Deepest Sympathy Card

Hello. I hope you are all staying warm today. We have had a strange mix of weather here. Bitter cold temperatures of up to -30 degrees one day, and then 10 degrees the next with lots of snow. After two days off from school, the kids returned today. This allowed me to catch up on some things I've been meaning to get to.

A dear friend of the family passed away a couple of weeks ago, and I wanted to send out a sympathy card to his wife. She was actually the first person I knew that stamped, so I think she will appreciate a handmade card. 

Recipe:

Paper: Miracle (retired), Garden Green CS (retired), Chocolate CS, Colonial White CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)

Stamp: Card Chatter - Sympathy (retired) (CTMH)

Ink: Chocolate (CTMH)

Tools: Chevron Border Punch, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)

Other: Clear Sparkles (CTMH)

I actually used some washi tape to mask the sentiment to create a better symmetry. It was easy peasy. I chose to keep this card fairly simple, but stamped and paper-pieced a vase with flowers to the inside. 

Today, I am sharing one of my favorite bible verses with you.

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

Have a blessed day.

Casandra

Twinkle Twinkle Little Star Layout

I have been busy trying to finish up my layouts for the baby album I plan to gift. This next layout had a lot of fussy cutting, stamping and glue pen action.

H2H has a great challenge going on this month called "Guilty Pleasures". So what is my guilty pleasure? If you haven't guessed it already, it really is papercrafting. It's great therapy, though I can't decide if it saves more money than seeing a doctor. LOL But it does keep me balanced and happy.

I used two Reflections patterns and drew initial inspiration from a Zoology stamped layout in a previous idea book. From there, I decided to go with the Twinkle Twinkle Little Star theme. Can you see all the hand-stitching and glue pen/prisma glitter action? It's rediculous the amount of hours I spend sometimes on a layout, and I think nothing else can possibly top it, but then another one steals my heart. 

I probably could have taken the easy route and cut the alpha's out on my Cricut, but I love stamping, and I truly don't mind fussy cutting. There's something relaxing about it at the end of a long work day. 

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle (retired), Outdoor Denim CS, Crystal Blue CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Babycakes (retired), Trinity Alphabet (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Outdoor Denim (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Prisma Glitter (retired), Glue Pen (CTMH), 2" Circle Punch (Fiskars)
Other: Silver Stars (Jo-Ann's), White Epoxy Stars, Glue Dots, White Embroidery Floss, Outdoor Denim Chevron Ribbon (retired) (CTMH)

I have several other layouts I need to share with you that I've been working on. Meanwhile, don't forget we have an awesome promotion going on all October called "Ribbon Revelry". It just so happens I used some of the chevron ribbon that is part of this promotion in the above layout. You can find out more about that here.

Casandra

CMCC#12 Sympathy Card

Hello and good morning. I hope you are well on this Sunday. I spent the weekend preparing for my card workshop, but I managed to sneak a little creative time in just for me, too.

Sympathy cards are my least favorite theme to make; I'm sure that I am not alone in that. As I was putting the final touches on this card, it wasn't my first thought, but the soft, subtle tones inspired me. 

I used the current Atlantic Hearts Sketch and combined it with the Colour Me CMCC#12 Challenge.

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle (retired), Skylark, Heavenly Blue CS (retired), Lagoon CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Lovely As A Tree (SU!), Card Chatter-Sympathy (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Lagoon Pigment, Lagoon, Garden Green (retired), Heavenly Blue (retired), VersaMark (CTMH)
Tools: White Embossing Powder, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Sponges, Paper-Piercer, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)
Other: White Baker's Twine, Heavenly Blue Brads (both retired) (CTMH)

I must admit that I am loving the emboss resist effect. I wish I had more scenery stamps in my collection. Have a great week!

Casandra

CMCC#8 Easter Card

Well, good news here. My Izzy is finally feeling better and eating again after her tummy bug for the past few days. Jack is still sick with the croup; I must remember that it seems to peak at about day 5, but gosh it is worrisome to hear that horrible cough and last night I listened to him talk to himself in his sleep in between coughing. 

On another note, my husband is home early today and he and my father-in-law are out cleaning up snow and pushing back snow banks to prepare for the rain/sleet/snow mix we're supposed to get beginning this afternoon. I laughed this morning when I heard the radio DJ stating that it was supposed to get down to 29 degrees overnight. What planet has she been living on? That's a daytime high for February in Northern Michigan, so during the night(?)...yeah, I'll take it! But I'm sure you didn't come here to read the latest happenings in the Bennett household. 

I found a new challenge blog a few weeks ago and have been waiting for a color challenge that would fit with colors I have from Close To My Heart. This week's Colour Me! CMCC#8 Challenge was just what I was waiting for.

Recipe:

Paper: Miracle (retired), White Daisy CS, Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH), Kraft CS (MFT)

Stamp: Some Bunny (Hostess Exclusive) (CTMH)

Ink: Vintage Sepia (Versa Fine)

Tools: Heat Gun, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Watercolor Pencils, Blending Pen, Crystal Blue & Sweet Leaf Alcohol Marker Sets, Paper-Piercer, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)

Other: Chocolate Bitty Brads (retired) (CTMH)

I couldn't help myself; this stamped image was begging for a little yellow. Have a happy, crafty day! And if you get a chance, play along with this wonderful new challenge. You have until Monday, February 24th at 12pm EST. 

