Happy Birthday My April Friends

It seems several of my crafty friends are born in April.  So Happy Birthday to each and every one of you....be you up close or thousands of miles away, each of you have brought great happiness to my life.

The card I am featuring is made from Graphic45 cardstock and it is actually baby girl paper.  I love the soft colors and this collection has so many to choose from.  There are lots of dies (ten on theoutside) , which most of you know is my favorite embellishment.  The lace window curtain adds the perfect touch.  of course what would a card be without a bit of bling!

And this is the inside.....

I've had this book die for a long time, I must admit, I don't use it often, I think it's perfect here.  The corner die is one of my newest Memory Box dies.  It's large, but so delicate, not to forget pretty, I just couldn't say no to this one. 

Until next time,
Happy Crafting from Northern California
Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Face Time Crafting

Today was a fun day with my buddy Dee Dee.  She lives about 1100  miles from me and via Face Time, using our Ipads, we crafted together.  She taught me to make this card.

Gotta love the Internet.  We both have the Spellbinder nested hearts. That made playing together easy.  I've made many easel cards, but never in the shape of a heart, thanks Dee Dee for this fun shaped card.   I have another lovely lady to thank.  Several months ago Di shared several very sweet heart doilies.  I've been waiting for the perfect time to use one of them.  Check out Di's blog here.  This was the perfect time.  Making a card with a friend, even if that friend is miles and miles away, is always such fun.  We spent hours crafting and laughing.  She even stuck with me as I prepared dinner.  Hmmm, I wonder where she went when it came time to clean my craft room and wash up the dishes!  Dee Dee thanks for sharing a Sunday afternoon with me, and Di, thanks for the doilies.  I know I'll be using a few more before Valentines day...

Tomorrow it's crafty Monday with the girls.  I guess I should be packing my goodies.  I just might be showing off my newly learned card....until later. 

Update:  Yikes, I almost forgot to mention the snippets I used.  The card base was pulled from the red folder.  Every last snip of this was used.  The final bits are under the flowers.  I'd forgotten to add my ribbon, so I made a bit of a change and using a border punch punched this red piece.  The flowers, were from a small piece of ribbon that I remember wondering why I was saving such a small piece.  The white base and white heart were cut from pieces left over from making my February card class.  And the little glitter hearts are from a piece left laying on my desk....Of course you already  know the doily was a gift.  I'm going to head over to Di's blog page and link my card there.  BTW...Di, I did read about your run in with the hot glue gun.  See....we read to the bottom of the page.... :-) 

Happy Crafting, See you soon!
Mary

Autumn Is In The Air-Thank You and Let's Recycle

Ok everyone, get up off the floor! Yes, I can rubber stamp and color.  I just haven't done it in awhile.  Today Brenda brought her Spectrum Noir Alcohol ink pens over and we played.  I have to say, I'm new at this, I've been a Tombow girl myself and I've been fighting the urge to try the alcohol ink pens.  I've got to say, I am impressed....  What is most impressive....I die cut and embossed the pumpkin on orange card stock.  The leaf and tendril was also orange.  I took a green pen and started coloring over the orange....Can you believe it?  I couldn't!  Amazing!  Now, I need to save my pennies so I can purchase the pens.  I don't know the difference between Copic and Spectrum Noir, does anyone?  With the exception of color, these pens look the same, are refillable...there aren't as many colors, but there are plenty....If anyone can educate me to the difference, I'd appreciate it. 

So, how'd I make the card?  With the exception of the card base, everything is made from snippets.  It's funny, I've been saving the stripe piece for a long time.  Only it was the other since I planned on using.  I think the stripes are perfect for this card.  The sentiment is a Hampton Art stamp that came from a clearance bin.  The scarecrow is from Stampendous.  I probably bought this stamp 12 or more years ago.  The pumpkin is a Cuttlebug die and embossing folder, as is the maple leaf peeking out from the inside.  Yes, that is a Spellbinder die or two....I'm going to post this card over at Pixie's Crafty Workshop.  I know there will be lots of friends posting there.  You might want to check it out, after all....I know you have snippets too!  The gals I've met there are so much fun and you can skip onto the playground and have a go on the swings. 

