From Michigan to Wisconsin with Love

I started this pocket letter for my dear friend, Jody, at SpiegelMom Scraps, earlier this year.  However, I set it aside too many times to work on other projects.  Finally, I decided it was time to complete it; so I sat down and got it done!  I just love the way this letter turned out.  Pocket letters are so much fun to make as each pocket is its own unique work of art and they all come together in the end as a final masterpiece.

Supplies used:

*Blossom paper packet (retired)
*Blossom complements (retired)
*12" x 12" Pear cardstock (retired)
*12" x 12" Lagoon cardstock
*12" x 12" Slate cardstock
*12" x 12" Sunset cardstock (retired)
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Lagoon Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Pear Exclusive Inks stamp pad (retired)
*Sunset Exclusive Inks stamp pad (retired)
*Finding the Words stamp set
*Artfully Sent Curlicue stamp set (retired)
*Little Things stamp set (retired)
*Michigan stamp set
*Wisconsin stamp set
*Opportunity stamp set (consultant exclusive)
*Waterbrush -- Medium Flat
*Coral Shimmer Trim
*White Shimmer Trim
*Chalk It Up assortment (retired)
*Just Blooms paper flowers - Paradise (retired)
*Carnival washi tape (retired)
*Boardwalk washi tape (retired)
*Lagoon Hearts washi tape (retired)
*Various supplies from my non-CTMH stash

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Regatta Leftovers -- 9 cards

As we wrap-up April and Seasonal Expressions 1, I am also wrapping up my Regatta Workshop Your Way projects.  For some reason, this paper packet seems to be never ending.  In addition to the 3 double-page scrapbook layouts, 1 Picture My Life (pocket scrapbooking) layout, and 8 cards I made using the Workshop Guide, I've also made 3 additional double-page scrapbook layouts, 2 single-page layouts, and 9cards.  I have been sharing these projects over the past few days.

Today, we will continue our look at my "leftover" projects with the 9 cards...

 

 

 

 

**GIVEAWAY**

One of these cards features a sneak peek at a new stamp set which will be released on May 1st.  Can you figure out what card it is?  Leave me a comment below, and I will send a little something to a randomly selected winner. 

The majority of the supplies used came from the Regatta Workshop Your Way along with some solid cardstock and embellishments from my CTMH stash.  If you would like to know any product specifics, please leave a comment below, and I'd be happy to share them with you.

To order the Regatta Workshop Your Way kit or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Spring Fever with Penelope

Out of the three collections included in the Seasonal Expressions 1 catalog, I will honestly say Penelope was my least favorite.  But as always, when I get the collection in my hand and begin playing with it, I quickly fall in love.  Maybe it's the time change... maybe it's the weather... but either way, I definitely have Spring Fever.  How about you??

I cannot wait to fill this pretty layout with pictures of my family outside enjoying the first days of Spring.  We've been cooped up all winter long and are ready to get out and play!

Supplies used:

*Artbooking Cricut collection
*Artiste Cricut collection
*Penelope Paper Packet
*12" x 12" Crystal Blue cardstock
*12" x 12" Honey cardstock
*12" x 12" Pear cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Thistle Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Thistle extra-thick twine
*Limeade washi pack
*Silver shimmer trim
*Playful puffies
*Diamond embossing folder
*Magic how-to program (book)

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Little Bundle of Joy

As I continued to play with my Penelope paper packet scraps and the Penelope Workshops Your Way card designs, I decided to make a baby card.  The subtle polka dot B&T pattern in this collection was just screaming to be made into a sweet baby card.

I love the Wild Wonders stamp set I used on this card.  This set is adorable and so much fun -- especially with the great coordinating giraffe and lion cuts on the Artbooking Cricut cartridge.  Note -- Wild Wonders is one of the stamp sets not currently shown in the Annual Inspirations Idea Book and will be retiring on July 31st.

Supplies used:

*Artbooking Cricut Collection
*Wild Wonders stamp set
*Just to Say stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)
*Penelope paper packet
*12" x 12" Crystal Blue cardstock
*12" x 12" Watercolor paper
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" white cards & envelopes, value pack
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Thistle Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Limeade washi tape
*Thistle diagonal striped ribbon
*Bitty sparkles

*Water brush

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop -- Sunshine Birdies

Welcome to the March Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Wendy Coffman, then you are in the right place.  If you just happened upon my little corner of the blog world, simply start here and continue hopping until you return here -- our fun hop is one big loop for your viewing pleasure. 

The month's featured stamp set is S1603 Sunshine Birdies (pictured below).  This set is only available until March 31st and is only $5 with a $50 Close to My Heart purchase.

For today's project, I pulled color inspiration from the Penelope collection as the Sunshine Birdies set simply screams Spring and Penelope is such a great collection for Spring.  To challenge myself on this card, I decided not to use any B&T patterned paper.  I used either solid cardstock, stamps, or embellishments to build my design.

First up, I wanted to use several of the stamps from Sunshine Birdies -- so I chose to random-stamp my own B&T paper.

