Oh, where to begin.......

Before I begin, I want to let my friends in the mid-west and south know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.  The tornadoes have brought so much devastation to your part of the country.  I pray you are safe.

It's Wednesday and here's what my desk looks like:

Lots of stuff....most needs no explanation, if you are wondering about anything....just ask, I'll reply in the comment section.  And now for the rest of the story.....

I went into my craft room with the honest intention of tiding up a tad.  Well, I spied with my little eye, the red sparkly paper and the Christmas tree I had laying off to the side.  I was  trying to decide what to do to make it a bit prettier.  The next hour is a blur, as my eyes glazed over as I punched little circles from the sparkly paper.  Last week I made a blue card, I think I like it better.  I think I over-decorated this little tree, but, it's still pretty.

So, why a photo of my desk....well, plain and simple, it's Wednesday and loads of us paper crafters, drag out our cameras to take photos of our desks.  Some are neat and tidy, some are showing lots of work going on, and others are piled high with projects in process and projects in the plan.  So, why don't you hop on over to Julia's world and have a look and if you're feeling brave, and I hope you are, why not snap a photo of your world and share it with all of us.  Here's where.... Stamping Ground.   We are up to week 256.  Can you believe it?  Oops....I almost forgot to show you the card....

Like I said, I went to my craft room to tidy up, not mess up....as I was putting things away, I found a silver ornament I'd cut some time ago.  I knew I had one of the silver batch cards I'd been working on and it was in need of a finishing touch....and now this card is finished and it's added to my Christmas card count.....51 and counting.....

I do believe I'll head over and add this to Rudolph Day....tomorrow is the last day to enter this month.  Sarn keeps me keepin on.....Check it out at Stamping For Pleasure.

Keep in mind, I AM cleaning my craft room.  On Monday I decided to take out my bucket of projects that have been sitting waiting to be finished or kits that had snippets left that I planned to make another card,  but never did.  Well, today I managed to finish this one.

  It's left overs from a mini album and also a butterfly that I first made from a piece of gold ribbon that I wondered if I could die cut it.  Well guess what, I could....and then I found a tiny piece of mesh...and I wondered if I could die cut it, and I could.  I then cut a backing of vellum, did some gluing and my butterfly was ready for my snippet card and I do believe this card qualifies for  Mrs. A's Glamorous Butterfly Challenge. 

Here's the inside....

I've got to say, I outdid myself today, 3 snippet cards, finished and put away.  Ms. Di from Pixie's Crafty Workshop. will be getting a visit from me.  I want to thank Di also for giving me a reason to use up my snippets.   As for my craft room, still not clean, but hey...there is always tomorrow. 

I am off to see what trouble I can find....Maybe I'll go through my snippet bucket and organize it.  Who knows, maybe I can make a few more cards before the week ends.

Take care, happy crafting and I do hope all is well in your world.
Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy Birthday My April Friends

It seems several of my crafty friends are born in April.  So Happy Birthday to each and every one of you....be you up close or thousands of miles away, each of you have brought great happiness to my life.

The card I am featuring is made from Graphic45 cardstock and it is actually baby girl paper.  I love the soft colors and this collection has so many to choose from.  There are lots of dies (ten on theoutside) , which most of you know is my favorite embellishment.  The lace window curtain adds the perfect touch.  of course what would a card be without a bit of bling!

And this is the inside.....

I've had this book die for a long time, I must admit, I don't use it often, I think it's perfect here.  The corner die is one of my newest Memory Box dies.  It's large, but so delicate, not to forget pretty, I just couldn't say no to this one. 

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

What Day Is It?

It's Rudolph Day and that means another card is done and waiting for the Christmas mailing.  Thanks to Sarn and her challenge that keeps us all on track.  I've been working on cards that are quick to make and flat, so mailing won't be expensive.  This card is perfect.

The tree stamp is an old one...dates back to 1999, made by Denami Design of Kent Washington.  I don't know if that company is still in existence.   The sentiment is from Stampabilities and is quite a bit newer 2010.  I stamped both in white ink and heat embossed using silver embossing powder.  Using a circle punch, I punched from glitter sticker paper both the dots and the snowflake and decorated the tree. The final step was to glue this 4 x  5 1/4 piece to the front of the card base.  I could have stamped directly to the base, but I wanted to have the extra layer.  The inside will have a direct stamped sentiment.

