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

H2H What A Wonderful World Challenge

I love camping in the summer, and when we're not able to camp, we always try to visit family members that are. There is something indescribable about being outdoors in the sunshine, next to a camp fire, and sharing fond memories.

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Back Country (retired), Barn Red CS, Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Jackson WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Barn Red, Juniper (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Artbooking, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Jackson Complements (CTMH)

If we can pass on some of these traditions to our kids, it is our hope that some day they will do the same with the next generation. We are so fortunate to live in the USA, even with its share of flaws. I'm grateful for those that make sacrifices to keep us safe...to enjoy these little moments of happiness with our families. In this spirit, I am entering this layout into the current Heart 2 Heart challenge: What A Wonderful World.

P.S. That picture of Jackson and I was taken by Izzy, who had just turned 5. It was her first time handling the camera, even. Not too shabby; she's a natural.

On to the crafty portion of this post: Did you notice how the title pops? Instead of using foam tape to back it, I cut the title out three times (twice in white cardstock), and layered it with a generous portion of bonding memories glue between each layer. When I laid the top layer down on my paper, it blended right in. It was missing that shadow effect that only layering or foam tape could give. I used Cricut Craft Room to cut my title out, so I could stretch it a bit more to fit the title topper space best. I was even able to weld "the" together so it would match "Great Outdoors".

Thank you for stopping by.

Casandra

H2H No Foolin Jackson Layout

Good morning. It is supposed to be a beautiful day, today. Lots of sunshine and a high of 62! Woot! Woot!

Recipe:
Paper: Jackson, Glacier CS, Colonial White CS, Juniper CS, Barn Red CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Jackson WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Cocoa, Glacier, Juniper, Barn Red (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artbooking Cartridge (CTMH)
Other: Jackson Assortment, Brave Enamel Shapes (CTMH)

I think my photos are perfect for the "No Foolin' Challenge" at H2H. Last Memorial Day weekend, we travelled about 4 hours south of home to camp at a nice, family-oriented campground with family. Normally, we camp for no more than 4 days, but since we were so far from home, we decided to make it worth our while, and stayed 6 days. These pictures were taken on Memorial Day with Grandpa. The kids love to tease him, and he loves to tease them right back. 

I took some close-up shots of the Jackson assortment because I wanted you to see the beautiful details, as well as the size of them. They are about the thickness of a penny, so not high profile. And if you've been following my blog for some time, you may already know that I tend not to use too many thick embellishments. 

P.S. That is my very own "Jackson" in the photos. He will tell you that he prefers "Jack" without the "son", and I tease him that he is my son and so we added that part on for good measure. 

Have a wonderful weekend! Hope you can get your scrap on! Can you believe it is almost National Scrapbooking Day?! 

Casandra

Chalk It Up Back To School Layout

Last month, I finally found time to play with my Chalk It Up workshop kit. 

I only made a few small variations to it because it worked perfectly for my photos. I added some journal pen lines to the title for more definition, and stamped it in different colored inks. This title worked perfectly with my pictures and the story I was trying to tell. If I had any complaints, it would be the composition journal pieces, while cute, are so small, you can't really add much detail to them. Otherwise, they are an adorable detail in their own right. I even like the flaxen cardstock for bases. (Surprised myself with that one!)

Recipe:
Paper: Chalk It Up, Flaxen CS, White Daisy CS, Lagoon CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Chalk It Up WOTG (CTMH)
Inks: Flaxen, Sorbet, Lagoon, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Artbooking Cartridge, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Chalk It Up Assortment, Black & White Stripe Twill Ribbon, Glue Dots (CTMH)

I love this layout so much. It's really much nicer in person than the photograph conveys.

I think we are pretty much ready for back to school here. Kids start on Wednesday. Have a great week!

Casandra

Mixed Media Blitz UYSB Hop

What is mixed media, you ask? 

noun

1. 1.

   the use of a variety of media in an entertainment or work of art.

I chose to interpret it as different combinations of embellishments. 

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

Last month, I held my Skylark Workshop. I showcased the following two layouts along with the three that you may have seen previously posted on my blog. It was a perfect time to play around with mixing different left over embellishments I had accumulated since I was in the process of reorganizing my craft room anyway. 

Imagine Timeline Sketch

Scrapbook Generation Sketch

As you can see, I used retired Skylark paper, along with retired Footloose and Free To Be Me papers. I added in various buttons, lagoon mini medley, new chalk it up assortment, milepost shapes, and aqua dots. Great way to use up your stash!

My goal with these two layouts was to show a variety of uses for our Picture My Life cards. They can be used for more than just pocket pages. You may even notice that I cut the "good stuff" pml card down to 2x3. The sketch called for a journal piece of that size and I thought it would be a great teaching tool to showcase for you. I have previously fussy cut them to use as embellishments, too.

