Let's Make it a Krafty Christmas

It's time to Sparkle....well it's Sparkles Christmas Challenge and this month Jane picked a fun theme.  A Krafty Christmas.  Your card must use kraft paper.  I'm using the kraft card stock for my base and also for layers.  On the outside I ran the kraft stock through a Christmas Cuttlebug embossing folder.  I thought it needed a bit more dimension.  The decorative papers are all from the Graphic45 St. Nicholas collection.  They all were pieces left over from making Christmas cards and decorations.  I'm using pieces from the 8x8 and 12x12 paper pads.  I've framed them with the solid green pieces and used Tim Holtz Distress inks to outline the papers.  After doing a test layout, I thought it might be nice to add a bit of sparkle.  I outlined the decorative papers using Stickles Mercury Glass.  Well, that's the outside and now for the inside.

It's pretty much a repeat of the outside.  I did add a stamped Sentiment using my favorite Christmas sentiment.  It's from Stampability.  That's it.  Pretty simple really and a great way to use up all those bits and pieces .  You will probably see many of this type of card as I have many bits and pieces to use.

Now it's your turn....Create a Christmas project using kraft somewhere on your creation and link it on the Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  All the rules (and there are only a few) can be found on the Sparkles site.  I'll be looking in to see what you've made!

Until next time....Happy Crafting.

Hugs from my world to yours,
Mary Mac
AKA:  GlitterGrammy

Sparkles - Christmas In July

July already?  When I think of July, I think of Christmas in July.  Those of us who make Christmas/Holiday cards start the process early.  For me, that's July.  Depending on the number of cards I will be mailing, I always want a few different cards that will mail for the cost of one 1st. Class stamp.  This card fits the bill.  I also like making a sketch/layout that can be used in many ways.

This card is great especially if you like assembly line cards.  All the pieces can be cut at home and then taken to a crop for quick assembly.  This card is definitely quick and pretty darn easy.

The inside was easy too....with just amount of room for a quick note....

The Sparkles Christmas Challenge this month is:  Snowflakes.  Thank you Pat for the fun challenge.  And......the prize this month is gifted by Sandra H and the prize is.... 3 Cuttlebug Embossing folders.

It's easy to win.....check out the rules Here.  

Well, that's it for me today....so, until next time....HAPPY CRAFTING

Mary Mac

AKA: GlitterGrammy

Thank You

I am sooooo behind on sending thank you cards for the most wonderful birthday my crafty friends created.  Today is the day to begin with the making.  This snippet was jumping out at me.  The pink trim was a piece shared by Virginia at one of our crops.  The flower is from another of her share pieces and it was cut using the Memory Box Lovely Aster and positioned over the Memory Box Whimsy Circle.  The print card stock didn't begin as a snippet, but if you cut it wrong more than one time...it is still too short for what you planned...I know, measure twice, cut once.  If I did that, there would be no snippets!  Well, fewer of them anyway.  I then layered the pieces onto a piece of cardstock that I'd embossed using the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots. 

And here's the inside.  I made a little tag to write my note.  A little bling and I'm done.  Well not quite, I'm heading over to Pixie's Crafty Workshop to see what the other playground gang has been up to.  If you have snippets, how about joining us on the playground.  It's easy, it's fun and there are lots and lots of crafty folk there. 

Off for a day of play with Brenda.....until next time....Happy Crafting and Hugs from No. California!

Congratulations Amy and Linn

Congrats to Amy and Linn.....Amy waited a long time to find the perfect mate

and we are happy she chose Linn.  Linn welcome to our family....We love you!

