These are a few of my favorite things.....

Hi,

I was reminiscing as I looked through my cards of 2014.  I wanted to pick 10 of my very favorite ones.  Boy was that hard.  First of all, I couldn't believe how many I'd made, and then picking favorites was like asking which of my children or grandchildren were my favorite.  So, after much thought, these are a few of my favorite cards.  I hope you enjoy my trip through 2014....

These are not in any particular order......

I liked the background I created and the foliage.  And of course, yellow is my favorite color.

I'd assembled the teapot months before I'd created this card.  One day, I just knew the teapot needed beautiful paper to rest on.  The gold doily was given to me years and years ago by the sister-in-law of the woman I made the card for.

Layering these cards was great fun.  I think they made very pretty Easter Cards.

More layering here and I wanted to make something that could be seen through.  My daughter used this card as a decoration on her tree.

I made this card for my neighbor's birthday.  She's in the local chorus, so a  music theme was perfect.

I love creating inside a window.  It's like building a doll house.  Aren't the cake dies sweet?

This was another card filled with layering.  It was hard for me to part with this card.

Adding a background over this paper and then some foliage....yup another favorite.

Ever make a card you couldn't give away?  Well, this is that card.  I used it as a decoration on my mantel.  The battery candle was a special touch.  And now for #10....

This was an easy card to make, and it is one of my favorite cards.  Remember, I said I love yellow.

Well, I've shared my favorites.  I hope you do too.  Happy New Year everyone.  I look forward to seeing what everyone creates during this New Year!

Hugs from 2014, and more hugs as we enter 2015!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy New Year!

From my home to yours.....HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

I love having a handmade calendar on my desk.  In this day of computer calendars, which I must say keep me on track, I do miss having a pretty calendar on my desk.  So, I make one.  I must have been thinking pink when I created this little beauty.  I'm keeping this calendar to remind me of birthdays.  I'm using sequins to remind me.

If you want to know how I made this calendar, I have the "how to's" on the Poppystamp Blog.   I hope you'll take a minute to check it out.  If you are interested in having a pdf of the mini-calendar sheets, email me and I'll send you one. 

Until next time......Happy New Year and I wish you and yours Health, Happiness, Love. May 2015 be filled with creativity and the joy creating brings.  See you again in 2015.

Hugs From My World to Yours,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Merry Christmas

From Our Home to Your Home - Merry Christmas

May your day be Merry and Bright.  

Hugs,

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Peanut Brittle Recipe - As Promised.....

As promised....I made the first batch of peanut brittle today and thought I'd share....want one...go ahead!  Anyway.  While making it, I thought it might be nice to re-do the recipe using photos.  So, here you go.....

If you missed the recipe, check out my blog page for December 2nd.  Now, on to the process.....

Butter those pans....aren't mine ever so gorgeous.  These pans are as old as my oldest son.....

Put them in a warm oven.  The lowest heat on my oven is 170 degrees and it works perfectly.

Get everything ready:  The first thing, is the 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of water and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.  Set this aside, it will go in last.

Next measure out 1 1/2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water and 1 cup of corn syrup.  You will put this into a heavy pan and using a candy thermometer bring  the mixture to 240 degrees, stirring occasionally. 

Keep cooking, no shortcuts.  You MUST bring the temp to 240 degrees......

Honestly, this process could take 20 minutes or more.  Once you reach 240 degrees add

3 tablespoons of butter and 1 pound of peanuts.  I use Planter's cocktail peanuts, but you could use Spanish peanuts if you like.  Don't use dry roasted.  Once you add the butter and peanuts, stir CONSTANTLY.  No kidding, this will burn.  Now you will cook until the temperature reaches 300 degrees.  Again, no cheating and this takes quite a while.  Are you stirring?  By the way, if the phone rings.  Don't answer it, if you quit stirring for even 10 seconds, your mixture could burn.  Once you reach 300 degrees remove from heat and add

Remember the mixture of baking soda, water and vanilla.....add it now, stir it in and pour your mixture onto your two greased pans.  Spread the mixture as thin as you can.  I use a wooden spoon to spread.  Don't worry if it tears apart, And if it looks not so good, who cares.  You are going to break the brittle into pieces when it cools.  It's really, really hot so be careful  Not a mixture to make with small children underfoot.  Oh oh...guess what photo I didn't take.  You've got it.....sorry.  If I make another batch tomorrow I'll be sure to take a photo. 

