Annual Inspirations New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the Annual Inspirations New Product Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Michelle Loncar, 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. 

Today's hop features projects created using products from the newly released 2017-2018 CTMH Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  From beautiful new colors to fun new stamps, this year's annual idea book is sure to become a fast favorite.  I know it has for me!!

Two of my favorite things from the new lineup are this year's color of the year -- Bashful and the awesome two-toned cardstock -- one side in the original CTMH shade and the other in the same color with a lighter hue.  This new style of cardstock virtually doubles CTMH's exclusive color palette while making paper layering and matting so much quicker and easier!

Supplies used:

*For You Darling Stamp + Thin Cuts (NEW!)
*12" x 12" Bashful cardstock (NEW!)
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Bashful glitter paper (NEW!)
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" white cards & envelopes, value pack
*Bashful Exclusive Inks stamp pad (NEW!)
*Thin Cuts -- Scallop Border (NEW!)
*Bashful pearls (NEW!)

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 Annual Inspirations New Product Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Lucy Marino. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Seasonal Expressions 2 New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the CTMH Seasonal Expressions 2 New Product Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Michelle Stewart, 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. 

Today we are featuring projects made with the fabulous products from the newly released Seasonal Expressions 2 Idea Book.  If you haven't had a chance to check out this new book, I highly recommend you head over to my website after the hop and check it out.  I will leave a link below.

With Memorial Day coming soon, I used the No Worries collection to create a fun layout perfect for documenting those start-of-Summer photos.  I added the color Ruby to the Cashmere, Sapphire, and White Daisy colors from the collection to give a classic red, white, and blue feel to my layout.  Ruby is the perfect compliment to this fantastic collection.  I also used the No Worries embellishments -- including the complements kraft die cuts, sequins, and burlap ribbon.  Isn't that burlap ribbon fabulous?!?

Supplies used:

*No Worries paper packet
*No Worries - Cardmaking stamp + thin cuts bundle
*No Worries - Scrapbooking stamp set
*12" × 12" Cashmere cardstock
*12" × 12" Ruby cardstock
*12" × 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Cashmere Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Ruby Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sapphire Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*No Worries complements
*No Worries sequins
*White burlap ribbon
*Foam tape

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 Seasonal Expressions 2 New Product Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Haley Dyer. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Thin Cuts Blog Hop

Welcome to the Thin Cuts Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Brenda Lapp, 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 bonus hop features the amazingly fabulous Thin Cuts from CTMH -- which are on special this month for 25% off.  If you have never tried these wonderful wafer thin dies, now is the time!  If you have tried them, now is the time to stock up and expand your collection!!

I have a wide variety of Thin Cuts in my personal collection -- for today's project, I chose to feature Sweet Birthday.  If you follow my blog, you know the Sweet Birthday stamp set was my favorite release in the 2016-2017 Annual Inspirations Idea Book -- however, my first thought was "No coordinating Cricut / Thin Cuts?? Ugh..."  I bought the stamp set anyways.  :-)

Then, in October, CTMH made my dreams come true.  They released a coordinating Thin Cut set to go along with my favorite Sweet Birthday stamp set.  :-)  Now I use this adorable stamp set and its coordinating Thin Cuts all the time.  I absolutely LOVE the pair!

When creating the layout below, I used a sketch from Even More Scrapping which was coincidentally called "Sweet Friend"  The sketch was fabulous because it called for multiple repeated images across the center -- perfect for the fun party hats.  It also called for a large circle on the left page which I swapped for a cut from the Cricut Artistry collection.

I plan to add pictures from my niece's recent Moana-themed birthday party.  The colors in the Adventure Fundamentals collection coordinate beautifully with the bright, fun colors from her party.  And the 4x6 and 4x3 photo spots will make it a piece of cake to finish this layout (see what I did there?  Piece of cake... Birthday party... I'm so punny!!)

To create the adorable cupcake embellishments, I stamped the image using archival black ink and allowed it to set for a few minutes before coloring the image with the CTMH watercolor pencils.  I mixed two shades of green for the wrapper on the left cupcake and two shades of blue on the right cupcake.  To blend, I used my CTMH clear shimmer brush.  I actually have two of these brushes -- one for regular use and one for blending and other "messy" use.  As for the pink frosting, I colored about a quarter inch around the edge and used the shimmer brush to fade the color towards the face.

I also added some shimmer detail to the party hats -- specifically along the bottom trim, the polka dots, and the top "poof". I just love how the shimmer brush adds a little extra "pop" to a project.

Supplies used:

*Sweet Birthday Thin Cuts
*Sweet Birthday stamp set
*Artistry Cricut collection
*Adventure Fundamentals paper packet
*12" × 12" Lagoon cardstock
*12" × 12" Lemon cardstock
*12" × 12" Raspberry cardstock
*12" × 12" White Daisy cardstock
*Archival Black stamp pad
*Shimmer Brush - clear
*Watercolor Pencils
*Shimmer Trim - silver
*Sugar Rush dots
*Foam tape

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 Thin Cuts Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Jean McNulty. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

Until next time, design with {heart}!

Sweet Birthday: now with coordinating THIN CUTS!!! ♥♥

Last week, CTMH released the new 2017 planner pages and bundles.  And in a surprise move, they also released 4 new thin cuts sets -- which coordinate with stamp sets in the 2016-2017 Annual Inspirations Idea Book.  Previously, they had said the sets in the A.I. would not have coordinating thin cuts, but surprise -- they did!  You can now order thin cuts to coordinate with four AI sets -- Wreath, Sweet Birthday, Swirly Seashells, and School Kids.  These thin cuts are only available while supplies last so don't wait to get yours!  They can be found in my online store under the Monthly Specials section.

When I first saw the new Annual Inspirations Idea Book back in July, I immediately fell in love with the adorable cupcake in the new Sweet Birthday stamp set.  It was the first set I purchased from the new AI.  However, as much as I love this set, I did not look forward to fussy cutting the cupcake every time I used the set.  So to be honest, it sat on my desk for over a month before I used it for the first time.  And when I finally did, I grumbled NSFW thoughts the entire time I was cutting the cupcake.  To say, I was excited when CTMH announced the new thin cuts would be an understatement.  I ordered mine right away and am impatiently stalking the FedEx guy.  Prepare yourself to see lots more Sweet Birthday projects because once those little dies get here, I plan to break them in well!  :-)

Supplies used:

*Sweet Birthday stamp set
*Whimsy Fundamentals
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" white cards & envelopes, value pack
*Crystal Blue Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Pixie Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Smoothie Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Sweet Leaf Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Black Memento ink pad
*Water brush - medium round
*Silver shimmer trim
*Clear sparkles

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}!

CTMH Taste of Summer Cards

 

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}!

Swan Lake Make-and-Take

For a recent home gathering, I scrap-lifted the Thanks card on page 21 of the current Holiday Expressions Idea Book.  However, to make the supplies I had on hand stretch farther and to show off our fantastic embossing folders, I swapped the background B&T layer for Peacock cardstock embossed with the Confetti embossing folder.  After embossing the cardstock, I used the sanding tools to expose the white core of the cardstock to give a starry sky effect to the background.

Supplies used:

*Thankful for You Thin Cuts & Stamp Set Bundle
*Swan Lake paper packet
*12" x 12" Peacock cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" white cards & envelopes, value pack
*Glacier Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Goldrush Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Peacock Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Slate Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Bitty sparkles
*Confetti embossing folder
*Sanding tools

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}!

CTMH Holiday Expressions New Product Blog Hop

Welcome to the CTMH Holiday Expressions New Product Blog Hop!

If you came from visiting Vickie ODell, 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. 

This hop features product from the new Holiday Expressions idea book (pictured below).  The products in this book are available from now until December 31st.  From Halloween to Fall to Christmas, the HE book has you covered.  And with so many great products to choose from,, this hop is sure to be full of lots of fabulous inspiration!

For my project, I decided to put together a pocket scrapbooking layout using the Jeepers Creepers paper packet.  While this packet comes with two fun sheets of cut apart cards, I chose to make some of my own using the B&T papers and other CTMH products to show the versatility of pocket scrapbooking.  Our Picture My Life collections and paper packet cut-apart sheets are awesome for putting together quick and easy pocket layouts, but with a little fun and creativity, you can make your own pocket pieces for a unique layout that's completely your own.

I've designed both pages, but will be assembling and adding the final embellishments to the right hand page on Friday night at a home gathering.  Below is a peek at the layout as it sits now.  I will be trimming down the White Daisy layer of the monster to expose some of the fun Tangerine on the base layer -- for sure, I will make the horns Tangerine and possibly the toes.  What do you think?  I will also "sprinkle" several more black stars throughout the page.

Supplies used:

*Artistry Cricut Collection
*Artbooking Cricut Collection
*Memory Protectors -- Design 3
*Jeepers Creepers paper packet
*Thin Cuts -- Happy
*12" x 12" Black cardstock
*12" x 12" Pansy cardstock
*12" x 12" Tangerine cardstock
*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock
*12" x 12" Willow cardstock
*Pansy Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Tangerine Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Willow Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Jennifer's Hand Stamp Set
*Picture My Life Watercolor Cards -- Clear
*Picture My Life Journaling Cards (retired, now available w/tabs)
*Waterbrush -- Medium Flat
*Green Shimmer Trim
*Black Enamel Stars (retired)

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 CTMH Holiday Expressions New Product Blog Hop!  Next up on the hop is Michele Rowley. I hope you'll hop on over to her blog for more inspiration.

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}!

Regatta Leftovers -- 2 Single-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.

Today, we will continue our look at my "leftover" projects with the 2 single-page layouts...

Layout made from sketch I found online

Layout scraplifted from another CTMH consultant

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}!

Charlotte Springtime Wishes Thank You

Happy Leap Day!!

I am so thankful we have an extra day in February this year -- as it means an extra day for my current favorite CTMH collection,Charlotte to be in the Spotlight.  Tomorrow, CTMH will introduce a new Spotlight Collection, but for today, all eyes are still on the beautiful Charlotte.

In honor of Charlotte's last day in the Spotlight, I have a simple, yet elegant thank you card for you -- along with a new how-to / process video.  I put together the video while recovering from the flu so please be kind.

Today's card is one design featured in my latest card class / workshop.  It uses the newly released Springtime Wishes stamp set and thin cut dies.  I am absolutely loving this stamp set and the coordinating dies are a dream.

VIDEO TUTORIAL
(Click to view)

Dimensions:

*Card base -- 5 1/2" x 8 1/2" (score at 4 1/4")

*Layers
- White Daisy -- 5" x 3 3/4"
- Champagne -- 4 3/4" x 3 1/2"
- White Daisy (for Sentiment) -- 3" x 2 1/2"
- Charlotte Whisper Arrows B&T - 1/2" x 3 3/4"
- Charlotte White Daisy Floral B&T - 1/2" x 2 1/2"

Supplies used:

*Springtime Wishes stamp set
*Springtime Wishes thin cuts
*5 1/2" X 4 1/4" White Cards & Envelopes, Value Pack

*Charlotte paper packet

*12" x 12" Champagne cardstock

*12" x 12" White Daisy cardstock

*Sorbet Exclusive Inks stamp pad

*Whisper Exclusive Inks stamp pad
*Black and gold ribbon
*Bling gems gold assortment
*Sponge

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}!