Monday's are my play day and I play with a group of gals that are so crafty.  I took some cards I'd not finished and also worked on a Morehead design from one of the purchased sheets.  As I finished cutting, shaping and gluing, I looked down at one of the card bases that I'd not yet added snowflakes.  A light bulb went on and here's the finished card....

Ah, another finished Christmas card to share this Rudolph Day!  This will be another card that won't break the bank when I post it.  
That's it for this Rudolph Day.  I'm hoping to have several more made before Christmas.  I'm going to head over to Sarn's blog and check out the Rudolph Day projects everyone made.  I hope you check them out too.  Have a look!

Note:  On Wednesday I posted a page from my Christmas  journal.  I've gotten so many comments and emails from people who are "impressed or encouraged" by my journal.  I have to tell you this was my very first project of 2014 and put the final touches on it March 1st.   I created it because I was so "bummed" out during the 2013 holiday season.  I wasn't looking forward to any part of it.  Unknown to us, my husband had been ill, probably for over 6 months, however, being a man he chose to ignore the symptoms and chose rather to internalize his issue by not mentioning the pain.  Rather, he became extremely grumpy and withdrew from everything and everyone.  Suggesting a doctor visit was met with outbursts of "nothing is wrong"  To say the least our home was very quiet and unhappy.  There were no decorations, normally there are many.  The week before Christmas I did manage to put up a 2 foot tall tree, which I lit only once.  

Mind you, I'd made cards and I did send a few, but very few.  No Christmas letter, no family email.  Well, long story short.  My husband finally went to the doctor.  His illness was and at times still is gout, which as everyone knows is very painful, and also treatable.  He feels so good now that I can honestly say I have the man I married back and I am thrilled.  Though he is still stubborn and waits too long when the symptoms of gout raise their ugly head, he is finally realizing that feeling good feels great.  

In January, I decided that this Christmas would be different.  I created the journal, made a list of people I wanted to send cards to and got to work.  So, for those who are impressed, don't be...I am not organized, and thus....the journal keeps me moving forward.  For those who are encouraged...thank you.  Believe me, I was encouraged by Shaz and Rudolph Day, and I was invited to be on the design team of Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  These two Christmas challenges keep me focused.  I'm amazed with how many cards I've made.  Trust me, several are pretty basic, but I think beautiful.  

So now, you know the rest of the story!  Thank you so much for your comments and your interest... you all keep me focused, encouraged and above all impressed by what you create.  That said....

Until next time....
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Card Class for May

A card in a box is certainly becoming a favorite.  I've had requests to teach this card and so I shall.  I first saw the card in a box on Di's blog page, Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  So, thank you Di for inspiring me. 

My second card is quick and very easy.  The girls will love this one.  I know I do!

It easily converts to birthday, or get well.  I'll bring stamps or if you have a favorite, bring yours. 

I was told the class is sold out.  But two lucky people can sign up...I've found enough cardstock to create two more kits.  Let me know if you are interested.  I'll let Karen know.  Reminder to those already signed up.  Class will begin at 1:00 on May 14.  Have you checked out Karen's Blog lately?  How about her Facebook Page?  Oh, what about on Pinterest.  If you go to:  http://paradisescrapbookboutique.typepad.com you can find all the links there. 

That's it for now, the 25th  is Rudolph Day...I need to get moving and finish my cards.  Hope to see some of you there. 

Off for now....
Hugs from me to you,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Butterfly Challenge #6

Miss Valery Anne has a new challenge for we crafters.  This challenge is Glamorous Butterflies.  My photo doesn't show the glitter (I used Wink of Stella - clear) to add a bit of glamor to this birthday card.  My friend sings in the community choir I thought she needed a musical card.  I also wanted it to be a bit girly.  What's more girly than butterflies and flowers? 

Now, here's a link to Miss Valery's blog.  You'll find the rules for this challenge.  I love these challenges.  What's better than a little boost to keep you making cards!  Get inspired, have a look at the blog and then how about jumping in with both feet.....I'd love to see what you've created! 

That's it for now.....I'll be posting my cards for the May class.  I've sold out on this one, but while cleaning my craft room, I found enough stock to make 2 more kits...so, if you are interested, let me know.  I'll do a quick post later today...I promise. 

