A site for my handmade cards, accompanied by my photos and written meanderings which are occasionally witty, often tongue-in-cheek, and rarely profound. Beginning in June 2013, you'll also see lots of NBUS, which is an acronym I coined for Never-Before-Used-Schtuff. Note: my Privacy Policy can be found at a tab below and you can find my NBUS Challenge online. I hope you'll join in the fun there! Thanks for coming by! Have a beverage and enjoy!

January 27, 2019

Thank You DI Blog Hop!

Hello Stamplings,

Today is a very special day! But first, the back story.

Back when I started blogging, one of the first challenges that welcomed me with open arms and taught me how to have fun and not take any of it too seriously was Pixie's Snippets Playground. As the name suggests, if you want to go to the Playground and join in this challenge, all you need to do is bring your creation with at least one element made with a snippet ~ or scrap, left-over, remnant, or whatever you want to call it!

The Headmistress of Pixie's Snippet Playground is affectionately known as "Di." She is beloved by all the playmates who come through the gates! Like my NBUS challenge encouraged you to use your new schtuff, Di's challenge encourages you to be mindful of your snippets and use them, rather than reach for another virginal piece of paper or ribbon.

Di tries to keep us in order as much as possible because, you see, we tend to be a rather unruly bunch when we get together on the Playground equipment, in the Treehouse, over at the Duck Pond, and if we're very naughty, behind the Bike Shed sharing a wee flask of tiddly tonic! (Thank goodness Di now has the help of both Parsnip and Dudley to keep us all in line!)

AND NOW WHY WE'RE HERE!

Di recently celebrated her SEVENTH anniversary as Headmistress of Pixie's, having taken over the beginning of 2012 from the lovely Jules! That's an enormous accomplishment! Not only that, but in addition to the linky for each challenge, Di also offers a generous prize out-of-pocket!

So today I have set up this Linky Party for all of Di's friends to get together en mass to thank her for all she has done for us all these years! To play along, please post a card and thank Di on your blog, and then come back here to link your card below. The linky will be open until end of day February 10.

I tried to locate every playmates email address, but there were some I couldn't find. Please spread the word to others about this Hop, so we will touch base with those I couldn't find and those where my email might have gone into their spam folder. Thank you!

Here are my cards.

Onefer:
This sassy silhouette is NBUS from Stampers Anonymous, stamped over a bed of watercolored splotches. (You can tell some were made by Hammy!) It was given to me by my friend Annie a few (cough)s ago and this occasion was perfect for its first inking. I made and Ziggified the little snippet party hat for her. I think the NBUS sediment, from Crackerbox & Suzy Stamps, fits Di perfectly ~ and all of us for that matter! 

Twofer.

You don't have to use a lot of snippets on your creation in order to play in Di's challenge, but I mean, that little party hat above is ridiculously small, so I made another card:
The cool front panel is a snippet of DSP from my hoard stash. The stitched oval from PTI was cut from a mixed media snippet and outlined in the same ink from CP that I used for the sediment which is NBUS from Creative Vision Stamps. A bit of shiny bling and a few splotches by Hammy and you have a funny QACAS card perfect for the playmates' amusement!

In closing.

I'm delighted to share that I had the privilege of meeting Di in person during my England Tour of 2016. She is just as sweet, generous, and kind as you imagine her to be! Thank you, Di, for all you do to keep the Playground running, welcoming, and fun ~ and for your treasured friendship!

Enjoy your day! No, seriously, enjoy! LITS!*

I want you to know I'm thinking of you if you are in regions where the temperatures are breaking freezing cold records and Down Under where scalding hot temperatures are breaking heat records and starting fires. 

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to join as a follower! Please let me know you came by so I can be sure and return the flavor! Be safe out there.

*Life is too short!

The linky will be open until 11:55 p.m. PST on February 10th for you to join us! The idea is for everyone to HOP through the links in the gallery below and enjoy the personal tributes everyone is writing about Di on their blogs, adding comments as you go. It's a massive love fest, ladies!


88 comments:

Jane Willis said...

I love both of your fun cards Darnell. I'll hop back later today with my entry to the linky.

Kathyk said...