Of course I made a card.....even though Amy told me, "Mom, you don't have to...."  This card was so much fun to make.  I spent a week looking at it on my desk, changing parts here and there and finally, I am happy.  Here is the card:

I purchased the tiny frame from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  The frame was in a package with the bird, and the corners. (I hope Karen reads this and can tell you who makes the embellishments...I don't have the packaging anymore...silly me, in an effort to consolidate all my wedding embellishments...I threw away the packaging...)  I bought the package on the off chance I could use the bird.  Well, as you can see, I used more than the bird.  It's funny the card started by making their names, using my BossKut Gazelle.  From there I wanted to use the photo frame.  My daughter is a professional photographer, so the frame and their photo would be important to her.   I've used the Spellbinder bird cage in another wedding card and I really like how it looks with flowers inside.  Then came the bird.  The little silver piece is a Memory Box - Crisp Bow die, with a heart stick pin attached.  The heart pin came from the sewing section at JoAnn's...you just never know where you'll find these little treasures.  The pearls are from Want 2 Scrap.  The punched border is a Martha Stewart border and corner punch.  And the striped background is one of my new favorite Cuttlebug embossing folders. The flowers are some I purchased from Karen.  I think I purchased every color she has and I love them.  The ribbon is also from Karen's shop.  So, now you know all about this card.  Do you want to see the envelope? 

I normally make wedding cards and put them into a box that I've also made.  This time, since the card is a stand-up card, I knew it wouldn't necessarily stay in the box, so I put it into a 6 1/4 x 6 1/4 clear box and made a band to hide the portion with their photo.  I really like how this turned out.  I think the card will be safer to transport in this box as it will be more sturdy than the card stock box I would have made.  Here's the envelope:

Now you know all about the wedding card.  What you don't know is I am writing this post on 5/29/12,  For obvious reasons I don't want the card to be seen by Amy and Linn until their wedding day.  I've never scheduled a post before.  I hope this works.  I'll be in Chicago at the time this goes live...( Actually I'll be getting my hair done) I'm trusting blogspot to post on schedule....

I'll post some wedding photos later....until then....Happy Crafting!  See you soon.

Mary
AKA: GlitterGrammy

Just A Note

Happy Wednesday and we know what that means.....We all meet at Julia's place to share what we've been doing.  If you haven't skipped across the pond....grab your tote and lets meet here.  I promise you'll be spending time going from one blog to another and you'll meet some great folks along the way.  While visiting Julia...grab your tote again and skip on over to visit with Di.  You can show off what you've made with snippets.  Which by the way, this card has many...I did have to use a base that wasn't a snippet (ah ha...but the second card I make will be...since I had to half the piece!)  Check out Di's blog page here.  Prepare yourself for a day of play, her virtual play ground will have you skipping around and chasing the ducks on the pond.  Watch out for Mrs. A....she's quite the trickster. Sarn might just bring the chicks and Bernie and Helen....well you know they'll be there. 

I need to preface this with....my desk doesn't always look this bad....sometimes it's worse.  No, that's not what I meant to say...I meant to say....I came home from a crop with friends and while still inspired, I started to unpack so I could make this card.  While playing with the girls, I was determined to conquer the Martha punch all over the page Crochet Flower.  I went into another room to punch so the ladies wouldn't hear the words I might use if I messed up.  So, here's what I made.  I like this punch, it's just a challenge for me.  If anyone has any idea of what would make it easier....let me know.  I've already watched all the YouTube videos and though helpful, obviously not helpful enough!  Personally, I think the magnet snapping together scares me and as I'm moving my fingers and I close my eyes to not see my fingers get smashed.  While doing this,  I move the card stock.  I like the punch a lot, so I shall keep trying.  I'm certainly going through many snippets to attempt perfection....

Ok, back to my desk....argh, I hate to show the photo, but here it is......

I thought if I stood back it would look better.  I know you're thinking how can the girl work in that mess....well, the girl can't....so, she worked here.....

Better no? 
I've got to say this week has been fun.  Visiting with friends, shopping with Virginia, re-connecting with my cousin Diane, who I have not seen in over 40 years (oh God that just made me feel old!), and packing for my trip (not long now. 5 more days!)

Here's what I used for this card....

White card stock base
Cuttlebug Birds and Swirls embossing folder
Spellbinder Classic Squares (inside), and Blossom Tags and Accents (outside)
Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Dusty Concord
Marvy Brush Marker #1500 - Pale Violet
Martha Stewart Punch All Over The Page - Crochet Flower
Stampin Up Sentiment - Just A Note

Have a great week.  I think my next post will come to you from an RV in the middle of who knows where!

