  54. Oh yes please count me in for the fab prize. CarolG

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  55. Morning Di just playing for fun hope you enjoy your day xx

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  56. Such a cute card and unusually shaped die. Please include me on the list of those interested in the prize.

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  57. super cute project Di :) would love to play for the awesome prize. sorry I've been missing from the playground offlate, will try to play more often now on. thanks!
    hugs
    preeti

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  58. Oh my goodness, so cute! I definitely would love to win this prize!

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  59. Hi your cards are gorgeous. Those dies are amazing. I am entering just for fun this time. Hugs Jackie

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  60. How lovely that Parsnip has his very own portrait on a card. He is becoming quite famous! Realized I had a chance to add the Rudy Day card as it has snippets, and wanted to say Hi to all. Just playing for fun, and to enjoy this delightfully cute card. How versatile that you can create so many different cuties from the set, though. Good luck to some lucky winner. You & Parsnip are very generous. Happy Easter to all - TFS & Hugs

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  61. Super cute cards...pls include me in the draw..

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  62. What an adorable set of cards these are and how smart Parsnip looks in his hat. It's a yes to play for this lovely set please Di. Happy Easter! Barbxx

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  63. Your cards are just the cutest Di - what a fab die set!
    I'm a 'yes please'!
    Helen x

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  64. Gorgeously cute cards, Di! Love them! Fingers crossed for no white stuff ruining my Easter plans!

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  65. ahh, your cards are super cute, I love them. and so many possibilities!
    yes for the prize please.
    have a great weekend.
    hugs xx
    treebug

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  66. Just sneaking in my entry. Adorable cards, Di. And yes to the prize.
    Enjoy your weekend. Trina xx

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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.