Sunday 17 May 2020

Pixie's Snippets Playground - Challenge #378

And another week in lock down flies past. Things have been slightly eased in England - which, needless to say, seems to be a signal for a few people to push the boundaries, and their luck, further than they should. Parents are letting their kids out unsupervised, non-family members are calling on people and social distancing is often being ignored even when people are out walking, queuing, going around supermarkets etc. Human nature working against humans in many cases - or just lack of basic common sense.At this rate we might well see a second 'peak'. Rant over - let's move onto happy things!

Here's my snippets card for this fortnight, trying a technique I've wanted to play with for ages:

I used:

- 5.25" x 4" white card blank, side opening

- a snippet of  white card sized at 5.25" x 4", covered with 'medium sticky' double sided adhesive sheet

- a selection of quarter inch wide strips cut from snippets tucked in the back of Studio Calico's 'Snippets Collection' 6" x 6"paper pad - in six different colours/patterns.

- there are lots of videos showing how to make a herringbone panel - this one is my favourite. I used adhesive sheet instead of a tape runner - either would work fine

- spent a very contented time adding the strips to the sticky panel - it struck me that this would be a great craft project to take on holiday (hollow laugh), to make up a load of backgrounds. All you'd need is panels of plain card covered in adhesive paper, with the protective layer left on until needed of course, and a whole load of quarter inch strips of snippets (perhaps kept in separate cello bags for each 'set' of paper strips you wish to use - I think papers from the same pad would generally work well for this pattern - gonna tackle my LOTV Christmas snippets next, plus small scissors. Not recommended for a breezy beach though - beach, what flipping beach?

- the next step, once the herringbone was completed, was to snip off the overhanging ends of the strips - I'd done this after a fashion as I went along so as not to waste any small pieces but trimming the remaining ends from the back of the card panel evens it all up

- then I was faced with a panel which wasn't exactly equal on opposing sides where the chevrons finished - it's the nature of the beast and the video I linked to above accepts this as part of the process

- so I carefully trimmed the herringbone panel, a little bit at a time and ended up with a piece measuring 3.5" x 4.75" - which still kept the A2 card balance/proportions and evened up the pattern edges so they were nice and balanced (OCD again!)

- then layered the herringbone panel onto very slightly larger rectangles of yellow and red paper, from the same paper pad, to add narrow frames

- at this point, it had too wide a white border for my liking when placed on a 5.5" x 4.25" card blank- so I lopped quarter of an inch from the top as well as the opening side of the card blank

- glued the three layers onto the card front, using Collall All Purpose Glue

- then I stamped the sentiment using a NBUS sentiment from Lil'Inker's 'Just Sayin' stamp set - onto a snippet of white card, using the Misti and a Versafine Clair 'Nocturne' ink pad

- trimmed the sentiment rectangle and then 'ticked' which box I wanted to use before layered it onto a background/frame of the same yellow and red paper I'd used for the herringbone rectangle frame. All too often I've ruined something right at the 'last knockings' so I always try to think in terms of 'damage limitation'

- added the sentiment rectangle to the card front, using thin sticky pads to add a little bit of dimension

I loved making this card, especially the herringbone background. It's the selection and slicing of the papers I found to be more onerous - actually building up the herringbone itself is very satisfying!

Am loving the Lil'inkers sentiments set of stamps, most are slightly sassy and I'll use every single one of the stamps at some point

And I can enter this card into our lovely Darnell's NBUS Challenge #14 HERE, due to using the fun Lil'Inkers set of sentiment stamps for the first time. It was a second outing for the Clair ink pad but more details of that this coming week as I sort of flipped my posts around a bit. I do encourage you to join in with Darnell's challenge if you haven't done so already - now is an ideal time to crack open some Never Before Used Schtuff and this current challenge runs to the end of May.

And here is the prize for this fortnight:

It's 2,000 quarter inch wide paper strips! Joke - tee, hee. In fact, it's a set of Lil'Inker sentiment stamps the same as the one I used today - called 'Just Sayin'. As I mentioned previously, Lil'Inker have closed their business, sigh, but I got my paws on these before they become as rare as hens' teeth.

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 30th May. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day.

It's a maximum of ONE entry, 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 want 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 only playing for fun - otherwise I don't add you to my little list.

No photo of Dudley as I type this on Saturday morning - he's back from his walk and is flat out fast asleep under my desk.

But there have been some developments on the grooming front. Remember that I said that Dudley was sitting up nicely like a bunny rabbit when I groom him and I was beginning to wonder if it was him being helpful or just employing evasive tactics by sitting on his tail and rear end?