Another thing I want to point out is that I used liquid glass to completely cover the "vacation" title piece. I thought it looked a little flat, and since my pictures were water-themed, I immediately thought of my liquid glass. You could use a background stamp before applying liquid glass to give it yet another cool effect. Liquid glass is more than just a great adhesive!

One more thing: I use my glue pen when adhering small or skinny paper pieces to help give it extra hold. Seems to be less messy than my tombow, and provides a sturdy bond.

Products Used:

Paper: Skylark, Footloose, Free To Be Me, Kraft CS, White Daisy CS, Skylark PML Cards (CTMH)

Stamps: Skylark WOTG, Hello Summer (CTMH)

Inks: Black, Creme Brulee, Lagoon (CTMH)

Tools: Embossing Powder, Craft Tray, Craft Heater, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artbooking, Corner Rounder, Liquid Glass, Glue Pen (CTMH)

Other: White Embroidery Floss, Chalk It Up, Lagoon Mini-Medley, Milepost Shapes, Aqua Dots, White Daisy Brad, Foam Tape, Glue Dots (CTMH), Misc. Buttons (Other)

If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments below.  

Your next stop on the hop will be Theresa Morrow's blog. 

Thanks for stopping by! 

Casandra

Stashbusters Daydream Layout

I am back again with my second project for the day. I decided to play along again with Stashbusters over at Splitcoaststampers. 

Recipe:
Paper: Daydream (retired), White Daisy CS, Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH)
Stamps: What A Day (convention 2014 stamp), All The Details, Distressed Backgrounds (CTMH)
Inks: Petal (retired), Sweet Leaf, Hollyhock, Honey, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen, Cricut Artbooking, Scoring Blade, Journaling Pen (CTMH)
Other: White Enamel Stars, Black Bitty Brads (retired), Hollyhock Ric-Rac Ribbon (retired), Foam Tape, Glue Dots, Daydream Stickease (CTMH), Purple Baker's Twine (MFT), Purple Embroidery Floss (DMC)

I would like to enter this layout into the Moxie Fab World: Clicking Camera Challenge. You have until Sunday, August 17th to play along.

Hope I've inspired you to dig into your stash and use up some of your hoarded product. Have a wonderful 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

Artbooking Snapshots Mini Album

I actually have been working on projects, but haven't had much time to get them posted for you to see. Here's one that I just finished up today. 

I can't take complete credit for this design. I found inspiration from Stacy Julian's website.

Oh snap! (Sorry; couldn't help myself.) So, I made this album way more difficult than it had to be. I finally figured out on literally the last 2 pages that all I had to do was set my dial size to 8" because everything was already linked on the two buttons I used (buttons 3 and 4, pages 40-41). I kept thinking I needed to use the real dial size button and then set the dial at a certain number of inches. I went through about 5 pieces of cardstock before I finally figured out what I was doing wrong. 

If you choose to create this album at home with your very own Artbooking cartridge, remember to set the dial at 8" and keep the real dial size button OFF. It will cut everything to size just for this album. (Side note: I laughed myself silly when I set the my favorite photos cut to 1". Teeny, tiny!)

Recipe:
Paper: Elemental (retired), Olive CS, Lagoon CS, Sorbet CS, Buttercup CS, Bamboo CS, Colonial White CS, Desert Sand CS (CTMH)
Stamps: It's Your Day (retired), Marquee Alphabet, Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet, Canvas Art Workshop (retired), Hello Summer, True To Life, Artbooking (CTMH)
Inks: Sorbet, Lagoon, Olive, Desert Sand (CTMH)
Tools: Cricut Artbooking, Journaling Pen, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots, Brown Shimmer Trim, Lagoon Houndstooth Washi Tape, Lagoon Baker's Twine, Green Button (CTMH)

Don't forget: I am celebrating 3 years with Close To My Heart, this month. Please read previous post (scroll down) to see my fabulous deals. 

Have a happy day!

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

CTS#53 Polar Bear Holiday

Good morning, everyone. Last night, I found myself with a few minutes and a crafty vision took hold. I was inspired by this week's sketch over at CAS(E) this Sketch!. I am also entering this into H2H Challenges "Seeing Double" challenge.

Recipe: (All products are CTMH)
Paper: Moonlight (retired), Juniper CS, White Daisy CS
Stamp: Polar Bear Holiday
Ink: Black
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artbooking Cartridge, Watercolor Pencils
Other: Clear Sparkles, Silver Shimmer Trim, Stardust Glitz Gel, Foam Tape

There is still a little bit of time to play. Thanks for stopping by!

Casandra

Surf's Up Workshop Layouts

I'm back again today with my layouts created for the Surf's Up workshop. First off, I should tell you that when I first saw Surf's Up in the book, I didn't immediately fall in love with it. It seemed too loud and way to 60's for me. But, like other times, the more artwork I saw created with it, mixed in with photographs, I began to see Surf's Up in a whole new way. 

