Falloween Fun Poppystamps Blog Challenge

Hello, Hello....I am excited to announce that Poppystamps has begun having monthly challenges.  And I'm super excited to be part of the very first challenge.  The theme of this challenge is:  FALLOWEEN isn't that a cute name.  For all the ins and outs of joining the Falloween Fun Challenge.  Please go to the Poppystamps blog.  You'll find everything you need to know.  And don't forget to add your card to the challenge. 

 Check out what these three ladies have made for our very first Poppy Challenge...

Kay Miller

Michele Henderson

Jeanne Jachna

As you can see, I went with Fall, or as to many of my friends....Autumn.  I wish I knew why America and Canada use the term Fall and the remainder of the world uses Autumn.  All I can think is that's when leaves fall.  Not very creative of we two Northern Countries. 

So today I am posting Autumn and for this card I used the Poppystamps Maple Leaf.  I get excited by new dies but this die REALLY REALLY has me excited.  Why?  Because it's like getting two dies in one.

See what I mean?  There is a solid leaf and the outline leaf all in one.  Genius I say!  I didn't know that when I ordered this die.  Imagine how happy I was seeing it.

This is what I did....I had some Autumn paper left over from a class I taught last month.  So the base of my card is that paper framed onto brown and then onto green cardstock.  I covered the decorative paper with a glittered netting.  Then I die cut the leaves in a few colors and sponged Tea Die colored ink on the outside edges.  I did a little mixing and matching so the outline was different than the leaf.  If you look closely to the first photo, you will see a smaller Maple leaf under the twine.  I'll tell you about that one later... I then tied some twine and added some bling.  I glued this to the card, added the sentiment and some Sequins.  

For the inside I did this.....

See the little Maple leaves on the left side.  These are the same leaves I talked about being under the twine.  Sweet little leaves don't you think?   This time I used netting over the green cardstock that and I then diecut the Leaf Silhouette twice and glued the brown outline to the netting and filled in the leaves in orange.  I like it. 

Well, that's it for today.  I hope you play along with the Falloween challenge.  I think the challenges   are going to be loads of fun!  I'm excited to see what you create.  Don't forget to add your creation to the Poppystamps blog page. 

Hugs from me to you,

Maple Leaf Maple Leaf Border Leaf Silhouette

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Twirly Whirly Christmas

 

Today I'm showing off one of my creations on the Poppystamps Blog Page.  I'm happy with this card and if you want to know how it was made, and see the inside, follow along  HERE.

This is my first opportunity to say goodbye to some of my Design Team friends, I wish them a most wonderful future.  Just because you are gone, does not mean you will be forgotten.  I'll be popping in to your blogs to see what you have been up to.  

I'm also welcoming the new members to our team.  I've snooped around their blogs and I believe you are in for a treat.  Check out all the members of this new design team on the Poppystamps Blog Page.  I do hope if you are not yet a follower to my blog or to the Poppystamps Blog you will join.  I wouldn't want you to miss out on the challenges and the prizes.  

Until next time,  Happy Crafting and Hugs,

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Peace and Joy

Hello, Hello, Hello.....

It's my day to post on the Poppystamps Blog page.....so, if you'd like to see this card in it's entirety you'll just have to check it out here.  

Busy day today, and if I'm going to get anything more checked off my list....I'd best get at it! 

Happy Thursday everyone,
Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Poppystamps Blog Blitz

Wow....2014 is starting off in the best of ways....new Dies and something else that's new....Stencils!  Well, here's what I made.....

Want to see what I used?  You'll have to head over to the Poppystamps Blog page to have a look.  And join in to the blitz....there are PRIZES....I'm offering one of the dies you see here!  The blog bliz begins on January 6th and runs through January 19th.  Leave a comment every day and you have a chance to win what each design member is gifting....

Happy Crafting, Happy New Year, and as always Hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy!

Looking toward the New Year

I'm thinking toward 2014, while reminiscing about 2013.  I do have to say that 2013 was pretty darn good to my honey and I.  With the exception of the little aches and pains that age brings, we have been pretty lucky.  I did a bit of traveling, and  met some really wonderful people.   I was lucky enough to be chosen for the Poppystamps Design Team, was able to create with Karen from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  My friendships with other paper crafters both here and on-line have been a joy and a blessing.  I treasure each of you! 

Speaking of Poppystamps....today is my day to post.  I made this little calendar for a Holiday Gift Workshop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Every year I try to make a little calendar for my desk.  If you've followed my blog on WOYWW, you'll probably see the one for last year.  I have a feeling when this one is seen, another Doxie owner will want to have it (and you know who you are!).  I may just have to make another , or at least create something else for my desk. 

How about heading over to the Poppystamps blog page and seeing what everyone, including me, has been creating. Today is my day to post ...Lots of Christmas there and I'm sure 2014 will bring many new and exciting creations. 

I'm off for now.  Lots to do and only a little time to do it.  Sending wishes for a calm and happy Saturday.  I'll be spending the day with Karen and those who signed up for the Christmas Album she is offering.  How about checking that one out here. 

Until next time....hugs,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glittergrammy

It's My Turn To Play On The Poppystamps Blog Page

It's my day to play on the Poppystamps Blog Page.  Today I created this little box for the ornament exchange at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I love the little mouse and he is sledding on a little piece of bark.  Making boxes is something I really enjoy doing.  This one was a fun project, and the little mouse fit perfectly.  The Poppystamps dies made this project easy.  If you want to see the decorative side edge, you'll have to pop over to the Poppystamps blog page. 

Saturday was the Christmas Crop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Mother Nature was busy decorating for the holidays and she gifted us with several inches of snow.  I missed the crop as the roads were not in great driving condition. 

This is what our front yard looked like.  Pretty isn't it?  Well, I was a bit upset with Ms. Nature and feeling down because I was missing all my crafting buddies.  They live in the valley and don't get the snow we get....so, as I was boo hooing, I received a Skype call....from my granddaughter, Bridget, who was spending the day with her friend Bella.  We spent some time crafting.  They were busy drawing fairies, and of course coloring them.  Well, what's a fairy wing without glitter?  So they colored, cut, glued and glittered as we spoke.  We did lots of laughing and those two changed my PLM day (Poor Little Me) into a fun afternoon!  Thanks to both girls!  I had a great time!

Here they are.  Not the best of photos, obviously they are the best of friends.  Silly Grammy didn't get a photo of their finished projects.  Shame on me! 

I guess this is it for now.  I send hugs and wishes for a most crafty day.  See you soon! 
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Poppystamps Tag Hop and Peanut Brittle Recipe

I'm excited to share the news.  Today is the Poppystamps Tag Hop and I'm very happy to share my little tags....

I like making little gift bags, and my favorite candy to place inside is peanut brittle.  I don't think this bag will make it to Christmas.  One Mr. has been asking when I'll be done taking the photo! This bag is so easy to create and it's always nice to have a few around for those unexpected guests that arrive.

I've been making this peanut brittle for 40 years and I've never made a bad batch.  I'd love sharing the recipe with you.  A candy making hint....Always have all the ingredients ready.  Never double the batch.  Always use an accurate thermometer and cook to the exact temperature.  If you do this, you'll have perfect candy....

Mary Mac's Peanut Brittle

The key to the brittleness is to spread the candy mixture thinly.  Don't cheat on heat.  You must cook to 240 degrees prior to adding the peanuts and butter...and 300 degrees before removing from heat.  Follow the rules and you'll have perfect peanut brittle.

Ingredients:
1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon water
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cup sugar
1 cup water
1 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 pound salted peanuts (I use Planters Cocktail Peanuts)

Butter 2 cookie sheets and put them into a warm oven.  Mix the baking soda, water together and set aside.  In a large heavy bottomed saucepan, Combine: 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup corn syrup.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to 240 degrees on a candy thermometer.  Stir into the mixture 3 tablespoons butter and 1 pound of peanuts.  Continue cooking and stir constantly to 300 degrees.  Note:  at this stage it can burn quickly, so keep stirring.  Remove from heat and stir in the baking soda mixture and the vanilla.  Pour onto the two buttered cookie sheets and spread to no thicker than 1/4 inch.  Cool and break candy into pieces.  Store in air tight container. 

I don't know where this recipe originally came from.  I think maybe it was one of the many recipes my mom clipped from a magazine or newspaper and then re-wrote.

I hope you give this a try, and if you do, please let me know how it turned out.  I hope you will be pleased.

I have another tag to share, I made this one to add to my husband's Christmas gift.  I may make a few more of these.  It's an easy one to make.  Note, I cut both red and the white base together.  To get the tail, I used the word Merry as my layout guide.  I made a light mark about 1/2 inch from the bottom and used the "R" as my center point.  Then I rounded the corners.... a little glitter and some ribbon and it's done.

Because both sides will be visible I wanted the back to look finished.

I hope you have time to hop along with the Poppystamps Design Team.  You can follow us here:

Poppystamps Blog

Yvonne Dunlop

Chunyuan Wu

Diane Barney

Ira Huberts

Jean Manis

Jeanne Jachna

Kimberly Coleman

Lezlye Lauterbach

Mary McMillan

Michele Henderson

Patty Tanuz

Rudlis / Irena Kowalczyk

Sherry Eckblad

Sherry Hester

Well, I think it's time for me to head over and see what the girls have created.  There just might be some prizes, you can read all about it on the Poppystamps Blog page.

Can you believe Christmas is right around the corner?  I hope everyone is enjoying the season and not stressing too much!

Wishing you a calm and crafty week!
Mary

[937] DIES- Merry Dots	[934] DIES- Clarissa Ornament Outline	[932] DIES- Clarissa Ornament Background	[946] DIES- Giovanna Snowflake
[936] DIES- Pine Sprigs	[947] DIES- Jasper Ornament Background	[944] DIES- Jasper Ornament Outline	949 Zig Zag Knit

InLinkz.com

Blue and White

Another quick one.  This card kick started my mojo.  If you want to know the rest of the story,  head over to the Poppystamps Blog Page.  It's my day to share.  If you have a minute to sit and visit....I'd love knowing you were there.

Yikes.....I almost forgot, well actually I did forget to add my card to Stamping For Pleasure.  It's Rudolph day again.  How could that be?   Can you believe it's almost Christmas again?  Where has this year gotten off to?  Well, for those who don't know, Rudolph Day is a place to not only post our Christmas cards, but also a page that keeps us heading in the right direction.  One more card done and one more month closer to Christmas....and one for time to spend time with blog friends....Happy Rudolph Day!  Check it out here!  

Happy Saturday.  May your weekend be W-O-N-D-E-R-F-U-L!!!!!!!

Hugs,
Mary Mac

Merry

This is a quick card to make and if you want to see the inside of this card, you'll just have to check it out on the Poppystamps blog page.  I'll give you a hint, this is completely made from snippets.  The reason for so many, I am working on a project for later next month, and I thought I knew exactly what I needed to do.  Guess what, I didn't!  Anyway, my not so happy accident turned into a very quick make. 

Don't you love the Merry die....I sure do.  Well, I said this was a quick card and I need to make this a quick post.  For more, check out the Poppystamps blog. 

Later....
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Wishing You A Very Merry Christmas

By now I would imagine everyone has settled into the school schedule.  I remember those days fondly.  When my youngest started school it was a mother's dream come true.  I'd planned for years how I would spend my "alone" time.  When the magic day finally arrived, the house was soooo quiet, I couldn't get motivated to do anything.  It didn't take long and I was at the school volunteering in classrooms!  I loved every minute.  Finally, I did learn to value my alone time, and that's where my crafting life began.

Now, on to Christmas..... Most of you know I'm on the Poppystamps Design Team and I've been creating away using their most wonderful dies.  Most of you also know that Poppystamps and Memory Box Dies are very closely related:  Mom and Dad and kids....so, you will see me using both dies on most of my cards.  Can I say I love them?  OK.....I love them. If you want to know which dies I used, you'll have to hop on over to the blog page  and while you're there, I hope you take a minute or two to hop around to see what everyone else has been up to.  Lots of inspiration there.

Do you want to learn how I made this card?  And maybe take the class?  Well, you can, Karen is doing a kick off to her 7th Anniversary and also World Card Making Day!  I'll be teaching this card  class twice during the month.  My first class is  Saturday October 5th and Wednesday October 9th.  People are already signing up for this class, and the two classes are limited.  Sign up quickly if you want your space saved.  Learn more by contacting Karen.  You can get phone number and directions to her boutique here.  Isn't that a great word - BOUTIQUE, and it surely does describe Karen's wonderful paper crafting shop.  According to Webster, a boutique is a business that serves a sophisticated or specialized clientele.  I've got to tell you, I feel special when I shop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Everything is beautifully displayed and inspiration is everywhere.  When I am hitting a creative wall, Karen opens the door and moves me through.  I am so thankful for all I've learned from not only Karen, but from staff and also the girls I've come to know through PSB.   No, this isn't an advertisement, but it should be! 

I'm off for now.  Lots to do today.....I'll be spending some alone time in my craft room.  I think I'll be singing Christmas songs as I create....

Hugs and Happy Crafting,

Mountain Top Trees

I am so excited to say....I can show off my design for one of the new  Poppystamps dies and cling stamps. How many new dies are there?  74..... and each one is more beautiful than the last.  And that's not all.....there are rubber cling stamps too 20 of them.  That's 94 new items.... Pinch me!  I think I'm dreaming!

Here's a sneak peek into what I made with the newest of my dies.....The Mountain Top Trees!

Do you want to see more?  I hope so, head on over to Poppystamps web page and Poppystamps blog page to see the new products and to see what we've all been up too. Let's just say, I'm singing, "Have a Poppy, Poppy Christmas.....It's the best time of the year!"  I just can't get this out of my mind.... I wonder why....Maybe......

Did I mention.....there are PRIZES and lots of them.  Hop over to the Poppystamps blog to find out more.  

I'm off for now....heading to my craft room to play.  Have a very crafty week.
Hugs,

PS.  Thank you Jeanne for the great signature. 

Bubbles?

Any guesses what this might be?  Let me show you..... check out what I've created using one of the many new Poppystamps dies and cling stamps....how many are there you ask?  74 new and fabulous dies and 20 fantastic cling stamps.  Don't take my word for it, check out all the new dies and stamps at:  Poppystamps Web Page and you can see the card I made using my newest dies and cling stamps by going to the Poppystamps Blog Page. 

There is lots going on over at Poppystamps.  Lots of prizes and you could be a winner.  You'll need to hop over to the Poppystamps blog to find out how....trust me, you will be glad you did. Here's a little hint.....

Don't forget to leave a comment and you could win the featured die or stamp.  Be sure to check out what everyone has created and comment on their post...lots to win, lots of chances to win......

That's it for today, I hope you have a most wonderful day and find some time to paper craft.

New Poppystamps Dies are here....

Finally, I can share...TODAY .Poppystamps is releasing 74 new dies and 20 new cling stamps.  I've been excited since first seeing them and now, you can see them too...  To celebrate there will be Su-PRIZES and you can win....hop on over to the Poppystamps Blog and find out how you can win.....It's easy, just comment.....and don't forget to check out all the new dies and stamps here. 

Did I mention there are PRIZES?  Did I happen to mention that you could win!  All you have to do is leave a comment and some days you will have the opportunity to comment twice.  Your comment gives you the opportunity to win the die or stamp featured in that post. 

I'll be posting tomorrow......and I'm featuring a really cool die.....

Chat again soon....

More White On White

This is a quick card I made using the Poppystamps Poinsettia die.  If you want to see more, hop on over to the Poppystamps Blog .  Wouldn't this be pretty with a red center?  Hmmmmm....maybe next time. 

Have A Great Day and Happy Crafting....
Mary Mac AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Wishing You A Happy Day - Sneak Peek

Ok, here's what I'm working on...well, here is a little peek at what I've created for Poppystamps.  Want to see more?  I hope so, pop on over to Poppystamps and see the rest of the story. 

Until later.....Happy Crafting,
Mary Mac
AKA: Glitter Grammy

Rudolph Day and Pixie's Crafty Workshop

Can you believe it?  I can't.....It's the 25th of August and I actually have my Rudolph Day card completed....AND.... hold your applause.....I made it completely of scraps.....so, Di is getting a visit from this ole gal!

This didn't photograph as well as I would have liked....lots of glitter on this one, and all white, except for the shiny red nose!  It is Rudolph after all.  Want to see the inside?

I

I'm going to call this a short post.  Brenda is here and I just finished this card.  Now we will go on to play with something else.....Hop on over to Stamping For Pleasure and see all the Rudolph Day entries.  Remember you can post them until the last day of the month.  And then don't forget to visit Pixie's Crafty Workshop to see what all the snippets have turned into.  It's such fun to play along wth these two gals.  Lots of stories and great creations from both.  Seems Sarn isn't the only one thinking about Christmas!  Thanks to both gals for keeping me focused on making Christmas cards.

One more thing...Can you keep a secret?  Keep an eye out for the new releases for the Poppystamps Dies.  You didn't hear it from me, but they are FABULOUS!  I will let you know when they are available.  If I forget, you can always follow along on the Poppystamps blog page. 

Ok, so maybe it was two more things....Did you know World Card Making Day is the first Saturday in October?  Put it on your calendar, I'm sure there will be celebrations everywhere.  I'm celebrating by teaching a card class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  I'll be posting the card on September 21....you can see it, here, on the Paradise Scrapbook Boutique blog page and on the Poppystamps blog....What will you be doing on World Card Making Day?

Off I go for now.....See you again soon, (if I get my act together!)

Hugs to all,
Mary Mac   AKA: Glitter Grammy

Going To The Chapel.

Today I'm showing my first creation for Poppystamps as a Design Team member.  I hope you have a minute to head over to Poppystamps blog to see what I've created and if you have a minute please make a comment.  I know I'd love to hear from you and I'm sure everyone at Poppystamps will too. 

Off I go for now....Happy Crafting and Hugs from Northern California
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW #219 and Two Beautiful Creations

Honest, I have cleaned my craft room, but then I started creating for 3 up-coming classes....so, one mess cleaned, two others created.  The good news, I have 3 cards ready for putting kits together, and instructions written for two of them.  I feel like I'm getting back to being organized.  I know, from the looks of my desk you would never know!  So, have a look around, leave a comment if you have time and I hope you will then head over to Miss Julia's at Stampin-Ground  to see what everyone has been doing. 

I have a little friend that is VERY talented.  Her name is Skyler and she is 5 years old.  She created this beautiful project.  Look at all the work that went into placing each little tile.  Skyler is the grand daughter of my buddy Dee Dee.  I'm sure Skyler's talent runs in her family.  She has a very creative Mom, and Grand Mom.....A big shout out to Skyler and a super big THANK YOU  for thinking of me.  And now....here's Skyler's creation.....

And here's our little crafty girl Skyler.....

I couldn't forget her grandma, Dee Dee.  She made this beautiful card for my birthday.  THANK YOU  Dee Dee, your card is gorgeous! 

Well, I'm a bit late posting to WOYWW, but better late than never right?  Wishing you all a most crafty week, and a little reminder, my first post on the Poppystamps blog goes live on August 24th, I hope you hop over to have a look at not only what I've created, but also to see what the design team members are doing. 

Until later.  Happy Crafting!
Mary
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Just Playing Around

Hello and Happy Saturday.  I'm spending my last day of this vacation with my buddy Dee Dee, we are winding down from 5 weeks of play.  Tomorrow she gets on the silver bird and heads home.  So, what did we do today?  We played with paper and stamps, and we made a trip to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique to visit with Karen, who had just returned from CHA....We are looking forward to seeing what she purchased and I'll tell you this time of the year is really exciting for all of us crafters.  In truth, the real reason for the visit, I was having withdrawals from not having seen her for over a month!

I thought today would be a good day to try out one of my new Memory Box dies and a rubber stamp I purchased in Australia.  The rubber stamp was purchased at Wrapped In Paper - A fantastic craft store in Canberra.  Thanks Bridget for sending us to Annette and Gail.  The rubber stamp is from Stamp-It, an Australian Company - Birthday Flow #4788D. 

You know I am a MAJOR fan of Memory Box and Poppystamps dies. I'm lucky enough to have been chosen for the Poppystamps Design team and  I'll be posting a few Poppystamps cards in August, but I'm keeping them under wraps until then (dates:  8/24 and 8/31)  Keep an eye out for them...PLEASE.  Until it's my turn, I'll be checking out what all the other crafty ladies  are making.  You can see their posts at Poppystamps. 

I chose to use this die:

For the outside of the card I cut the die in green, yellow and pink.  Using green as the base, I then layered the colors yellow and pink.  A nice sentiment and frame, don't you agree?  Of course those are the Cuttlebug Swiss Dots and a beautiful ribbon I'd purchased from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique. 

For the inside, I used the same die, only this time I used only one color, the same color I'd chosen for the base of the card. 

I had a few extra pieces, so I gave a few of the flowers a second layer.  I do like how both turned out.

Well that's it for now....tomorrow will be a busy day, heading out early to get Dee Dee to her plane and then Virginia and I will have a play day.  Next week I need to chase dust bunnies....and boy there is a herd of them. 

I am going to head over to the playground and hope I can sneak in before the gates slam shut.  Be sure to check out what everyone over there has been up to.  I feel like I'm working my way back to my normal routine when I visit with Di and the gang. 

Off for now...hugs to all,
Mary Mac