WOYWW 191

Well, here it is....my desk for this week's WOYWW 191.  My son and his family spent two weeks in Canada skiing Whistler Mountain.  When he and his wife shared photos on Facebook, I thought it might be fun to snag the photos and make a little album to share with them.  What you see on my desk are photos I printed and matted on black cardstock.  My album will be wire bound and the pages will be 6 by 12.  I'll be using Carta Bella (Winter Fun)  and Echo Park (Winter Time)  papers.  I have to add a plug for a new tool I found.  I have a really hard time matting things that are even on all sides.  I was reading a blog last week, and I saw a link to a tool called Perfect Layers and Perfect Square.  I went to the site and viewed the videos.  Well, long story short, I had to have a new tool.  I ordered 3 rulers and the square.  It didn't take long for them to arrive.  And guess what, it's a tool that I'll be using often.  The rulers really are easy to use.  I did need to learn to raise the edges a bit to allow the ruler to catch them, but once I figured this out....it was easy and made the process very easy.  If you want to have a look...check the rulers out here. 

Ok....moving along.  This week has been very busy and very productive.  My buddy Brenda came on Sunday and while she worked on her project, I worked with my Spectrum Noir pens.  Before Christmas I purchased this Northwoods Rubber Stamp (P8712).  And here's what I created.  I colored the image on white paper, cut it out and then stamped it on the patterned paper.  I glued the colored image over the stamped image and then did a bit more pen work. 

The inside of the card is pretty simple too....

I wish I could tell you the name of the patterned paper, it was a 4 x12 piece I found in my snippet box and I thought it kind of looked like old worn wood.  The pumpkin is a Cuttlebug die and embossing folder that I cut on a scrap of orange paper and then colored with my pens.  I know, it's a Fall card, but I've wanted to color the image since I purchased it and finally found the time.

Are you still awake?  Ok....sorry this is so long, but I've had a busy and productive week.  Next week will be busy too, so I'll post as much as I can in one post.....grab your coffee (unless it's night time in your world) and hang in there, I'm almost done.

 Last weekend, my CardMaker Magazine arrived and on page 77 I saw a card that I really liked.  Michelle Woerner created the card.  Now, I didn't have the same supplies needed to create it, but I had some of them, and some items that were close.  So....this card will be sent to my friend Thelma.  I know she'll love it.

And finally, if you've read my blog before, you'll know about my shadow box.  This project is going to be on-going for awhile, though I do hope to finish it within the next few months.  It's kind of like a puzzle.  When I find pieces to add to each section, I lay them out.  When I'm happy with what I've found, I put the section together.  I started with January then a light bulb came on and it dawned on me that if I built it from the bottom row I could remove the wooden sections and it would be easier to build in the small area.  Next section will be October.....don't hold your breath, I've been working on this for 6 months and I only have 3 sections completed.

So, now you know what I've been up too.  What's been happening in your world?

I'll be linking to What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday. - Thanks Julia for giving us a place to share our creative space.

And of course Di, I think I use up snippets just so I can come and play.  Check out Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  

I know sometimes I sound like an ad for product....I really am not.  I just enjoy sharing products I love, tools I can't live without, and friends I've met along the way. No money exchanges hands when I mention product....now mind you....if anyone wants to turn me into a wealthy woman...I am not opposed!  LOL!

Well, that's it for me...at least for now.  Is that a collective sigh I'm hearing? 

Have a most creative week.  I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll be busy booking Dee Dee and my trip to Australia and New Zealand....keep your fingers crossed that we can find some great prices on airplane tickets.  Our husbands are staying home...it's girls (ok, old broads gone wild).  I can hardly wait!

Hugs to all,
Mary

Rudolph Day and More Christmas Card Challenges

I feel so smart....It's the 25th....and I have a card made for Rudolph Day.... I think this is a first.  I did cheat a bit.  I put it on the calendar in my Iphone and my little assistant reminded me 2 days early... I love my Iphone...So, here's what I made.  The card stock is Authentique Festive Jolly Collection.

Here's what I did on the inside.  I love double sided card stock, especially when it works well with the front side.  The front of this card stock is what I used on the front of the card.  The back is the stripe. 

Karen has been carrying the thin glitter card stock and it cuts like butter in my die cut machine (not that I have cut butter in my die cut machine....so don't try that at home!)  I used my Memory Box Snowflake die, which has tiny little pieces to remove and they came out easily.  The manufacturer is Best Creations....and it's fast becoming a favorite of mine....hey it's Glittered!

Of course there is a Martha punch.  I used the corner punch snowflake because it has a bigger snowflake. 

Now, where will I enter this card.....

My friend Sarn always has a great challenge.  If you want to get a head start on Christmas 2013, she's always one to keep me motivated.  Check out her Rudolph Day Challenge.  And it's not too late to play along. 

