Glitter Grammy Plays With Paper

Thank You Lavinia

2012-01-25T10:23:00.000-08:00

Lavinia at Lavinias Paper Emporium gifted me with this wonderful award....Thank You Lavinia. It's taken me a bit of time to pass this award on...today, I share the love!

I've copied the rules below, but first...here are my five picks: It was very difficult to limit my choices to 5....but rules are rules! :-)

1. http://stampersize.blogspot.com

2. http://larleigh-leigh.blogspot.com

3. http://stampingtower.blogspot.com

4. http://bridgetlarsen.blogspot.com

5. http://dottyacardsthings.blogspot.com

This award is given to people with under 200 followers. But more than that, for me, it's given to people that I check in on weekly. I don't always comment, but please know, I love your creations and am so inspired by all of you.

Have a most wonderful week!

The Rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.

5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love!

It's Wednesday....It's Raining....And I'm Finally Somewhat Organized!

2012-01-25T08:32:00.000-08:00

I spent 3 days in my little craft room....I am feeling so organized, even my closet is clean, clean, clean! I started this little card with my newest purchase of card stock from We are Memory Keepers Cotton Tail Collection. Thank you Karen for this pretty collection! I'm thinking about making this the card for my March class. Lots and lots of die cuts on this one, and lots of glitter paper that I ran through the Big Shot....they cut beautifully! I think my favorite die on this card is the butterfly from Marianne Designs.

So....here's my desk this week. All clean and tidy....I'm not only going to show you my desk, I'm going to share my entire room....after all it isn't too often that it's clean enough to share.....

I took this photo when I was doing my layout.....some things did change.

Ohhhhh look how tidy, the doggie bed is a bit messy, I'm going to have to have a chat with them!

Cleaning my room was like Christmas....I found things I'd lost....I found things I'd forgotten I had.

It may not look like it, but my counter can now be used to assemble kits. My DH will be thrilled to have me off the kitchen counter.

Can you believe it's only 8:30 in the morning on Wednesday and I'm posting on WOYWW! I'm impressed! I'm off to work on kits.....and this afternoon I'm going to see what everyone else is working on. I know I'll see a sock or two over at ButlersAbroad....I envy those who can knit. I've tried and I think paper is my calling!

Here's wishing us all a creative week.

Hugs

Glitter Grammy AKA: Mary

February Card Class

2012-01-18T19:42:00.000-08:00

I've been working on kits for my next class.....I am happy to say....they are cut, packaged and waiting for Monday, February 13th. So.....here are the cards.....

I really like the Whimsy Circle from Memory Box I was very happy when Karen brought this die into her boutique. This card has all my favorites.....Memory Box, Cuttlebug, Spellbinder, Martha and a beautiful ribbon from PSB.

This is card Number 2....it looks a lot like the card I posted last week, but there are a few little changes. I'll let you discover them for yourself. I like using my rubber stamps for sentiments, but sometimes I just don't have what I need. I used one of my birthday stamps and then used my computer to fill in what was missing. I like this little card. It could be for a boy or a girl.

I had a bit of an accident today. I spent an hour last week straightening up my dies. They were (and I say were) so tidy and everything was easy to find. Well, long story short, I sat the box on my trash can...ok, it was only going to sit there for a minute....and when I put the box there, I said to myself, "Self, you really shouldn't do that." I was right, I turned my chair, the back of the chair hit the box and the dies went flying. I know what I'll be doing tonight while my DH watches TV....

I told my e-buddy Bridget that I am bound and determined to actually show my desk on Wednesday. So......here it is.....

This isn't my desk, it's actually the counter in my kitchen. I've been assembling kits and it's easier to lay them all out as I assemble them.

What's actually on my desk is a little album I'm making for my newest great-nephew. He's a little guy who has been working very hard at growing and getting out of the hospital. Little Shawn is now 4 pounds and getting bigger every day.

And here's a page that's under construction. both sides will fold out to 6x12. Lots of room for photos and journal frames. I'm hoping with the bad weather that's headed to northern California will keep me snugly buzzing along on this album. I also have great plans to clean and rearrange my studio. We'll see how much I actually accomplish....

I'm heading over to WOYWW to see what everyone is up to....I hope you have a chance to check out all the talented folks.

I'm sure it's Thursday somewhere, but here it's 7:48PM on Wednesday.....I knew I could do it!

I'm wishing you all a very creative week......

Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

New Years Resolution

2012-01-12T07:59:00.000-08:00

My desk on Wednesday looks pretty much the same today. I'm posting a day late...so what's new? Yesterday seemed to come and go and as I stood in my craft room, I wondered what had I actually done with my day. Certainly I didn't make any cards.....I did unpack from my Monday class, and started cutting kits for my February class. I started working on a baby album for my newest great nephew Shawn (shhhhh don't tell), I went for a walk with friends and then......I spent two hours looking for a tiny, tiny part of a die set that I'd just received. Did I find it....nope! I've had a week of loosing things, Thankfully, my brain is safely stored in my head! At my age, any temporary loss of items makes you go....oh oh! Two of the three "Mis-Placed" items have been found. However, if you should happen to find a tiny blue, cherry die.....it's mine! :-)

Speaking of dies....I ordered these:

Marianne Designs from Frantic Stamper. I've been drooling over the scissors for months, I finally gave in, and decided that I really, really needed the sleigh, reindeer and of course the cupcake (which is now missing a part...darn!). I'm hoping to have a chance to work on some cards this weekend.... I have a play day with Brenda on Sunday, Maybe I'll have my act together by then!

I met a very sweet gal through What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday, she's a real go getter, I hope you have a chance to check out her blog page. Mind you, she's on vacation now and is organized enough to have brought needed supplies for making beautiful cards.... Meet Bridget. I hope you have a minute to check out not only what she's doing, but what all the fantastic folks are doing at Stamping Ground.

Until next Wednesday, or maybe Thursday.....Have a wonderful, wonderful week.

Hugs to all,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Iris In January? What's With That?

2012-01-05T07:12:00.000-08:00

Good Morning and Happy 2012. I'm getting a late start, but for a super reason. We had a house full at Christmas, followed by a great week of girl time with my best GF Dee Dee. You wouldn't know it from my post, but we did make cards, an album, and cut templates for her to take back to Colorado. This card is one I made and I think it just might be one of the cards for my February Class. I was inspired by several cards I saw on posts I follow. I am always in need of birthday cards for men and I think this one would work for a man or a woman...even a child. I like the top right of the card, a great place to put the actual age (though some may object). I'm hoping to get another card put together this weekend. My January class is Monday and I like having the next month's cards available for viewing. Note: I think there are 2 or 3 spots still available. Check my previous posts to see the January cards, and if you're interested....give Karen a call.

I was pulling out of my driveway and spotted this little beauty. Mother Nature is confused this year...this is rain and snow season in Northern California, not Iris season. We are so far behind in precipitation this year....I hope we start getting rain and/or snow soon.

Every year since I began making cards (early 90's), I've made it a tradition to make a Christmas card on New Year's Day.....When I do this, I have bragging rights to the question....Have you started making Christmas Cards? I can always proudly announce I have....well, not this year. I've had this little graphic sitting on my desk waiting to be turned into the first Christmas card of 2012....

I'm hoping that before February 1st...Santa has a nice place to hang out until Christmas. I'm off to check out Stamping-Ground, to see what everyone is up to this fine January. I'm hoping to get my act together this year and actually post on Wednesday....Ok, next week I'll start!

Have a most wonderful week, I'm off to Weight Watcheers and then on to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for a play day with the girls. I'm hoping to actually finish one of the projects that I purchased during a gift crop....We'll see how that goes. When I finish it, I'll post the photo.

Hugs to all,
Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Merry Christmas One and All

2011-12-23T06:35:00.000-08:00

This will be a short post...I did want to wish each and every one of you a Merry and Blessed Christmas. I look forward to blog hopping with you after Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Counting Down To Christmas - My Favorite Tag

2011-12-21T08:03:00.000-08:00

It's hard to think of Christmas when the weather is warm, we in Northern California are experiencing a very warm early winter. The rain we normally see this time of the year is traveling up an over us. Christmas day is supposed to be sunny and warm. I was humming "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" as I put up my tiny village....At least inside my home it's Christmas!

Shopping done, the gifts are wrapped, the house is decorated, the Christmas letter sent....now I need to think about baking. Thankfully my friend Leesa gifted me with a Wonderful lemon poppy seed cake ( Weight Watcher points 7 per piece) and pumpkin bread. I did make peanut brittle, but do need to make more and maybe if I get the lead out.....I'll make cookies. When you are trying to watch what you eat, you tend to keep baking at a minimum.

I spent hours on this little gift tag. It started as a Graphic 45 Challenge, which I did not finish in time, so, I kept working on this little piece and I've got to say.....I like it. The graphic is from Graphic 45's Christmas Emporium Collection 8x8, the sleigh is a Spellbinder die that I don't use often, but love it when I do. The little gift box that fell from the sleigh I made...Gotta say, I like it! I cut the toys from the Graphic 45 paper and placed them in the sleigh along with tree branches and candy canes. My intent was to make a tag that would be saved and used in later years as an ornament.

The girls are taking a break from Christmas prep and we're doing our morning walk. Today Rosie, Carolyn's puppy is taking her virgin walk with the group. Shasta, Marsha's dog, will be her mentor. Shasta is the best behaved dog and we are hoping she will be a roll model for Rosie. Mind you, my two aren't going. They are not good roll models!

I'm hoping to spend my evening with a cup of hot chocolate (or two) and a visit to all the folks participating in the Stamping-Ground WOYWW. There I always find incredibly talented folks that play along every week.... if you have time....check them out here.

Off I go for now. I don't think I'll be posting again before Christmas....so.....I'm wishing each and everyone a most blessed Christmas and a very, very Happy and Healthy New Year.

UPDATE:

A quick update. We took photos of Rosie's first walk, like a proud Auntie, I just have to share them. She was sooooo very good, and Shasta is a very good roll model. I'm so glad the walk went well, it will make Carolyn's life much less stressful knowing her little girl had a good time.

Meet Rosie and her mom, Carolyn.

Meet (From Left to Right): Lynda, Me, Carolyn, Marsha and of course Shasta and Rosie

Rosie didn't wear her sweater on the walk, but this photo was too cute..... as is this one:

Off I go.....I just couldn't wait to post these photos.

Later....Hugs to all,
Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Workdesk Wednesday - Again? Where did the week go?

2011-12-15T20:38:00.000-08:00

Sometimes a tool inspires the project. I needed to make a gift box, and I'd been gifted a We R Memory Keepers Sew Ribbon Scallop tool (thank you Carolyn). I've gotta tell you, this tool is soooooo very easy to use and I think it adds so much to every project and the learning curve is so easy. Good little invention. The box is 7 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches. All supplies, with the exception of the Dew Drops, were purchased at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. The center snowflake dies are by Memory Box. The corner snowflakes are Spellbinder dies. The center graphic is from the Lost and Found Christmas 6x6 pad. The base of the box is from Echo Park Paper the ribbon is one of Karen's perfect finds. To make my boxes I often use Aleene's Box Maker and that's what I used for this one. This tool takes the thinking out of making the boxes. And hey, I'd rather be picking paper and embellishments than figuring out measurements.

So....what have I been up to? Last Saturday was the Christmas crop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Boy, was it a success....It's the first one in the new shop and it was a sell out. We snacked, laughed, snacked some more, ate pizza, snacked, cropped, snacked, laughed, snacked some more and then exchanged ornaments and had dessert, before we cropped again. A fun time was had by all.....I'll share some photos of the group.....

First of all, here's my buddy Carolyn. She and I hang out together for these crops, and many other crafting events. We started the day by working on a banner that Karen designed (of course I didn't take a photo of it...geez! But I think it's on Karen's blog page. It's called Believe.

And here's me. I've gotta say, I need a new Christmas Sweater....I think I've worn it every year since high school (ok, maybe not quite that long). When you only wear it a few times a year, who wants to keep buying new ones.

Here's the group. Ok, I'm not such a great photo taker......but it gives you the idea of how many of us spent the day together.

Karen, Shell behind her and one of us during the exchange of ornaments. (Sorry, I don't know her name....can anyone help?) A word to the wise....if you want to attend the crops....sign up early, there were people turned away.....

So, our spot was reserved and our names were written on a sweet piece of card stock. I looked at the cute Santa who was guarding my spot at the table and decided he was too cute to find his way to the trash can.....Why would anyone throw him away.....so, I made this:

I'm happy that I was able to re purpose the name piece. The Merry Christmas stamp is one from my stash and I think it's a Stampin-Up sentiment from years gone by. One more card to share. I made a Thank You card for Carolyn using the Weave Sew Ribbon punch.

There's a Spellbinder or two and the graphic is from my computer. I wanted to see if the zig-zag ribbon would work in the Weave punch and it does.

Off I go for now. Can you believe how quickly Christmas is coming....a little more than a week and it'll be a memory....

I'm going to check out the Stamping-Ground Blog page to see what's going on over there. Always so many creative people sharing their passion.

What's On My Work Desk? What Isn't!

2011-12-07T07:37:00.001-08:00

My new toys created this card.....OOPS, I mean my new "Tools", created this card! I love dies, and the new Memory Box dies are WONDERFUL. I must not be the only one who thinks this....her supply came in and went out as fast as she could hang them. I'm not surprised.....

So, on Monday I taught my December Class....you gals did a great job....I'm impressed! After the class finished a few of us were watching what Karen was taking from the UPS box.....well what to my wondering eyes should appear? The Sew Ribbon paper punch.....any tool catches my eye as it did the others.....I purchased the leaf punch, which is shown on the border of the card above, and the Zig Zag, which is shown in the picture below....

The red ribbon in the photo is my practice punch. I used a ribbon I had in my stash, I think it was 1/4 inch, We R Memory Keepkers does sell pre-packaged ribbons that are in tons of beautiful colors....I however forgot to purchase any....I've got to say...this was an easy way to get a rather unique, and straight, I might add, border. Pretty cool don't you think?

OK....now for the mess of all messes....Here's what's on my Work Desk.....I'm apologizing ahead of time....The desk is in the process of unpacking from my class, packing for the Christmas Crop, and playing with my new toy. My goal today(one of them) is to clean my work area....

And another goal......write my Christmas letter, and address the Christmas Cards. I've got to say, it's a happy and sad day....happy because I'm sharing my creations with loved ones, and sad because I'm letting them go.....

Notice....I did get some peanut brittle made....now if I can keep my husband out of it, we may actually have some left at Christmas.

I wish everyone a peaceful week, may the season bring happiness not stress and remember Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ....It shouldn't be a time of stress...It is what we make it.

