Zoe Final Project Count

One question I am often asked is "How many projects do you typically get from a paper packet or Workshop on the Go?".  So I've decided that from now on, as part of my "Kill-a-Kit" process, I will do a summary post featuring all the projects I've made with a given "kit" and share the final total(s) with you.

So without any further adieu, here we go... Drumroll, please... The grand total # of projects I was able to make with using the Zoe paper packet along with the coordinating embellishments and assorted cardstock / card bases from my stash is...

5 double-page and 2 single-page layouts

9 cards

1 pocket letter and 1 tag

For full details on any of the projects pictured, please select Zoe from the Labels section on my blog.  You will be directed to all posts featuring Zoe.

To order Zoe 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}!

Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process -- Day #5: Happy Wishes

As many of you know, I tend to pick a paper packet and work it until it's gone.  Typically, I will make the Workshop on the Go and/or Fundamentals layouts and as many more scrapbook layouts as I can until my scraps get too small or too few to make more layouts.  Once I finish the scrapbook layouts, I switch gears and make cards until I officially "kill" the paper packet.  I also try to use up as many of the coordinating embellishments as I can.  When I have completely exhausted all paper from the packet, I will... {GASP!}... throw away the final scraps -- usually there are very few leftovers.  At that time, I take any remaining embellishments (such as stickers, ephemera, etc.), cut them into individual pieces, and put them in a small basket of mixed embellishments if I can see myself using them in the future or into another small container to use for pocket letters or other giveaways.

This week on my blog, I been featuring my "kill-a-kit" projects for the Zoe collection.  I have loved playing with Zoe, but feel the time has come to give her a rest and enjoy some of the other fabulous collections currently offered by Close to My Heart.  I hope you'll enjoyed coming back each day to see what I came up with.

Today's cards are my favorites of my Zoe KaK process.  I love the "Think Happy Be Happy" cut from the Artistry Cricut collection, and there's just something about the "Make a Wish" card that I can't get enough of.  In fact, that card is currently on display in my studio.

The patchwork technique used in the "Think Happy" card is one of my favorites for using up scraps as it is made from multiple 1-inch squares.  First, I cut a piece of cardstock (usually a scrap piece from my stash as it won't show) to whatever size layer I'm working with - usually in full inch increments in at least one direction.  I cover said piece with adhesive (ATG or other tape runner) being sure to get adhesive anywhere I will be placing a square.  Next, I apply my squares either in a repetitive pattern or more often, randomly.  Once all the squares are securely adhered, I run the layer through my Cuttlebug with an embossing folder that coordinates with my B&T paper.

On the Wish card, I used the same Blending Pen coloring technique I used earlier in the week (for full details, check out Wednesday's post).  To create the ombre look, I started at the top of the candle and colored my way down as I used up the ink on the Blending Pen.  This kept the higher concentration of color at the top of the candle.

Supplies used:
*Artistry Cricut Collection
*Birthday Wish stamp set (Hostess Exclusive)
*Zoe Paper Packet
*12" x 12" Sorbet cardstock
*12" x 12" Glacier cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*White Shimmer Trim
*Glacier Extra Thick Baker's Twine
*Bitty Sparkles
*White Gel Pen (from my stash)

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

Stay tuned for Monday's blog post where I will reveal my final project count for the Zoe collection.

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

September Sales Smash

I set a rather high goal for myself for the month of September.  To help me reach that goal, I am offering the above sales specials from now until September 30th.  If you haven't taken advantage of the National Stamping Month promotion and bought the Hello, Life! stamp sets, now is the time.  These fabulous sets are only available through September 30th.

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

Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process -- Day #4: Hello, You

As many of you know, I tend to pick a paper packet and work it until it's gone.  Typically, I will make the Workshop on the Go and/or Fundamentals layouts and as many more scrapbook layouts as I can until my scraps get too small or too few to make more layouts.  Once I finish the scrapbook layouts, I switch gears and make cards until I officially "kill" the paper packet.  I also try to use up as many of the coordinating embellishments as I can.  When I have completely exhausted all paper from the packet, I will... {GASP!}... throw away the final scraps -- usually there are very few leftovers.  At that time, I take any remaining embellishments (such as stickers, ephemera, etc.), cut them into individual pieces, and put them in a small basket of mixed embellishments if I can see myself using them in the future or into another small container to use for pocket letters or other giveaways.

