A Quick Note On April Class and Just Playing

Happy Monday and it is for you I hope.  My honey is under the weather with gout... :-(  But he's being a real trooper!  Hoping today will be the worst day and tomorrow he will feel so much better. 

I wanted to let everyone know, the April class is now filled.  Karen has a waiting list, but in truth, this group of girls rarely cancel.  This is one of the cards (the card on the left).  Yesterday while Brenda and I had our girls play day, I made the card on the right.  The same, but different.  The image on the right is slightly larger, I forgot to check the box when printing and this is what printed.  Waste not, want not...right?  Because the image was larger, I couldn't fit the sentiment on the bottom, so, I moved it.  I didn't have off white pearls, so I colored them with my Spectrum Noir pens.  I raised the doily, used different papers and the outside is done. 

The inside of this card is different than the card class inside, so I shall share.  The entire card took 1/2 of a 4 x 8 piece of decorative cardstock, plus the base and frame.  So, here's the inside.....

Isn't it fun doing the same but different?  Well, I'm off to baby my honey....have a most wonderful day.

Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Love Is In The Air

It's Mrs. A's  Butterfly Challenge and I am ready.  I've been waiting for Mrs. A to announce the challenge and this month it's yellow and butterflies.  Amy sent me a very nice thank you card and she included the image of this lovely couple.  I've had a great time coloring them and when Mrs. A gave the rules.....I knew I wanted to use these young lovers.  Thank you Amy for sharing!

And here's the inside.  Now all I need is someone to celebrate a 50th anniversary.....anyone?


Well, I'm off for the night.  Tomorrow I'm taking a card class at Karen's.  It's always fun getting together with the girls and when we create something pretty, it's all the better.  If you want to see what we are making......check it out here.  

Since yellow and shades of yellow are my very favorite colors, I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone creates.....so, happy crafting,

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

What's On Your Workdesk? Well?

It's Wednesday and this week I'm doing something different.  I'm showing my work desk, but it's more like my photo booth.  Which is a work desk, it's the last spot my cards see before posting. 

 I've been getting lots of emails about my photos.  I've got to give my daughter Amy credit, because she's the one that helped me with my photo taking.  Here's my set-up.  This is the long shot of the photo booth, as I had it set up for my Rudolph Day photos.  My daughter found the photo booth and the lights.  The are easily found on the internet.  For this photo I draped the booth with a piece of fabric.  The rest is pretty self explanatory.  I use a tripod and it's set up to manual shooting, which Amy also arranged for me.  The settings are ISO 200, and BRK +-.37, macro with a 2 second timer.  Thanks Amy for sharing your talent!

I use Photo Shop Elements 9 to crop and color adjust the photo.  In truth, that's about all I know about Photo Shop Elements.  On my bucket list is learning more about the program.  Trust me, it's been there for quite awhile.    Here's the cropped and color adjusted photo.

So, now you know about  my desktop,  If you head over to Stamping Ground, Julia will share hers.  This week it looks very productive.  And trust me, mine has looked the same more times than I prefer to remember.  Lets just say, I know where my granddaughter gets her ability to make a mess. 

Since I'm honoring my daughter today....I'll share a Christmas Gift from she and her husband, Linn.  He knows how I love bird watching and they sent this lovely bird house.....

Our birds are a bit slow in figuring it out, so my honey set up a deck for them and put the bird house on a pole next to it.  Today is the first day one of the birds figured out they could have dry seeds in the tray.  The seeds on the deck are under water as it's been raining all night.  Richard doesn't want to put holes in the tray....Now they need to train the others. 

Frankly, I think these guys are too big to sit on the rail. Have a look at this bird...

Well, maybe not a bird, but he didn't mind coming for a snack!  And how about this squirrel.....

Richard built a safe place for the squirrels to eat, well that's what we thought.  Long story short, the neighbor cats were terrorizing the squirrels, so, Richard put boards around the tree, thinking the cats couldn't get through.....Wrong!  this one found a way to shimmy through and is resting after the climb.  Today there is also chicken wire under the boards.  I swear these critters keep my husband hopping. 

Last night we had quite a storm.  Karen from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, was heading home from the shop when she and her husband took this photo.....pretty wild weather.....

I guess we Californians have been putting a little  too much punch in our prayers for rain.  We are expecting more of the same today and all the way through to next week.  Let's hope it more rain than wind and tornadoes. 

I apologize for all the nature photos, but hey......they are all God's crafts right, and this is what's been on his workdesk this week.

