🎣 Moody Monday: Rugged Birthday Bridge Card

Happy Moody Monday, crafty friends!

Today’s card was inspired by the @Not2Shabby November Mood Board, and it’s giving me all the rugged, outdoorsy vibes.

For this project, I used the Rugged Birthday Paper Pack and the Ultimate Birthday Sentiments and Coordinating Die Set (releasing 11/15/2025) from Not 2 Shabby, designed by @LVHandcrafted. The combination of earthy greens, aged map textures, and masculine tones made this a no-fuss, all-style kind of card.

🪶 The Design

I decided on a bridge card design — one of my favorite folds! It’s dimensional enough to stand proudly on display, but still folds flat for easy mailing (and you know I love that).

The front features a classic hat, a well-earned fish, and this funny sentiment that always gets a grin:

“You’re not old… just close to expired.”

Perfect for that guy in your life who claims he’s “still young at heart.”

🎁 Inside Details

Inside, I continued the rugged theme with a vintage-style backpack and a big, bold:

Happy Birthday!

Simple, masculine, and packed with personality — just the way I like my guy cards.

💬 Final Thoughts

This one’s perfect for any outdoorsman, fisherman, or adventure-loving fella. I love how the muted tones and vintage textures really pull everything together.

Watch the replay of Moody Monday HERE. Join me on the 1st and 3rd Mondays on the Not2Shabby youtube channel for some Mood Board Inspiration.... And to shake off those Moody Mondays!

If you’d like to try these supplies for yourself, you can find them at Not 2 Shabby Shop (my affiliate link — thank you for supporting my crafty adventures 🩷).

Don’t forget to swing by the November Mood Board challenge for inspiration and join in on the fun!

#MoodyMonday #MasculineCards #BirthdayCards #BridgeCardFold #CardMaking #Not2ShabbyShop #CraftInspiration #PaperCrafting #HandmadeCards #LVHandcrafted #RuggedBirthday

🌟 Guest Designer Spotlight: Oh, Christmas Tree! Soft & Glowing Holiday Card 🐭

 

Hello, creative friends! I'm back for my second post as a Guest Designer for Gerda Steiner Designs! I'm absolutely loving my time crafting with the incredibly sweet Caroling Woodland Animals stamp set (GSD873).

For my second project, I wanted to create a scene that felt warm, bright, and full of quiet Christmas morning magic. It's all about that soft, illuminated glow!

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The Magic of the Soft Glow

While my last card was all about high-contrast drama, this one focuses on subtle, light-filled artistry. This design features the little mouse in his cozy red sweater, happily caroling next to the stately Christmas tree.

1. Stamping the Scene: I stamped the mouse and the tree onto a clean, white card panel. To give the card a little extra polish, I used a die to add a simple stitched edge around the border.

1. Copic Coloring (The Secret is the Light!): I used my Copic markers with a light hand, blending softly to give the images a painted look. The real trick here is creating the glow effect:

   • I used a very pale yellow (like Y0000 or Y00) and blended it outwards from the star at the top of the tree. This simple step makes the tree look like it’s illuminated from within!

   • To ground the scene, I added a wash of my lightest blue (B0000) at the very bottom of the card. This suggests a snowy morning or a chilly outdoor ground without distracting from the main focus.

2. Whimsical Details: To complete the look, I stamped the fun musical notes from the stamp set near the mouse to show his enthusiastic singing! The "oh, Christmas Tree" sentiment, stamped in a simple black ink, perfectly captures the feel of the card.

I just love how this card turned out—it proves that these adorable Gerda Steiner Designs critters can shine in any style, from dramatic night scenes to soft, glowing mornings!

What's your favorite way to add a "glow" to your Copic-colored scenes? Let me know!

✨ A Night of Caroling Magic! Gerda Steiner Designs Guest Post! ✨

I'm absolutely thrilled to be a Guest Designer for Gerda Steiner Designs! What a perfect way to kick off the festive season with some adorable holiday crafting.

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Starring the Caroling Woodland Animals!

For my card today, I couldn't resist using the unbelievably cute Caroling Woodland Animals stamp set. Seriously, these critters in their cozy Christmas sweaters are pure joy! I just love the tiny hedgehog in his Santa hat and the cheerful mouse in his little red sweater—they bring such a warm, playful spirit to a winter scene.

I paired the caroling duo with that sweet, simple Christmas tree from the same set to build a truly charming scene.

Creating the Cozy Night Sky

To make the little animals and the bright green tree really pop, I stamped and colored my images, then mounted them on a black card base.

• Coloring: I used my trusty Copic markers to bring the images to life. The black background really makes the color vibrate. I kept the coloring simple yet dimensional, focusing on smooth blending for their fur and the tree's needles.

• The Snowy Effect: To finish the wintry scene, I created a magical night sky with a classic technique: splattering! I used bleed proof white paint, thinning it down slightly and flicking it across the black cardstock to create a beautiful, scattered starry and snowy effect. It adds so much texture and depth, transforming a simple background into a twinkling winter night.

What do you think of this sweet, starry Christmas card? I had so much fun creating this festive scene!

🎄 Joy to the World with Gerda Steiner Designs! 🎅

 

I’m so excited to share that I was a guest designer for Gerda Steiner Designs! Their stamp sets never fail to bring a smile, and this one — Woodland Holiday Friends — is pure Christmas cheer in a stamp!

I couldn’t resist this stack of Santa and his woodland pals, all ready to spread holiday joy. I colored them up with my trusty markers and added a soft blue background to let those sweet critters shine. The sentiment “Joy to the World” felt just right for this heartwarming crew.

From the cozy reindeer to the scarf-wrapped bear (and that little bird perched on top!), every detail makes me feel like I’m stepping into a storybook Christmas scene.

If you love cute critters, classic Christmas vibes, and a little crafty magic, this set is a must-have for your holiday cardmaking!

💌 Stamp Set: Woodland Holiday Friends by Gerda Steiner Designs

✨ Colored with: Alcohol markers

🖤 Sentiment: Included in the set

🍂 Hello Pumpkin! 🍂 | Gerda Steiner Designs Guest Designer

 

I am a guest designer for Gerda Steiner Designs.  Her images and collections are so adorable and so much fun to color!  Whether you use alcohol markers, colored pencils, or even watercoloring, it is easy to bring them to life.

Isn’t this little bear just the cutest? This image is from Gerda Steiner Designs and it completely stole my heart! I used Prismacolor pencils on kraft paper for a cozy, autumn feel—perfect for pumpkin season. I love how the warm tones just pop against that kraft background.

This stamp set, appropriately named Pumpkin Bear, is such a fun one to color. Between the pumpkins, the scarf, and that sweet bear face, it’s hard not to smile while working on it. 🧡

I kept the layout simple to let the image shine—sometimes less really is more! A bit of die-cut layering adds just enough detail without distracting from that cute fall moment.

🍁 What’s your favorite thing to color on kraft paper? I’d love to hear your tips and tricks in the comments below!

#CardMaking #FallCrafts #GerdaSteinerDesigns #PumpkinBear #HelloPumpkin #ColoredPencils #KraftPaperCards #HandmadeCards #FallVibes #JanaMaysDesigns

Prismacolor pencils used: 

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