I almost forgot! Card Class January 8th 2014

I don't know what I was thinking, oh, ya, I wasn't thinking.  Here are the cards I'll be teaching at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique on January 8th at 1:00 PM  I'm not sure how many people have signed up, so, call Karen if you want your space saved. 

This boys birthday card has a surprise on the inside...so come on and learn how it's done. 

And we can't forget the girls.  I love this daisy paper and trust me I have been hoarding it for some time.  It's just too pretty to keep hidden, this is my year to share! 

I hope to see you in class.  If you want to see the cards, they are on display at PSB!

Happy New Year,  Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy New Year Everyone

Sending wishes for a Most Happy New Year!  I hope 2013 had many Happy Memories and that you, like I am looking toward 2014.  I've had many wonderful moments, which created unforgettable lovely memories with my paper crafting friends.

Debby challenged us to find 5 of our favorite Non-Christmas cards of 2013.  I thought, boy that will be easy.  Well, it wasn't.  Thank you Debby for sending me back for another look.  How about checking out Debby's most beautiful cards.  And when I say beautiful, I mean BEAUTIFUL!  Check out Debby's Scrapjourney.

And when you're done....How about joining in and posting your favorite cards!

So here are mine....

This card is a favorite but also one that was difficult to make.  Not because it was a challenge, but because the paper I used was given to me by my son.  He taught English in Japan and gifted me with lovely papers.  This card was made with a portion of one of the lovely sheets. The gold cord knot was one of the challenges I gave myself this year.  Lots of tries before I got it right.

I love white on white and inside the little window you will find a sweets shop with a wonderful chocolate cake....this card was fun to make.  Extending the brick wall was the challenge on this one!

I must admit, this card was a CASE'd card.  I wish I could remember from where it came.  The challenge on this card is getting the card stock out of the die.  I think this die is the most beautiful and most difficult die I own!  I love this card....

So to punish myself....I did it again.  The Asian paper and the gold trim makes this card one of my favorites.....

Last, but not least.  On this card I used some floral pieces I purchased in the bridal section of our fabric store.  The yard I purchased was so expensive I hoarded it for years....well, if you use bits and pieces, it will be around for many years.  Love the little butterfly and the bow.  Ok, so there isn't anything that I don't like about this card!

Can you tell I love dies....I want to spend some time coloring this year.  Seems I never find enough time to play.  Hey, now that's my New Years resolution.  Increase my play time!

Sending Love and Wishes for a Most Special New Year!

Hugs and Love from Northern California!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy!

Merry Christmas and Happy WOYWW

Merry Christmas!  Well, my Work Desk is taking a rest today.  My Son and Husband and one of our pups are still fast asleep.  It's me and Baxter.  Since putting some gifts under our tiny tree, Baxter has been on guard.  I've never had a dog that is so excited by Christmas. 

I'm off to WOYWW to see Julia's tree and to wish her a very Merry Christmas!  Until next time...

Merry Christmas!

Hugs from our Home to Yours,

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Looking Back Through Christmas Cards I've Made

I have tons to do today, and I should be doing some of them, I was looking at photos of cards I've made...which is my favorite?  They all are...I hope you want to join me as I walk through my Christmas makes......

As with my kids, I couldn't pick a favorite, but My little House Mouse card is one I found hard to gift, but I did! 

Off for now, Merry Christmas and I'm excited to begin making my Christmas cards for 2014!  I absolutely LOVE  Christmas cards!

I just saw A ScrapJourney post a challenge.  I think I shall enter mine.  She's asking for 5 Christmas cards for her post.  I hope she doesn't mind....I have just a few more!  Check out her blog and the posts of all those who entered her challenge!  

Merry Christmas and Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas.  May your day be filled with love....please know, I have loved every moment I've spent with each and every one of you....

A quick story, in the 60's our neighbor Andy owned a Service Station in the San Francisco Bay area.  He had long since sold the service station, and after his wife Arlene passed away, he gifted the ornament to my husband and I.  It's approximately 2 1/2 feet long and it's now a tradition for our family to hang the ornament and as we do we think of Andy and Arlene and all the fun we had having them as our neighbors.

