It was Len's Birthday a couple of weeks ago and making a card for him was possibly not gonna happen as Dudley was still taking up a lot of time. Thankfully I did manage to make Len a card a couple of days beforehand, which luckily also doubles up as my snippets card.
So, here is my snippets card - on which I used a snippet of card I'd been playing around with ages ago using aqua shades of Altenew inks and some home made iridescent spray, a snippet of blue backing card and snippets of white card:
I used:
- 5.5" x 4.25" white card blank, side opening
- a snippet of deep teal blue card from the snippets folder, trimmed to make it slightly smaller than the card front, then glued in place
- a piece of white card which I found had already been die cut (yay!) using a die from the Lil' Inkers 'Stitched Rectangles' set of dies, onto which I stamped the sentiment from the Lawn Fawn 'Year Five - Otterly Birthday' set of stamps - using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink. Hooray for the Misti, although these stamps really do stamp perfectly every time
- glued the white panel on top of the deep teal one on the card front
- a piece of Tim Holtz Watercolour card which had been swiped ages ago with all four ink pads from the Altenew 'Sweet Dreams set and then lightly sprayed with home made iridescent spray (more details of this are below!). I really had no idea what to do with it at the time so just popped it in with my blue snippets to wait its turn
- Lawn Fawn 'Year Five - Otterly Birthday' stamp set again, from which I stamped the sweet little otter and parcel onto a white snippet of card using Memento 'Tuxedo Black' ink
- coloured both images using Pro markers
- used the matching dies to die cut the otter and parcel (you could do this without the dies easily but I bought the pair as a 'deal'). As usual I die cut templates so I could place the aperture over the images, and then position the dies properly - always worth that little bit of extra time, even when really pushed!
- die cut a circle from the Altenew slightly sparkly snippet using a Spellbinders circle die - would have preferred to have a circular aperture on the card front but again, not enough time
- whilst I had the Cuttlebug in front of me I also die cut a white cloud using the smallest die from the MFT 'Cloud Trio' set of dies and a smallish balloon from the darkest spot on my Altenew snippet - using a die from the Poppy Stamps set of seven 'Celebration Balloons' dies (this is a fabulous set of dies, sadly not able to get hold of it to add into this week's prize as it's not around in the UK and overseas postage to here is silly money)
- then it was just a case of adding the elements to the card front - glued the circle in place, popped the otter on with glue as I wanted him flat, then added the cloud (to adhere it I used a snip from a thin sticky pad for dimension)
- I really would have liked to carefully cut the otter's paw before adding him to the card front so that he would be really 'holding' the parcel - but didn't want to risk ruining a card with so little time to spare, next time perhaps
- the balloon was a little tricky. I used a tiny piece of silver embroidery thread (six strands) and attached it to the back of the balloon (having realised I needed to knot either end to prevent it from splitting apart) - using a teeny piece of thin sticky pad and then popped the balloon onto the edge of the circle
- to prevent the strands of thread from springing apart down the length of the 'balloon string' I gently twisted them before attaching the other end to the otter's tummy with a little piece of thin sticky pad and then popped the Birthday parcel on top
- final touch, three little sequins to add something to the background using Glossy Accents as a glue - and we were done, hooray!
Little story - skip if you're only here for cards! I've had this stamp and matching die set for ages, always with a Birthday card for Len in mind. We used to go to Thailand each Autumn and there was a beautiful hotel we stayed at on the very south of the island of Phuket where they had a rescued sea otter called Kee. She was adorable - we visited her each day and she used to have a late afternoon stroll along the beach (complete with harness and lead) when most of the sunbathers had packed up for the day. Sadly, she wouldn't have survived had she been released back into the wild as she was just an orphaned pup when a local fisherman found her. Len and I were never ones for stretching out in the sun all day but we were taking the opportunity to have some quiet time on the shoreline as the sun was going down when Kee trotted along with her keeper late one afternoon. I was taking some video footage of the beautiful surroundings whilst Len splashed around in the warm shallows. And then, Kee's keeper (whom we'd befriended) asked if Len was scared of her - when he said 'no' the keeper unclipped her lead and she scampered straight into the sea for a few minutes play with Len! It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen and we were lucky enough that I filmed it. Of course Len was totally enchanted and it's a memory that will stay with us always - not just on film, you really had to be there to feel the magic. She was keen on catching Len's toes though and otters have such strong teeth you certainly don't want a pedicure from them! Sometimes I see little Dudley's face peeping over the side of his bed at me and he looks so much like a baby seal - or even a baby otter. So - that's why this stamp set really called to me for this year's card for Len!
