A Wedding Card with Jackson

My brother got married earlier this month, and I made this special card just for Bennie and his bride. 

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding The Words
Inks: Glacier, Cocoa, Barn Red (retired), Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (retired) (CTMH)

They loved the colors of this, and even though it's not your typical wedding card, it fits my rugged brother's personality.

I wish them many wonderful years together. May God bless their union.

Have a great day!

Casandra

Blossom Thank You Card

I found an MFT sketch on Pinterest that I really liked, and decided to use some of my left over Blossom scraps. I will miss this pretty, vibrant paper.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Happy Birds, Finding The Words (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Sunset, Pear (CTMH)
Tools: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Sponge, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, ShinHan Alcohol Markers (CTMH), Circle Stax Die (MFT)
Other: Gold Sequins, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I used my sponge to ink up white cardstock and then stamped over top it with Pear ink to get the two-tone feathers. I popped up the larger flower on foam tape to give this card more dimension. I love it. Izzy (my daughter) thinks it's "so pretty". 

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

MOJO 409 Seaside Cupcake Card

I missed posting my card for Mojo Monday a few weeks ago, but still wanted to share it with you. I was busy using up scraps on my desk, so it was easy to decide what papers to use.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Sorbet CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cutie Pie (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Smoothie (CTMH)
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch (retired), Journal Pen, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Seaside Complements, Brads (CTMH)

This is one of my favorite stamp of the month sets...ever. 

I hope your day is a crafty one. Thank you for visiting.

Casandra

Thanks So Very Much Card

I followed a design pretty close for this card, with one exception. I decided to forego adding the cocoa card base (front). 

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding the Words (CTMH)
Inks: Cocoa, Glacier, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Sanding Kit (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (retired), Glacier Twine, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I even sanded the edges of my glacier blue cardstock. (Don't tell my Father-in-Law that I sand.) Haha.

Have a great day.

Casandra

Happy Anniversary Card

Today, we are celebrating our 10th wedding anniversary. It has been a decade full of love. There have been a few lows, with pregnancy losses, but throughout that entire time, we have always had our love and respect for one another. I am so blessed to be married to such a wonderful husband, and a great dad to our children. God blessed me with this wonderful partner to share my life with. 

P.S. I made Jeremiah a card this year, instead of running to the Hallmark store (gasp!). He can't pick on me this year. Teehee.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Cocoa CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding the Words (CTMH)
Inks: Cocoa, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Glacier Twine, Oceanside Sequins (retired) (CTMH)

Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

Thanks For Caring Card

I have some special friends in my life, and I try to remember to thank them often for being caring and considerate. I love the sentiments that are included in "Finding the Words" stamp set. It doesn't have a particular theme, so it can be used with any paper collection.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Juniper CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding the Words (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Cocoa, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (retired) (CTMH)

I don't know if you can tell it, but I didn't ink up my blue banner stamp carefully and had to double-stamp it. I'm getting better at that technique. 

Thank you to my blog followers for visiting, and for leaving such sweet comments. It brighten's my day. :)

Casandra

Hello Jackson 2 Card

I made another card with my 2nd "HELLO" Jackson PML card. I like this one better. It has more depth and texture...much brighter, too.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Jackson PML, Cocoa CS (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Glacier Twine, Silver Sequins (CTMH)

Hello to you! Hope you have a fantastic, and crafty, day!

Casandra

Merci Beaucoup Card

This is funny. As I was double-checking my spelling of "mustache", I discovered that there is a website for the "American Mustache Institute". Under "About Us", it reads "Protecting the rights of, and fighting discrimination against mustached Americans, by promoting the growth, care, and culture of the mustache."

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Juniper CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: You've Got A Friend (retired) (CTMH)
Ink: VersaMark (CTMH)
Tools: Gold Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Circle Stax Die (MFT)
Other: Gold Polka Dot Washi Tape (CTMH)

You have been educated. Please don't "discriminate". :)

Casandra

Love You To The Moon Card

I love how this adorable card turned out. I bought this stamp set just for this sentiment. If there is anything I would add, it might be just to use my journal pen to outline the stars and the moon. Hmm....

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Cocoa CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: You've Got A Friend (retired), Love Ya Silly (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)
Other: Jackson Complements, Foam Tape (CTMH), Googly Eye (Jo-Ann Fabrics)

Eek. Love that little alien. He's just too cute! I looked all over my for Timberline stamp set and could not find it. It has an earth stamp to it that would have been fun, but I think my "Love Ya Silly" stamp set worked pretty well.

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

You've Got A Friend In Me Card

I have owned this stamp set for over a year now and this is my first time inking it up. I tried to mask this card and was unsuccessful so I skipped to plan B. 

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Juniper CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: You've Got A Friend (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Cocoa, Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors
Other: Cocoa Ribbon (retired), Colonial White Brads (retired), Foam Tape (CTMH), White Button, Barn Red Floss (Jo-Ann Fabrics)

I will miss the Jackson paper collection. The juniper and glacier colors really popped against the cocoa and barn red.

Have a great day. Hope it's a crafty one.

Casandra

Hello Jackson Card

Here is a card I made with the matching Jackson Picture My Life assortment. I am forever needing thinking of you cards to send out. This card will work well for the guys in my life.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Cocoa CS, Jackson PML (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer
Other: Brave Enamel Shape, Silver Sequins (CTMH)

I love quick and simple cards. 

Have a great day.

Casandra

Happy Everything Card

I made 4 of these cards and forgot to put twine on 3 of them before I remembered. Normally, I wouldn't pick such a generic sentiment, but after pondering just what "Happy Everything" might mean to most, I decided it was actually just right.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS, Cocoa CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding the Words (CTMH)
Ink: Cocoa, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins

I will miss these pretty sequins. They were only available for a limited time and, unfortunately, just retired. They had a pretty shine to them that I haven't seen with other sequins. What are some of your favorite embellishments to use? 

Have a happy day!

Casandra

A Card For Someone Special

I was playing around in my scrap room last weekend and made a bunch of cards with Jackson. Below is one I made with a scrap of Seaside paper, too.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside, Jackson, Juniper CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding The Words (CTMH)
Inks: Barn Red, Cocoa, Glacier (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Glacier Twine, Oceanside Sequins (CTMH)

I love this stamp set. And I've surprised myself with how much I am liking the thick twine.

Thank you for stopping by today.

Casandra

Friends Fur Ever Card

I'm back again today with another card I made with the ultra-cute "Friendly Pets" stamp set. I scrap-lifted this one from the Seasonal Expressions 2 book, but changed out the papers. Isn't it cute? Eek. I love it.

Recipe:
Paper: Clementine (retired), Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Friendly Pets (CTMH)
Inks: Chocolate, Sorbet, Creme Brulee (CTMH)
Tools: Liquid Glass, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, ShinHan Alcohol Markers (CTMH)

I am not an expert at using alcohol markers. I colored the cat in with the darker color first and then went back over it in spots with a lighter shade. I didn't want it to look blotchy, and I think once it dried, it turned out pretty cute, certainly more professional looking than I thought I'd get. The ShinHan's make it pretty easy. They are a really great brand of markers.

I am planning to send this card to a friend in Texas; we (she and I) have an inside joke about her being the "crazy cat lady". I know she will laugh out loud when she gets it. 

Have a great day.

Casandra

Puppy Birthday Card

A couple of months ago, my Close To My Heart team leader sent me a stamp set to play with. It was a random drawing and I was one of the winners. Who doesn't love free, right? Even better, was the fact that I got to cross something off my wish list. Yay!

Recipe:
Paper: Clementine (retired), Chocolate CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Friendly Pets, Holiday Tags (CTMH)
Inks: Twilight (retired), Chocolate, Sorbet (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, ShinHan Alcohol Markers (CTMH)
Other: Brads (Hobby Lobby)

Clementine was a favorite. I don't think I have made a single card with it that I didn't like. I still have lots of hoarded scraps. LOL

Have a great week.

Casandra

Ice Cold Summer Card

I love summer. I feel like I am finally enjoying it, rather than hiding away from the heat. Lemonade is my little girl's favorite drink. She can drink lemonade year-round. So I made this card with Izzy in mind.