A little tattle on my husband.  He wasn't going to put up the snowman and tree, and though I begged him as nicely as I could, the answer was always, not this year!  Well, to make a long story short, we have two darling neighbor girls Emily and Julie, they came and asked Richard why the snowman and tree weren't put up.  He told them he just didn't want to...and that he'd let their dad put them up in their yard.  Both girls said, very loudly....NO, we love looking at them in your yard.  and followed that with a big PLEASE!  As you can see......our two decorations are up and will be for the next few weeks!  Now I know how to get Richard to do what I ask....I'll have the girls come over and plead my case!

Again,  Merry Christmas may it find you in health and happy.
Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Looking toward the New Year

I'm thinking toward 2014, while reminiscing about 2013.  I do have to say that 2013 was pretty darn good to my honey and I.  With the exception of the little aches and pains that age brings, we have been pretty lucky.  I did a bit of traveling, and  met some really wonderful people.   I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Poppystamps Design Team, was able to create with Karen from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  My friendships with other paper crafters both here and on-line have been a joy and a blessing.  I treasure each of you! 

Speaking of Poppystamps....today is my day to post.  I made this little calendar for a Holiday Gift Workshop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Every year I try to make a little calendar for my desk.  If you've followed my blog on WOYWW, you'll probably see the one for last year.  I have a feeling when this one is seen, another Doxie owner will want to have it (and you know who you are!).  I may just have to make another , or at least create something else for my desk. 

How about heading over to the Poppystamps blog page and seeing what everyone, including me, has been creating. Today is my day to post ...Lots of Christmas there and I'm sure 2014 will bring many new and exciting creations. 

I'm off for now.  Lots to do and only a little time to do it.  Sending wishes for a calm and happy Saturday.  I'll be spending the day with Karen and those who signed up for the Christmas Album she is offering.  How about checking that one out here. 

Until next time....hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glittergrammy

WOYWW 237

I just hopped over to see what week it is for WOYWW .  I will link this as soon as I finish and trust me this will be a short post....Ok, I hear everyone saying...Oh sure!  Well, no finished project for today, but here is shot one of my desk....

It looks organized doesn't it.  Well, only because I forgot it was Wednesday and I cleaned up one big pile of I wish I knew what to do with this...stuff.  What you see is some Graphic 45, not Christmas.  And there are some napkins that at some point will become part of Christmas 2014 (maybe) and in the corner are some stamps I just purchased.  Like I need more of them....when did need ever enter into the conversation? 

And in Photo number two you can see some recycling I am doing.

This really doesn't make any sense.  I have so much stuff already, why am I taking the stickers charitable organizations send in hopes of getting donations.  Which by the way, sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't.  It just so happens I am on a chain letter for donations, at least that's how it seems.  Anyway, getting back to recycling.  These little stickers for the back of the envelope work great with the Epiphany Crafts metal settings and epoxy pieces.  I just feel bad throwing the little stickers away, but in truth, I will be 150 years old before I use them up.  That is if I don't get any more!  If you zoom in you can see the stickers do make cute little embellishments. 

So that's it for me today.  I'm heading over to Julia's Blog to link and to comment.  I hope you find the time to visit Julia's, post and I hope you have a minute to comment. It would be nice if you were brave and showed us what's going on in your world.

Until next time....stay warm and dry and have a Merry Merry Wednesday!
Hugs,
Mary Mac
Glitter Grammy

A Little Snippet Tag, And Anything But A Card

Today I needed a gift tag for a special gift.  I have loads of snippets left and several die cuts that were cut for this years Christmas cards, but weren't used.  What better way to use snippets and dies.  I must say, I do like this tag.  I'll be posting it on two blogs.

I religiously follow Pixie's Crafty Workshop, sadly I've not been very good at posting lately, though I do look in to see what everyone has been creating.  How about following me over to visit with Di and the creative crafters. 

I also want to give a shout out to Brenda Butler.  I looked in on her bog and saw the creatively lovely bag she'd made for the Sparkles Monthly Challenge.  This month's theme is "Anything but a Card".  I think my little tag might just fit the bill.  This is another fun blog to follow.  Lots of crafts posted there.

If you've created something to share....PLEASE...lets see what you've been doing.  I learn so much from the blogs I've visited and I'm sure you will to.  Not to mention I've met some really wonderful people. 

I guess I should head off to bed. I just finished sitting with a heating pad for  3 hours as I watched Downton Abbey.  I'm trying to catch up before the new season begins in January.  I had a bit of a spill today, a stool in my craft room and I had a bit of an argument.  The stool won!  Well, not really, it isn't in any better shape than I am.  I'm feeling a bit stiff, I hope the heat pad and the Advil, will make tomorrow a bit less painful!

Happy Crafting....Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW 236

Just too much excitement on my desk....well, not really.  Ok, there is something exciting that I am not going to show right now, it's a surprise I'm saving for January.  Let's just say, I am honored! 

Today I'm just cleaning up some of my "hidi-holes".  Over the past few weeks I've been starting one project, moving things aside and on to another.  Today a friend came to play, I had to clean a spot for her to play. 

Off I go, my sweet pup Baxter had 6 teeth pulled today.  He's still a bit under the weather and needs his mommy to sit with him....

 By now everyone that follows me knows about Miss Julia and WOYWW.  Just in case someone is just joining me....Julia gives us a place to proudly display our work space.  Sometimes mine will be very messy and sometimes it will be very tidy.  You'll find lots of desks to look in on and if you have a minute or two, post a comment.  We all love hearing from our cyber friends.

Until next time....Hugs from slowly warming up Northern California.
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

It's My Turn To Play On The Poppystamps Blog Page

It's my day to play on the Poppystamps Blog Page.  Today I created this little box for the ornament exchange at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I love the little mouse and he is sledding on a little piece of bark.  Making boxes is something I really enjoy doing.  This one was a fun project, and the little mouse fit perfectly.  The Poppystamps dies made this project easy.  If you want to see the decorative side edge, you'll have to pop over to the Poppystamps blog page. 

Saturday was the Christmas Crop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Mother Nature was busy decorating for the holidays and she gifted us with several inches of snow.  I missed the crop as the roads were not in great driving condition. 

This is what our front yard looked like.  Pretty isn't it?  Well, I was a bit upset with Ms. Nature and feeling down because I was missing all my crafting buddies.  They live in the valley and don't get the snow we get....so, as I was boo hooing, I received a Skype call....from my granddaughter, Bridget, who was spending the day with her friend Bella.  We spent some time crafting.  They were busy drawing fairies, and of course coloring them.  Well, what's a fairy wing without glitter?  So they colored, cut, glued and glittered as we spoke.  We did lots of laughing and those two changed my PLM day (Poor Little Me) into a fun afternoon!  Thanks to both girls!  I had a great time!

Here they are.  Not the best of photos, obviously they are the best of friends.  Silly Grammy didn't get a photo of their finished projects.  Shame on me! 

I guess this is it for now.  I send hugs and wishes for a most crafty day.  See you soon! 
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW 235

I'm sure we are all in the same boat.  Trying to get everything ready for the big Christmas Celebration.  I am putting some kits together.  I have most of my Christmas Cards in the mail, I do have 3 relatives that I am sending these cards to.  So, cut and glue is what's on my work desk today.

Happy WOYWW....I'm off to finish these cards and then I need to think about what I am taking to the Christmas Crop.....If you want to know more about WOYWW, check out the rules.  I'm sure Miss Julia will be happy to fill you in.  Let me tell you it's fun....Check it out here.

Have a most wonderful Wednesday, Hugs from Northern California, which by the way has turned very cold....

Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Poppystamps Tag Hop and Peanut Brittle Recipe

I'm excited to share the news.  Today is the Poppystamps Tag Hop and I'm very happy to share my little tags....

I like making little gift bags, and my favorite candy to place inside is peanut brittle.  I don't think this bag will make it to Christmas.  One Mr. has been asking when I'll be done taking the photo! This bag is so easy to create and it's always nice to have a few around for those unexpected guests that arrive.

I've been making this peanut brittle for 40 years and I've never made a bad batch.  I'd love sharing the recipe with you.  A candy making hint....Always have all the ingredients ready.  Never double the batch.  Always use an accurate thermometer and cook to the exact temperature.  If you do this, you'll have perfect candy....