And I mentioned the iridescent solution I sprayed the Altenew panel with. Way back in March, Gail of Ionabunny and I had quite an exchange of emails. She'd made her own iridescent spray and was happy to share some extra tips with me. Eventually I got it right by using a Ranger Mini Mister and the teeniest bit of Windsor and Newton 'Iridescent Medium'. It was trial and error - my first attempt totally clogged up the nozzle of one Mister - note to self, this stuff does NOT work undiluted!And my second attempt wasn't much better, but third time lucky. Thanks so much Gail - great way to make up your own clear Wink of Stella or similar and one bottle will go for miles and miles - to the moon and back probably! My advice would be to literally start off with just a cocktail stick dipped into the medium to add to the water in the Mister - Gail's tip, not mine but it certainly works! Last I heard, Gail was going to try it out in an empty Wink of Stella pen - which would be great as you would then have both spread with the spray from the Mister and precision with the WOS brush.
The prize this time is very much connected to this week's snippets card:
It's (of course!) a Lawn Fawn 'Year Five - Otterly Birthday' stamp set - with the matching dies. Obviously I won't split this prize so if you play and want to be in the draw remember that you will receive both items, makes sense to me as they are a pair.
As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 10th 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. 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 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 playing only for fun - otherwise I ignore you on my little list.
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 :)
No photo of Dudley today, he's been a real livewire this past week and it's almost impossible to get him to stay still for long - and there are only so many sleeping puppy photos you can take.
That's a lovely card Di, I love your story about swimming with the otter.
ReplyDeleteDownhgere people swim with the dolphins ( a tourist attraction)
Utterly cute card Di! Love the shimmer!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this lovely story, It's amazed me about swimming with an otter!
Such a sweet card Di, and how amazing for you and Len to have that experience with Kee! My boys when they were young had dolphins come in close to shore to see them, goosebump stuff! Have a great week, Cathy x
ReplyDeleteI just love otters and love watching them play at the zoos and aquariums that I've visited. However, having an otter splash and swim with you in the ocean is beyond fabulous! Lucky Len, and lucky you be there to record it.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I was hoping for another photo of Dudley (I think I'm getting totally hooked on that rascal) and had to laugh at your explanation as to his absence in this post.
Yes please to this adorable stamp and die set.
I forgot to say that I love how you added the sequins on your card and the balloon as well. One of my favorite otter antics to view are them floating on their backs with a flat rock on the tummy, as they crack open shellfish. I've seen a mama otter carrying her baby on her tummy as well..they are delightful!
ReplyDeleteI love your card! So cute and such beautiful shimmer to it. Yes please to the prize. I'll be back with my entry!
ReplyDeleteI love so much all the animals and LOVED reading your story about that otter! I would like see the video about Len and Kee swimming together! :D
ReplyDeleteLove your card, fabulous shades on the blue circle, and that otter with gift and balloon is just so cute! The sequins and cloud are lovely embellishments!
Hugs, waiting for new photos of the adorable doggie that has you both :D
What a super card and such a lovely story about the otter - I'm sure Len will treasure this one. I did warn you that Dudley probably wouldn't appreciate an extra hour's slumber!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLovely card with a fab story. I'm happy to see any pics of Dudley he is so cute!
ReplyDeleteAwww . . . Such a cute card and with a FABULOUS story behind it. What a wonderful experience to have had.
ReplyDeleteHad a chuckle at the reason why there's no photo of the lively wriggle monster this week! Dudley is clearly not one to take his fame seriously! Xxx
Such a sweet card Di and love your story. What a great experience!
ReplyDeletethat card is so adorable!
ReplyDeletehugs
Cute card. I loved the story about Len and the otter. What a joy it must have been. What a great memory for y'all.[Bunny]
ReplyDeleteThat's a wonderful card you made for the Mr's birthday and I love the little story that goes along with it! What a fun adventure that must have been :) Playing just for fun this week but thanks for another playground week of fun :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely adorable card Di!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered to win this fabulous prize.
Hugs Hazel x
I like otters! (not as much as hedgehogs and dachshounds, I'm afraid...), so I also like your card! It's fun with this phrase!