Inspired By Tamytha Jenkins at Paper Heartist

Recipe:

Paper: Surf's Up, Florentine (retired), Desert Sand CS, Crystal Blue CS, Lagoon CS, Surf's Up Gold CS, Sorbet CS, Colonial White CS, Surf's Up Teal CS, Chocolate CS

Stamps: Cricut Artbooking, Surf's Up WOTG, Trinity Alphabet

Inks: Lagoon, Crystal Blue, Honey, Chocolate, Desert Sand

Tools: Cricut Artbooking, 2" Scallop Circle Punch, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer

Other: Clear Sparkles, Surf's Up Complements, Surf's Up Assortment, Chocolate Embroidery Floss

I would like to thank my good friend Heather Jane for so graciously giving me her Surf's Up WOTG stamp set. 

I loved how each one of these layouts turned out, especially the two that I have photos on already. We had a terrific summer, and I've enjoyed looking back in pictures an reminiscing each event and how we truly made the most of it, without spending a lot, either!

Have a great week, my crafty friends.

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

It's All About Going Back To School

Good morning! My kids are now at school for their 5th full day. I kept thinking how strangely quiet my house is as I cleaned up their toys and prepared for my work day from home. As I look out over my living room area, it's nice to have a clean, uncluttered floor and know it will stay that way until 4pm today. (Blissful sigh.) 

My daughter, Izzy, started Kindergarten last Wednesday. I had such mixed emotions sending my baby off to school, even though it's actually her third year of school (she attended two years of preschool at the same school). As she got off the bus and walked up the driveway with me, I asked her how her first day of school was. Her reply? "I don't want to talk about it." After a repeat attempt to find out, with the same reply, she finally admitted with a sigh "Okay. I cried." It was the cutest thing ever. She said she missed me. 

My son, Jack, just started Second Grade. He is now a big boy at the other end of the school building. He was so excited to see all of his friends, and hammed it up for the camera. His first day of school reply went like this: "I didn't EVEN get into trouble today!" He aims high. Yesterday, he surprised me with his first "Be" ticket. Our Elementary School gives out "Be" tickets for "Being Respectful", "Being Responsible", "Being Caring" and "Being Safe". He had the first 3 spots checked off. This is a big deal, and I'm super proud of him. You could see his pride as he showed it to me.

With all of this in mind, I wanted to share with you a cool video that Close To My Heart as put together to showcase "Back To School" layouts. I wish it was the end of the day already so I could get crafting! 

I opened my inbox this morning to find an email directing me to the "While Supplies Last" section of my website. Some new items have been added, and just in time, too! "Scholastic" papers can be your's for just $1.75 plus tax and shipping.

Whether you have babies back in school, or the all-grown up kind, these memories will be cherished forever. Have a happy day!

Casandra

Artbooking in August #4

Welcome to Week #4 of Artbooking in August! Are you ready to get creative? Let 35 Close To My Heart Consultants inspire you. This is a circular blog hop, so if you get lost along the way, please visit Adeline Brill's blog here, and you're sure to get back on track!

If you arrived here from Michelle's blog, you're on the right path.

Sadly, this is the last week of the blog hop. Can you believe September (and SCHOOL) is just around the corner? Well, today, I want to share a mini album I created using many cuts from our fabulous Cricut cartridges. I made this sweet baby album for my cousins. They are expecting their first child together, and of course, you can guess from the pink what they will be having.

The base pages were cut using the Artbooking cartridge at 8", using Real Dial Size and the photo mat 1, shift image found on Page 59. These pages were cut to fit into our new Kraft 3-ring binder Album. 

Recipe: 
Paper: Sophia (retired), Chantilly, Avonlea (retired), Hooligan's (retired), Mistletoe (retired), Veranda (retired), Sweetheart (retired), Frosted, Babycakes, Huntington, Stella (retired), Claire (retired), Surf's Up, Florentine (retired), Smoothie CS, White Daisy CS, Chocolate CS, Creme Brulee CS, Garden Green CS (retired), Gypsy CS, Lagoon CS, Cranberry CS, Chocolate CS
Stamps: The Boo Crew (retired), Love Life, Elemental WOTG (retired), Love You Forever (retired), Whoo's Your Valentine (retired), Flakey Friends, Little Reminder (retired), Mistletoe WOTG (retired), December 25th (retired), Tommy WOTG, Zoology, Trinity Alphabet, Sensational Season (retired), Makin' Waves (retired), Baby Love (retired), It's Your Day (retired), Little Princess (retired), Art Philosophy
Inks: Smoothie, Pear, Goldrush, Desert Sand, Chocolate, Cranberry, Olive, New England Ivy, Black, Sunset, Hollyhock, Cotton Candy
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Artbooking, Sponge, Glue Pen, Prisma Glitter, 1 1/4" Circle Punch, Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, 1 Hole Punch, Corner Rounder
Other: Sophia Assortment, Veranda Stickease, White Embroidery Floss, Chocolate Embroidery Floss, Bitty Brads (retired), Liquid Glass
Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog. Now, hop on over to Gina's blog to see what beautiful project she has in store for you.

Casandra