A Fabulous idea and thank you for organising it and thanks to Di too, for being such a cool playground monitor too!

Happy Snippetsversary!

Kathyk

Liz said...

Thanks for organising this special blog hop, Darnell. Two super cards to start us off. I'll be back later to join link up my card. xx

Shaz in Oz.CalligraphyCards said...

Well, just popped over to see if it was time Darnell?
... and it was, as it’s 8:18pm Downunder it’s tricky to work out your time zone! I can figure UK much easier then for some reason my brain freezes over for any more hours behind!
Love your cards, and do hope Di loves her surprise blog hop.
Managed to finish my cards and do a twofer, almost ... except occasion is same. But of course I’ve more snippets of both so can do another anyways! Thanks for your thoughts Downunder, we baldy need the rain in so many places, praying for all to be kept safe. God bless, dear Darnell, and ☺️ thank YOU, DI!
Hugs Shaz in Oz.x

{Calligraphy Cards - Shaz in Oz}
{Wonderful Words Of Life - Shaz in Oz}

Sandra H said...

Morning Darnell what a lovely way to wake up and see your amazing post regarding the lovely and talented Di l was so pleased you decided to put this together and that l and many more are able to take part so a big thank you to you too! your cards as always creative Darnell and so lovely and there is a special meaning to all that you put into them just love them both l love the sentiment you added to the first card and the image also that gorgeous background which you are so talented at doing and your second card is just as lovely great panel background and colours take care sending lots of love x

Alice (scrAPpamondo) said...

:D Well done, Darnell!!!!!!! This Hop is so fun and sweet and I'm sure that Di will be excited for the surprise!!! :D
I'm doing my card to link up!
Great inspirational cards, they are very fun and I'm just laughing for both, especially the second one, such hilarious way to thinking karma... ah ah ah ah!! :D (just to say...in Italy we put the H after the A, not before it) :D
Big hugs and thanks for organizing the event for Di!!!

Sarn said...

Great idea Darnell . . . very kind of you to surprise Di like this.

Love both your Snippets cards.

Hugs, Sarn xxx

Carol L said...

Thanks to you too Darnell for organizing this fun hop in Di's honor! I'm so glad you had the opportunity to meet in person and have such a great photo taken of you two together! I love your cards made in her honor and I absolutely MUST have that karma stamp!! TRUTH! LOL

AlisonC said...

Thanks Darnell, good fun cards. You always make us laugh. Are your cheeks burning Di? You deserve all the thanks. xxx

Brenda said...

Wow Auntie, you have made to fabulous cards, but then again, you always do! I love the first one on that fabulous background-you and Hammy did good! I think the silhouette looks like Di as she parties with all the snippet players. lol Nope, I don't see any good reason for anyone to act their age! You second card makes great use of that beautiful paper. I love the "karma" sentiment, it cracks me up! Di will adore both of these cards for sure! You are a sweetheart for putting all this together for Di and I'm so thankful for both of you!!! Hugs, Brenda

KandA said...

Thank you Darnell for hosting this super Blog Hop to honour Miss Di. Love both of your fun cards and those sentiments are brilliant. Off to see what the others have been up to and see if there's a bottle or two of something nice to be had behind the bike shed xx

Jeanne said...

Wow, how fun!! Thanks for sharing the story in your fabulous style and for sharing the two fantastic cards you made. So much fun! I'm learning to do the same, my friend, and enjoying what I can do so much more. You are a treasure and a gem. Hugs!

Donna said...

First, thanks for organizing this hop for Di, so deserved and second two fabulous cards to start it off! Hugs, Donna

NanaConnie said...

Wonderful way to say thanks to Di, Darnell, and I love both of your cards! I'll be back shortly to visit all the others and see what they've done. Thanks to you for organizing this. :-D

Jules said...

Hi Darnell

A great post .. .. Di is sure to love it!

Two fabulous cards to get the blog hop going! I was thinking you had patiently inked through a stencil on your second card to begin with.

Many thanks for organising the blog hop. A really lovely thing to do which will be appreciated not only by Di but also everyone who takes part. You are a star!

Love Jules xx

p.s. Sorry if this comment appears twice - I was having trouble getting it here.

Jean said...