Sigh, I think it might be the latter as he's taken to playing hide and seek when we approach '4pm grooming time'. Initially he was hiding under my big corner desk, pressing himself further and further back so that Len has to crawl in to get him out. Next, he ran and hid in one of his cosy beds in our bedroom, curled up pretending to be asleep - if he couldn't see us then perhaps he thought we couldn't see him either. Then he got extra sneaky and we had to really hunt for him - he'd only gone and hopped into his cage which lives behind a door in the lounge! It's so hard not to giggle when he finds somewhere new to hide away - there's never a dull moment with him that's for sure!

Stay safe my lovely friends.

Lots of love from us all - Parsnip, Dudley 'aka The Invisible Man' and of course me,


58 comments:

  1. Your card looks lovely Di and I had to laugh at the box you ticked. I have taken to making panels up each time I make a card and there are strips left over on my desk I just add as I go. Trouble is I now have twenty four panels made up on my desk!! Sounds like Dudly has the pair of you well and truly sussed out. The Doc decided there was a chunk of his hair in the way and decided on a DIY job then came to me demanding that I put it right! Hugs me.

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  2. Oh that silly puppy, Dudley! When I put on "that" shirt & pull my hair back in a rubberband, Fritz runs to hubby as if to say "save me from mom!" So funny when I'm simply going out to pull weeds & not giving him a bath! Love the herringbone card--great way to use scraps & fun sentiment! I'll just play for fun.

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  3. I am off to look at that herring bone panel 'how to'!
    Will also be back with a playground make in a bit!
    Keep well, stay safe!
    Susan
    Calling All Crafters! – My personal Blog!

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  4. Oh Di, I adore this card!!! This technique is going on my "need to do" list!! Would love to be in in the prize!! I'm afraid that wherever you go, where the governments are easing restrictions, there are those (too many!), that abuse the little extra freedom they are given. A classic example of give them an inch, they take a mile!!! I see or hear of this happening, and I just want to hide even more :( Keep staying safe, and sane, if possible!!
    Susan

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  5. By the way I love the sentiment on your card!

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  6. Has to be a yes please Di ! I need more sentiments like these, please do share if you find a new source :)
    Love your card, and love your joke .....could just imagine an envelope full of strips lol.
    Oh dear, Dudley has learnt to play hide n seek!.........Happy snippets Sunday xxx

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  7. I'm in admiration of your piecing skills with the strips of paper - such precision. The wording is brilliant too.

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  8. Wow Lots of wow's Di this is so creative l just love it - yes relaxed a little here but like you say some people don't think hopefully it will all come good soon take care x

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  9. What an amazing way to use your snippets - that must have taken AGES. And what a fab sentiment - the whole set looks brilliant. You KNEW that I would say "Yes please" to going into the hat for these!

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  10. A fabulous card and great use of snippets. The sentiment stamps are fabulous and I would love a chance to win them, please.

    Far too many people out here too - the beach and seafront are far too busy and social distancing seems to be forgotten. Needless to say we're keeping well away and walking in less busy areas. Take care and stay safe.

    Kath x

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  11. HA! I love this sentiment! Definitely playing for the prize this week.
    Everyone in my neighborhood was having BBQs and Grad parties yesterday and pretending they were distancing :(.... Poor Dudley... Maddie still has to wait 2 week until she gets her groom... it's getting so bad... she can't see... so much hair!

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  12. What a wonderful way to use those snippets! I love the wonderful cozy blanket feel of the pattern and I have to say I haven't seen that sediment before and I LOVE it. I would actually like my hat thrown in the ring this time, can you believe it?! Thank you for the shoutout again, Di, you're the BEST! As for that little white terrorist, he's nothing short of clever! I so agree about the constant amusement factor. I can't imagine life without our fuzzballs during this time! And, yes, I'm including our husbands in that! Take care and keep safe and thank you for sharing with everyone at NBUS! Hugs, Darnell

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  13. Now *that* is a snippets card! Wow, I have been wanting to make a herringbone card for a while; it's on my list, and yours is gorgeous! I think you're edging me closer to making one! Excellent use of snippets! I plan to be back to join your playground and I'll definitely be a yes for the prize! Thank you!

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  14. Your card is fab and I love the sentiment. I can just see you with your methodical and precise head on tutting at the outcome of those chevrons though!