{{{Hugs}}} To All,
Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW Number...145 and more

Yesterday I purchased a sheet of crepe paper from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  It was an impulse purchase....now that's something new for me....NOT!  I'd seen a flower that Rachel made and my mind went to that place that says....hmmmmm I wonder what a flower die would do...I'll ask if I can post a photo of Rachel's flower...it's really beautiful.... anyway, so, I bought red and green crepe paper  and came home to give my Spellbinder daisy a try.  The card stock is a piece of 110 pound plain white cardstock.  I  seem to have bits and pieces of this stock laying everywhere, I'm never at a loss for snippets of this card stock. The Cuttlebug embossing folder made the polka dot frame and the white ribbon have been laying in wait for the perfect spot to use them.  The frame behind the flower was cut using a Martha Stewart border punch.  The sentiment is a Stampin Up stamp which has been stamped on a Spellbinder tag.  For the inside page, I repeated with a piece of crepe paper and the MS border punch.  The button in the center of the flower is actually a paper button made using a Stampin Up die.  Looks like a button, but will lay nice and flat in the envelope. 

So, here's what my desk looked like while I was in my planning stage.  Trust me it's looked much worse.... I've got several projects laying there waiting to be finished.  An album I'm making for my DH,  a Christmas card I've been thinking about putting together for what seems like forever and off to the side (hidden from view), are several dies waiting to be added to a book I'm putting together to inventory my dies. Yes, this is the year I get organized....ok, I think that was my goal for 2011 also....  I'm posting my link on Julia's blog page....if you'd like to see more desks and more than that more projects...hop on over to Julia's blog page.  And how about joining in, it's easy and fun!

And then there is another favorite blog Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Di challenges us to use snippets and it's always fun to see what beauty comes from bits and pieces. 

We had a few days of spring like weather and my spring house cleaning clock was ticking away.  I took everything out of the china cabinet, washed everything, cleaned the mirror and glass and now, I spend lots of time gazing at my sparkling beauty.  There is something about shiny....

 

Well, I guess I could blab on for longer, but I see a few of you nodding off....until next week, stay warm and dry, enjoy your week and I'll see you soon!

Hugs to all,

Glitter Grammy

February Card Class

I've been working on kits for my next class.....I am happy to say....they are cut, packaged and waiting for Monday, February 13th.  So.....here are the cards.....

 I really like the Whimsy Circle from Memory Box I was very happy when Karen brought this die into her boutique.  This card has all my favorites.....Memory Box, Cuttlebug, Spellbinder, Martha and a beautiful ribbon from PSB. 

This is card Number 2....it looks a lot like the card I posted last week, but there are a few little changes.  I'll let you discover them for yourself.  I like using my rubber stamps for sentiments, but sometimes I just don't have what I need.  I used one of my birthday stamps and then used my computer to fill in what was missing.  I like this little card.  It could be for a boy or a girl. 

I had a bit of an accident today. I spent an hour last week straightening up my dies.  They were (and I say were) so tidy and everything was easy to find.  Well, long story short, I sat the box on my trash can...ok, it was only going to sit there for a minute....and when I put the box there, I said to myself, "Self, you really shouldn't do that."  I was right, I turned my chair, the back of the chair hit the box and the dies went flying.  I know what I'll be doing tonight while my DH watches TV....

I told my e-buddy Bridget that I am bound and determined to actually show my desk on Wednesday.  So......here it is.....

This isn't my desk, it's actually the counter in my kitchen.  I've been assembling kits and it's easier to lay them all out as I assemble them. 

What's actually on my desk is a little album I'm making for my newest great-nephew.  He's a little guy who has been working very hard at growing and getting out of the hospital.  Little Shawn is now 4 pounds and getting bigger every day. 

And here's a page that's under construction.  both sides will fold out to 6x12.  Lots of room for photos and journal frames.  I'm hoping with the bad weather that's headed to northern California will keep me snugly buzzing along on this album.  I also have great plans to clean and rearrange my studio.  We'll see how much I actually accomplish....

I'm heading over to WOYWW to see what everyone is up to....I hope you have a chance to check out all the talented folks.

I'm sure it's Thursday somewhere, but here it's 7:48PM on Wednesday.....I knew I could do it!

I'm wishing you all a very creative week......

Mary
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Ahhhhh it feels sooooo good to be back in the craft room.

My first stop on my trip to Chico was Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. It seemed like ages since I'd been visiting with Karen and the gang. Of course I had to peek around to see what came in, while I was out....Spellbinder dies....yippee! Below is a white on white card I made using the Spellbinder Bird Sanctuary set.

I also used Martha Stewart butterfly punches, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, ribbon, flowers and pearls from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and Art Institute glitter, lots of glitter!

Off to clean up my mess....I'll never know how I can make such a mess making one little card, but I sure do....Maybe I should cut some more bird cages before I clean up.....hmmmmm!

Rumor has it my November class is nearly full....if you want to reserve a spot call Karen soon.

Have a great week. I hope I can get something together for Stampin-Ground Workdesk Wednesday. I guess I should put my thinking cap on while I'm cleaning my room.... See you Wednesday....I hope!

Mary
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Quick and Easy

I was blog visiting a friend Di, and she posted a card to Jules' Crafty Snippet Challenge. I'd not seen this challenge before and it looked very interesting. So, inspired, I ran into my craft room to play along. Thursday, while off playing with my buddy Virginia, I'd purchased a new Martha punch. I'd been drooling over this one for months and with coupon in hand....I needed (note I said need not want.... :-) this one! Along with my Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, a bit of ribbon, and a Martha butterfly....I created this card in less than 10 minutes. So, off I went to make another one....I'm thinking of all the great colors for this card. I love early morning creations.....now, I'm off to make breakfast and put together cards for my September card class (photos posted yesterday).

Thanks to Di and Jules for the Saturday inspiration. Have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Mary

Thanks Patti

I think what I love about blogs are the inspiration I receive from them. Sometimes it's ideas collected, sometimes its being reminded that you've forgotten to photograph a card you've made, and it's always visiting with friends you've never met. Today I went to Patti's blog page and was reminded of a card I'd made and had forgotten to post it. So, thanks Patti for reminding me and for inspiring me to get moving and post the card.

I used Doddlebug crushed velvet DP, a mirror silver card stock, silver thin cord, Cuttlebug snowflake embossing folder, Sizzlet alphabet, Martha Stewart Snowflake border punch, and Spellbinder mitten die.

I'm off today to play with friends. It's an album day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique...the last one in the Paradise location....next classes will be in the new building in Chico. Check out the blog page to see the album and to see how big the new building is.... here.

Have a great weekend. It's supposed to only be in the high 80's, with very low humidity..... perfect temps for this ole gal!

Later..... Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

What's On My Work Desk? Glad you asked!

Good Morning.....My desk doesn't look too productive this morning, but it was buzzing with activity yesterday....today I'll be putting together a few of the items I cut out yesterday. So, here it is....
My friend Brenda came yesterday and she worked on a birthday card for my husband. I'll post that card on Friday, as his birthday isn't until tomorrow. She did a great job and I think surprised herself with her speed....If you knew her, you'd know that she is the queen of perfection and she really struggles to make every card perfect. Her cards are beautiful....

I think I must be hung up on twisted easel cards....I made one for my husband for his BD and yesterday decided to get busy on two of my best friend's husband's cards. I hope they don't mind getting the same card (they don't know each other, so I think it will be ok.)

I made a birthday for my step-granddaughter who is turning 17. I recently purchased Pink Paislee DP and I love it....so, I patterned this card after one I'd seen on the Flourishes blog page. I really liked the corner that was used and personalized the card using my computer and the Tango font. Of course I used Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Martha punches and EK Success border punch. ribbon and DP from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. I liked how the card turned out, soooooo I made another this time adding Gina K to the mix.This card is for a friend who is having a 17 plus birthday. I hope she doesn't read my blog before Saturday....that's her BD. So, mum is the word...OK?In the past, I've talked about my friend Lynette. She is fighting the battle of her life and I am so proud of her...I've been trying to send cards of encouragement and this is the latest. To this card I used all of the above and added Prima pearls. Please keep Lynette in your prayers....she's one strong woman!

