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

🎄 Christmas in July – When Elves Just Can’t Wait! 🎄

Hello, crafty friends!

It's Christmas in July, and apparently, these two mischievous elves didn’t get the memo that it’s not quite time to sneak down the chimney yet! 😂

For today’s card, I had a little fun flipping things upside down—literally—with the Santa’s Elves dies from Simon Hurley’s North Pole Friends Collection at Spellbinders. Aren’t they just the cutest little troublemakers you’ve ever seen?

🧝‍♂️🧝‍♀️ Card Details:

• I created a cozy brick background using a stencil and ink blending—giving that perfect chimney vibe.

• The elves are die-cut and layered in playful Christmas colors, complete with pom-poms and big grins.

• I framed them in a rounded arch window (aka “the chimney entrance” 😜) and added the stamped sentiment:
  “Not a creature was stirring…”
  ...Well, except these two!

I love how the upside-down placement gives them a sense of movement and mischief—because let's be honest, elves rarely sit still.

🛍️ Want to make your own merry little mischief?
You can shop the Santa’s Elves die set right here using my affiliate link. Your support means the world and helps keep the glitter flowing in my craft room! ✨

🎅 Spellbinders nailed it with this whimsical holiday collection, and I can’t wait to share more from the North Pole Friends series in upcoming posts. Because nothing says summer like a little snowflake sparkle, right?

Until next time, happy crafting—and keep those elves in line!
With holiday cheer (and a touch of glitter),
💗 Jana
@jmariedesigned

Bloom Where You're Planted – Dutch Door Card for the Not 2 Shabby Mood Board Challenge 🌻✂️

There's just something magical about opening a window and letting the sunshine (and creativity!) pour in. For this month’s Not 2 Shabby Mood Board Challenge, I was instantly inspired by the rich yellows, cozy blues, and that unmistakable end-of-summer charm. So of course—I had to create a Dutch Door card that opens up just like a view into a sunny European daydream!

The front features a beautiful window scene that draws you right into the moment, layered over vibrant sunflowers that feel like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself. I added deep navy accents for contrast, and the inside continues that watercolor sky feel for a soft, breezy finish.

💡 Card Style: Dutch Door
🎨 Mood Board Inspo: Blue skies, golden florals, cozy corners
🛍️ Supplies: All from the amazing @Not2ShabbyShop (because crafty dreams really do come true there!)  SHOP NOW!!

If you’ve never made a Dutch Door card before, this is the perfect time to try—it’s surprisingly easy and super fun to decorate!

✨ Be sure to check out the full Mood Board Challenge and link up your own creation. There’s a whole community of crafters waiting to cheer you on!

Now, tell me… what kind of scene would YOU put behind the window?

A Little Note with a Lot of Sparkle | Kendra’s Card Challenges July Bonus

Some cards whisper elegance… and others purr with bold style! This little number does both—and I’m absolutely wild about it. 🐆✨

Created using the Kendra’s Card Challenges June Bonus Printable, this card is dressed to impress in a foiled leopard print that’s anything but ordinary. The gold shimmer and subtle rainbow sparkle catch the light just right, making this design a total showstopper!

To keep things classy, I matted the foiled piece with sleek black cardstock and paired it with crisp white stitched layers. The sentiment, “A Little Note,” is the perfect understated touch—like the dainty earrings that finish off a fierce outfit.

This design proves you don’t need a million embellishments to make a big impression. With the right materials—like Kendra’s foiled bonus printable—you can let the shine do all the talking.

📬 Card Details:

• Kendra’s Card Challenges June Bonus Printable (Foiled Leopard Print)

• A Little Note Banner Sentiment

• Stitched Rectangle Dies for layering

• Black Cardstock for clean contrast

• Minimalist elegance with maximum glam

This card would be perfect for sending a quick hello or just letting someone know they’re on your heart… with a whole lotta sparkle to go with it.

If you haven’t grabbed Kendra’s bonus printable yet, what are you waiting for? It’s fierce, fabulous, and oh-so-fun to foil.

Happy crafting, friends—and may your cardstock always shimmer just right.
—Jana 🐾💛

A Cozy Christmas Glow – Featuring the Kat Scrappiness Holiday Lantern

Hello, crafty friends! 🎄✨

It might be sunny outside, but in the craft room, we’re already dreaming of twinkling lights, pine-scented air, and a little holiday magic. Today I’m sharing a festive and heartwarming card featuring the Kat Scrappiness Holiday Lantern Stamp & Die Set along with the Christmas Lantern Add-On — and let me tell you, this set is a holiday must-have!

This card was such a joy to create. I started with that stunning lantern — classic, cozy, and just waiting for a pair of glowing candles. I lightly ink-blended the background to create a warm light behind the lantern, giving it that soft, peaceful glow you get from candlelight on a winter’s night. Can’t you just hear the carolers?

Next came the fun part: dressing it up! I used the festive Christmas Lantern Add-On to add a bright red poinsettia, a big green bow, and a lush swag of pine boughs, pinecones, and holly berries. The dimensional look really brings this scene to life — like a little window into a snow-covered front porch.

I mounted everything on a delicately stitched scalloped frame for a classic, elegant finish. It’s all the charm of an old-fashioned Christmas, wrapped in cardstock and topped with a bow! 🎁

This card is perfect for mass-producing holiday greetings or as a showstopper for someone extra special. And guess what? You can mix and match the add-ons to create different winter scenes — from rustic to glam!

Be sure to check out all the holiday goodies over at Kat Scrappiness and don’t miss the inspiration from the Creative Crew. There’s more holiday cheer where this came from!

Crafty hugs,
Jana 💌 (@jmariedesigned)

🎈Things Are Looking UP! Celebrating Junicorn with Crafty Fun & Friends 🎨🦄

Hey there, crafty friends!

We're floating into Junicorn with style—red, white, and balloon-toting blue style, that is! This cheerful little unicorn is here to remind us that things are looking UP—both literally (hello, balloons!) and creatively.

This card was such a blast to make for the Crafty Fun with Friends / LV Handcrafted Junicorn Challenge—our monthly celebration of all things magical, horned, and wonderfully sparkly! 🦄✨ The theme? Let’s just say patriotic whimsy had a playdate with adorable imagination!

I used red, white, and blue Copic markers to bring this happy little unicorn to life, giving it a festive flair perfect for summer fun or a Fourth of July giggle. The sentiment panel is tipped for that playful extra oomph, and the red-and-white twine adds just the right touch of texture to make this design pop like fireworks.

Whether you're deep into your Junicorn card challenge or just starting to trot through those rainbow fields of inspiration, don’t forget—cardmaking is better with friends (and unicorns holding balloons)!

🧵 Supplies

• Unicorn Gabby Stamp Set - Your Next Stamp (no longer in business)

• Copic Markers 

• Red & blue cardstock layers

• Die cut stitched panels - Gina K Designs

• Bakers Twine bow 

✨ Pro tip: Add dimension by layering your panels at an angle—it's like giving your card a wink!

So what are you crafting this Junicorn? Let’s fill the world with whimsy, one hoofprint at a time! 💙❤️

Happy crafting and happy Junicorn,
Jana 🦄

#Junicorn2025 #CardMakingChallenge #ThingsAreLookingUP #CraftyFunWithFriends #LVHandcrafted #UnicornCards #RedWhiteAndBlue #CopicColoring #WhimsyInEveryLayer #MadeByJana