What a fun event! Such lovely cards!

MackieMade Paper Creations said...

I bet Di is tickled pink! What an honor!! Love both cards!!

Di said...

OH MY GOODNESS!! I just found this after a little hint from Kathy K to look at her blog. Darnell, what can I say? Poor Len came running as I burst into tears reading your post. Thank you from the bottom of my heart my dear friend - and huge thanks to so many who seem to have been in on the secret. Excuse me whilst I use Dudley's soft fur to wipe the tears away!

I don't deserve such wonderful friends but by golly I'm so very grateful for each and every one of you!

Lots of love and hugs

Di xx

Pat said...

Two gorgeous cards Darnell and using snippets and NBUS which is great! I love the silhouette with the splattery background, and the very pretty snippety paper backing that fun sentiment on the second. It was a wonderful idea of yours to hold this Blog Hop to thank Di for all her hard work with the Playground over the last seven years, and I can see from her reaction above she has been bowled over by it. I will be back to enter a card but probably in about a week's time as unfortunately I have a lot on at the moment. x

Loll said...

A wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman! Thanks for organizing this Dolly! Di keeps so many using up all those snippets that just seem to multiple. And she does it with all of it with kindness and humour.

Congrats Di for your 7th anniversary!! You are a star!! Loll xx

Christine Alexander said...

Darnell both You and Di know us all so well with our pile of NUBUS and SNIPPETS. Thank you for organising the challenge a linky party for us :)

Sue said...

Hi Darnell, Loving your cards.

Well done to Di for keeping that group going.

Take care
Sue

Dotty Jo said...

Great cards and a lovely Snippets history lesson! Jo x

Cat Craig said...

I always smile and often learn something when visiting Darnell. You have a gift for writing in such an inviting manner. So nice of you to throw this anniversary for Di. YOur snippet cards are lovely, the soft colors so inviting.

conil said...

You're the best to do this for Di. Haven't played much with Pixie's Snippets, not because I don't have snippets but because my designing and organizing skills are lacking. They never seem to fit on an actual card. But I am most definitely going to give it a try this time.

Kath said...

Fabulous cards Darnell and thank you for organising this blog hop for Di!
Kath x

Celeste Goff said...

I absolutely love both of your fun cards Darnell but that karma card literally made me laugh out loud!!!

Carole said...

Great cards Darnell...super sentiment on the second one!..... and a lovely celebration acknowledgement for Di. I am hoping to join in a little later.Hugs xx

Lisa said...

Oh my gosh, I love them both!! Those sentiments make me laugh out loud!! And what a beautiful picture of you two!! Have a great day!! Big hugs :)

Lisa
A Mermaid's Crafts

designbydonna said...

Love both your cards. We have to keep our sense of humor at our age. Love the color splotches. How thoughtful to host a linky party for Di. I am going over there to do an entry on her challenge.

Redanne said...

Both cards are beautiful Darnell (hey, better late than never my friend) - I love the wording on the Karma one - so funny.

Sadly I have never taken part in Di's challenge but I do send her my congratulations on her remarkable achievement! Hugs, Annie xxx

Kathleen said...

How fabulous of you to think of this, I must admit that I have been very lax in entering the playground for quite a while but I certainly intend to join in this tribute to a really lovely lady. You are a star Darnell.

Kath x

Kathleen said...

Oops forgot to comment on your two lovely creations. I love the pastel backgrounds with the black on your first with the brilliant sentiment.
Another great creation and a great definition of Karma.

Kath x

Cornelia (fun stamping) said...

They are both hilarious, but the second one made me laugh out loud! Too funny! Di certainly deserves to he honored. I should really start linking up my cards again over there - used to do that......Watch out for my entry on Wednesday ;)

Claire said...

What a lovely way to celebrate a whooping seven years and still going strong, that's a lot of love and dedication from Di and those that take part. Your cards are super Darnell and the sentiment on that second card is just brilliant. Nice idea to honour Di with a gallery full of kindness x

Leslie Miller said...

Well, this is just lovely, Darnell. You're always spreading goodwill and it's for a darn good reason 'cause you know how it is to run a challenge blog, plus she gives prizes from her heart. Your two cards are a great representation of snippets. Love the sentiments on each. Gosh, I have so many humorous sentiments. I do believe I'll make a point of using some of them. Thanks for inspiring!