I know that for many it is a sad time, but you can make it a happy time. If you're alone during the holidays, volunteer to visit those in care facilities, or help with preparing dinner in homeless shelters. If you have neighbors who are alone, invite them to share Christmas with you. Remember, this time of year is what we make it....let's make it the happiest Christmas of all!

I'm headed over to see what's happening at Stamping Ground. If you want to treat yourself to a few minutes of browsing....check out what's happening here.

Have a wonderful week! Hugs and Love to all,
Glitter Grammy
AKA: Mary

Update for January Class and Play Day

2011-12-04T11:36:00.001-08:00

Yesterday was my play day with Brenda. She brought things she's working on and I was looking through some graphic files as I backed up my computer and I found the graphic above. I hadn't made a layered card in a long time, and I've never made an easel card along with the layered graphic....so, as you can see, I accomplished both. I tried just about every Spellbinder label that I have, and Labels 8 worked the best on this graphic...Another fun day with Brenda and I felt as though I actually accomplished something.

It seems I can never leave a card without wishing I'd done something different. For my January cards, the Birthday card is just about the same, but the Valentine card did change considerably....especially on the inside....and the hearts on the outside. I'm updating the photos so those wishing to sign up for the class can see exactly what they'll be making. A reminder. The classes have been filling up quickly....usually within 2 or 3 days....so, if you are interested. Give Karen a call....

Back to leaving well enough alone. I was liking the box I made for my ornament, but I thought it needed just a bit more. So.....I added a tag, with a sweet Christmas graphic and the Memory Box dies and another snow flake....I'm happy.....

For two weeks, I've been promising my husband peanut brittle. I'd best get moving and get some made.

Off I go for now, have a great week, I hope to get something accomplished before Wednesday so I can share on WOYWW. Until then.....Hugs to all,

Mary

AKA: Glitter Grammy

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas

2011-11-30T19:40:00.001-08:00

Brrrrrr....It's cold and windy in Northern California and the scent of winter is most certainly in the air!

It's almost time and I'm getting excited......December 10th is the Christmas Crop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. It's always fun and my most favorite crop of the year. The ornament exchange is always loads of fun and filled with laughs as the ornaments are given and then taken away. And in the end, it seems we always end up with an ornament to love. And year after year, as we hang it on the tree, the memories of the crop bring smiles to our faces. I love making boxes, so first it was shop for the perfect ornament (and I think I found it) and then......build a box to fit it. So....hidden inside is the ornament.....I can hardly wait to see what the others will be sharing! I think the crop is almost, if not already sold out, so if you are interested....give Karen a call!

I was up at 0 dark 30 this morning and began working on the ornament box. While taking breaks, I was putting together supplies for my January class. Yup....January, can you believe it, it's almost 2012....where does the time go? My December class is sold out, so if you want to take part in the January class, give Karen a call. She'll have the cards ready to be displayed next Monday. Classes are filling up fast, so don't delay..... I'm posting this photo on Stamping-Ground. Check out what everyone is doing. I've got to say, this is a favorite sharing place for me.

Well here it is, the project box for my January class. My room is full of projects I'm working on, projects I should be working on, and what the heck was I thinking projects. My goal for 2012 is to complete the projects I have started and didn't finish. Keep in mind, it was my goal for 2011 and we all know how that went!

Well, off I go to post this before Wednesday passes me by....Have a great week.....

Love to all,

Glitter Grammy....AKA: Mary

Where Is The Time Going?

2011-11-20T07:51:00.001-08:00

It was Wednesday when I took this photo.....but somehow, Wednesday turned to Sunday and here I am....posting my work desk.......as everyone does at this time of the year, I'm going in 90 directions and my craft room, kitchen and every spare spot in the house shows it. How can one be so organized one minute and so behind the next? How about checking out the other Workdesks on WOYWW If you aren't already playing along.....it's fun, it's free and it gets you either inspired or cleaning your craft room :-)

I was feeling really organized when I finished this card. I made it for two reasons. One I can't say yet and one is because I was working on ideas for my January class. I really like how this card turned out and sponging on top of an embossed card stock really made a difference.

Is it too early to be thinking about Valentines Day? I hope not.....This is the second card for my January class. I'm not sure about the inside yet.

I was at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique this week (so what's new :-) and Karen had just received a new shipment of Flower Soft. I've always enjoyed playing with Flower Soft and of course had to purchase some new colors. Home I ran (well drove) and I just had to play.....I cut the images from the windows and replaced it with Mylar. I also added ribbon to the curtain topper and made tiebacks from ribbon. I like how it turned out.

Karen's Christmas Workshop way yesterday, I've been making these little calendars (a little something that will fit into a 1/4 fold envelope....a treat to accompany some of my Christmas Cards)

I was thrilled when Karen wanted to include similar ones for her workshop.

The calendars are soooo easy to make and what a great way to use up all those scraps that we accumulate. The flower on this one was made using my Spellbinder Rose die. Pretty cute I think. Oh, and of course a Martha border punch.

We have two stray cats that we've been feeding and we are very careful to bring the food in at night, because this is what shows up to check and see that we've done our job.....How do you like the make-shift cat shelter my honey made. It's one of my craft bins, with the side cut out....We've had it on the porch for a month and the two wouldn't go inside. Then it dawned on me....they'd like a way to leave when company comes. We cut a hole in back and now....it's occupied by both of them every night. We'd like to make them inside cats, but so far, they come in if the door is open, and they snoop around the living room, but as soon as we close the door....they both become very anxious and cry to get out. This has been going on for 2 months. We'd hoped to have gotten them inside before the weather changed, but no luck. We're patient though and maybe that will change as winter weather worsens.

I guess I should post more often, but finding time these days.....well that's the problem. Before I forget, I was thrilled yesterday to meet one of the gals from Redding that follow my blog. Sadly, I didn't get her name, but I did want to tell her how much I appreciated her kind words, and if she'd comment giving me her name....I'd be even more thrilled.

I'd like to promise that I'd see you next Wednesday, but..with Thanksgiving the next day, I'm not promising anything. So.......have a most wonderful Thanksgiving and I'll see you all soon!

One more thing before I go....I took this photo as I was leaving Weight Watchers on Thursday. This photo says Fall to me and I LOVE all the beautiful colors of Fall....Just one more reason to be thankful!

Hugs to all....see you soon!
Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

A Litte Something

2011-11-09T07:31:00.000-08:00

Here's what's on my work desk today....however, I'm working on some Christmas gifts for family, so, I can't show you my actual desk....this little gift is for a neighbor. She's always doing little things for our neighborhood, and this little something is to let her know she is thought of. The gift wrap is tissue, but what I like best about the wrapping is the Memory Box dies that I used to decorate the gift.

Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique has a large supply of the Memory Box dies (well large yesterday....they are going fast!) and I'll tell you, my shopping bag had quite a few. The rosette has become my favorite, and trust me, I have a few. It's easy to use, no, that's not exactly true.....it's SUPER easy to use. I have another that manages to cut through about half the card stock and all the light weight papers. This one doesn't. The above was cut on a light weight paper...and it didn't break when I folded it. The silver cuts are two of the Madera Corner that I slid under the rosette. What an easy way to add some pizazz to a package.

Yesterday was my November class and I met several new gals....I've got to say it was one of my favorite classes. Everyone worked hard to finish and everyone did a fantastic job. I took my December class cards with me, and when I say the class is filling up quickly....boy is it. There are 3 spots left, so if you want to take the class....call Karen. http://paradisescrapbookboutique.typepad.com

Today my honey has a painting class, I'll be working on cutting my packets for the December class and also on a project for Karen's December Workshop. I guess if I'm going to get something done...I should get at it.

Have a most wonderful week, and if you have a minute, check out what the others are doing this week....
http://stamping-ground.blogspot.com/2011/11/whats-on-your-workdesk-wednesday-127.html

My December Card Class - Sign Up Early

2011-11-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it.....It's almost Christmas. For my December class (December 6) we'll be creating these cards.....The classes have been filling up quickly, so sign up early. Give Karen a call to reserve your spot. Check out Karen's blog page: Paradise Scrapbook Boutique

I'd been asked to create a quick Christmas card and this is one is just that. I love gold and white together and the graphic is so beautiful. If you want to know more about the graphic....email me.

My last side step class filled up quickly....and I'd been asked (begged actually) to demonstrate another card using the side step method. I've also been asked for a birthday card for a boy. I think this one fills both requests. You know me and boys cards! I had to sit on my hands to keep from adding glitter, ribbon and flowers. I gotta say....I like it!

I'm off for now....have a wonderful weekend. We're expecting a bit of rain....I'm actually looking forward to a day in front of the wood stove with my Ipad and an Ibook.....

Hugs,

Mary

AKA: Glitter Grammy

Did you see the marching band? It was technology passing me by!

2011-11-02T13:56:00.000-07:00

Did you ever have one of those days....only it lasted a week? I am hoping tomorrow will bring better vibes for me......

Maybe that's why I made this black card....no, I actually like the black card and I got to use my newest Spellbinder dies.

and.....look, my desk didn't look all that bad while I was creating. Of course I might have added... pay no attention to what's behind the curtain..... Check out the other desks on this lovely Wednesday...Stamping Ground

Now....on to my technology issues. I have a new Iphone...today it froze. I couldn't shut it off, I couldn't go anywhere within the phone. I couldn't even make a call to find out what in blazes had happened. I came home and sent an urgent Text message from my Ipad to my son. He called and...who knew, the quick fix is to hold down the power button and the little button at the bottom of the phone. I guess that's called a hard shut down. I think that should be engraved on the back of the phone. Obviously the Iphone God was not looking down from the Cloud (whatever and wherever that might be)....and did not know I was in serious need of assistance. I am sooooo thankful that my son Dan could help me....I'm thinking he is wishing he'd never talked me into the Iphone and Ipad.....

I'm good now....I vented and all the machines are working.....Have a most wonderful week. I'm going to go enjoy what is left of our transition to fall....rain is expected tomorrow. I'll try to post my December card class later this week. It's the last of Christmas cards (an easy one) and a requested boys birthday card.

Hugs to all....Glitter Grammy

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T14:09:00.001-07:00

This will be a very quick post...I'm up to my eyeballs in alligators, as my husband would say. But, I did want to share something very sweet that our neighbor Jeri brought to us today. She's the neighborhood baker and today I think she outdid herself. Is this not the cutest little cupcake. Ohhhh what scary fingers trying to drag the pumpkin to the under world....OHHHHHH!

Great job Jeri....thank you for sharing your artistic and very sweet creation with us.

Off I go.....HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Halloween Candy Boxes

2011-10-22T19:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Sherry Cheever and her great instructions for the Mini Pizza Box. I made these today and I think they are way too cute. They hold quite a bit too.... 3 one bite bars and 6 kisses, along with some cello grass.

I'm still struggling with the ins and outs of Ipad blogging. My laptop is in the hospital...hopefully I'll soon know when it's coming home or when I'm going shopping! Please forgive me if this looks a bit strange! Have a great weekend...hope to be up and running soon!

Ahhhhh it feels sooooo good to be back in the craft room.

2011-10-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

My first stop on my trip to Chico was Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. It seemed like ages since I'd been visiting with Karen and the gang. Of course I had to peek around to see what came in, while I was out....Spellbinder dies....yippee! Below is a white on white card I made using the Spellbinder Bird Sanctuary set.

I also used Martha Stewart butterfly punches, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, ribbon, flowers and pearls from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and Art Institute glitter, lots of glitter!

Off to clean up my mess....I'll never know how I can make such a mess making one little card, but I sure do....Maybe I should cut some more bird cages before I clean up.....hmmmmm!

Rumor has it my November class is nearly full....if you want to reserve a spot call Karen soon.

Have a great week. I hope I can get something together for Stampin-Ground Workdesk Wednesday. I guess I should put my thinking cap on while I'm cleaning my room.... See you Wednesday....I hope!

Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

We're Home....It's both happy and sad!

2011-10-13T21:14:00.000-07:00

We are home, and it is both happy to be back with our state side family, but sad to loose the daily contact with our family down under. It was a WONDERFUL vacation and the memories created, the friends met and most important, family time, will be cherished forever. Here's a quick look at two of the beautiful sites. I'll post more later.....I'm trying to learn to post from my ipad and though I can get the photos and the text.....I can't figure out how to keep the text and the photos together....I end up having the photos shown first followed by the text. Tomorrow my almost son-in-law and daughter can help me figure it out...they are sooooooo smart!

This photo was taken at Fitzroy Falls, Kangaroo Valley, New South Wales

This is what I saw every morning when I got up.....what a way to start the day.....

Well, I'm off.....I ended up doing this post as an edit from my desktop.....teaching old dogs new tricks is not easy and when the old dog is trying to learn on her own....yikes!

Have a great evening....more later,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy!

Card for a Birthday Boy

2011-09-21T08:31:00.000-07:00

Can you believe it....September is almost a memory. Where has the time gone? Well, here's my desk for Wednesday. Be sure to check out all the talented crafters over at WOYWW

My brother-in-law's birthday is coming up and I'm going to be pretty busy for the next 3 weeks, so I thought I'd best get busy and make a quick card. This card took less than 20 minutes. I was trying to make it very "boy" like....So....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAN!

With Fall right around the corner (Friday). I've been sitting on the front porch with the cats enjoying the last days of summer and wandering around the yard looking at the flowers that are hanging in there....giving us one last blast of color. Here's my favorite.

This geranium is called: Showcase Extreme Rose and it's from Fredriks Nursery, which is in Ripon CA. Very pretty and still going strong.

Speaking of going strong....I guess I should get at it and get my list of things to do today at least started. Have a great week.....See you soon!

Hugs,

Mary aka: Glitter Grammy

It's Cookie Day - Dog Cookie That Is....

2011-09-15T07:04:00.000-07:00

For a few years now, I've been making dog "cookies" for our dogs and neighborhood dogs. Wednesday, as my husband taught an oil painting class, I was busy making yummy treats (and yes I know they are yummy, I've tried them). My husband is the most popular neighbor amongst our 4 legged neighbors. He keeps a cookie jar in the garage and the dogs look forward to their walk, and their treats.

I made a double batch. With the weather cooling down, more people will be walking with their buddies. This isn't my usual paper craft....I do enjoy making them...so I will share.

If anyone wants the recipe....here it is....

Dog Biscuits

1/2 cup Water

1/2 cup Canola Oil
2 Eggs
3 TBL Crunchy Peanut Butter
3 tsp Vanilla
1 and 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 cup White Flour
1/2 cup Corn Meal
1 cup Rolled Oats

Combine, Water, oil, the eggs, peanut butter and vanilla. Add dry ingredients and mix well.

Roll out the dough to a 1/2 inch thickness. Cut to the size you want. I have small dogs, so my cookies are cut small.

Bake on a non-stick cookie sheet or on parchment paper for 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

Turn off the oven and let the cookies cool and dry in the oven for several hours or over-night.

Store in an air-tight container. We've yet to find a dog that doesn't like these homemade treats.

I'm off to post this on What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday....check out the other talented folks.

Off I go for now....it's time to get to get ready for Weight Watchers. Have a great week and I'll see you all soon!

Hugs...Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

What's On My Work Desk? Ok, it's not Wednesday anymore!

2011-09-10T07:52:00.000-07:00

This is what I've been working on. Cards for men....never easy for me. This week 3 men had birthdays....I started by making a card for my brother. I liked it and decided to make 2 more.
The boys didn't know one another, although if their wives read this....I'll be busted! So, I thought, let's save time by creating three, almost identical cards. The cards had been on my desk for a few days, and I didn't want to post them until after my brother and my neighbor's birthday. Long story short (well sort of), this is what was on my Work Desk Wednesday.

While checking out cards made by my cyber friends, I noticed that Di, also posted a masculine card. Interestingly....she too struggles with those pesky boy/man cards. Check out her card, actually if you read her blog you will see that she REALLY got ambitious. Great job Di!

I'm beginning to panic about being ready for our trip. Trying to get everything organized, making sure the pet sitter is well informed, the book I'm writing should keep her busy until we return. Seems my dogs have many strange eating, sleeping and playing habits that I feel a need to share with her. Then there's the care and feeding of the stray cats, the lawn, and on and on. It would be much easier if I just flew by the seat of my pants, but when you're an over-organizer, life is not easy! Well off I should be going. I need to write a manual on how to turn on the darn TV....what ever happened to the good ole days, when all you did was turn a knob? Geez!

Have a great week, I may or may not post until after the holidays, depends on how the manual writing goes :-) I'll try to post a few photos while I'm away.....

Chat later....Hugs to all,
Mary

Finally Finished

2011-08-31T15:43:00.000-07:00

It seems like I've been working on this card/gift card/and box forever. I had a vision of the finished project, and this is nothing like it....That's ok though, because I do love it and I know Wendy will too.

I enjoy making these wedding cards, and usually I make them in white on white. After having been to Wendy's bridal shower, I realized the purple is her color....so...purple is the base of this creation.

I like dressing up the tissue with glittered tulle and by adding a Martha Stewart border punch.

The card front is very similar to the box top. I think it makes the creation look like a set, rather than many different styles. Am I boring or what? More Martha borders, Spellbinder heart, my computer and Prima flowers keep the theme going.

I made a pocket be hind the heart to hold the gift card, I made it using the Sizzix gift card die, and I covered it using the Martha punch and flowers I'd purchased at PSB. So that's the finished project. Below is where I started this morning....several hours later, I'm finished and ready to start the next project.

Which if you haven't already guessed is......

Starting my packing. In 23 days....We'll be on our way. We found a dog sitter that we hope will be able to stay most of the nights.....we haven't told the dogs yet....

Have a great holiday. For those over seas....it's Labor Day Weekend, which for us is the end of summer.

Hugs to All,

Mary

September Class - Sold Out

2011-08-29T21:31:00.000-07:00

A big thanks to everyone who signed up early for the September class. It is now sold out! I wanted to remind everyone that there will be no card class taught by me in October....I'm vacation bound. Karen will have her evening class, which is always fun, fun, fun. Check out her blog page for photos and to keep up on all the happenings. Here. Below are the November card class cards. The object again. Make them easy to mail.....
The flip card has been around for a long time, but I'm always excited to see the faces of those who are seeing it for the first time.

I like this little white, silver and black card. another fun card to make and easy on the pocket book.

Be sure to sign up early, class sizes are limited.....Call Karen to reserve your spot. Her new number is: 530-895-0505.

Off I go for now.....I got my flu shot today and my arm is a bit tender....I need to go feel sorry for myself... Not really, but I do want to get off to bed, busy day tomorrow...it's Operation Write Home Day.

Later,

Mary

Birthday Birthday

2011-08-26T08:39:00.000-07:00

This post is mostly for my friends and family that don't use Facebook....I wanted to share and thank them.

Aren't these beautiful...my youngest sent me a birthday bouquet...and I love it. My very favorite colors....and it screams summer!

Here's the full shot. Taken on our deck.

And here's the ole gal.....65, they say it's the new 55, I'm saying the new 45...ok, maybe not. But what the heck, I feel better than I did at 45....of course my memory may be playing tricks on me!

Look what Sydney gave me....however did she know I wanted tennis balls!

These are the cards from friends and family. Great handmade cards from my group of crafters and fantastic family and friend cards.....

The Silver Stamper folks outdid themselves....I can't believe how many cards I received.

I'll have a photo of the local crafting group....soon I hope, then I'll show you the gals.

My day was spent Skypeing with family, talking on the phone with friends and family, reading emails, blog entries and Facebook entries.....thanks to all of you!

I do want to say thank you to everyone who made my passage to Medicare a smooth one. It's such fun to share my days with you and you all make being 65 fun. I love you all.

Have a fantastic week.

Hugs and love,

Mary

Busy, Busy, Busy

2011-08-24T08:26:00.001-07:00

Where did the week go? I can't believe how busy this summer has been and how quickly it is slipping by...add an exciting vacation approaching and.....I am busy, busy, busy....So, here is a work in progress. When finished it will be a wedding card, and box. Hopefully I'll finish it this weekend and have something to show next week.

Yesterday I went to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique to crop and celebrate a birthday...mine. I don't have photos yet, but maybe next week.....So, long story short....I was not prepared and ended up dragging a ton of supplies with me, (my husband says....so, what's new?) only to partly finish a project. The one above! But, it was great fun meeting with everyone and having a good play date.

When I got home, I decided it was time to unpack and at least lay out the unfinished project, hoping this would encourage me to get cracking....

So far, the project is patiently waiting and it may have to wait for a few days. Saturday is a play day with Brenda. We're co-hosting a neighborhood block party on Sunday. I need to get busy cleaning house, though my husband says it looks perfect just the way it is...ya right! My September class is sold out, and if I can get my act together, I need to put together another kit for the waiting list. I also need to start thinking about what I'll be taking with me on vacation... maybe a list would help me feel a bit more in control.....Note to self....start a list!

The tennis ball princess is waiting patiently for me to throw some balls for her....I guess if I'm going to get anything done, I need to get her addiction taken care of.

So, off I go....During my lunch break, I'm going to check out WOYWW ....I always enjoy seeing what everyone is working on...even though I don't always have time to comment on the desks.

Have a wonderful week....I'll be back next Wednesday....and maybe even in between...

Hugs from Northern California

Little older me....Glitter Grammy

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday-115

2011-08-17T15:49:00.000-07:00

Well, here it is. My desk....actually it's the little workspace in the family room. I like working here. It's much better lit, I can see the humming birds as they feed and looking out at the trees is inspiring. I've been working on a flip card. Seems Christmas is on my brain and this year, I don't want to be rushed with making cards. Check out the other desks....I'm sure there are tons of creative desks waiting to be seen.

So, here it is. I like it and it was pretty easy to make....One more down....and only a zillion left to make...well maybe not a zillion!

Aren't these two cute? They are strays that we've been trying to tame for months. I think they are brother and sister. They are always together and if you ignore the fact that one is long haired and one short haired, their faces are very similar. The two sleep together, eat together and play together. It's so sweet to see the two of them as pals. I can't imagine them being separated...

We've given them very original names....are you ready....the long haired one is Kitty. The short haired one is Kitty kitty. I told you they are original names... :-) After months of feeding them canned and dry cat food - twice a day mind you... and fresh water twice a day, and my DH making a soft chair on the porch for them to rest, and an enclosed and insulated box for winter....they have decided that maybe we are worth knowing. Kitty walked into the house this morning... and Kitty Kitty finally let me touch her while putting her food bowl down. I think we are making progress... Kitty has warmed up to us and about knocks us over when we go out to feed him. Kitty Kitty is very shy. Kitty Kitty has a bobbed ear. If I am correct, that means she has been spayed. Kitty doesn't spray and there are parts missing....know what I mean? I'm hoping that means he's been neutered. Does anyone know if I'm on the right track?

I guess I should get back to it and clean up one mess before starting another. Have a wonderful week...see you next Wednesday.

Hugs to all,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Quick and Easy

2011-08-13T09:22:00.000-07:00

I was blog visiting a friend Di, and she posted a card to Jules' Crafty Snippet Challenge. I'd not seen this challenge before and it looked very interesting. So, inspired, I ran into my craft room to play along. Thursday, while off playing with my buddy Virginia, I'd purchased a new Martha punch. I'd been drooling over this one for months and with coupon in hand....I needed (note I said need not want.... :-) this one! Along with my Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, a bit of ribbon, and a Martha butterfly....I created this card in less than 10 minutes. So, off I went to make another one....I'm thinking of all the great colors for this card. I love early morning creations.....now, I'm off to make breakfast and put together cards for my September card class (photos posted yesterday).

Thanks to Di and Jules for the Saturday inspiration. Have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Mary

September Class and Workdesk Wednesday

2011-08-11T07:13:00.001-07:00

Well, here they are. I've been asked to teach a class on step cards. In September I'll be teaching the side step and the center step cards. Both cards are 1/4 fold....and flat, so postage won't send you to the bank for a loan. Reminder the class will be: September 6, 2011 - 1 PM to 4:00PM. check out Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for new phone number and new address.

As always, please sign up early. Even though Karen's crop room is now large enough to accommodate 20 plus....I'm keeping my classes to no more than 10. I'll be vacationing in October, so no new class until November.

I'm going to run and post this on Stamping Ground's What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday challenge....Ok, so I'm not showing my workdesk. I forgot to take a photo and now the desk just has tennis balls, cell phone, newspaper and Weight Watcher material...cause that's where I'm headed next. I didn't think my work desk would be too inspiring this morning....

Have a great day, enjoy life and see you next Wednesday....for sure!

Hugs,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

It's Wednesday and I'm Actually On Time....

2011-08-03T07:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it....I'm actually posting What's On My Work Desk and it is Wednesday....
The album I've been working on is finished....and I love it.

This album was made for Rosemary, my son's mum-in-law. This was fun as I live in Magalia, California and Rosemary lives in Bowral, Australia. Rosemary emailed me photos, and we chatted on Skype. Small world this internet world....I love it.

I promised myself I'd do some housework today. I guess I should be getting at it....I just wanted to prove....I can post on Wednesday!

Happy Wednesday to all.....

Hugs,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Center Step Card

2011-08-01T13:16:00.001-07:00

This will be the shortest of my 3 posts. Yesterday Brenda and I made step cards. Here's the one I made. This has been something I've wanted to learn for a long time. It's a fun card to make....if you haven't made one....give it a try.

Tomorrow is class day....I'll see many of you there....Until then....Have a wonderful day,

Mary

Congratulation Karen and Paradise Scrapbook Boutique

2011-08-01T12:41:00.001-07:00

The day FINALLY arrived. We'd been looking forward to and dreading the move for months. Karen, Bill and crew did a fantastic job of leaving the old and opening the new.
Virginia picked out the perfect plant....and here are but a few of the Paradise gals that couldn't wait to see the treasures in the new store. (L to R: Me, Karen, Virginia and Carolyn)

WOW....so much more room...so much room for tons of new and exciting, must have, treasures.

So very pretty....

Everything looks so beautiful, so organized, and sooooo inviting!

We've got our treasures and we're chatting while we wait to check out....

Carolyn is happy....she found what she was looking for.... that would be EVERYTHING!

Here's Carolyn and I cropping away.....the crop room is large and we have lots of room for spreading out all of our treasures...

Karen and Rachel busy working and chatting.......I guess we know who's working!

And finally.....here they are.....Congratulation Karen and Bill. You did a fabulous job rebuilding your shop....I LOVE IT! Much love to you both and we hope to see you for many, many, many years to come. GREAT JOB!

If you can't walk in....click in and see what's happening at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique!

Well, that's Post 2 for the day....I'm on to do one more......

Enjoy the day,

Glitter Grammy

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday...on Monday?

2011-08-01T11:51:00.000-07:00

This is another one of those weeks that fly by. Just when you think you have hold of the day....not only is it gone, but it's taken 5 more days with it....geez! I took this photo on Wednesday, had all the intentions of posting it immediately....well, you see how that went!

This was how my desk looked in the morning and below is the cover of the album I'm making to take to my son's mother-in-law. She's a sweetheart and I've always wanted to make something special for her. I think I may have bit off a bit more than I can chew.... I'm liking how it is turning out, but goodness, goodness it's taking much longer than I thought it would. When I'm finished, I'll post it.....don't hold your breath though...I'm a long way off.....

You know, I'd probably get more done if I'd quit stopping to take photos of animals and birds.... We've had two cats that have come to visit and they don't seem to be going home. We aren't sure they are homeless, so we have gone door to door with their photos and so far everyone has seen them in the neighborhood, but no one knows who they belong to. If you look at both of their faces, you can see that they are siblings..though one has long and one is short haired. It's taken us weeks to be able to touch the long haired cat and we are a ways away from being able to do the same with the short haired one. They are so cute together and they are always together. We've built an insulated bed on the porch, that has a bench on top for sitting during hot days....We know they can tell time...they show up at 5:30 for breakfast and 4:00 for dinner....

We've even given them original names....the long haired cat is Kitty and the short haired is Kitty Kitty....ok, not so original!

So, note to the neighborhood....if you are reading this and you dumped these precious ones.... SHAME ON YOU! And, if you are looking for your sweet kitties....contact me and I'll make a time you can come to pick them up.

Ok....so the old saying....all comes to those who wait....well for 2 years I've been trying to snap the next photo. This Oriole, or at least I think this is what this bird is.... has been raiding our Hummingbird feeder. She is very wary of movement and, I swear, if I move my arm slowly to reach my camera....she flies. Today I hung the camera around my neck, and the timing was perfect. I had it turned on, I was trying to focus on the feeder and she flew into the frame....So, yet another thing to check off my bucket list!

Enough about animals and birds. I'm going to try to post a total of 3 posts today....note I said, TRY...My next post will be of the re-opening of Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....check it out!

I'm off for now....have a great Monday...

Mary aka: Glitter Grammy

Happy Birthday Linn

2011-07-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

I normally don't post a card before I send it, but today....I'm going to. I don't think my soon to be son-in-law reads my blog. If he does....he's never shared that info with me!

His birthday is next Saturday and I've been stuck with what to make for him. As anyone who knows me knows...I don't enjoy making boy cards. Also as anyone who knows me knows... boys get bling and flowers....on this card I tried really, really hard not to add any bling. After suffering from withdrawals, I added bling in the letter "L". Ok, I had to add just a few more little jewels. I showed the card to my husband...he just rolled his eyes. I'm sure that must mean he loves it!

The inside was looking ok....but there was something missing....you got it..What man doesn't like flowers? I didn't have a flower that matched so I made this one using a white silk flower, that I rubber stamped using Tim Holtz Distress Ink. Not too shabby and the gem added the finishing touch.

The border punch is made using an EK Success border punch. When I purchased the punch, I thought it would punch the piece out completely, and I could use the piece anywhere on the page. Had I paid attention, I would have known better. Oh well....If you look at the front of the card, you'll notice that by punching twice....you do get the desired effect. This was a lucky accident. the piece of card stock originally measured 5 1/2 x 15/16ths. When I punched it twice, there was just a hair of card stock holding the two together. Whew!!!!

So, there you have it....and HAPPY BIRTHDAY LINN! Amy, if you see this....don't share until after Linn's Birthday...

I'm off to the Friday night get together....Tomorrow Karen's new shop opens. I had a sneak peek yesterday and no one will be disappointed. It is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I hope she quickly gets some photos on her blog page...you'll all wish her shop was in your neighborhood. Great job Karen and Bill too. She's on Facebook if you want to follow her there search: Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. And she also posts to her blog: here If I remember to take my camera, I'll take some photos too.

Off I go for now....Enjoy your weekend.

Hugs....Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

WOYWW-111

2011-07-21T05:30:00.000-07:00

A little late, but here it is: WOYWW-111

Virginia and I had a play day on Tuesday, while playing we were also looking at the Magnolia Stamp Magazines, and one of the photos showed a background which was made using a Dreamweaver stencil (one I just happen to have). That was enough for me to pull out the stencils, the Dreamweaver Embossing Paste, pallet knife and glitter.

Early Wednesday morning, while DH and Doggies were sound asleep, I was in my play room. The above photo had the best results. For it I used black card stock, ultra fine glitter and the Stencil paste.

The above photo looks good, however, as the paste dried, the small branches disappeared, being covered by the larger pieces of glitter. Not the results I wanted.

One is never enough. The above photo shows what happens with white card stock, and Art Institute Royal Wink Opaque glitter. I like it....yes I do. Once you start playing, time flies by and more toys come out. Below I used Dreamweaver gold paste, and I thought I'd grabbed gold glitter to cover it....nope, I accidentally got into the embossing powder drawer and mistakenly grabbed Judi Kins Embossing Powder.....when I realized the error of my ways....I waited for the paste to dry and then heat embossed it. Guess what....it works and well! Happy Accident!

Having had that accidental success. I decided to use Tombow Water markers to color a stencil, then cover it with the Dreamweaver paste, followed by ultra fine glitter.....the pumpkin stencil was a success....at least I think it is.

Remember I said I never can leave well enough alone.....well, on to Let It Snow.

I used the same Tombow Markers, the same paste and the same glitter. I like it! Ok....the next one didn't work so well. but, I think for you girls with the Copic Markers, you might just have better success. The Tombow Markers are water based, and the red one didn't want to lay still, it ran....OOPS!

That was enough playing with the stencils and paste. I cleaned up my mess while waiting for Terri, the tech from BossKut to call. Months ago I had a BIG virus issue on my computer. I lost everything and Windows 7 needed to be reinstalled, along with everything else. My computer angel, had worked so hard at putting things back together, I didn't have the heart to ask him to put my Gazelle back. So, I tried to install it all by my self...did I tell you I'm not soft ware literate? Well, I tried, and I struggled, and I uninstalled, and I put my machine out of sight and out of mind....well out of sight.

I emailed BossKut, explained my problem and asked for help. Now keep in mind, I purchased my machine in 2008, so I wasn't holding any hope for help. Not only did I get help, I was sent a cyber tech angel by the name of Terri. The below shows my little pink machine and a frame I cut. The frame was designed by Lori M...one of the gals who share her creations in the BossKut Forum. I think BossKut deserves a big THANK YOU and Terri, deserves two of them....

I'd say I had a very good Wednesday. It's fun to pull out toys you haven't played with in awhile, It's great having a piece of equipment working again. Ahhhhh.....life is good!

Today it's Weight Watchers, and then off to Virginia's to see what she's up to, followed by taking a neighbor to his doctor's appointment and then a quiet night spent with Hubby and the doggies. I know, my life is toooooo exciting! Ok, maybe not exciting, but certainly fun!

I'm going to start working on an album for my son's mum-in-law. We're going to Australia in September and I want to gift her an album. She's a very sweet lady and the best mum. I so appreciate her being there for my son. I'll show the album, after I've given it to her...a post for October!

See you all later....Hugs to all!

Mary - AKA: Glitter Grammy

Winner Winner

2011-07-16T14:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Richard decided to enter a chili cook-off at Jaki's, a local restaurant. So, off to the store he went to get the ingredients, while I chopped and chopped some more. When you're the assistant chef you get stuck with the chopping! He arrived back home and he started making Wisconsin Chili, which is a version of a chili my mom used to make. He billed the recipe as High on Flavor, Low on Fire.

Well guess what....his first ever cooking contest and he won....he's very proud of his plaque and the winning purse will give him enough money to make another batch....

We're willing to share the recipe. Mind you, it makes 6 to 8 quarts (we make it once...freeze it and enjoy often). If anyone wants the recipe....email me (address in profile) and I'll make sure one is emailed to you.

Happy Birthday Carolyn and WOYWW - 110

2011-07-12T09:03:00.000-07:00

Update from Yesterday: I just might be a day late with WOYWW-110 but I wanted to share the day I had yesterday with my buddy Virginia. I joined Virginia and Barb for a play day with Copic Markers. I don't own one, but have been lucky enough to share Virginia's markers and Barb's talent....Boy are these a different way to color and I will need much practice. Virginia is a whiz with this technique and she watched Barb and away she went. I am going on a big vacation to Australia in September and I'll need to save my pennies for that...but when I get home....I'll become a Copic girl too. So, even though this isn't my workdesk. It's a work space I shared with Virginia and Barb. I learned a lot, we spent time online checking out the different sets and tried to decide what sets we would need and what single pens we'd need to buy. I'm sure Virginia spent and will spend many more hours making sure all the colors are studied.....thank you Virginia for sharing your workspace, your pens, your day and especially your friendship.

It was a great lunch celebrating Carolyn and her birthday. And look how calorie counting she was...Cozy Diner offers the option of a Chocolate Sundae, Pie or Sherbet...She was a very good girl and opted for the sherbet.
Here are the crafting girls that joined in. (L to R - Rita, Carolyn, Virginia and Mary Jane)

I've been wanting to post this card for over a month, but I had to hold off for obvious reasons....So, after the fun get-together I finally can post it. Sadly, I got so involved in the chatting fest....I didn't take many photos. I'm hoping she will share the cards she received and I'll post them also. That will be coming soon, I hope!

Today I'm off to play....it's SOS day and we are meeting at Virginia's....We're giving Karen a chance to pack without us getting under foot. I guess I should get out of my pj's and head out the door.

Have a great Wednesday.....I'm hoping to post for WOYWW later today....Maybe I'll have something to show.....

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Wishes

2011-07-11T08:01:00.001-07:00

Good Morning....It's a beautiful day in Northern California, too beautiful to be spending it inside. So....this will be a quick post. The inspiration for this card was Becca's tutorial on making the border punch frame. I'm a big fan of 6x6 cards and this frame is perfect for that size card. It is also inspired by a discussion we had at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique we were trying to figure out how to make the base for the ribbon flower sticky enough to hold heavier ribbon. I started by cutting a circle with a Spellbinder die....then I ran it through my Xyron. I did get sticky, but not sticky enough for the ribbon I was using. Next I put Miracle tape onto a piece of card stock and then cut the circle using the Spellbinder die....The Miracle Tape made the circle super sticky and the ribbon held very well. I know there are products out there that make sticky circles, but I wanted the ability to use what I have and to create the stickly circles in many sizes. Problem solved....

Like I said, this will be short. I have a birthday luncheon today and I guess going in my jammies.... Not such a good idea. Tomorrow I'll post the card I made for my BFF Carolyn. Happy Birthday young lady...see you shortly!

Happy Monday to all...see you all soon,
Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Happy Birthday Alex

2011-07-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

I'm going to a birthday party for a little boy named Alex. His grand mom is my neighbor, swimming, walking, dieting buddy and all around friend. I've yet to meet Alex, and I'm really not sure what he'd like as a gift, so, when all else fails....money always works. I like the finished card, but getting there was quite the hair puller. My friend, Brenda and I always laugh when we say we are going to put a quick card together and it turns into the card from hell...

In general the card was pretty easy, note I said in general. I know that the Tim Holtz Paper Rosette can be a challenge. So, I put tape on the back side and cut. It worked....Ok, it worked for awhile...Then I glued, using Ultimate Glue and waited for it to dry...so far so good......now I began doing the push in from the bottom, while pushing out the top....you got it....the divisions started to tear and my blood pressure began rising.....So, I tried something new. I used my Xyron to adhere two pieces of card stock together. This is working......then I buttered the two ends using the Ultimate glue....and instead of doing the pushing in and pushing out, I laid the accordion folded piece flat and formed the circle. I clipped the edges together and waited for them to dry.....guess what....it worked. I stuck a circle to the top side, and one to the bottom side and YIPPEE....it stayed together. I made the tag using the Memory Maker tag maker...I don't use it often, but it's one of those things you just don't want to get rid of, cause it always comes in handy. I don't like just putting money inside of the cards. I like hiding it a bit. So, the Spellbinder label makes the perfect spot to tuck the money. This card could be for a little boy or for a big boy. I'm glad I struggled through this one. I think the finished project is very nice. The Fancy Pants Pipeline DP was the perfect card stock. I'm pleased and ....I'm off to a party.....

Have a great day and the best week ever.

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Thanks Patti

2011-07-09T09:12:00.000-07:00

I think what I love about blogs are the inspiration I receive from them. Sometimes it's ideas collected, sometimes its being reminded that you've forgotten to photograph a card you've made, and it's always visiting with friends you've never met. Today I went to Patti's blog page and was reminded of a card I'd made and had forgotten to post it. So, thanks Patti for reminding me and for inspiring me to get moving and post the card.

I used Doddlebug crushed velvet DP, a mirror silver card stock, silver thin cord, Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder, Sizzlet alphabet, Martha Stewart Snowflake border punch, and Spellbinder mitten die.

I'm off today to play with friends. It's an album day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique...the last one in the Paradise location....next classes will be in the new building in Chico. Check out the blog page to see the album and to see how big the new building is.... here.

Have a great weekend. It's supposed to only be in the high 80's, with very low humidity..... perfect temps for this ole gal!

Later..... Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday-109

2011-07-06T08:36:00.000-07:00

Where has the week gone? My goodness summer is rushing by. Another Wednesday is here and this week, I wanted to show that I actually have been busy......Be sure to check out all the activity over at Stamping-Ground. Yesterday at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, I taught a version of the below cards and as samples I made more versions using the Spellbinder dies, which are a favorite item in my craft treasure chest. The girls were surprised at how easy these cards are to make.

Yup....I couldn't stop....here are two more......

And this one is a version of the second card I was teaching. The graphic is from a recycled Christmas card....I save them all...every once in a while, they are perfect for a card I'm working with. And those that don't....well, grand kids love using them on their art work. I think this card is my favorite.....

My next class will be in Chico....Karen will be all moved in to her new location. It's bigger, lots of room for more beautiful DP and embellishments....and ribbon, and......and..... She'll be closed for a week and plans to reopen on July 23rd. Her new address is: 555 Flying V. Road.... I'm excited to teach in a super big crop room....lots of room to spread out.... There is still time to come by the Paradise location. Lots of items on sale....

Have a great week, see you soon....I'm off to check some of the other posts.... (shhhh I should be cleaning the kitchen....)

Hugs to all,

Mary aka: Glitter Grammy

Argh....what a mess on my desk...

2011-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

What a day.....seems blogspot didn't want to accept photos. Whatever the problem...it's fixed now. So, here's one of the cards I've been working on. This will be one of the August cards for the card class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, and it'll be the first class I teach in Karen's new location. The building will be much bigger and able to accommodate many more card and scrapbook folks. The second card is a Christmas card. It's our goal to be ready for Christmas this year....now won't that be a first.

I've been working on several cards, one I'll be able to show in another few weeks, the others I hope to get posted soon. So.....here's the workdesk, and what a mess it is. I'd like to say it's an organized mess... ;-) Check out the other desks this week at WOYW 108.

I'm off in a few to take a card class. Check out Karen's website to see what we'll be making. Also, keep an eye on what's happening during her move.

Have a great 4th of July.....

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

A smile for the day

2011-06-26T06:42:00.000-07:00

This is the first video I've posted. I hope I'm doing it correctly. I was sent this video and I've kept it on my desktop. When I want or need a smile....It's waiting there for me. Though nothing what-so-ever to do with crafting....it puts me in a happy mood.

From the looks of my number of posts lately....I've been goofing off. Being honest...not so much, I've been enjoying summer, working on cards I can't show yet and playing with my Ipad....I meaning "learning" how to use it more effectively....ya right! But, I will be back on Wednesday for sure....well, pretty much for sure.... :-) So, enjoy your Sunday, see you all very soon!

Christmas In July

2011-06-08T14:59:00.001-07:00

Much as we don't want to think about Christmas being right around the corner.....it's closer than we think. I've always tried to do Christmas in July card classes and this July is no different.
Here are the cards I'll be teaching in July....The class is already nearly full.....so, if you are interested, you might just want to call Karen soon. This class will have lots of hands on....

Meaning.....you'll be cutting everything. So, come on time: 1:00 and plan on this class lasting about 3 hours. The purpose of this class is to make cards that won't cost an arm and a leg to mail. I think these will fit the bill.

Karen has some great news....you can check it out on Facebook, and soon on her blog page. Here's the link to Facebook. Here's the link to her blog page: Here. I've put my nose prints all over the windows and the building is amazing. I can hardly wait to see what she does with it. Lots more room for those great crops and classes. Karen will be missed in Paradise, but it's only a short drive...and I plan on making it often.

Off I go for now......this time....I really am going to go pull some weeds :-)

Mary

Is Imitation the best form of flattery? I hope so!

2011-06-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

I've been drooling over one of Sherry's cards (in truth I've drooled over many of them) and since I have the same card stock, I thought I'd give it a try. Below is my version of Sherry's beautiful Graphic 45 - Once Upon a Springtime collection card.

And here is Sherry's.......

I have to say, Sherry has really made me begin to think out of the box. She is one of the best and when it comes to creating flowers from paper....she, in my book, is the best. If you haven't checked out her tutorials.....I'd strongly suggest you do. Sherry, if you see this post....THANK You for all the inspiration.

I have a fairy princess in my family.....and I think this card will end up being sent to her. Of course after I've gazed upon it for several weeks! :-)

I said in an earlier post that I needed to get out and pull some weeds....I guess they are still waiting! Maybe I should tidy up my craft room first...and then I'll need lunch...and then, and then.....

Have a wonderful Wednesday.....

Hugs from me....to you!

PIF and Charlene Did....

2011-06-08T06:44:00.000-07:00

It was fun taking part in the Stamping-Ground 2nd Anniversary challenge. Charlene was quick as a bunny and my postman brought her PIF to my front door. Look at everything I found inside. Wow.....thank you Charlene!
Lots to play with, stamps and stamped images, flowers and die cut designs....and a cut little card.

I gifted Queen Marcy an album I'd put together some time ago. I love this album, but after getting to e-know Marcy, I decided to part with it. I think the best part of the PIF was meeting two sweet ladies.

I hope everyone goes to check out Charlene and Marcy's sites, they are filled with fabulous creations.

I'm off to the yard. I think there are a few weeds that need pulling. My husband has a painting class going on in his studio, and I think pulling weeds will keep me quiet and productive.

Have a WONDERFUL week! See you next Wednesday

Rainy Day Play

2011-06-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love rainy days? A great time to craft and not feel like you should be doing something else. We've had so much rain this year, I'm honestly looking for a reason not to craft. Living in California, June is usually warm and dry. This year....wet and cold. I know, in a few weeks we'll be complaining about how hot it is. But for today....it's craft day. Last week I saw a card made by Becca. I have the Martha Stewart punch, so I thought, it'd be fun to try out the technique. While talking to Brenda, we talked about what we'd do when we had our next play day. Becca's project won. I thought I'd give it a run through before the play day. The above is what I created. Check out Becca's blog page to see her beautiful card. If you have this punch....try making a card. It really wasn't all that difficult.....Most of her cards are way above my ability....but this one....was fun. Since I am directionally challenged...I cut one side, I then laid the second piece at a 90 degree angle so I'd know which direction I needed to make the next cut.
I'm off to clean up my mess. Have a great week. I hope the sun is shining where you are.

Is It Wednesday Already?

2011-06-01T07:02:00.001-07:00

Here's the card I'm working on for my July class. Christmas in July will be the theme and what is frightening.....Christmas is only 5 months from my July class....argh! I already feel behind! I'll put the second card up sometime this week. So, here's my workdesk for this morning.... It looks organized for a change...I wish I could say the same for all the new things flopping around in my little ole brain.

I've got to say that this old dog is learning new tricks. The Ipad I ordered a few weeks back arrived and my son came to set it up, show me the tricks (I'm new to touch screen...and typing has proved to be quite the challenge). As you can see, my new toy is waiting for me to start yet another lesson this morning. I'm sure there will be a test! Over at Stamping-Ground there's excitement.....Happy 2nd Anniversary! Check it out! I'm playing along, and I've got to say, I'm excited to share one of my creations. Can't wait to see what the others are doing!

So here we are. trying out the camera. Aren't we just toooooo cute!

I think Karen will have some really cool news this week. I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag...but lets just say....it's exciting news. All you local gals.....keep an eye on her site. Here.

I guess I should get back to doing my "homework"....my son will be out of bed soon and I need to be able to show him I can retain at least one of things he taught me yesterday....

Have a great week.....Hugs to All,

Mary

Brenda's Card

2011-05-20T09:02:00.000-07:00

As promised....here is the card Brenda made for my honey for his Birthday. He loves it! Thank you Brenda for making his day special.... Brenda is quite the talent. I'd love her to start her own blog page, but alas....my words have fallen on deaf ears....

That's it for me today.....I'm off to help my husband with some yard work. Not sure he'll welcome my assistance...I think maybe he sees his yard as his very own domain. Maybe he'll fire me and I'll be back inside playing "cards"....

Have a wonderful weekend.
Mary...aka: Glitter Grammy

What's On My Work Desk? Glad you asked!

2011-05-18T08:39:00.000-07:00

Good Morning.....My desk doesn't look too productive this morning, but it was buzzing with activity yesterday....today I'll be putting together a few of the items I cut out yesterday. So, here it is....
My friend Brenda came yesterday and she worked on a birthday card for my husband. I'll post that card on Friday, as his birthday isn't until tomorrow. She did a great job and I think surprised herself with her speed....If you knew her, you'd know that she is the queen of perfection and she really struggles to make every card perfect. Her cards are beautiful....

I think I must be hung up on twisted easel cards....I made one for my husband for his BD and yesterday decided to get busy on two of my best friend's husband's cards. I hope they don't mind getting the same card (they don't know each other, so I think it will be ok.)

I made a birthday for my step-granddaughter who is turning 17. I recently purchased Pink Paislee DP and I love it....so, I patterned this card after one I'd seen on the Flourishes blog page. I really liked the corner that was used and personalized the card using my computer and the Tango font. Of course I used Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Martha punches and EK Success border punch. ribbon and DP from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I liked how the card turned out, soooooo I made another this time adding Gina K to the mix.This card is for a friend who is having a 17 plus birthday. I hope she doesn't read my blog before Saturday....that's her BD. So, mum is the word...OK?In the past, I've talked about my friend Lynette. She is fighting the battle of her life and I am so proud of her...I've been trying to send cards of encouragement and this is the latest. To this card I used all of the above and added Prima pearls. Please keep Lynette in your prayers....she's one strong woman!

Here's a close up of my buddy's husband's card. I know it's not soooo masculine, but everyone who knows me knows, I make men's cards with flowers. Hey they deserve them too.... I made the flower using BossKut dies and curled the DP to fluff it up a bit....

Well, now you know what I've been up too....it's time to pop on over to Stamping-Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.

Have a great week...see you soon!

Hugs,

Mary

What's On My Work Desk?

2011-05-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

This has been one heck of a week....I don't know what it is with me, but lately I've been getting computer virus issues. I think I have figured where they are coming from and I will not be going there again....So, my workdesk doesn't look too crafty, but honestly I have been. Do you want to see what the others are doing? Check it out here.

Tuesday was my day to teach at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I've been trying to teach one Christmas card a month. That's the groups idea of how to have cards done by Christmas. This month I taught a Twisted Easel card, with two twists. The class really liked the technique and Virginia LOVED it. Long story short. I had a problem sleeping last night (probably excited that my computer was coming back home today) so, I got up and decided to make another twisted easel card. This one is smaller the folded size is 3 x 9....I wanted to show it to Virgina at Weight Watchers....I finished it, she saw it, and I'm excited to see what she creates!

I am always asked about the tennis balls on my desk. For those who are new to my blog page.... they are to amuse my Doxie while I create. She can be quite the pest and if I throw a tennis ball, she stays busy chasing the ball and I stay busy making cards. If you check my older posts, you'll see Sydney..... If you want to see her photo....check out Wednesday - March 9, 2011 post.

I'm off for now....a big weekend of crafting at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Friday until mid-night, back again on Saturday at 10:00 and we'll be packing up to head home on Saturday at mid-night. It's always fun to spend the weekend with the girls and the food, new product, and surprises are ALWAYS so much fun. This will be the last weekend crop at this location. Karen will be moving to a bigger building in August......There are lots of great memories in Karen's shop, but I look forward to all the new ones that will be shared at her new location.

Off I go, dinner is almost ready......Have a great week....I'm hoping to stay virus free for the next week....actually for always. If any of my local followers need a GREAT repair person....give me a call.

Hugs to all,

Mary - AKA Glitter Grammy

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday 99

2011-04-27T20:20:00.000-07:00

It must be Wednesday.....Here I don't know where my brain is.....I must have left it in my other pants! I took this photo this morning and promptly forgot to post it....geez!

So, here's my desk, if you check my blog entry for my May class, you'll see a Christmas card that I'll be showing. This card is 11x4, and I've been trying to create an envelope for it. That's what you're seeing in the middle of the desk. Have you ever been working on a project and you sooooo over-think it. Well that's what I was doing. When I relaxed and thought back to things I'd learned ages ago....it became very easy. I"ll have a template to show the class and they'll be able to use this to make almost any odd shaped envelope.

This has been a big week for me. My daughter and I have been talking daily about her wedding. I wish we lived closer...she's in Chicago. We did get lots accomplished...date(s), colors and I sent her samples of all my butterfly punches and dies. I think every little piece that comes together takes a bit of stress away. She's a professional photographer, and a really, really good one. I think finding a photographer for her wedding will be fun for her. Check out her site...here. Ok, I'm a bragging mommy....that's what us mommies do... :-)

My stubborn husband (yup I said stubborn) has been having a problem with his left foot and ankle. Of course if you ignore it, it will go away...right? Man thinking I think....Yesterday I told him that when I came home from OWH we'd be going to the doctor. I guess my look frightened him. While I was gone, he went to the doctor. Today it was x-ray and blood test day. I hope we find out the results tomorrow....now if he could just sit still long enough to elevate the darn thing. He's a social butterfly and to be stuck inside on a sunny day is just killing him. Maybe we should put his recliner in the driveway and he can visit with all his peeps....

OH, I almost forgot. I signed up to take a paper flower making class at My Creative Classroom. I enjoy taking classes there and it's nice because I can fit them into my schedule. If you haven't ever taken on-line classes....I'd say give them a try.

Tomorrow it's Weight Watcher day and a trip to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Carolyn and I are taking part in a weekend crop, May 6 and 7.... I need to figure out what I'm going to work on. I have lots of unfinished projects, it shouldn't be a problem finding things, the problem lies in which ones to take!

This weekend is Gold Nugget Days in Paradise CA....if my honey's foot feels better we might go check out the craft faire and the parade. This is a fun weekend, it celebrates the finding of a 50 pound gold nugget during the California Gold Rush of the 1800's. My favorite part is the donkey race....Donkey's have a mind of their own, and a donkey only races if a donkey wants to race. I imagine their attitude wasn't much different in the 1800's.

Ok....off I go before it's Thursday :-) Have a great week and weekend. Please know my heart goes out to everyone in the southwest. I lived in the St. Louis area and I know how frightening tornadoes and those awful lightening storms are. My prayers are with you!

Hugs and Love to All,

Mary

AKA: Glitter Grammy

Monday Monday.....

2011-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

My plan for this morning was to walk with our walking group....however, the day began with rain and wind....so, what could I do? I started reading blog pages which always inspires me....and of course it's Monday....which means Mojo Monday Challenge. I hope this fits the bill....

My daughter called yesterday to say she and Linn are engaged. She said the proposal was in the butterfly exhibit at the Chicago Zoo. That was my inspiration for the butterflies on these cards. The wedding will be in June or July of 2012....I'm excited! Linn will make a great son-in-law!

Karen - Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, temped me with the new Prima Marketing DP - the Madeline collection. Mind you, I am easily tempted! The large flower is also Prima, the two smaller are from my stash. The pick is from Little Yellow Bicycle - flower stick pins. The doily is from Cheery Lyn Designs - the French Pastry die.

The butterfly and the leaves are Martha Stewart punches, the ribbon from my stash...which of course was purchased at PSB....Karen has the best ribbon! And the very best prices on the ribbon. The pearls are from Want 2 Scrap.

When I started I'd planned on making two identical cards, but as I was beginning to put glue on the back of the music sheet, I realized those flowers were too pretty to cover and the birthday card was born.....

Sometimes when I have a vision of a finished card, it just doesn't turn out the way I plan, these two cards are exactly as I saw them.

Ok....it's not raining.....should I call the girls? Or........should I head back into my studio to play? I'm sure we can walk later..... :-)

Tomorrow it's Operation Write Home Day....I hope to see everyone then.

Take care....Hugs,

Mary

AKA Glitter Grammy

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday 98 and Operation Write Home

2011-04-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

It's Wednesday.....and below is a shot of my workdesk. This is what it looked like about 10 minutes after my first sip of coffee......
Not much different than when I went to bed. I've been working on card kits for Operation Write Home and after putting 12 kits together, I said, no clean up, just get up in the AM and get going.....Check out the other desks here.

Tuesday is Operation Write Home day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. For those who don't know, it's when our group makes cards for soldiers to send home to their families. This month we are hoping to get people who have not made cards to join us. Carolyn and I are making kits that will be easy to assemble. We hope to encourage the new gals and make it fun so they will join us every month.

The card above is one made by Carolyn. She has everything cut out so the girls will be able to jump right in and get creating. Carolyn always puts so much detail into her work....gotta love the ice cream cone....hmmm I wonder how many Weight Watcher points are in that one?

Then there are my card kits.....not much detail here. I was trying to create something that would use black and white , and yet look pretty enough for someone to send home to friends and family.

I do hope there will be a few new gals joining us. It's fun to craft with a group, and the laughs carry us through until the next get together.

This week I finished making a card for the newest member of our family. Rowan Denali Keller. My niece is a quilter, I on the other hand can't sew a button on without a problem....I tried to make Rowan's card look like a quilt. I think it turned out quiltish.... The Cuttlebug tiny dots embossing folder is what I used to create a quilt look.

I like it....yes I do! Ok....shhhhhhh the babies are sleeping. I must work awfully hard, because it seems Baxter and Sydney get tired just watching me.

I guess I should get moving.....I want to get a few more kits together, balance my checkbook, and clean house. I'm going to try pulling a bit of wool over my honey's eyes. I'm going to make spaghetti sauce the Weight Watcher way, and I'm going to use veggie protein for the "meat". I'm going to use a soy spaghetti for my pasta, but for him I'll use his normal way. If you don't hear from me.... it didn't go well!

See you next week......Have a great week!

Mary

PSB Card Class For May

2011-04-19T07:01:00.001-07:00

Can you believe it's almost May? I can't, where is the year going? Well, the girls have spoken and they want to start making one Christmas Card a month. So...we are starting with one that will take a bit of time to create, but it's worth every second spent. And....of course the card above, which has become one of my favorites. The class is Tuesday, May 3rd at 1:00 PM. at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. As always...sign up early as this class is filling quickly. Give Karen a call so she can reserve your space.

This will be a short post....My husband has painting students coming in a few hours and I need to at least get out of my jammies.....and maybe run a comb through my hair....thank goodness there are no photos of me this morning!

Have a great day. I'm looking forward to Wednesday What's On Your Workdesk....I'll be working on putting together card kits for Operation Write Home, which is next Tuesday.... We are hoping to have a few new people who have shown an interest in joining us. Carolyn has been working hard to get lots of kits together....I'd better shake my tail feathers and get a few put together.

Before I close.....I don't know if you've been watching the Eagle Cam....I've been watching daily, and stressing a few times when the owls threaten the babies. Today I went to the site and was met with a lens nearly covered with snow....can you believe it....SNOW in April! If you haven't seen the eagles....click here for the link. The parents are the best. They've weathered, rain, wind, snow and both work together to keep the little ones warm and fed.

See you tomorrow.....Mary

Mary Jane 29 and Holding

2011-04-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

I have a dear friend who thought she could quietly sneak her birthday past our group of crafters. Well Mary Jane....how'd that work for you? We had a party on the day our group met for SOS....I think she was surprised! So many of us girls are members of Weight Watchers. When I saw this stamp, I knew it would be perfect for Mary Jane....seems we are always trying to fight our way past the cake and loose a few ounces. I've got to say I didn't fight my way past the cake last week and when I got on the scale it said..."One at a time please!" OOPS! So this week, the only cake I'm playing with is paper cake! Happy Belated Birthday Mary Jane, may this year be filled with many shared laughs with friends. I went to one of my favorite blog pages and saw that the Art Impressions challenge for this week is....anything goes. I think Mary Jane's card fits the bill! Check out the other entries here. Off I go. It's time to start thinking about what's for dinner. Enjoy your week..... Hugs....Mary

There She Goes Monochromatic Card Challenge 103

2011-04-18T07:42:00.000-07:00

I LOVE monochromatic cards, so this challenge was perfect. The inspiration for this card is the ribbon. I have this ribbon in a few colors and I love it. I was organizing my ribbon and the flower was laying on my desk....I had a need to create a thank you card....and as the fairy god mother in Cinderella said...."Put them together and what do you get? Bibbity, bobbity, boo...." I got a monochromatic card in blue! Check out the TSG-103 Challenge. We are having a rainy Monday....I hope it clears long enough for our Girls Walk....it's always fun getting together to walk away the pounds with friends. Off I go for now. Have a great week. Hugs from Me to You

Brenda's Birthday

2011-04-10T20:31:00.000-07:00

Happy almost Monday.....I had a fantastic weekend, though some would argue, if you are retired all your days are weekends.....not so much. Last week my youngest planned a visit....as luck would have it....my computer planned a failure! Dan got me up and running again....THANK YOU DAN! My kids are amazing they are all such great kids. So....now that I'm done bragging.....Saturday Brenda came to play. We have a monthly play date (a phrase I learned from my grandkids....play date, doesn't that sound like playing with a purpose!) Brenda reminded me that I hadn't posted her birthday card on my blog....Really, I hadn't forgotten....I was just getting everything I'd lost back into my new set-up...Again...Thank you Dan! So....the above photo is Brenda's Birthday card....and the two cards below....well, I had so much fun making Brenda's card....I made two additional cards. This tri-fold card is really easy to make and I think quite impressive.

What's on my plate this week? Monday will begin with a walk with my wonderful walking group, followed by a day of house work. Tuesday is an all day crop/card making day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Wednesday my buddy Edy comes for a 3 day visit....I'm so excited. She will quilt and I will make cards and we will spend hours laughing. I think my husband will wish he had a fishing trip planned :-) My walking group will be taking advantage of the great weather we are having. We hope that we will be able to walk several times this week....

Well....off I go....catch you later...have a wonderful week.

Mary

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

2011-03-30T08:39:00.000-07:00

My desk doesn't look very productive today. Check out some other desks here. But as my buddy Carolyn says...it is what it is. Actually yesterday was a very productive day at PSB. It was Operation Write Home day.

I'm a bit (actually quite a bit) on the sad side this week. I talked with a long time friend on Monday and she told me she has a very rare type of thyroid cancer. Surgery is not an option. She is very positive, as she has always been. She said the doctors told her 2 weeks to 2 months, but says, they have no idea what they are talking about. We've been friends since high school which is nearly 50 years. Though we live 2 thousand miles away, we stay in touch, not as often as we should have, but never far from each others thoughts and prayers. That's what I'm begging for today. Please keep Lynette in your hearts and prayers. She's going through chemo and radiation and that alone is a hard road. She's also using holistic medicine. If anyone would like to send her a card, contact me via my email address and I'll send you her address.

Ok....so, the card on the desk is for her. And the sentiment is from Fiskars and it about says it all: Good friends are like stars....you don't always see them, but you know they're always there.

Have a great day, and maybe take a few minutes to call a friend.

Love to all,

Mary

Mojo Monday - I'm just Square

2011-03-28T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's nice being square. This card is for a special friend, and Mojo Monday's challenge is square or round. I'm not spot on for the sketch, but pretty close...does that count?

I love the Marianne Design embossing/cutting folders, which is how I made the background of this Twisted Easel card. The butterflies are also Marianne Design. Designer paper is Graphic 45, Flowers are Prima, ribbon is from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, as are the pearls .

Now, on to something odd in my neighborhood. Does anyone know what that bright orb in the sky might be? It's been sooooo long I'm not sure I know what it is.
And have a look at this.....blue sky, nothin but blue skies do I see.....
Well....out I go, lots of branches down, my house is a total mess. So busy day so I can go and play tomorrow. Operation Write Home at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Oh....speaking of PSB... she's now on Facebook....give her a look.

Until later...have a wonderful week.

Mary

Birthday Girls

2011-03-27T22:30:00.001-07:00

A nice day spending time with friends. The next two months are filled with birthdays. these cards were made for two gals celebrating together. Getting older may not be fun...but sharing the days with people we care for makes that journey wonderful. Happy Birthday Cathy and Rita.

Wishing everyone a great week. Tuesday is our Operation Write Home get together at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....I look forward to seeing everyone. Until then.....

Hugs to all,

Mary...AKA Glitter Grammy

Is It Christmas Yet?

2011-03-27T07:01:00.000-07:00

I know....don't push it, Christmas is 9 months away, but hey, can anyone start to early? I have to tell you, this card was a fun card to make. It's too big for any of my envelopes, but it would fit into a 9x12 with lots of room to spare. Or....I could make an envelope, any suggestions? Yesterday, I was on YouTube looking for instructions for the Twisted Easel card. There are several videos there. When....What to my wandering eye should appear, but a double twist card with a center so dear! Ok...that's my creative writing for the morning! From YouTube, I went directly to Kimmy's Kards blog page. This gal doesn't make anything that isn't dimensional....you gotta check her site out! And...she makes video instruction. Something I'd like to try one day, oh wait....you need a video recorder of some sort (1st item on my Christmas list).

Yesterday it was Brenda and my play day. And play we do. It started out with a phone call to her saying...it's snowing here are we still on? She's from the valley and snow isn't her thing... as it is not mine either :-) Richard told her to park in town and he'd go pick her up....she was thrilled, as was I. We had a great day of staying inside like two first grade girls with our coloring pencils, scissors and glue....So, as always....Brenda, thanks for a great day.

Today I'm on to a birthday lunch with the girls, we're celebrating two birthdays....so, Happy Birthday Rita and Cathy. I'll post their cards tomorrow.

Until then.....have a most wonderful Sunday. It actually looks like we might have a day with little or no rain. It seems like it's been forever since our last day of sunshine.

Hugs to all,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

I won....YaaHoo!

2011-03-25T11:56:00.000-07:00

I won....YaaaaHoo. Check out the wonderful blog page and visit the others who participated.....Lots of great entries! Thanks Art Impressions! Check it out here.

Friday, March 25, 2011

This Weeks Winner...

Hey Y'all... This weeks winner is

Mary... AKA Glitter Grammy!!!

CONGRATULATIONS... be sure to contact me atcamelot4101@aol.com.

Thank you all so much for playing along and making this week a RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES!!!

I don't have anything creative today as my 6 year old was in the ER 2 nights ago with a horrible stomach virus AND we had Out Of Town company...AND my hubby was home...YIKES!!!

So now that everything is back to normal... I PROMISE to have something creative next Friday!

Please remember for next weeks challenge... have those entries in by Midnight Wednesday and I will announce the winner with the announcement of the new challenge... and PLEASE become a follower of this blog! It warms my heart to see the number jump up (and it makes the bosses happy too!)

Is It Wednesday Already?

2011-03-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

Shhhhhh be very quiet....everyone is still asleep! I'm almost ashamed to show my desk this morning....very, very messy....but very, very productive. This week is birthday week that's for sure. I've made 6 birthday cards this week. and I've hidden the ones that will be delivered this week. Check out the other desks....I'm always happily browsing here and I hope you check out some of the fantastic bloggers.

Oh.....great news....Paradise Scrapbook Boutique is now on Facebook. If you "like" you could be lucky enough to win. Check it out..... her blog page is: here.

I'm off for now.....lots to do today. Have a most wonderful week.

Hugs to all,

Mary - AKA Glitter Grammy

Art Impressions Challenge

2011-03-19T07:43:00.000-07:00

This is a first for me. I've loved Art Impressions Stamps forever, and I've been collecting front and back stamps for years. I'm very fond of the Golden Oldies...hmmmmI wonder why! Party Group is one of my very favorites. Cliff has the same look on his face as I see on my sweet honey! Check out the others here who are playing along this week.

For this card I used Art Impressions Stamp - Party Group, Martha Stewart Bubble border, Spellbinder tags, Paper Shapers, Tombow markers, Tim Holtz Distress Inks, Just Glitter Glitter Pen, Strathmore 140 lb cold press paper, Ribbon from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and from my stash....and sentiment stamp from my stash.

I'm off for a day a day of play at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.... I see a beautiful album, created by Rachel in my future.....

Have a great weekend....can you believe we have snow? I hope it's gone by noon...no...by 9:00!

Hugs to all,

Mary...AKA Glitter Grammy

Christmas Cards All Year Long Challenge for March and Bah Humbug Christmas Challenge.

2011-03-18T11:48:00.000-07:00

I did it...can you believe it? I am sooooo excited. It's March and I've got a good start on making my Christmas cards. I entered the Christmas Cards All Year Long Challenge and these are my 5 cards.

Here's my first card. Originally I made one for MojoMonday challenge. Then I realized my card could also be used for CCAYL challenge. (5 cards - 3 papers and 3 brads)
The next day, I was on a roll....I made 2 cards. Check my previous blog pages to see the difference between the two cards. I like the card on the right best, but both cards are keepers.
On day 3, I made this one. I wanted to make this one a bit different. I love using the border punches and the dies. So, this is card #4.
This morning, I decided to finish and here is card #5. All of the papers are from BoBunny. All stamps are Clear Stamps. For additional info...check my previous blog postings.

I'm looking forward to see what next month's Christmas Cards All Year Long Challenge will be and I'm looking forward to see what everyone has made.

My goodness, I've found another challenge that my little cards qualify for... http://bah-humbug-christmas.blogspot.com/ Check it out. Lots of very talented people there.

Friends Are Flowers

2011-03-16T12:22:00.000-07:00

Update on pins....Carolyn sent this photo of the pins in her collection of 70's metal pins. Aren't they beautiful! Let's hope that all of these will be new again.....and now....you have the rest of the story! Thanks Carolyn for sharing them with all of us.

I was visiting my buddy Carolyn earlier in the week. She is as crazy about her stash of craft supplies as I am. She had something in her hand and a twinkle in both eyes! Here's why: Last month, while drooling over Karen's newest offerings, we purchased some metal flowers by Sassafras and I could see the wheels turning in Carolyn's little head. At that time I didn't know why. Now I know the rest of the story.

According to Carolyn, in the 70's she bought several pins, (in many colors I might add) I'm hoping to have her send me a photo of the pins so I can show you later what they look like. So check back to this link and maybe you'll get to see all of them. Anyway, we both agree....what was once old is new again. Without going to Sassafras or Karen's site....which of the above flowers is old and which is new?

This card was an easy one, and I think the sentiment says it all: "In the garden of life, friends are the flowers in bloom" Thank you Carolyn....I'm loving your flower....

Now that I've created a Spring card....I need to get back to Christmas....

Have a great week,

Mary

WOYWW-93 - It must be Wednesday

2011-03-16T07:57:00.000-07:00

I took this photo even before pouring coffee...now that's dedication. Notice there are no photos of me taking the photo. I don't want to frighten anyone. This is what my desk looked like when I went to bed on Tuesday night and nothing has changed. I know it doesn't look too productive this morning, but it will be. So here it is for WOYWW-93. I've had a busy week creating Christmas cards....I know, it's 9 months from now, but my goal is 1 a week. I'm behind, but trying to catch up. Check my previous days and you'll see what I've created this week.

We've had some storm damage an my husband has been busy taking out some badly damaged trees and cleaning up branches from others. Yesterday while out looking at his work, I came across this... and decided to run inside and get the camera. See anything?
Keep looking.....

Our neighbor's cat was playing lion. She has been hiding in the branches for the past few days. She is hiding from the birds....the word is out though....all the birds stay far enough away to not be caught by the hiding "lion". I think she's a bit put off that I found her.

My dogs decided to sleep in this morning....I guess I should get busy before Sydney gets up and needs to play ball.

Have a productive week....see you next Wednesday.

Mary

Mojo Monday - Week 182

2011-03-15T11:46:00.000-07:00

I am taking advantage of the rainy Northern California Days. I really like this week's Mojo Monday Challenge. If you've been reading my blogs, you will know that it is my goal to make 1 Christmas card a week...in hopes of actually having 52 handmade cards by Christmas. Well....this weeks Mojo Challenge is helping me stay on track...Along with the Christmas Cards All Year Round challenge. I'm two cards away from listing them on that challenge and I now have a total of 5 Christmas Cards made. Waaaahoo! I used the same card stock and DP for these two cards and on the inside I used Clear Stamps for the sentiment. The big change today is that I am using a graphic from a disc I've had for years. I am using the same graphic, but printing them on two different papers. The card on the left was printed on 110# white matte card stock. The graphic on the right was printed on Office Depot glossy photo paper...which by the way is one of my favorite photo papers. I didn't think I'd like the photo paper, but I really do. The image is very crisp looking. I think the matte card stock looks more vintage, but I do like the photo paper image. I guess it will just be a matter of taste. Below photo....is printed on the matte card stock.
The graphic on the below card was printed on the glossy photo paper. So....what do you think?
This is it for today. I need to really get busy and get some house work done. I make quite a mess when I'm creating....If I clean today....maybe I can play tomorrow.

Have a great day...Please check out my other Christmas cards and tonight I'm going to blog hop and see what everyone has been up to.

Hugs,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Mojo Monday - Week 182 and Christmas Cards All Year Round

2011-03-14T11:38:00.002-07:00

It's Monday and that means - Mojo Monday Challenge. I'm still hot on the trail of catching up to doing one Christmas card a week....So, I am working on another challenge which is: Christmas Cards All Year Round.

I'm very happy with this card. I love vintage and you gotta love this Vintage Santa from Clear Stamps. I used my Spellbinder dies (what else is new?), Cuttlebug embossing folder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, and from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, the Card stock, ribbon, and BEAUTIFUL vintage embossed bell embellishment, along with the tiny gold brads. (If she has it in stock...she'll ship it...hint!)

That about tells the story....now I'm off for my walk and then I'm back to make two more cards for the Christmas Cards All Year Round challenge. Whew....busy day...but a fun one.

Enjoy your Monday and see you soon....

Mary

Spellbinder and Gina K

2011-03-13T21:00:00.000-07:00

One of my emails today brought me to a Gina K - Thank You Blog Hop - the projects shown combined Gina K Stamps and Spellbinder dies. You might want to check out the projects... they are inspiring. Since Christmas, I've had the Spellbinder Ornament and coordinating stamp set by Gina K Designs. Today was the perfect time to play with them. I'm trying to make a Christmas card a week (note...I am a bit behind...like about 10!)

I stamped the Heirloom Ornament on an off-white card stock with Tim Holtz Vintage Photo. using my stamp positioner I stamped again using VersaMark Dazzle - Frost and heated the image after applying clear embossing powder. After die cutting with the Spellbinder Ornament die, I kept the die in place and sponged the Vintage Photo ink over the image. The card stock and designer papers are scraps that were left after playing along with the last Mojo Monday Challenge. Off I go....2 cards down and 50 more to go!

Have a great week....

Mary

Wednesday and you know what that means! And My Cards for April's Class

2011-03-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's Wednesday and it's time to blog along with What's On Your Workdesk? Wednesday 92?So, here's what my workdesk looks like early in the morning. I was working on my card class for April at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. Finished project shown below. I thought today I'd give you a little look into my world. The desk above is in my family room. I do a lot of work at night when my honey is watching TV. Since spending time with him is important, and so is creating...I can do both and he's really good at putting up with my paper mess.
I rarely show my real craft room. Mostly because it usually is a real hot mess. I spent Saturday cleaning it, though when Richard came in to check on me, he said...and this is clean? I guess when you try to put 1,000 pounds of craft supplies into a 100 pound bag, it's hard to notice when it's clean. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Believe it or not...and if you are a crafter you will believe....I know where everything is!
Here's another view.
...and another into the mirror.
Here's my helper. If I don't throw the tennis ball, she lets me know that I'm falling down on the job. Note...there is always at least one tennis ball on my desk.
And here are the cards I'm offering on April 5th. If you want more info, contact me or Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. (above link).
Last month I was a bit hard on the girls. They had lots of cutting to do. This month they are getting off easy. I've done most of the cutting....note I said MOST!
After a hard morning of begging, chasing the ball and "helping" it's nap time! And I'm off to see what kind of trouble I can get into.

Have a wonderful Wednesday. I'm off to check out other people's Workdesk.....

Later,

Mary

Another Card for Mojo Monday 181 Challenge and Christmas Stampin All Year Round

2011-03-08T18:10:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, today was SOS at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. It was great visiting with friends and Carolyn was missed.....Get Well Soon!

I think I packed everything in my room and I did plan on finishing two albums....however, right before leaving, I looked at my Mojo Monday 181 Challenge card and decided that I would use the sketch to make a Christmas card. One of my goals is to make one a week, so that when Christmas arrives, I'll be ready. Truth is....I'm about 9 behind....So....without spending too much time bending your eyes :-)....I will close by saying. This card was fun to make and more fun to share the day with some really sweet ladies.

I was checking my email this morning and wandered over to Patti's blog and found another challenge.... Christmas Stampin All Year Long. Let your fingers do the walkin...and check out both blogs. If you've the time....leave a comment. We all love hearing from our cyber friends.

Hope to see you all tomorrow....after all...it's Wednesday!

Hugs to all,

Mary

Mojo Monday - Week 181

2011-03-07T19:12:00.000-08:00

I saw this challenge this morning and saw that my cyber friend Patti was already showing her card and a nice one it is too! I swear the woman never sleeps! I was about to leave to walk with friends, so I decided it'd wait for me...so out the door I went and it was a great walk with Barbara and Jill. 3.5 miles fly by when your walking with friends. After the walk a quick visit with Carolyn...she's recovering from a nasty cold...then it was home to some housework and FINALLY I started working on the Mojo Monday Challenge-181

Tomorrow its SOS day, a fun day spent with crafters at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I'll be back with Work Desk Wednesday challenge and, if I get my room tidy before then, I'll show you the whole room, not just the desk. Don't hold your breath though....remember, I just finished making another card and that always means another mess. Off I go to pack for tomorrow...

Until Wednesday....have a fantastic week.

Hugs to all,

Mary

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday? 90

2011-02-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

It seems that lately, the only posts I'm doing are on Wednesday. I am honestly working hard through out the week :-) My finished card....and what my workdesk looked like on Tuesday night and this morning. Playing along with this blog challenge is not only fun, but productive. So, how about joining in: What's on Your Workdesk Wednesday? 90

Madelaine, one of my husband's original and favorite painting students passed away earlier in the month. She was a great friend to all and will be missed by all of us. Her memorial service is Saturday. I've been thinking about the perfect card for her, and yesterday while creating cards for Operation Write Home, I designed this card. Madelaine was a seamstress, an artist, she created the most beautiful paintings, and formals for Rainbow Girls. She was a wonderful mom, wife and friend. She will always be missed, but never forgotten.

Tuesday night, after coming home from a birthday party, my honey and the two doggies went to bed. I, on the other hand am finding it difficult to get to sleep before mid-night...so, I got busy on my card. I've got to say, my desk looked pretty organized. Mostly because I came home from a day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and I unpacked the items I'd need for this card onto my workdesk in the family room and I began working.
Here's a close up of some of the items I used. Missing from the photo are the Spellbinder Beaded Circle dies. I love them. With four great sizes, I can use them on many projects. Check out the ribbon. I purchased it from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. She stocks the most beautiful ribbons and they are always economically priced. If you want to know about the ribbon, contact her...tell her I sent you... I don't know what the price will be with shipping, but I'm sure she can tell you. Supplies of this ribbon are limited, if you want some...better hurry. The ribbon, card stock and flower were all purchased from Karen at PSB.

So, what else did I use to make this card. Crafts U Love, carry a line of die cut and embossing
folders by Marianne Design. I love them! The one I used is DS0907. What you don't see is the inside of the card where I used DS0908. Both are beautiful. The bottom border was cut using my Martha Stewart punch - eyelet lace.

Since I have my work area set up in the family room, and since I already have all the supplies out, I think I will spend my day (or a good part of it) creating more cards like this one. Enjoy your day. We're expecting more snow and rain....I think this may be a great weekend to play in my room.

Hugs to all,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Birthday Boy

2011-02-20T20:36:00.000-08:00

A little history on this card. My honey and I have a birthday party to go to, and pretty much everyone knows how I hate making cards for men and boys....well guess what, it's a boy and he is one that always teases both of us. (I'm being vague because it's a surprise party...so... shhhh.

When I finished the card, I looked at my work space and thought about the tennis ball on my desk. I have to tell you, when I'm making cards, my Doxie is always bringing me balls to throw. Ya, I know, you shouldn't throw balls in the house, but I have to, or I'll never get a card made. So, I normally have anywhere from 1 to 6 balls scattered across the workspace. Here's the little out fielder.

and this is after a busy day of card making and ball playing.....

This card was inspired by Julia. It's a just do it, because it's fun. And because I had need for a card, it was fun to think about the receiver (still secretive) while I made it. I doubt he ever checks my blog page, but just in case! Check out Julia's blog and please leave a comment for her. We all like to know someone out there is looking :-)

Have a great week,

Mary

It's Snowing in Northern California

2011-02-17T07:46:00.001-08:00

Brrrrr.....My dogs are loving the snow.....I on the other hand, think it's beautiful, but it can stop now!

My Mid-West children will think this is a dusting....Somebody get out the dust mop!

Our little wind mill is working overtime lately.... Well, I'm off to Weight Watchers. My buddy is driving...she's much more brave.

Have a warm week in your world!

xoxoxo

Mary

Is It Wednesday Already?

2011-02-16T19:46:00.001-08:00

I can't believe it's 8:00 PM already. Goodness, where did the day go? It started at 8:30 AM at the doctor's office. Just a check in to see that my cholesterol and BP is coming down and both are within acceptable range. I am happy to say....All is well in this old gals body...

So here it is...my work space for today. Check out my cyber friend's work desks HERE

I've been working on my grand daughter's birthday card and envelope. I finished the card on Saturday (see post) and was waiting for my order from ClearBags to arrive. I love the clear boxes decorated with a band. My order arrived today and I stopped everything to finish Bridget's card and envelope, hoping to finish before the post office closed. I made it...

I'm almost done putting my taxes together...I guess I should get back to it. I just looked out the window....it's snowing...I live in California....I don't want snow! I hope this isn't a repeat of 1989 when we got 3 feet...and guess what...it was President's Day Weekend.

Have a great week...see you all next Wednesday.

Hugs,

Mary

Can You Guess My Granddaughter's Favorite Color?

2011-02-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

Perhaps this isn't the standard 4 year old's birthday card, I can only tell you this isn't the average 4 year old. Excuse me, almost 5 year old. Her favorite color is pink. I think I have that covered.
She loves flowers, and ribbons and anything shiny (hmmmm wonder where she gets that? I wanted to make a card that stands up, so she can keep it on her dresser. Though we are separated by thousand's of miles, I want her to know I always am thinking of her and sending love and butterfly kisses. Her birthday isn't until March, I wanted to make sure her card would be finished and mailed in plenty of time. She's my little crafter....can you guess what her gift will be....

All card stock is from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. As were the flowers, ribbon and crystal pick. Greenery punch is Martha Stewart. The patterned DP is from Three Bugs In A Rug - April Showers Collection. I've got to tell you...it's a large collection of double sided DP and the backs are as beautiful as the fronts....I hope you'll check them out...

Today was a play day with Brenda. It's always fun, and sometimes we spend more time talking and less time creating....today, it was about equal. Thanks Brenda for a fun day.

I hope tomorrow will be a wonderful day for all. May the sun shine warm upon your face.

Hugs to all,
Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Guess What Today Is....Hint....Wednesday

2011-02-09T10:09:00.001-08:00

Good Morning....well, it's Wednesday and that means....It's time to show the world what your work desk looks like....Check out those who are playing along this week. I thought I'd start by showing one of the results.....
Then I'd move right into the desk. Now....this below photo is where I moved because my craft room somehow turned into a dumping ground...So, below is where I moved to make the above card.

And this is why I moved.....

In fairness to me....I have been busy this week, I taught a class on Tuesday of last week, and between then and now, I've been in creating mode for my March class, as well as yesterday I spent the day with friends playing at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, the second Tuesday is our SOS day where we take whatever we want to work on and spend the day with friends exchanging ideas, sharing our toys and laughing.

When I came home, I found the nice mailman had delivered my order from Crafts U Love. Well I couldn't get started soon enough playing with the new embossing/cutting folders. Let me tell you, they are amazing! So, today it's the day to clean my craft room, which is where I am headed next.

Until later....have a most wonderful week, to all my friends in the mid-west and east....hang in there, spring is bound to come soon....

Hugs to all,

Mary

AKA: Glitter Grammy

Easter Card Class

2011-02-07T15:17:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to get organized and have my card class cards done well in advance. Sooooo for my March 1st class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique...these are the two cards I'll be sharing with everyone. FYI....my classes have been changed to the first Tuesday of the month. So...for March it will be: March 1, from 1:00 PM to 3:00PM. Remember to give Karen a call

and she'll add you to the class list. Do you remember the little bunny search I did last month. Well, no one knew him, but everyone agreed...he is the cutest bunny ever. I'll be adding this graphic to my second card. The question remains....if you know him and who created him, PLEASE let me know. I'd love to give credit to the artist.

I hope you like the cards and I hope to see you in class.

I found this great blog page, one that is fun to play along with. I'll tell you what you need to do to play along. Take a photo of what your desk looks like on Wednesday.... easy yes? Check it out here. If you look at a past blog post, you'll see I got lucky and my desk wasn't too bad...however, I've gotta tell you, while creating these two cards it was pretty messy, actually really, really messy. I'm going to try to play along this week, I hope to see some of your work spaces too.

Tomorrow is SOS day, hope to see some of you there. Until then..... Have a WONDERFUL Week.

What's On Your Desk

2011-01-26T12:55:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Have you ever played along with Stamping Ground - What's on your workdesk? This is a first for me. I apologize ahead of time...it's a bit of a mess. I was going to de-clutter before posting the photo, but how true would that have been. So, here's what I'm working on and as my friend, Carolyn would say....it is what it is....

I'm trying to work on Easter cards for my March class. I'm also trying to put together a Valentine for my honey....(I think since I told him I gave him the same card 2 years in a row, he might remember last year's card)...so, this year I'm trying to come up with something very different and I'm using a little scare crow girl...Or at least I'm trying to. If it works out...I'll share it. If not...he may get the same card again this year.... :-0

Tonight is Karen's card class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....so you know where I'll be!

Off I go for now....Later!

Do You Know This Rabbit?

2011-01-24T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hello and happy almost Tuesday....today I created an Easter Card....ok, Easter is a bit away, but heck you can never start too early. So....here's my problem. Somehow I came across this graphic. I love it. I'd like to use the graphic on my Easter cards, but I don't want to use it if the artist objects. Does anyone out there know who the artist is? And....How to contact her/him?

For this card I used my Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, and my Martha Score board. Tim Holtz inks and Stampin Up Sentiment. Cardstock, flowers and ribbon were all purchased from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

Again....I'd appreciate if anyone knows the artist of this very sweet rabbit.

Have a great week....

Pals Paper Arts 77 Sketch Challenge

2011-01-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

This was a great challenge. I'd been waiting all day for the time I could finally sit down and play along with this week's Pals Paper Arts 77 Sketch Challenge. I really liked the layout and thought it would be a perfect place to use my new Graphic45 - Once Upon a Springtime DP. Below is my second attempt.
I'm very happy with this second attempt. I did like my first effort, but it was very flat looking. While I was sleeping (where I get many ideas), I thought about using a Cuttlebug Embossing folder to emboss the base of the card....The folder I used is actually a Christmas design, but since the design is so small, I don't think it's really recognized as Christmas (ok...so now that I told everyone it will be!) Of course I used a Spellbinder die. I'm beginning to think I couldn't make a card without at least one of them!

The ribbon is paper ribbon by BasicGrey. I think it's beautiful, however it didn't show up the way I wanted it to. For the second card....I framed it in the same brown card stock I used to frame the layers. What a difference. I am very pleased with the finished card. The first card I made was pretty, but the second card....I LOVE IT! The card stock, ribbon and DP were all purchased from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....gotta say....Karen always stocks the best supplies and she's local, which is PERFECT for my addiction to paper!

Ok....so here is the layout I followed....I think I was really close on this one! Off I go, for now at least....Tomorrow it's a play day with Brenda and I need to think about what toys I want to play with. Have a great day and a WONDERFUL weekend.

Thank You

2011-01-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Vacation is over and now it's time to thank those that opened their homes while we were away. I went to to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique to visit the gals and while there saw an album they were working on. I fell in love with the card stock used and thought this would be perfect for the cards I wanted to make. The card stock is from BasicGrey the Curio collection. One of my new Spellbinder dies , a Martha Stewart border punch, flower from my stash, Stampin-Up sentiment and a very pretty brad for the center of the flower....also from BasicGrey and perfect with the card stock used.

I loved every minute of spending time with my grandkids and my kids, but there is something very wonderful about getting back to normal and that includes making cards with and for friends.

Tomorrow is going to be spent with friends at PSB....I ALWAYS look forward to the laughs and creations that come from time spent together.

February Card Class - Blue Plaid Birthday Card

2011-01-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

Here's the second card for my February card class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. This card was fun to create....I used many of my punches and one of my newest dies. So, here's what I used: Blue, red and white card stock, The patterned DP is The Girls Paperie - On Holiday. The rubber stamp sentiments are Clear Stamps. The die is Tim Holtz Paper Rosette. I used 2 McGill punches - 3 inch File Tab and Multi Tags. Ek Success is the cupcake border and I used two star punches, and charcoal chalk by Colorbox. So....if you are taking the class and you want to bring your supplies....you now know what they are. Again....class begins at 1:00 and goes to 3:00 on February 1. Be sure to sign up for the class with Karen. The classes have been filling up quickly so sign up soon.

Off I go for now.....it's time to clean up one mess and start another one :-)

Happy Crafting....

Hello....It's soooo good to be back

2011-01-16T22:34:00.000-08:00

Christmas holiday and the great two weeks that followed were wonderful. I soooo much enjoyed my grandkids, kids and their partners. Family is the BEST.....Now it's time to get back to crafting. One of the cards I'll be teaching at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique (February 1 - 1:00 to 3:00 PM)

My Valentine card turned out much to my liking....I love the colors red/white and black and this card has all three. Of course the Spellbinder heart die is used, along with Sizzix Flowers 3D, Cuttlebug embossing folder, and you can't see it, but Martha's lattice heart border is on the inside. Add paper doilies, some glitter and bling and you've got my Valentine's Day card.

I just checked out the Mojo Monday Challenge 174. I think this card comes pretty close to the layout. The parts are all there, they are just in a bit of different order or shape. Love the Mojo Monday Challenges.....

Tomorrow I'll post the second card for the February Class. Until tomorrow.....have a great week!

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T07:43:00.001-08:00

I want to wish everyone a very Happy New Year, may it be filled with dreams come true....One of my dreams was to craft with my grand daughter. The first day of her visit we worked very hard to create this beautiful crown. She is very proud...

She also created lovely collars for our dogs. Don't they look happy? Ok....maybe just a little!

We're leaving San Francisco tomorrow, headed toward Disneyland...yet another dream coming true to visit the magic kingdom with my grandkids.

Happy New Year from San Francisco! I'm excited to see what everyone creates in 2011!

Our Christmas Album Class

2010-12-14T08:33:00.000-08:00

What a great day we had. Below is a photo of the finished pages..... Before I go on, I'd like to thank Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for everything she's done to keep our creative juices flowing. She's always there for us with help and suggestions. She stocks the best of the best and every day new eye candy is added. Keep an eye on my blog for updates on her move (not until August, but it's coming....) As you will see in the photos below....she's outgrown her crop room..... A quiet moment in the crop room....but not for long!

Everyone arrived on time and here we are getting ready to begin....

Meeting new people. Girls from Redding made the trip to Paradise for the day.

Karen being very strict....holding a ruler over Barbara's head...... Barbara didn't look worried!

Karen explaining one of the pages.

Here I am with Diane.... see her Bind-It-All.....this class took the fear of using it away.

I'm sure Karen would agree, putting all the kits together took many hours, but the smiles on the faces of everyone and the beautiful finished albums made it all worth it. Great job ladies......

I will be absent from the blog world for awhile. Getting ready for Christmas, a trip to San Francisco and Disneyland, will take me into January. But before I go, I want to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and A MOST HAPPY NEW YEAR! I look forward to 2011 and a new year of crafting with friends.

Love to All...... Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Bind It All Christmas Album

2010-11-27T09:06:00.000-08:00

Good morning.....The photo is a sneak peek at a Bind It All Class that Karen and I will be co-teaching on December 11th. Check here for more information I'll give you a hint....if you love Pinkpaislee DP as much as I do....you'll love this album. For those of you who don't know.... Karen's eye for embellishing pages is fantabulous and she didn't let us down on this project. Stop by Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for a look at the finished project. It's Beautiful! Sign up early, space is limited and when I checked the class is filling up quickly. Check out Karen's website....there is a special on Bind It All's....and it's a great opportunity to save money while getting a tool that you'll use over and over. Off I go for now. It's cooking and freezing day! And it's a great day for it. It's been raining/snowing all morning.

Santa - PPA70 Sketch Challenge

2010-11-26T10:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Day After Thanksgiving...Black Friday for those of you who braved the weather and the crowds. And now....It's count down to Christmas!

Paper Pal Arts Sketch Challenge was quite the challenge for me. I am happy with how this card turned out. This is a stand up card, the front measures 5 1/2 x 5 1/2. I used Pink Paislee - Father Christmas DP for all but the solid base. I used both the 6x6 sheets and the 12x12 sheets. My squares were cut using the Creative Memories punch in 1 1/4 and 1 1/2 inches. I used a one inch circle punch to punch out the small Santas and Spellbinders were use for the large Santa and all other die embellishments. I used Quiet Fire Rubber Stamps for the sentiment. The gold Santa and Christmas bells were purchased from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, as were all the Designer Papers and the Spellbinder dies. Thanks Karen for always having beautiful papers and great products.

Check out Paper Pal Arts blog page....there's still time to play. Posting your creation is very easy.

I had to include this photo of the gold embellishments. I absolutely LOVE them. Off I go, I should be cleaning my living room and getting it ready for the Christmas tree....I think I shall move on to that project.

I Won

2010-11-22T08:28:00.000-08:00

Wow, I won....I'm so happy.....and to have won Happy Tilda....what a win! I want to thank Bev at All The Things I Love for posting the chance to win and Heidi at Simon Says Stamp for offering such a wonderful prize. I'm excited to make a card using "Happy Tilda" and I will, but it may not be until after the holidays. At present, I'm (as most of the world knows by now) getting ready for grand kids and a great 3 weeks with all of them. Little Tilda is expressing how I feel now.....Very, Very Happy! Again.....Bev and Heidi.....THANK YOU!

Waiting For Santa

2010-11-14T18:49:00.000-08:00

I'm getting really, really excited about Christmas. For those of you who follow my blog page...you already know! It's one month and 6 days and the first group will arrive from Australia. My grandson was here 5 years ago, my granddaughter hasn't yet made the long trip. We've been talking on Skype about Santa and I told her I have "magic" glitter that glows in the dark and on Christmas Eve we will spread it on the lawn so Santa can find her. I'm sending a sleigh I cut using my Spellbinder die and it is now covered with the "magic" glitter. I'm mailing the sleigh so she can put it under light and at night when she turns off the light, the sleigh will show her how special the glitter will be. My card will accompany the sleigh.

Now about the card......I'm taking a water color background class from Kim Teasdale, through My Creative Classroom. Our assignment for this week was to create clouds. This was a fun card to make. Thanks to Kim the background was much easier than I thought it would be. I stamped the trees, embossed them with clear embossing powder, stamped the moon and embossed it the same way. Using a cloud template (Kim's from class) and Vivid sky blue ink the sky was made! I stamped Santa and the reindeer onto water color paper, colored and cut it out. The patterned DP is from Pink Paislee - Daydream. The sentiment was created using my computer. All DP and card stock was purchased through Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

I highly recommend My Creative Classroom as a great source for on-line craft classes. This is the second class I've taken from Kim. Her classes are well planned, the video portions are easy to follow. She supplies her students with print material and I've referred often to the material from her first class.

Last year I enrolled in Nan Paturzo's Bind-It-All Class. Another winner! I'm no longer afraid of the Bind-It-All and I use it often. Speaking of Bind-It-All.....Karen and I have joined forces to teach a Bind-It-All class. The album is beautiful....Karen has a way of turning paper into a master piece. Check out Karen's blog page to see the album. If she doesn't have photos up now, she will very soon.

Mojo Monday 164

2010-11-10T19:57:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Wednesday Evening. I've been busy today working on my card classes for the next three months. In between, I worked on a card for Mojo Monday Challenge 164. I need a card for a very special person's birthday. I like the MMC layout....so, this card is for her. (Note: I can't say who "her" is....cause it's a surprise!)

After finishing the layout, I noticed I was missing something....well not really missing, but mine is not a square, it's a circle. Is that poetic license? The DP is from Creative Imaginations and Fancy Pants Designs. Of course I used Spellbinder and BossKut dies. Ribbon, pearls, DP, chalks are all from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. This was a fun layout....Well on to my craft room to clean up my mess. Is everyone as messy as I am?

He's Such A Good Boy

2010-11-08T07:19:00.000-08:00

Good Morning....this post has absolutely nothing to do with crafting...ok, maybe a little! Let me give you a bit of a back story....I am most creative in the early morning, and I'm a TV junky. I also love talk radio (which has nothing to do with this....but now you know!) The Today Show is my very favorite morning news/info/ entertainment show. Having watched the Today Show for years, my husband and I noticed a man who is in the crowd daily. We also noticed nearly every day he is wearing something different. We began looking for him and we began wondering about him. One day Merideth called him by name, Lenny.... it was so good to put a name to him. As time passes, Lenny is talked to or referred to more often.

Now...to the title..."He's Such A Good Boy".... my son is looking for work in New York, as well as visiting with friends. He's leaving to come home tomorrow and I asked him to go to the Today Show and tell Lenny how we enjoy looking for him in the crowd. While watching the Today Show, I took a photo of Lenny and emailed it to Dan. See, he's such a good boy....getting up early, braving the cold to get a photo and a chat with Lenny! Thanks Dan!

Long story short.....above are the photos Dan sent me of his meeting with Lenny..... and here's part of the email he sent me: Good morning mom, this morning I met up with Lenny. He is quite an institution here, apparently, with the staff of the show talking with him, including the hosts - as Meredith came out and she hugged him. Tourists/crowd/fans were coming up to him having their pictures taken with him. He was actually being interviewed by a reporter during the first hour of standing in the crowd. Now you all know Lenny too!

Dan went on to say he saw Russell Crowe as Russell was walking down the street. No photo of that though....Russell came and went in a flash....so the camera wasn't ready!

Today will be a fun day. Shopping for ornaments for the Ornament Exchange during the December crop and Holiday party.....fun, fun, fun! Tomorrow it is SOS day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....hope to see you there!

Later today I'll post some photos of a "men's birthday card". I have lots of them to make this month.

Christmas Bells and My Creative Classroom

2010-11-04T14:44:00.000-07:00

Two posts in one day....I'm on a roll...

I'm taking a sponged background class through My Creative Classroom the instructor for this class is Kim Teasdale check out both the links. Previous to this class, I've taken classes from Kim. she is one of my favorite instructors. She prepares well for each class, gives great instruction and both her video instruction and written instructions are easy to follow. I refer back to her written instruction often. I'm a great fan of Tombow markers....she's a Tombow Marker Pro! This card was made using Lesson 1. A sweet little card...and one more Christmas card made.....yippee! I've enjoyed every class I've taken through My Creative Classroom. I've met great people, and the instructors are always ready to answer questions....If you're looking for a good way to pass the wet and cold winter days....give it a try.

What's Black-White and Red?

2010-11-04T13:46:00.000-07:00

Here's a quick post. I made this card for my newest daughter-in-law. I like the combination of black and white and love to add bits of red. The sentiment was done on my computer. The butterflies and the borders are Martha Stewart, the card stock and bling were purchased at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I don't make this shape of card very often, I guess I'm always trying new things and don't get back to the old standards. I do like how it turned out.

With Sympathy

2010-11-03T15:53:00.001-07:00

No one ever wants to make sympathy cards, however, as sure as there is birth, there is also death. This week Tracy's dad passed away suddenly. I work through sadness by making cards, during the process, I have time to reflect on how precious life is and how suddenly life changes. I also use the time to send thoughts and prayers to the family. So, Tracy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, may the sadness you feel now, be replaced with happy memories of time you shared with your dad.

November Card Class

2010-11-03T10:47:00.001-07:00

OMG....where has the year gone....in 46 days my grand kids, daughter-in-law and son from Australia arrive... I can hardly wait! Not too long after that, it's Christmas. Am I ready? No... My class in November will offer two more Christmas/Winter/Holiday Season cards. My goal for the classes has been to keep the cards flat to keep the postage down. If you took my October class you have 5 cards made and this class will move you closer to your goal for handmade Christmas cards. I hope to see you in class. Remember to contact Paradise Scrapbook Boutique to secure your place. The class fills quickly, so don't wait! Again, there will be no kits offered for this class. Class will begin at 1:00 PM on Tuesday - November 16th.

For those new to card making, you will learn to heat and dry emboss. You'll become familiar with the Sizzix Big Shot, Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Martha Stewart border punch and you'll be introduced to my new favorite stamp company Quiet Fire. Their Sentiments are beautifully created, they are already cut and ready for stamping. The quality is very high. Did I tell you.....I love them....

Off I go for now....more to come. Have a super day

Mary (AKA: Glitter Grammy)

Mini Fold Calendar

2010-10-31T21:20:00.000-07:00

I've been busy this weekend. I'll be posting everything within the next day or two, I wanted to show this Mini Fold Calendar first. I was blog hopping and found a Mini Fold Album that was posted by Lisa Johnson. I loved what she'd done, and I had to try it. Lisa's direction are great and easy to follow. I wanted to create a calendar, rather than an album. I used Creative Imaginations DP, the calendar pages were created in Print Shop, using the yearly calendar format. Martha Stewart border punches and Spellbinder dies were used to create the borders and paper embellishments. Pearls were added for even more pizazz. What a great little stocking stuffer or exchange gift. This was a fun project... thanks Lisa for sharing it.