Relax & Stay Awhile

As they say, all good things must come to an end.  But it doesn't stop me from feeling sad to say goodbye to Summer and goodbye to the 2014-2015 Annual Inspirations / Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books.  It has been a great ride, and while I know there are lots of good things to come, I still wish we could "Relax & Stay Awhile."

Today's layout is a final farewell to the 2014-2015 Annual Inspirations Idea Book and the Seaside collection.  Seaside has a vintage beach feel and is perfect for capturing your Summer memories.  This collection is only available through the day's end or while supplies last -- so if you fell in love with this collection like I did, be sure to get it now!

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut collection
*Seaside paper packet
*Seaside complements
*Kraft cardstock
*Desert Sand Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Gold sequins assortment
*Scallop border punch

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

Be sure to come back tomorrow to check out the new 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations idea book and September specials!

Until next time, happy crafting!

Ready to Pop!

Last week, my sister texted me a picture of some popcorn favors she found online and asked if I could help her create something similar to celebrate a co-worker who was about to go on maternity leave.  My brain immediately "popped" into action, and we set a crafting date for the next afternoon.

A couple glasses of wine, a little Cricut-ing, and we were done.  All that was left for my sister to do was make and bag the popcorn over the weekend.

Step 1 -- grab a bottle of wine & glasses

Step 2 -- make the tags

Step 3 -- make white chocolate popcorn & add tags

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut collection
*Jennifer's Hand stamp set
*White Daisy card stock
*Pink polka dot card stock (from my stash)
*Whisper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Pixie Exclusive Inks stamp pad

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

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week Wrap-up & Thank You!

Thank you for joining me this week as I've said goodbye to Jackson and the masculine beauty of this collection.  We are just days away from said our final goodbyes to the 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books.  All items that are retiring are now only available while supplies last.  So if you are interested in Jackson or any of the other fabulous products that will be going away, head over to my online store or contact me to place an order.

Now let's take one last look the Jackson Workshop on the Go kit.

Again, I would like to say "THANKS" for joining me this week on this journey with Jackson.

Supplies used:
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*Jackson Complements
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack
*Framed Stamp of the Month set (Available through August 31st)
*Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Durables triangle studs

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

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week -- Day #5 -- Oh My Happy

The 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books are only available for a few more weeks.  All the paper collections and many other items in these catalogs will be retiring on August 31st to make way for a beautiful new line-up -- which will be released on September 1st.

One of my favorite collections over this past year has been the Jackson collection.  This masculine-feeling collection is perfect for male projects as well as summer / outdoors / camping projects.  This week on my blog, I will be featuring a variety of projects made with the Jackson collection.  Be sure to stop by every day to see my latest projects.

Jackson Workshop on the Go

Another one of my favorite items from the past year has been the Operation Smile stamp set called Happy Everything.  This stamp set has been so much fun and will definitely stay in my collection for a while to come.  I simply love the versatility of the happy sentiments.  What do you think?

D1653 Happy Everything Operation Smile stamp set

Available through 8.31.2015

D1653 Happy Everything Operation Smile stamp set

Available through 8.31.2015

D1653 Happy Everything Operation Smile stamp set

Available through 8.31.2015

Supplies used:
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*Jackson Complements
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack
*Happy Everything (Operation Smile) stamp set (RETIRING August 31st!)
*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Oceanside sequins assortment
*Glacier extra thick baker's twine
*VersaMark ink pad
*Craft Heater

*Powder & Aqua (mixed) Zing! embossing powder (American Crafts)

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

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring one last card made with my leftover Jackson WOTG contents.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week -- Day #4 -- Herringbone Happiness

The 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books are only available for a few more weeks.  All the paper collections and many other items in these catalogs will be retiring on August 31st to make way for a beautiful new line-up -- which will be released on September 1st.

One of my favorite collections over this past year has been the Jackson collection.  This masculine-feeling collection is perfect for male projects as well as summer / outdoors / camping projects.  This week on my blog, I will be featuring a variety of projects made with the Jackson collection.  Be sure to stop by every day to see my latest projects.

Jackson Workshop on the Go

As paper crafters, many of us cringe at the thought of throwing away any scrap of paper... and as such, we end up with lots of strips and small pieces of paper at the end of a paper packet.  I am no different!!  I find the herringbone technique to be a great way to use these strips.    If you have never tried this fun technique, check out this tutorial for more details.

B1467 You Mean the World to Me

Available through 8.31.2015

D1543 Country-Born

Available through 8.31.2015

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*Jackson Complements
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack
*Country-Born stamp set (RETIRING August 31st!)
*You Mean the World to Me stamp set (RETIRING August 31st!)
*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Oceanside sequins assortment
*Durables triangle studs

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

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring three more cards made with my leftover Jackson WOTG contents and value pack card bases.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week -- Day #3 -- Happy Birthday

The 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books are only available for a few more weeks.  All the paper collections and many other items in these catalogs will be retiring on August 31st to make way for a beautiful new line-up -- which will be released on September 1st.