To achieve the perfect "random" stamping pattern, you will want to...
1. Start with your largest image first and work to your smallest image.
2. Stamp in groups of 3 -- in non-perfect triangles.
3. Stamp off the page. If this scares you, stamp a large piece of cardstock and then trim to the size you need.
4. Don't overstamp your space.  Not every little white space needs to be stamped.  Learn to leave a little room.

Next, to add layers to the design, I chose to use the Limeade Washi Pack.  Tip -- if you don't want anything to show through your washi or you want to be able to punch it the way I did below with the scallop border, mount it onto strips of solid cardstock first.  Play with various colors of cardstock to change up the look of the washi.

The last technique of sorts that I used was cutting apart my sentiment stamp.  See that "you are my sunshine" sentiment?  Now look back at the stamp set image above.  The words are positioned differently.  One way to achieve this look is by masking -- covering part of the stamp or cardstock when stamping.  After trying that several times without being able to get the positioning I wanted, I took the more "extreme" approach -- I cut up my stamp.  Being extra super careful, I used my microtip scissors to cut between the words and separate the stamp into individual words.  If done properly (precise single cuts), you can always piece the stamp back together like a puzzle and use it in its original form/layout.

And of course, an adorable card would not be complete without a coordinating envelope...

Supplies used:

*Art Philosophy Cricut collection
*Sunshine Birdies SOTM stamp set
*12" x 12" Pear cardstock
*12" x 12" Thistle cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Honey Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Pear Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Pixie Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Thistle Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Limeade washi pack
*Silver shimmer trim
*Bitty sparkles
*Scallops border punch

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Thank you for visiting me at jd designs and for hopping with us on the Close to My Heart Stamp of the Month March Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Lisa Plummer. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Valentine for Sticky Boy

Valentine's Day is coming, and in the CTMH world, there's one boy we all want to be our special Valentine... His name is Sticky Boy!

Are you wondering just who this boy is?  Well... let me tell you!  Sticky Boy is the most legendary boy to ever be part of the CTMH family.  Everyone wants to meet him, consultants lose their minds at the sight of him, and all stamps want to be him.  Sticky Boy was the first image to be produced as the prototype of the new My Acrylix® stamps.  That year at Convention, CTMH introduced the new clear stamps to consultants by hiding Sticky Boy stamps in random places.  Everyone had so much fun that CTMH has continued the fun at almost every corporate CTMH event since!  They even "dress up" Sticky Boy in the theme of the event, and consultants spend hours searching for him.  If you find a Sticky Boy, you get to take him home with you.  To learn more about the infamous Sticky Boy, check out this post on the CTMH blog and / or watch the video below.

This Valentine's Day, Close to My Heart will is giving lucky Sticky Boy fans the chance to bring him home!  Simply send make him a valentine and send it to:

Close To My Heart

ATTN: Sticky Boy

1199 W 700 S

Pleasant Grove, UT 84062

The lucky winners will be announced February 12th!

That brings me to my project for today... my valentine for Sticky Boy -- which is currently en route to Utah in hopes of snagging me a sweet & sticky valentine.

Supplies used:

*Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
* Mini Valentine stamp set (retired)
*Paper Fundamentals Whimsy
*12" x  12" Black cardstock
*12" x  12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Lagoon Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Lagoon Hearts washi tape (retired,
but still available in the Clearance section of my online store)

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Damask Divas Team Everyday Life Planner Blog Hop

Welcome to the Damask Divas' Everyday Life Planner Blog Hop!

The Damask Divas' team is excited to inspire you with fabulous projects from this beautiful collection!  If you came from visiting {Mandy Leahy}, then you are in the right place.  You can see the full hop line-up over on the {Damask Divas' blog}.

The new Everyday Life collection from CTMH includes a beautiful black and gold 8"x9" album that can be used as a planner with the coordinating 2016 planner pages set, as a My Crush album with the gorgeous coordinating My Crush pages pack, as a Picture My Life album with the new 4"x6" and 4"x3" Memory Protectors, or as a combination of all 3.

Personally, I have decided to use the collection as a memory planner.  A memory planner is a fun, new way to capture moments in your life in a smaller, simpler format than a traditional scrapbook.  Now before anyone panics, I will still be scrapbooking -- but my memory planner will be used to document the daily/weekly activities in my family's life throughout the year.  It's the perfect place to capture the funny things that get said, milestones in my son's life, and other little daily moments as well as the typical stuff we like to scrapbook from birthdays to holidays and everything else in between.

Month At-a-Glance (so far)

Week 1 -- Memory Planning / Keeping

Supplies used:

*Everyday Life™ Album - Black
*Everyday Life™ 2016 Planner Pages
*Everyday Life™ Perfect Plan Roller Stamp
*Everyday Life™ Washi Tape
*Jennifer's Hand stamp set
*Sweeter with You stamp set
*Patch of Sky stamp set
*Cheers, 2016 stamp set (retired Nov 2015 SOTM)

*Black Memento ink pad

*Smoothie Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Thistle Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Gold Foil Tape
*Lagoon Hearts Washi Tape (retired, but still available as of 1.14.2016)
*Carnival Washi Tape Pack (retired, but still available as of 1.14.2016)

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Before I say goodbye until next time, I want to share with you another fun addition available for the Everyday Life Collection -- the Picture My Life Live Your Day scrapbooking program!  This beautiful collection of PML cards coordinates perfectly with the Everyday Life collection and is available through January 31st for only $8.95 USD!  The Live Your Day set is great for embellishing your planner or adding pocket scrapbooking fun to your Everyday Life album.  The 4x6 and 4x3 cards are even wonderful for creating quick and pretty cards to send your family and friends. Hurry over to my online store to get yours today -- because after January 31, this PML set disappears FOREVER!