Bonnie said...

Awesome cards in Di's honor, Dolly! Love that party hat and the sentiment fits all of us to tee! A fun twofer too! Love that paper and the watercolor splots! I'll be back with a linky soon!

Lisa Elton said...

How thoughtful and sweet of you to do this for Di! But then again, that's you! Both of your cards are full of fun. From that wee party hat to that terrific Karma sentiment!

kiwimeskreations said...

I will be joining in shortly Darnell - love your cards, they really gave me a giggle, especially the first one - Hammy's talents are expanding from winking to splotching - well done wee man!
Blessings
Maxine

Gerrina said...

That is one challenge I haven't played in -jet-, but that is hudge; 7 years! Great that you met so many of your blogging crafty friends on your tour; do you know how special that is? Love the 2nd card; that BG is great (will be back on one of my cards I think...) Stay cool (or warm; just what you prefere) Hugs, Gerrina

Aileen said...

As always sweetie I love both your cards, those sediments are just perfecto. Might have to go get that second one about Karma, brilliant. Hope your well sweetie and all is going ok at home. xx Aileen

Linda said...

What a great idea and a lovely surprise for Di. I must confess I haven't played along with this challenge very often but when I have it's always been fun.
I love your cards, great use of those snippets and I love the senitment on the second one. Have a lovely week my friend xx

Aquarius said...

What a fabulous idea and great that you thought of it so thank you too. I'm sure everyone appreciates all the work that goes into maintaining a challenge blog and this is something which Di does so well, long may she reign!!! My card is linked.

Monika Reeck said...

woow great idea Darnell I will join too and make a post for Di
but not now cause still in the office hehehe LOL
I love your first card and the sentiment is cooolll
and the second one hehehe I am laughin with you Darnell
love the brick there you did it so sweet..
and nice foto of you and Di
cool you meet both
I wish I can meet you too Darnell
hugs from Munich
Monika

Birgit said...

What a sweetie you are Darnell for celebrating Di in such a wonderful way. I love the sentiment of the first card. So cute! Both cards are fab!

Bobby said...

I've heard you talk about the playground but I've never been there myself. How sweet of you, Darnell, to honor the headmistress with a party. I'm sure all of her Snippet friends will be glad to send/make a card.
Age? What age? It's better to act as you feel. ;) I love that DSP on the second card. A stencil could probably come close to duplicating it, if I had one like it.

Em Louise Fairley said...

Gorgeous cards, Darnell, and Di sure is worth such an honor. Hopefully I'll get my entry created and posted towards the end of the hop xoxo

OH Babs said...

Fun cards Darnell and I love the Karma message. Nice words for your friend Di.

LesleyG said...

Thanks for doing this Darnell xxx Happy Anniversary and thank you Di xxx

Jane said...

Lovely cards Darnell. Thanks so much for organizing this for the lovely Di. I will be linking up on Wednesday xx

Mac Mable said...

What a thoughtful and kind thing to do for your friend Di x.
Both your cards are wonderful and great use of snippets. Fun and fabulous first one and love the design paper on the second x.

Ruth said...

What an awesome way to celebrate Di! I've popped in once or twice to the playground and it's agreat way to find inspiration for using up those bits that always seem to hang around. May she have many more long years not throwing away things and using them up! xx

Majda said...

A fabulous idea and thank you for organising it. Di certainly deserves to be honored.
Gorgeous cards, Darnell, great use of those snippets.

I'll be back with a linky soon!
Hugs, Majda

oldpunca said...

This is such a great gesture to someone who inspires you thru the years. You have prepared a wonderful blog-hop. I hope, I can join too.
You have created two awesome cards with snippets. The second one is my favourite. :-) I have a lot of snippets in my boxes and don't have time or idea to use them. :-)
Hugs, Sonja

Lindsey said...

This is so typically generous of you, Darnell! So many fun challenges out there, and thank you for introducing me to this one, new to me even though it's been around for a long time. And of course I love your cards, they naturally appeal to my snarkier side. ;)

Megan J said...