This week on my blog, I will be featuring my "kill-a-kit" projects for the Zoe collection.  I have loved playing with Zoe, but feel the time has come to give her a rest and enjoy some of the other fabulous collections currently offered by Close to My Heart.  I hope you'll come back each day to see what I've come up with.

For today's cards, I pulled inspiration from my head and also from one of the Idea Books.  I absolutely love the brushstroke image in the Hello, Life! Pocket Scrapbooking stamp set.  I have been waiting for a stamp like this for what seems like forever.  It is so versatile and fun for adding a splash of color behind a greeting or creating a whole motif like I did below.  If you've not purchased the amazing Hello, Life! sets yet, don't wait any longer.  These sets are only available through September 30th and are too great to pass up!

The second card featured below is inspired sweet and simple designed originally shown in one of the CTMH Idea Books.  I love how the simplicity of the card allows the greeting to speak for itself.  You could easily change the diamond / square shape into basically anything you want.  I could see this card below as a new baby card.  In fact, I'm loving that idea so much that I may have to change the greeting on this one.  Does that ever happen to you?  You finish a card and think... "hmmm... I'd like it better as *this*," and then you tear the greeting off and redo it?

Supplies used:

*Hello, Life! Pocket Scrapbooking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*So Many Smiles stamp set
*Zoe Paper Packet
*12" x 12" Slate cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*White Shimmer Trim
*Glacier Extra Thick Baker's Twine
*Bitty Sparkles

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 blog post featuring my final (and favorite) two cards created during my Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process.

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

Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process -- Day #3: Sweet Birthday

As many of you know, I tend to pick a paper packet and work it until it's gone.  Typically, I will make the Workshop on the Go and/or Fundamentals layouts and as many more scrapbook layouts as I can until my scraps get too small or too few to make more layouts.  Once I finish the scrapbook layouts, I switch gears and make cards until I officially "kill" the paper packet.  I also try to use up as many of the coordinating embellishments as I can.  When I have completely exhausted all paper from the packet, I will... {GASP!}... throw away the final scraps -- usually there are very few leftovers.  At that time, I take any remaining embellishments (such as stickers, ephemera, etc.), cut them into individual pieces, and put them in a small basket of mixed embellishments if I can see myself using them in the future or into another small container to use for pocket letters or other giveaways.

This week on my blog, I will be featuring my "kill-a-kit" projects for the Zoe collection.  I have loved playing with Zoe, but feel the time has come to give her a rest and enjoy some of the other fabulous collections currently offered by Close to My Heart.  I hope you'll come back each day to see what I've come up with.

For today's projects, I took inspiration from cards shown in the 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  The CTMH Idea Books are among my favorite places to look for inspiration.... right up there with Pinterest, other blogs, and the CTMH How-To Programs.

To color the ribbon on the gift in the second card, I used a fun and simple coloring technique featuring the CTMH Blending Pen and Stamp Pads.  To draw ink from the stamp pad, gently squeeze the closed pad in the center so the pad itself touches the inside cover.  Quickly do this a few times; then open the ink pad, but do not lock the cover under the pad.  Instead set the pad (cover out) on your work surface.  Use the blending pen to pick up the ink from the inside cover and color away!  This technique allows you to color your stamped images without having any markers.  You can also use your reinkers -- as shown in this video from CTMH.

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
*Hello, Life! Cardmaking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*Sweeter With You stamp set
*Zoe Paper Packet
*12" x 12" Sorbet cardstock
*12" x 12" Sweet Leaf cardstock
*12" x 12" Glacier cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Bitty Sparkles

*Enamel & Glitter Duos Green Triangles

*Marvy® Uchida® LePen™ Journaling Pen
*Blending Pen

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 blog post featuring two more cards created during my Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process.

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

Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process -- Day #2: Hello

As many of you know, I tend to pick a paper packet and work it until it's gone.  Typically, I will make the Workshop on the Go and/or Fundamentals layouts and as many more scrapbook layouts as I can until my scraps get too small or too few to make more layouts.  Once I finish the scrapbook layouts, I switch gears and make cards until I officially "kill" the paper packet.  I also try to use up as many of the coordinating embellishments as I can.  When I have completely exhausted all paper from the packet, I will... {GASP!}... throw away the final scraps -- usually there are very few leftovers.  At that time, I take any remaining embellishments (such as stickers, ephemera, etc.), cut them into individual pieces, and put them in a small basket of mixed embellishments if I can see myself using them in the future or into another small container to use for pocket letters or other giveaways.

This week on my blog, I will be featuring my "kill-a-kit" projects for the Zoe collection.  I have loved playing with Zoe, but feel the time has come to give her a rest and enjoy some of the other fabulous collections currently offered by Close to My Heart.  I hope you'll come back each day to see what I've come up with.

Today, I have two cards for you.  Both were made using the Hello, Life! Cardmaking stamp set -- which is only available through September 30th.

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
*Hello, Life! Cardmaking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*So Many Smiles stamp set
*Zoe Paper Packet
*12" x 12" Glacier cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Coral Shimmer Trim
*Clear Sparkles Assortment

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 blog post featuring two more cards created during my Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process.

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

Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process -- Day #1: One Final Layout

As many of you know, I tend to pick a paper packet and work it until it's gone.  Typically, I will make the Workshop on the Go and/or Fundamentals layouts and as many more scrapbook layouts as I can until my scraps get too small or too few to make more layouts.  Once I finish the scrapbook layouts, I switch gears and make cards until I officially "kill" the paper packet.  I also try to use up as many of the coordinating embellishments as I can.  When I have completely exhausted all paper from the packet, I will... {GASP!}... throw away the final scraps -- usually there are very few leftovers.  At that time, I take any remaining embellishments (such as stickers, ephemera, etc.), cut them into individual pieces, and put them in a small basket of mixed embellishments if I can see myself using them in the future or into another small container to use for pocket letters or other giveaways.

This week on my blog, I will be featuring my "kill-a-kit" projects for the Zoe collection.  I have loved playing with Zoe, but feel the time has come to give her a rest and enjoy some of the other fabulous collections currently offered by Close to My Heart.  I hope you'll come back each day to see what I've come up with.

For today's layout, I was inspired by the layout on page 34 of Holiday Expressions 2015.  I didn't have very many large pieces left from the Zoe paper packet so I incorporated the Paper Fundamentals and plain cardstock in the coordinating colors.  I love the subtle pattern the UV-coated side of the fundamentals cardstock adds to the layout.  What do you think?

Supplies used:
*Art Philosophy Cricut Collection
*Hello, Life! Cardmaking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*Hello, Life! Pocket Scrapbooking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*So Many Smiles stamp set
*Zoe Paper Packet
*Zoe Compliments
*Zoe Assortment
*12" x 12" Canary cardstock
*12" x 12" Glacier cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Paper Fundamentals Whimsy
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Canary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*White Shimmer Trim
*Glacier Extra Thick Baker's Twin
*Boardwalk Washi Tape (retired)
*Grey Enamel Gems
*Mini Stapler

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 blog post featuring two cards created during my Zoe "Kill-a-Kit" process.

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

Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2, Day 5

I've been a subscriber of Nicole Mackin's on YouTube for quite a while now.  She recently started a new series of scrapbook challenges.  For her second challenge, she shared an Easy Patterns "article" from Creative Keepsakes magazine - January 2007.  For those of you who are not familiar with Easy Patterns (as I wasn't), you are given a small list of supplies to grab from your stash and then guided to make 5 projects from the supplies.  In this case, we made 2 double-page layouts, 1 single-page layout, 1 card, and 1 tag.  Since the supply list was from 2007, some of the embellishments were out of date, but Nicole challenged us to use the bones of the patterns and go from there.

Throughout the week, I've been showing you my finished projects from the challenge.  I used the leftovers from my Zoe Workshop on the Go for these projects and love how they turned out.

Now for the final reveal -- the card...

Supplies used:
*Artistry Cricut Collection
*Hello, Life! Cardmaking stamp set (only available through 9.30!)
*Zoe Paper Packet
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Coral Shimmer Trim
*Bitty Sparkles

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

Thank you for spending time with me this week as I've shown you my projects from the Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2 - Easy Patterns.

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

Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2, Day 4

I've been a subscriber of Nicole Mackin's on YouTube for quite a while now.  She recently started a new series of scrapbook challenges.  For her second challenge, she shared an Easy Patterns "article" from Creative Keepsakes magazine - January 2007.  For those of you who are not familiar with Easy Patterns (as I wasn't), you are given a small list of supplies to grab from your stash and then guided to make 5 projects from the supplies.  In this case, we made 2 double-page layouts, 1 single-page layout, 1 card, and 1 tag.  Since the supply list was from 2007, some of the embellishments were out of date, but Nicole challenged us to use the bones of the patterns and go from there.

Throughout the week, I will be showing you my finished projects from the challenge.  I used the leftovers from my Zoe Workshop on the Go for these projects and love how they turned out.  I hope you'll check back each day to see my next creation from the Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2.

Now for today's tag...

Supplies used:
*Zoe Workshop on the Go stamp set & paper packet
*Zoe Complements
*12" X 12" Sorbet Cardstock
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Bitty Sparkles
*Glacier extra thick baker's twine

*1" circle punch
*1/4" circle punch (non-CTMH)

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 the final project from this Easy Patterns challenge -- the card.

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

Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2, Day 3

I've been a subscriber of Nicole Mackin's on YouTube for quite a while now.  She recently started a new series of scrapbook challenges.  For her second challenge, she shared an Easy Patterns "article" from Creative Keepsakes magazine - January 2007.  For those of you who are not familiar with Easy Patterns (as I wasn't), you are given a small list of supplies to grab from your stash and then guided to make 5 projects from the supplies.  In this case, we made 2 double-page layouts, 1 single-page layout, 1 card, and 1 tag.  Since the supply list was from 2007, some of the embellishments were out of date, but Nicole challenged us to use the bones of the patterns and go from there.

Throughout the week, I will be showing you my finished projects from the challenge.  I used the leftovers from my Zoe Workshop on the Go for these projects and love how they turned out.  I hope you'll check back each day to see my next creation from the Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2.

Now for today's double-page layout...

Supplies used:
*Artfully Sent Cricut Collection
*Zoe Paper Packet
*Zoe Complements
*12" X 12" Kraft Cardstock
*12" X 12" Glacier Cardstock
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Coral Shimmer Trim
*Bitty Sparkles
*Mini Stapler

*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.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring the tag from the Easy Patterns challenge.

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

Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2, Day 2

I've been a subscriber of Nicole Mackin's on YouTube for quite a while now.  She recently started a new series of scrapbook challenges.  For her second challenge, she shared an Easy Patterns "article" from Creative Keepsakes magazine - January 2007.  For those of you who are not familiar with Easy Patterns (as I wasn't), you are given a small list of supplies to grab from your stash and then guided to make 5 projects from the supplies.  In this case, we made 2 double-page layouts, 1 single-page layout, 1 card, and 1 tag.  Since the supply list was from 2007, some of the embellishments were out of date, but Nicole challenged us to use the bones of the patterns and go from there.

Throughout the week, I will be showing you my finished projects from the challenge.  I used the leftovers from my Zoe Workshop on the Go for these projects and love how they turned out.  I hope you'll check back each day to see my next creation from the Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2.

Now for today's double-page layout...

Supplies used:
*Artistry Cricut Collection
*Zoe Paper Packet
*Zoe Complements
*12" X 12" Slate Cardstock
*12" X 12" Glacier Cardstock
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Coral Shimmer Trim

*Enamel & Glitter Duos Green Triangles
*Bitty Sparkles

*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.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring the second of two double-page layouts.

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

Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2, Day 1

I've been a subscriber of Nicole Mackin's on YouTube for quite a while now.  She recently started a new series of scrapbook challenges.  For her second challenge, she shared an Easy Patterns "article" from Creative Keepsakes magazine - January 2007.  For those of you who are not familiar with Easy Patterns (as I wasn't), you are given a small list of supplies to grab from your stash and then guided to make 5 projects from the supplies.  In this case, we made 2 double-page layouts, 1 single-page layout, 1 card, and 1 tag.  Since the supply list was from 2007, some of the embellishments were out of date, but Nicole challenged us to use the bones of the patterns and go from there.

Throughout the week, I will be showing you my finished projects from the challenge.  I used the leftovers from my Zoe Workshop on the Go for these projects and love how they turned out.  I hope you'll check back each day to see my next creation from the Scrappin' with Mackin' Challenge #2.

First up, the single page layout...

Supplies used:
*Zoe Paper Packet
*Zoe Complements
*12" X 12" Slate Cardstock
*12" X 12" Glacier Cardstock
*Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Enamel & Glitter Duos Green Triangles

*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.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post featuring the first of two double-page layouts.

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

Zoe Workshop on the Go

Close to My Heart's Workshop on the Go scrapbooking kits include the majority of the materials you need to make two two-page scrapbook layout -- including a paper packet, coordinating embellishments, an exclusive My Acrylix® D-size stamp set, and an instructional guide. The guide includes complete details for creating one of the two layouts.  Additional instructions are available on my Close to My Heart online store for the second layout and for a non-Cricut version of the main layout.

And if that's not enough... you will leftover products to do with as you please.  I can typically get 2-3 additional two-page layouts and six or more cards from my "leftovers" simply by adding some cardstock and card bases.  Crazy, eh?

As I continue my spotlight on the Zoe collection this month, I want to show you the 2 layouts I created using the WOTG and its included instructional guide.  These layouts are perfect from wrapping up your summer scrapbooking.

To date, I've gotten 4 double-page layouts, 1 single page layout, a pocket letter, 2 cards, and 1 tag from the supplies from my Zoe WOTG.  Plus I still have lots of scraps and embellishments left over.  Note -- I always add the coordinating complements when purchasing the WOTG.  They makes stretching my WOTG more fun and fabulous!

Supplies used:
*Artistry Cricut collection
*Zoe Workshop on the Go
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad

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

Hope to see you back again next week as I feature more Zoe fun as I complete a Scrappin' with Mackin' challenge using a Creative Keepsakes Easy Pattern.

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

National Stamping Month (Hello Life) Blog Hop

Welcome to the Close to My Heart National Stamping Month (Hello, Life!) Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Kathy Burrows, 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.

For full details on the Hello, Life! campaign, please reference my September 1st blog post.

The hop's featured stamp sets are 

  

For today's project, I created my first ever pocket letter for a swap hosted by Jody over at SpiegelMom Scraps.  I used the new Zoe paper packet, the fabulous Artistry Cricut collection, and of course, the super fun Hello, Life! stamp sets.  These sets are simply wonderful.  They are trendy, versatile, and coordinated perfectly.  While each set is geared toward a particular group of papercrafters, when combined, all three come together for a rockstar stamp collection.

I also used Michigan stamp set from the newly released States and Provinces collection. These mini stamp sets come with the state/province stamp as well as name and abbreviations stamps.  How fun are these??  For a full list of available stamps in this collection, please click here.

Now for the pictures...

A close-up of the shipping tag which slides out of the left-center pocket

Supplies used:

*Artistry Cricut collection
*Zoe paper packet
*Zoe complements
*Hello, Life! - Cardmaking stamp set
*Hello, Life! - Scrapbooking stamp set
*Little Things stamp set (Hostess Rewards exclusive)
*Michigan stamp set
*Holiday Tags stamp set (for the word "from")
*Opportunity stamp set (Consultant exclusive)
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Silver sequins assortment

*Whisper extra thick baker's twine

*Bitty Sparkles

*Boardwalk washi tape (retired)
*Diamond embossing folder

*Ranger White Super Fine Embossing Powder
*Craft heater
*Watercolor paints
*Paintbrush set

*Shipping tag from SpiegelMom Scraps
*Mini glassine bag from SpiegelMom Scraps

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 National Stamping Month (Hello, Life!) Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Wendy Coffman. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

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

Make a Wish, Grandma!

Happy Birthday, Grandma (Mom)!

In all the excitement of the new catalog release yesterday, I didn't get a chance to share my most recent "proud mommy" moment with you all. 

Last weekend, my siblings and I threw a surprise birthday party for our parents.  My mom's actual birthday was yesterday, and my dad's is in March.  So we decided to surprise them both with a double party.  Lots of friends and family came, and fun time was had by all!

My sisters and I incorporated several homemade elements into the party -- a banner, a photo guest book, centerpieces, etc.  As always, my 4 y.o. son loved hanging out in my studio with us while we crafted.  On Friday morning, as I was putting finishing touches on the decorations, my son asked if he could craft with me.  We decided he could make a card for Grandma.

I grabbed a couple birthday themed stamp sets from my collection and asked him what colors he wanted to stamp with.  He chose the new Birthday Wish hostess exclusive stamp set and the Topiary / Sunset ink colors.  As we created the card, he would pick the stamp he wanted, I would put it on a block and ink it in his color choice, and then he would stamp it himself.  In the end, I asked if he wanted to add some sparkle.  He chose the gold shimmer trim, and after I cut an appropriate length for him, he stuck it to the card.  Lastly, I trimmed up the edges of the shimmer trim, and we were done.  My son had made his first Close to My Heart birthday card!!

Supplies used:
*Birthday Wish stamp set (Hostess Exclusive)
*12" x  12" White Daisy card stock
*Topiary Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Sunset Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Gold Shimmer Trim

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}!

September Spotlight Collections

Close to My Heart is adopted a new "program" for the 2015-2016 Idea Book year.  This program is dedicated to focusing our efforts as a team on one or two paper collections each month.  Throughout the month, CTMH Corporate and consultants alike will showcase the spotlight collection(s) on their websites, blog, and other social media outlets.  Each collection will have its own unique #hashtag to help you find projects created with that collection.

I'm planning to join the CTMH family in featuring these spotlight collections each month, but no worries, I am sure I will still throw in projects from other collections, too.  And as always, if there's something specific you would like to see (paper collection, technique, etc.), please let me know!  I love turning your requests into personal challenges.

So without further adieu, let me introduce to you September's Spotlight Collections -- that's right... there are TWO collections to kick off this new program -- Zoe & Nevermore.

Zoe
#ctmhzoe

Nevermore
#ctmhnevermore

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

Stay tuned throughout the month to my blog and my Facebook page for lots of fabulous Zoe & Nevermore inspiration.

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

Stamp of the Month Blog Hop -- September: Paper Garden

Welcome to the September Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Jilena Paskett, 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 S1509 Paper Garden (pictured below).  This set is only available until September 31st and is only $5 with a $50 Close to My Heart purchase.

For today's card, I went with a simple, classic design and chose to let the stamp image be the focus.  This card is a good reminder that as crafter's, it's sometimes nice to take a step back -- not every project needs to be a super detailed work of art.  A quick & simple card to let someone know you are thinking of them can be just as wonderful as a detailed, time-consuming card.

Supplies used:

*Paper Garden stamp set -- September SOTM
*So Many Smiles stamp set
*White Daisy cardstock

*Black cardstock

*Pomegranate Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Fern Extra Thick Baker's Twine

*Corner Rounder punch
*Scallop 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 September Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Sarah Stone. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

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

September Close to My Heart Specials

Hello, Life! September Constant Campaign

September is National Stamping Month, and this year Close To My Heart has something to help every kind of papercrafter say a big “hello” to life! Available only during the month of September, these exclusive C-size My Acrylix® Hello, Life! stamp sets can be purchased for $13.95 USD  each! Or, for an even better deal, you can purchase all three for only $34.95 USD —a savings of $6.90 USD! Each stamp set is designed to fit with a specific type of papercrafting, whether that’s scrapbooking, cardmaking, or pocket scrapbooking. However, all the stamp sets coordinate with each other and can be used together to create dynamic artwork. These stamp sets also coordinate with shapes from the new Cricut® Artistry collection to help expand your artwork options even further. Remember, these stamp sets are available for one month only, so get your orders in for one stamp set—or all three—before these gorgeous stamps disappear! Make certain to follow Close To My Heart’s blog, Instagram, and Facebook page for artwork inspiration featuring these lively stamp sets all month long. You can post your own artwork to your social media channels using the hashtag #ctmhHelloLife.

Offer valid September 1, 2015 (9:00 am MDT)–September 30, 2015 (11:59 pm MDT).

* * * * *

September 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, remember to design it with {heart}!

Damask Divas Nevermore Blog Hop

Welcome to the Damask Divas' September Blog Hop featuring the Close to My Heart Nevermore paper packet!  The Damask Divas' team is excited to help get you in the Halloween spirit with this fun new collection which has just been released today!  You can see the full hop line-up over on the Damask Divas' blog.

Check out this awesome paper collection!  Aren't the colors beautiful?  I love how the newly released Eggplant gives a rich feel to this color pallette.

When the time came for me to sit down and create today's project, I struggled as I always do with Halloween projects.  If you've followed my blog for a while now, you'll probably remember I'm not a huge fan of Halloween.  I don't dislike it; I'm just not into scary and spooky.  So I tend to lean towards "cutesy" when designing anything Halloween-themed.  Today's layout is no different.  Inspired by the layout from Pattern 14 of the Make It From Your Heart, Volume 2 How-to Program and with a little design help from my supportive husband, I created the layout below.

Supplies used:

*Artistry Cricut collection
*Nevermore Paper Packet
*Sunset cardstock
*Eggplant cardstock
*Whisper cardstock
*Slate cardstock
*Black cardstock
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Say It All stamp set (hostess exclusive)
*Paper Fundamentals - Enchantment
*Fundamental Stickers - Enchantment Pack
*Green shimmer trim
*Grey enamel gems
*1" circle punch

*1" clear epoxy circles (non CTMH)

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' September Blog Hop!   Next up on the hop is Felica Tortorici. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more fabulous Nevermore inspiration.

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