And of course, I used pieces and parts, so.....I'm going to post with Di at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Another one of my favorite blogs.  She's always pushing me into my snippet box. 

And then there is Christmas Cards All Year Round....anything goes here so long as it's Christmas.  Another great challenge to keep me going in the right direction.....

Hazel always has something fun going on.  And this month is no different.  I'm going to slip on over to Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge and link my card.  And then as if one challenge isn't enough, Hazel has a second one going on too.....that gal, where does she find the energy?  CraftyHazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra.  I just slipped in there and my goodness the crafters are linking lots of inspiration there. 

Tonight when my honey is watching "dumb" TV, I'll be sitting with ipad on lap looking at all the great creations.... if I don't comment, it's because I'm very slow typing on the ipad, but I'm very good at looking...

I'm off to get some kits cut....and then I guess I'll be needing to tidy up a tad....so, before I loose my get up and go....I'd best, get up and go!

Have a great day and a most crafty weekend.
Mary Mac

Just Because I Can and Pretty In Pink

I really don't need any more Valentine cards, but these are like potato chips....you just can't have one. So I make more!   They are such fun to make, quick, easy and a great way to use bits and pieces.  I think this will be a great little card for my granddaughter.  I think my camera is color blind....this card is pink, pink and more pink. 

I wanted to post the pink version of my February card class.  Remember, when you call Karen, be sure to tell her if you want Green or Pink....

Short and sweet on this post....I am off to bed....busy day tomorrow.

Until next time....Happy crafting...
Mary

WOYWW #190 and Snippets Galore

First I'll show you my clean desk.  This is what it looked like on Tuesday morning.....

Pretty tidy I'd say.  I wanted to show my new pen holder from Crafters Companion.  It's neatly holding all my little pens....ahhhhh I am happy to have them in a holder and not in boxes. 

Here's my desk on Tuesday afternoon, evening and early Wednesday morning.  I finished cutting a card and then felt guilty for not fixing a nice dinner for my husband...so off I went to put something good together.  I never got back to my desk until this morning.  So, after rising and shining (well rising), and while everyone was still tucked in their beds.  I finished my card.  Here it is....

This is a format I've grown to love.  I've used up several scraps making this card and it always turns out well.  Somewhere in posts gone by I've posted another with this layout.  If you want to go back I'm sure it will be pretty easy to spot. 

If you feel like a walk around cyber space....let those fingers take you to see what Julia's folks are up to.  Check her blog out here:  Stamping Ground can you believe it's WOYWW 190... whew, that's a lot of sharing! 

And, if you've got snippets laying around, and don't we all, pack them in a pouch and head on over to the playground.  Always lots going on there.  Share what you've made from snippets and be inspired by Di and the gang.  Mind you, Di runs a tight ship on the playground, so no running with scissors, and don't let her catch you eating the glue...my school glue was wintergreen flavor, oops, I mean... but then how would I know....heavens I would never eat school glue!  Check out Di and the playground pals at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Tell them I sent you!

Lots to do today, I guess I should shake a few tail feathers and get moving.  Happy Crafting and see you all soon....Just a little reminder....I look in on your blogs often, I don't always comment, but I certainly am glad you are there to inspire me.  Thank you for being you!

{{{{Hugs}}}}
Mary Mac

Cards for February Get-Together

I rarely show the inside of a card, however, the inside of this card makes the card special.  It's a double row pop up and perfect for Birthday, thinking of you, almost any occasion.  And now for the outside.

I took my card to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique for display....Guess what, this card class is already sold out....so, I'm offering the same card in pink.....The first to sign up have the choice of color.  So, be sure to call Karen and let her know which color you prefer.  I'll try to post the pink card later this week. 

And this is the second card.  I must be in the mood for spring or is it Easter, as I'm most certainly not using winter colors....

Until later....Happy Crafting!
Mary

Face Time Crafting

Today was a fun day with my buddy Dee Dee.  She lives about 1100  miles from me and via Face Time, using our Ipads, we crafted together.  She taught me to make this card.

Gotta love the Internet.  We both have the Spellbinder nested hearts. That made playing together easy.  I've made many easel cards, but never in the shape of a heart, thanks Dee Dee for this fun shaped card.   I have another lovely lady to thank.  Several months ago Di shared several very sweet heart doilies.  I've been waiting for the perfect time to use one of them.  Check out Di's blog here.  This was the perfect time.  Making a card with a friend, even if that friend is miles and miles away, is always such fun.  We spent hours crafting and laughing.  She even stuck with me as I prepared dinner.  Hmmm, I wonder where she went when it came time to clean my craft room and wash up the dishes!  Dee Dee thanks for sharing a Sunday afternoon with me, and Di, thanks for the doilies.  I know I'll be using a few more before Valentines day...