I know I don't look a day over 35 (now is where you say...35!  I was sure you were younger than that!)  but....I had a birthday, and it was so much fun hearing from my kids and grand kids, family and friends, opening cards, going out to dinner with the neighbors and enjoying the beautiful flowers.  I have to smile every time I walk past my dining room table....Isn't it beautiful!  Thank you everyone who made my birthday so special.  I love you all!

Brenda brought a bouquet that someone had given her.  She thought I might want to disassemble it and she was sure I could find a good use for some of the parts.  This is what she gave me....

 

 

And this is what I saved......

 

I'm sure I can find a good way to use these flowers....I guess I should get off to bed.  Tomorrow I'm cropping with the Monday group and going out for another birthday lunch....I love birthdays!

 

Sending happy crafting wishes to all....and don't forget, it's not too late to enter my blogaversary give-away.  Check previous posts for exactly how to enter!

 

Hugs to all,

Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy

 

 

Congratulations Amy and Linn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary
AKA: GlitterGrammy

Just A Note

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If You Cut It Wrong Twice....Will It Still Be Wrong?

Today has been one of those days...you know the ones, you are trying to get 10 things done, and 8 of the 10 are done correctly, but 2 of them....oh my!  So, lets start with the two "oh my's"....In the end, I am happy, but thankfully I don't have to share a photo of my craft room today.  It is a MESS!  Here's what I created....

I was at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique on Friday and I spied this card stock, it by Teresa Collins, the Fabrications collection.  I love the colors and the flowers, oh my!  Well, I thought it would be a nice card for my friend Thelma.  So, I went to make a cut and I don't know where my brain was, I'm sure it was switched off, and the paper wasn't straight in the cutter.  So the card that was going to be 6x6 would now be a 5 1/2 x 4 1/4....so back into the cutter it went.  Again.....not straight....But, at least I caught the blunder before I'd cut the entire piece.  What you see above....the finished outside.  The corners were a second thought...actually they were a repair to the top corner...The corners and the twice punched border are Martha punches....The sentiment was typed and then cut using a Spellbinder die.  The glitter  orange is from my Snippet box.  I was surprised that the punches worked, the card stock is pretty heavy.  The butterflies are also Martha punches. 

The inside has more Spellbinder dies, and the same Martha die, with the center punched using a punch anywhere on the page punch....that's a topic for another blog, but let me say....that punch is the most challenging punch I've ever used and I said some naughty, naughty words while practicing.  My snippet box is missing several pieces..I never did complete one to my satisfaction.  I think Martha and I need to chat.  And, then a Memory Box butterfly was added. 

When I finished, I was happy with the result.  I'm sure that Thelma will like the card, though she will never know what it took to finish her birthday card.  I've checked one more item off my to-do before I go list.  I've got to say, my done list is growing....and my to-do list is shrinking.  Yippee.  One more week and I'll be on my way! 

I'm off to bed, but before I go...check out Di's blog to see what people are making from snippets.  I just checked and Di has put us all on good behavior....Come on Girls let's have a camp out!  I'll bring the S'mores!

Have a most wonderful week....
Mary

Pixie's Snippet Challenge -21

Di favorite color is pink....mine is yellow.  When I use it, I tend to like it in a monochromatic way.  My buddy Brenda was here today and while she worked on 3 cards (a record for us...normally it's talk a lot and craft a little....Today we were on fire!  I finished the Thank You cards for my daughter's wedding and made this: 

I saw a cupcake box on Paper Planet's blog page, but was having a problem figuring out the dimensions, so after I realized the box was 3x3 inches, I made up my own box using my Allene's Box Maker. An old tool, but one I have always loved.  I like the little cupcake in the bow....

....and, I like the border punched top.  A snippet started this project, but for the base of the box, I had to cut into a full piece...so, it's sort of a snippet...the ribbon is, the plastic opening on the box top and the box top.  It's all BoBunny paper.  The inside of the box is the same paper, however it looks like a totally different color.  I guess I need a photo class....Amy, where are you when I need you?

As I was making the box, I was thinking about my daughter's wedding and the cupcakes she'll be serving....Do I want to 90 more boxes...noooooo, but it is kind of cute.  Maybe I could make two boxes to hold the cupcake they will have on their 1st. Anniversary....now that's doable. 

So tomorrow is Cathy's Birthday.... This one is a total snippet card.  I really like the card stock I used. 

I think Di would approve of the colors....I had to try out my new Memory Box Die....Pretty isn't it.  I took the photo and then I thought....maybe the corners should be rounded....I did that, but forgot to take another photo.  It's in an envelope now....too late!

I guess I should shake my tail feathers and head off to bed.  Tomorrow is another day of play with my gal pals. 

If you have snippets, and I know you do, how about putting a card together and linking your blog to Di's.... And then take a spin on the merry-go-round, or a dip in the duck pond...from what I understand maybe that's not the best place to dip....So, grab your Hula-Hoop and I'll meet you Here 

Have a wonderful week....See you soon,
Glitter Grammy  AKA:  Mary Mac.

Two Posts In One Day - I'm on a Snippet Role!

While hopping around to see who came to play in Pixie's Crafty Workshop playground, I found another challenge that looked pretty interesting, so off my little feet went to see what I could make using the sketch provided.  Check out the Crafting For All Seasons Challenge.  I think I stayed pretty close to the sketch.  There is some BoBunny DP, but the rest...I'm not sure.  I was using snippets and couldn't find a name anywhere.  The sleigh and the reindeer are Marianne Designs, they were cut on pieces of suede.  Of course there are Spellbinder dies inside and out.  Speaking of inside.....

I like how the inside turned out, so I shall share.....  Could the DP be Anna Griffin?  I'm not sure, but I'm thinking maybe!  So, As I was getting ready to clean up, I saw all these bits and pieces laying around, and I spied the graphic shown and thought....hmmmm another snippet card for Pixie's Crafty Workshop....   I'm running wild in the playground today.....The graphic has been in my Christmas stash for sometime.  I think she goes well on this card.  And the bells, they are from Paradise Scrapbook Boutique

What about Rudolph Day.... over at Stamping For Pleasure. it's really Rudolph Week...so you still have time.   I somehow miss this one way too often, especially since making Christmas cards is my very favorite thing to do. 

Since it's a rainy day, I think I'll clean up my mess and curl up in the chair with my little guy, Baxter and check out who has been doing what this week. 

Have a most wonderful day.....and a fantastic week.

Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy

WOYWW Number...145 and more

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

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

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

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

 

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

Hugs to all,

Glitter Grammy

Here it is....the Napkin Card Is Finished

I decided that it was time to get some housework done and told myself that until I took everything out from under the kitchen sink and scrubbed and organized it....I couldn't go into my craft room.  Under the sink is clean and tidy and my napkin card is finished.  I must have had Di in mind when I made this one....It's pink, pink and more pink!  If you want to know more about the napkin card and how it came to be, read yesterday's post. 

Speaking of Di, I'm going to skip  on over to her blog page and post this little gem.  The napkin graphic, the frames, the ribbon and the inside flower are all snippets.  I'm always amazed with all the beauty that comes from pieces and parts.

Who knows, maybe I'll have my act together enough to play some more this week.  If not, see you soon I hope.

Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Pixie's Crafty Snippets Challenge Number 10

Last night I stayed up way too late, I made the mistake of cuddling up in the recliner with my dog Baxter.  He and I were reading blog posts on my Ipad.  Well, one post led to another and another and another....well you get the picture.  Pretty soon it was 1:30 in the morning and my eyes were begging me to quit.  So, where am I going with this?  I found a pop up card on several blog pages.  I'd seen this card before and put it on my card bucket list, but never did anything with it.  One of the posts linked to a gal at Splitcoast Stampers that had written directions.  Sadly, I didn't write down the who or the where.  Today, I was heading in to clean up a mess in my craft room (imagine that...a mess in a craft room, who ever would have thought!)  anyway....I said to myself...Self, how about trying that card before you clean up your mess.  I thought I'd given myself pretty good advice....so, the above card is the finished product.  I made some adjustments because the first card I made didn't fit into the 1/4 fold envelope.  This one does.  I'd been bugging Karen to order me the Bo Bunny card stock and she did.  I'd made one card using a piece (that will be card 1 for May) and used the remaining piece to make this card.  I always seem to have gold snippets laying around, and they were perfect for the ornament and the frames.  I'm almost out of the suede, but there was enough to cut the background for the ornament (barely) and I had a nice strip for the village.  I'm happy!  I think this card turned out rather nicely (ouch, I hurt my arm patting myself on the back). 

