DJ's Sundries

I have a quick, cute card to share with you today.  The video shows all the details.  Life is good but very busy, so I will let the video give you the 411 about this one.  Be sure to head here to get those items that may be discontinued soon. Thanks for watching.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

This may look like a little thimble to you, but to me, it means so much more.  The story goes back more than 30 years to when I was a little girl.  One day while visiting my grandmother she told me about this little gold thimble and said that when she died, she wanted me to have it.  I'm not sure how old I was at the time, but I never expected my sweet grandma to go to heaven when I was 11.  After she died, we stayed at my grandfather's house for awhile helping take care of things, but my little gold thimble wasn't found.  Eventually, someone found it and made sure that it made its way to me.  I treasured this little gift from my grandmother, moving it from place to place and state to state every time the Lord had a new place for us. My 40th birthday came and was truly a difficult day.  I was exhausted emotionally and physically while working through my dear mother-in-law's recent stroke.  There was no time to celebrate that day.  For so...

The chance to win the planner bundle from Close To My Heart and DJ's Sundries is almost over.  To celebrate Marvelous Monday, today I am offering double entries.  That means every order placed on my CTMH page will receive 2 entries and every $25 you spend over $50 will earn you 2 more.  Head on over to www.djssundries.ctmh.com to join in the fun.   Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

I was finally able to spend a few hours in my craftroom tonight.  These simple Christmas cards were just some of the things on tonight's agenda.  I simply grabbed some 12X12 paper, some colored paper from my stash and simple white cardstock. The start, I cut 6X6 squares from Botanical Noel by recollections.  I then cut 5X5 squares from plain Georgia Pacific cardstock. I then grabbed some red and green cardstock from my stash and cut 4" stockings from Cricut's "Trim the Tree" cartridge.  It's an older cartridge that has several interesting shapes for Christmas. I then stamped the sentiment using Versafine Onyx Black ink and the "Merriest Christmas Holiday" from Close To My Heart.  Unfortunately, this is an older stamp set and you may have to find it on Ebay.  Finally, I attached the stocking to the card using my Xyron 250.  It was a really quick card that is easy to mass produce. Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some t...

Close to my Heart's Cyberweek specials may be over, but its not too late to enter the planner giveaway.  Here's how: Place any order on my Close to my Heart sight here between now and December 15 and you will receive one entry to the giveaway.  Every $25 you spend over $50 will give you extra entries.  Spend $75 and get 2 entries; $100 and get 3, etc. Watch for an unboxing video on the planner coming soon.  I can't wait to get mine to share with you exactly what it looks like. Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

I have decided to extend the Planner Giveaway until December 15.  Here's how you can earn entries: Place an order of ANY size between November 30-December 15and receive one entry to the drawing.  Receive an extra entry for every $25 you spend over $50.  For example, if you spend $100, you will receive 3 entries But remember that Close To My Heart's Cyberweek Sale ends Friday, December 4, 2015 at 4:00 PM MST.  Any order placed between now and the end of the Cyberweek sale will receive DOUBLE entries into the drawing.  Ready to join? Remember to get the specials from Close To My Heart, you must shop through the Cyberweek link on the left hand side of the shopping page.  Otherwise, you won't get the sale prices. Click HERE to start shopping. Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Are you ready for the big news?  Close To My Heart is joining the planner craze.  The product line is called Everyday Life and to kick it off they are offering a special planner bundle that includes the binder, the 2016 inserts and a roller stamp for a 15% discount.  They are also opening up the rest of the product line today!  I will be offering this to ONE customer FREE of charge!  Here's how to earn a chance to win: Place an order of ANY size between November 30-December 5and receive one entry to the drawing. Receive an extra entry for every $25 you spend over $50.  For example, if you spend $100, you will receive 3 entries.  Plus, check back each day next week and I will have other ways to earn extra entries. Today's extra entry - Head over to my Close To My Heart Page here and check out the Everyday Life products.  Then come back and tell me what your favorite item is and why.  You will receive one extra entry. Don't forget t...