Mary Mac's Peanut Brittle

The key to the brittleness is to spread the candy mixture thinly.  Don't cheat on heat.  You must cook to 240 degrees prior to adding the peanuts and butter...and 300 degrees before removing from heat.  Follow the rules and you'll have perfect peanut brittle.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound salted peanuts (I use Planters Cocktail Peanuts)

Butter 2 cookie sheets and put them into a warm oven.  Mix the baking soda, water together and set aside.  In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, Combine: 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup corn syrup.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Stir into the mixture 3 tablespoons butter and 1 pound of peanuts.  Continue cooking and stir constantly to 300 degrees.  Note:  at this stage it can burn quickly, so keep stirring.  Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda mixture and the vanilla.  Pour onto the two buttered cookie sheets and spread to no thicker than 1/4 inch.  Cool and break candy into pieces.  Store in air tight container. 

I don't know where this recipe originally came from.  I think maybe it was one of the many recipes my mom clipped from a magazine or newspaper and then re-wrote.

I hope you give this a try, and if you do, please let me know how it turned out.  I hope you will be pleased.

I have another tag to share, I made this one to add to my husband's Christmas gift.  I may make a few more of these.  It's an easy one to make.  Note, I cut both red and the white base together.  To get the tail, I used the word Merry as my layout guide.  I made a light mark about 1/2 inch from the bottom and used the "R" as my center point.  Then I rounded the corners.... a little glitter and some ribbon and it's done.

Because both sides will be visible I wanted the back to look finished.

I hope you have time to hop along with the Poppystamps Design Team.  You can follow us here:

Poppystamps Blog

Yvonne Dunlop

Chunyuan Wu

Diane Barney

Ira Huberts

Jean Manis

Jeanne Jachna

Kimberly Coleman

Lezlye Lauterbach

Mary McMillan

Michele Henderson

Patty Tanuz

Rudlis / Irena Kowalczyk

Sherry Eckblad

Sherry Hester

Well, I think it's time for me to head over and see what the girls have created.  There just might be some prizes, you can read all about it on the Poppystamps Blog page.

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner?  I hope everyone is enjoying the season and not stressing too much!

Wishing you a calm and crafty week!
Mary

[937] DIES- Merry Dots	[934] DIES- Clarissa Ornament Outline	[932] DIES- Clarissa Ornament Background	[946] DIES- Giovanna Snowflake
[936] DIES- Pine Sprigs	[947] DIES- Jasper Ornament Background	[944] DIES- Jasper Ornament Outline	949 Zig Zag Knit

InLinkz.com

Christmas Album

A quick share....

I am so very proud of the job Karen and I did creating this album.  I can't share the entire album now.  If you want to see the album,  it is on display at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.   There will be three dates to take the class.  The first date is December 21.  For those who need a gift, this would be a beautiful album. The two remaining dates are yet to be determined.  I'm sure sometime shortly after Christmas or early January, just in time for all the photos taken during the Holidays.  

Do you recognize the cover?  It's Tim Holtz., but we modified it to accommodate our design.  We used nearly a full 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 paper pad, there are loads of embellishments, lots of tags and ribbon.  And I can't forget the glitter....can you imagine me making anything without glitter!  And for you technique lovers....there's a few in this album.  If you want to know more, stop by Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, Karen will be happy to share all the details.  The number of kits are limited, so if you're interested, I'd suggest signing up quickly. 

I'm off, just finished decorating my tree.  Hey, it's only 3 foot tall, so it was pretty easy!  Then I'm off to make some peanut brittle.  I'll be sharing that recipe on the 2nd of December during the Poppystamps Tag Blog Hop.  If I don't see you before, I hope you have time to check out the tags the little Poppystamp Elves have been creating. 

Until later,  Happy Crafting....
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy Thanksgiving - I am so Thankful for you!

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all my US buddies.  Here in Northern California we are having summer like temperatures, that hasn't stopped our maple from showing off.  This was taken last weekend.  Want to see what it looks like after a big wind storm? 

Now this looks more like winter is coming.  We had our Thanksgiving on Monday.  My son was visiting and he was heading to Dallas on Wednesday.  Here are a few photos of our dinner....

Isn't it fun to set the table for special occasions?  And here is dinner...or I should say was dinner!

Karen offered a class on making these cute little turkeys....I love them....

One holiday just a memory and on to Christmas.  Guess who is waiting for Santa....It's a bit of a wait, you can never start too early....

That's it for today.  I'm off to start addressing Christmas cards and then I'm making peanut brittle.... busy time of the year.  But before I go.....once again, HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I can hardly wait to give you a sneak peek  of a mini-album that Karen and I have been working on.  It is SPECTACULAR! 

See you again, really soon!
Hugs,
Mary Mac