While jumping in and out of blogs on my Ipad, I did become a bit frustrated with all the word verifications I had to attempt to put in before commenting on some really great cards.  One of the sites had a gadget that said to turn them off.  I hope mine is, because I'd hate to irritate anyone by leaving it turned on.  It doesn't show up when I'm commenting from my Ipad, so I'm hoping it is turned off....if not, can someone tell me where to go to do so?  On my desktop it's not so irritating, but I gotta tell ya, on my Ipad, it is the pits!  I tried to leave a comment on one gals blog 4 times, never did get the word verification correct.  Ok.....I've vented!

 I'm always excited to see what everyone is creating.  Here's where my card is posted: 

Pixie's Crafty Workshop - Snippets
Christmas Cards All Year Round - Green (two green patterned papers)

A Smile

Earlier today I posted a photo of a Christmas card I made following a sketch by Christmas Challenges with Sketches.  Check it out on my previous post.  I thought it would be fun to make another card using the same sketch, but this time using pastel colors and patterns.  I have several (actually more than several) snippets left from making my kits for my March class at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  As you can see.....I did finish my little card.  I have a friend who I think might just enjoy receiving this card, she's had some challenges lately and a little smile card might just bring one to her face.  All the snippets are from We Are Memory Keepers - Cotton Tail Collection.  The die is a Spellbinder and the sentiment is from Gina K Designs.  The bling is from Want to Scrap - Say it with bling. 

I'm going to link this to What's On My Workdesk Wednesday and Pixie's Crafty Snippets Challenge .  I'm feeling really accomplished today....It's nice to have a productive day. 

See you all soon....Have a great week,
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

Sew Happy

Did you hear me say "Oh Darn!"  I'm having a play day with a friend and thought how fun it would be to enter the Pixie's Crafty Workshop Challenge using snippets.  So while my friend was feverishly working on an anniversary card, I gathered up the scraps (and some big ones there are) from an album class I'd taken ..I decided to use a new Tim Holtz die and some Spellbinder dies along with a punch and some bling.....I just finished taking a photo of my finished card, and was showing my buddy how to get the photos off the camera and onto the computer.....we bounced over to Di's blog page so I could show her how to link things and guess what.....The message said the playground closed 59 minutes ago and no sneaking under the fence.....I guess I'm just going to have to thank Di for the inspiration and post it on my little ole blog.....Oh wait....I just went back to her blog and I see her new challenge is open.  I'd best get busy and get on over there so I can make it in time this week.  One of these days I'll figure out how all of this is done....  :-)  I made the card for a friend, I can't show you the inside because then she'll know it's for her.  So, you'll just have to imagine what the inside looks like.  If you go to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique and look back several posts you'll see the Birthday album class I took and see the papers I used for this card.  They are from Webster's Pages, although I couldn't tell you the name of the collection as none of my scraps had the entire description.  It's kind of funny really that I would use these papers....When cutting them for the album, I cut them wrong several times....and cussed myself out for having done so....now I'm happy that I attempted to follow Di's challenge as I really like this card. 

I'm off to see what trouble I can get into.....Have a great week....hope to see you all again by Wednesday. 

Hugs,
Glitter Grammy
AKA:  Mary

February Card Class

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Counting Down To Christmas - My Favorite Tag

It's hard to think of Christmas when the weather is warm, we in Northern California are experiencing a very warm early winter.  The rain we normally see this time of the year is traveling up an over us.  Christmas day is supposed to be sunny and warm.  I was humming "It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas" as I put up my tiny village....At least inside my home it's Christmas!

Shopping done, the gifts are wrapped, the house is decorated, the Christmas letter sent....now I need to think about baking.  Thankfully my friend Leesa gifted me with a Wonderful lemon poppy seed cake ( Weight Watcher points 7 per piece) and pumpkin bread.  I did make peanut brittle, but do need to make more and maybe if I get the lead out.....I'll make cookies.  When you are trying to watch what you eat, you tend to keep baking at a minimum. 

I spent hours on this little gift tag.  It started as a Graphic 45 Challenge, which I did not finish in time, so, I kept working on this little piece and I've got to say.....I like it.  The graphic is from Graphic 45's Christmas Emporium Collection 8x8, the sleigh is a Spellbinder die that I don't use often, but love it when I do.  The little gift box that fell from the sleigh I made...Gotta say, I like it!  I cut the toys from the Graphic 45 paper and placed them in the sleigh along with tree branches and candy canes.  My intent was to make a tag that would be saved and used in later years as an ornament.

The girls are taking a break from Christmas prep and we're doing our morning walk.  Today Rosie, Carolyn's puppy is taking her virgin walk with the group.  Shasta, Marsha's dog, will be her mentor.  Shasta is the best behaved dog and we are hoping she will be a roll model for Rosie.  Mind you, my two aren't going.  They are not good roll models! 

I'm hoping to spend my evening with a cup of hot chocolate (or two)  and a visit to all the folks participating in the Stamping-Ground WOYWW.  There I always find  incredibly talented folks that play along every week.... if you have time....check them out here.

Off I go for now.  I don't think I'll be posting again before Christmas....so.....I'm wishing each and everyone a most blessed Christmas and a very, very Happy and Healthy New Year.

UPDATE:

A quick update.  We took photos of Rosie's first walk, like a proud Auntie, I just have to share them.  She was sooooo very good, and Shasta is a very good roll model.  I'm so glad the walk went well, it will make Carolyn's life much less stressful knowing her little girl had a good time. 



Meet Rosie and her mom, Carolyn.

Meet (From Left to Right):  Lynda, Me, Carolyn, Marsha and of course Shasta and Rosie

Rosie didn't wear her sweater on the walk, but this photo was too cute..... as is this one:

Off I go.....I just couldn't wait to post these photos. 

Later....Hugs to all,
Mary AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Workdesk Wednesday - Again? Where did the week go?

Sometimes a tool inspires the project.  I needed to make a gift box, and I'd been gifted a We R Memory Keepers Sew Ribbon Scallop tool (thank you Carolyn).  I've gotta tell you, this tool is soooooo very easy to use and I think it adds so much to every project and the learning curve is so easy.  Good little invention.  The box is 7 inches by 7 inches by 2 inches.  All supplies, with the exception of the Dew Drops, were purchased at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  The center snowflake dies are by Memory Box.  The corner snowflakes are Spellbinder dies.  The center graphic is from the Lost and Found Christmas 6x6 pad.  The base of the box is from Echo Park Paper the ribbon is one of Karen's perfect finds.  To make my boxes I often use Aleene's Box Maker and that's what I used for this one.  This tool takes the thinking out of making the boxes.  And hey, I'd rather be picking paper and embellishments than figuring out measurements. 

So....what have I been up to?  Last Saturday was the Christmas crop at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.  Boy, was it a success....It's the first one in the new shop and it was a sell out.  We snacked, laughed, snacked some more, ate pizza, snacked, cropped, snacked, laughed, snacked some more and then exchanged ornaments and had dessert, before we cropped again.  A fun time was had by all.....I'll share some photos of the group.....

First of all, here's my buddy Carolyn.  She and I hang out together for these crops, and many other crafting events.  We started the day by working on a banner that Karen designed (of course I didn't take a photo of it...geez!  But I think it's on Karen's blog page.  It's called Believe. 

And here's me.  I've gotta say, I need a new Christmas Sweater....I think I've worn it every year since high school (ok, maybe not quite that long).  When you only wear it a few times a year, who wants to keep buying new ones. 

Here's the group.  Ok, I'm not such a great photo taker......but it gives you the idea of how many of us spent the day together. 

Karen, Shell behind her and one of us during the exchange of ornaments.  (Sorry, I don't know her name....can anyone help?)  A word to the wise....if you want to attend the crops....sign up early, there were people turned away.....

So, our spot was reserved and our names were written on a sweet piece of card stock.  I looked at the cute Santa who was guarding my spot at the table and decided he was too cute to find his way to the trash can.....Why would anyone throw him away.....so, I made this: 

I'm happy that I was able to re purpose the name piece.  The Merry Christmas stamp is one from my stash and I think it's a Stampin-Up sentiment from years gone by.  One more card to share.  I made a Thank You card for Carolyn using the Weave Sew Ribbon punch. 

There's a Spellbinder or two and the graphic is from my computer.  I wanted to see if the zig-zag ribbon would work in the Weave punch and it does. 

Off I go for now.  Can you believe how quickly Christmas is coming....a little more than a week and it'll be a memory....

I'm going to check out the Stamping-Ground Blog page to see what's going on over there.  Always so many creative people sharing their passion.