This recipe makes about 2 pounds.  If your husband helps, you'll have to hide it to keep him out.  My two pounds is disapearing quickly.

It's easy clean up if you put your pans and utensils  into hot soapy water.   Let them sit a minute or two and everything will be all clean and ready for another batch.  I never make two batches the same day.  It too tempting to rush the second batch and remember what I said, no cheating, no rushing. 

That's it for me today, I hope you give this a try, because it's really easy and it always turns out. 

Hugs from my world to yours,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

I needed one more Christmas Card and I needed a quick make.  You couldn't get much quicker than this card.  Check out the how to, and the inside on the Poppystamp Blog.  I'm headed there now. The Design Team has been very busy this month.  Check out what we've all been up too.  If I don't post again before Christmas....I'm sending Wishes for a Blessed Christmas and a Most Happy, Healthy New Year. 

I'm looking forward to sharing crafty moments with all of you in 2015. 

Off I go.  Today is baking day and I'd best get my apron on and get busy. 
Hugs from my world to yours,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Poppystamps and Memory Box Blog Hop

Memory Box and PoppyStamps are having a joint blog hop.  There are prizes, to find out how to win hop on over to the Poppystamps Blog page for all the information.  This blog hop begins today and ends on December 4th.  You have until the 10th of December to enter.  Good luck everyone!

If you came to my blog page from

Memory Box
or
PoppyStamps

You are traveling in the right direction.....

Now on to a bit about my place card..... 

I like to have handmade place cards for guests. This year, for Christmas I am making place cards that can be used later as a decoration. Let me first give you the dimensions of the frame, which by the way is exactly the same as the one I use for my mini-calendars. Cut a piece of card stock to 4 x 12 inches. Score at 4 inches, 8 inches, 9 3/4 inches and 11 1/2 inches. Fold and glue to form the frame.

 Now on to decorating..... I die cut the Mod Snowflake Background on glitter card stock.

 I then ran a piece of white card stock through my Xyron machine. You could also use spray glue.

The size of white card stock I used was about 4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches.  Now glue the Mod Snowflake Background (#1034) to your piece of glued white cardstock. You might be asking what white card stock?  I only see red. Well, after you glue your Mod Snowflake to the white card stock, you will have sticky everywhere the die did not make contact with the card stock. As you can see, I chose red glitter to cover all the sticky openings. Trim your glittered piece to 3 7/8 x 3 7/8 and glue this piece to your frame and decorate.

I chose the Snow Flocked Tree die (#1096) and added chunky glitter. I die cut the Vintage Merry Christmas (# 1105) on a thick glitter cardstock. And it released beautifully. Note: All machines cut differently. Sometimes you will need a shim, even if your cardstock is thick. My little deer is from Memory Box. It is one of my most cherished dies. It's called Leaping Deer (No 98390). I will write the name of each guest my little deer. I added ribbon, a bit of bling and a bell. This place card is complete. I'm sure you will find many different ways to decorate your place card. If you create one, please email me to let me know. I'd love to see what you've created.

I'm going to share my top secret peanut brittle recipe....so don't tell a soul!  Promise!  I've been making this every Christmas for probably (yikes, more years than I want to remember...) I'm guessing at least 30 years and probably more.  

There are two hints and these hints will make your peanut brittle perfect, every time!  First:  Don't cheat on the heat.  You MUST cook the mixture to 240 degrees prior to adding the peanuts and the butter.  And then you MUST continue cooking until you've reached 300 degrees.  Second:  Spread your candy mixture so that it is as thin as you can get it.  If you follow these two rules you'll have PERCECT  peanut brittle. (Sorry there is no photo.  I haven't made any yet this year.  It's on my schedule for mid-December.  I'll try to remember to post a photo soon.)

Have all the ingredients and tools ready before you begin.....

1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound salted peanuts

Butter:  2 cookie sheets and put them into a warm oven.
In a small bowl combine:  baking soda, 1 teaspoon water and vanilla.  Set this aside
In a heavy sauce pan combine:  sugar,  1 cup of water, and corn syrup.

Cook the sugar, water and corn syrup until the temperature reaches 240 degrees.  Stir occasionally
Stir in the butter and peanuts and continue cooking until the temperature reaches 300 degrees.  Stir continually.  This mixture will easily burn if you don't stir. 

Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda mixture.  Your heated mixture will bubble up, don't be afraid it's supposed to.

Immediately pour onto the two cookie sheets and spread to a thin layer.  I use the back of a spoon to do this.  This is where an extra set of hands are very helpful.  I spread to about 1/4 inch.  Cool and break candy into pieces.

Never double this recipe or any candy recipe.

If you are following the hop in order, your next stop is a visit to

Sherry Eckblad  

And here is  the list of everyone hopping along today......

Memory Box
Poppystamps

Mary McMillan   -You Are Here

Sherry Eckblad 

Sue McRae  

BibianaMartinez-Ziegler 

Pam Simpson 

EvgeniaPetzer 

Sherry Hester 

While you are hopping, how about checking out:

 Birch Press Designs

Birch Press Design has gorgeous unique gifts for all the ladies on your list.  Check out the recipe cards.  They are the perfect gift for club exchanges, stocking stuffers and just to have on hand for those unexpected guests.  I absolutely love the aprons.  They are so pretty.  They remind me of women in the 1940's, which is the era of my favorite movies. 

For a chance to win, don't forget to comment on the Poppystamps and the Memory Box Blog pages.  Winners will be posted on December 15th.  Good luck to evreyone. 

Off I go to see what everyone has created.  Have a most special week. 

Having A Blue, Blue Christmas

Not that kind of blue....this kind of blue.....

It's time for another Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  Can you believe this is the last one before the jolly old man shows up at your house.  Well, that is if you've been very, very good!

Of course there will be a fabulous prize for one lucky person....certainly worth taking a few minutes to play along.  Want to know what the prize might be?

 

When I said lucky I meant very lucky.  The winner can choose either 2 of Marianne's gorgeous dies or 1 die and one stamp....you get to choose!  So enter.... you know you want to.....

As always, I had to finish the inside (I wouldn't be able to sleep if I didn't!)  and this is  what the inside looks like.....I was thinking of one of my nephews when I created this inside.  When he was little, he was a real active kid and I'm sure his letters to Santa had  lots to explain.....

A quick post,  I'm putting the finishing touches on my Christmas cards and moving on to making candy.

If I don't see you before Christmas, have a most wonderful Christmas and a Very Happy New Year.

Hugs from me to you,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Merry Christmas One and All

I'm posting on the PoppyStamp Blog today.  If you'd like a tutorial... here's the link.  I wanted a card that would not only be a card, but could also be used as a decoration.  I've added a battery operated votive candle and this see through card is a perfect addition to any mantel.

I hope your creative journey to Christmas is stress free.

Until next time, hugs from me to you.
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Thanksgiving

Happy Almost Thanksgiving.  Such a busy time this time of the year, and I thank you for taking a minute to stop  by to see what I've created.  If you want to see what's inside, stop over to the Poppystamps Blog.  It's my day to post.  I think you will like what you see.

Well.....off I go, I think it's time to see what crafting trouble I can get into.  Until next time, Happy Thanksgiving....Happy Crafting and Wishing you many hours of stress free holiday preparation.  One more month and it's Christmas....no growning.....everything will be as it should be.

Before I close this page, I want to wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving.  Please know, I am very thankful for you!

Happy Thanksgiving,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

November Card Class and Blog Blitz

I know November is the month that kicks of the best Holiday Season of the year, that said, I decided to take a little break from holiday cards and create a card for my November class using the new Fancy Hello by Poppystamps.  FYI, there is a blog blitz going on over on the Poppystamps Blog page.  Check it out....there are lots of prizes and all you need to do is comment. 

Don't worry, I've also created a quick and easy Holiday card.....

Can you believe how quickly the year is flying by?  I know we are all in hyper-drive right now, that's why I wanted to offer another card that can be quickly cut and easily assembled.  If you are interested, give Karen a call 530-895-0505.  Class begins at 1:00 PM on Nov. 12th.  If you want to see both cards, they are on display at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. 

Off I go....I'm addressing Christmas cards today....I started making my cards in January of this year.  I've made 103 to date....that's like a record for this ole gal!  I'm debating on whether to write a Christmas letter.....are you Christmas letter writers?  Like them?  Hate them?   Hmmmmm!

Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Say Hello to the Poppystamps Blog Blitz

*A REMINDER:    

You must comment on the Poppystamps Blog page to be entered into the drawing!

Poppystamps is celebrating the latest release of 17 new and exciting dies.  Today I'm featuring one of them.  So, here's a peek at what I made using the Poppystamps Fancy Hello.  If you want to see more, pop on over to the Poppystamps Blog Blitz.  You can see not only what I've created, but also what the other design team members have made. 

You could be a winner of this die.  It's easy to enter, just leave a comment and if your name is drawn, you'll be enjoying saying hello with this gorgeous die.  Comment on each DT creation and you'll have a chance to win the featured die from this new release.  Easy peasy! 

Come back tomorrow and I'll show you another card I created for my November card class.

I'm off to play with friends, the best part of retirement!

Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Thankful - Poppystamps Challenge #2

This month's Poppystamps Challenge is - Thankful.  

 

Since this is the season to think of everyone and everything we are thankful for.   I made a little card and I'll  send it to someone I am thankful for being in my life.   I used a piece of scrap paper, I couldn't tell you the name, as silly me, it's cut off...The sentiment is from Poppystamps.  The leaves are some I'd made for an earlier project, I cut them from the Poppystamps Maple Leaf Border and the background die is Bailiwick Background die.  If you know me, you know I ABSOLUTELY love dies!  Can you tell?  I added a bit of Martha Stewart coarse glitter....hey, you've got to have glitter!  and a little leaf embellishment from my stash.  I think it's been hanging out in my stash since the 90's....that's older than some of my readers!

And here is the inside......

So, as you can see, I used the same papers on the inside, but in reverse, the plaid becomes the focus paper and the dots become the accessory.  Since I used all the leaves on the front of the card, I had to die cut another.  I sponged ink around the edges and added a bit of you know.....GLITTER!  I cut a shaped die and this is the tag for my pocket.  It's nice and big so I can write a nice note and if I run out of space, I can use the back side.

This card was quick and easy and I used up lots of snippets.  Everything but the base of this card is from my stash, using snippets large and small.....I just may have to hop over to post this on Di's blog page....hmmmmm!

Don't forget, you can play along with both challenges.   All you have to do is link your creations to Poppystamps Blog Page and if you want to show your snippet creation, link to Pixie's Crafty Workshop. 

Have a spectacular day and a crafty week.
Hugs from my world to yours.
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

It's a Candy Cane Christmas

Thank you Jennifer for the inspiration for this month's Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  Christmas Candy.  For me, all candy is wonderful....however, when I think of Christmas, I think of Candy Canes.  My little House Mouse is filling a stocking with lots of wonderful candy. 

I was hosting a workshop on Inspiration.  I had already colored my image and was looking for the perfect Holiday papers.  I opened my "Christmas Stash" box and this is what I found:  The base of this card is a solid red, which was layered with a piece of green decorative paper from Graphic45.  On to it I layered a piece of patterned paper from My Mind's Eye.  It's been hanging around for awhile as the paper pad says 2011.  I think the stripe piece is also from that collection, although it was laying loose in the box so I can't be sure.  The Merry Christmas is from the new Poppystamps Winter 2014 release.  I'm loving all the new sentiment dies.  I had to show you this one.  I backed all the layers with a piece of brown cardstock.  I think it makes the papers pop and gives a bit of dimension.  The sequins adds a bit of shine and I've got to tell you, I'm loving sequins. 

And here is the inside.  I used pieces left from the outside and this card is finished.  I hope my little card inspired you to join us at Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  Christmas Candy is the theme, and Marianne Designs is the most generous sponsor.  You just might be lucky enough to win......

Marianne Designs 2 Dies or 1 Die & 1 Stamp

You can't win if you don't enter....so get going!  For rules on how to enter, hop over to the Sparkles Christmas Challenge blog page.  And a BIG THANK YOU to Marianne Designs for sponsoring this month's challenge.....

 Would you like to see some FABULOUS inspiration I found on Pinterest?  Well, check it out here. 

Before I go, I want to share a photo of my babies.  I think the heat of summer has faded.  My little ones pulled all their favorite blankets into a pile and then snuggled in.  This is how they usually help me craft....

All these blankets on the couch don't make the family room look very neat, but hey, the kids are warm. 

I don't want to make anyone scream, but it just dawned on me....there is only one more Sparkles Christmas Challenge left....so get creating!

From me to you....Happy Crafting!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

 

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Ok...this is all you get....I want you to see the entire card on the Poppystamp Blog Page....why?  Because it's my day to strut my stuff.... I loved working with my Leaf dies.  I think they are so very pretty and the sizes are PERFECT for making cards. 

I hope you have a minute to check out my post and please leave a comment, so I can check out what you do.  Here's the link to my Poppystamp post. 

I think this is the shortest post I've ever written, which leaves me more time to play in my craft room!
Have a most crafty week. 

Hugs from me to you...
Mary Mac...AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy Thanksgiving

I love Autumn and I am a child at heart when it comes to kicking my way through a pile of colorful dry leaves.  Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday.  It's when family and friends come together for no reason other than to be together.  My card today is shared on the Poppystamps Blog.  If you'd like to see this card in it's entirety, you can see it here. 

This is a short post.  I'm spending time with my daughter and her husband....In one of the most beautiful cities in the US - Chicago!  So, off I go to play.

Hugs from me to you,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

What's On My Workdesk? I'm afraid you might be a bit disappointed!

See, I told you.  Nothing much going on here, although, I am on my way to Chico to teach a class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and then on Thursday morning I'm on my way to visit my daughter and her husband and see their new home.  Not to mention, I'll be seeing my son, grandson, daughters-in-law, nieces and great nieces and nephews and my sister and brother.  Lots to do and sadly, I won't be there very long.  So not much sleeping, and lots of catching up. 

My workdesk doesn't look so busy, but trust me, it's only because I want to leave my room somewhat tidy.  I hate coming home to a mess.  Anyway, I'm sure by now my followers know about WOYWW, and if you don't, here's a link to bring you up to speed.   It's fun to share, so how about it?  So you know, sometimes our desks are tidy, but most often they are not.  A mess means there is work going on and that is always good. 

Before I go, I want to share a card I made as a bonus card for this month.  When I come home, I'll be teaching a class on creating. For this card, I want to show people that little scraps can make cards and Christmas is the best time to get the most from your scraps.  So here's the card I made with bits of paper, scraps of gold and tiny pieces of ribbon.  What the girls don't know, there will be homework!   So, here's the card.....

and here's the inside.....

 I think I may just pop in on Ms. Di and catch up.  I know lots has been going on there.  I have been following her posts, but on my iPad, it isn't always easy to post comments, especially with two dogs on my lap....If you haven't found Di and Pixie's Crafty Workshop, I'd suggest you put this link on your reading list.  Always lots going on, her blog is filled with humor and tons of creativity.  So, check it out, I think you will be very happy you did....so, here's the link.  If you want to play along, there's really only one rule you must use snippets. 

This is it for now....I'll see you here again in a week or so....I will be checking the internet to see what you've all been doing, even if I don't leave a comment, please know, I'll be looking in. 

Until next time.....Happy crafting,
Hugs from Me to You...
Mary Mac
AKA:  GlitterGrammy