Typed Note Valentines Day Projects

I used up every tiny scrap from the Heartstrings kit. Of all the cards I created with this kit, this one is my favorite. I found inspiration in the Seasonal Expressions book.

But I didn't stop there; I ended up making a layout with this stamp set, too.

I even managed to use up all but one sticker from the matching Heartstrings complements. 

Recipe:

Paper: Heartstrings, Hopscotch, Whisper CS, White Daisy CS, Hollyhock CS, Cranberry CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Love Ya Silly, Typed Note (CTMH)

Inks: Cranberry, Whisper, Lagoon (CTMH)

Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)

Other: White Glitter Trim, Stuck On You glitter puffies, Slate Ribbon, Heartstrings Complements (CTMH)

Hope you like my projects. Don't forget: Typed Note is only available for the month of April. 

Casandra

SOUS Easter Layout

Today, I am enjoying the sunshine as I sit here in my craft room. I even played silly hide-and-go-seek games with my daughter.

I'm really proud of my latest scrapbook layout. One of my close friends finally took the leap to log into Cricut Craft Room, and she inspired me to give it a try. After more than 2 hours trying to get my computer to recognize the cricut and finally to update firmware, etc., I began to have my doubts if it was really worth it. BUT, now that all those things have been accomplished, I love the ease of using CCR. I can even create 12" grass! Amazing....And, I even bought a digital cricut cartridge download (Doodlecharms) so I could cut the Easter basket. 

Recipe:
Paper: Brushed, Juniper CS, Hollyhock CS, White Daisy CS, Black CS, Kraft CS (CTMH)
Stamps: A Hop (retired), Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet, Brushed WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Pear, Hollyhock, Buttercup (retired), Pixie, Desert Sand, Black, Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Artiste, Cricut Doodlecharms, Micro-Tip Scissors, Woodgrain Embossing Folder, Sponges (CTMH)
Other: Lagoon Heart Washi, Topiary Chevron Ribbon, Glue Dots, Foam Tape (CTMH)

At one point, as Izzy was participating in her 2nd Easter Egg Hunt (she did three of them last year), she yelled "Chocolate. I need chocolate! Chocolate I tell ya!"

I am entering this layout into the following challenges:
1) Stuck On U Sketches: In The Garden Challenge
2) Heart 2 Heart Challenges: How Cute Challenge

I can't wait for this Easter. Izzy wants to take back her record of finding her Easter basket first. I wonder who will succeed?

Casandra

LM231 Wild Thing Layout

Good morning. We are counting down the days until Spring Break. A couple of weeks ago, my little niece turned 4, and we surprised her with cupcakes at McDonald's. While this layout will actually go into my daughter's scrapbook, I thought it would be good to show the personalities and relationships that my children have with their little cousin.

Recipe:
Paper: Hooligans (retired), Flaxen Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Brushed WOTG (CTMH)
Ink: Gypsy (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Scallop Border Punch, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Hooligans Complements, Boardwalk Washi Tape (CTMH)

I would like to enter this layout into the following challenges:
1) Lasting Memories #231 Challenge
2) Heart 2 Heart "Green With Envy" Challenge

I knew this old paper pack I have been hoarding was perfect for these pictures. I added in the flaxen paper (pennants) to help draw the eye to the photos. Oddly enough, it all works together. The green 1/4" strips are actually washi tape and comes in a washi trio called "Boardwalk Washi". I couldn't wait to use it. It's "WOWZA!"

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

UYSBH Green Destash

It just so happens that green is my favorite color, and it is also my son's favorite color. When the grass turns green, I know it is truly Springtime. (At least it's not white right now.)

If you have come here from Marie Flayer's blog, you are on the right track. 

It was the Summer of 2010, and I was busy chasing around toddlers. Splendor debuted and I fell in love with its beautiful cloud patterns and topiary green grass like paper. It had a lively shade of blue called Moonstruck, and possibly the coolest brads I've ever seen. Of course, when Close To My Heart offered a huge reduction in the price, I had to buy a second kit, and I have been carefully hoarding it ever since.

Fast forward to 2015. Has it really been 5 years? Seriously? All right...it's time to start using it. But I must save every scrap!

Products Used:

Paper: Splendor (retired), Goldrush CS, Colonial White CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Card Chatter - Birthday (retired) (CTMH)

Inks: Goldrush, Topiary, Heavenly Blue (retired) (CTMH)

Other: Splendor Compliments (retired) (CTMH)

Your next stop on the hop will be Michelle Loncar's blog. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Casandra

Brushed Oh So Happy Layout

Good morning. I am so happy to finally see the sun shining. I hope that is a good omen for how today is going to go. My little girl (pictured here) has to have her first cavities filled today. I'm anxious about how she is going to be.

Recipe:
Paper: Brushed, Pear CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Brushed WOTG, It's The Little Things (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Buttercup (retired), Pixie, Hollyhock, Juniper, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Sponges, Cricut Artbooking, Micro-Tip Scissors, Craft Heater, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Leaf Green ShinHan Alcohol Marker, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Topiary Striped Washi Tape (CTMH)

This is the first time I've tried this technique. First, I cut out an overlay with my cricut. Next, I tacked it down gently with some washi tape (since it's repositionable). Then, I began sponging yellow ink down in random spots, followed by pink ink. I even sponged ink on to my clear stamp to get a two-tone ink effect. I will definitely have to use this technique again. It really jazzed this layout up.

I would like to enter this layout into the following challenges:
1) Use Your Stuff Challenge #177
2) The Paper Players PP236 Challenge

Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Casandra

Cutie Pie Birthday Card

Good afternoon. I just got back from church, and as I was walking out, the sun began shining so beautifully. Rejoice and be glad for this is the day that the Lord has made.

I have been crafting a lot lately. Sometimes, it all comes together and I am happy with the end result. This card is one such occasion.

Recipe: 
Paper: Hopscotch, Glacier CS, Smoothie CS, Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cutie Pie (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Smoothie, Glacier (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Journal Pen, Quatrefoil Embossing Folder, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers (CTMH)
Other: Black Brads (Hobby Lobby)

This card was inspired by artwork featured in the Seasonal Expressions 2 book, which will be live to customers on April 1st. I never have enough birthday cards on hand, so it was easy to go in that direction.

Have a blessed day.

Casandra

A Bunch of Thanks

Good morning. We are almost ready to go to gymnastics, this morning. But I wanted to share a card I created earlier in the week. This one was also inspired by the Seasonal Expressions 1 book.

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, White Daisy CS, Flaxen CS (CTMH)
Stamp: A Bunch Of Thanks (CTMH)
Inks: Smoothie, Glacier, Black, Olive (CTMH)
Tools: Gold Metallic Marker, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Stuck On You Puffie, Flaxen Twine, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I love this card so much, I will probably create several more just like it to fill up my box.

Have a great day. 

Casandra

Inspired Card

Last weekend, I was getting my craft on. Sometimes, cards are really easy, and other times they may take a while to come to fruition.

I was inspired by the artwork on the back of Close To My Heart's Seasonal Expressions 1 book. I used different stamp sets to create my version.

Recipe:
Paper: Heartstrings, Hopscotch, White Daisy CS, Glacier CS, Flaxen CS (CTMH)
Stamps: It's Your Day (retired), Have a Happy Day, A Bunch of Thanks (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Smoothie, Lagoon, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Gold Sequins, White Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

I hand-stitched this card while my daughter watched Disney and snuggled with her Daddy on the couch. It was a rather sweet moment, and I ended up not finishing this card until the following day so I could just enjoy being in the moment. Having a good night's sleep also gave me clarity on what stamps I ultimately ended up using. 

Since it's Friday, I have some crafty plans for the day. Hope you can find some time to get your craft on, too. Have a great weekend.

Casandra

PP206 Choose Happy Card

I came across an old sketch from The Paper Players on my Pinterest board. The oval shape inspired me to create this next card.

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, Smoothie CS, Flaxen CS, Sunset CS, Glacier CS, Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Choose Happy, Typed Note (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon (pigment), Smoothie (pigment), VersaMark (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Scallop Embossing Folder (CTMH)
Other: Lagoon Washi Tape (retired) (CTMH), Flaxen brads (Hobby Lobby)

I love when I find coordinating embellishments hidden in my stash. I probably wouldn't have used those brads for a while, but realized that they were almost an exact match for our flaxen paper. Yay! P.S. I love brads. I miss brads. 

I am feeling accomplished, this morning. I've already balanced my checkbook and paid some bills, and have 4 things checked off my to-do list. Go me! ;)

Have a great day!

Casandra

H2H Father's Day Card

Heart 2 Heart Challenge blog has a fun challenge, this week. They want to know what your favorite Close To My Heart sketch is.

My favorite card sketch is Pattern 24 in the Make It From Your Heart Volume 1 book. I use this one all the time. 

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, Lagoon CS, Sunset CS, Whisper CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Choose Happy, Typed Note, Geometric Backgrounds (CTMH)
Inks: Slate, Black, Lagoon (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Black Brads (Hobby Lobby)

I normally don't get Father's Day cards done this far in advance, but these stamp sets were calling my name, and I knew they would work well for this card.

Thank you for stopping by today. Have a fabulous day.

Casandra

Dreaming of Daffodils

The kids and I sat in the car last week waiting for the school bus to come one morning. It was running late, so we had a lively discussion about our favorite seasons. Jackson and I agreed that Spring is our favorite, though we certainly like the other seasons, too. Izzy said that she likes Summer best.