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

What's On Your Workdesk # 255

Well here it is..... and it's Wednesday and you know what that means.  Miss Julia has organized us to post what we are working on by way of what our desk top looks like.  This morning, rather than create, I decided it would be nice if I took inventory.  I was pleasantly surprised with the number of Christmas cards I've already created.  Having this journal turned out to be a great idea and it's keeping me focused.  I not only have a count, I also have the names of everyone I'm sending to...

Want to see the close up?

I don't want to brag, but I'm getting close.  Of course every time I think I'm close, I add another person.  I must admit many of them are quite simple, however, all have been made with love and with certain people in mind as I create.

I'm off to work on a birthday card that I need to get done and soon.  I hope you check out all the desks and comment on those that get you thinking....Here's Miss Julia and she can fill you in on the rules, of which there are only a few...

So for now.....Happy Crafting,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Just A Note

If you read my blog post from yesterday, you know I've been in my room trying to organize my treasures.  Sadly, when I'm putting away paper, my mind starts to wander and all these snippets need a place to live.  The inspiration for this snippet card was the silver glittered cardstock.  I had many pieces too small to use for most things, but too big to part with.  The piano keys were perfect.  Sadly, I had to cut most of them one at a time.  Note to self, sometimes it's ok to throw away pieces.  The base of the piano keys is the only piece that wasn't a snippet.  Here's what I did on the inside. 

I'm sure you've noticed there are no silver keys.  If you are wondering...I do have plenty of silver slivers of cardstock left....I could have, but after doing it on the front of the card, I chose to go without. I'll be sharing this on Di's blog page.  I hope you give snippet cards a try, they are fun and sometimes they go together easily and other times....well, you know!  Check out Di's blog

There is a little girl named Lauryn and she is battling a really big meany....If you have a card, that would bring a smile to a little girl in a time when smiles are hard to find....please get all the details from Cornelia.  Here's the card that I'm sending Lauryn.  I made it some time ago, and it's one of my favorites.  Until now, I couldn't bear to part with it....I think Lauryn needs this card much more than I do. 

Hugs from Northern California,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Butterflies and a Little Bird

Happy Easter and I hope there is sunshine in your world.  It's surely been a long winter for many of you.  Easter, for me is always an awakening of the earth from it's long winter sleep. 

For those who have not looked in on this challenge, it's fairly new and if you like butterflies, and who doesn't, this is a challenge for you.  It's easy to play along and every 2 weeks Mrs. A. gives us a new challenge.  Every challenge requires at least one butterfly, and then just to keep us on our toes, Mrs. A. adds a twist...this time we need to add a charm. 

I spent yesterday and today putting all the papers I'd dragged out over the past month(s) back into their bins.  While doing this I pulled out all the snippets and put them into a 12 x12 clear envelope.  My plan is to challenge myself by putting together cards from these snippets.  Some are quite large and some are very small.  This card, with the exception of the white base, is totally made from bits and pieces of paper and ribbon that were left from other projects.  When I saw the butterfly snippets, I knew I had the perfect place to post this card.  Might I say, I have taken a break from tidying up and made this card.  The sunburst card surely is a great way to use up snippets.  I must thank Di for pointing me in that direction. 

This is what the inside looks like.....

Well that's it for now.  I need to get off to bed...tomorrow will be a busy day looking for eggs.  Maybe I'll stay up just a bit longer to see if I can get a peek at the Easter Bunny.  If I see him, I'll post his photo.

Check out Mrs. A's challenge HERE
 and I'm going to link this card to Di's blog challenge HERE

Again, Happy Easter, Happy Crafting.  I have plenty of snippets, so.... I'll be back soon. 
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Working on Christmas Cards and WOYWW 254

Another Wednesday, which means we are one week closer to Christmas....Only 253 days to go...
and of course it means we share our work desks with the world.....

By now I think the world knows all about Ms. Julia and her sharing place.  But if you don't, here's the how to....you take a photo of what your desk looks like on Wednesday and you upload it to your blog page....then you link here.  Easy no?  Well, it's easy yes!  You don't have a blog page?  Hey, they are easy and free, so I suggest you get one so we can all see what it is you do. 

Now, what's on my desk?  A 7-up can.....crafting makes you thirsty!  A friend shared a sheet of Morehead 3-D images.  I'm working my way through one of them.  There are I think 17 pieces to cut and glue.  I'm at like 9 and that may be as far as I go, the pieces are really getting small!  There are tweezers, and scissors and glue.  My Ott light and glass matt and the little blue object on the left of the matt is my newest tool.  I LOVE tools.  I often purchase them and find out they don't work as I had hoped.  Well this one does.  If you like making your own flowers, this is for you.  I found an additional use for mine.  I used it to emboss the tiny pieces of the image above and (as they say on the TV ads....WAIT, THERE'S MORE!)  I dry embossed the large pieces using the dome piece and a mouse pad. 

