A Play Day

Yesterday I had every intention to clean my craft room.  Well, I found a scrap of paper that was in my scrap/snippet folder and I had a die I hadn't used yet (actually two dies), well I think you know where this is going......  My sister will be getting this card....cause I'm thinking of her. 

Anyway, long story short, I saw a card on Franticstamper blog and I loved it.  So I went to her store and purchased two dies.  The floral one and the floral border.  Well, I was cleaning my craft room, and I had to stop to make a card.  You know you see something, it wakes you up and you have to play with paper.  This card is almost exactly as I saw it on Fran's site.  It was made by Karen Oliver a talented paper artist who lives in New Zealand.  Usually the cards I make from an inspiration, don't turn out looking anything like the inspiration card.  This one sure did.  So thank you Karen for inspiring me to make this card....now can you come over and help me clean my craft room?  

I used paper I had left from other makes.  I didn't have any yellow or green pieces, so I used snippets of white, die cut the die and used it as a stencil.  Then I colored the stencil using Sharpie pens and die cut the colored pieces to get what you see.    The two dies are from Frantic Stamper Precision Cutting Dies Flower Border and Edger FRA-Die-10782 and Frantic Stamper Precision Die Spring Swag Builder FRA-Die-10780.  The Sentiment die is Creative Expressions Mini Die Thinking of You CEDSS006.  I had to color that too for this I used Distress Ink and colored a piece of white paper and then die cut it.  

Well, guess what, my craft room still isn't clean!  So I guess I should get to it and do it....right?  

I'm going to share this make on Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  

Until next time....thanks for stopping by.  I hope you visit Karen's blog page and if you need dies... I love Frantic Stamper.  

Off I go, Hugs from my world to yours,

Mary Mac

AK:  Glitter Grammy

Pixie's Crafty Workshop Challenge #374

Hello to all.  In this time of uncertainty, sometimes it's hard to stay upbeat, I think now is the time of must for all of us.  It's funny, a crafter's dream is to stay home and play all day with our toys.  In reality, it seems I am getting little to no crafting done.  In an effort to organize my supplies and send supplies that have been so generously donated to a friend, I must say there is progress.  I packed a box with 14 pounds (6.35 kilograms) which I will send off to California next week.  The supplies will be shared with my crafting friend, and her neighbor who is a single working mom of two autistic boys.  In this time of home schooling, every mom needs craft supplies to occupy time, while teaching a skill to her children.

My hubby and I have also been playing cards, lots and lots of cards.  For a guy with severe visual impairment, he sure can win at cards.  He requires lots of coaching and I'm his vocal advisor telling him what cards are on the piles.  We play May I, a game my sister taught us, and Spite and Malice a game our family has played for years and years.

Our pup is enjoying this stay at home order, as she is being walked often.  If weather permits we are out in it.  I have news for her today, it's too cold, too wet and way to windy, she will be exercising herself in our yard.  Missy also enjoys the couch time we are sharing.  Lots of naps with mom as we watch too much tv.

I did manage to make a snippet card or two. This one was made from a pad of 6x6 Crate Paper, that was generously gifted to me.  There are so many beautiful patterns.  I chose one that I love, but it just was too busy until I covered it with the beautiful flower die, which was also gifted.  I cut this die and then put it aside because I just couldn't find anything I liked to put with it.  So my snippet is the quarter page die cut, that I placed over the floral piece.  I don't know if you can really see the stripe portion that frames the piece, it is one I use to cut some leaf dies and I used some of those leaves for another card.  When I am cutting card to use to cut small dies, I always cut the card to 4 1/4 x 5 1/2.  Usually that size will give me a piece I can drop cut for use in a border.  I drop cut the outside piece and used it as another snippet.  You can see a bit of more snippet pieces peeking out from the inside of the card.

Everything was glued to a white 65# card.  I use Roxanne Glue-Baste-It glue, which quilters will be familiar with.   I love this glue and one thing I really like, it's washable, so when I use my pants as wipe rags, I can wash the glue out.  Trust me, my pants have seen lots of glue.  The downside, you can't wash your cards, but then I must say, most people don't purposely wash greeting cards....or do they?  I did not add a sentiment as I will add one when I am ready to post my card.  I do like this card and it isn't at all like I originally planned.  I think that's the fun of crafting, my cards usually don't end up as they originally thought they would.

I will be adding this card to Pixie's Crafty Workshop #374.  I hope you hop over to see all the inspiration on her blog page.

I told my hubby that I'd be crafting today and if he was a good boy, later today, I'd give him the opportunity to beat me at cards.  I guess I should get crafting.  I know he's already planning his big wins!

In this time of voluntary or mandatory isolation, if anyone needs a chat, send me an email.  I'm always up to meeting new friends and in this day of quarantine, sometimes it's nice to know we are not alone.  It's so sad that the entire world is sharing our pain.  I do know we will get through this.  Please stay safe, stay diligent.  And we will celebrate soon.

Love to all,
GlitterGrammy
AKA: Mary Mac

It's Been Awhile

It's been awhile hasn't it?  I think it's time to start again doing what I loved so very much for so very long. In a minute I'll fill you in on what has given me this jump start, or maybe I should say push.  But let me start with a card I made for my son's Birthday.  I've done some fussy cutting on this card and I must say it was fun.  I used an 8x8 Graphic45 paper pad for all the papers used.  A bit ago I joined the Graphic45 monthly kit group and this Kaleidoscope Collection came from that kit.  In the kit was a stamp pad called Color Box Graphic45 Decades.  I didn't have a paper for the sentiment that was the right color, so I colored it using the stamp pad.  I don't know who made the sentiment, it was one a friend shared.  That's it for the inside.  Now lets see what I did for an outside.

I've always liked this birthday die by PoppyStamps, so it was one of the dies I replaced.  When you start to rebuild your stash, you have to think of dies that can be used in several ways and this one fills the bill.  I've never die cut from paper with writing printed on it, but I think this worked.  You don't really notice that it's there, it looks like part of the pattern.  I must say I like the colors and the gold.  

Ok, so now on to the real reason I'm posting....I've been working on Thank You cards,  I will share why in a few weeks, but for now I'll give you a sneak peek at a few I've finished.  I've come to realize I am a very slow crafter.  I've known that for awhile but this recent effort has proven yet again.  If I were in a race, I'd most definitely be the tortoise.  Here's what I've been working on.  

A friend gave me a 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 paper pad named Blessed by Kaiser Craft.  I thought this would be a great way to use these papers because I am truly blessed.    I'm being pretty vague about the why (many of you will have figured it out) , but I need to give myself time for everything to sink in and to try to figure out how I can explain in words my thankfulness, appreciation, and the love I am feeling. Stay tuned....So I guess I didn't really explain the why.  I guess you will have to stay tuned.

I'm going to enter my son's Birthday card in the Pixies Crafty Workshop.  I can't say the entire card was made from snippets, but a good portion was.  

So that's it from me today.  I best get busy....I know I've said before I hope to post more often, and that is a hope.  So, until next time......Love and hugs from me to you.

Glitter Grammy AKA:  Mary Mac

Thankful - Poppystamps Challenge #2

This month's Poppystamps Challenge is - Thankful.  

 

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

And here is the inside......

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

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

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

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

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

Check out my sidebar....you can now follow on email.  I'll tell you more below....

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

Boo.....Flip Card

I should have been cleaning my craft room, however, I spied with my little eyes Halloween paper.  So, long story short....I made a Halloween card.  Last year,  I created an album for my sister.  I'd forgotten I had these pieces left over.  Aren't left-overs yummy!

This is a flip card and the photo isn't my best, but above is the front side that you will see when you open the envelope and below is the back side....

I'm not having an August class, but rather we are getting together just to work on projects we've started.  I don't make many (or any) Halloween cards, but I just happened on these papers and  I thought I'd make this card. Hey, it was much better than cleaning up my mess.   If you are interested in making a card similar to this one,bring your cardstock and any Halloween papers to the crop..If you need Halloween papers, I'm sure Karen has the perfect fit for this card. 

I'll email you the particulars....oh, BTW:  the finished card folds to fit a 5x5 envelope,  Just incase you want to make an envelope....

Off for now....Happy Almost Halloween!  Oh, the only part not a snippet is the base of the card...so, Di will be getting a visit.  If you have snippets, and I know you do, create something.... and link it to Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  It's a fun way to clean out the snippet file and have something nice to show for your efforts.  Not to mention all the fun folks you'll meet on the playground.  We are quite a group of mischievous ones and some more mischievous than others (I will not mention names...you know who you are!)

Hugs from me to you....see you soon, I hope!

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Not A Christmas Card! What's With That?

Can you believe it?  I've actually created something that is not a Christmas card.  I was playing with my Monday group and I had no idea what I would make, so I grabbed a plastic carrier filled with this and that and this is what I made.  Every piece of this card was made with bits and bobs left over from an album project of a year ago.  So, Di, you will be getting a visit...finally.  I hope all the playmates have been behaving on the playground.  From the sounds of things, the weather has been too hot and muggy to do much running around.  Here too, summer has been more hot than I prefer. 

The paper I used  is Graphic 45, the dies are Poppystamps and Die-Namics.  The lace is a piece of gold paper doily, which was gifted to me years ago by a neighbor.  Her sister-in-law is the woman for whom I created this card.  The Sentiment I made a long time ago and I was pleased that I could use it.  I love how the bird on the paper seems to be reading the sentiment.  Happy accident for sure. 

This card was created for my friend Thelma.  She's a dear woman that has every card I've sent her displayed on the window ledge of her retirement home.  Don't you love it when the recipient loves your creations...I know I am always pleased that a creation can bring a bit of sunshine to a friend.

I feel that I've been absent from linking with my favorite gals....I'm going to try to play catch up this week.  This card will be linked to  Pixie's Crafty Workshop

Speaking of catch up....I honestly have been creating, but, most of what I've made won't be shown until later.  I'm sure you know that Poppystamps has just released new and absolutely gorgeous dies.  I've been working away to get a few cards made during their blog blitz.  BTW, there are prizes, so you might just want to leave a comment and you could be a winner!  Anyway, check it out.... Here! 

Ok, I have a butterfly card that needs creating....so off I shall go to see what my little mind can create. 

Sending wishes for a most wonderful week of creating. 
Hugs from me to you,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Quick, Easy, and Pretty

I'm posting this card on the Poppystamps blog page.  If you want to know more, you'll just have to pop over to read about my snippet/scrap card.  I will say, I like how this card came together and everything was in my snippet folder.  You know Di will be getting a visit from me!

Today is my honey and my 32nd wedding anniversary.....So happy to have shared some amazing years with a man that not only chose me, but chose 4 kids as his own.  Never did I hear him complain.  Thank you Richard for being my husband, father to my children and my friend!  I love you!

Until next time, hugs from Northern California!
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Three of Anything

Good morning,  This is going to be a quick post, I'm heading out for a day of cropping, chatting and of course much laughter.  Yesterday I made this card while having a play date (doesn't that sound like what our kids say when our grandkids have friends over) with my buddy Brenda.

I'm entering my Santa card on the Craftyhazelnut Challenge - Three of anything.  And I'm also entering this card in Craftyhazelnut Extra Challenge...Anything goes.

I deconstructed a card I'd made years ago, and just didn't like how it turned out.  But I did and still do love the vintage Santa.  With the exception of the base, this card was made from bits and pieces I've had cut but no where to place them.  So, I'll also be sharing on Pixie's Crafty Workshop blog.  I'm sure while visiting the playground there will be much excitement....after all, the gang has been cooped up all winter and the pond is looking very tempting.  Di will have her hands full keeping us all in line.  I have a pocket full of skipping rocks and I am ready!

Here's the inside.....You know, I just can't leave the inside undone.....

Oh look, there are three snowflakes inside too.  And I just noticed, I have three snowflakes as part of my photo display.  I must be thinking in three's today.....