Hi Darnell, two fun cards to help celebrate Miss Di's 7 years as Headmistress, must say I love the one with Di dancing the night away, I presume her tea had been spiked to get her up on the dance floor... thank you for hosting the blog hop for Di, have a wonderful week... Megan

Cheryl W. said...

What a lovely thing to do! I am certain Di's heart is touched by your kindness. She sounds like a lovely lady, and I send her my congratulations for all she does in blogland. Love your cards today. Those water color splotches look fantastic and provide just the right background for your silhouette. The sentiment on the second card is hilarious! I know a few people I could send that one to. ha ha

Greta said...

Oh what funny cards, Darnell, which I'm sure will totally delight our wonderful Ms Di! Thanks for helping us honor her in this special way!

Tracey@Hotchpotchcreations said...

Blogging really does bring good people together and you have certainly added to that Darnell, what a thoughtful surprise Birthday Blog event for Di.
There are so many great blog challenges around still to discover and PSP was sadly one of them.
What a fabulous achievement of years.. Wishing many many more to come.
Thank you for sharing Hugs Tracey xx
P.S Ooopps almost forgot to say FABULOUS created cards, I'm especially drawn to the Karma one hee hee!! x

Anita in France said...

Karma, karma, karma ... what fun cards, Darnell ... both with brilliant sentiments that had me chortling! Never played at the playground ... though it's always been fun hearing about the adventures of Parsnip and all the playmates! What a star you are to put together this linky party for Di ... seven years is no mean feat ... certainly something to celebrate! LYAMYMA ... big hugs and bisous, Anita :)

Happy Dance said...

That first sentiment is pretty much my mission statement. And you've highlighted it perfectly with that sassy lass and her brightly colored party hat. Fun card. And I'm assuming you had our good friend Wilma (pronounced Kara, or is it "Kar(m)a???") in mind when you made your second card. Hahahahaha! You're just the sweetest friend to do this for Di. I'll admit I've never played there, but I think I might have to give it a shot, since I've got hoards of scraps! You are a keeper. xo Bev

creationsnz said...

Thanks for your thoughtfulness Darnell, in getting this up. I always look forward to Pixies Playground and Di's sweet/funny stories (you are very much appreciated Di). CarolG

Jenny L said...

Hi Darnell,
Thank You for organising this Blog Hop.
I was so surprised when I saw Adrea's post and just had to make a card for this special lady to show how much we all appreciate her hard work involved in this wonderful challenge blog.
I havn't managed to join in the challenge lately, but hopefully that will change very soon.
I was very proud to have been awarded one of Miss Di's awards, and was lucky enough to have won quite a few times on the challenge.

Love your twofer cards and their super designs.
The first is a brilliant idea and such a colourful background.
Hammy did do well.
Super party hat on that silhouette and such a fab sentiment.
Your second one is so colourful and bright and also cheerful.
Great sentiment too.

Love a big crafty hugs from my house to yours. Jenny L.

Tina Z. said...

Thank you so much for organising this blog hop, Darnell, such fun!
I love Di's challenge and her posts :))
Such a perfect card with a silhouette and the sentiment on the second one is :))))))))))
crafty hugs xx
treebug

laurie said...

Fun cards Darnell...and a fun hop.

I love the playground and Di! What a great way to honor her. I'll be posting my card soon.

TK said...

Two fun cards, Darnell! And how special of you to create this to say "thank you" to someone you cherish! Congrats, Di, on the many fun years you've led the way on!

Janice said...

What a lovely surprise for Di, thank you for organising Darnell! I'm sure she'll treasure this wonderful 'thank you' tribute to her.
I love your two fun cards!
Janice x

Ros Crawford said...

What a super photo and fabulous cards for the event... Congrats to Di! and so sweet of you to organise this too.

Linby said...

thanks so much for organising this Darnell - it's a fab idea. Just added my linky.
Love your cards. The second one I love the background so colourful - must remember bricks don't need to be brown lol! But the sentiment is just fantastic!

Lynne said...

How lovely and thoughtful of you to do this for Di. And also for giving me the kick up the wotsit to get me back into the swing of things and make, post and comment more than I do. Your cards are great, I love your sense of humour x

Suzanne H said...

