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

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

H2H Mum's The Word Layout

Good morning, and Happy Monday to you! This month, I was asked to be a guest designer for Heart 2 Heart Challenges.

This week's theme is "Mum's the Word". I decided to create a scrapbook page that I will put in a 12x12 shadow box frame as a gift for my mom.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside, Daydream (retired), Wings (retired), Colonial White CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Just Sayin' (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Hollyhock (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Foam Pad, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Other: Black Embroidery Floss, Chantilly PML Cards, Sparkle Flourish, Foam Tape (CTMH)

You might not initially think these papers would go together, but green and pink compliment each other well...add in neutrals like white and black, and they actually do work well. Even though it's a small part of the photo, my little girl was wearing butterfly leggings, so I decided to play off the photo when picking papers. 

My son actually helped me stitch this layout. He loves to sew now, and is forever asking me to pierce paper so he can stitch. Cute, huh? He's 8, btw.

You have all month to play along at Heart 2 Heart Challenges. Thanks for stopping by.

Casandra

New Home Congrats Card

Here's another card that was inspired by the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book.

Isn't it fun? As I was sitting here looking at the card, I remembered that one of my relatives moved into their first new home. This will be perfect for them.

Recipe:
Paper: Later Sk8r (retired), Brushed, Flaxen CS, Chocolate CS, Desert Sand CS, Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Ink: Chocolate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tips Scissors, Glue Pen, Sanding Kit, Cricut Art Philosophy, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired), Neutral Baker's Twine, Teal Shimmer Trim (CTMH)

Thanks for stopping by. I hope your day is blessed.

Casandra

Art Philosophy Thank You Card

Good morning. I am back today with another card I made a week ago. This one was also inspired by a card from the Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book.

Here is where I need to give another shout-out to my friend (and fellow CTMH Consultant) Celina from Arizona. We met through a private chat board that is exclusive for consultants. She came to my rescue when I made an error that would've cost me some product credits. About two weeks ago, I was playing in my craft room when the FedEx truck showed up. I wasn't expecting anything so when I opened the box, in it were 3 stamp sets, a craft sponge (inside joke) and this chevron border punch. I quickly grabbed a tissue. Celina has a generous spirit, a big heart, and a great sense of humor. I feel like God blessed me with her friendship at a time when I was really feeling low. 

So this card was made with Celina in mind. It uses the Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge and stamps, the new (and fun!) chevron border punch, teal shimmer trim, Seaside and Brushed papers. 

Have a wonderful day, my friends.

Casandra

Chalk It Up Card #2

Hello. Today just happens to be my birthday. Here's another card I created using a mixture of Chalk It Up and Seaside papers. Sorbet is still one of my happy colors. So I am happy to see it being used in such a beautiful way with these two kits.

This card was also inspired by artwork in our Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. It uses Wishes: Keyhole template, and was made easier by cricut cuts from the Art Philosophy cartridge.

Recipe:
Paper: Chalk It Up, Seaside, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS, Lagoon CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Art Philosophy, Chalk It Up WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Sorbet, Desert Sand (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Sponge, Art Philosophy Cartridge (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots (CTMH)

So yesterday, my husband took me out to lunch. Probably two of the best presents I received was the last sanding on the drywall project we had to do this past week (no more dust!) and also my puppy learning what the word "potty" means. We had 3 successful trips outside last night and each time, Jagger did exactly what I asked him to. Yay! 

Have a great week, my crafty friends!

Casandra

Chalk It Up Teacher Card

Good morning. I really enjoyed making this next card. I can't take complete credit for it, though. I was inspired by a card featured in our (CTMH) Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book, Page 65. That's the beauty of our idea books...they are more than just a selling tool. 

Recipe:
Paper: Chalk It Up, Desert Sand CS, Chocolate CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: School Is Here (retired), Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon, Chocolate, Ruby (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Watercolor Pencils, Glue Pen, Cricut Art Philosophy, Journaling Pen, Stitch Ruler (CTMH)
Other: Chalk It Up Assortment, Aqua Dots, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired) (CTMH)

Isn't this cute? I love this paper! That "cool" sticker is a throwback to my childhood, when I was first introduced to puffy stickers. They are so fun. A must-have for any embellishment collection.

Have a happy day!

Casandra

Stashbusters Confetti Wishes Layout

We're trying to get back into routine here today, with added puppy duties. I was browsing some blogs in the early a.m. today, after being up for the fourth time with Jagger. It appears he has his days and nights mixed up, much the way a newborn baby might.