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  15. These pretty strips in a herringbone pattern look great Di and a fun sentiment to go with them, and I laughed at Dudley's ruses to try to escape a grooming session, such a clever little thing..lol. If I get a card in I will be playing for fun this time. x

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  16. Just uploaded my entry and would love to say YES PLEASE to an entry in this draw, thank you

    Stay well

    Kathyk

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  17. Only one snippet used this time - playing for fun

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  18. A fabulous card Di, looks very intricate. I will have to have a look at one of the videos as a great way to use snippets. You made me smile with Dudley's antics. Our two don't mind the brushing, but no touching feet and I've had to cut a few cots out lately too. I will be a yes please for the prize thank you. Have a good week x

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  19. Wow, Di, what a great card. Love the fun sentiment and super background.
    Yes for the prize please.
    Have a nice day. Stay safe.
    Valerija xx

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  20. Such a cute card, Di. I really must utilize this technique for all my paper snippets xoxo

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  21. Yes please count me in thanks. CarolG

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  22. Hi Di! Awesome card and I bow to you for trying that technique. I think picking the papers would be the hard part for me, too. And then the patience putting it together! lol I had to really laugh at your comment about the prize being 2,000 quarter inch strips... That really would be an amazing prize!!! lol But I would settle for playing for the Lil' Inkers set. LOL
    Hope you are doing well, my friend!

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  23. Oh no Miss Di!!

    Please don't start me off on starting a box of quarter inch strips of paper. I am nearly tempted LOL!!

    Loving your finished card and the sentiment really made me smile.

    Just playing for fun.

    Love Jules xx

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  24. Fab use for the snippets on this design, it's also a technique I've wanted to try too, thanks for the wonderful inspiration. Love the sassy sentiments on this one. Hugs to you!

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  25. What a great snippets card, Di! I love making scrap backgrounds, but mine are much much much simpler. Not sure such an intricate design is in my skill set. You did a fabulous job with it, though. Love the sentiment. Yes, please, to the snarky prize this fortnight. So much fun!
    Awwww...Dudley is such a little character! Smart chap has your number, for sure!! lol...
    Thank you for another fun snippets challenge. Stay healthy!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

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  26. Great card Di and cool sentiment...that would be a great one to have... imagine the $$ value of our cards if we charged for all the hours spent making them.. lucky they're a labour of love. I love making patchwork card panels and stupidly save all the thick and thin coloured strips in a folder - just the plain ones, there's probably a stack of PP ones too somewhere. I'm with you, I think everyone should just persist a bit longer with keeping the distance, they're easing restrictions here too, slowly but the govt know only too well there'll be a second wave of cases... so stay safe - all our friends AND craft on... hugs Robyn

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  27. Yes I am playing to be in the draw. My entry is the buds in the frame card, only part of another challenge at the same time. OK? I liked your new to you and to me technique. One could surely use a lot of snippets. Next time.

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  28. This looks like a work of art. I've always liked patchwork and that is what it looks like. Picturing you chasing Dudley round the house, brush in hand. It sounds like he has the upper hand. Lol. x

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  29. Your card is just wonderful, dear Di! Thank you for a splendid idea how to use scraps! I have watched the video and have to rewatch. Great!
    Also this time I made a card with my tiny flowers. I come back to them again and again. And I could use some snippets.
    I would like to be in the draw.

    Take care!
    Hugs!
    Liv

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  30. Fabulous card Di and it must have taken ages. Super sentiments but I'm only playing for fun xx

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  31. You have SO much patience Di, not only to select and cut the strips but also to lay them into the herringbone pattern. And what an amazing effect! I really love the sentiment panel in the centre and it made me laugh - so it's a yes please, may I enter the draw this time :)
    It sounds as if Dudley is very protective over his rear end and I would definitely recommend just touching his tail occasionally and immediately giving him a treat so that he starts to associate it with GOOD things! I did this with Eva who can't bear hair driers or hoovers or anything with air blowing. I would gently blow in her face and straight away give her a treat. Of course she still can't stand hair driers or hoovers but she's PERFECTLY happy for people to blow in her face LOL! Hugs, Vicky xx

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  32. The results were worth it Di, but the thought of piecing all those strips into a herringbone pattern kind of makes me quake in my shoes. I've done backgrounds with strips going one way but trying to match up the ends and actually stick to a pattern would probably put me in bed for a week!
    YES PLEASE to this humorous and fun sentiment set. I can already see several that I would use right away. The sentiment that you used is a great one too, and I love the one you checked.

    Your story about Dudley is so incredibly cute that I had to tell my husband all about it. Fortunately, he likes hearing about Dudley since our Toby is almost a cousin of his, but stories about other people's dogs are usually not his favorite, haha! Aren't dogs just the smartest little things? They are also so attuned to their humans that they almost seem like mind-readers at times.

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  33. Hope you are keeping well Di, Dudley is so funny, bless him. Your card came out brilliantly, gorgeous colours. I'll just play for fun this fortnight thanks. Hugs xxx

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  34. Your card is fabulous, and the herringbone design is one of my favorite ways to use snippets! Great job on it, and it's definite yes please to the prize this week. I'm so sad Lil Inker has closed up shop. Love your stories about Dudley - he's clearly a joy in your lives and you are blessed to have him.

