Limited Edition Blog Hop

Welcome to our Stamp of the Month Blog Hop!  We will be featuring the September Stamp Of the Month, which is Limited Edition.

 
If you have come here from {Karen's Blog}, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here on Helen’s blog.

This month we have over 60 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this special stamp set and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Today, I have 3 cards and a layout to share with you. This stamp set challenged me, but in the end, I was happy to come up with so many projects.

Here's what you get with the Limited Edition stamp set.

Now "Hop" on over to {Wendy's Blog} to see her gorgeous work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set is only available until September 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to place your order to get this wonderful stamp set.

Products Used:

Congrats Tag Card

Typeset L2 Paper

Limited Edition Stamp Set

American Celebration (July) Stamp Set (Retired)

Neutral Embroidery Floss

White Waxy Flax

Wings Pleated Ribbon

Vineyard Berry, Creme Brulee, Juniper & Black Inks

Paper Piercing Kit

Wishes How-To-Program

Congratulations Pocket Card

Typeset L2 Paper

Limited Edition Stamp Set

Creme Brulee & Vineyard Berry Inks

Chocolate Ribbon (In Clearance)

Wishes How-To-Program

Remember Good Times Card

Typeset L2 Paper

Limited Edition Stamp Set

Black, Desert Sand & Vineyard Berry Inks

Wings Pleated Ribbon

Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon

Colonial White Embroidery Floss

Paper Piercing Kit

Originals How-To-Program

Remember Believe to Achieve Layout

Typeset L2 Paper

Limited Edition Stamp Set

School Rocks Stamp Set

Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set

Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon

Desert Sand, Black, Juniper, and Creme Brulee Inks

Black and Yellow Embroidery Floss

Paper Piercing Kit

Watercolor Pencils

3-D Foam Dots

Magic How-To-Program

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today. Have a great day!

Casandra

Fall into Fun with Olivia

Good evening! I know it's been a while since I've last posted. With all the excitement (and fatigue) after learning about this unexpected pregnancy, I have had no time to create anything new.

We spent Thursday night through Sunday afternoon camping at Aloha State Park. This was our first visit to this campground, and it was a wonderful camping experience. If you are near Northern Michigan, I recommend it. We had a spectacular campsite that gave us a shouting distance view of the lake and the playground.

As a side note, I wanted to mention that one of my great friends, Diana, dropped off our first official baby gift...a bouncy seat. This was such a sweet and thoughtful thing to do, and much needed because we had given away most of our old baby things. Thank you to Diana, Tina and Brianna. It means more to us than you could possibly know. We so appreciate it.

Until my next new artwork posts on Wednesday evening, here are a few layouts that I created this past winter using the retired Olivia paper pack.

Hopefully, I can find some time, this week, to get some more artwork created. Have a wonderful night!
Casandra

What a Surprise!

Good morning. It's been a few days since I last posted, and here's why:

Saturday morning, I woke up feeling so tired and dizzy. So I spent most of the day lounging on the couch with my 2 kids, in between bouts of housework. On Sunday, I took them to town so they could spend the day with Grandma and Grandpa. Because I was having a workshop that afternoon, I decided I would stop and pick up a few snacks. I also decided that I would pick up a test just to be certain that what I was starting to think might be, actually was (or wasn't).

By now...you've probably figured it out. Yup; we're pregnant. I'm not sure of my exact due date yet, but it should be somewhere around the end of April.

Sunday afternoon, hubby comes home and I tell him the news. He says, "What?!" And about 3 hours later, he comes up to me and says "Okay, this is when you tell me it was all a joke, right?" Haha...no. He thinks that Jack will be okay with it, but we're not really sure how Izzy will handle it. She's used to being the princess.

Yesterday, we told our parents and they are all pretty excited about it. It still hasn't fully sunk in for us, I think.

So I went up to Jack, this morning, and said "Would you like a new little brother or sister?" After pausing to look at me and then at Izzy, he says "No. Izzy's fine." LOL

I then told Izzy that Mama was going to have a baby, and she looked around her room and said "Where is it?" I told her in my belly. She touched my chest and said "No, it's not. Open your mouth....it's not in there, either." LOL She's just 3.

I have to say that I was quite surprised by both of their reactions, but in a funny way. Guess when I start showing, maybe it will make more sense.

I really had begun to think our life was just right as a family of 4, but I guess God has a bigger plan for all of us.

Have a happy day!

Casandra

Dreamin' Cards

I have been Dreamin' again....

Tonight, I have several Dreamin' cards to share with you.

Don't you just love that bronze glitter glue? When paired with our Mocha opaques, you have a match made in Heaven.