I came across a Stashbusters layout on a blog I follow and decided to follow the link. Once there, I looked up the most current sketch requirements. This is what I came up with.

I used some new product I received last week, called Confetti Wishes (purple paper plus yellow checker paper). Otherwise, the other papers are retired. I also used up some retired embellishments. I'm starting to use my Cricut more. Funny that it took purging a bunch of product to help me out in that direction.

Recipe:
Paper: Dotty For You (retired), Later Sk8r (retired), Confetti Wishes (new), White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Chocolate Large Alphabet (retired), This is Good, Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet, Cricut Artbooking (CTMH)
Inks: Thistle (new), Lagoon (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Artbooking, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Honey Mini-Medley Assortment (retired), Lagoon Mini-Medley Assortment (retired), White Daisy Brads (retired), Glue Dots (CTMH), Purple Buttons (Jo-Ann's), Purple Embroidery Floss (DMC)

I would like to enter this into Stashbusters July 2014 Week 2 Challenge, as well as Color Throwdown CTD302 Challenge. I'm always looking for ways to use up my extra stash. The scalloped square pieces were cut at 4", and the journaling piece was cut at 4" real dial size.

Hope you have a great night! Thank you for stopping by.

Casandra

FM164 Daddy's Little Girl

The last couple of years, I've kind of just thrown Father's Day gifts together. I feel like I owe it to my dad to do something extra special this year.

When I saw yesterday's ScrapMuch? sketch, I was totally inspired. The other thing is that I rarely give photo gifts of myself; most of the time, they are gifts of my children. Challenge YOUrself provided me the perfect opportunity to include myself in the layout.

Recipe:
Paper: Chantilly (retired), Twilight CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Chantilly Card Workshop (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Twilight, Pear, Cotton Candy, Whisper (CTMH)
Tools: Sponge, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Stitch-Guide Ruler, Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Other: Chantilly PML, Pearls (retired) (CTMH), Pink Embroidery Floss (DMC)

I would like to enter this into the following challenges:
1) ScrapMuch? 6-13-14 Challenge
2) Challenge YOUrself: Oh Boy! #7 Challenge
3) The Friday Mashup! FM164 Challenge

I am planning to put this into a shadow box frame before gifting tomorrow. Happy Father's Day!

Casandra

MOJO342 Hooligans Birthday Invitation

My daughter turns 6 next month. I say it all the time, but I just don't know where the time goes. Seems like yesterday that we were strapping her into her car seat and bringing her home. 

Being a cardmaker, I don't really get free passes to buy the generic birthday invitations you can find in just about any store nowadays. So I was pleased when I saw this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Recipe:
Paper: Hooligans (retired), Pear CS, Black CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Big Top (CTMH)
Inks: Pear, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Artiste, Cricut Art Philosophy, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Purple Shimmer Trim, Purple Glitter Gems (CTMH)

Izzy gives it two thumbs up. Hope you are having a great day!

Casandra

CMCC#5 Lollydoodle Layout

I am really excited to share this next layout with you. It showcases some new product as well as tons of Cricut cuts and hand-stitching. Recently, I found another challenge blog on Pinterest. It's called Colour Me...!

Recipe:
Paper: Lollydoodle, Desert Sand CS, Hollyhock CS, Sunset CS, White Daisy CS
Stamps: Classmate Alphabet (retired), Wild About Love (CTMH)
Inks: Desert Sand, Hollyhock, Sunset (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Antique Copper Brad (retired), White Marquee Enamel Shape, Smoothie Flower (retired), White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired), Sunset Baker's Twine (CTMH)

I was inspired by a layout that was previously featured in the Autumn/Winter 2011 Idea Book, Page 95. When I started creating this, it was intended to be used in a baby book, but as I continued to work on it, I began looking back through Valentine's Day photos from last year. I really only got one good shot. It provided the perfect opportunity to combine a pretty sketch with my new Wild About Love stamp set.

Have a great day!

Casandra

FMS120 Thank You Card

Hello! I am back today with another sneaky peek at a couple of new paper packs that will be available beginning February 1st. 

Recipe: 
Paper: Ariana, Ivy Lane, Outdoor Denim CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Inks: Hollyhock, Outdoor Denim (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Sky Brads (retired) CTMH)

I would like to enter this card into the following challenges:
1. Freshly Made Sketches FMS120 Challenge
2. Friday Mashup FM144 Challenge
3. Color Dare #78 Challenge

I am really loving the mix and match versatility of the new papers in our Spring/Summer 2014 Idea Book. Hope you are enjoying your Sunday, and can find time to get into your craft room. :)

Casandra

Handle With Care

Good morning! We woke up to -14 degrees here in Bliss today. The sun is shining and the snow is sparkling...we don't have to dream of a "White Christmas" here.