I don't know if they are available in your world, if not, let me know,  If you are interested, I'd be happy to get you the info and even handle the shipping (for the actual price to ship.  I'd let you know the price)  if you bought it from Karen.  I can't image they would be too expensive to ship. 

Here's what the tool looks like.....and the flower is one I made using it.  I made it from computer paper and I colored the tips with my Spectrum Noir pens.  There are lots of flower dies you can use to make the flowers.  This one was made using a die I already had.  Punched flowers are perfect too. 

Here's a close up of my flower.....

Well, I'm off to put my card together and play with my new tool and if there's time, I might just vacuum.....the living room.....

Have a crafty Wednesday and see you again soon!

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

Sunny Days

Well, I think Spring is here.  I guess I should hold off until Mother Nature confirms my prediction.  We've gone from snow one day, to 70 degree weather the next.  So, maybe Mother isn't ready to give us warm spring days. 

It's my day to show my creation on the Poppystamps blog page.  This is what I made.  I've had fun playing with the Sunflower dies, the outline and the base.  And butterflies, well nothing more needs to be said about my love of these little beauties. 

A month or so ago, I attended a two day album class hosted by Karen.  The guest designer was Marion Smith of Marion Smith Designs.  She brought a product I've become quite taken with.  It's a gold foil and it comes in a 12x 12 sheet.  After embossing (Cuttlebug Embossing Folder)  the background, I lightly rubbed a white glue (Baste It) over parts and put the foil over it.  Pretty accent I think.  I did the same to the outline of the butterfly.  The sentiment is computer generated.  If you'd like to know the names of the Poppystamps dies, you'll just have to head over to the Poppystamps Blog page. 

Have a most creative day and may your weekend be extra special.  It's baseball season here and I'll be watching my San Francisco Giants play ball.  May the force be with them!  Of course I'll be making cards too! 

Until next time....Hugs from Northern California!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW - 253

Well here it is. 

I've been coloring again and hopefully some will make it to cards.  My goal is to get all my rubber stamp images colored and digitally saved so I can catalog them.  Mind you I attempted this several years ago and I was not very successful.  Now, when I look at the previously colored images, I'm finding I want to color them better, so I color them again.  That's not getting the process done is it? 

My desk has pens and ink and a card I need to address and mail, and mail I need to deal with and colored images and my very favorite coloring tool.  It's called a Stamp-0-Graph.  It was made by Mostly Animals in San Jose CA.  I've had it for years and though I have other stamp postioners, this one is my favorite.  I don't think it is made anymore, though I have seen one that is similar, but I've tried it and I still like mine the best.  So, there you have it.

Well....off I shall be going to have a peek at what the others are sharing.  I keep inviting my friends to join in, I think they must be on the shy side, because I don't see anything they are sharing.  I want you to know, there are some pretty cool people out there in the world of crafting and I've met several through Miss Julia and WOYWW.... so come on.....join in.

Off I go, today I think I shall contemplate the cloud.  I'm going to lay on my back on the playground, look at the sky and try to figure out which one is Icloud and how all my photos find there way there....OHHHHHHHHH !  My life is full!  Anyone want to join me?  Di?  Sarn?  Mrs. A? 

Have a wonderfully crafty day.....

Hugs to all,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Layers, I've Got Layers!

I love the art on decorative napkins.  I've had several requests to teach this method and I have done so in the past.  When Chris made the request with this beautiful napkin in hand, what could I say.  Ok, I'll show you how.  As of this moment, I've not kept my word.  Honest Chris, I will show you how and soon.  Another friend, Brenda, sent a link to a video of adding glitter to graphics.  After watching the video, I thought....hmmmm I know I could do it easier and quicker.  I did and I shall share in one word...Xyron!  The gold glittery piece behind the graphic was a find at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Yesterday, I made a quick trip down the hill to buy one thing.  I came home with a bag full of newly added yummy finds.  I must say, I was mesmerized by the bling!  I now have it in silver and gold and there were lots of other colors too. 