Supplies

Dreamin' L2 Paper

Dreamin' WOTG Stamp

Harvest Happiness Stamp
A Little Thanks Stamp
Pair-A-Phrase Stamp
Antique Copper Brads

Mocha Opaques

Bronze Glitter Glitz Gel
Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon

Chocolate, Pacifica, Honey and Goldrush Inks
Watercolor Pencils
Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge
Wishes How-To-Program

I finally turned my Cricut on today and cut out those leaves. I got a little carried away and cut out some labels and even a circle card (YES!). There is a learning curve to this machine. I confess to getting supremely frustrated with it, and tried to call a few people I knew that had Cricuts, but alas, no one was home. As my dear friend Heather likes to say, I had to put my big girl pants on and figure it out. LOL (Thanks, Heather. Makes me laugh everytime.)

I discovered 2 problems when cutting. One, you have to use the "Shift" key (like we used to with old typewriters) in order to get the leaf to cut instead of a square. The 2nd problem was the blade...I had incorrectly installed it and it wouldn't cut my paper even though the machine said it was cutting. And wow...that sticky mat is like a glue trap for a mouse. LOL Except it doesn't smell like peanut butter. (Don't ask me how I know this.) Oops. I fear that I am rambling now....

Have a wonderful night!

Casandra

I Made A Wish Miracle Layout

Good evening!

I finally found some time to work on my Miracle layouts. I bought the Workshop-On-The-Go kit back in July. You can get your's here through August 31st.

I wasn't in love with the suggested stickease layout, so I decided to change things up a bit. Of course, as you may already know, I love stitching.

I have already scrapped Jack's album(s) all the way through this Summer. But I decided that this layout could be part of the family album.

Wasn't he the most precious baby? Like the journaling says, he was just 10 days old in these pictures. The photographer couldn't believe how bright-eyed he was, or how much he moved about for being so little. Haha...well, that was just the beginning. He is one busy kid nowadays.

Supplies

Miracle WOTG Kit

Miracle Stickease

Chocolate Cardstock

Chocolate Brads

Chocolate Embroidery Floss

Paper Piercing Kit

Magic How-To-Program

I can't wait for Rookie Blue to start. The one night that I get a break from cartoons and History Channel shows. LOL Have a great night!
Casandra

You & Me Preschool Graduation Layout

Good evening! We woke up to a foggy, sunny day.

On the way to daycare this morning, the kids were chatting back and forth about it. Izzy kept asking what that was and why she couldn't see. Jack, in his authoritative (almost kindergartner) voice, calmly explained that it was fog. When she asked what fog was, he replied "You see that white mist? That's fog." Wow! I couldn't have described it any better. How'd he get to be so smart?!

This past weekend, I finally got around to adding some photo's to some of my kids' layouts. I believe 12 layouts are now complete and in their albums. Wow, huh?

I worked on this layout on Saturday, and even printed the photo's for it on my own printer.

It is from the You & Me kit (May's National Stamping Month promotion). It came with instructions to create 2 scrapbook layouts, exclusive stamp set, dimensional elements, mocha opaques, yummy chocolate striped ribbon and gorgeous papers. It was a steal at $15.00.

I added some stitching because I prefer it to stamped stitching designs.

This layout design was perfect for my son's preschool graduation photo's. I can't believe how big he's getting. He refused to wear that sweater vest for class pictures but agreed to wear it for graduation. LOL

Hope you like my latest creation.

Casandra

Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop

Welcome to our Pair-A-Phrase Blog Hop!  We will be featuring our National Stamping Month Campaign, which is Pair-A-Phrase, (2) D-size stamp sets. 
If you have come here from {Deanne's Blog}, you are on the right path! The blog hop is a great big circle, so you can start here and work your way all around. If you get lost along the way, you’ll find the complete list of participating consultants here on Helen’s blog.

This month we have over 40 Close To My Heart Consultants sharing their creations using this special stamp set and other great CTMH products on their blogs. This is simple to do - just click on the link at the end of the post on each blog to move to the next one! Here we go!

Today, I have 3 cards to share with you. I was so inspired by this wonderful set of stamps; it's perfect for year-round stamping.

Here's what you get with the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set.

Aren't they adorable?

Now "Hop" on over to {Wendy's Blog} to see her work! Be sure to visit all the Consultants at their Blogs to get some great crafting ideas and other fun ideas! Remember, the Pair-A-Phrase stamp set is only available until September 30th! Contact your CTMH Consultant (or click here) to place your order to get this wonderful stamp set for free!

Products Used:

Blue Owl Card

Dreamin' L2 Paper

Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set

Grown With Love Stamp Set (Retired)

Neutral Embroidery Floss

Bamboo Bitty Brads

Chocolate, Goldrush & Sunset Inks

Watercolor Pencils

Edge Distresser

Paper Piercing Kit

Wishes How-To-Program

Perfect Treat Circle Card

Mayberry L2 Paper

Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set

Summer Days Stamp Set

Smoothie, Honey, Olive & Cocoa Inks

Watercolor Pencils

Buttercup Yellow Ribbon

Chocolate Brads

Chocolate Embroidery Floss

Paper Piercing Kit

Corner Rounder

3-D Foam Dots

Wishes How-To-Program

Bicycle Card

Mayberry L2 Paper

Pair-A-Phrase Stamp Set

Cocoa Ink

Watercolor Pencils

Colonial White Embroidery Floss

3-D Foam Dots

Picket Fence Punch

Scallop Border Punch

Paper Piercing Kit

Wishes How-To-Program

Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by today. I was so excited to participate in my first-ever blog hop. Have a great day!