Here's a close up of my buddy's husband's card. I know it's not soooo masculine, but everyone who knows me knows, I make men's cards with flowers. Hey they deserve them too.... I made the flower using BossKut dies and curled the DP to fluff it up a bit....

Well, now you know what I've been up too....it's time to pop on over to Stamping-Ground to see what everyone else has been up to.

Have a great week...see you soon!

Hugs,

Mary

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday 98 and Operation Write Home

It's Wednesday.....and below is a shot of my workdesk. This is what it looked like about 10 minutes after my first sip of coffee......
Not much different than when I went to bed. I've been working on card kits for Operation Write Home and after putting 12 kits together, I said, no clean up, just get up in the AM and get going.....Check out the other desks here.

Tuesday is Operation Write Home day at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. For those who don't know, it's when our group makes cards for soldiers to send home to their families. This month we are hoping to get people who have not made cards to join us. Carolyn and I are making kits that will be easy to assemble. We hope to encourage the new gals and make it fun so they will join us every month.

The card above is one made by Carolyn. She has everything cut out so the girls will be able to jump right in and get creating. Carolyn always puts so much detail into her work....gotta love the ice cream cone....hmmm I wonder how many Weight Watcher points are in that one?

Then there are my card kits.....not much detail here. I was trying to create something that would use black and white , and yet look pretty enough for someone to send home to friends and family.

I do hope there will be a few new gals joining us. It's fun to craft with a group, and the laughs carry us through until the next get together.

This week I finished making a card for the newest member of our family. Rowan Denali Keller. My niece is a quilter, I on the other hand can't sew a button on without a problem....I tried to make Rowan's card look like a quilt. I think it turned out quiltish.... The Cuttlebug tiny dots embossing folder is what I used to create a quilt look.

I like it....yes I do! Ok....shhhhhhh the babies are sleeping. I must work awfully hard, because it seems Baxter and Sydney get tired just watching me.

I guess I should get moving.....I want to get a few more kits together, balance my checkbook, and clean house. I'm going to try pulling a bit of wool over my honey's eyes. I'm going to make spaghetti sauce the Weight Watcher way, and I'm going to use veggie protein for the "meat". I'm going to use a soy spaghetti for my pasta, but for him I'll use his normal way. If you don't hear from me.... it didn't go well!

See you next week......Have a great week!

Mary

Friends Are Flowers

Update on pins....Carolyn sent this photo of the pins in her collection of 70's metal pins. Aren't they beautiful! Let's hope that all of these will be new again.....and now....you have the rest of the story! Thanks Carolyn for sharing them with all of us.

I was visiting my buddy Carolyn earlier in the week. She is as crazy about her stash of craft supplies as I am. She had something in her hand and a twinkle in both eyes! Here's why: Last month, while drooling over Karen's newest offerings, we purchased some metal flowers by Sassafras and I could see the wheels turning in Carolyn's little head. At that time I didn't know why. Now I know the rest of the story.

According to Carolyn, in the 70's she bought several pins, (in many colors I might add) I'm hoping to have her send me a photo of the pins so I can show you later what they look like. So check back to this link and maybe you'll get to see all of them. Anyway, we both agree....what was once old is new again. Without going to Sassafras or Karen's site....which of the above flowers is old and which is new?

This card was an easy one, and I think the sentiment says it all: "In the garden of life, friends are the flowers in bloom" Thank you Carolyn....I'm loving your flower....

Now that I've created a Spring card....I need to get back to Christmas....

