Designing Ahead of the Seasons

If you’ve been crafting as long as I have, you know — our creative clocks tick just a little differently than everyone else’s. While most folks are lighting summer fireworks, I’m usually knee-deep in Christmas paper, covered in glitter, and humming “Jingle Bells” like it’s perfectly normal in July.

That’s the life of a creator, isn’t it? We’re always looking forward — to the next holiday, the next color palette, the next cozy collection that makes us say, “Ooh, I can’t wait to make something with this!”

Living a Season (or Two) Ahead

As paper crafters, we kind of live in two worlds — the now and the next. Designing ahead means I’m already playing with pumpkins when my garden is still blooming, and making snowflake cards long before the first chill hits the air. It’s not about rushing through the year; it’s about staying ready to inspire others when they reach that season.

I always think of it as setting the stage — pulling out ideas, experimenting with colors, and giving myself plenty of time to just play. Because when the holidays actually arrive, I want to be enjoying them, not scrambling to photograph projects or finish blog posts between batches of cookies!

My Favorite Ways to Stay Ahead

• Keep a Seasonal Idea Journal: I jot down ideas all year long. If I see a color combo that reminds me of Easter or a cozy pattern that screams Fall, it goes straight into my notebook. Inspiration never shows up on schedule, so I grab it when it does!
• Batch My Crafting: When I’m in a creative groove, I make several projects in the same theme. If I’ve pulled out all the reds and greens, you can bet I’m doing Christmas everything before cleaning up that mess.
• Theme Bins Are My Best Friend: I keep bins labeled by season — Fall, Christmas, Valentine’s, Spring, etc. When it’s time to start designing, I can just grab the right one and go.
• Leave Room for Play: Even though I plan ahead, I always leave space for those spur-of-the-moment projects. Sometimes a new stamp set or paper pack just speaks to me, and I’ve learned to listen!

Why It’s Worth It

Designing ahead keeps my creativity flowing and lets me truly enjoy each season as it comes. It also means my readers and followers can craft right along with me — with plenty of time to shop their stash, try new techniques, and make something special.

And honestly? There’s something magical about celebrating every season twice — once in the making, and again when it arrives.

So if you’re crafting Christmas cards in August or cutting out hearts while your tree’s still up… you’re not behind or out of sync — you’re just ahead of your time. And that, my friends, is part of the creative joy we share.

Thanks for stopping by!

I’m so glad you’re here sharing a little creative time with me. If you love talking paper, color, and seasonal inspiration, be sure to subscribe or follow along — there’s always something new (and a little glittery) just around the corner. Until next time, happy creating and stay crafty! ✂️💖

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nhdkwHAcOK8_ow-VDHv1bI-ztxP5hoCg/view?usp=drivesdk

🍂 Fall feels are in full swing! 🍁 Pink and Main Monthly Challenge

I am submitting this cozy card for the @Pink and Main Monthly Challenge — “All Things Fall” 🍂 You can join in here: https://pinkandmainblog.com/monthly-card-challenge-10-all-things-fall/ 

I used the Pink and Main Field of Dreams stamp and coordinating die set — isn’t that little scarecrow just the sweetest? 🧡 The patterned papers are from the Crafty Courtyard monthly kit, perfectly paired with Kendra’s Card Challenge 20, Sketch #1.  You can watch the replay HERE!

Warm tones, playful prints, and just a hint of sparkle — everything that makes fall crafting pure happiness! ✂️✨

Would you join this challenge? What’s your favorite fall color combo? 🍁

🍂 Moody Monday: Falling for Fun Folds

 🍂✨ Moody Monday Inspiration! ✨🍂

Mondays don’t have to be gloomy—they can be Moody! Today’s cardmaking session was all about embracing fall vibes and playing with a couple of my favorite fun folds. Just look at those warm colors, cozy patterns, and sweet critters… perfect for this season of gathering and gratitude.

Fun folds are such a joy—they surprise, delight, and make a handmade card extra special. I couldn’t resist adding a touch of whimsy with sentiments like “Gather Together” and “Fall-elu-jah” (because who doesn’t need a little autumn pun to start the week off right?

I hope this inspires you to join the Mood Board Challenge over on the @Not2Shabby blog. It’s such a fun way to stretch your creativity, play with patterns, and maybe even try a new fold or two.  Also, if you have any of the N2S Card Fronts, here is a quick and easy card!

🍁 Are you inspired? What kind of fun fold do you want to try next?  

You can catch the replay of Moody Monday here:  NOT 2 SHABBY MOODY MONDAY

Pink and Main Card Challenge | Ocean is the theme

 This month’s Pink and Main Card Challenge had me diving into my stash with an ocean theme and a sparkle in my eye—literally. There’s glitter. And foil. And a sassy little seagull with something to say. 🐦✨

I started with that fabulous glittery teal frame—because if you’re going nautical, go nauticool. The background waves and candy-cane stripes add some swishy ocean motion, while the cloudy sky sets the scene for our feathered friend.