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  35. What a fun and colourful card! Yes please to the prize :)

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  36. I always love reading your blog whether I play in your challenge or not. Dudley is a scamp! I've been very naughty and have been making cards without using snippets lately but now I have a card made entirely of snippets but the base. I would love a chance to win your prize. Take care!

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  37. Awesome card Di - that snippet background is amazing...must try it!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw.
    Helen x

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  38. Brilliant card, Di and a great way of using snippets. I love the effect of this technique, I'll have to give it a try. The sentiment made me smile! I'd love to own this set of stamps, so I'll be a Yes Please for the draw. xx

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  39. EEk! No way would I have attempted that background - it looks fab too! Yes please - love these sentiments!

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  40. Beautiful card, Di. And thanks for the info about the tape and black ink pad. I'll be on the lookout for both. I'd like to be added to the prize draw as the sentiment set would be fun to add to my collection of fun sayings. There are several in the set that I love!
    Kathy A (aka myasperations)

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  41. Your card is awesome and the background is scarily clever! Yes Please to going in the draw for the fabulous stamp set, thank you so much! Take care and huge hugs my friend! xxxxxxx

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  42. Amazing card...love to play for the lovely prize..

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  43. Hi Di your card is gorgeous. I love the background you have created. It is a yes please for the prize this time from me. Take care. Hugs Jackie

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  44. Amazing card Di - and a great way to use up snippets!
    Yes please for the prize
    Stay safe
    Blessings
    Maxine

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  45. Di, this is an amazing card and you put so much work into it! I love the design that you made with all those narrow paper strips and they are the perfect background for your fun sentiment. Yes please to the prize!

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  46. Hello, Di! I made it; wasn't sure if I would! I love your quilt-look card - I've got this herringbone technique on my list too - what a great way to use up snippets! That's such a fun sentiment too, haha! I like the prize and I'm a YES, please! Thank you so much for your challenge and for the inspiration and of course for the generous prize! Stay well, dear Di!

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  47. Why have I never thought about doing that with all my extra strips? The card is fantastic and I love the sentiment, Di! I should have mine done and posted tomorrow.
    What a little stinker Dudley is about grooming time. DO you think he'll be any better about when he can return to bath and groom with a groomer outside the home? lol
    Yes, I'd love to play for the prize this time.

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  48. Great card Di, hope Dudley is okay,

    Yes please to the prize,

    Lilian B

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  49. This type of background is one of my FAVORITE ways to use up those beautiful paper strips!! I just made one this week actually. Fabulous card; LOVE the sentiment as I am always a bit late with my cards. I think I will try for the prize this time, thanks, as I do like several of those cheeky sentiments!

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  50. Yes, I would like to put my entry into the prize draw. Thank you for still having this home based challenge during this Covid19 where most places are being in the lockdown.

    Stay safe. Stay cheerful

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  51. Ooh that's a lovely card! I should try this sometime with my scraps! Thank you for the lovely prize :)

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  52. This is so pretty card!
    Love it!
    I will be back with my card later and I want to be in draw for prize pretty please.
    Thank you.

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  53. This card looks great. Love that herringbone pattern.
    I have a card made up for the snippets challenge but can not seem to get it posted! will try hard as it is made with long skinny snippets like this but not in herringbone. I will save that till next time!

    We have those that seem to have forgoten the rules too. At first, most were really good in our neighbourhood. Once the hot weather came, then it seemed like parents forgot about the rules or perhaps were too exhausted from working from home and taking care of the kids that they started sending them out to play...in their front gardens! They run from house to house playing tag and hide and seek and sometimes social distancing and sometimes not. Sigh...

    We just stay home and I only venture out for a walk in my neighbourhood. So
    I see the little ones doing all this as I walk by. There are a couple of girls that are darters. They will wait till you are almost at their level and then dart out for whatever reason and suddenly they are closer than 6 feet. Then they freeze and stare at you. It has even happened when I step off the sidewalk and onto the road to avoid coming near them and one will dart out onto the road...no more than 7 or 8 years old.

    My daughter with the now teenagers, just shakes her head at it all and tells me hers were never allowed to play in the front garden unless she or her husband were in the front garden too..When I remind her that she was raised with those same front garden rules, she smiles and nods...

    But, methinks many parents are worried, but too exhausted to take better care and are just happy to have a few moments of peace to themselves right now. Probably when they look out the window, it is at that exact moment that the kids are correctly social distancing!

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  54. Hi, Di! I totally forgot about your 10 challenge limit, I'm so sorry! Would you like me to remove my entry?? Or you can go ahead and do it as it doesn't meet the rules. I'll try to remember next time. Thanks!

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  55. wow, I love this technique, this is such an amazing card!
    yes for the prize, please.
    hugs xx

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  56. fun, fun, fun! Love the "snarky" sentiments :o)

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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.