Going to the Chapel & They're Gonna Get Married!!

2016 has been a big year for weddings in my family.  And all the fun events surrounding weddings mean lots of opportunities for papercrafting.  One night earlier this month, I sat down to make cards for several weddings and bridal showers -- not only for myself to give, but also for my mom and sisters.  Let's just say it was a marathon crafting night.  Here are the results -- all of which were produced in multiple quantities.

For the Bridal Showers...

 

For the Weddings... 

 

  

And for one of the bride's at her maid-of-honor's request...

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}!

2016 CTMH Retiring Lists & Dates

The 2016 Annual Inspirations Retiring List is here!

Every year CTMH retires older products in order to make way for new and exciting products that will be coming out in the next idea books. The list of products from our 2015-2016 Annual Inspirations catalog that will be retiring was released last week.  These items will no longer be available after July 31 and are available while supplies last.  As you look through the list, you will notice CTMH is retiring three of our beloved Cricut® collections, as well as our incredible rolling tote.  If you would like to earn any of these items at half-price, contact me today!

* * * * * * * * * *

DATES TO REMEMBER

- July 31 --

2015-2016 Annual Inspirations Idea Book & Products RETIRE

-- August 1 --

2016-2017 Annual Inspirations Idea Book & Products  RELEASE

-- August 31 --

2016 Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Books & Products RETIRE

* * * * * * * * * *

And now for the lists....
(Please note -- you can click on any image to enlarge the list to make it more readable.)

Also, remember according to the new CTMH policy, all stamp sets will be retiring along with the Idea Book they are released in -- including any Cricut Compatible sets.  That said, CTMH reserves the right to "save" sets from retirement and this go-round, they plan to do exactly that.  Below are the lists of stamp sets that will not be retiring July 31st.

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

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Golden Elegance with Happy Times

The gold foil in this month's exclusive Happy Times paper packet is so beautiful and adds a touch of elegance to any project.  The cards below were created with scrap strips I had after creating several scrapbook layouts.

Supplies used:

*Happy Times paper packet
*12" x 12" Black cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" white cards & envelopes, value pack
*Curlicue Frames stamp set
*Happy to Be Friends stamp set
*Sincere Expressions stamp set
*Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*VersaMark clear ink pad
*Ranger princess gold embossing powder
*Craft heater
*Baker's twine neutral metallic assortment
*White & gold ribbon
*Bling gems gold assortment

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 -- 3 More Double-page Scrapbook Layouts

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 9 more cards.  I will be sharing these projects over the next few days.

Let's start with the double-page scrapbook layouts...

*Submitted to Heart to Heart Challenges - Regatta

*Submitted to Heart to Heart Challenges - Four

*Submitted to Heart to Heart Challenges - Photo Op

The majority of the supplies used came from the Regatta Workshop Your Way along with some solid cardstock and sequins 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}!

April Close to My Heart Specials

April Constant Campaign

If earning money—and rewards—through your love of scrapbooking and stamping sounds like a dream job, then now is the perfect time to join Close To My Heart. Believe me, it’s worth it!  Sign up as a Consultant in April and earn amazing rewards—including a FREE Cricut® collection!

Signing up as a new Consultant with Close To My Heart during April is more rewarding than ever. 

When you sign up as a New Consultant, you already get:

• New Consultant Kit with essential supplies for only $75

• $50 in Select Product Credit to spend on additional supplies

• The chance to earn fantastic Straight To The Top start-up rewards

And only during April, you can also earn your choice of a FREE Cricut®collection or an additional $100 in Select Product Credit when you submit $350 in personal sales within your first 30 days! 

* * * * *

April 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, design with {heart}!

Watercolor Wonderful

I absolutely love the colors in the Sangria collection so last month, I decided to have some watercolor fun with that color scheme.  To start, I took a large piece of watercolor paper and tacked it to my work surface with some washi tape.  Working in smaller sections, I first applied a little water to the paper using my paint brush, and then began adding color allowing the colors to mix and blend together.  Once I was done coloring the entire page, I used my craft heater to dry the paper.  Tip -- to help keep your paper flat-ish, heat the back of the paper after you are done drying the front.  This helps curl the paper back in the other direction.  Finally, I used the finished watercolor paper like I would a sheet of B&T to create the cards below.  I worked in pairs varying greetings to great a variety of cards with minimal effort.

Supplies used:

*Just to Say stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)
*Curlique Frames stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)
*Opportunity stamp set (Consultant exclusive)
*Among the Stars stamp set (Consultant exclusive)
*12" x  12" Black cardstock
*12" x  12" Kraft cardstock
*12" x  12" Pomegranate cardstock
*12" x  12" White Daisy cardstock
*White Daisy card bases
*Watercolor paper
*Watercolor paints
*Paintbrush set
*Black Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Pomegranate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Desert Sand Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Purple shimmer trim
*Gold shimmer trim

*Gold sequins assortment
*Pink enamel gems

*Heidi Swapp Gold Color Shine

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}!

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}!

CyberWEEK Sale -- starts TOMORROW at 11 AM EST!!

Close to My Heart has announced they will be hosting a Cyber Week Sale this year.  There are thirty-nine products included in this sale, which come from our current idea books, including one of our amazing Cricut collections!  All items on the list below will be on sale for 25% off.  These items will be shown in a special shopping menu entitled “Cyberweek Sale!” on my online store.  

Z3111 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Gold

Z3112 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Gold

Z3135 Base & Bling Snowflake Charm—Faux Silver

Z3136 Base & Bling Jingle Bell—Faux Silver

Z3138 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Gold

Z3139 Base & Bling Red Bead Charm—Faux Silver

Z3180 Picture My Life™ Going Places Scrapbooking Program

Z3147 Cut Above™ Dapper Giraffe Card Kit

Z2028 Designer Creations Short Stack Album

Z2036 Designer Creations Slate Paper Bags

Z2037 Designer Creations Lagoon Paper Bags

Z2038 Designer Creations Ruby Paper Bags

Z2039 Designer Creations Honey Paper Bags

Z2049 Designer Creations Cupcake Box

Z2050 Designer Creations Takeout Box

Z2053 Designer Creations Buttoned Bag

Z1838 5" x 7" Hinged Display Tray

Z1750 Designed Décor Display Tray

Z2006 Designed Décor Red Magnetic Chalkboard

Z2015 Designed Décor Black Shadow Box

Z2016 Designed Décor Colonial White Shadow Box

Z1833 My Creations™ Kraft Container

Z1871 My Creations™ Kraft 3-Ring Album

Z1953 My Creations™ Journaling Cards Box

Z1956 My Creations™ Hip Pics Album

Z3043 My Creations™ Black Mini Book

Z3044 My Creations™ Kraft Mini Book

Z3069 My Creations™ Mini Mix Album

Z3137 My Creations™ Pint-Sized Container

Z3168 Cricut® Artfully Sent Collection

Z1476 4 ¼" x 5 ½" White Daisy Envelopes

Z1477 5" x 7" White Daisy Envelopes

Z1478 6" x 6" White Daisy Envelopes

Z1756 3" x 3" Colonial White Envelopes

Z1757 4 ¼" x 5 ½" Colonial White Envelopes

Z1758 5" x 7" Colonial White Envelopes

Z1759 6" x 6" Colonial White Envelopes

Z1851 Scallop Border Punch

Z1997 Triangle Border Punch

* * * * *

And to sweeten the deal, I have decided to extend my personal Black Friday specials and offer them during Cyber Week as well!  

*FREE exclusive state stamp set with ANY order placed (choose from any of the 50 states!)

*FREE Seasonal Expressions Idea Book with ANY order placed.

*FREE 2015-2016 Annual Idea Book with any order over $75

*FREE paper packet or B-size stamp set of your choice with any order over $100 ($9.95 value)

And if that's not enough...
ALL orders will be placed in a drawing for a half-price item - that's right -- 50% off any item of your choice!  Orders over $100 will be receive 5 entries!!  Have you been eyeing one of our exclusive Cricut collections??  Be sure to place an order to be entered for your chance to win one of these fantastic collections at half-price!!

* * * * *

What are you waiting for??  Call me, email me, or visit my website at jddesigns.ctmh.com and take advantage of the Cyber Week specials and the fabulous bonuses I'm offering right away!  These offers are available for a limited time only -- Monday, November 30, 2015 (11:00 am EST) through Friday, December 4, 2015 (6:00 pm EST)!

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

-- Notes -- 

FREE items are only valid on orders placed with Jennifer Dykstra - Close to My Heart Independent Consultant. All freebies will be mailed separately after order has been placed and will come directly from me.

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}!

Here Comes the Bride

Today, I had the joy of attending a bridal shower for my cousin.  We had so much fun showering her with love and blessings as she prepares to become a Mrs.

When it came time to make a card, I knew I wanted something elegant and simple that incorporate her wedding colors.  As she had recently joined the Cricut family, I decided a fun Cricut card was the way to go.  I used the CTMH-exclusive Artfully Sent Cricut collection along with some Pinterest-inspiration from Courtney Lane Designs.  Have I mentioned how much I love this cartridge???  It helps you create beautiful, easy-to-assemble cards in no time!  I also used Artfully Sent along with the coordinating stamps to make a simple tag to put on the second gift so the bride knew which gifts went together.

Supplies used:
*Artfully Sent Cricut collection
*Just to Say stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)

*Curlicue Frames stamp set (Artfully Sent exclusive)
*White Daisy cardstock
*Champagne cardstock
*Olive Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Champagne Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Gold sequins assortment
*Navy satin ribbon from my stash
*Navy twine from my stash

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!

NEW Cricut Artfully Sent Collection

Close to My Heart & Cricut have done it again!

The recently release Artfully Sent Cricut Collection is a MUST HAVE.  With over 700 images, 400 projects, and 25 themes on one cartridge, this collection is a card maker's dream!!  Artfully Sent has done for card making what Artbooking did for scrapbooking.

With Artfully Sent, you can create pop-up cards, sleeve cards, scene cards, sentiment cards, swing card, pocket cards (as in Picture My Life), envelopes with liners, and SO MUCH MORE!!

Check out this awesome pop-up card!!

{Click photo to enlarge}

Look at everything included in this collection!

Included in this collection:

*Artfully Sent Cricut Cartridge

*3 coordinating exclusive stamp sets --

1 sentiment set, 1 frame set, 1 alphabet

*Full pack of 12x12 White Daisy cardstock

To order this cartridge, please visit my website at http://jddesigns.ctmh.com or contact me today!  I would be happy to help you.