Until later,
Mary Mac
AKA: Glitter Grammy

From Our House To Your House

It's my turn to post on the Poppystamps Blog Page  Today I'm showing this card made with the Brevilla Houses die.  When I first saw this die I pictured this card.  If you want to know more about this card, and have a chance to win the Brevilla Houses, you'll have to go over to the Poppystamps Blog.

My goodness, this is going to be a short post.  Trust me there is more on the Poppystamps Blog Page, so head over there if you'd like to read more.

Until later,
Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Rudolph Day And Pixie's Snippets

It's Rudolph Day and this month.....I am ready!  Today I was cropping with our Monday Group and I worked on my cards for Rudolph Day. 

I'm determined to make cards that don't cost an arm and a leg to mail.  This month's card is flat, however since it's 5x5 it will need added postage, but not much extra.  All three were made with snippets, so in addition to Rudolph Day, I'll be posting on Di's blog, Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  
Here's an up close view of the inisde and the outside of the first card I made....

Now I could give you the rules for entering your cards with Di and Sarn, but I want you to check out what they and the others have made.  So, check it out please and leave a comment if you find something that inspires you.  We crafters love kind words. 

Until next time.....happy Crafting. 
Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Pretty In Pink

This card makes me think of Spring....and I know most of the US is ready for Spring.  I love this Mod Flower Background and I think adding the glitter to the background is a perfect addition.  I've posted this card on the Poppystamps Blog Page.  If you want to know more about this card and have a chance to win the die I used on the inside, you'll have to head over to the Poppystamps Blog Page.
I'll give you a hint....it's a border!

Until next time, Happy Crafting,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

April Class - Sweet Choices

I was showing the girls the "It's A Girl" card and I was asked if this would be my next class.  Since I was racking my brain for ideas I agreed.  Well, in looking around the room I could see that not everyone wanted a baby card.  Hmmmm how could I make this an Easter card or a baby card. The photos tell the story.

For this class you will be given a choice of baby or Easter.  Bring a sharp scissors for a bit of fussy cutting.  You may also want some pop dots, glue  and your normal paper crafting supplies.

Now for something a bit different....the second card is one that I will be posting on the Poppystamps blog page.  That page won't go live for awhile, so I don't want to post the card here first.  Karen has the card and if you'd like to see it, you'll just have to drop by Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I think you will really like this card and if you like using dies, glitter and pearls, you will love it!  The class is the second Wednesday of the month....I hope to see you there.  Remember, you need to reserve your space, and kits are limited. 

Saving the best for last.....I have some bragging to do.....My friend Jeanne  has a card featured on the COVER.

That's big, that's really BIG and I am very proud of her.  Isn't this card B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L!  Now when you look at the March edition you can say, I know that talented artist!  Don't tell her I said this, but she not only is a very talented paper artist, she is one of the sweetest people I know and she's been so very helpful to me....she's paper talented and computer savvy!  Congratulations Jeanne!

That's it for now......until later,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW

Tis Wednesday...and here's my desk....

I'm working on 5 projects and a few are shown in varying degrees of completion.  I am busy coloring this week.  I never seem to find the time to do what I truly love and that's to color.  It's amazing how lost you can get in even the most simple of designs.  How about posting your desk and let the world see what you've been up to.  Julia gives us the place and you can play along here.

So, lets see what's on my desk....There's coffee a big cup of it and a stamp peeking out from behind the cup.  There are a few Spectrum Noir pens visible, there will be many more as the graphic takes shape.  My favorite glue called Glure-Baste-It.  I like it because I tend to use my cloths to wipe my gluey fingers...and it's washable.  If you plan on washing your cards, this glue may not be for you!  Little giggle here...My glass mat, which I've had for years and just recently started using it.  I do not know what took so long!  My Ott light, which I was lucky enough to win at a Christmas crop a few years back.  And I can not forget my water bottles.  Why so many you may ask....well, I have to remind myself to drink water.  If I have to go get it, I'm likely to not drink enough water.  I have bottles in all my work areas...and now you know. 

Well, that's it for now.  If I get my act together tomorrow I'll post the cards for the April class.  Until then.....Happy Crafting,

Hugs from Northern California and good bye winter, Happy Spring!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

New Poppystamps Release and Blog Blitz

I am so excited to share my card during this Poppystamps Blog Blitz.  The new dies are FAB-U-LOUS and I'm thrilled to show you just a few.  When I saw the new dies, I knew I had to have the Samirah Butterfly.  I cut and layered the Samirah Butterfly over the Murana Butterfly, that I cut from vellum.  The red motion dots are what fell from the wings.

The border die was cut twice, once using the Swirly Curl Border Outline, which I cut from glitter card stock, the same card stock was used on the butterfly and the frame of the sentiment.  I then, using white glitter card stock, cut a Swirly Curl Border Background.  I glued them together a glued them to the white card base, which I ran through an embossing folder.

I printed the sentiment on vellum using the Bella Dona font (love the font, the name, not so much!)  Printing on vellum kept the ink wet and I was able to heat emboss it.  Pretty cool I think!  The hardest part of this card was cutting the glittered border to place over the sentiment.  I then glued them together and raised the sentiment with pop dots.  The butterfly was also pop dotted.

And here's what I did on the inside.  I again cut the Swirly Curl Border Outline, and only added glue to the side edges and the bottom edge.  This created a little place to slide in the white decorated piece.  I left just enough space for a note.  The butterfly is the Delaney Butterfly.  Beautiful isn't it?  And again I used the red dots from the Samirah Butterfly...waste not want not right?  They were too pretty to throw away.

You could win one of these dies, all you have to do is leave a comment on the Poppystamps Blog page.  You will have to pop over to the Poppystamps blog page to see the die I'm offering.  

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

Snippets, Snippets, Snippets

I couldn't have put any more snippets in if I tried....Everything about this card is a snippet.  So you know I'll be linking it to Di's blog Pixie's Crafty Workshops. If you read my blog from yesterday, you'll know these papers are from designer Marion Smith and I've put a link on yesterday's blog if you want to see her beautiful papers.

This card will be going to my friend Thelma.  I think she's going to be happy to know that I used a snippet from a gold paper doily her sister-in-law gave me years and years ago.  Here's what I did to the inside...

And here's the second card I made....

and here's the inside....

I cut the flowers from the papers too.  I've got to dedicate these flowers to Jenny and Chris.  The two fussy cutters in the group.  Trust me, I am a very impatient fussy cutter.  I think they've inspired me!

It's off to class today.  I'm teaching the sunburst card and a center step card.  The class is sold out and there is a waiting list.  I'm so pleased that so many people want to learn these two techniques. 

Until next time...Happy Crafting, Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

What A Weekend

Hello....it's show and tell time.....I spent Friday and Saturday at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique with a group of very crafty ladies....

Sorry gals, there were so many I couldn't get everyone in the photo....Anyway, in this photo we were working on a hard covered album and we were sewing the signatures.  Here's what I did.  It's not finished, there's more I want to do to the cover....

And here's Marion showing us how to make the flowers we used on the cover.  She has a "Tool" and trust me, you are going to LOVE, LOVE, LOVE  it!

You can't see the tool in this photo, but you can see it and a video if you go to her webpage.  Here  and if you want to see the cover of her book, which is gorgeous....check it out on Karen's page Here  

And I couldn't miss a shot of me with a celebrity. 

. We also made this cute and I've got to say surprisingly easy album.  Mine of course isn't finished! I need to decorate the cover with flowers and other embellishments, but I promise (myself) it will be finished soon.

and here's the inside.  Tons of pages......

I don't know if you can see the gold on the edges and on the cover, but it was made using a really cool product.  Of course I had to have that.....

Anyway.....It was a fun weekend, and I'm so glad that I went.  For those of you who know me, I've been blessed (not the word I really use) with sciatica  and sitting or standing for any length of time is a real pain in the, well you know where!  I almost cancelled, but after 3 days of chiropractic help, I was able to stay long enough to get the basics finished and now it's just decorate!

I had a great Monday with the girls and I made two Sunburst cards from the snippets left over after making these two albums.  Check it out tomorrow as I'll post them then.

Thanks for visiting, I hope you check out Marion and Karen's links.  It was such fun learning something new.

Hugs to all, see you soon,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy


 

What's On Your Workdesk #248

It's Wednesday and we all know what that means, "Show Your Stuff".  Well maybe not your stuff, but what your desk looks like.  And after you post your desk, be sure to link to Julia's blog.  After all, we all want to see what you've been doing.  Here's the link:  WOYWW 248.

Wasn't that easy?  I think so!  My desk looks pretty uneventful.  I'm putting together kits for the March class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I wanted to have everything done before the weekend because I'll be spending Friday and Saturday with Marion Smith of Marion Smith Designs.  Marion will be teaching a room full of gals.  Check out Karen's site to see what we will be learning.  I can hardly wait.  I understand Marion will be sharing her new tool for making flowers.  I'm a tool crazed crafter, so you know I'll for sure need to have one. 

Back to my desk, I'm working on some projects for a design team I'm on.  I'll be able to share on the 14th, and my projects on the 16th and the 25th.  Heads up, there will be prizes so mark your calendar.  Can you see the projects?  Oh no you can't....they are hidden just out of the frame. 

I've been spending quality time with the Chiropractor.  Seems this ole body doesn't like sitting in the court house for 8 hours a day.  I've never had back issues, so I'm not enjoying these new pains.  I'm learning all about what nerves go where.  Who knew your back was attached to your foot.  Well, I do now.  So, I'm moving a bit slow, but hoping to be up and running very soon.

We are finally getting rain.  Not enough yet, but Mother Nature is trying to catch us up.  Loving every last drop of it.   Are you ready for a nature shot? 

This Stellar Blue Jay took advantage of a break in the rain to have a bit of lunch.  Isn't the bird feeder beautiful?  My daughter, Amy and her husband, Linn, gave it to us for Christmas.  I love it, and I think Mr. Jay might also. 

That's it for now.  See you again soon....or at least that's the plan.  Until later,

Hugs
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - Three or More Embellishments!

This month Sandra challenged us to use more than three embellishments.  I tried doing this on each page of my journal.  Before I chat about the embellishments I want to say 2014 is my year to organize my toys, my house, and of course Christmas.  Seems this year Christmas was hiding behind some really warm days, and all of a sudden it jumped out to surprise me.  I have trouble thinking Christmas when the weather is sunny and warm. 

I decided to make a journal and keep it on my desk.  When I think of something, I'm going to write it down.  You know, I'm at that age where thoughts run through my head like water over a dam.  This journal is the gate that hopefully will stop them long enough to jot them down.  Do you think that will happen?  Only time will tell!

Now on to the journal.  I went on a road trip with the Monday group.  We went to a Ben Franklin in Grass Valley.  I found a notebook for under $2.00.  I thought if I do nothing with it, at least I can use it for note taking.  I covered  both front and back covers with a sparkly poinsettia DP.  I added ribbon to the left side to decorate the edge near the bound edge.  Then I started die cutting, using up scrap DP.  The red pieces are suede, I love that feel.  Then lots of snowflakes were layered in gold and suede.  The title was printed on my computer. 

My first page shows how many handmade cards I think I will need and how many I've made.  There were  a few more made since I took the photo, but many more need to be made.  I made a tag from snippets of Christmas paper left over from other projects.  The suede DP is also from bits I've been saving.  Again, my computer was used to create the titles.  I created tabs for each section, added more dies and the snow flakes were what fell from the punched border on the left side.  The gold bits are left over from last month's project. 

My baking and candy making section.  I love making candy, much more than making cookies.  My Santa is one of my very favorite rubber stamps.  Originally I borrowed the stamp from Virginia, but I just had to have it, and couldn't wait to color it again.  I love the gold bells.   So vintage looking they are.  It just dawned on me that I could hoard these items, without looking like I did.  I used them in my journal and I won't be giving it away.  The first item in this section will be make peanut brittle.  My husband is already asking for it. 

This section is for cards.  It's mostly to keep changes of addresses, until I can put them into my computer data base.  I also want to keep track of who I already made cards for.  As I complete a card I put it into an unsealed envelope and write, in pencil, the name of the person to receive the card.  Pencil because I may change my mind and decide I want to give someone a card made later in the year.  Lots of embellishments on this page.  I found a burlap ribbon that has glitter in it, had to put it somewhere in this journal.  The gold bows are actually pieces I cut from Memory Box dies.  You may recognize them on the last page. The graphics are ones I've collected over the years.  I thought they represented the graphics I like using on Christmas cards. 

My Christmas gift list page has more suede  and you'll see the green snowflakes scattered throughout the journal, they fell from the border punch See the snowflake and bow, that bow is what you saw on the previous page.  I love windows and the Poppystamps window is one I use often.  I like the Santa graphic.  If you look closely, you might just see your name.  I hope it's on the good girl side of the page! The title was die cut using a Spellbinder die. 

The back page has an envelope for receipts  and lots of snowflakes, big and small.  The large ones did have a bow, which I removed.  I wanted just the snowflake and I did use the bows on another page, so it was waste not want not. 

Well that's it for my project for Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  Thank you Sandra for inspiring me to use more embellishments.   Before I head off to seeing what trouble I can get into, I want to thank

for offering most wonderful blog candy.  Skip on over to Sparkles Christmas Challenge to link your project and find out how to win. 

I'm off to visit the other design team members.  I know they will have tons of inspiration. 

Hugs to all, and Happy Sparkles Christmas Challenge!

Mary Mac
AKA:  GlitterGrammy