Studio J Free-For-All Layout

In case you haven't noticed, I am lovin' the Mayberry paper pack. The colors are so bright and cheerful and can be used for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and I bet if I tried, I could even find a way to use them for Winter!

Since today is the last day that we can get a free jpg download from Studio J, I decided it was time that I went on-line and scrapped. I still prefer traditional scrapbooking, but I love that I was able to create a digital layout in about 35 minutes. That's about a 1/3 of the time it takes me to make a traditional layout.

Since it is Father's Day month, I thought I would honor my father and my son in this layout.

Jack is truly the apple of his Grandpa's eye. Like my journaling says, everyone always says how much Jack looks like his Grandpa. I probably should've changed the title to say Apple of Your Grandpa's Eye, but oh well. I love it. I know my family will, too.

If you haven't yet logged on to Studio J, please visit my website, and follow the link for Studio J.

Just a quick note, if you are not a current member of Studio J, you will only be able to use the templates that do not have *Members Only* stamped across them. This template is called Powerful Trio.

If you have any questions about Studio J, please don't hesitate to contact me via e-mail. You have until 11:59 pm EST to get your layout completed, approved and purchased (free, of course).

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

Shhh....

Shhh.... I have just been a very naughty girl today.

I went to Jo-Ann's, when really I should know better and just stay out of that store, right? Well, they had a 4-pack of Spellbinder dies (Scalloped & Classic Ovals - Small and Large) for $39.99. It's been there for ages, because it was special ordered for someone who must have had a change of heart, like yeah, I know...I should've, too. Zoikes.

Anyways, after I had to print out an oval shape, enlarge it on the copy machine, cut both ovals out, and then trace around them so I could make that giraffe card the other night, you can see where I'm going with this.... LOL I just had to have it.

I have a Cuttlebug. Can anyone tell me if I need a special mat to cut with the Spellbinder's (in addition to my Cuttlebug plates)?

I will have to use them to create my Christmas cards that I will be making this weekend for a card swap. I'm feeling a little giddy right now just thinking about all the fun I will have with them. Hopefully, the guilt will go away soon. :)

Any advice on how to use the Spellbinder dies would be greatly appreciated. Have a blessed day!

Casandra

Stardust Laugh Layout

Back in January, I was feeling the mid-winter blue's and decided to make a layout featured in the Magic How-To-Program. In fact, it is nearly identical to the layout shown in the book. It was a bit intimidating, at first, but I quickly got the hang of it. It was actually easier than I expected, and it has such a pop to it, that it will stand out in Jack's album for years to come. I'm super pleased with it.

• Stardust Level 2 Kit (Retired)
• DCWV Orange Cardstock (sponge stamped with Autumn Terracotta Ink to darken)
• DCWV Navy Blue Cardstock
• Chocolate Twill Ribbon (Clearance)
• Sunset, Lagoon & Outdoor Denim Buttons
• Antique Copper Bitty Brads
• Field Trip Stamp Set
• Magic How-To-Program: Hocus Pocus Template

I am uploading this to my blog today to participate in a brand new blog challenge that a fellow CTMH consultant has started. You can check it out here. Thanks, Diana!

The chocolate ribbon used in this layout is currently listed in the "Shop Online-While Supplies Last" section of my website.

Can't believe how big my kids are getting. These pictures are from January, 2009. :)

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

Mojo Monday 196 Meets PBK

I found inspiration for this card from two very different places.

First of all, I was flipping through a current Pottery Barn Kids catalog last week. The colors on Page 66 reminded me of my teenage bedroom decor. The bedroom walls were white, and the curtains and bedding were lilac and white floral with eyelet lace trim. A friend from England gave the set to me. One of those things that I didn't realize that I left behind when I moved out of my childhood home....

When I saw last week's sketch for Mojo Monday here, my vision was born.

Here is my take on the two "sketches" merged together.



Here is a list of supplies used:

• It's A Zoo Stamp Set
• For Every Occasion Stamp Set
• Pearl Opaques
• Creme Brulee Ribbon
• Purple, Sweet Leaf and White Daisy Cardstock
• Creme Brulee, Chocolate, Sweet Leaf & Smokey Plum Inks
• Stampin' Up Scallop Border Punch
• Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

This was a lot of fun for me, and a new way of creating cards. Sometimes, we need to think outside of the box. Hope that I have been able to inspire you.

Happy crafting!

Casandra

Sophia Meets Mojo Monday Sketch #191

Good morning, Wednesday!

I hit a creative road block on Sunday evening after making 10 cards in 2 days. It seemed that everything I could think up for a birthday card had already been done. So I blog-surfed for a few days trying to find inspiration. Yes...I do it, too.