ReplyDeleteLia xx
What a darling card! Well done you! CarolG
ReplyDelete'Otterly' fab card Di! Whoo hoo.... I got in first this week! Considering I have been absent for what seems like 'EVER' I am dead chuffed that I was in first this morning! Playing along for a chance to own Otter! x
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable card for Len and a belated Happy Birthday for him. Thanks for sharing that sweet story. That was a once in a lifetime meeting and such a wonderful memory.
ReplyDeleteI love your story about Kee!! How special to swim and play with an otter, and this card is a perfect reminder of a special moment <3 I'd love to be in on the draw for the adorable prize :)
ReplyDeleteSusan
So loving this card Di but really love the story! How cute and I bet too it was magical!!! I love how little Dudley made you think of that story once again and I'm glad you have it on film as well. I also know how much of a live wire Dudley can be, as Kahlua is a real live wire too! lol They get comfortable with their new home and their true colors come out and that is what a puppy is about! No sleeping in with a puppy either. lol Kahlua wants to chew everything, so you have to keep an eye on her, I'm sure Dudley is the same! It will get better though but it takes time. Savannah is perfect now and she won't move off her bed until I get up. Love that! lol But with Kahlua there is no sleeping in here either. Her human hands her over to me around 6:20 am. We haven't turned out clocks back yet, that will come the first Sunday in November. Hoping to play along this go around as a friend is coming over to make cards on Monday. Will see how that goes with Miss Kahlua!!! Oh and a 4 year old granddaughter too. Gonna be wild here! Hugs, Brenda
ReplyDeleteAww what magical memories of that swim Di and yes your card is just perfect for Len. He must have been thrilled with it. I smiled at Dudley's antics, Billy obviously can't tell the time either as he woke us up at 5.30am this morning with his purring and kisses, can someone tell him the clocks have gone back! Have a great week and yes please to the super prize this fortnight. Hugs xxx
ReplyDeleteSo lovely Di is your card l love the image and the colours used also the stitched edge looks stunning too! Oooh how lucky are you seeing the rescued sea otter and what a lovely name Kee she does sound adorable as you have described her Di so lucky they are just so cute...just playing for fun Di enjoy your week xx
ReplyDeleteI just love otters and your card is so cute. I really like that blue circle and your sweet birthday otter helping to celebrate with you and Len. When I was a younger, I always dreamed of swimming with dolphins but your story of swimming with an otter is even less common. Good pointy about otter teeth though, so Len was brave!
ReplyDeleteYes please to this fun Lawn Fawn set, and give Dudley a big squeeze from me!
Oh what a wonderful experience, Di--can't even imagine how exciting that was for Len & you watching! Makes your card extra special--just love it! I'll play just for fun this time. Give Dudley an extra cuddle from me!
ReplyDeleteA great card Di, cute image and love that background, the colour is superb.
ReplyDeleteBitter cold here today.
Kath x
I love your adorable card for Len, Di! The coloring is terrific! And I got such a kick out of the story of Kee swimming with Len. Magical is the right word for such a cool encounter and so how perfect this otter stamp and die set are for his birthday card this year! Hugs to Dudley!! ❤Hugs, Darnell
ReplyDeleteBrilliant card for Len so glad it was made in spite of Dudley shenangigans!!! what a to do.. for one furry mostly sleeping puppy! Loved the otter memory very special. Doing some snippets blasting chez moi again.
ReplyDeleteHugs Shaz.x
Such a sweet card for hubby to go with your wonderful story! Love the colours too. I'll be a yes please this time for the draw. Have a good week x
ReplyDeleteSuper make and a lovely backstory too, just playing for fun this week and have just uploaded my entry
ReplyDeleteHappy Monnday
Kathyk
Such a cute card and wonderful story. I'll be linking up on the 1st, so it's an advance yes please for the prize xoxo
ReplyDeleteA super cute card. I'll be in the playground soon but just playing for fun this time.
ReplyDeleteKath x
Wonderful card, Di!
ReplyDeleteThis time I only want to play.