Casandra

Dreamin' Workshop

Hi everyone! Well, yesterday was my birthday. My kids woke me up with hugs and kisses and enthusiastic "Happy Birthday(s)". Made my day. When hubby came home from work, he handed a gift card to Jack to give to me. So, on top of getting a Cricut Expression for my birthday, I also will have dinner and a movie with my hubby. Very nice.... :)

I have been busy working on some scrapbook layouts since Tuesday. They even have photo's and journaling on them. Wow, huh?!

I'm so excited to share my layouts from the Dreamin' Workshop. Here they are:

(Please Note: In order to create the 4 layouts, we only need to add a sheet of chocolate, a sheet of bamboo, and a 4x4 blue B&T square.)

This scrapbook workshop is scheduled for September 10th at 1:00 pm. This is the same day as my all-day crop. You can still attend the workshop, even if you choose not to attend the all-day crop. Please contact me to let me know by August 22nd, so we can get your order placed in time to have it here for the workshop date.

For this workshop, I have a few purchasing options for you.

Basic Option #1:

Dreamin' L2 Kit $9.95
6-Pack Colonial White Cardstock $2.95
Shimmer Designer Brads $4.95
Bronz Glitz Glitter Gel $2.75
Dreamin' Stickease $4.95

Sub-Total: $25.55


Better Option #2:

Dreamin' L2 Kit $9.95
6-Pack Colonial White Cardstock $2.95
Shimmer Designer Brads $4.95
Bronz Glitz Glitter Gel $2.75
Dreamin' Stickease $4.95
Mocha Opaques $2.95
Honey Mini-Medley's $4.95

Sub-Total: $33.45


Best Option #3 (Includes C-size stamp set & brochure):

Dreamin' WOTG Kit $29.95
6-Pack Colonial White Cardstock $2.95
Dreamin' Stickease $4.95
Mocha Opaques $2.95
Honey Mini-Medley's $4.95

Sub-Total: $45.75


Please Note: The sub-total amounts reflect your costs before tax and shipping.

I will supplement each workshop participant with an extra cardstock sheet each of Bamboo and Chocolate, as my thank you for attending my workshop. I will also provide you with stamps, inks and tools necessary to complete your 4 layouts.

You will need to bring a paper trimmer, adhesive, micro-tip scissors and a paper piercing kit (if you have it).

R.S.V.P. and payment is required by August 22nd in order to participate in this workshop. You don't want to miss it. :)

Thank you,

Casandra

A Wicked Card

I have had an incredible weekend. It was so nice to relax a little on Saturday and embrace my creativity. I even got to play with my kids.

Yesterday, I baked some cookies, and cinnamon rolls and prepared for my card workshop. Thank you, Diana, for spending your afternoon with me. :)

My husband came home with the kids towards late afternoon, and we got to play "scurvy pirates", my daughter's personal favorite game. I'm not sure who walked the plank more. LOL

Anyways, I finally got around to finishing my "Wicked" card. Thought I would share it with you.

Supplies:

White Daisy, Sunset Orange, Black & Grey Wool Cardstock
Wicked Stamp Set
Black Ink
Black Embroidery Floss
Paper Piercing Kit
Scoring Tool
Wishes How-To-Program

I started working on this card before my Mischief kit arrived.

If you would like a "Wicked" stamp of your very own, please contact me to find out more information.

Have a wonderful evening!

Casandra

Christmas Card Swap Spoiler

Good evening!

I have my cards almost finished for my Christmas card swap. You may remember a post I made a few weeks ago. I wasn't really happy with my sledding fun card. After a few friends gave me some advice on how I might change it to make it better, I finally found the time today to "fix" it.

Here it is:

Basically, I removed the red items and replaced them with glittery snowflakes, some clear sparkles, and "Let it Snow" sentiment in New England Ivy.

But then, I decided that to do it the right way, I would really need to break out my Aspen Level 2 pack that I had been hoarding. I reduced the windswept template (Wishes) down to 75% so that it would fit on a standard size card, as well. Here is the newest version:

This card makes me think of the magical days (& nights) of Christmas vacation. My mom would take us up the hill from our house in the evening hours when the moonlight would hit the freshly fallen snow and make it sparkle like diamonds. We would sled for an hour or longer with family and friends. Then we would head back to the house for hot cocoa and snuggle into our pj's. Yes, definitely some of my fondest memories of childhood.

Do you think breaking out my Aspen paper was worth it? :) This new motto that Close To My Heart has adopted..."consume it, not collect it" has really hit home with me.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Casandra

Hooray Boquet Stamp Set and Elemental Paper Kit are gorgeous when paired together. Please check out this video to see how the new Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge brings it all together.

I know this is on my must-have list. How about you?

Casandra