Recipe:
Paper: Stella (Retired), Confetti Wishes, Canary Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Card Chatter - Sympathy (Retired), Ice-Cold Summer (CTMH)
Inks: Canary, Pixie, Thistle, Glacier, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Sponge, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen, LePen Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (CTMH)

Cheers!

Casandra

Finding the Words Thanks Card

I scrap-lifted this card from the Seasonal Expressions 2 book. It provided the perfect opportunity to use my new mini-stapler and thistle twine. Win, win.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Finding the Words (CTMH)
Inks: Thistle, Sunset, Glacier, Black (CTMH)
Tools: LePen Journal Pen, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Mini-Stapler
Other: Mini-Staples, Thistle Twine, Silver Sequins (CTMH)

Isn't this pretty? One of my favorite techniques is 2nd generation stamping. If you're not familiar, take a look at the flowers I stamped. Do you see how there are 2 different orange flowers? The darker flower was created by stamping once (like you normally would), but the lighter shade was achieved by stamping a second time before cleaning my stamp on the scrubber. It's a great way to stretch your craft dollars when you're trying to build up your tool inventory, such as ink pads. 

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

BEST Day Ever Camper Card

I made a couple different varieties with my leftover pre-cut card kits. Here is version #2.

Recipe:
Paper: Sophia (retired), Hollyhock CS, Sweet Leaf CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Camper Crazy, Finding The Words (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Hollyhock (CTMH)
Tools: ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)

I remember when we used to own a camper like this. And I remember going camping in the boonies with my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. It's silly, but one of my favorite memories, is setting our watermelons and milk in crates and placing them in the creek beds to keep them cold. On a hot summer's day, we would go further up the creek, and wade through it to cool off. We'd make little boats and then race them down the creek, too. Simple pleasures sometimes make the best memories....

What are some of your favorite (camping) childhood memories? 

Casandra

RV There Yet Card

My husband finally finished the body work and re-assembly on his beautiful truck, and we will be camping soon. He spent many nights and weekends working on his 1990 pickup until it was road-worthy. Next summer, he plans to finish the interior restoration so that it will be just as pretty, ahem, rugged, on the inside.

Recipe:
Paper: Sophia (retired), Hollyhock CS, White Daisy CS, Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Camper Crazy (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Pear, Hollyhock (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater (CTMH)

I had some pre-cut cards in my stash from last Spring and decided to re-purpose them with a different stamp set. Isn't it cute? 

The kids cannot wait to go camping. They are looking forward to showing me some of the bike trails now that I have a bicycle to cruise on along side them. (Wonder if I need a helmet?)

Hope you are enjoying your summer. Get out and explore, if you get the chance. 

Casandra

A Framed Christmas Card

I confess that Yuletide was not a favorite Christmas paper. However, I do like the way it looks with the basic paper fundamentals.

Recipe:
Paper: Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Yuletide, Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Framed (CTMH)
Inks: Cranberry, New England Ivy (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Green Ribbon (American Crafts), Foam Tape, Glue Dot (CTMH)

I may use this pattern again but with different paper for this year's Christmas cards. It was easy to create.

Have a happy, crafty day!

Casandra

A Framed Best Wishes Card

Today, I have another "Framed" card to share with you. This one works well for any congratulatory occasion. 

Recipe:

Paper: Chalk It Up, Sorbet CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)

Stamp: Framed (CTMH)

Inks: Lagoon, Black (CTMH)

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

Other: Foam Tape, Black Twill Ribbon (CTMH), Brads (Hobby Lobby)

I made this card with "back to school" in mind. It would be great for teachers or other school staff members. 

Can you believe summer is nearly over? I don't know where the time goes, but it always flies by. Have a terrific day.

Casandra

A Framed Note Card

I had an incredible weekend. It's not often that I feel spoiled, but this was definitely one of those weekends. My husband took me on our first date night in probably a year. We went out to dinner and then followed it up with movies. We saw "Vacation". Cute, hilarious movie, and all of my giggling attested to the fact that I don't get out much (sorry movie-goers). LOL

Yesterday, we went back to town and did some bicycle shopping. I haven't been on a bike in at least 18 years. I am a wobbler, and I ache all over. My new bike needs a sign for drive by at your own risk. ;)

Here is my next card made with the current stamp of the month "Framed".

Recipe:

Paper: Chalk It Up, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Colonial White CS (CTMH)

Stamp: Framed (CTMH)

Inks: Sorbet, Lagoon (CTMH)

Tools: Needle, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)

Other: Glitter Buttons (retired), Foam Tape, Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

This card illustrates a great way to use up those scraps. Sometimes, you just need a basic note card, so I chose that direction for this card. These papers will be retiring very soon. You can visit the "Shop With Me" link to the right of this post, if you are interested in purchasing your own crafting supplies.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you have a Happy Monday!

Casandra

A Framed Thinking of You Card

Hello. I am back today to share my next "Framed" stamp of the month card with you.

Recipe:
Paper: Scaredy Cat, Chalk It Up, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Framed (CTMH)
Inks: Sunset, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Circle Stax Die (MFT), Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Black Twill Ribbon, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I love this color combo. The supplies I used to create this card won't be around much longer. Be sure to get your's before they're gone. You can order directly from my website.

Have a great week.

Casandra

A Framed Thank You Card

Good morning. I am so excited to be back in blog-land today with my latest creation. It also stars my NEW CAMERA. 

Recipe:
Paper: Basic Paper Fundamentals, Chalk It Up, Scaredy Cat, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Framed (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Circle Stax Die (MFT), Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Black Twill Ribbon (CTMH)

I'm so excited about my new camera. It is a Canon Rebel t5, otherwise known as a digital SLR. I have wanted one for so long and a good friend recommended it to me. Out of the box, I was a little nervous to use it. Finally, I decided the best way to learn was to just start snapping pictures. I didn't do anything special with the lighting and only did a general auto edit to this photo. I can't believe how clear it is. 

LOL Okay, well you probably didn't come here to talk camera with me. I love our paper fundamentals line. It is clear embossed on one side and the pattern on the flip side of this paper is white and desert sand pattern. I like how the neutrals really make the colors pop. 

Hope you like. I can't wait to share my other cards with you that I've made recently. It's so good to be crafty again.

Casandra

Become a Close To My Heart Consultant Today

Do you love being creative? Do you like meeting new people? Have you ever thought about running your own business? Close To My Heart may just be what you are looking for. We embrace creativity and friendships, and we love to show others how to create beautiful artwork and preserve their memories.

I was recently asked why I joined Close To My Heart, and it didn't take me but a moment to think of my response. This is really why I do what I do. My best friend (a cousin) introduced me to scrapbooking back in 2001. I have always been crafty, whether it be friendship bracelets, cross-stitch, or sewing. So it was no surprise to anyone, including myself, that I would love to scrapbook. In January of 2003, this same cousin was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer at age 29. She fought this battle bravely, certainly braver than I think I would have been at the time, and lost that battle in October of that same year. She was just 30, and left behind a grieving husband and two small children. She was never able to finish those scrapbooks she started, so I took up where she left off and created two small scrapbooks for her children. 

In 2007, I went to a scrapbook party where I was then introduced to Close To My Heart and the wonderful world of clear stamps. After my second baby turned 14 months old, I found myself with a little more time to begin crafting again and the rest, they say, is history. I love to scrapbook. I love to create cards and gifts for others. And I'm a firm believer that something hand-crafted means more to both the giver and the receiver because it comes from the heart.

If you've ever thought about becoming a Close To My Heart consultant, this is a great month to give it a try. Not only do you get $445.00 worth of product and supplies for just $129.00, you also get sneak peeks at all of the new product releasing in September...NOW! I've been a consultant now for over 4  years and I love it. The best part, gasp(!), isn't the products at all; it's the life-long friendships I have been blessed with since becoming a consultant. 

If you think this is something you would be interested in, please check out my Scrappinbliss Website where you can read up on what your new consultant kit offers.  After viewing the kit's contents, you can click the "Let's Get Started" link and sign up. I am ready to assist you in following your creative dreams.

Thank you.

Casandra Bennett
Scrappinbliss