Zoe One Happy Day Layout

This next layout was inspired by Paige Dolecki. Thank you, Paige, for sharing and inspiring. Please be sure to check out Paige's blog. She does awesome work, and her cricut projects are especially fabulous.

Recipe:
Paper: Zoe, White Daisy CS, Glacier CS, Whisper CS, Sorbet CS (CTMH)
Stamp: In Review (CTMH)
Ink: Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Journal Pen, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Zoe Complements, Green Triangle Enamel Dots (CTMH)

This layout makes me happy. Can't wait to find the perfect photos to attach to it.

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

Zoe Workshop Layout 2

Close To My Heart did an awesome job designing the Zoe workshop. I made only minor alterations to both layouts.

Recipe:
Paper: Zoe, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Zoe WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Sweet Leaf, Sorbet, Slate (CTMH)
Tools: Mini Stapler, Micro-Tip Scissors, Corner Rounder (CTMH)
Other: Coral Shimmer Trim, Mini Staples (CTMH)

I had a hard time narrowing down the photos I was going to use on this layout, but after speaking with Izzy, she helped me to pick her favorite ones. The fair was fun, and as usual, Izzy provided a great opportunity for journaling.

Have a great day.

Casandra

Zoe Workshop Layout 1

I am loving the new Zoe kit. The grey graph paper is my favorite, but this is one of the first kits where I can honestly say I love every single pattern.

Recipe:
Paper: Zoe, Slate CS, Whisper CS, White Daisy CS, Sorbet CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Zoe WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Sorbet, Slate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artistry (CTMH)
Other: Coral Shimmer Trim, Zoe Assortment (CTMH)

These pictures were taken at the fair last month. It's one of the first outings I got to use my new camera at. I love the sports setting; I was able to take multiple shots and not one was blurry.

And I must mention that the new Artistry cartridge is the bomb! Oh my goodness...it just may replace Art Philosophy as my new favorite.

Casandra

Life is what you make it Layout

I offered the left-hand page as a free make-and-take project at my recent crop. Attendees had the option to purchase the materials to create the opposite page, as well.

Recipe:
Paper: Zoe, White Daisy CS, Glacier CS, Whisper CS (CTMH)
Stamps: My Story, In Review (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Sorbet, Slate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Grey Enamel Dots, Aqua Shimmer Trim (CTMH)

I'm especially proud of this layout because I created it on the same day I took the photos, and even added the journaling. My daughter's new costume arrived on this day and she couldn't wait to model it. She doesn't know who Dorothy is, but rather wanted the costume because of its red, sparkly shoes. LOL

You could easily change of the photo sizes for this layout. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

BTF Challenge 8 Family is Forever Layout

My watercolors arrived recently, and I couldn't wait to play with them. This layout was heavily inspired by the Annual Inspirations 2014-2015 idea book.

Recipe:
Paper: Snowhaven (retired), Lagoon CS, Black CS, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS, Watercolor Paper (CTMH)
Stamp: Family is Forever (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Slate, Smoothie, Lagoon, Sorbet, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Gold Metallic Pen, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paint Brushes, Watercolor Paints (CTMH)
Other: Black Arrow Washi (retired), Chalk It Up Assortment (retired), Teal Shimmer Trim, Silver Sequins, Thin Foam Tape, Black Embroidery Floss, White Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

Lots of detail went into this project. My favorite was blending the watercolors. I am entering this layout in the current challenge at Between the Folds blog challenge #8.

Be sure to check out the new challenge blog on the block. 

Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

CTMH Tool Time

Let's talk tools for a minute.

I had to chuckle when I looked down at my desk recently and noted some office tools we now have in our product line up. Back when I first began working as a part-time bookkeeper, you would have seen similar items in my workspace. Fast forward two decades....

Here is our new Instalife Rolling Date stamp and mini stapler with mini staples. Aren't they just the cutest? 

I'm sure I ended up tossing the date stamp after it became obsolete. 

Have a happy day.

Casandra

Blossom Thank You Card

Here is another card I created using leftover scraps from the Blossom Card Workshop on the Go kit.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Kraft CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Blossom Card WOTG (retired), Hello Life - Cardmaking (CTMH)
Inks: Smoothie, Pear, Black (CTMH)
Tool: Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Glacier Twine, Thin 3d Foam Tape (CTMH)

I kept this design clean and simple.

Have a great day.

Casandra

Blossom Birthday Card

Whenever possible, I try to create a few extra cards with my card wotg kits to show what you can do with the leftovers. Here is one such card.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Kraft CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Blossom Card WOTG (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Pear, Smoothie, Honey (CTMH)
Tools: Scallop Border Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Non-Stick Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Thin 3d Foam Tape

I can't get enough of that rainbow zip strip. Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

Blossom Workshop Card 3

This last card ended up being confusing. I messed up the first one before I realized the floral pattern had to lay over top of the pear cardstock. When it doesn't work, read the directions...or maybe read the directions first. LOL

Another suggestion I have when creating this card, is to stamp the popsicle before stamping the popsicle stick. This was a fun card to make. 

Hope you have a day full of FUN!

Casandra

Blossom Workshop Card 2

I created another birthday card with the Blossom card kit. I was so happy to have my 1" circle punch arrive just in time for this card. 

I think this is my favorite design from the workshop kit. I love the way the flowers can be stamped in different colors. I suspect that thistle would be really cool with this stamp.

I attached the twine using liquid glass glue. Our mini stapler would be a great alternative to glue.

Hope your Monday is a crafty one.

Casandra

Blossom Workshop Card 1

Back in July, I did a Home Gathering with one of my friends (and fellow consultant). She was showcasing the Blossom Card Workshop On the Go kit. It wasn't until I saw these cards in person that I decided I had to have the card kit, too.

Per the kit instructions, I created 5 of this design. I like the way the washi tape stamps were utilized. This card is much cuter in person...pictures simply don't do it justice.

P.S. My Sangria kit arrived yesterday. I can't wait to play with that kit. The pink enamel faceted gems are beautiful.

Have a happy day!

Casandra

Scrappinbliss Crop

Last Saturday, I held my first official crop in 3 years. I wanted to share a few pictures from the crop.

This was my display table. I had items for sale, order forms, books, and a completed scrapbook album.

Food! I love this location. It is bright, big and boasts 2 stoves, 2 fridges, 2 sinks, and tons of cooking utensils.

Here's another look at my display table. 3 guests went home with free gifts.

A beautiful business card holder that my dear friend Celina sent me as a birthday gift. Pretty!

This is my mom. This is the first time she has ever made cards. Not too shabby, huh?

She changed up several designs, including this one, to create her own one of a kind card.

Here is the free make and take I offered to my guests. You may recognize the card. I used Zoe for this one.

We had a great time. I made home-made lasagna for dinner and we had lots of tasty treats, too. If you are within driving distance, I hope you can attend the next one. Currently, I'm planning the next one for November.

Hope your weekend is a crafty one.

Casandra

#ctmhHelloLife Blossom Card

I'm changing things up a bit with a card. I made this one a couple of weeks ago to celebrate National Stamping Month.

It really is a true holiday, even if my hubby thinks I made it up as an excuse to buy more stamps. LOL

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Paper Fundamentals - Basic (retired) White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Hello Life (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Sunset (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Slate Ribbon (retired), Gold Sequins (CTMH)

This is one of those cards where I was just messing around with the star random stamping. Hubby had just come in with his first load of fire wood, so I rushed out to help him stack him. When I returned, I was like "Whoa. This is pretty cool." And so I finished assembling it, and stood back to soak up all that crafty goodness. Yay!

Don't forget, you have until September 30th to order your very own Hello Life - Cardmaking stamp set. We also have two other stamp sets in this series, but I find that they all work very well together.

Be sure to check out my website for more details, if you haven't already. Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

Jackson Laugh Out Loud Layout

Here's one of those layouts where I felt like I really had my creative mojo with me. Squee! Love when that happens.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson (retired), Colonial White CS, Juniper CS (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Thin Foam Tape, Glacier Twine, Jackson Complements (retired), Jackson PML (retired), Triangle Durable Studs (CTMH)

I had a blast with this one. I was browsing the Jackson picture my life cards, and inspiration struck. I quickly cut up some of them to create my own embellishments. Believe it or not, I used 4 of those cards on this layout. I also added a few pieces of the Jackson complements to tie it all together. 