Tomorrow it's crafty Monday with the girls.  I guess I should be packing my goodies.  I just might be showing off my newly learned card....until later. 

Update:  Yikes, I almost forgot to mention the snippets I used.  The card base was pulled from the red folder.  Every last snip of this was used.  The final bits are under the flowers.  I'd forgotten to add my ribbon, so I made a bit of a change and using a border punch punched this red piece.  The flowers, were from a small piece of ribbon that I remember wondering why I was saving such a small piece.  The white base and white heart were cut from pieces left over from making my February card class.  And the little glitter hearts are from a piece left laying on my desk....Of course you already  know the doily was a gift.  I'm going to head over to Di's blog page and link my card there.  BTW...Di, I did read about your run in with the hot glue gun.  See....we read to the bottom of the page.... :-) 

Happy Crafting, See you soon!
Mary

Happy Anniversary Kevin and Darnell

Happy Anniversary to you, Happy Anniversary to you....HAPPY ANNIVERSARY DARNELL AND KEVIN....Happy Anniversary to you!  I'm sending wishes for many, many more wonderful years together. 

A playground pal, my lips are sealed until she reveals herself,  suggested we add our wedding photo to the celebration....so, here goes.  This photo is from 1982.  Of course I look just the same today, ok, maybe not.  Richard said the good thing is we have both "matured" together.....

If you have a minute, please pop over to Darnell's blog page and wish them a Happy Anniversary. 
About the card, I've used snippets, so Di will be getting a link to this card, I was thrilled to find this Melissa Frances card stock, I'd forgotten I had it.  I really do love how this card turned out.  Snippets are such a salvation sometimes.  

Another big event happening on this day....my oldest is having a birthday, so....Damon, I'm sending much love and birthday wishes your way.  Happy Birthday Damon!  I hope the card I made him makes it to him in time.  Seems our mail service is sometimes a bit slow...so, this is what you'll be getting and there is a little something inside. 

I love the new dies from Memory Box.  Since my son is in the music business, I think I'll be using them often.  The knot is a sailor's double hitch and it has been on my bucket list for sometime.  With help from Richard, I was able to tie it very easily...now, will I remember how? 

And last but certainly not least....here's my desk for WOYWW.  Not a lot going on, I'm working on a card for my February Card get-together at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and playing with foil and oh trying to clear off enough of the desktop to accommodate my new pen holder, which should arrive today.    I know, that's what I said yesterday!

Until I see you again.....Happy Crafting!
Mary

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge 107

No Rudolph here.... Check out Hazel's Challenge at Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge.  This is what I did.  Well that Hazel, she has two challenges working.  Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra - Anything Goes.  .How about checking out both blogs and if you've been working on Christmas cards....link to both challenges.  After all, it's never too early to make a Christmas Card!

Ahhhh two Christmas cards made for 2013.  Only 78 to go!  Ok, the inspiration for this card came from my friend Cathy.  She made a great little card and I told her that I just might have to "borrow" her idea.  This card is a total scrap card.  Bits and pieces from other cards, from snippets found here and there.  Below is Cathy's card.  I love the blue and I like her tree better, mine is a bit bottom heavy!  But all in all, I think I did a pretty good job of "borrowing".

Thanks Cathy for sharing your great creation.  I'll be posting this on Di's blog as my card is a snippet card for sure.  Check out what the others have done.  And play along... .it's fun, and guess what, it's the inspiration to get a card made.  Hop on over to Pixie's Crafty Workshop. 

And now on to what's happening in my neighborhood.  Other than it being oh so very cold.  26 degrees F this morning.  That's cold for us, though not as cold as it is in other parts of the country.  My son and family left their home in hot summer Australia and headed to Canada for a ski holiday.  As my daughter-in-law said when I asked how's the weather, she said, "It's bloody cold!"  Ok, a bit off track and now getting back to the photo I'm about to post.  I was watching little critters in our yard and saw this.....

It's a little squirrel, but what's different about this guy?  He should look like this....

But this poor little one has lost his tail.  I've been worried about him because a tail keeps them dry and warm. The cold nights this little one is experiencing must have him very, very cold....but every morning he shows up for breakfast and I look for him every day.  I'll bet he wishes he was a lizard and could grow his tail back!

Well, enough for now, I'm hoping to get my order from Crafter's Companion so I can get my pens in their little holder.  Of course I need to clean off a spot to put them....Maybe I'll have a clean desk to show on Wednesday.

Until later, happy crafting,
Mary

WOYWW and a little something more...

 Well, here it is, my work desk and though it looks like nothing is going on....I'm getting organized!