Have a great week,

Mary

Mojo Monday - Week 182

I am taking advantage of the rainy Northern California Days. I really like this week's Mojo Monday Challenge. If you've been reading my blogs, you will know that it is my goal to make 1 Christmas card a week...in hopes of actually having 52 handmade cards by Christmas. Well....this weeks Mojo Challenge is helping me stay on track...Along with the Christmas Cards All Year Round challenge. I'm two cards away from listing them on that challenge and I now have a total of 5 Christmas Cards made. Waaaahoo! I used the same card stock and DP for these two cards and on the inside I used Clear Stamps for the sentiment. The big change today is that I am using a graphic from a disc I've had for years. I am using the same graphic, but printing them on two different papers. The card on the left was printed on 110# white matte card stock. The graphic on the right was printed on Office Depot glossy photo paper...which by the way is one of my favorite photo papers. I didn't think I'd like the photo paper, but I really do. The image is very crisp looking. I think the matte card stock looks more vintage, but I do like the photo paper image. I guess it will just be a matter of taste. Below photo....is printed on the matte card stock.
The graphic on the below card was printed on the glossy photo paper. So....what do you think?
This is it for today. I need to really get busy and get some house work done. I make quite a mess when I'm creating....If I clean today....maybe I can play tomorrow.

Have a great day...Please check out my other Christmas cards and tonight I'm going to blog hop and see what everyone has been up to.

Hugs,

Mary AKA: Glitter Grammy

Mojo Monday - Week 182 and Christmas Cards All Year Round

It's Monday and that means - Mojo Monday Challenge. I'm still hot on the trail of catching up to doing one Christmas card a week....So, I am working on another challenge which is: Christmas Cards All Year Round.

I'm very happy with this card. I love vintage and you gotta love this Vintage Santa from Clear Stamps. I used my Spellbinder dies (what else is new?), Cuttlebug embossing folder, Tim Holtz Distress Ink, and from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, the Card stock, ribbon, and BEAUTIFUL vintage embossed bell embellishment, along with the tiny gold brads. (If she has it in stock...she'll ship it...hint!)

That about tells the story....now I'm off for my walk and then I'm back to make two more cards for the Christmas Cards All Year Round challenge. Whew....busy day...but a fun one.

Enjoy your Monday and see you soon....

Mary

Do You Know This Rabbit?

Hello and happy almost Tuesday....today I created an Easter Card....ok, Easter is a bit away, but heck you can never start too early. So....here's my problem. Somehow I came across this graphic. I love it. I'd like to use the graphic on my Easter cards, but I don't want to use it if the artist objects. Does anyone out there know who the artist is? And....How to contact her/him?

For this card I used my Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, and my Martha Score board. Tim Holtz inks and Stampin Up Sentiment. Cardstock, flowers and ribbon were all purchased from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

Again....I'd appreciate if anyone knows the artist of this very sweet rabbit.

Have a great week....

Pals Paper Arts 77 Sketch Challenge

This was a great challenge. I'd been waiting all day for the time I could finally sit down and play along with this week's Pals Paper Arts 77 Sketch Challenge. I really liked the layout and thought it would be a perfect place to use my new Graphic45 - Once Upon a Springtime DP. Below is my second attempt.
I'm very happy with this second attempt. I did like my first effort, but it was very flat looking. While I was sleeping (where I get many ideas), I thought about using a Cuttlebug Embossing folder to emboss the base of the card....The folder I used is actually a Christmas design, but since the design is so small, I don't think it's really recognized as Christmas (ok...so now that I told everyone it will be!) Of course I used a Spellbinder die. I'm beginning to think I couldn't make a card without at least one of them!

The ribbon is paper ribbon by BasicGrey. I think it's beautiful, however it didn't show up the way I wanted it to. For the second card....I framed it in the same brown card stock I used to frame the layers. What a difference. I am very pleased with the finished card. The first card I made was pretty, but the second card....I LOVE IT! The card stock, ribbon and DP were all purchased from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique....gotta say....Karen always stocks the best supplies and she's local, which is PERFECT for my addiction to paper!

Ok....so here is the layout I followed....I think I was really close on this one! Off I go, for now at least....Tomorrow it's a play day with Brenda and I need to think about what toys I want to play with. Have a great day and a WONDERFUL weekend.