Remember last week that I told you that there was going to be a huge sale this week?  Here are the details: Close To My Heart is offering 39 products for 25% off!!! That is an amazing deal that even includes the "Artfully Sent" Cricut Cartridge.  I haven't seen this kind of deal on a Cricut Cartridge since becoming a Close To My Heart consultant.  Now there are a few important things that you need to know. 1. This sale is only available from November 30 at 9:00 AM MST until December 4 at 4:00PM MST. 2.  You must order from the special links titled "Cyberweek Sale."  There will not be a prompt at the checkout if you order from other pages and you will miss your discount. 3.  Even though these items are heavily discounted, you can still qualify to purchase the Stamp of the Month for $5 for any qualifying order. Don't forget that I am also having a special.  I will be ordering a brand new product to give away to one fortunate shopper worth ne...

It feels like it has been a very long time since I posted, and in reality, it has been.  Life has been busier than I have expected.  I have so much to do to get ready for Christmas.  Are you ready for Christmas Crafting?  Close To my Heart has some great products that will get you ready, whether you are making cards, simple decorations, or scrapbooking.  Not only do the have great products, but they will be offering some pretty spectacular sales beginning November 30.  There will also be a very special new product line available on December 1st.  I am so excited about it that I am going to be offering something super special from that line to one person absolutely free.  I'm going to keep it a secret until December 1st.  However, I will tell you that it is worth about $30 and it may help you get a bit more organized for the new year!!!  You can start gaining entries today.  Here's how it will work: Place an order of ANY size betwe...

Click here for the October 2015 Specials and First Giveaway Post.

I have to tell you that I think that the new Georgie collection from Close To My Heart is fabulous!  It is so fun and versatile.  What do I mean by versatile?  The colors and patterns in this collection can be used for boys and girls.  This is wonderful when you are making something for that friend who doesn't plan to find out if they are having a boy or a girl.  However, it can still be used when you know exactly what you are planning for as seen with this card for a special little girl.  Add some watercolors and you have a perfect combination for your new arrival. Here's what you will need to recreate this card: Georgie Paper Packet Georgie Complements Georgie Assortment Close To My Heart Watercolor Paints or Watercolor Pencils  Inkadinkadoo "Welcome Baby" stamp set This little bit from the complements packet is a cute addition to the inside of the card, don't you think?  Did you check out this month's specials at the top o...

Ready to see this week's giveaway?  Here you go... Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

If you are looking for the last creative post, please scroll below. Are you ready to get your Fall crafty juices flowing?  How about those one-of-a-kind Christmas crafts?  Well if so, I have a great deal for you.  I am offering some Close To My Heart specials that will kick start the season. Start by joining the "Fall Extravaganza" gathering by clicking here.   You will find the gathering's link in the bottom right hand area of the homepage.  Click "Join" and then start shopping. Special #1 Make ANY purchase and I will send you a link to an "unlisted" video featuring the Sangria paper collection.  This video will only be available to those who make a purchase in October 2015. Special #2 Purchase $50 in products (before tax and shipping) and I will send you a package of Sangria Complements absolutely FREE. Special #3 Purchase $100 (before tax and shipping) and I will also send you a Sangria paper packet absolutely FREE. Here'...

I am so excited to be participating in my first ever Damask Diva blog hop.  If you are following along and came from Melissa , you are in the right place.  If not, be sure to head over to Jennifer's blog to start at the beginning by clicking here. This month we are featuring the Sangria collection from Close To My Heart.  The colors in this kit make it perfect for Fall papercrafting.  I think there will be some fabulous thank you cards from this collection.  However, I wanted to use it to spice up a week in my Filofax. Now I typically decorate only slightly so that my planner pages are fun but still remain functional.  After all, if a planner isn't useful for planning, its not what I need right now.  This week however, will be a bit more decorated but still with plenty of room to keep organized. To start with I grabbed my planner pages from my Filofax and sponged them with Eggplant , Champagne and Poppy Exclusive Inks.  This created...

Today I wanted to show you a project using the Sangria collection from Close To My Heart.  This collection is so perfect for Fall crafting.  I also found that it works well with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and Perfect Pearls. I used the "Framed" stamp set which was the August Stamp of the Month.  While it is unfortunately not available anymore, you might be able to find someone with an extra online. Supply List: CTMH Sangria Paper Packet CTMH Watercolor Paper CTMH "Framed" stamp set CTMH White Daisy cardstock (cut to form a cardbase) Versafine Black Ink Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Ripe Persimmon, Seedless Preserves, Gathered Twigs Perfect Pearls Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Hello!  I just wanted to share this special I'm having from now until 11:55pm on September 30. Head over to my personal business page at Close To My Heart and join the  "New Ideas Gathering" by clicking here . 1.  Make ANY purchase and you will receive a link to a private video featuring the Sangria collection. 2.  Purchase $50* and you will receive the Sangria Complements packet absolutely free in addition to #1 above. 3.  Purchase $100* and you will receive the Sangria Paper packet as well as #'s 1&2 above. Please don't add the items to your shopping cart.  I will send them after the gathering closes in October. *Before tax and shipping

Did you think I would have another Christmas Card so soon?  A few weeks ago, I talked about remaking cards found online.  This week, I am re-making a card that I found in the 2014-2015 Close To My Heart Idea Book.  This card was cut using "Artfully Sent" and it was beautiful. Unfortunately, not everyone has " Artfully Sent ".  Would I be able to re-make a similar card without using the Cricut?  I'll let you be the judge.   Here's what I used: New England Ivy Cardstock Ruby Cardstock (You can also get both colors in the Enchantment Pack) Colonial White Cardstock Black Exclusives inkpad Sap Green Shin Han marker Grey Enamel Gems Yuletide Carol paper pack (retired) Noel stamp set (retired) Tim Holtz "Barn Door" distress ink Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things!

Christmas is coming fast!  I want to have a large variety of Christmas cards this year.  I send so many, that I know that I have to start early.  I also know that I have loved playing with my new Close To My Heart watercolors.  This image is perfect for watercolors! I used "Sing Glory" and "To You and Yours" stamp sets from Close To My Heart.  Unfortunately, they aren't currently available, but you might be able to find them online somewhere.  I also used the "Yuletide Carol" paper pack which is also retired. Other Items Used: CTMH Ruby Cardstock CTMH New England Ivy Cardstock (You can also find both colors in the Enchantment Pack) CTMH Watercolors CTMH Black Exclusives Ink Cricut Elegant Edges Sequins Be sure to watch for another Christmas Card post coming soon.  I have some other fun posts coming soon as well. Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things!

I love to take examples of cards and switch them up to make my own.  This card came from the Close To My Heart Seasonal Expressions 1 2015 book.  You can find the original card on page 27.  I just found different paper, added an extra white border and took away the sequins.  Viola!  A fun card to share.  One of the best things about this card is that you can use up scraps or use both sides of the same sheet of paper.  There are so many possibilities from this one simple sketch. Getting ideas from others is a great way to increase your own creativity.  I find that when I play with someone else's sketch or idea, I come up with my own ideas to add to it.  Of course, we have to be careful not to take credit for someone's work. So I thought about how I could take this basic sketch, use the new Zoe paper, and make something new.  By simply adding some shimmer trim, turning the above card on its side and trading out the stars for sequi...

Hello everyone.  I was looking for a fun card to bring for my card club members to you when I ran across an old paperbag card I had made.  I knew it would be perfect so I decided to teach them how to make it.  You can see the inspiration for this card here: Cara's Paperbag card: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZTtxfW2zEY While discontinued items were used on 2 of the cards, the other 2 were made using the following current items: Zoe Paper packet "Just to Say" stamp set from the Artfully Sent Cricut bundle Finding the Words stamp set Balloon Wishes stamp set Coral Shimmer Trim Slate Exclusives Ink Black Exclusives Ink Coral Sequins (discontinued) Free to be Me paper pack (discontinued) Skylark paper pack (discontinued) How about a full video tutorial? Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

If you watch my YouTube channel, you probably know that I love my Filofaxes.  I decided to use Close To My Heart's Zoe paper collection to make this cute little insert.  I love it!  It is so pretty and I have so much room to put things in the pockets.  You can't beat it.  Now I have to make some for my other 2 Filofaxes. Supplies: Zoe Paper Collection Ariste Cricut Cartridge Coral Shimmer Trim Slate Exclusives Ink Zig Black pen Tim Holtz Distress Marker   Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

This is the card that I have been so excited to share with you but I couldn't until the new Annual Inspirations came out.  Why?  Because that bear was not painted with just any watercolors.  It was painted with the BRAND NEW watercolors from Close To My Heart.  Woo Hoo!  At long last CTMH has added its own set of watercolors and they are GoRGeOuS!!!  Not only that, but they have added watercolor paper and brushes too. Just look at all of those beautiful colors.  How much better can it get?  The creative possibilities with Close To My Heart's watercolor line are just amazing. What else did I use? CTMH - Balloon Wishes stamp set Enchantement paper pack (old set) White Daisy Cardstock Plus a few other items too... 3 Girl JAM ribbon Strathmore watercolor paper, Spellbinders Scalloped Oval dies Versafine ink Inkadinkadoo Welcome Baby stamp set Tim Holtz Distress inks (Mustard seed and salty ocean?) Thanks so much for stopp...

Woo Hoo... It's here and you have got to see all the new products available from Close To My Heart.  I have a few in the video to share.  You can then check out my online store by clicking here .  Then join the "New Ideas Gathering" and shop away.  There is so much to choose from that I don't want you to miss it. Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

The new Close To My Heart Annual Inspirations catalog will be here very soon.  As exciting as that is, it also means that some items will soon be retiring.  Be sure to check out the "retiring items" section before August 31 so you don't miss something you really want. In the meantime, how about a special, direct from me? Anyone who purchases $100 (before tax and shipping) will receive any D-Sized stamp set in the new catalog absolutely FREE!  Here's how it will work... 1.  Log into my Close To My Heart site here . 2. Join the "Artistry" Gathering 3. Complete your purchase between now and 11:59 pm, MST. on August 31 4. On September 1, 2015, simply browse my site and enjoy looking at all of the new products 5.  Choose your D-sized stamp set and email me which you chose.  Email to:djssundries@gmail.com 6.  I'll get it ordered and sent to you as soon as possible. Not ready to spend $100? 1. Follow instuctions 1-2 above 2. ...

I know this card is very similar to one that I posted a couple of days ago.  I received my inspiration from Jennifer McGuire ( here ) and knew that I wanted to share it with you.  Before we get into the card though, here's some news you might want to know>>> August Special There are a few Close To My Heart Specials this month.  To see all of the specials click here .  However, I am also running a personal special.  Anyone who purchases $100 between now and August 3, 2015 from my Close To My Heart site, will receive one of the brand new paper packs absolutely free.  Here's how it will work: Click HERE to enter the site. Click on the "Artistry" Gathering in the bottom right part of the home page. Order your products (but not your "free" paper). On September 1st, I will contact you via email and ask you which of the BRAND NEW paper packs you wish to order.  I will then order it and send it out to you.  Easy peasy. >>> N...

As mentioned in my last post, I recently went on a camping trip and decided to take my Distress Inks and watercolors along. I had so much fun playing with them and was able to get quite a few images ready or nearly ready to be trimmed and matched up with paper and sentiments for cards.  Unfortunately, some of the Close To My Heard products are being retired (like the paper pack and cute little bow on her head.  After August 31, they will no longer be available.  They will also be removed from the website if they sale out before the end of the month. Here is one of my favorite cards for a baby: Here's what you need to get started.  If the product is available from CTMH, there will be a direct link provided so that you can get your own. Watercolor Pencils Balloon Wishers stamp set Stuck On You Puffies (Soon to Retire) Confetti Wishes Paper pack (Soon to Retire) White Daisy cardstock Spellbinders large scalloped dies Inkadinkadoo:  Welcome Baby stam...

I recently went on a camping trip and decided to take my Distress Inks and watercolors along.  I found this amazing technique while watching Jennifer McGuire ( here ) and knew that I wanted to try it.  I still haven't done the full technique, but I really like the way this card turned out with the "partial" technique.  Before we get into the card though, here's some news you might want to know>>> August Special There are a few Close To My Heart Specials this month.  To see all of the specials click here .  However, I am also running a personal special.  Anyone who purchases $100 between now and August 3, 2015 from my Close To My Heart site, will receive one of the brand new paper packs absolutely free.  Here's how it will work: Click HERE to enter the site. Click on the "Artistry" Gathering in the bottom right part of the home page. Order your products (but not your "free" paper). On September 1st, I will contact you via ema...

I love white on white projects with just a splash of color.  That is the effect that I was trying to achieve with this textured card. I used the following items: Embossing folders: The Paper Studio - Zebra Sizzix - Four Petal Flower Cuttlebug - Stylized Flowers, Swiss Dots, Script, Perfectly Paisley, D'Vine Swirl Vicoria Close To My Heart Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge Close To My Heart White Daisy cardstock Close To My Heart Blossom paper pack Close To My Heart Coral Reef sequins You can find your Close To My Heart products here. Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