Ok, a challenge this month on Christmas Stampin' All Year Long is to use layers.  That challenge was my inspiration for this card.  I love layers and if you looked at my card from yesterday's post, I am also trying to create pretty cards that won't break the budget when posting them.  Today's card will thrill the postal workers as it's not going to be mailed using one 1st Class Stamp!  Six layers on the outside and more on the inside....

Thank you Chris, and Brenda for motivating me.  And thanks to Christmas Stampin' All Year Long for giving me that extra little push! 

Happy Crafting, Hugs from a very sunny Northern California! 
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

It's Christmas Time In My Craft Room....

Today I decided it was time to tidy up my craft room.  I"m normally pretty organized, but this past week I've been working on 8 projects and rather than put one away, when completed, well, you know... I didn't!  Having said that, I was distracted by shiny objects and below is a card I made from snippets that I just happened to stumble on my journey to tidy up.  By the way, my room still needs major tidying, which I will do in the morning!  Well that's the plan!

Here's the outside......

My friend Dee Dee is coming in June, and we will be working on Christmas Cards.  I thought it might be a good idea to have a plan.  We are looking to do some mass creating and we want the cards to be easy to create assembly line method.  We also want a card that will not require extra postage.  Well, I do believe I know of one card we can make.  And here's the inside......

Pretty simple I'd say, but I like it.....I know everyone on the playground is looking toward warm, dry days....I hope Ms. Di will  let me play along with my Winter White and Silver snippet card. 

If you've never shared one of your snippet cards, you really should.  It's fun and it's the best way to create something pretty from something that would just lay forgotten in your snippet box.  Check it out HERE. 

Off I go for now....Until next time.....Hugs from Northern California
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Spring Flowers

I think everyone is about ready for spring.  This is the card I made for the Poppystamps Blog Page.  I love the Wild Rose Bud and though I'm pretty new (really new actually) to using stencils, I like the Memory Box stencil background.  And when I think Spring, I think of my husband outside chasing the lawn mower  and the fresh cut grass die is the perfect spring lawn.  Though you can't see much of it, I had to use the Bailiwick background.  Just enough is showing to show a bit of interest.  I die cut the Wild Rose Bud on white cardstock and colored it using my Spectrum Noir pens.  You can read more about the how on the Poppystamps Blog Page. 

Here's the inside.....

To find out more, pop on over to the Poppystamps blog....  Off to play in my craft room...until later,
have a most creative and fun day.

Do you want to see more of the wonderful Poppystamps dies?  Well you can here.....HERE

Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Sparkles Christmas Challenge

It's time for another Sparkles Christmas Challenge and I'm so happy to bring you two Christmas Cards this month.  Pat chose a theme based on a Christmas Carol.  I love snowmen and this trio singing Joy to the World was such fun to create. And here's the inside....

One of my goals this year is to use what I have.  The base of this card is craft stock.  The red and gold metallic paper has been hanging around my craft room for Years.  They are from Hot off the Press - Paper Pizazz - Metallic Gold.  The punched trim is from DCWV Metallic textured stack.  Also paper that's lived in my craft room for many years.  The snowmen are from Uptown Rubber stamps designed by Sandi Gore Evans.  The sentiment on the outside is from Northwoods and on the inside is from Stampendous.  The punches are Martha Stewart.  The ribbon is from my stash and was on one of my Christmas gifts.

Here's my second card.  I had a bit more time  this week and decided the best way to spend it was to make another card.  I used the Sunburst layout using snippets left over from an album project.  The green is suede and I love the texture it adds to this card.  Santa is an embellishment that I honestly can't tell you it's origin.  It's been hanging around my Christmas embellishment box for way too long.  The background on the sentiment is glitter paper I made and the sentiment is from Stampabilities.  I heat embossed the sentiment using JudiKins gold transparent embossing powder..  Sorry the photo doesn't show how pretty the embossed sentiment truly is.  The base is craft paper.  Here's the inside:

The inside was also made from bits and pieces.  The Teddy Bear is a left over embellishment too.  The rubber stamp is from Stampabilities. 

 This month Marianne Design is offering a most generous prize.  You could win two dies or one die and a rubber stamp.   Head over to the Sparkles Christmas Challenge and check out the rules, add your card and have a look at what the design team made this month. 

I'm off for now, I'm thinking I have a little time to create another Christmas card.  Until later,  Happy Crafting and I'll see you soon....

Hugs to all,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy