Happy 31st Anniversary to Us

Ah....31 years of life together.  Thank you Richard for making my life better every year.  I honestly can not believe it's been 31 years...where does the time go?  And may we have many, many more years together.  Happy Anniversary Richard....I love you!

This is going to sound strange....We celebrated our Anniversary yesterday....why?  because Dee Dee (who by the way was my Maid of Honor) and I are on a train heading to San Francisco.  We'll be spending the evening with Dan and Victor, then a good night sleep, a day in San Francisco and then we head to the airport to catch an Air New Zealand flight to Australia.   What seemed like years away, is finally here.  To say I am excited is putting it mildly.  Soon I'll be hugging my grandkids, son, and daughter-in-law.  I'll be posting via my Ipad, so the posts will be short, or maybe filled with photos and nothing more....

I don't know if the Monday group will have yet seen this card.  I hope they have.  At one of our recent get-togethers Mary Jane was sharing graphics.  As they made their way around the room, each of us took something.  When I saw this graphic, I hoped no one would take it before I had a chance.  There are 6 of us who get together.  Could this not be us?

So to the girls...I will miss each of you and I look forward to vacation with Dee Dee, but I also look forward to coming home to our Monday play date.

I have to share something about this card.  The little tea pot is one of the charms I won at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  The color was silver, but I needed it to be more of a copper color.  I used my Tim Holtz alcohol inks to color it.  And now it's even more perfect! 

And I couldn't go on vacation without sharing my desk at What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday.  Not too full of excitement, I did want to leave my craft room a bit tidy....

I'll be back in the states on the 20th of July.  I will try to post lots of photos between now and then.  Notice I said try....

Until next time,
Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW - 210 and Pixie's Crafty Workshop 76

My desk looks a bit lonely, don't you agree?  Well it's all cleaned off and taking a bit of a rest.  I'll be back in July to play again.  While I'm away playing with my grandkids and visiting with my son and daughter-in-law, I will find time to check in with Julia and the gang, just to see what they've been up to.  Check out all the busy desks here.  And it's easy for you to play along.  How about giving it a go.

Before I shut off the light, here's what I worked on Monday.  Play day with Virginia, Mary Jane, Cathy and Rita is our Monday ritual.  Monday I wasn't sure what to work on, so I got out the box of snippets and pulled out pieces and parts and this is what I made.....What made my cards come together so quickly was a stack of labels I'd stamped and cut in advance.  I probably have 20 of them made on black, blue, beige, brown and white card stock and  heat embossed in gold and silver.  I just dug into my snippet box put together layers and glued them to a colored base.   I  picked the appropriate label to go with the papers. 

and then there is:

And finally:  I've moved these pieces around long enough...it was time to find a way to use them.  I think this worked.

Three cards made with "left-overs"  Isn't it fun what you can make with bits and pieces?  I'll be sharing these at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  I have to say, this is one of my favorite sites to visit.  Di has the greatest followers who, like myself are always thinking of how to use up  snippets.  Di has a great prize this week. And if you play along, you might be the lucky winner.  Grab your jump rope, your crayons, glue and your skipping rock and join us on the playground.  Remember, swimming in the pond is permitted, but no chasing the ducks. 

My husband has been busy this week.  He's been planning to replace our squirrel feeder, but wasn't sure how he wanted to make the new one.  After much thinking, here's what he made.  As you can see, someone already is enjoying his new build.  Great job Richard.....

I'll be posting (hopefully) as I visit with family and friends...so stay tuned to see what's not on my workdesk .... In July I'll be meeting up with one of the fantastic crafters I met through Julia and Di.  Stay tuned for photos of our visit. 

Lights out for now.....See you in July and hopefully along the way as we head to Australia and New Zealand. 

Hugs,
Mary

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday #209 - Snip, Snip, Snippets

Not such an impressive desk, actually I'm not sure what to call it....Maybe just IT.

I will be honest...not much happening on this desk.  I've kind of come to it, dropped things I've been working with, not on, and moved on to another location.  I did finish one of the projects I was, and the word to concentrate on is WAS going to take with me, but I am 98% not happy with it, and though it is now finished, I will not be taking it with me.  I will however, re-make it when I come home.  It is a project that in my head looked wonderful, however, when I actually started making it, nothing went well....soooooo that said, sometime in the future, you will see it....I hope!

There are lots of talented folk who have completed fabulous projects and they are bravely showing their desks and proudly showing their finished creations...Ms. Julia gives us all a place to meet on Wednesday to share what we have or have not done.  So....check out Julia's desk and then  click around to see what everyone else is doing.  Start here.  Before you go, let me tell you some of the amazing items on my desk...a pencil....ohhhhhh, a ruler.....ahhhhhh.  TV remotes, an envelope that held an amazing card from my friend Dee Dee (I'd post it, but I will have to take a photo later.)  My Weight Watcher calculator.  Now why is that on my craft desk....I have no idea!  A jar with some gold leaf things that were given to me by a neighbor, some glitter that I think might belong to my friend Brenda W.  Brenda is this yours?  And the protective covering pieces from double stick tape.  What an exciting desk!

So, now what have I done that actually went well.  Well, let me show you......

Monday is our girls group crop.  I have been so busy getting ready for my vacation, I really hadn't planned what I would work on  I grabbed the box I took last week and pulled out some of the scraps left from my Graphic 45 Bird Song collection.  I had quite a few bits and pieces.  And one piece that was large enough to use to frame the out and inside of this card.  I like using pockets with tag pieces for the inside of my cards.  One reason is the cards can be recycled by simply placing a new tag inside.  The card stock is mostly pink and I love framing pink with brown.  .  So that's it.  This is my snippet card for the week.  Di has been partying the week away, but managed to sneak into the playground to check on the unruly gang.  Want to see what she found?  Check here.

I've put my little card into the mail.  My friend Thelma should be getting it soon.  She's having a birthday soon, and to ease her into her 91st year, I'm sending her a card a week until the big day. 

Speaking of birthdays....today is my daughter's birthday.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMY!  Wishing you a most happy day!  I know she'll be having a fun weekend with my sweet son-in-law.  Enjoy your weekend!

I'm off for now.  Heading out to see what everyone's been up to.  Have a wonderful week. 
Hugs to all,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy





 

What's On My Workdesk? I'll show you!

Well here it is.  My friend Mary Jane made a birthday card for Cathy.  It folded like a little wallet and Mary Jane decorated it beautifully.  Sadly, I don't have a photo of it...darn...Well, I did have enough sense to write down the dimensions so I could try to make one of my own.  Well, what you see is the beginning of that wallet card.  Also, glue and tape and the corner of a container holding glitter.  I think my friend Brenda left it here.  I need to shoot her an email to see if it belongs to her.  I'll post my card when I get finished, but for now...this is all I've got....

My brother Bob had emergency surgery on Friday.  He is doing very well, as a matter of fact so well, he's been released to go back home where he can recover in his own bed.  I thought it might be nice if his favorite sister (at least that's what I keep telling him) made him a card.  Well, here it is.....

I had enough pieces left from another project to make this card from snippets.  When I started putting the card together it looked a bit dull.  I decided to get out the gold leaf pen and brighten up the edges of the green card stock prior to mounting it to brown card stock.  I like it much better now.  The sentiment was stamped in white pigment ink and heat embossed in gold.  I had a little square of green pattern card stock left over and decided to make good use of it.  I've started drop cutting my layers so that I can get more bang from my buck.  I would not have been able to complete this card had I not drop cut the centers out of the layers and covered them with the next layer.  Not that I don't have enough patterned paper to start my own shop, but it's nice to make the best use of each piece.

I was sitting at my computer a few days ago and I saw something moving on a throw rug my husband had thrown over the deck rail.  I grabbed my camera and this is who I found......

Talk about a bad hair day....Later, I was typing and watching the humming birds.  One of them seemed to have put himself in charge of the feeder and he was busy running off the others.  We had a chat about being a bully, which I'm sure he took to heart.  Handsome fella he is.....

This year we have more humming birds than any previous year.  I think they are liking my home made syrup....

Well, I think I shall head over to Julia's blog and then I'll skip over to Di's blog to link my latest card.  If you have a few minutes, why not check out these two blogs.  But beware, I promise you will come away with your mind spinning from all the inspiration you'll find there.

For now...off I go, enjoy your week and Happy Crafting,
Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Another Snippet Card and this one....it's number 3

This is the third snippet card this week and my snippet box isn't empty yet.  While Brenda and I played  I came up with this card.  It began as an experiment.  I was wondering if I stamped this image in white ink and embossed it in gold, if the image would show up well enough.  Well, I think it did.  I then framed the graphic in gold and mounted it on the base that I'd dry embossed using a Cuttlebug embossing folder.  This was quite the easy make and my third entry for the week.  So, off to the playground I go to add another card to Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Check out Di's blog and how about playing along.

Lots to do today....a play day with the girls, celebrating Cathy's birthday.  Happy Birthday girl!

See you again soon,
Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Pixie's Crafty Workshop Challenge Times Three

I've been a busy little one today.  I'm sharing these two Thank You cards.  They are snippets from Graphic 45 - Secret Garden.  I had great fun making an album with these papers, and also made card kits and now to use up all the snippets....Di gives us a place to play so, check out the other snippet users here....and here's what I made.....

I've got to say these cards were so easy the papers did all the work.  Don't you love Graphic 45?  I know I sure do. 

Well, off to tidy up my craft room, and then it's off to bed for this ole card maker.  I hope you find time to play along with the snippet challenge and this week, because our little Di is going to be off playing, she's offering something special.  I'm not going to let the cat out of the bag, you're going to have to check it out yourself. 

Happy Crafting.....Hugs and see you soon,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

A Window Birthday Card

I am really loving these window cards.  This card is for a friend's birthday.  Since we always seem to be watching what we eat, I thought I'd make her a card that is full of sweets, but no calories.  This entire card was made from snippets.  One would think since most of them are white, it would have been quite easy....well guess again.  I had to dig through my snippet box to find enough of the "same" shade of white....who knew!  The brick background is a Tim Holtz Sizzix embossing folder.  I sponged Tim Holtz Distress Ink - Spun Sugar over the bricks for a bit of color.

I don't know the maker of the tiny flower paper, a friend gifted it to me.  I think it is perfect for the inside of the Sweet Shoppe.  The Window, Shutters,Cakes and Cake Stands are all PoppyStamp dies.  The square is Spellbinders.  You can't really see this, but each cake has the top decorated with Flower Soft.  The rubber stamp sentiment is Stampendous,  The Sweet Shoppe is computer generated. 

The glass in the window panes was cut from a clear lid from a yogurt container.  I ended up cutting the window twice so I could sandwich the "glass" between.  The knobs are gems I've had in my stash, as is the butter fly.  The inside sentiment is from Close To My Heart. 

The ink and the embossing powder are both from Imprintz.  Very sparkly it is....I love it!

I hope I've finished this in time to post on Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  If not, I may have to try to shimmy under the gate...tried that once before and got caught....Check out Pixie's Crafty Workshop

OOPS!  I just skipped over to the playground and the gate is locked tight, I tried to shimmy under, but caught my jumper on the corner of the gate...I ran off leaving a bit of jumper behind....I am soooo busted!  I'm going to have to wait for the rattling of the keys and slip in then.

Update:  Ok, here's what I love about blogging.  There is always someone who can help when you are lost in space.  Today I had a problem with Mr. Linky....come to find out Mr. Linky wasn't wrong, this ole bird was confused.  Di sweetly walked me through and taught me the error of my ways.  I am now a graduate of the Linky academy.   Now....keep in mind, tomorrow is a new day and I am sure there will be some cyber adventures that are waiting for me....I am now off to link this page with Mr. Linky!  Thanks Di.....

Until later,  Happy crafting,
Mary Mac AKA:  Glitter Grammy

What's Really On My Workdesk....Really!

Ok....I have to admit.  I was very surprised when I went to my last post to see my desk...and though there was a description of all that was on it....but there was no photo.  Sometimes I think my brain is in my other purse!  So, here's what was on my desk last week.  And that desk looks pretty much the same this week.  I've been working in the family room...why?  I have no idea, maybe it's because I don't want to clean my craft room?  Well, I forgot to take a photo this week, and I've cleaned up my mess, so there will be no current desk photo.  If you want to see the written description of my last week's desk...check it out on my previous blog.

This morning I planned on making a "Quick" card....I know better than to say the "Q" word, because for some reason, when I say quick, it never is.  This card will be posted tomorrow to my friend Thelma.  I can share this as Thelma doesn't have a computer....I try to make her one or two cards a month and this is the second card for May....

I saw a very similar card by Cathy at Cathy's Card Spot.  She gave me this idea and here's what I did.  My newest embossing folder is the one I used on this card.  I love the bricks.  Next time I will try inking them, but remember...I wanted this to be quick.  The window and the flower box are Memory Box dies...two of my newest.  I really like them.  Now here's where not so quick came in.  I decided to build a little room behind the window.  I found a graphic and framed it in an oval for a painting on the wall.  I recently purchased the Memory Box lamp and I wanted to use it .  To add a bit of dimension I ran the shade through an embossing folder.  I like it, but it's not really very noticeable.  Here's where not so quick really came in.  I added plastic to the windows for the glass and then added lace for the curtains.  I liked it, but the lace covered up was was behind the window.  So I decided to tie the curtains back.  Normally an easy task, but not today!  Then I added greenery to the flower box and tried to create some tiny flowers.  This is as tiny as I could make them.  All in all, I like the finished card.

I also made another sympathy card.  I really wish these cards weren't needed, but sadly they are.

This card was a quick card and I have many snippets left from an album I made.   I think I will use this sketch for birthdays and thinking of you.  It might be a good one to have on hand and add the sentiment as needed.  The base is not a snippet, but all the colorful papers are. 

It's been a long day and my bed is calling.  If you have time, head over to Stamping Ground and see what the others have been up to this week.  And be sure to leave a comment so Julia knows you stopped by.

My window card is totally snippet made and most definitely Cathy inspired.  My window and flower box is the large one which didn't leave much room for more than the window and the flower box.  .  I'm off to link to Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  This blog is fun to follow.  The beauty that comes from snippets is amazing.  I have to say, I'm using bits and pieces of other projects that I probably would not have done before meeting Di.  So, check out what everyone's been doing.  And if you have a minute, join us on the playground and take a swing on the swings, or join us in a game of tag.  

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

The Dreaded Men's Birthday Card

A friend's partner is having his 65th birthday....If you follow my blog, you already know men's cards are my very least favorite card to make.  While going through my digital files I found this elderly gent.  I don't know where it came from, I do know why I saved it...he is precious.  I don't know if the photo shows this, but there are lots of layers, to the landscaping and to my little man.  The inside of the card will remain unseen, but if you want to know what it says, email me and I'll be happy to share with you.  It's kind of naughty!

The graphic was very small 65kb.  The print was not as crisp as I would have liked, but he was too cute to pass by.  I'm going to share him over at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  I do hope all the youngsters on the playground take it easy, you know this old gents hips ain't what they used to be!

All the papers are snippets.  The sentiment was computer generated, both inside and out. Glossy Accents was used to create the shine on the sunglasses.  A glitter pen was used to color the necklace, belt buckle, buttons and clips on the shoes. 

Happy Birthday Joel.....Cathy says you have a terrific sense of humor....You do, don't you?  LOL!  I'll find out Monday when Cathy comes to play!

Happy weekend to all....33 Days before we head for Australia.....Yippee!
Hugs from Northern California
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW - Pixie's Crafty Workshop and More

My goodness, the past week just flew by....three days at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique, a Monday crop with the girls and today, my card class....After today, I think I will just sit and enjoy a day of coloring.....

So, here is a thank you card I made last night....Dee Dee and Pete sent me a great cover for my Ipad.  It's one that will be very useful on our trip which is in the not too distant future.  So, here's the card...

The paper line is My Mind's Eye - Indi Collection.  I can not lie....one of the pieces was not a snippet, but the rest was made from bits and pieces left over from an attempt at a card that did not please me.  I like what I did with the button.  I couldn't find black cord and I was tired of looking, so I used a strip of the brown trim paper in the button.  If you've got a snippet card, or if you've got snippets waiting to be turned into a master piece....join in with us and play along with Di and the gang at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  Check out what can be made with snippets.

Two weeks ago Brenda came to play and she brought me a card made by her friend Amy.  She also brought the pattern and directions to make more.  Amy....thank you for this lovely card.  Maybe I'll give this a go when I return from vacation.  Cute little dress and I love all the fancy gems and the ribbon belt is the perfect touch....

I had a great time at Karen's....these are just a few of the great items I came home with.  Her lace is always the best and this time she out-did herself.....Many of these items were treasures I'd won...Now to get busy and get them made into something....This will be my desk top for today.  As nothing much was going on there.  Julia forgive the stretch of the word "Workdesk"  Check out what the more productive gals and guys were up to this week.  Check out WOYWW here.

Last week, I saw this little fella in the tree outside my living room window..... I think he was taking advantage of the day....a full tummy, a warm day and a great nap.

Maybe he was thinking...Thank God It's Friday......

Well, off I go, lots to do before card class.  Have a crafty week, see you all soon,
Hugs,
Mary aka:  Glitter Grammy

Heart Felt Get Well and another visit to the playground

When I think pink, I think Di, and if you read her blog, you'll know why.  I thought of her often as I was making this card....I wonder why!  My buddy Dee Dee scraps at the Scrapin Place in Loveland Colorado.  Terri, the owner gifted me the stamp set I used on this card.  I know if I'd caught a bug, I'd love getting a card made with these stamps.  So, Thank You Terri for the great set of stamps. 
Here's the inside....

A story about snippets....I went into my craft room to tidy up.  Actually I went in with a shovel (not quite, but close).  And as I was putting paper away, I found the decorative pink piece.  Laying close was the solid pink.  I put them away, and then I spotted the rubber stamp, which was waiting to be stamped and cataloged.  My little mind started working overtime.  But I continued with my task of putting my toys away.  When I got to the dies.....I could no longer control my need to make this card.  Long story short....tomorrow I'll be back in my craft room putting things away.  A side note:  As a little girl, my daughter Amy would go to her room to tidy up.  Sometimes, hours later, I'd look in on her and notice that little was done, but she'd be sitting on her bed looking at treasures she'd found in the closet or a drawer.  I thought of her today as I started and stopped cleaning my craft room.  Amy, what was frustration when you were a little one, has turned into a very cherished memory! 

Poor Di, she's getting another visit from me.  She'll be happy when the gates to the playground are locked.  I've been running wild in the playground.  Spring is bringing out the playfulness in all of us.  Isn't it wonderful to see the sun.  Well....off I go.... to play in the playground...check it out here.

See you soon,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Rudolph Day

Happy Rudolph Day and for once, I am close to the actual 25th.  When I was putting my two new cards into "storage", it dawned on me that Christmas isn't all that far away.  I know, it's not even summer and I'm talking Christmas....never too early to start....and Sarn at Stamping For Pleasure points us in the right direction.  Well, here's what I've made for this month....

I'm not thrilled with the photo.  The glitter doesn't look all that glittery!  But it is....The card was made from snippets taken from a 6x6 paper pack. It's from  Melissa Frances - Deck the Halls.  I have no idea what year.  The sentiments are from Stampabilities and Stampendous.  The die is Memory Box.  The glitter is Martha Stewart.  And here's the inside....

I finished this card and still had snippets left over.  The up and down side to making kits for classes, lots of snippets are born...so, here is my Rudolph Day second card...and since these cards are both filled with snippets, Di will be getting a visit from me...Actually this week I've been running wild on the playground.  Too much candy maybe....

Two years ago, at PSB Christmas Crop, Karen gave us a sheet of paper that had tons of Santa's - big ones like this and tiny ones.  I glittered all of mine and put them safely away for another day.  Well, almost 600 days went by and finally....here's what I did... and you will notice the sewing.  My friend, Edy will be thrilled!  I used my Sew Easy tool....wanta know how long I've had that in my tool kit?  Wanta know how often I've used it?  Well....I was in Sacramento with friends and I found a ruler made by Sew Easy that actually makes guiding the tool easy....."Sew"...clever no?  I sewed, by hand mind you, using the pierced holes.  Pretty Easy! You may actually see more sewing!  And here is the inside....

Well, if I'm going to get this posted by the last day of the month.....I'd best get going.  Until next time, have a most wonderful and very crafty weekend. 

I am playing along at  Stamping For Pleasure - Rudolph Day
You'll find me jumping rope with Di and the gang at - Pixie's Crafty Workshop

Hugs to All,

Mary

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

What's On My Work Desk? Hmmmmm I guess you'll just have to have a look.

Not another Christmas card....oh, yes it is.  This is a sister to the last week's, which was a snowman.  This is just a little (or big) snowflake!

And of course the inside.  This card is pure snippets, so Miss Di will be getting a visit from me.  Red, White and Blue doesn't scream Christmas...this is my All American Christmas Card.  This was fun to make and this week a little bit of patriotism was just what I need to share. 

My desk doesn't look too bad.  I must say I was very organized making this card.  I only had so much of the red and white paper and I didn't want to mess up so I had to do a lot of thinking and laying it out before I stuck everything down.  So Julia...here comes my desk for WOYWW  and a little note to Julia....enjoy the sun and we'll see you next week.  I'm sure you'll have lots to share.

I need to share a photo (or two) of Baxter.  When he does something naughty, he pretends he's asleep.  I came home to the trash can spilled and this sleeping angel....

and when I asked...."Who did this", I was met with this look....

Hmmmm someone must have come in while he was sleeping.

One more photo if I may.  My husband has been working hard on our yard and it shows.  I took several photos, this one is my favorite.  Don't you love Spring?  Everything is so fresh and the air is so clean.  Thank you Richard for all the love you put into our yard.

 I had such fun this week.  Sunday I met Bridget, a very talented crafter that I met through Julia's blog page.  Bridget and I spent a bit of time in a video conference via Facebook.  Dee Dee and I are looking forward to spending a bit of time with her when we visit Australia in June.  Bridget was chosen as a Spellbinder International Ambassador....Congrats Bridget.  See you soon!  Check out her blog pages and tell her I sent you!

Off I go.  Weight Watcher meeting tomorrow and I am feeling very positive about everything I did this week.  I hope the old scale feels the same way!  Have a very crafty week. 

That's it from me....Hugs to all,
Mary Mac

Snippets and More Snippets

This was a fun card.  A friend sent me a thank you card, I loved the graphic and I decided to recycle the graphic.  I'd been working on birthday cards ad I had many snippets (birthday cards to be shown later).

Here's the inside....Yup....I like recycling!

I tried sneaking under the fence at Di's Snippet Playground....Well that playground was locked up tight...so, I shall skip through the open gates later.  Check back later and see what everyone else has been up to.

 Update:  6:30 PM PST.  I think Brenda and I woke up Ms. Di, she's already opened the gate....thank you.  So, now check out what's happening on the playground.  Check it out here....

Until later, have a most wonderful weekend.
Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy