Sparkles Christmas Challenge #90

I guess we are now closer to Christmas than many of us would like.  It seemed like yesterday it was New Years Day and now look!  This month the Sparkles Christmas Challenge theme was picked by Jacky.  She picked Christmas Stockings.  I dug deep into my Christmas stamps and found this cute stamp.  It is a PSX stamp from 1995.  # K-1520.  It just dawned on me that this stamp is older than some of those reading my blog....  I must say, I've always loved this stamp and it's time to let it once again touch some ink.  After stamping and coloring the stamp, I fussy cut it and used dimensional squares to adhere it to a piece of white card which was  colored with my Tim Holtz Distress Oxide - iced spruce ink.  I then embossed the card using my 6x6  Sizzix embossing folder.  I think it is named Falling Snow.  It's one I purchased from Stamping Up.  I composed the sentiment on my computer  and ran the colored card through my printer prior to embossing it.  I mounted it onto gold mirror card and then onto craft card.  

The inside uses many of the same items.  I did however add a die from Poppystamps - Frozen Flakes #1033.  I really like this die, it makes a great border and is large enough to make quite a snowy statement.  

I hope you have a chance to play along with this month's Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  I look forward to seeing what you've created.  There are lots of ideas so check them out here.  

Until next time,  Happy Crafting....Hugs from my world to yours,

Mary Mac

AKA:  GlitterGrammy

I Heard The Bells

We can thank Debs for this month's Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  Your card must have a Festive Sentiment.  For mine I am using one of my older dies.  It's from Stamp Oasis and it's from 1992.  Yikes that's 25 years old!  I guess I've been playing with paper for quite awhile!  Because Debs asked for a festive sentiment...I wanted mine to be the focal point.  I love monochromatic cards.  I am using a buff colored base that was dry embossed using a Sizzix embossing folder.  I stamped the sentiment, added a bit of ribbon, popped the sentiment and the front of my card is finished.

My inside is a Quietfire Design stamp.  This stamp made the inside of this card easy.  I must say this card came together quickly and it's one of those cards that would be easy to create assembly line method.

Ok, it's your turn....get out a favorite sentiment or two and share your creation with all of us.  Hop on over to see what the other Design Team members created and link your card to this site.  It's fun, it's easy and you'll be one card closer to finishing your Christmas Cards!  Link your card HERE.

I'm sending wishes for a Super Creative Month.
Hugs from my world to yours,
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Two Cards Made for 2017

I am on a roll.  Football games must bring out the best in me.....My first card was posted earlier today.  The sequins filled ornament is my most recent.  I'm always amazed that two cards can be made using the same supplies and they look different.  If you read the previous post you will know the supplies I used.  Here's what is different.  Sequins instead of a glitter ornament and I didn't frame the card with mirror silver.  If you look really close you will see one more difference.  The background on one card is embossed, on the other it is debossed.  I was surprised at the visual difference.  I was also surprised by adding the silver border made the card look smaller.

Off to organize my dies.  So.....if you don't already know, Sparkles Chistmas Challenge would love to see what you can create using the theme lots of glitter.  My sequins card won't count for the challenge, but it was fun to make and I have another card ready for Christmas of 2017.

Again, Happy New Year!  I hope to start sharing more in 2017.

Hugs from my world to yours,
Mary Mac
Glitter Grammy

Happy New Year and My First Christmas Card of 2017

Happy New Year!  I know that Christmas cards are probably the last thing on the mind of most people, but not me.... For several years, I've celebrated the New Year making my first Christmas card for the upcoming season.  My husband watches football, and I pretend I'm watching as I sit at my craft table playing with paper.

Santa brought me this ornament die (Memory Box) and I couldn't wait to give it a try. This month's Sparkles Christmas Challenge was the perfect place.  Pat G. picked the challenge which is:  Lots of Glitter....I die cut the ornament 3 times.  The base was cut in mirror silver.  I used red glitter paper for the Ornament and the Sentiment and of course green glitter paper for the ivy.  I used a Sizzix embossing folder to give the background paper some dimension.  Almost forgot...the sentiment die is from Echo Park, Designer Dies and yes, it cut through the glitter card stock....sometimes glitter can give me a bit of a head ache.

How about playing along with this month's challenge.  And as always there is a prize.  So create your masterpiece, and post it on the Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  You might win....and better than that, everyone who visits will see your spectacular creation!

Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  I used to, but then I didn't keep them so I've decided it's better for me to make goals throughout the year.  My goal is to get my dies and rubber stamps organized and cataloged.  It is honestly quiet an overwhelming project.  I started a few years back and quit before I gave it a good effort.  So......the day after Christmas I decided to begin.  I happily found that I had given it a better effort than I thought,  I had actually die cut several of the dies and now they needed to be put into a master book.....I am now caught up with the ones I'd already cut, but there are many more that need cutting.  I'm lucky because I have an area I can leave this project set up and I am determined to not put it way until I am finished.  There will be no out of sight, out of mind this year.  When I finish the die project, I will share......

I'm off......Again, I send wishes for a Most Happy New Year.  May it be filled with Love, Peace and Health.  Until Next time......

Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Sparkles Christmas Challenge

I've got great news.....I'm on the Sparkles Christmas Challenges Design Team for 2014! I am thrilled to be creating with some very creative people.  Here's what I made for my first post.....

Helen picked this challenge and it's called More Than One Fold

I couldn't wait to start on Christmas Cards and Gift Card Holders for 2014.  So, off I ran to create this gift card/money holder.  I borrowed this stamp from my friend Virginia.  I think I may have to go on a search to find it...I'm loving this jolly Santa.  

The money/gift card holder was made using a Sizzix die, the Ornament is Poppystamps the border is Memory Box and the sentiment is a stamp called Bright and Merry G1117 is from Stampabilities.  The die cut it is sitting on is Spellbinders as is the die used on the front of the card.  And here is what the Sizzix die looks like when it's open...

Now here's some fantastic news.  Sparkles Christmas Challenge isn't just a challenge that keeps us all working toward Christmas, it's also a place to share ideas and get and keep inspired.  Want more?  Well let me tell you about this months prize.....A $10.00 voucher graciously given by

Check out all the beautiful Digi Downloads that Di offers.  I think you'll be as excited as I am. And don't forget to enter your creation in the Sparkles Christmas Challenge for a chance to win a FABULOUS prize!  Be sure to check out the rules and follow the theme and then don't forget to link your project.  

Until next time.....Hugs from Northern California

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW - 203

A rather unusual photo...don't you think?  I was trying to get the whole story into one photo.  I'm using my new Sizzix die that Karen just got in.  I needed a Thank You card for my friend's husband who made me a jar opener that fits under the cupboard.  It works like a champ.  Johnny is such a smart young man!

I mentioned to Virginia what a smart idea her jar opener is.  She said, Johnny will make you one....and he did...This is such a good idea...

So, this is what it looks like.  Screws will go up through those two holes. 

And this is what it looks like after it's hung. 

It looks bigger than it is.  I was a bit too close.  It works like a charm.....

I guess I should show you what my desk looked(s) like when I was/am working on my card.  I peeked in on Julia's desk and it is so neat and tidy....I am going to go clean up my mess as soon as I finish this post. If you believe that, I love you!    Perhaps you'd like to hop on over to see what everyone's been up too.  Hop, Hop Hop.  And here's my lovely mess.....

And now it's time to say.... have a most wonderful crafting week.

Oops....I was thinking so hard about not forgetting anything and I forgot to mention, my card is made from snippets and we know what that means....I'll be sharing it with Di at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  And for those who don't know....Di hosts a blog page where all of us can go to play.  I'm sure she'd tell you one of the rules...play nice.  Another....don't run with the scissors pointed up....And...take turns on the swing.  So, check out Di's blog here.  

Hugs,

Mary Mac...AKA:  Glitter Grammy



Can You Say FIELD TRIP?

Before I take everyone on a field trip, I want to express my deepest sympathy to Linn and Amy.  Linn's mom passed away on Saturday.  I want the kids to know, she'll be dancing on a cloud at the wedding.  Also one of my long time friends and volunteers at the Sheriff's Office passed.  Irene will be missed by all.  I made identical cards for both. 

Both ladies loved their children, loved their homes, both were excellent bakers.  I think they both would have enjoyed each other's company.  I used snippets for everything but the base.  The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye.  I used a Sizzix Beaded Ribbon Embossing folder.  It's my newest and fast becoming a favorite.  Of course there is a Spellbinder die and the sentiment is from an old Stampin-Up set. 

Now.....on to the Field Trip......grab your jumpers and lets get moving.  Everybody in a line...let's get going.  Are you ready?

This is a photo I took from my front porch as I was leaving.  Spring in our yard is absolutely fabulous.  All the colors.  The tress are Dogwood and a fruitless plum.  The tree is a cedar, a bit too big to see the top!

Carolyn and I got to the shop first (nothing new there!)  We usually come early and leave early.  We were too early....PSB wasn't open yet!

My spot at the table and boy oh boy there are gifts waiting!



The first thing I did was see what was new and what I HAD to add to my collection.  Lots of new Memory Box dies too.... I've been saving my milk money for these items.....

More girls arriving and checking out the new items....

Look at the pretty display....Ohhhhhhh so many things that I need! 

Look how happy we are when we're playing on the paper playground.....

Leesa and I.  We're ready to settle down and work on the projects we brought.  Carolyn and I decided that we bring too much and finish too little.  Must be because we spend lots of time shopping, and chatting, and eating. 

I love, love, love how Karen displays all the pretties.....

Say hi to Pam.  She's busy making sure we all get our "must have's" .  Great job Pam. 

Just look at all the treasures........

This is my very favorite display.....Lots of yummy things to choose from. 

Remember when I showed you the goodies Karen gifted us.  This is a tray that we will make from those goodies.  Very pretty.....yes?  Thank you Karen

Here we are all hard at work....

And here she is.....the gal that makes this all possible.  Everyone.....meet Karen!  I don't think many of us know the work that goes into these crops.  Especially this one and the Christmas crop.  Deb, Rachiel, Shell and Pam are her little helpers.  Good job girls! 

This is just one of the yummy snacks we had.  Karen had breakfast rolls and coffee ready when we arrived.  Then cookies to snack on.  Dinner was wonderful.  Landon (her son) barbecued ribs and we had roast beef and salads and bread and fruit....of course there are no photos of this, as I was busy loading my plate and forgot to take them....bad me! 

And then.....oh yes there were desserts!  Of course Carolyn, Leesa and I did not partake as we are on Weight Watchers....and if you believe that, I have some swamp land to sell you....we're being good the rest of the week...

A good time was to be had by all, as my childhood social section of the local newspaper would print.  Again, thanks to everyone at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique who made this day so special.  It's always a fun time and Karen really knows how to celebrate National Scrapbook Day!

I can't forget a quick shot of the babies.  Aren't the two that are lined up too cute.  One peeking over the other.  We are on Crow watch today.  We caught 3 of the filthy "B's" trying to raid a Robin's nest.  We were lucky to scar them off.  They better leave my babies alone!

I'll be linking to Pixie's Craft Workshop.  My cards were snippets, with the exception of the white base.  Check out her challenge and play along....it's fun and you meet lots of interesting folks on the playground.

I'll post a movie later this week.  For now....it's off to start my day....

Hugs to all,
Mary
AKA:  Mary Mac, Glitter Grammy

Here's what I've been working on.  Karen is going to say I'm too prepared, but in fact....I'm trying to get ahead as I'll be spending some great time with my daughter Amy in April, and then my best buddy and I are going to take a month to travel half way across the US to get to Amy's wedding, visit family and see all the sights that our husbands groan at when we ask to stop....hey the biggest ball of twine is on my bucket list!  I wonder where it is!  I hope it's somewhere on I-80!

So, the above photo is my March class.  The class will be making one of the cards, but the kit will contain two sentiments so they can choose which one to make.  I really had a good time making this card.  I love BoBunny card stock and this card is made using the Cotton Tail collection. 

Now let's back up and see what my desk looked like....ok, maybe it was a bit more messy, this is what it looked like when I was putting the kit, in the first photo- left side, together. 

Backing up a bit more....here's what my prep area looked like as I was cutting the kits  I think this card has about 30 pieces.....

So here they are...all packed up and ready.  Ten kits, that's how many openings there will be.  I know this class will fill up quickly....so a hint to my regular craft buddies....sign up early. 

So, that's my desk for today.....I'm headed over to my favorite Wednesday blog and link this to Stamping-Ground.  I hope you have a few minutes to check out what everyone has been up too.  I've had a very productive card week.  I've got to say...Julia keeps me focused!

Have a great week....see you next Wednesday....

Hugs,
Glitter Grammy

My December Card Class - Sign Up Early

Can you believe it.....It's almost Christmas.  For my December class (December 6) we'll be creating these cards.....The classes have been filling up quickly, so sign up early.  Give Karen a call to reserve your spot.  Check out Karen's blog page:  Paradise Scrapbook Boutique 

I'd been asked to create a quick Christmas card and this is one is just that.  I love gold and white together and the graphic is so beautiful.  If you want to know more about the graphic....email me. 

My last side step class filled up quickly....and I'd  been asked (begged actually) to demonstrate another card using the side step method.  I've also been asked for a birthday card for a boy.  I think this one fills both requests.  You know me and boys cards!  I had to sit on my hands to keep from adding glitter, ribbon and flowers.  I gotta say....I like it!

I'm off for now....have a wonderful weekend.  We're expecting a bit of rain....I'm actually looking forward to a day in front of the wood stove with my Ipad and an Ibook.....

Hugs,

Mary

AKA:  Glitter Grammy