One of my favorite collections over this past year has been the Jackson collection.  This masculine-feeling collection is perfect for male projects as well as summer / outdoors / camping projects.  This week on my blog, I will be featuring a variety of projects made with the Jackson collection.  Be sure to stop by every day to see my latest projects.

Jackson Workshop on the Go

The Jackson collection made creating today's masculine birthday cards easy and fun!  I used a variety of patterns from the CTMH How-to Programs as a starting point, and in no time, I had put together 3 cards that I cannot wait to share with the boys/men in my life.

S1508 Framed -- August Stamp of the Month
Available through 8.31.2015

B1467 You Mean the World to Me
Available through 8.31.2015

D1653 Happy Everything Operation Smile stamp set
Available through 8.31.2015

Supplies used:
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" Colonial White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack
*Framed Stamp of the Month set (only available through August 31st!)
*You Mean the World to Me stamp set (RETIRING August 31st!)
*Happy Everything (Operation Smile) stamp set (RETIRING August 31st!)
*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Oceanside sequins assortment
*Glacier extra thick baker's twine
*Durables triangle studs
*VersaMark ink pad
*Craft Heater

* Brown Sugar Zing! embossing powder (American Crafts)

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

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring three more cards made with my leftover Jackson WOTG contents and value pack card bases.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week -- Day #2 -- Complements Scrapbook Layouts

The 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books are only available for a few more weeks.  All the paper collections and many other items in these catalogs will be retiring on August 31st to make way for a beautiful new line-up -- which will be released on September 1st.

One of my favorite collections over this past year has been the Jackson collection.  This masculine-feeling collection is perfect for male projects as well as summer / outdoors / camping projects.  This week on my blog, I will be featuring a variety of projects made with the Jackson collection.  Be sure to stop by every day to see my latest projects.

Jackson Workshop on the Go

Jackson Complements

Today, I have two more scrapbook layouts made from my Jackson Workshop on the Go leftovers. I simply added some additional 12x12 cardstock and miscellaneous embellishments from my scrap studio as well as the Jackson Complements.  These layouts were featured on the CTMH blog at the beginning of April, and the post included a list of the products and how-to program/patterns used to make the layouts.

Note -- If you do not follow the CTMH blog, I highly recommend you give it a look.  CTMH offers wonderful inspiration, challenges, and even giveaways on their Make It From Your Heart company blog -- located at http://blog.closetomyheart.com/.

Captured Memory layout

This is What Happened layout

Supplies used:
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*Jackson Complements
*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Make It From Your Heart, Volume 1
*Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2

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

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring three cards made with my leftover Jackson WOTG contents and value pack card bases.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Jackson Week -- Day #1 -- WOTG Scrapbook Layouts

The 2014 - 2015 Annual Inspirations and 2015 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books are only available for a few more weeks.  All the paper collections and many other items in these catalogs will be retiring on August 31st to make way for a beautiful new line-up -- which will be released on September 1st.

One of my favorite collections over this past year has been the Jackson collection.  This masculine-feeling collection is perfect for male projects as well as summer / outdoors / camping projects.  This week on my blog, I will be featuring a variety of projects made with the Jackson collection.  Be sure to stop by every day to see the latest project.

Jackson Workshop on the Go

Today, I have two scrapbook layouts from the Jackson Workshop on the Go.  CTMH's scrapbooking Workshops on the Go include a full paper packet, an exclusive coordinating D-size stamp set, two coordinating embellishment packs, and full color instructions / cutting guide to complete two double-page layouts.  You simply need to add the coordinating ink pads and basic supplies such as adhesive, scissors, paper trimmer, and stamp blocks.

Featured Layout

Additional Layout

Supplies used:
*Artbooking Cricut Collection
*Jackson Workshop on the Go
*Juniper Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Cocoa Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Barn Red Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad

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

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring two additional layouts made with my leftover Jackson WOTG contents, a few extra sheets of cardstock, and the Jackson complements.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Close to My Heart Cricut Artistry Launch & MONSTER GIVEAWAY!!

Close to My Heart released its 5th -- and possibly best -- Cricut Collection yesterday.  Artistry includes shapes spanning a wide variety of themes, holidays, and seasons to add some visual spice to any project you create. Get back to basics with the unique font, banners, layered shapes, borders, backgrounds, and other fun icons you'll find on this cartridge. All of the designs are a must for any crafter!

To celebrate, I am sponsoring a MONSTER GIVEAWAY for anyone who places a $50+ order with me between now and August 8th -- with bonus entries for purchasing the new Artistry collection. 

One lucky winner will win ALL of the Hostess Rewards from my Artistry Launch Online Gathering!!

This means the more orders placed, the larger the prize.  So head over to my online store to place you order now and be sure to refer all your friends.  Again, the more who order, the higher the rewards will be.

AND if that's not enough, purchase the Artistry Cricut Collection from me and I will personally pay your shipping AND sales tax.  Plus I will send you a copy of the NEW soon-to-be released 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book!!  Simply place your order at jddesigns.ctmh.com, and I will refund your shipping (up to $7.95) and sales tax via PayPal.

This amazing deal and giveaway won't last forever so be sure to visit my online store today!
jddesigns.ctmh.com

Until next time, happy crafting!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ Fine Print ~

This is a personal giveaway from Jennifer Dykstra, Independent Consultant with Close to My Heart.  This giveaway is not sponsored by Cricut or Close to My Heart.

Giveaway ends August 8th at 11:59 PM.  All qualifying orders submitted prior to this time will be eligible for the giveaway regardless of Rafflecopter entry.  US Residents only please.

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop -- August: Framed

 Welcome to the August Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Alyson Mayo, 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 S1508 Framed (pictured below).  This set is only available until August 31st and is only $5 with a $50 Close to My Heart purchase.

For today's cards, I used the Confetti Wishes paper packet along with the NEW Artistry Cricut Collection.  Artistry... learn it, memorize it, love it!  You will be hearing this word non-stop for days, weeks, months to come.  This amazing NEW cartridge collection is available to all beginning today.  You will not want to miss out on this one.  I know I've said this in the past, but Close to My Heart and Cricut have truly outdone themselves with this collection.  This month's stamp of the month set is a fun introduction to Artistry... and wow -- check out that collection of sentiments!

Supplies used:
*Artistry Cricut Collection (NEW)
*Framed stamp set -- August SOTM
*Confetti Wishes paper packet

*White Daisy cardstock

*Canary cardstock

*Lagoon Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Thistle Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Pacifica Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Gold sequin assortment

*Aqua Dots

*Fiskars Paper Crimper

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 August Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Terrie Shortsleeve. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, happy crafting!

August Close to My Heart Specials

Get Organized August Constant Campaign

During the month of August, get your hands on the latest and greatest in organization products from Close To My Heart—with a few perks thrown in! Simply place an order for the new marker roll-up at full retail price and receive the new D-size stamp set My Acrylix® Balloon Wishes FREE! Or place an order for the new accessory roll-up at full retail price and receive two new Base & Bling style sheets, Affirmations and Lovely Blooms, FREE! All of the items offered as part of this campaign are featured in the Annual Inspirations 2015–2016 idea book, but are available for early purchase during August only as part of this campaign. The marker roll-up will be your new best friend, providing storage space for up to 25 ShinHan™ Touch Twin™ markers. The My Acrylix® Balloon Wishes stamp set is perfect for coloring, making them a practical pairing. The accessory roll-up is ideal for sorting and storing accessories, Base & Bling items, and embellishments, while the new Base & Bling style sheets are full of gorgeous floral designs and hip icons and sentiments perfectly suited for creating stunning jewelry pieces. Place your order for one—or both—deals and get an exciting sneak peek at just a few of the many new products found within Annual Inspirations’ pages!

* * * * *

August Stamp of the Month

Only $5 with a $50 purchase

To order these or any of the other fabulous CTMH products, please visit my online store at jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, happy crafting!

Damask Divas Zoe Blog Hop

Welcome to the Damask Divas' August Blog Hop featuring the Close to My Heart Zoe paper packet!  If you came from visiting Mandy Leahy, then you are in the right place.  If you just happened upon my little corner of the blog world, you should definitely head over to the Damask Divas' blog and start from the beginning of the hop.

For today's hop, I was super excited to play with the brand new Zoe paper packet.  From the moment I saw the sneak peaks of this paper from CTMH Convention, I knew it was going to be one of my favorites in the new catalog.  This paper packet is absolutely fabulous.  From the fun color combination to the amazing coordinating embellishments, you are sure to love this collection, too.

My layout

All supplies used in the above layout are available NOW (8.1.2015).

Supplies used:

*Zoe paper packet
*Sorbet cardstock
*Glacier cardstock
*White Daisy cardstock
*Zoe WOTG stamp set
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Zoe compliments
*Enamel & Glitter Duos green triangles
*Coral shimmer trim
*Glacier extra thick baker's twine
*Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ journaling pen

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 Damask Divas' August Blog Hop!   Next up on the hop is Traci Williams.  I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more fabulous Zoe inspiration.

Until next time, happy crafting!

NEW CTMH Products -- early release!

Close to My Heart is doing an early release of a select number of items from the upcoming 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  The items listed below are available now -- I personally have been playing with several of these over the last few weeks, and let me say -- you will not be disappointed.

The rest of the 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations along with the NEW 2015 Holiday Expressions will be available on September 1st.  Until then, enjoy these early releases and be sure to get your hands on any retiring products before it's too late!

Cricut® Artistry Collection (Z3167)

My Reflections™ Zoe Paper Packet (X7197B)

Zoe Complements (X7197C)

 

Zoe Assortment (Z3082)

Coral Shimmer Trim (Z3088)

Enamel & Glitter Duos Green Triangles (Z3123)

Workshops on the Go® Zoe Scrapbooking Kit (G1096) 

August Stamp of the Month Framed (S1508)

Zoe Studio J® Kit

Zoe Studio J® Limited Edition Express Collection

(Live until September 30, 2015)

Marker Roll-Up (Z3120) and Accessory Roll-Up (Z3121)

(as part of August Constant Campaign)

To order these or any of the other fabulous CTMH products, please visit my online store at jddesigns.ctmh.com.

Until next time, happy crafting!