And in all fairness, I have to give a quick shout out to Susan Williams for her inspiration with the twine. I think she has made a trade mark design for herself with that beautiful twine and journal pen look. :)

Have a wonderful day. 

Casandra

Jackson Authentic Life Layout

I am very happy with this next layout. I love all the little details. You may notice it's missing a title right now. That's because I decided to wait until I have my photos added. 

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson (retired), Whisper CS, Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamp: The Authentic Life (CTMH)
Inks: Barn Red (retired), Glacier, Whisper, Cocoa, Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Barn Red Floss (DMC), Brave Enamel Shapes (retired) (CTMH)

This one was scrap-lifted from the Seasonal Expressions 2 book (2015). I love the way this stamp was used to create more detail and dimension. Kudos to Close To My Heart's art department.

Casandra

Jackson Captured Memory Layout

Let's see; I've shared Jubilee, Blossom and Seaside with you. I guess it's time to share some extra Jackson layouts I created.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson (retired), Colonial White CS, Jackson PML (retired) (CTMH)
Stamp: The Authentic Life (CTMH)
Inks: Barn Red (retired), Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Mini Stapler, Corner Rounder (CTMH)
Other: Silver Sequins, Jackson Complements (retired) (CTMH), Barn Red Embroidery Floss (DMC)

This is a layout that I was so excited to recreate, but once completed, it fell short of my expectations. I know it's because I'm looking at all that white space right now, and once the photos are on, it will look more balanced, but it's not a favorite, I admit.

Likely, I'm not the only one to ever feel that way. I must learn to embrace imperfection. :)

Have a great day.

Casandra

Seaside Relax Layout

As promised, here is the final layout from my Seaside series.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside (retired), White Daisy CS, Pear CS, Sorbet CS, Honey Paper Fundamentals (retired) (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)
Other: Honey Washi Tape (retired), Pear Washi Tape (retired), Seaside Complements (retired), Oceanside Sequins (retired) (CTMH)

This one was fun to make. I like how the colors pop. And honey is an unexpected addition, but it really works. You can find many of the supplies I used in the While Supplies Last section of my website.

It's hard to believe that our beach days are numbered, especially with the beginning of school. Izzy can't wait for winter. (Huh?)

Have a wonderful week. Enjoy the sunshine.

Casandra

Seaside Good Day Sunshine Layout

Good Day Sunshine! Here's my second Seaside layout.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside (retired), Sorbet CS, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Other: Seaside Complements (retired) (CTMH)

I need to go back and add some bling to this one. It needs more dimension and texture. Seaside in now in our while supplies last section. You can check it out here. 

Stay tuned. Tomorrow I will show you my 3rd and final Seaside layout. It's a fun one!

Casandra

Seaside Good Times Here Layout

Beginning today, I am going to share my Seaside workshop layouts. Here's the first one.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside (retired), Sorbet CS, Colonial White CS, Glacier CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Seaside WOTG (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Pear, Glacier, Sorbet, Desert Sand (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artbooking (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (retired), Thin Foam Tape (CTMH)

I spent some time deciding if I liked that netted look behind the photos on the right page, and decided ultimately to use it, but changed up plain desert sand cardstock for one of the print patterns instead. I like the realistic looking texture it adds. 

It was a fun day at the beach, and our first trip to Sturgeon Bay on Lake Michigan, which is only about a 7 minute drive from my home. When we first got there, no one else was at the beach, so we had a little bit of paradise all to ourselves for about 40 minutes. At one point, I sat on the beach and enjoyed the sounds and the peacefulness that the lake offered. It was a great time for reflection. Those are the moments to live for.

Have a great day.

Casandra

Blossom Joy Layout

Here is my 5th and final Blossom layout. 

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Sorbet CS, Glacier CS, Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: It's Your Day (retired) (CTMH)
Ink: Smoothie (CTMH)
Tools: 2" Scallop Border Punch (retired), Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Fiskars Embossing Blade (CTMH)
Other: Coral Reef Sequins (retired), Blossom Complements (retired), Blossom Assortment (retired), Glacier Twine, White Embroidery Floss (retired) (CTMH)

My battery was dying on my camera at the time I took this picture so the lighting was a little off. So saying, this layout is much nicer in person, not nearly as faded.

Hope you have a happy, crafty day.

Casandra

Blossom Ice Cream Dream Layout

The page on the left was inspired by Close To My Heart, and featured in a Scrapbook & Cards Today Magazine. The page on the right was inspired by a sketch I printed out last year but never used. I thought they paired nicely, but could easily be separate pages in the (front/back) of an album. 

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS, Sunset CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Snapshot Memories, Ice Cream Dream (retired), Artistry (CTMH)
Inks: Black (VersaFine), Lagoon, Glacier, Smoothie (CTMH)
Tools: Chevron Border Punch, Journal Pen, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Foam Pad, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Circle Stax Dies (MFT)
Other: Chalk It Up Assortment (retired), Coral Reef Sequins (retired), White Embroidery Floss (retired) (CTMH)

Isn't it pretty? I will miss the Chalk It Up puffies, the coral reef sequins, and the Blossom paper. I love coloring with my ShinHan Alcohol Markers. I would like to enter this into this week's coloring challenge over at Heart 2 Heart Challenges. You can play along with this challenge, too, but only until September 30th. 

Hope your day is colorful and crafty.

Casandra

Blossom Live A Happy Life Layout

I was inspired by a layout that Susan Williams of www.justcrazyblessed.blogspot.com designed. You can see her original artwork here. 

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tools: 2" Scallop Border Punch (retired), Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Blossom Complements (retired), Coral Reef Sequins (retired), Glacier Twine, Thin Foam Tape (CTMH)

As you can see, I didn't depart much from Susan's awesome design. I absolutely love everything about this layout, even that orangy diamond pattern that I wasn't too sure of at first. It's the color balance of the blue, orange and white that I think is so pleasing about this layout. 

Thank you, Susan, for the beautiful inspiration. You have such amazing talent and you work so hard to create and share with others. Blessings to you and your's.

Casandra

Blossom Delight Layout

I saw this sketch over at ScrapMuch? blog and knew it would be perfect with the Blossom paper. I liked the multiple photo spots and the way the sketch allowed for a large title.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Thin Foam Tape, Blossom Complements (retired), Blossom Assortment (retired), Sunset Baker's Twine (retired), Coral Reef Sequins (retired) (CTMH)

Clean and simple is my favorite style, and I think this one definitely fits that description.

I would like to link this up with Lasting Memories LM#257 Challenge: Bold Title. The bold alpha stickers from our matching Blossom complements were so fun to use. I can't wait to print my photos and add them to this layout.

Happy Labor Day! Hope you find delight in your special day.

Casandra

Blossom Life Captured Layout

Here are some of my most recent layout, created with Blossom. I LOVE this paper. It has some beautiful patterns, and I'm not sure that any zip strip in the future will hold my heart the way that the rainbow zip strip does from Blossom. Such a pretty accent.

Recipe:
Paper: Blossom (retired), Sorbet CS, Kraft CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Snapshot Memories (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Sorbet (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Liquid Glass (CTMH)
Other: Coral Reef Sequins (retired), Glacier twine (CTMH)

I love this layout. I can't decide yet what photos I'm going to use with it; maybe recent pic's from the fair....

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

Jubilee Lucky Layout

I found a layout on Pinterest, created by Joanne Walton. You can see the original here.

Recipe:
Paper: Jubilee (retired), White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Sarita WOTG (retired), The Authentic Life (CTMH)
Ink: Topiary (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Glue Dots, Topiary Ribbon (retired), Jubilee Complements (retired) (CTMH)

I love how it turned out. It showcases some of my favorite patterns from this kit. Thanks, Joanne, for the inspiration. 

Casandra

Jubilee Summertime Layout

I don't know where the time has gone. Is it really Labor Day weekend already? I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday weekend.

Recipe:
Paper: Jubilee (retired), Cranberry CS, Indian Corn Blue (retired), White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Jubilee WOTG (retired) (CTMH)
Ink: Cocoa (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Triangle Durable Studs, Jubilee Assortment (retired), Jubilee Complements (retired), Glue Dots (CTMH)

I have mentioned this crop a couple of times already, but here's a cute story about this layout. There was a young girl creating art at this crop; I think she was 10. She wandered around looking at everyone's craft stations and she kept coming back to mine. Since my oldest was about to turn 9, I had plenty to chat about when she would come over for a visit. As I was trying to decide what color photo mats to put down on this layout, she popped in again. So I decided to ask her opinion. Cranberry was the winner because it would provide that perfect pop of color. (To my friend that ran the crop: I think you may have a future scrapper for your group.)

It was a great time. And I love that there is a story of a young girl helping me create this layout for one of my young nieces. It seems fitting, somehow. 

Hope your weekend is a crafty one. Feel free to share in the comments below about your crafty (or otherwise) holiday plans.

Casandra

Jubilee Hayrides Layout

Welcome to day three of my Jubilee series.

Recipe:

Paper: Jubilee (retired), Kraft CS, Topiary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH), Woodgrain CS (Other)

Stamp: The Authentic Life, Snapshot Memories, All the Details (CTMH)

Ink: Outdoor Denim (retired) (CTMH)

Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)

Other: Jubilee Complements (retired), Topiary RIbbon (retired), Topiary Washi Tape (retired), Glue Dots (CTMH)

I was looking at a sketch I had printed out and brought with me (to the crop), and then looked at pattern paper, and realized the sketch would be perfect to showcase a brilliant pattern. The ticket stubs with Hay rides printed on it was a fun detail I just couldn't pass up. With my favorite scissors in hand, I made quick work of cutting it out and sticking it down. I hope my nieces will love these pages.

Happy crafting.

Casandra

Jubilee TODAY Layout

This is one of my favorite Jubilee layouts, and the second one featured in my Jubilee series.

Recipe:
Paper: Jubilee (retired), Indian Corn Blue CS (retired), Topiary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Sarita WOTG (retired) (CTMH)
Ink: Cranberry (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Topiary Ribbon (While Supplies Last), Jubilee Complements (retired), Jubilee Assortment (While Supplies Last), Glue Dots (CTMH)

If you've ever thought of buying a paper pack just for one pattern, than you would be like me. The blue pattern from this kit was my absolute FAVORITE, maybe in that whole book. A friend was kind enough to loan me her Sarita stamp, and I packed it in my bag to take the day of the crop. Love when things come together like that. I don't mind fussy cutting.

Happy crafting.

Casandra

Celebrate National Stamping Month

In honor of National Stamping Month, Close To My Heart has released a stamp trio perfect for all types of papercrafters. It is called "Hello Life", and is available through September 30th.

I found time to play with the card stamp (pictured in the middle - above) this past weekend. It makes really cute cards. 

Each set is available for $13.95 USD, or bundled for the discounted price of $34.95. So many exciting possibilities with these stamps. What will you create?

For more information, please visit my website. Happy crafting.

Casandra

Jubilee Plenty of Love Layout

Good morning. Can you believe it is September already? Our new Close To My Heart idea books are live today. Isn't that exciting?! I've had a month to digest them and I'm still taking them into my room at night to pour over. We have so many new and exciting products, and the artwork is even more fabulous than the last one. 

I can't wait to share some artwork with the new products, but until I have it photographed, I thought I'd share some artwork that I've created in recent months from retired product.

Today, starts my Jubilee series. 

Recipe:
Paper: Jubilee (retired), Cranberry CS, Topiary CS, Kraft CS (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Topiary washi tape (retired), Jubilee complements (retired), Topiary Ribbon (retired), Glue Dots (CTMH)

Here's a funny story for you. When I first saw Jubilee, I really didn't...like...it (gasp!). As that book was getting close to retirement, I had an idea to create some 4-H layouts for my nieces. I decided I'd better go ahead and buy up what I needed to create albums for all three. So, this past Spring, I attended a friend's crop and ended up creating 6 Jubilee layouts that day. In case you don't know, I'm like seriously one of the slowest scrapbookers out there. I take time with detail and worry over every little cut. That whole thing about measure twice, cut once...yup, that's me! Back to business here, this was the first Jubilee layout I created that day, so I'm going to share them in order. Be sure to check in all week to see the others.

If you'd like to see the new idea books, please visit my website. 

And thank you, my friends, for leaving so many wonderful comments. You always brighten my day. I hope I leave you inspired.

Blessings,
Casandra