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: A Little Note (CTMH)
Ink: VersaMark, Topiary (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Gold Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Clear Sparkles (CTMH), Green Ribbon (American Crafts)

This card didn't photograph well. The gold embossing is beautiful in person, though I found it a little harder to color. But it's charming, nonetheless.

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

TSOT209 Daffodil Card

Here's another daffodil card for you. I can't wait to see them bloom. 

Recipe:
Paper: Splendor (retired), Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: A Little Note (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Topiary (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Cricut Artiste Cartridge (CTMH), Circle Stax Dies (MFT)
Other: Gold Sequins (CTMH)

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
1) Try Stampin' On Tuesday Challenge #209
2) Stuck On U Sketches Lucky Green Challenge

I used my Cricut Artiste cartridge to cut the grass image at 3/4", and various circle stax dies I have from MFT. 

Thank you for stopping by.

Casandra

RS156 Have A Happy Day Card

I tried a new technique with this card. I inked up the flaxen yellow stamped images and swiped them across my ink pad before stamping them on to white cardstock. It gives this faint stripe to the image. So easy.

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Seaside, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Cricut Artiste, Have A Happy Day (CTMH)
Inks: Flaxen, Lagoon, Juniper, Smoothie, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Cricut Artiste Cartridge, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots, White Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

I am entering this card into the Retro Sketches RS#156 Challenge.

Have a happy day.

Casandra

A card for a friend

I get asked this a lot: "How do you know what papers to pick?" First of all, Close To My Heart makes this super simple. Not only do they sell pattern papers, but they sell coordinating cardstock, and with each paper pack, you get both. Second, when picking papers to create a random project, if I don't already have a vision in my head (which most of the time, I do), than I just grab the first paper pack I come across. It's that simple.

For this next card, I saw a card on pinterest and recognized it as a sketch from the Wishes How-To-Program. It has been a while since I created a circle card. And since it was for a special friend, why not pull out all the stops and move that stack of stuff in front of my cricut and turn it on? LOL I don't know why I make using my cricut that difficult. It's so EASY.

Recipe:
Paper: Florentine (retired), Garden Green CS (retired) Brown Bag (retired), Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Just For You (CTMH)
Inks: Twilight, Autumn Terracotta, Creme Brulee, Olive, Chocolate (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)

Hope your day is wonderful.

Casandra

A great way to utilize those scraps

The same night I let the kids play in my craft room and create cards for Grandma, I also created the following two cards. It's a great way to utilize those scraps. I find myself hoarding them more often than I use them. (I'm addicted to paper. Even my husband knows this. LOL)

Recipe:
Paper: Sweetheart (retired), Basic Paper Fundamentals, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cutie Pie (retired)
Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Chevron Border Punch, Journal Pen, Micro-Tip Scissors, Stitch Guide Ruler (CTMH)

Recipe:
Paper: Twitterpated (retired), Sorbet CS, Sweetleaf CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Hi (retired) CTMH
Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Chevron Border Punch, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Flaxen Twine (CTMH), Green Brads (Jo-Ann Fabrics)

Cooincentally, after making the second card, I decided that I love the thick twine. Go figure. LOL

Casandra

Cards for Grandma

We're trying something new around here, these days. Now that the kids are 8 and 6, they are getting old enough to be trusted with some of my scrapbooking tools and papers. 

Since Grandma sends a couple of gift packages a month from Florida, we thought it would be nice to send her a little love, too. Here are the cards that the kids helped create.

Izzy's card for Grandma

Jack's card for Grandma

Recipe:
Paper: Twitterpated (retired), Sweetheart (retired), Garden Green CS (retired), Sorbet CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Cityscape (retired), Card Chatter - Sympathy (retired), You Mean The World To Me (CTMH)
Inks: Garden Green (retired), Hollyhock, Slate, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Chevron Border Punch, Journaling Pen (CTMH)
Other: Assorted Brads (Jo-Ann Fabrics)

Jack made his own border with the journal pen. It took me a lot longer to brave that technique. 

We had fun creating cards together, and it was a bonus to start using up sold old scraps of paper.

Enjoy your day.

Casandra

Choose Happy Card

I most often reach for "thinking of you" cards. And another mission I am on lately is to try and use up some scraps of papers that have been long ago retired. I paired the orange and pink paper with the beautiful distressed green paper from the Seaside kit. 

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside, Daydream (retired), White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Have A Happy Day, Choose Happy (CTMH)
Inks: Hollyhock (pigment), Black (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Junebug Puffie Sticker (CTMH), White Brads (Hobby Lobby)

I found a sketch from The Challenge, but that particular sketch challenge is now over. However, it provided the inspiration for this card. 

