Mrs. A's Butterfly Challenge and But of Course Di's Snippet Challenge

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Two of my favorite blogs to follow are Pixie's  Crafty Workshop and Mrs. A's Butterfly Challenge.  When I can make one card that fit the criteria for both I am extremely happy!

Today....I am extremely happy!  But before I share that happiness, I want to say thank you to everyone who has been commenting on and joining my blog.  Yesterday a young lady named Jean joined as a follower.  What makes me so pleased is Jean said she wished she could follow me via email.  Thank you Jean for pushing me into trying to figure out how...And guess what, I can't believe how easy it was.  I'm from the generation of don't push buttons you don't know what could happen.  Well, this button made me very happy and my machine did not blow up!  (giggling here).  So again, Thank You Jean!

Now back to the challenge(s)  at hand.  Mrs. A's challenge is to make a card using stripes and dots.  So, this is what I made.  These are all scraps from an album I made using Graphic45 Secret Garden collection.  I just noticed this....even my ribbon has stripes...I used the ribbon to mute the pattern behind it.  My dots are sequins that I've had for quite some time.  I think, though they are light in color, they add dots of sparkle on this card.  Even the little butterfly got into the act.  She too is sporting sequins.  The graphic was a happy accident.  It is actually the reverse side of a piece I'd originally thought about using as my background.  If you click on the photo it will enlarge and you can see the sequins much better.  And I really like the wording on the graphic.  Di's challenge is to use up scraps and even the ribbon was a scrap,

Now, on to the inside....

Snippets again, The butterflies were just from borders that I kept.  Not enough paper to do much more than punch butterflies.  These butterflies were punched using the Martha Stewart punch with the 3 butterflies.  The piece behind the sentiment wasn't big enough of course I realized this after I'd glued it down...so, the left side was a piece of trim I'd saved from another project.  Not perfect gluing, but pretty close.  There is sequins here too.

Valery and Di always give me reason to use bits and pieces.  I have to say, sometimes it's a challenge to use up those snippets and not cut into a full sheet.  I must say I'm also challenged to use patterns that I would not think would work together, but you know what?  I think they do.  In addition to being brought up in the don't touch that generation.  I've also been brought up to not mix patterns.  Hey, if the Queen can do a photo bomb....I can mix patterns!  Love this photo:

Thanks JayDetaylor for being in the right place at the right time and having a camera!

Well, that's it for me today.  I'm going to try to get a card done for Rudolph Day....If that's going to happen, I'd best get my act together.

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

A Little Time To Play

A neighbor called to see if I'd help her with a project she has taken on.  You know I love a challenge, but you also know I hate repetition.  She is making invitations for a luncheon and she just happened to mention she may also be making favor boxes.  Off I ran to see what I could make before she arrived.  Well, here's the favor box.  I don't know what her colors are, but I figured anything made in pink would be a good example.  This box really is an easy one to create, a bit time consuming, but easy. 

Here's a close up of the top....

I purchase stems of flowers at JoAnn's and pull them apart so I will have lots of petals.  I also purchase boxes of white silk flower petals in the wedding section.  I think it's a good way to get lots of flowers and not break the bank.  If you use alcohol inks, you can color your flowers any color that fits your needs.  I use my Spectrum Noir pens often just for flower coloring. 

My neighbor will be here any minute, I guess I should head over to Valery's blog to post this on the butterfly challenge...this month is Butterfly Bingo....and I've created this using... Pink - Die Cuts - Gems.  B-I-N-G-O!

Off for now, see you in June.  Tomorrow it's Sparkles Christmas Challenge...don't forget to get your Christmas supplies ready!  Check back tomorrow to see what this month's challenge will be! 

Until later.....Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

I should be packing! Note the word should!

My schedule today includes cleaning up my craft room messes (yes, more than one) and packing for my trip.  I will do both later.....Mrs. A.  AKA:  Valery hosts a Butterfly Challenge and everyone knows when butterflies are fluttering by one must give them a place to rest....thus my card.....

As luck would have it, I was finishing up this card when I read this month's challenge (normally only 2 weeks, but this one is longer)  It's Butterfly Bingo.  So the line I chose was this....Diecuts, Butterfly and Designer Paper.  The diecuts are Poppystamps, the butterflies are also Poppystamp dies.  I am having a brain freeze right  now and could not tell you the paper line.  They are pieces left from a card I made a short time ago.  If I go back through my blog I'm sure I could find it.  It could be Marion Smith or Graphic 45.  Anyway, it is designer paper.  The twine is The Twinery.  The sentiment is from my computer.  Here's the inside:

I think now I should go back and get my packing finished.  Before I go, please have a look at the cards being shared on Valery's blog challenge.  And if you should see a butterfly or two, perhaps you would like to play along.  For rules (and there are only a few)  Check it out here. 

And last but surely not least, this card was made from snippets, I shall flutter over to visit Di and share this card on her snippet challenge.  For rules and to check it out flutter this way.

