Sparkles Christmas Challenge #94 - Embossing Wet or Dry

The year is really flying by and November seem to have accelerated the speed.  I know, there are 24 hours in every day but boy, the items added to our to do list gets longer and longer as we speed toward Christmas.  I do have one more Christmas card made.  Thanks to Debs and her choice of theme for November - Embossing Wet or Dry.  I'd love to see what you create, so how about it... share your creation with Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  

For my card I dry embossed the background with Stampin Up Softly Falling Embossing Folder.  I then die cut Poppystamps Wooded Glen Landscape #2084 and dry embossed it also.  I used 3-D mounting squares and added it to the base of the card.  My next layer is houses from the Stampin Up Village.  I rubber stamped the "To The World" from the Poppystamps clear stamps #CL467 on the bottom of the Village cut. I used 3-D mounting squares to adhere this layer to the base of the card.  I rubber stamped the word "Joy" using the same clear stamp and die cut it using the Joy die that comes with the stamp set.  An easy card to make and I must say...I like it!  

I kept the inside very plain.  I direct stamped to paper my sentiment.  Nothing fancy, I do think it conveys a joyful message.  The stamps I used are from Stampin Up - Snowflake Sentiments.  

I hope you take a minute to add your card to the Sparkles Christmas Challenge.  It's always fun to share what we do with others and it's especially exciting to see what others are making.  

Until next time....and it will be the last Christmas card of 2018....have a super crafty month.  Take deep breathes and enjoy the cool days, hopefully wet ones for we in the west.  The house is beginning to have the scent of baking for Thanksgiving....I'm so looking forward to the holidays spending time with family and friends.  

Again,  Happy Crafting,

Mary Mac

AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Snow Day Play

Sparkles Christmas Challenge this month is Outdoor Fun.  Thank You Cheryl for this challenge.  I must say, I had to dig back into an old CD to find a graphic that made me happy.  I don't have many stamps reflecting outdoor fun.....The finished card makes me happy.  I don't know if you can see what I did...I fussy cut the children 3 times to add a bit of dimension.  Then I framed the graphic on a piece of red paper matching the base of the card.  I mounted the frame to a gold doily and mounted that onto decorative paper.  Since it was a scrap, I'm not sure the name of that paper.  I used  Tim Holtz dies for the sentiment.

And here's my inside.  As I always try to do, I used the same layout for the inside of my card.  I find it easier to use things I already have at hand.  The inside sentiment is Stampin-Up.  And Joy is Tim Holtz.  From the same set as the sentiment on the front of the card.

Now it's your turn....hop on over to the Sparkles Christmas Challenge and show us a card reflecting outdoor fun.

Thanks for stopping by....I look forward to stopping by your blog to see what you've created.

Until next time,  Hugs from my world to yours.

Mary Mac
AKA:  Glitter Grammy

Christmas Is For Kids....and the Kids in all of us!

Another month has come and gone and we are edging ever closer to Christmas.  When my kids were little, they started their Christmas Lists around this time.  Of course the list changed daily, but it was always an important part of the Christmas ritual.  As a child I remember how slowly the days ticked by, and with each passing day how excited I'd be thinking about Santa and maybe being able to catch a glimpse of him as he put gifts under the tree.

This month the Sparkles Christmas Challenge theme was chosen by Sybrina.  And she would like to see Kiddie Cards.  I chose this stamp from All Night Media - Hug for Santa.  This stamp was fun to color and gave me much playtime with my pencils.

For the inside I chose stamps from StampinUp the Versatile Christmas Collection.  I'm not sure of the paper collection, as it was part of a traded collection from a friend.  

I hope everyone is settling into the new season and I hope everyone is found healthy.  Before I go, a little wish from my honey and I.....

Until next time, be safe, be healthy, be happy....

Hugs from my world to yours,

Mary Mac

AKA: Glitter Grammy

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

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

Friends Are Flowers

Update on pins....Carolyn sent this photo of the pins in her collection of 70's metal pins. Aren't they beautiful! Let's hope that all of these will be new again.....and now....you have the rest of the story! Thanks Carolyn for sharing them with all of us.

I was visiting my buddy Carolyn earlier in the week. She is as crazy about her stash of craft supplies as I am. She had something in her hand and a twinkle in both eyes! Here's why: Last month, while drooling over Karen's newest offerings, we purchased some metal flowers by Sassafras and I could see the wheels turning in Carolyn's little head. At that time I didn't know why. Now I know the rest of the story.

According to Carolyn, in the 70's she bought several pins, (in many colors I might add) I'm hoping to have her send me a photo of the pins so I can show you later what they look like. So check back to this link and maybe you'll get to see all of them. Anyway, we both agree....what was once old is new again. Without going to Sassafras or Karen's site....which of the above flowers is old and which is new?

This card was an easy one, and I think the sentiment says it all: "In the garden of life, friends are the flowers in bloom" Thank you Carolyn....I'm loving your flower....

Now that I've created a Spring card....I need to get back to Christmas....

Have a great week,

Mary

Do You Know This Rabbit?

Hello and happy almost Tuesday....today I created an Easter Card....ok, Easter is a bit away, but heck you can never start too early. So....here's my problem. Somehow I came across this graphic. I love it. I'd like to use the graphic on my Easter cards, but I don't want to use it if the artist objects. Does anyone out there know who the artist is? And....How to contact her/him?

For this card I used my Spellbinder dies, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, and my Martha Score board. Tim Holtz inks and Stampin Up Sentiment. Cardstock, flowers and ribbon were all purchased from Karen at Paradise Scrapbook Boutique.

Again....I'd appreciate if anyone knows the artist of this very sweet rabbit.

Have a great week....

Thank You

Vacation is over and now it's time to thank those that opened their homes while we were away. I went to to Paradise Scrapbook Boutique to visit the gals and while there saw an album they were working on. I fell in love with the card stock used and thought this would be perfect for the cards I wanted to make. The card stock is from BasicGrey the Curio collection. One of my new Spellbinder dies , a Martha Stewart border punch, flower from my stash, Stampin-Up sentiment and a very pretty brad for the center of the flower....also from BasicGrey and perfect with the card stock used.

I loved every minute of spending time with my grandkids and my kids, but there is something very wonderful about getting back to normal and that includes making cards with and for friends.

Tomorrow is going to be spent with friends at PSB....I ALWAYS look forward to the laughs and creations that come from time spent together.