Thank you for visiting me at jd designs and for hopping with us on the Everyday Life Planner Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is {Cheri Parish}. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Pow! Double The Birthday Fun!

Last week, my nephew celebrated his 7th birthday, and over the weekend, we had the joy of getting together as a family for a birthday party honoring him and his little brother who turns 2 today.  I was able to pull a card from my stash for the 2 y.o., but made a card for the 7 y.o.

Before I show you the card, let me say I {LOVE} washi tape!  There is so much you can do with it!!  From accents to main elements (such as below), washi tape is a great way to add color and life to any project.  And for checking out my blog today, I'm going to share with you another teaser from the soon-to-be released Close to My Heart Seasonal Expressions Idea Book -- WASHI is BACK!!  CTMH is releasing new washi tapes on January 1st!  Here's a peek...

To make the card below, I used some old washi tape.  First, I cut the center rectangle.  Then I added the large yellow sound effects washi and used it as a guide for the red and blue washi.  Wanting the card to have a birthday feel, I skipped a strip of washi towards the top -- instead I stamped a strip of Happy Birthday sentiments using the CTMH Holiday Tags stamp set.  To really make the Happy Birthday "pop", I stamped it separately on a Hexagon cut in a different color and used some foam tape to make the piece stand out.  In hindsight, I wish I had placed the hexagon piece parallel to the rectangle instead of in line with the sentiment "strip", but hindsight's always 20/20, right? 

Supplies used:

*Artbooking Cricut collection
*Holiday Tags stamp set (retired)
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card base & envelope
*Pacifica Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Scotch Expressions washi tape - Pow!
*Scotch Expressions washi tape - Red
*Scotch Expressions washi tape - Blue
*Cuttlebug Spots & Dots embossing folder
*Yellow cardstock from my stash

To order any of our fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, remember to design it with {heart}!

Papercrafters Don't Let Family *BUY* Cards

Saturday morning, my mom called me in a rush -- she was heading to a 100th birthday party and running behind.  She needed to stop by my house to grab some pictures she had asked me to print for her, and then she had to run to the store for a birthday card.  After we hung up the phone, I couldn't stop thinking about her "buying" a card.  Why??  Why was she "buying" a card?  Why should anyone in my family "buy" a card?  I make cards -- why do they "buy" cards??  Papercrafters don't let family BUY cards.

Knowing I had less that 20 minutes to come up with a design, pull out my supplies, and make a card, I turned to Google for ideas.  I found a simple card that would be quick and easy to CASE, but still look elegant and pretty enough for a sweet family friend's 100th birthday.

I love the white-on-white-on-white look of this card.  And the washi tape gift box... LOVE LOVE LOVE!  There are so many fun things you can do with washi tape.

And if you look closely, you'll see a sneak peek of a new product to coming to Close to My Heart in January.

Supplies used:

*Just to Say stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)
*Typeface alphabet stamp set (retired)
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card base & envelope
*Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Black & gold ribbon
*VersaMark ink pad
*Craft Heater
*Ranger Princess Gold Embossing Powder

*Scotch Expressions washi tape - gold
*Scotch Expression washi tape - gold vintage rose

To order these or any of our other fabulous Close to My Heart products, please visit http://jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, remember to design it with {heart}!

Elephant for You

Back in August, my family road-tripped to Wisconsin for a reunion with my Mom's extended side of the family.  We all gather together every 5 years -- from my great-grandparents' generation all the way down.  This year, the oldest living member of the family is 92, and the youngest was born the day before the reunion -- obviously, he wasn't in attendance though as he and his mama were resting in the quiet of their hospital room.

At the reunion, I took dozens, err... hundreds of pictures.  Upon returning home, I sorted all the pictures, trashed the bad ones, and burned the rest onto dvds to be sent to a member from each branch of the top of the family tree.  There are nine branches stemming from my great-grandparents so I knew I couldn't make discs for each person.  I'd probably still be burning discs if I tried!!  Luckily the family agreed and were okay with reaching out to their appointed family member to get a copy of the disc.  Whew...

Anyways, I wanted to include a little note with each disc I mailed so I came up with a simple 4x4 card using some cardstock, washi tape, and stamps.  Our family has a unique obsession with white elephants as my great-grandparents owned a tavern called the White Elephant in Wisconsin.

Supplies used:

*Recollections cardstock
*Paper Studio washi tape
*Close to My Heart ink
*Stamp set from my stash

Until next time, remember to design it with {heart}!