Love those cards! I'm so happy to be able join in to celebrate Di!

Nora Noll said...

As usual your snarky comments are what make your cards!! LOVE the silhouette image in the first. Totally fun!! I also like your color treatment on the second card. Such a fun challenge. I have never heard of this challenge board and will have to check it out!!

KT Fit Kitty said...

Thank you for putting together this hop, Darnell! What a wonderful way to celebrate Di and all she does for us! How awesome that you got to meet her - I love the photo of you and her together! Your two snippets cards are gorgeous! The first one made me giggle! I'm so happy to join your hop! Have a wonderful day!

EmmaT said...

Thank you Darnell for setting this up, im fairly new to the snippets playground joining in a few times before Christmas but hope to join in alot more this year after having such a wonderful welcome from Di. Love your two cards, great use of snippets. EmmaT

sandie said...

What a lovely idea and I hadn't heard of this before-so have joined up now to Di's playground! I adore that silhouette card-a stunner and the perfect sentient-sorry so behind on just browsing and commenting rather than admin work!-will try to catch you more often,hugs x

Robyn Oliver said...

As always your cards are fantastic...got a real chuckle with these two. I was rapt that I popped by your blog today to see your cards for Pixie's Playground because it just the challenge I need as this years resolution is to use stuff from my stashes, thank you. What a fabulous fried, for Di, to arrange a Blog Hop... I'm in .. hop hop hop

Fikreta said...

Thank you Darnell for organazing this blog hop.
I almost forget to share my card.
I follow both you and Di few years and love both blogs.
love your cards!
they are so wonderful!
hugs

Nicky said...

Thank you Darnell for doing this a great thing to organise for a lovely lady. Love you cards have linked mine for Di top.

Have played along for quite a time now and didnt want to miss this

Love and hugs Nicky

Becca Yahrling said...

Thank you, Darnell, for organizing this awesome hop for Di!! Love playing in her challenges. And thank you, Di, for your sweet generosity and your kindness. YOU are appreciated & loved! <3
Becca
xxoo

Karenladd said...

Thank you so much Darnell, for organizing this hop to let Di know how much she means to us. I am in awe of her ability to explain all the intricacies of her card-making, and to inspire me to dig through those piles of scrap in the hope of making something pretty...and all while making me giggle. I haven't been home long enough to create much these past couple of weeks but finally managed to upload a card and let Di know how much she keeps me on the crafting path.

Helen said...

Thanks so much Darnell for organising this...such a lovely and thoughtful idea!
I'm so looking forward to hopping round and visiting everyone!
Love your cards...wonderful inspiration for us all too!
Helen x

Janis said...

Such a super-idea to honor Di!! She is so very deserving of the recognition and appreciation!! Love your fun cards, Darnell.....the sentiments made me laugh. Thank you for hostessing this hop.
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

Craftychris said...

Such a lovely idea to surprise the lovely and wonderful Di! She so deserves it. I will be linking up, hopefully later today or tomorrow. I adore both of your cards - brilliant! Hugs xxxxxxx

Lynne said...

Two super cards Darnell and such a fun way to thank Di for all her hard work. Thank you for organising x

Paper Lily Leaf said...

Such a great idea, Darnell! Thank you for organising. I love your cards - there's definitely never a good reason for acting your age! :-) Hugs, April xx

brenda said...

Really don't know where all those years have gone (maybe the mirror gives a clue) so appreciate all Di does, it takes time and so much commitment to keep a challenge running.

Would love to say more (and could easily ramble on), but a silly impediment called illness prevents, but so happy to be able to be part of the celebratation.

B x

Mrs A. said...

Made it at last. Not very nice weather here in the playground at present. We have storm Eric battering us left ,right and centre. The duck pond is mighty full too so have had to do a large detour to get to the bike sheds. Iv'e brought me sarnies with me and hip flask . Anyone else coming ? Hugs Mrs A.

Craftychris said...

Love your cards and the truly awesome idea to do this for Di, thank you my friend! So happy I have managed to join in. Love the photo of the two of you - two very lovely, kind, supportive friends indeed! Hugs xxxxxxx