One of my favorite designers is also a featured designer for Mojo Monday. So I decided to take a look here.

This was my first attempt at creating a birthday card with this sketch.

Here is my 2nd attempt.

Here, you can see both cards side by side. I like how the balloons add a 3-D effect.

Although the second creation took a little more time, I feel it was time well spent. What do you think?

Casandra

Sophia Friendship Card

I decided to take a break from designing birthday cards for my workshop coming up, and instead created a friendship card.

It feels like something is missing from this card, but I couldn't decide what else I could include without making it look too busy. So I decided that less was more. If you haven't already figured this out (with my card designs), I love to paper piece. I also love to hand sew on my projects.

I used the following items to create this card:

• Sophia L2 Paper
• Sophia Workshop Stamp Set
• Hollyhock, Goldrush & Pear Inks
• Mocha Opaques
• Hot Pink Satin Loop Ribbon
• Wishes How-To-Program

I dedicate this card to all of my wonderful friends out there. You know who you are. :)

Casandra

July Card Workshop

Good evening! I have been busy creating cards this weekend for next month's Card Workshop. We will be creating 12 cards total. I have 2 birthday cards to finish designing (waiting on a new stamp set), so I thought I would share with you what I have done so far.

 Sympathy Cards

 Thinking of You Cards

Birthday Cards 

We will be creating a dragon birthday card with the Birthday Blast stamp set, and unless I find a design I like better, my plan was to create another square birthday card with a pink hippo and girl theme. I love that window design. It's easier than I thought it would be.

Card Workshop Details:

Date: Sunday, July 10, 2011

Time: 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: My Home

What: Create 12 Cards for just $18.00

I think we can comfortably seat up to 10 guests. If we have extra people sign up, I will most likely schedule a 2nd event to accomodate everyone.

Please R.S.V.P. by July 1st. Hope to see you there!

Casandra



You & Me Birthday Layout

My little girl turned 3 years old last month. I can't believe how big she is getting. She keeps telling me "I'm getting bigger and bigger!" Izzy, you sure are. Love you, baby.

I wanted to share, with you, the birthday layout I made the other night. It has been so long since I actually created something for my family that even has pictures on it.

I had a bit of trouble getting the bow just right, but in the end, I'm happy with how it turned out.

I love how Izzy had to put her helmet and sunglasses on right away. My baby is growing up....

Casandra

My First Home Gathering Party

I wanted to take a moment to thank Kelly for hosting my first home gathering party. She put a lot of effort into getting ready for her party. The gathering was a small one but I had such a nice time sharing my love for papercrafting. Each guest was able to take something home, too.

I'm a bit embarrassed to admit that I spent so much time chatting with everyone, that we never did get around to creating the make-and-take projects until after Kelly's guests had left. Oops. :)

Here are 2 of the items that Kelly and I made today:

For the door hanger project, we used the Miracle paper pack and the Dreams Come True Stamp Set. The butterfly was a bonus from a Petite Perks Stamp Set that I have had for a year. We used Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Twilight, Cotton Candy, Garden Green and Desert Sand inks (chocolate brads, too).

The Fanfare card was changed up a bit from my original post (a few days ago). I added the Fanfare WOTG stamp to create the cupcake, and the sentiment was stamped from an old "Everyday Celebration" stamp set. We used Cranberry and Crystal Blue ink for that.

Thanks again, Kelly. I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to reach out to your friends and family and show off papercrafting the Close To My Heart way.

Casandra

Father's Day Card Inspiration?

I can't believe so much of the summer has already slipped by and here we are getting ready to celebrate Father's Day!

Fortunately, I am ahead of the game for Father's Day cards, this year. Normally, I am finishing them up just hours before we go visiting.

Well, if you're like me, it can be hard to come up with inspiration for a nice Father's Day card. My father-in-law and dad are not the tie-wearing type. They're blue-collar through and through and I couldn't be more proud of them.

The founder and CEO, Jeanette Lynton, of Close To My Heart has a wonderful blog that I have been faithfully following for the past few years since I happily discovered it. Please follow this link to check out her latest creations. 

I have included a picture from Jeanette Lynton's blog that showcases the finished result of one of the cards. Ms. Lynton's artwork inspires me often. To think, I almost didn't buy that Lucky paper and now I just love it! It's perfect for heritage, masculine and boy projects.

Hope the fathers in your life have a wonderful day on Sunday! I plan to surprise my husband with a nice breakfast and barmaid duty during his NASCAR race. Haha.

Have a great day!

Casandra

Fanfare American Celebration Cards

I am so excited for Friday's Home Gathering Party. My best friend has graciously agreed to host a party at her home. This will be my first home gathering party outside of my own home.

We will be creating the cute 4th of July themed cards as a make-and-take project.

This is actually the same card recipe, but some papers were flipped and flopped to give a different appearance. If time allows, guests will be able to create both cards, as well as a door hanger.

Here is a list of supplies used:

• Fanfare L2 Paper
• White Daisy Card Base
• July 2011 SOTM American Celebration Stamp
• In the Month of July Stamp
• Cranberry, Honey and Pacifica Inks
• White Daisy Grosgrain Ribbon
• Wishes How-To-Program

I can't wait for this party. It's sure to be great fun and full of laughter with the ladies. Thank you so much, Kelly!

Casandra

Sophia Scrapbook Workshop

The next workshop I will be hosting is scheduled for Sunday, June 26th from 1pm to 6pm. We will be creating 8 pages, and if time allows, we may finish the last 2 pages pictured here.

Sophia ranked as the most popular kit in the current Idea Book, recently on Facebook by Close To My Heart customers like you.

Payment and sign-up for the workshop, is due by Friday, June 17th. I will be precutting the papers for you so I will have the kits delivered here to get them ready for you ahead of time.

If you are interested in learning more about this workshop, please e-mail me your questions, or give me a call. The cost for the basic workshop kit is $29.95 plus tax & shipping. Suggested add-on's would be as follows:

• X7131C Sophia Level 2 My Stickease Assortment $4.95 
• Z1357 Sophia Level 2 Journaling Spots $3.95
• Z1326 Red, Pink & Purple Sparkles $2.95
• Z578 Corner Rounder $7.95
• 1514 Tombow Mono Adhesive $8.95
• Z534 Micro-Tip Scissors

If you would like to attend, but would like the bare minimum to complete the pages, I would recommend purchasing the Sophia Level 2 Paper Pack and the Sophia Level 2 Stickease. The buttons, waxy flax and sparkles are a nice addition, but your pages would still look great without them. Plus, you could always add them later, if you choose.

I will provide alphabet stamps, inks, stamp cleaner, paper trimmer (for additional cuts), glue dots, and I do have two pairs of trimmer scissors that would have to be shared.

Also, please note: I will provide snacks and drinks for the workshop. Thank you. Hope to see you there!

Casandra
casandrab1976@yahoo.com

Hooligans Layouts

Here are some scrapbook layouts I made last Fall using the Hooligan's Workshop Kit:

The rock star layout is my favorite one of the bunch. :) I was inspired by the Reflections How-To-Program and the Fall/Winter 2010 Idea Book.
This paper will no longer be available as of August 1, 2011. If you would like to order your Hooligan's paper pack, please contact me, or shop on-line at my website.

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

Fanfare Workshop Additional Layouts

Today, I am finishing up the last 4 pages for tomorrow's Fanfare workshop. Titles are stamped and pre-cut for you.

The Summer Fun layout (shown below) will have a different alphabet stamp used for it. I do not currently own the Pennant stamp set, though it's on my must-have list. We will, instead, use the alphabet stamp used to stamp "FUN".

Your pages may look just a little different based on what papers we had left.

My favorite template in the Magic book is "Magician's Choice". This template is perfect for using up those small scraps of paper left from a kit. There were also a few extra stickease leftover, so I used them on this layout. I got my Cuttlebug down and cut out the title for 6 layouts total. And until I can get my hands on the July 2011 SOTM set, I only had "In The Month Of July" stamp set to work with for patriotic-themed stamps.

With some added cardstock, you can stretch a $12.95 paper pack quite far. There are still some scraps leftover, and my guests will be able to make other layouts with them, or even cards.

Hope you like!

Casandra

For the love of Veranda

This winter, after about a 3 month break from making Christmas cards, I decided that I needed to stock up on my birthday card stash. The new Wings paper reminded me of last year's Veranda paper, and inspiration found me.

Here are some cards I made one night after the kids were asleep and hubby was on a snowmobiling trip.

I used both Veranda Level 2 Paper and Veranda Creative Basics for these cards. Dreams Come True and Find Your Style are two of my favorite new stamp sets. Vineyard Berry ink had hardly been used until Wings came out.

Sympathy cards can be difficult to create. I found inspiration for the card shown above in one of our 2010 idea books. TLC stamp set and Liquid Glass paired beautifully together.

Hope you enjoyed my little tour of Veranda, and for those of you still hoarding your Veranda paper (like me), maybe these cards will inspire you to begin using the kit again. LOL

Have a blessed day!

Casandra