 That's right, I'm getting organized....Well, I'm trying to.  Since I have all the Spectrum Noir pens, and since I just ordered the pen holder (still in processing), I thought I'd work on something that came to me while I was sleeping.  I wanted a way to see all the colors and be able to pick out colors that would blend more easily than trial and error....so, I made color swatches using each pen.  I kept them in the groups on the Spectrum chart.  At first I thought about keeping them together and then I decided to store them loose in an envelope so I could more easily hold them against one another while picking the pens I want to use.  I am very happy with how my middle of the night plan is working. 

I was asked how I made the swatches so neat and all the same size.  I'd like to say I'm the queen of sizing, however, I must admit, using small return address labels had a lot to do with the neatness of the project.  I put the pen number on each swatch.  Below is the label I used....Pretty cool I think.

To show you that I have actually been working on a card...the below photo is another Valentine card I made.  Does it look an awfully lot like my last one?  Yup....different card stock, but the same sketch. 

I'm not sure what has gotten into me of late, but I am on this organize kick.  I don't start my day with that plan in mind, however, somewhere between my feet hitting the floor and my first cup of coffee, I'm digging into something.  Today, my only plan was to mop the kitchen.  This plan was formed at about 7:00 A.M.  However, one thing led to another and cupboards were torn apart, and put back together, counters were scrubbed and de-cluttered, ovens, stove tops and microwaves scrubbed to a sparkle and the refrigerator, well, I do believe hidden way in the back I found something growing in a forgotten "left-over" container...perhaps it is the cure for the common cold, but I will never know because it went into the bin, which was also scrubbed.   Throw rugs were washed and finally just before it was time to start dinner....the floor was scrubbed!  If I were in my 20's I'd think perhaps a baby is in my future....whatever it is...I have several closets to clean and I hope my new found ambition doesn't leave until they are tidy!

Well....I'm going to post this on Julia's blog page Stamping Ground.  I've got to say, I look forward to Wednesday when I can have a look around to see what everyone has been up to.  I hope if you have a few minutes, you might see what some talented gals and guys are up to.  I know I'd like to see what you've been doing, how about showing your workdesk.  I promise you will meet lots of really fun people there.

Until next time....Hugs and wishing you a creative week,
Mary
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Our First Card Get-Together of 2013

A quick note for the Wednesday Card Class Girls....and an apology for being soooo very slow.

I am so behind in posting these cards.  I've only made 5 kits and you may want to call Karen to see if there are any openings.  I think I'm getting lazy in my slightly older  than middle age!  Still keeping with the theme, keep the cards  pretty, but easier to mail at standard 1st Class fees.  I know the birthday card will fit the bill, the Valentine card may be another story.  In addition to the two cards, you'll be learning a super easy way to create an envelope for any size card.  I use this quite often as some of my shaped cards just don't fit standard envelopes. 

I guess I should get going.  Lots to do and I'm just in a mood to do little to nothing.  Might I add, I'm doing a wonderful job at both!

Have a wonderful weekend.....
Hugs,
Mary

Happy New Year and the first WOYWW for 2013

Well, here it is....

Nothing too exciting here.  And yes, it is a Christmas card laying on my desk....I always make a card between Christmas and New Year's Day.  This way when people ask, "Have you started making Christmas Cards?"  I can proudly announce...."Oh yes I have."  I now have only 79 more to make.....

My goal (note goal not resolution) is to join Julia every week.....lets see how long that lasts.  If you've never joined in....give it a go, and don't worry if there is a little or a big mess.  We look at that as creativity in action....you can see Julia's blog page here .

I guess I should give you a close up look of my first card and then also tell you my desk has looked the same for about a week....somehow I managed to catch a bit of a tummy bug and my craft room has been quietly waiting for my return. 

I'm also going to post this card on Di's blog page.  Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  It's definitely a card made from snippets which are left over from Christmas.  My little mice are something I colored when Brenda came to play.  The music notes are a Christmas gift Memory Box die.  Check out Pixie's Craft Workshop here.

Update:  Sue was so kind to comment on my blog. She told me about a challenge this month at Creative Craft World.  This month it's anything goes....so, I think I will grab my little house mice and scamper over and join into the challenge.  Check out Sue's blog here.

A BIG thank you to Butler's Abroad for the heads up on this challenge.  Check out this link for more fantastic creations using our little House Mouse friends.  House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge. 

My goodness....Crafty Hazel Nut's Christmas Challenge has a challenge that this card will work quite well, Santa is not allowed....well, I don't see Santa anywhere, I think he must be enjoying a long winter's nap...Check out all the creative folk playing along.  

Off I go, I've got a birthday card to make today and I guess I should think about putting away Christmas decorations, though I just heard on the TV that most people leave their decorations up until the 6th of January.  Maybe I'll just be fashionable this year!


Happy New Year and I look forward to many hours of looking into the blogs of all my cyber buddies. 

Hugs,
Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy