H2H Anything Goes Challenge

Yesterday, I celebrated 12 years of marriage with my husband. Since we dated for 10 years prior, it can sometimes feel weird to say it's our (12) year anniversary. We have been blessed.

I think with Fall being just around the corner, I have begun to redecorate my home. I have added minimal decorations to the front porch, plus I have added small touches to my bathrooms and the living room. I even bought this cute wooden sign for my laundry room. I am embracing the Farmhouse style. Right now, it's not a good time to repaint (busy schedule), but I have hopes of doing so this winter when things are slow. I'm really excited about these changes. My home has been a blank canvas for years. :)

Today, I am sharing a card I created last week with our new Paper Fundamentals. 

Recipe:
All supplies are CTMH.
Paper: Basic Fundamentals, Adventure Fundamentals
Stamp: A Million Thanks
Ink: Pacifica
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors
Other: Heavenly Blue Ribbon (retired), Sugar Rush Sparkles (retired)

I love blue and grey together. Gorgeous. H2H has a new challenge going this week called "Anything Goes". I am entering this card. You can never have enough Thank You cards on hand.

Thanks for stopping by today. Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

MFTWSC313 Owl Card

Happy New Year! 2016 was good to us. My resolution, this year, is to find balance in work, family and life. 

I made it a personal challenge to use up every scrap of paper from the new "Some Kinda Wonderful" kit. Here is a card that I made 3 of:

I cut the owl in Cricut Design Space. If you've followed my blog, you may recognize those owls. Back in November, I made a bunch of owls in various sizes and used them as decorations for my sister-in-law's baby shower. I had one sitting on my desk and was inspired to create some cards with it, this time around.

I would like to enter this card into the current MFTWSC313 Challenge. Thank you, MFT, for a great sketch!

Here's wishing you all the very best that 2017 has to offer.

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

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

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

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

Thank You Cards

It has been a while since I've been to blog land. Life got a lot busy with kids getting out of school, a birthday party, a family reunion, and work. Speaking of work, after working for the same company off and on for over 20 years, I made the tough decision to give notice so I could work at my other job full-time. It's actually a good thing because the construction industry has finally rebounded big time in our area, meaning that both of my part-time jobs became full-time. I'm excited to begin this new chapter in my life of only having one job to balance. Translation...I have hope that I can begin crafting again on a regular basis. Such joy!

With all of that, I give thanks. It seemed fitting that I should begin blogging again with a thank you card (or 2).

Recipe:
Paper: Daydream (retired), Wings (retired), White Daisy CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Tea Time (retired), Finding The Words (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Hollyhock (CTMH)

I needed thank you cards for my daughter's birthday party that was held back in May. I managed to get about 15 of these made in an hour, with the help of my Wishes pattern book, the night before school let out. Phew! Just under the wire, but everyone that came received this pretty thank you note, and each little girl smiled. Izzy was even able to sign her own name to the inside of each card. 

Thanks for continuing to follow my blog, even through my lack of posting. Hope you all are well. Coming soon, I will have some exciting sneak peeks of new artwork to share.

Have a great weekend!

Casandra

RS153 Year Noted

I'm back today with another card I created this weekend using the Year: Noted kit from Close To My Heart.

Recipe:
Paper: Year: Noted (retired), White Daisy CS, Bamboo CS (CTMH)
Stamp: You Mean The World To Me (CTMH)
Ink: Lagoon (CTMH)
Tools: Marvy Uchida Journal Pen, Micro-Tip Scissors, 2" Scallop Circle Punch, Diamond Embossing Folder (CTMH)
Other: White Shimmer Trim (CTMH), Blue Ribbon (American Crafts)

This color combo of peach and mint makes me think of the early 90's. I remember looking at my first fashion catalog and wanting this cute tunic sweater and stirrup pants combo (LOL - Yes, stirrup pants). Peach and Mint Green were featured everywhere in this catalog. But alas, I needed to be 18 and have access to a credit card....

I would like to enter this card into this week's Retro Sketches #153 Challenge. Thanks for stopping by today.

Casandra

Use Your Stuff 173 Thank You Card

Good afternoon. I hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day weekend. The weather was perfect for staying in and snuggling with my sweethearts, at a balmy 20 below 0. 

This week's Use Your Stuff Challenge #173 - Circles paired perfectly with a card I made last night. I made 17 cards and 5 pages over the weekend with the Year: Noted kit. It has lovely shades of mint green and peach. 

Recipe:
Paper: Hopscotch, Year: Noted (retired), Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: You Mean The World To Me (CTMH)
Ink: Lagoon (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Marvy Uchida Journal Pen, 1 1/4" Circle Punch (CTMH), 2" Circle Punch (Fiskars) 
Other: Year: Noted Gold Foil Stickers (CTMH)

Circles are so fun, and I never have enough thank you cards on hand. Stay warm and have a great day!

Casandra

Happy Birds Artiste Card

It is time to face reality. Our furnace kicked on during the night for the first time, this season. Of course, little girl leaving her window ajar probably didn't help matters. When I went in to wake her up this morning, Izzy yawned, stretched, and snuggled into me with a sleepy smile and a "I'm cold". Well, duh. 

The other day, this same little girl was caught sneaking off to her room with nail polish, after I told her no. When I asked for the nail polish back, she denied taking it (at first). After another round of questioning, she caved. "No, I didn't take it...okay; I did. I was testing my limits." I couldn't help myself; a giggle, followed quickly by another, escaped. Before I knew it, Izzy was laughing, too. 

Here's what you really stopped by for:

I made a card a few weeks ago and forgot to post it here to my blog. (Oops.) 

I found inspiration from one of our old idea books, Autumn/Winter 2012. I wanted to highlight some of the pretty patterns from Brushed. Is it just me or does anyone else see retired Veranda in that green paper? I cut the sentiment from our Artiste cricut cartridge. 

Recipe:

Paper: Brushed, Canary CS, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Happy Birds, Art Philosophy (CTMH)

Inks: Chocolate (CTMH)

Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Alcohol Markers, Craft Heater, Glue Pen, Artiste Cartridge (CTMH)

Other: Sparkle Flourish, Bitty Sparkles, Chocolate Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

One of the patterns from Brushed paper has this cool ombre effect; it really makes the sentiment pop. 

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

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

Mojo 312 Grateful For You Card

I missed the deadline for the Mojo sketch challenge, but this next card fits perfectly with this week's theme over at H2H Challenges, "Grateful For You".

Recipe: (All products by CTMH)
Paper: Buzz and Bumble (retired), Stella (retired), Garden Green CS (retired), White Daisy CS
Stamp: Thoughtful Tidings (retired)
Ink: Olive
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors
Other: Brown Sparkles

This card went together very fast, especially since I had these scraps sitting out on my desk. Have a great day!

Casandra

DS123 Thank You Card

When I saw this next sketch from Deconstructed Sketch blog, I couldn't wait to pull out my papers and circle dies. 

Recipe: (All supplies by CTMH unless otherwise noted.)
Paper: Hooligans (retired), Black CS, White Daisy CS
Stamp: Thoughtful Tidings (retired)
Ink: Black
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Ticket Corner Punch (SU!), Circle Stax Dies (MFT)
Other: Silver Shimmer Trim, Licorice Opaques

I would also like to enter this card into the current challenge at H2H Challenges. This week's theme is "Grateful For You".

Have a happy day!

Casandra

TSG212 Thank You Card

This past Sunday, I woke up with this idea for a sunshine happy card. The way I put it together is not my usual style, but I really like how it turned out.

I am entering this card into the There She Goes TSG212 Challenge.

Supplies Used:
All CTMH
Paper: Florentine (retired), Chantilly, White Daisy CS, Garden Green CS (retired)
Stamps: A True Thank You, Chantilly WOTG, My Sunshine (retired),  A Flowering Bunch
Inks: Buttercup, Twilight, Desert Sand, Pear
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, Sponge Dauber
Other: Foam Adhesive, White Daisy Embroidery Floss

M1029 A True Thank You $2.95

S1306 A Flowering Bunch $17.95 or $5.00 with Qualifying Order

A few weeks ago, I had the rare pleasure of sleeping in on a Saturday morning. When I woke up, I was wishing I hadn't. My kids decided to help themselves to my ink pads, circle punch and stamps. Because they didn't know I used a stamp scrubber to clean my stamps with, they happily played moving stamps from one ink pad to another. Fortunately, the only victim was my Buttercup Ink Pad. It could have been worse. I can now see the humor in the situation. 

Hope that I've inspired you. Have a great day.

Casandra

FMS63 Thank You Card

Good morning! I am back again with my card of the day. 

This next card was made for my Hospice counselor. Although, I haven't talked to her in a few months, every 2 weeks like clock work, I get a card or a letter from her. Miss Vivi even thinks of my children, and they so look forward to their packages in the mail each month. Miss Vivi, like so many other counselors out there, is a very caring person and truly touches many lives.

Recipe:
Paper: Dakota, Pacifica CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Thoughtful Tidings (CTMH)
Ink: Black Pigment (Tsuniko)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Cricut Art Philosophy Cartridge, Craft Tweezers (CTMH)
Other: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Blue Sparkles, Glue Dots (CTMH), Blue Ribbon (American Crafts)

I would like to enter this card into the Freshly Made Sketches #63 Challenge.

Have a great day.

Casandra

FM84 Thank You Card

My customers requested thank you cards for my next workshop, which just happens to be tomorrow night.

I have been following some challenge websites through my Blogger List. I found inspiration from this card.

Recipe:
Paper: Yellow CS (DCWV), Slate CS, White Daisy CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Casual Expressions, It's Your Day, A Little Thanks (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Slate (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Cricut Artiste Cartridge (CTMH), Modern Wallpaper Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Textured Impressions Embossing Folder (SU!)
Other: Licorice Opaques, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I rarely create a card that doesn't have some sort of B&T paper, so this card was a challenge in itself. I used my brand new Cuttlebug embossing folder. 

Today, I am thankful for my daughter's sense of humor even in the face of a nasty virus that has had her spiking fevers and waking up coughing in the middle of the night. Hoping this bug leaves our house quickly.

Have a great night.

Casandra