The star of the show? This salty seagull perched proudly on a barrel, giving off serious “Captain of Sass” vibes. The sentiment “Hope to Sea You Soon!” ties it all together with a splash of punny goodness.

🔹 Theme: Ocean
🔹 Techniques Used: Layering, coloring, glitter paper, toner foiling
🔹 Details to Love: That wavy pattern paper (so much movement!), the sparkle border, and of course, the cheeky sentiment that’s perfect for a just-because card.

💌 This one's going into my “Make ‘em smile” pile. Because we could all use a little sun, sea, and silliness, right?

Challenge Accepted! 🪼 Cardmaking with Love From Lizi’s Under the Sea Kit

 

🪼 Under the Sea with Love From Lizi | Challenge 5 Card Layout

Let’s take a deep dive into some crafty fun! 🌊 For Lizi's Layout Challenge 5, I grabbed my Under the Sea card kit from Love From Lizi and let that jellyfish steal the spotlight. I mean… look at those flowing tentacles and dreamy colors—she’s basically the sea’s most fabulous diva.

This layout was all about layering with intention—pops of bold black against soft turquoise and purple, scalloped dies to add movement, and those gorgeous patterned strips that give serious ocean treasure vibes. The background was kept playful with angled panels, and of course, no card of mine is ever flat… thank you action wobbler!! 💁‍♀️✨

I finished it off with a little sentiment that says “Love You” and a few glossy gems to mimic bubbly goodness. It’s the perfect card to send someone who floats your boat (or just appreciates a good jellyfish moment).

🧜‍♀️ Featured Supplies:

• Under the Sea Card Kit – Love From Lizi

• Peel Offs

• Embellishments from the Ephemera pack from the kit

• Black matting cardstock

• Wobbler (aka: the real MVP)

• UV Resin & UV light

✨ Challenge 5 Tips:

• Let your main image be the star—center it with strong framing shapes.

• Use your patterned paper in strips or angled cuts to add visual interest without overwhelming the focal point.

• Mix shine and matte textures for depth (that foiled sea paper? YES PLEASE).

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💌 I’d love to know if you’re joining the challenge or what your fave element of this card is! Drop a comment below or tag me over on Instagram @jmariedesigned so I can see your sea-sational creations!

Happy crafting and may your foam tape always stick the first time. 😉🫧
—Jana

You Make Life Colorful! | Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge

Hello crafty friends! 💌

Today I’m sharing a bright and bold Peek-a-Boo Flap Card that’s totally tropical and full of personality! This colorful creation was made LIVE during Moody Monday over on my YouTube channel @jmariedesigned — and let me tell you, this parrot is not shy about stealing the spotlight! 🦜💃

The inspiration came straight from the Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge — a jungle of leafy greens and rainbow brights just calling out for a fabulous feathered friend. 🌿🌈

🛍️ Supplies used:

• Stamp & Patterned Paper: From the Jr. Box of the Month at Not2Shabby (affiliate link)

• Markers: Copic (because when you need that vibrant, blendy magic — nothing else will do!)

• Card base: Peek-a-Boo Flap fold for a little extra “ooh!” factor

• Twine & Embellishments: For texture and that handmade-with-love finish 💕

✨ Card Details:

This parrot was just begging for a rainbow makeover — and who was I to say no? Each feather got its moment in the sun with vivid Copic colors that made him pop right off the page. The leafy background paper ties everything together, giving you that lush, jungle vibe without needing bug spray. 🐜🚫😂

I added a bit of black & white baker’s twine for a subtle accent and a few bright enamel dots to bring the eye right to the sentiment:
“You make life colorful.”
Isn’t that the truth? The world is more colorful with crafty friends in it. 💖

🌺 Join the Challenge!

There’s still time to play along with the Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge! Just take inspiration from the board and let your creativity take flight. (See what I did there?) 😉

🖱️ Click here to grab your Jr. Box of the Month!
🎥 Watch the Moody Monday replay here!

Thanks for stopping by today! Leave me a comment if you’re team “bold brights” or “soft pastels” — or maybe you love them all like I do. 🥰
Until next time, stay crafty and stay colorful!

Crafty hugs,
Jana @JMarieDesigned

🎉💖 Shakin’ Things Up with Sparkles and Sass! 💖🎉

Featuring Kat Scrappiness: Kat's Essentials Card Builder #1 and Bow-tiful Happy Birthday Sentiment Die

If it sparkles, shakes, or screams “birthday diva,” you know I’m all in. And today’s card? Oh honey, it checks every one of those boxes—with glitter to spare! ✨

This pinkalicious birthday shaker card was made using two of my absolute go-to dies from @KatScrappiness:
🎀 Kat's Essentials Card Builder #1 Die Set – for that fun geometric frame that makes the perfect shaker window (hello, structure and style!)
🎁 Bow-tiful Happy Birthday Sentiment Die – I mean… look at that sparkle! She’s dressed to impress and ready to party!

Inside the shaker, I went full sparkle-mode with sequins, pearls, sprinkles, and more glittery bits than a unicorn’s makeup drawer. Because if it doesn’t jingle when you shake it, was it even worth the cardstock?

This card is perfect for that over-the-top birthday queen (or king!) in your life who deserves all the sparkle. It’s flirty, it’s fun, and it’s fabulous—just like birthdays should be. 🥂🎈

💬 Let me know in the comments—are you a shaker card fanatic too? Or are you still finding sequins under your craft mat from the last time you tried it? (No judgment—I’m on Team “Forever Finding Glitter” myself!)

Until next time, keep it crafty and always add more sparkle. 💖
xo,
Jana @JMarieDesigned

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💕 What I Used: (Affiliate Links) 💕

Because fabulous cards need fabulous tools! Here are the sparkle-makers behind the magic:

✨ Kat’s Essentials Card Builder #1 Die Set – The foundation of this fierce shaker! Crisp lines and clean cuts that frame all the fun. A must-have basic with extra flair!

🎀 Bow-tiful Happy Birthday Sentiment Die – The star of the show! Glittered up and ready to party, this sentiment makes every birthday card feel like a celebration.

💎 Embellishments – A shaker’s best friend! A dazzling combo of sparkly bits that dance when you shake it like you mean it.

📏 A2 Full Front Shaker Card Pockets – Crystal clear and sturdy for shakers that actually shake. No foggy windows here!

🎨 Pink cardstock, glitter paper, and all the girly glam I could find in my stash! (The more pink, the better, right?)

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Using these affiliate links helps support my crafty adventures at no extra cost to you—thank you for keeping the sparkle alive! ✂️✨

Tropical Thanks | Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge

Aloha, crafty friends! 🌺

I’m bringing the tropics straight to the craft table with this bold and beachy slimline card inspired by the Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge! Think pink hibiscus, lush leaves, and one fabulous feathered friend ready to say a colorful “Thanks.”

This tall, tropical number features the fabulous Birds of Paradise Stamp Set and the coordinating paper pad from the Jr. Box of the Month —a match made in vacation heaven! I paired soft pink gingham with vibrant floral patterns to give it that "sippin' a fruity drink under a palm tree" vibe. 🍹

Mr. Toucan himself was brought to life with Copic markers—I gave his beak a bit of extra attitude because, well, it’s the beak that speaks! 😄 He is tucked into a little leafy bouquet with a bold hibiscus bloom (because he’s nothing if not extra).

✨A few scattered enamel dots bring the sparkle and tie everything together. This card is saying “Mahalo” with flair!

🖌️ What I Used:

• Birds of Paradise Stamp Set

• Coordinating Paper Pad

• Enamel Dots

• Slimline Card Base

Want to join the tropical fun? 🌴 Submit your entry for the Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge here and bring your crafty sunshine to the party!

Until next time, stay cool and crafty!
🌺 Jana

#JMarieDesigned #Not2Shabby #MoodBoardChallenge #SlimlineCard #TropicalVibes #Cardmaker #BirdsofParadise #ToucanDoIt

Moody Monday + a Tropical Twist! July Mood Board Challenge Inspiration

Hello sweet crafty friends! 💌
Moody Monday was on fire this week—and no, not because of the heat (though our little penguin is soaking up the sun)! ☀️🐧

During the live, I created this whimsical tropical card inspired by the Not2Shabby July Mood Board Challenge, and y’all—it’s giving vacay vibes meets paper play. I mean, look at our chill little penguin living his best life under a palm leaf with hibiscus blooms in full swing! 🌴🌺

Missed the live? Don’t sweat it! You can catch the full replay and craft along with me right here on YouTube. I walk you through how I brought this interactive beauty to life, with tips, giggles, and good old-fashioned crafty camaraderie.

For this card I used the Not2Shabby Chillin' in the Tropics 6x6 paper pad, and the coordinating ephemera pack.  You can grab yours here (this is my affiliate link)

🖌️ Join the Mood Board Challenge!

The July Mood Board Challenge is still open and just waiting for you to jump in! It’s the perfect excuse to get inspired, try something new, and show off your style. Whether you're all about florals, beachy scenes, or maybe a relaxed penguin or two—you do you, crafty queen!

🎯 Submit your entry right here on the Not2Shabby blog and join the fun. And don’t forget to tag me @jmariedesigned so I can cheer you on and see your fabulous creations!

🎄🎅 CHRISTMAS IN JULY IS HERE! 🎅🎄

 🎄🎅 CHRISTMAS IN JULY IS HERE! 🎅🎄

🧑‍🎨 Bring your stash, your sparkle, and your best crafting puns.

🎁 Plus… use code XMASJULY15 for 15% off your entire order at https://www.katscrappiness.com/?sscid=41k9_a16u0 ! Because who doesn't need more glitter and goodies?

📺 Watch here: youtube.com/@katscrappinesscrafts

Let’s make the season bright — in flip flops! ☀️❄️🍭

#ChristmasInJuly #KatScrappiness #CardmakingLive #CraftyChristmas #JMarieDesigned #PaperCrafts #HolidayInspiration #CraftyFun