Today, I would like to share some impromptu gift bags I created the other day for some special cross pendants I purchased for my sweet nieces and little girl.

I made 4 of them in all, and cut them on my Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge at 5". You can get 2 gift bags per 12x12 sheet. I used some retired Roxie paper that I thought was perfect for both Christmas, as well as Valentine's Day. These days, we are all about reducing, reusing and recycling. I stamped the sentiment with our current Stamp Of The Month, "Special Care", in smoothie ink. Fun and festive! 

I love our stamp of the month program. I was able to purchase this stamp, valued at $17.95, for just $5.00! 

S1312 Special Care 

This stamp set will retire on December 31st, so be sure to get your's now if you like what you see.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Casandra

Sparkle and Shine Workshop

Good morning. Life has been very busy lately. I have begun working five days a week to try and put a better foot forward with the holidays.

It has been snowing here for a couple of days and we have about 6" of fresh powder. My garage door picked a fine time to stop working correctly so now I have to park outside. Brr.... But it's a little thing, and it wasn't that long ago that I didn't even have a garage.

I hosted my Sparkle and Shine workshop a few weeks ago, but forgot to post my pictures, so here they are.

The last layout was inspired by Dana Kessler and Dawn Montagano. I love how Dawn used the Artbooking present photo mats in her layout. I carefully glued white cardstock to the back of the presents on the left, right and bottom portion, so that my photos can slip right in. The dimensional elements that coordinate with this kit are so fun. Where you see "grey" chipboard, it is actually silver. I embossed the "Shining Moments" title, and after creating the first workshop layout without embossing, I suggested that my customers emboss that one, as well. It was a big hit. Embossing can be very addicting, I tell ya. :)

If you would like to order any of the products you see here, they are available through December 31, 2013. Please visit my website for more details, or to place your order. Thank you.

I wish you all a safe and happy holiday.

Casandra Bennett

Cards for Cath Sparkle and Shine

Good afternoon. I have been busy cutting out cards today for my Christmas card workshop on Sunday. The kids are home from school because it is Teacher In-Service. They spent the morning looking at their scrapbooks. It makes me so proud that I'm a paper crafter and have been able to preserve memories for them.

I wanted to share the card that I worked on today. I would like to post this to the Moxie Fab World website. As some of you have probably already heard, Miss Cath is leaving Moxie Fab World. She has taught me so much over the past few years and has been so generous and thoughtful, stopping by once in a while to leave a comment, and also to give out prizes each week. Twice, I have been the recipient of her generosity, but even more so, when I lost a baby in 2011, Cath left me a personal message of condolence on my Facebook page. It was so touching, and I've never forgotten it.

So today's card honors Miss Cath. She has brought so many of us joy. I wish you much luck in your future endeavors. *Hugs*

I can't take complete credit for the design of this card. You can check out my inspiration for this card here. If you would like to participate in giving your regards to Cath, too, you may want to check out this link "Cards For Cath".

Recipe:
Paper: Sparkle and Shine, Olive CS, Cranberry CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Tools: Snowflake Dies (MFT), Damask Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Art Philosophy Cricut Cartridge (CTMH)
Other: Red Sequins (Jo-Ann's), Glue Dots (CTMH)

Thanks for stopping by. Have a terrific day!

Casandra

Babycakes Workshop Layouts

Good evening! We have been enjoying some beautiful sunny weather in Northern Michigan. Yesterday, I learned how to run a wood splitter and assisted my husband in getting some of our wood stacked up for the year. I was feeling quite accomplished until he told me that we only had about 25% of what we need for the winter. Eeks.

Today, I would like to share my Babycakes scrapbook layouts with you. (Please forgive the bad lighting. These look so much better in person.)

Recipe:

Paper: Babycakes, Dotty For You (retired), Kraft CS, Sunset CS, Lagoon CS, Buttercup CS, Chocolate CS, Colonial White CS, Saddle CS, Slate CS

Stamps: You Are My Happy, Babycakes WOTG, Capture The Date (retired)

Inks: Buttercup, Sunset, Lagoon, Chocolate, Slate, Desert Sand

Tools: Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Artbooking, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer

Other: Babycakes Complements, Babycakes Assortment, Bronze Shimmer Trim, Mocha Pearl Opaques, Chocolate Embroidery Floss

I am working on a baby shower gift and also plan to use a couple of these layouts for a friend that recently lost her baby boy. I wanted to do something to help keep his memory alive for the family.

Have a great week!

Casandra

Tommy Workshop

This marks the first of two posts I have to share with you today. Last night, I feverishly worked on my layouts for today's Tommy Workshop. I've gotten into the habit of making layouts with the pictures on them. The journaling and titles aren't always completed at that time, but getting the pictures on is really the big step for me.

So here they are:

Recipe: 
Paper: Tommy, Outdoor Denim CS, Cranberry CS, Honey CS, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS
Stamps: Cricut Artbooking, Tommy WOTG, Laughing Lola Cardmaking WOTG, Trinity Alphabet, Pinwheel
Inks: Cranberry, Outdoor Denim, Honey, White Daisy, Black, Desert Sand, VersaMark
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Heat Gun, Craft Tray, Cricut Art Philosophy
Other: Cranberry Baker's Twine, Tommy Assortment, Tommy Complements, Artisan Durable Studs, Holiday Red Ribbon, Foam Tape, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, White Embossing Powder, Outdoor Denim Embossing Powder

I was amazed at how many of my pictures taken recently actually worked with this kit. At first glance, it screams nautical, but the colors work well with most pictures. 

I would like to enter my layouts into the Bon Voyage Challenge over at H2H. If you'd like to participate, make sure to do so before August 31st. Have a happy day!

Casandra

PP151 Chantilly Card

Goodness, it's been an exciting morning so far. Close To My Heart is hosting our annual convention at Walt Disney World today and I've been following along on Twitter in between making this card. I have to keep busy or I will be too giddy to focus on anything! LOL

I created this next card for The Paper Players Sketch Challenge #151. I cut the label on our cricut cartridge at 3 1/2" and then cut it in half on my paper trimmer.

Supplies Used:
Paper: Chantilly, Sweet Leaf CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH), Kraft CS (MFT)
Stamp: My Sunshine-retired (CTMH)
Inks: Buttercup, Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Chocolate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Scissors, Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)
Other: Glue Dots, Clear Sparkles, Foam Tape (CTMH), Olive Taffeta Ribbon (SU!)

Hope you like. If you'd like to follow along with the exciting convention updates, please use hashtag #vivactmh. 

Casandra

FM115 Congratulations Card

A dear friend of mine just had her baby girl graduate from high school. I've known this young lady since I first began scrapbooking with Close To My Heart, and not only is she nice, but she is so talented, too. 

So here is a card I made tonight just for her. (Better late than never, right?)

I am linking my card up to the following blogs.

1. Fabulously Artsy Blog
2. The Friday Mashup! FM115 Challenge

Supplies Used:

Paper: Tommy, White Daisy CS (CTMH), Kraft CS (MFT), Whisper White CS (SU!)

Stamps: Cricut Art Philosophy, Card Word Puzzle (CTMH)

Inks: Outdoor Denim, Honey (CTMH)

Tools: Embossing Folder (SU!), Circle Stax 1 (MFT), Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Cricut Art Philosophy (CTMH)

Other: Grey Sparkles, Black Embroidery Floss, Foam Adhesive (CTMH)

Congrats on such a wonderful achievement, Miss Rachel!

The Bennett Family

Mojo Monday #263 Coffee Lover Card

I think this is my last post of the day. I decided to create a different card...meaning that I made a card that wasn't a holiday card. LOL

I was inspired by this week's sketch at Mojo Monday.

Recipe:
Paper: Grandma's Attic Collectibles (TPC Studio), Cocoa CS, Colonial White CS (CTMH); Stamps: Enjoy Life (CTMH); Clearly Sentimental About Coffee (MFT); Inks: Twilight, Cocoa (CTMH); Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Cricut Art Philosophy cartridge (CTMH), Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug); Other: Brown Sparkles (CTMH), Chocolate Ribbon (American Crafts)

Today's card was inspired by the patterned paper. It made me think of newspaper. When I was a little girl, my dad used to read his morning paper with a cup of coffee (and a cigarette). He would always keep one eye on the clock to be sure he wasn't late for work. After he would leave, my brother and I would pretend to be daddy, by either "smoking" the cigarette stub or drinking the coffee dregs at the bottom of his cup. I can tell you that this experience cured my brother and I of ever wanting to drink coffee or smoke. LOL But the memory always makes me smile. 

One last reminder today for you; be sure to stop by here and leave a comment to win an awesome prize package.

Casandra