Hugs, Liv
Di, your card is Otterly wonderful. I'd love to have the stamp and die set. Thanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteHi Miss Di, a fun story and wonderful memory of your trip to Phuket, love the colours of the card and the super cute otter. Playing just for fun... have a wonderful week... Megan
ReplyDeleteOooh, me and the little waf are in at lucky 13!! As I was uploading this I was thinking of you and Dudley. I am calling this little cutie Dutch and I am sure him and Dudley would have a wonderful time. Your card is so cute and I have a real soft spot for sea otters so please include me and Dutch in the draw. Hugz
ReplyDeleteHi Di, not been here for such a long time, but thought of your challenge when I was making the cards. As they're made entirely from snippets, I thought others might be interested to see a way to use up all those scraps we acquire! Hugs, Shaz X
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful story about Len and the baby otter, Di! I understand why that's such a lovely memory. Adorable card and cute stamps and die set, though I'm playing just for fun this time 'round. :-D
ReplyDeleteHi Di, thanks for changing that. I realised what I'd done after I'd done it- story of my life, lol. You can be sure I'll be back again- got a lot of card strips to use up yet, rofl! Hugs, Shaz X
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely story about the otter Di, and a perfect card for Len!
ReplyDeleteI would love to be entered into the draw please, thanks very much.
Janice x
Wow this really is a stunning card Di, the little otter is so sweet and the colours are gorgeous. How lucky was Len to be able to swim with the otter and it's those sort of memories that make life special.
ReplyDeleteWill have to get my skates on and snippets out so I can join in for a chance to win that fabulous prize xx
Such a cute card and image and a lovely story. He must have been thrilled with this. x (Just playing for fun this time).
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful card for Len and love that blue background you have given the sweet litle otter, with his parcel and complementary balloon, and lovely fluffy white cloud. I love the irridescent sheen, just so pretty, and a bit of shine from the sequins too, and what a wonderful story of Len swimming with the otter, a magical memory. x
ReplyDeleteI squealed with delight about Len's frolic with the otter - would love to do that as I adore them! Yes please for the prize this time too Miss Pixie and thank you for the beautiful inspiration x
ReplyDeleteI always comment your works before entering in the challenges... :) So also this time I comment again to say YES please for the cute prize! :D
ReplyDeleteHugs
Di, your card is adorable. What a lovely story and such a wonderul memory. Yes please to the prize.
ReplyDeleteThis is adorable Di - such a lovely design too!
ReplyDeleteI'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw.
Helen x
Do you know just how much I love sea otters? I absolutely adore them and they remind me of a wonderful few days in Monterey while holidaying in California. So of course I love your card and would really love to be in the hat for the prize.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your story, Di and what a perfect card for Len. The colours are just beautiful and the image is so cute. Just playing for fun this week. xx
ReplyDeleteLove your sweet little otter. Would love to play along.
ReplyDeleteHello Diane, thank you for this amazing prize! I love your card and this cute otter!!! I would play and be eligible for the prize! I often use Lawn Fawn critters for my cards but I haven't got otters yet!
ReplyDeleteHUGS, Kikka
Such a cute set an adorable card!! Love how you added the balloon, it adds a really great touch! I think I'll play just for fun this time, thanks!
ReplyDeleteLovely post!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely card - and back story Di. Yes, I a,m playing this week and would love the prize should my name be drawn
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Maxine
Using a lot of snippets this time, so yes, I'd love to win your prize. Hug your puppy for me!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet card, Di. Love the image.
ReplyDeleteYes for the prize please.
Valerija xx
Wow lovely card! yes for the prize please
ReplyDeleteI'm a bit late this time around but managed to sneak in before the deadline. Really cute card so it is a 'yes please' for an opportunity to maybe own the prize.
ReplyDeleteLove the otter and your story - thanks so much for sharing it. Yes I would love to be in the draw - thanks so much for the opportunity xo
ReplyDeleteLovely card Di and the beautiful moment connected to it. Thanks for sharing. And yes, I would love to be in the draw.
ReplyDeleteHello Di! Hope you are doing ok. Your card is otterly adorable. I’m just playing for fun.
ReplyDeleteHugs. Trina 💙
I love reading your stories and these are such lovely memories ... I adore Thailand too.
ReplyDeleteyour card is super cute.
yes for the prize, please.
have a great time.
hugs xx
Love the card and the sweet story that you told. I am just playing for fun this time. Though my card with the heart shaker has a similar layout to your card.
ReplyDeleteJust popped back with my snippets and it's a yes please from me for the fabulous prize xx
ReplyDeleteSliding in on a wet leaf. Duno about leaves on the line though as its more like water on the line here. Can't believe it has just taken me 5 hrs to write and post my blog tonight. The internet is so slow with all the water down the hole and all the wires getting soaked. Absolutely bucketing it down here at present. Just playing for fun but was so pleased that I had used an oddment of acetate that I just had to come and play. Hugss Me.
ReplyDelete