Until later, Have a very crafty Monday,
Hugs from me to you,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Rudolph Day, WOYWW and Pixie's Crafty Workshop

I'm going to start by saying 5th Happy Anniversary to Julia and Happy whatever year you began sharing with WOYWW....You've all made Wednesdays so much fun, and Julia, thank you for being the special person you are.  If it weren't for you...Wednesdays would just be Wednesday!

I'll show you my desk in a minute....here is what I made for Rudolph Day!

I wanted to use up scraps, and I wanted to play with techniques.  The inspiration for this card was the striped bottom.  When I turned the paper over, I was thrilled to find the newspaper print on the reverse side.  I wanted to use rubber stamps, stencils, embossed images, dies, and layers.  As you can see I managed to do all of the above.  And here is the inside......

It's not too late, you can add your card to Rudolph Day, but hurry, because the last day of this month is the last day you can play along (at least for this month).

Ok, you've seen the finished project, here's how it all began.....

Not too messy today, and if you are a normal follower, you will notice I'm working  on a different desk.  This is the desk I use when I do my die cutting.  It's also the desk I use when I need to be standing more than sitting and today is that day. 

I am going to pop over to Pixie's Crafty workshop and post this card which was made with snippets.  The only piece that might be iffy, is the inside black layer....I had to cut it from an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of black card stock.  Otherwise....All snippets.

Oops!  I think I was one card short on the Rudolph Day Challenge.  See, it pays to read the rules!  So, I ran, and when I say ran, I am not kidding, back to my craft room.  A few months back I made a card I really liked, so I made 3.  I had lots of pieces left, so I put them in an envelope to save for later.... Today became later.....Sarn, I appologize for not having two cards.  So...here is #2.

I added a bit of bling and this card is the same but different.  I'd show the inside, but it isn't quite  finished  and my honey wants me to think about dinner....I guess all the yard work he did while I was playing made him very hungry!  Next month, I will read the directions....I promise!


These are the challenges I entered:
WOYWW - 5th Anniversary
Pixie's Crafty Workshop - Must Use Snippets
Rudolph Day - A Christmas Card

Thanks ladies for hosting these wonderful places to play!

So that's it for me today.  I'm off to see what everyone has been posting.
Happy Crafting,
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

Sparkles Christmas Challenge Hats, Scarfs, Gloves and Winter

Brenda came up with a fun Sparkles Christmas Challenge this month.  For those who don't know, Brenda  is our resident sock creator, so I was surprised there were no socks in the challenge!  She did cover just about all the other keep yourself warm accessories.  Mind you she didn't say mittens and being from Wisconsin, I always wore mittens.  It was comforting to have all my fingers snugly hugging in the warmth of the mitten.  I always felt gloves made my fingers lonely!  Here's my mitten...

This stamp is one of my oldest.  It's a Stampin Up set, which I am sure has long since been retired. 

I went into my craft room to clean up and I spied, with my little eye....the Poppystamps background that I'd planned on using on another card....however, as plans sometimes go, the background was too big for the card base and rather than throw it away, I decided to put it into my snippet bucket.  After digging out some Christmas paper, a deciding to finish a Morehouse 3-D graphic which was given to me by a friend, I thought maybe all of these items would make a pretty card.  Keeping Brenda's challenge in mind, I think the hats, scarfs and mittens will be met by this card.  What do you think?

I added a few snowflakes and this card was finished.  The red trim around the background border was part of the save from my original idea.  I'm glad I was able to save it. 

This month's winner of the Sparkles Christmas Challenge will recieve a WONDERFUL prize.  Now that I've teased you, I'm only going to give you a hint.....

To learn more you are just going to need to check it out here.  You will be very glad you did!
My second card is made from snippets left over from other projects, or from things gifted and found in my embellishment bucket.  The white base was not a snippet....I think I shall be forgiven!  So, having said the snippet word, you know where I'm going next.....Ms. Di sponsors a fun challenge, on her Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Check out her blog here. 

That's it for now.  Enjoy crafting, see you again soon!

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

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

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

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

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

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