I almost forgot.  My husband was running errands as was I.  I guess my dogs don't like it when we both go away.  I should apologize to my neighbors....don't you think?

 FYI:  No animals were harmed during the filming of this video.  Though you would think they had been!

Honestly, now I shall continue with the tasks on my list.  Happy crafting everyone.  See you when I get back home.

Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to one and all.  I hope your day is special and know because of you the world was changed....

May your day be filled with sunshine and flowers and may you always find time to listen for the sounds of birds singing and take joy in the silent flutter of butterfly wings! 

My friend Valery has a wonderful blog challenge that changes every two weeks.  This weeks challenge is a card using a doily and of course a butterfly.  Part of my doily is covered by fern and bird, but the center is visible and decorated with a pretty button.  My little butterfly has a golden base.  Butterflies are so pretty, aren't they? 

And here's what I did on the inside of my card.  Fussy cutting of the nest and roses....I think this card is finished!

My daughter and son-in-law (Amy and Linn) sent me this lovely blouse. 

A flower standing in front of our Rhododendron bush....

And my son (Dan) sent me these beautiful flowers and a box of candy.....

Well, off I go to see what the girls (and a few boys) have posted on Valery's Butterfly challenge.  There is still time left.....how about sharing what you've made? 

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

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

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

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

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

More Butterflies and Flowers

Boy this was a stretch....do you see the flowers?  They are very small.....This card did not start out to be a butterfly and flower card.  It started as a Sunburst card, which I will reluctantly show you at the end of this post.  This card was made with the bits and pieces left over, or as Di calls them Snippets.

Last night I started on a card that I thought would be very easy.  Well guess what, it wasn't.  I cut and cut and glued and glued and was not happy with the end result.  I decided that this card would not go into the trash bin, I would take the bits left over and create something.  Note:  The pieces on the left started as 1 1/2 inches x 4 inches.  I cut and cut and arranged and rearranged for hours.  I am not exaggerating, it was hours.   I was determined to finish this card before going to bed.  Well the above is what I did to make the outside.  And below, is the inside.....

It's not the best card I've ever made, but it's one I will keep.  Now, do you want to see what I originally made?  It too was made from snippets.  Trust me it's not what I envisioned.  Even if I take my glasses off, it doesn't look any better....are you ready?

You know I have a thing about always finishing the inside....well here it is.  Keep your glasses off, and if you don't wear any...squint...it might help!

No I was not drinking when I put this together.....maybe I should have been!

I'm going to share this with Valery's Butterfly Challenge and with Di and the Snippet Challenge. (well I will when she opens the gate.  I tried shimming under once, but she caught me....Darn guard goose!) 

I'm going to add some photos of a squirrel that was pulling twine out of our tree.  We tie bits to branches just so we can see the squirrels trying to figure out how to make off with the pieces.  Since a storm is on the way, I'm thinking "Barb the Builder" has plans for reinforcing her nest.

She spent considerable time getting this 2 foot piece into a ball.

Perfect, now how does she get it off the branch?

Keep pulling......

Done and heading home.... Love our little furry friends!

Until next time....have a crafty day and how about sharing your creations. 

Hugs from Me to You,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Butterflies and Flowers

Hello again,  I've met some pretty sweet gals on the internet and Valery is one of those most sweet gals.  She has a new challenge for all of us and this month it's Butterflies and Flowers.   I can't promise that I will enter each month, but I did want to let everyone know about this new challenge and I did want to make a card for this very first of what will be many Butterfly challenges....

This is a birthday card for a dear friend.  I hope she doesn't check into my blog very often as it will be a few weeks before her birthday. I have to say this template design is not mine.  I happened to find the layout while searching the web.  Bibiana's original card looked just like this....

Mostly because this is the card Bibiana posted.  She was kind enough to include a template for the card, which is what I've used to create my card.  You can find the template on her blog page:  Check out her blog here. 

I want to congratulate Valery, who most of us know as Mrs. A., I'm sure this new challenge will be full of interesting challenges.  I hope many of you will want to play along.  What better way to create a card, have fun doing it, and then having cards on hand when you need them.  There are some cool prizes this month and you could win one.  Now that's incentive! 

Note:  I just went to Bibiana's site and I couldn't find the template for the card.  I did write down the dimensions, so if you can't find it, let me know and I'll write up the instructions. 

In reading about Bibiana, I found out she is on the Memory Box design team.  I'm on the sister company's design team, Poppystamps.  Small world isn't it.  I also noticed she just posted a card that uses the same stencil and die that I used on a card that will go live on the 18th.  Now that makes this world even smaller!  Or is it great minds think alike? Check back on the 18th to see what I've made. 

I hope you have a bit of time and check out Valery's blog and Bibiana's blog.  And I hope you share this new challenge with your friends.  I'd love to see lots of Butterflies and Flowers.  Especially when so many people would like to see a bit of spring and summer even if it's only on paper!

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