Merry Christmas One and All

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

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?

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!

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

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

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?

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

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

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!

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

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

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.

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!

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

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....

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