Have you heard about Close To My Heart's stamp of the month program? If you spend $50.00 or more in select product, you will qualify to receive that month's stamp (of the month) for just $5.00. It's valued at $17.95. I love a good deal. You can read more about it here: http://scrappinbliss.ctmh.com/ 

I hope you have a happy CRAFTY day today.

Casandra

MOJO387 Easter Card

I am back today with another card that makes me "Think Spring". Easter is just a month away and it always seems to sneak up on me. I haven't even thought of Easter outfits yet, never mind cute and clever gift basket ideas. 

Of course, it could be because I am sitting in my craft room today playing with papers and stamps. Shh. :)

Recipe:
Paper: Splendor (retired), Hopscotch, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: It's Your Day (retired), Hopping By (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Topiary (pigment) (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Micro-Tip Scissors, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Corner Rounder (CTMH), Circle Stax Die (MFT)
Other: Topiary Chevron Ribbon, Glue Dot (CTMH)

This adorable stamp set arrived 2 days ago, and I just couldn't wait to use it. I love embossing with my clear detail embossing powder. It gives a shiny, raised edge, and makes coloring a breeze. No need to worry about alcohol ink bleeding those crisp, clean lines. 

I am entering this card into the following challenges:
1) Mojo Monday Challenge #387
2) Stampin' Royalty Challenge #269

If you would like to order this adorable "Hopping By" stamp set or the pretty "Hopscotch" paper, please visit my website: http://scrappinbliss.ctmh.com/ 

D1633 Hopping By $17.95

X7194B Hopscotch Paper Packet

Thanks for "Hopping By" today.

Casandra

PP234 Think Spring Card

My parents are enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Florida right now. Yesterday, while running errands, I talked with my mom. She "casually" mentioned that it was in the 80's there. A certain amount of envy hit me as I looked at the temperature gauge on my car..."hey, mom...it's 2 degrees here. I bet you're jealous. Haha."

I am determined to "Think Spring", and perhaps I will even get lucky and thaw out before then. ;) In the meantime, I am devoting today's efforts to happy Springtime cards.

Here's my first go:

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Twitterpated (retired), Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary CS, Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Ink: Topiary, Black (CTMH)
Stamp: A Little Note
Tools:Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, ShinHan Alcohol Markers (CTMH)
Other: Topiary Chevron Ribbon, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

I am entering this into The Paper Players PP234 Challenge: Think Spring.

If you would like to order this adorable stamp set or the fun chevron paper, please visit my website: http://scrappinbliss.ctmh.com/ 

A1171 A Little Note $6.95

Z2033 Whimsy Paper Fundamentals

Thank you for stopping by my creative place today. Please send warm, sunshiny thoughts my way. 

Casandra

Hopscotch Best Day Ever Layout

I was inspired by a layout featured in the Seasonal Expression Book to create my next layout.

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, Flaxen CS, Glacier CS, Colonial White CS, Smoothie CS (CTMH)
Stamps: A Bunch of Thanks, Hopscotch WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Smoothie, Glacier, Indian Corn Blue (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Petite Hole Punch (Other)
Other: Hopscotch Complements, Flaxen Twine, Stuck On You Glitter Puffies, Junebug Puffies, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I highlighted pictures from our trip to the fair last summer. Jackson gives this layout a thumbs up. High praise from the child that says whatever he thinks...no filter whatsoever. LOL

I am entering this into this week's Use Your Stuff Challenge #175: Twine. I had to get creative and punch holes in the tags to add twine. I also added a bow to the left page.

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

Hopscotch Seriously Cute Layout

After creating my first layout with Hopscotch, I realized how bright the colors are in this kit. It actually made me like the flaxen color even more because it balances that vibrancy so well.

I came across a layout that was featured with the Footloose kit in the Spring/Summer 2012 Idea Book. I loved the square lines, and thought this would be fun to recreate with my Hopscotch papers. 

This layout uses Reflections: Main Frame - Charmed - Right and Reflections: Bottom Border - Title - Left templates.

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, Colonial White CS, Dutch Blue CS (retired), Star Spangled Blue (retired) (CTMH)
Stamps: Year: Noted (retired), Hopscotch WOTG, Distressed Backgrounds (CTMH)
Inks: Indian Corn Blue, Sunset, Flaxen (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Hopscotch Complements, Pathfinding Assortment, Junebug Glitter Puffies, Gold Sequins, Enamel Typewriter Alphabet Stickers (retired) (CTMH)

Isn't this cute? I am so happy with how it turned out. I would like to enter this into this week's H2H Challenge: Opposites Attract. I added in some retired blue cardstock to this layout to make the colors in Hopscotch pop. I also used a lighter blue (retired) cardstock but thought it was a little too bright so I inked up a background stamp in Indian Corn Blue to give it a faded effect.

Casandra