I recently used the Close To My Heart Artfully Sent cartridge to make some fabulous Christmas Cards.  When I needed a thank you card, I knew that I wanted to use the same card base and modify it to work for my thank you card.  I'm so glad that I did because the outcome was this bright and cheerful card. Here's what you need: Close To My Heart Glacier Ultra Thick Twine Close To My Heart Artfully Sent Cricut cartridge Close To My Heart Pathfinding stamp set (from Workshops on the Go) Close To My Heart Black Exclusives ink pad You can get your Close To My Heart supplies here . Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Being thankful for the little things is a big deal to me.  However, the card that I'm bringing you today is for a "big thing".  Here's what you need to get started: Close To My Heart Blossom paper pack Close To My Heart Coral Reef sequins Close To My Heart White Daisy cardstock Close To My Heart Give a Lift stamp set Close To My Heart Smoothie and Whisper Exclusive inks (You can get your Close To My Heart supplies here ) Die cuts from my stash Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Hello everyone.  Did you know that the new Annual Inspirations catalog is coming out next month?  That's right.  We will have lots of fun new products to share with you soon.  To get you ready for that, Close To My Heart is releasing a few of these products right now! Plus they are offering a couple of fun specials this month only that I want to share with you.  Let's take a look, but be sure to go all the way through to the end because I have a personal special to add to what Close To My Heart is offering. New Marker and Accessory Roll-ups If you purchase these in August, you will receive extra products direct from CTMH absolutely FREE!  If you purchase the Marker Roll-up, the FREE product is a D-sized stamp set.  That's a very sweet deal! Zoe Collection One new paper collection with it's accessories is also being released this month.  It even includes a scrapbooking Workshop on the Go. Isn't that so fun? To see all of the b...

I know that not everyone has joined the planner conundrum, but if you have, here are a couple of videos you might enjoy. Planner Supply Organization July 2015 Planner Update #2 Thanks for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Sometimes, simple is better and I felt that this was one of those times.  I also decided that it had been so long since I had pulled out the watercolors that I wanted to play a bit with them.  Here's what I used: Close To My Heart White Daisy cardstock Close To My Heart Everlasting Life Holidays stamp set (retired) Close To My Heart Your Own Kind of Wonderful stamp set Close To My Heart Coral Reef sequins Essentials watercolor pad Memento Tuxedo Black ink Paper Trey Ink Boutique Borders Sympathy stamp set Neocolor II watercolor crayons - Ultramarine, Cobalt Blue, Violet Black Zig pen You can get your Close To My Heart supplies here . Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

I know.  Who in their right minds is already thinking about Christmas?  I am.  I have such a long Christmas card list that I wanted to get an early start this year.  I set a goal.  Ready?  My goal is to make 10 cards per week until I have enough.  Lets see if I can do it.  Here is this week's card. For inspiration, I turned a 4X4 card that I found in the current Close to my Heart Idea Book into an A2 sized card. I love the end result!   Here's what I used from Close To My Heart: Christmas Post Stamp Set Ruby and Black Exclusive Inks Ruby Cardstock New England Ivy Cardstock Colonial White Cardstock Colonial White Cardbases Bronze Shimmer Trim Honeycomb Embossing Folder Sparkles Brown and Tan Assortment Foam tape I also used some other embossing folders to give it some variety. Do you want to know the best part?  There is a PRIZE being offered with this post.  Check out the vi...

  Sometimes the simplest cards can be so sweet.  That is the case with this one.  It took just a few minutes to make and was the perfect gift enclosure.  Here's what I used: White Daisy Cardstock Family is Forever CTMH stampset (no longer available from CTMH) Black Exclusives ink pad Cuddly Salutations stamp set Shin Han Twin markers in Mahogany and Pastel Green Blossom paper packet 3 Girl JAM Daffodil crinkle ribbon Thanks so much for stopping by today.  Remember to take some time to enjoy the little things.

Nearly every month, I get together with a nice group of ladies and we create with Close To My Heart products. Often we will use a Workshop on the Go.  When we use those, there are always extra supplies.  I encourage each lady to make something using those extra supplies.  Sometimes I will choose a theme to follow and other times, its just "Anything Goes". In June, we used the Blossom Workshop on the Go which you can find here.   This set comes with all the paper supplies, embellishments and a stamp set that you need to make 15 cards.  Simply add adhesive and ink and you're ready to go.  I then began using the scraps to make extra projects. This card was made completely from the "leftovers".  I think it is beautiful.  I love the colors and the way everything blends so well together.  All I had to add was the adhesive and Black Exclusives ink which here can find here .     Thanks so much for stopping by today. Remember to...