Life Events and Baby Shower Decor

I have been away for far too long. I feel it's time to elaborate what has taken me away from my beloved crafting.

This past Spring, shortly after we returned from our first family vacation in 7 years, my husband's place of employment announced it would be closing its doors. He had worked for this company for 18 years. It was a very hard time for us emotionally. We were trying to make adjustments to every day life, and figuring out where we could cut to make ends meet, and still provide for our family. 

You know that saying "When God closes a door, He opens a window"? Well, that is exactly what happened. Suddenly, we were starting up our own business. Believe me when I say we never expected this. And as such, I have found myself juggling 2 full-time jobs among other things. 

On to other news: My brother and his wife are expecting their second baby this winter. A couple of weeks ago, my mom and I threw a baby shower for them. We went with an owl theme, and thanks to Pinterest (love Pinterest!!!), I found inspiration for some of the decorations. Below, you can see some photos from the special day.

I bought the owl download from Cricut (I think it's from Create A Critter cartridge). We found these adorable milk glasses at Hobby Lobby, along with the faux flowers and curly wooden accents. I used all Close To My Heart products on the owls, including our limited color of the year "Sea Glass". I wish I'd bought more of that pretty thistle ribbon before it retired. It was such a cute addition to these uber adorable owls. 

The banner will serve a dual purpose. It was created as a decoration for the baby shower, but instead of putting some random word on it like "Baby" or "Welcome", I included the baby's name so my sister-in-law can hang it in the baby's room. As you can see, we are very excited to meet the newest member of our family. She is loved by so many already.

Since it's been a while since I blogged or crafted, it's also been a while since I participated in a challenge. H2H has a challenge this week called "Anything But A Card". I think this fits the ticket, so to speak.

Thanks for being so patient. You have no idea (or maybe you do) how much I miss crafting. I am dreaming about it in my sleep. LOL

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving!

P.S. While I did not make the cake, I was inspired by Pinterest to have a talented cake artist create it. I did make the cookies (oatmeal raisin and molasses). Drop me a line if you would like the recipe.

Happy crafting!
Casandra

Flamingo Parade

Hello. 

I'm determined to make more time for the things that make me happy. Flamingos make me happy. Crazy, right? 

I had so much fun crafting these cute flamingos, last month.

I used up every scrap I had of this cute Calypso paper. Hopefully, I can find some time soon to share the layouts I made from this kit. 

Have a happy, crafty day.

Kind Regards,

Casandra Bennett

Fundamental Layouts

Good afternoon. I've been a way for a while. I've missed crafting; missed blogging; missed having quiet time just for me.

Last month, I found some time to cut into paper. Maybe you find this to be true, too, but when I've been away from papercrafting for a bit, it can be intimidating to know where to begin. Forgive me if this sounds silly, but having a set of how-to patterns is sometimes all it takes for me to get back into it.

Below, you will see a couple of my first layouts in months.

I'm so glad I bought this fundamental paper pack before it retired. And it can also be said that I wish Close To My Heart hadn't retired these fundamental complements. They were so quick and easy to add. I made 5 layouts in 3 days, in my limited spare time. I haven't decided yet which pictures will go on these layouts, but one things for sure, almost anything would work.

Sorry I've been away so long. I hope you, my blog followers, are all doing well, and I wish you good health and happiness, and most of all, extra time to craft!

Kind Regards,

Casandra Bennett

Easter 2016 Cards

I finally found some time to craft. Between our vacation and Spring cleaning, and tons of appointments, I haven't had as much free time to craft as I would like. It felt so good. Whenever I color, I remember how much I have always liked to color. I probably played with crayons and coloring books longer than the average kid. The other night, I even colored in blueberries on my son's homework assignment that I helped him with. Yes, that's how bad I needed to get crafty. LOL

I had some leftover card kits from a couple of years ago when I hosted my last card workshop. The original card was made with a different Easter stamp, so I thought I would change it up a little by using "Hopping By" instead.

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle (retired), Sweet Leaf CS, White Daisy CS, Kraft CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Hopping By (CTMH)
Ink: Black (VersaMark)
Tools: Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Journal Pen, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)

Aren't they cute? I hope you all have a wonderful Easter holiday. 

Blessings,
Casandra

Urban Play Hard Layout

I was inspired by a sketch challenge yesterday with the SG Scrap Squad. This happens to be a free sketch from the September, 2015 Create Magazine. When I first saw it, Urban instantly came to mind. Wouldn't you know it, I had put Urban away earlier in the day. 

I don't know about you, but Urban is one of my favorite boy kits in a long time. I don't think I've been this excited about a masculine kit since Later Sk8r. 

Recipe:

Paper: Urban, Sapphire CS, White Daisy CS, Saffron CS (CTMH)

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

Other: White Embroidery Floss (retired), Urban Complements, Whisper Twine, Durables Triangle Studs (CTMH)

It just so happens that this sketch was needed; in recent browsings of my son's scrapbook albums, I noticed that I'm missing some first and last layout pages.

I would like to enter this into the Heart 2 Heart Challenge for this week: Favorite Paper Pack. So what's your favorite paper?

Casandra

MOJO433 Valentine's Day Cards

Today, instead of watching the Super Bowl, I am playing in my craft room. I also happen to be playing along with the SG Squad's FB online crop party. 

They have an "NFL" challenge going on right now. I chose Neapolitan colors for "N", Flowers for "F", and Love sentiments for "L".

Recipe:
Paper: White Daisy CS, Smoothie CS, Saddle CS (CTMH), Argyle paper (TaDa Creative Studios)
Stamps: Beloved Bouquet (retired), Springtime Wishes (CTMH)
Inks: Chocolate, Champagne (CTMH)
Tools: Springtime Wishes Thin Cuts, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Watercolor Brushes & Paints, Heart Embossing Folder (CTMH)
Other: Brads (Hobby Lobby), Silver Thread (DMC), Bitty Sparkles, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I was inspired to use the current sketch over at Mojo Monday, as well as Share Joy Challenge sketch by Taylored Expressions.

Thanks for stopping in. Have a great day!

Casandra

Urban Boys Will Be Boys Layout

It's confession time. I created this next layout clear back in October. Ugh. I have been so bad lately about taking pictures of my artwork and posting them.

Recipe:
Paper: Urban, Colonial White CS, Whisper CS, Saffron CS (CTMH)

Stamp: Urban WOTG (CTMH)

Inks: Peacock, Whisper, Saffron (CTMH)

Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artistry, Glue Pen, Mini-Stapler (CTMH)

Other: Glue Dots, 3D Foam Tape, Urban Complements, Whisper Twine (CTMH)

These papers are so versatile. I'm actually wishing I had more leftovers for my daughter's Easter layout. She wore the prettiest blue and yellow dress this past Easter, and I have not scrapped it yet. I actually like that Saffron color; I'm big in to earthy tones and textures. 

I hope to have more Urban artwork photographed and posted soon. Have a great day!

Casandra

Charlotte Lovely Day Layout

Yesterday, I joined in with an online virtual crop that was being hosted by a fellow Close To My Heart consultant. I was inspired to finally cut into my Charlotte kit. 

Recipe:
Paper: Charlotte, Whisper CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Other: Black/Gold Ribbon, Gold Puffies, Charlotte Complements (CTMH)

This collection is so trendy right now. And I have to admit it, but I am in love with our new chipboard complements. They are about 1/2 the thickness of our original chipboard complements. And if you prefer them to be more dimensional, it is so simple to add 3D foam tape. Genius!

I wasn't sure which direction I was going to take this layout in at first. BUT...my daughter wrote me the sweetest note yesterday about how much she loves me, and when I woke up this morning, I knew I had to scrapbook about that and use photos from various events over the past 7 years. Sadly, I'm in so few of the photos, so it took a lot of digging to find pictures with both of us in them. I think this layout will go in my own special book.

It was brought to my attention today that I left you, my blog readers, hanging with my son's health status. He is healthy. Tests revealed no new blockages, no kidney stones, no tumors, nothing. The doctor's diagnosis is that Jackson likely had some inflammation that caused his urological bleeding. I am so thankful, and I got the "I told you so" look from my son after the doctor gave us the news. Ah, heck. This mom will take that look any day!

Thank you for stopping by. I hope your weekend has been crafty. 

Blessings,
Casandra

Use Your Stash Patterned Paper Addict

You know you might be a patterned paper addict when...

• You buy extra storage containers to hide store your paper in.
• Paper is falling off every available surface in your craft room.
• You shuffle through six years of paper packs to find just the one.
• You buy extra packs of the kits that are your favorite...just...in...case.
• Each idea book debuts your NEW favorite paper.
• Upon view, you recognize the names of a paper pack, even if it was from years ago.

LOL Did I pretty much cover it? I prefer the term "addict" to "hoarder". 

I have been working on Valentine cards for my children. I've even let them help me and, *gasp*, let them use my ShinHan markers. That is big for me. Even my son said "It's a once in a lifetime experience, mom! I love spending time with you. You are so lucky to have all of these great tools." Yes, I am, and lucky to have children that like to craft like me.


So, if you've come here from Michelle Loncar's blog, you are on the right track.

Here are the Valentine's cards I have created to date. I've made about 30 of them so far; I need about 55 in total.

To continue hopping along, please visit Marie Flayer's blog. You are going to love Marie's projects.

Thank you for stopping by today. Hope we have inspired you to use up some of those beautiful papers you have stashed away. Happy crafting!

Casandra

New Year Cards

After some debate, and liking the artwork I saw created with the November stamp of the month, I decided I NEEDED it. I would like to say thank you to all of you that helped enable me. Ha! As, if. ;)

I made a couple of New Year cards for my friends. I mostly used scraps from the Urban kit, but threw in some other papers to jazz it up, mainly the cranberry paper fundamentals to add that pop of color.

I didn't change anything up much, but when you're just wanting to get back into the crafting saddle after Christmas, with kids rushing through the house on their new scooters, and a half-crazed dog chasing them about, you feel lucky enough to have banged out four cards in an hour...between playing chef for finicky eater(s), and letting the dog out a hundred times so he can eat snow only to have to go back outside so..., and the tv blaring taking your sanity away. LOL Did I mention that I actually miss all that? I must be half-crazed like the dog.... Sheesh. 

Hey friends, let's make it a crafty day! It's therapy for the soul. *Hugs*

Casandra

One More Christmas Card and some Cricut Fun

Here's the last of my Christmas cards.

Believe it or not, I am still crafting Christmas. Last night, I stayed up after the kids were tucked in for the night, and created 5 more of these sweet penguins. Oh wait....let me back up for a minute. GUESS WHAT?!!! Christmas morning, there was a large, rectangle box under the tree. You know how when you first start dating, or even when you're first married, and you see a little box, and your heart starts to flutter? LOL Well, when I saw that large box, I was wondering if it might be, but I didn't want to get too excited...play it cool, Casandra. 

I think I might have squealed. Teehee. My husband bought me the Cricut Explore Air for Christmas. I hadn't said anything about wanting it because I had the Expression and it was fine, and he had bought me that five years ago for my birthday. Why did I really need that Explore? I mean, it's shiny, and it's pretty, but did I really need it? (You can insert an answer below.)

Did you know that you can write with the Explore? I figured someone was really clever and doodled with a metallic pen. Imagine my surprise, when I create the first free project (below), and it says insert the pen. Really? How cool! 

Of course, I went to the store right away and bought a package of pretty pens. They have fine point, medium point, and metallic. And you can search for pen projects in Design Space if you want to play with them more but don't know how. I haven't really gotten quite that far yet. I'm still cutting cute little critters like the penguin above and layering them. Glue pens are a fabulous tool for projects like this. It will even prompt you (when cutting) to use certain color cardstocks, and that's how you will know which cuts to make in red, black, etc. You can change it up if you want, but for now, I'm just happy to follow the examples given. I made an adorable prancing reindeer last night with a shiny, red nose. 

I think the Explore has opened my eyes up to the never-ending possibilities of crafting that can be done. The Expression is great; it does all the basics, and Craft Room helped me to learn how to expand on those basics. But the Explore makes you want to use the Cricut, rather than just dusting it off once a month for your workshop cuts. 

If anyone has any tips or tricks, or suggested videos to watch to help me learn my Explore faster, I'd love to hear about it. You can leave a comment below or email me at casandrab1976-at-yahoo-dot-com. Look at me, being all incognito. Feeling like a ninja, today. Ha!

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends. And I hope it will be a crafty one!

Casandra

Inspired By Christmas Cards

The first card here was inspired by Lisa Stenz. It uses the Artfully Sent cartridge. A quick story on this one. I was at a crop weekend back in October. And I had some left over materials from the White Pines card workshop so I decided I would make this card using the "then" current stamp of the month. I added adhesive to the inside piece and tried to adhere it. But I couldn't get the pop-up piece to pop out. After working with it for the better part of an hour, I was ready to pitch it over a nearby stairwell. Frustration was a word. 

Talking it over with my CTMH bestie, Miss Heather Jane, she convinced me to let her try to fix it. Turns out, I just needed to be a little tougher with it. She pressed firmly down and it popped out just like it should. That's when I decided it was time for me to go get some sleep. LOL

So this second card was inspired by Tina Lovell. I didn't really change mine much. She did such an awesome job with her card. 

Thanks, ladies, for the inspiration!

Casandra

Favorite Christmas Stamps

The following two cards were made using some of my all-time favorite Christmas stamps, Bundled Buddies and Flakey Friends.

Cute critters and snowmen wrapped in scarfs...what's not to love?

Casandra

White Pines Christmas Cards

Here are a couple more Christmas cards I created recently. I had fun playing with some recent sketches from my Pinterest board.

If you'd seen my desk as I designed Christmas cards, you wouldn't know it was mine. Stuff was literally falling onto the floor and I couldn't find anything. ;)

Casandra

Masculine Deer Birthday Card

I am sharing a birthday card I created at Thanksgiving for my Father-In-Law. This is the first year that he has been out hunting in a long time. Sadly, he has better luck getting a deer with a car. On the inside, I couldn't help but tease him about how "elusive" they are. :)

Recipe:
Paper: White Pines (retired), Chocolate CS, Cranberry CS, Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Artistry (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape (CTMH)

I can't recall which stamp set I used for the birthday sentiment. Rick loved this card; he said it was one of the coolest cards he has seen in a while, which is high praise. Normally, he picks on me about my crafts. 

Just a quick shout-out: This card was inspired by Gina Brandstetter. Thanks, Gina.

Happy New Year! What crafty goals do you have?

Casandra