Casandra

Miracle Summer Wishes Layout

This is the last full layout in the baby album I've been showcasing for the past 1 1/2 weeks.

I think when this layout has pictures on it, it will be very darling. I love that pop of bright blue provided from the cardstock bases. The flowers were stamped in 3 different blue's. I used the same technique we were taught in the Footloose workshop (sponge daubing). 

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle, Chocolate CS, Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS, Dutch Blue CS (CTMH); Stamps: Splendor WOTG, Splendid Day (CTMH); Inks: Heavenly Blue, Crystal Blue, Twighlight, Pacifica, Colonial White (CTMH); Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH); Other: Bitty Sparkles, Green Brads, Milepost Shapes, Neutral Baker's Twine (CTMH)

It was so fast and easy to create gorgeous, fun layouts from the new Make It From Your Heart book.  Hope you're having a happy, crafty day!

Casandra

Miracle Paradise Layout

Yesterday, I spent the day creating layouts for my Clementine workshop coming up on the 23rd. I can't wait to share them with you. But first, I need to finish my tour of the baby album I created last week.

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle, Colonial White CS, Sweet Leaf CS (CTMH); Stamps: Bohemian Alphabet, Makin' Waves, Footloose WOTG (CTMH); Inks: Chocolate, Twilight (CTMH); Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer, Watercolor Pencils (CTMH); Other: Kraft Borders, Antique Copper Brads, Liquid Glass, Make It From Your Heart Volume I book (CTMH)

I created the bubbles (close-up in second picture) by stamping, then coloring in with a blue pencil, and finally I added a dollop of liquid glass (glue) to each bubble. I let it dry over night, though it only needs about an hour, give or take. This stamp set retired last year, but it's so perfect for so many uses. I thought this new mom might use beach or pool pictures, or even bath time pictures, but if baby has a stuffed ducky, it could even be used with those pictures.

Hope you're having a great holiday weekend. For those of you heading home, I wish you safe travels. 

Casandra

Miracle Easter Layout

Happy Sunday to you! I am so happy to have a day with my family, and perhaps a little crafting time, too! 

This is the next layout I created for a baby album. I love the pop of chocolate next to the blues and greens of this fun layout. 

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle, Colonial White CS, Chocolate CS (CTMH); Stamps: Splendid Day, Springtime, A Hop (CTMH); Inks: Chocolate, Sweet Leaf, Crystal Blue, Buttercup (CTMH); Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Picket Fence Border Punch (MS); Other: Make It From Your Heart Volume I How-To Book (CTMH)

Casandra

Miracle Pure Joy Layout

I've having a yard sale today. If you're in the Northern Michigan area, stop on by. Lots of great kids clothes for sale, some baby items, even some used and new stamp sets.

So, last weekend I created an entire baby album for a special family member. Here is the next layout.

Recipe:
Paper: Miracle, Bamboo CS, Colonial White CS, Chocolate CS (CTMH); Stamps: Chocolate Large Alphabet, Miracle WOTG Stamp (CTMH); Inks: Chocolate, Twilight (CTMH); Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH); Other: Blue Buttons, Sweet Leaf Ribbon, Chocolate Ribbon, Antique Copper Brads, Neutral Embroidery Floss, Journal Tag, Kraft Borders (CTMH)

Miracle was a perfect paper pack for baby boy layouts. I loved making these cute pinwheels.

Hope you're having a safe and happy holiday weekend. I hope to get some craft time in tomorrow. :)

Casandra

Caboodle All Boy Layout

I just adore the following layout. 

Recipe:
Paper: Caboodle, Miracle, Twilight CS, Colonial White CS, Buttercup CS (CTMH); Stamp: This Way (CTMH); Inks: Crystal Blue, Sweet Leaf, Buttercup, Sorbet (CTMH); Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH); Other: Crystal Blue Ribbon, Caboodle Stickease (CTMH)


I made this from a pattern in the new how-to-book "Make It From Your Heart Volume I". For those of you familiar with the book (and a sharp set of eyes, hehe), you may notice that the pattern has been slightly altered.

I can't wait to put pictures on it. Caboodle was one of those kits that I didn't immediately fall in love with back in 2010 when it was introduced. But after seeing some artwork made from it, I began to see how the fun colors worked very well with my photo's. It is still one of my favorites to this day. 

How about you? Have you ever taken a glance at a paper pack and decided that you didn't like it, but after a second glance, you changed your mind? I would love to hear your story.

Now, off to get dinner ready for my anniversary! Can't believe it's been seven wonderful years since I married my best friend. I am one lucky lady. :)

Casandra

Build Your Card Stash Workshop

Good morning. This weekend, I was busy creating some cards for my upcoming "Build Your Stash" workshop.

Just letting you know ahead of time that the pictures aren't the greatest today. It's a dark and dreary day outside, and I'm missing my usual natural light today.

You are getting a sneak peek at our new paper pack, Stella, as well as a new product that will be available after February 1st...baker's twine. Missing from this post is one more card for St. Patrick's Day, so please stay tuned.... :)

If you would like to join us for this workshop, please r.s.v.p. by Friday, January 20th. Cost is just $15.00 to create 8 cards and 2 candy boxes. We always have a wonderful time.

Casandra

Bliss Swap Spoiler

Good morning, Saturday!

Last night, I completed one layout from start to finish for my Bliss April scrapbook swap. I have 6 more layouts to assemble, but precuts are finished so it should go together pretty quickly now.

I thought I would share this layout with you (below).

I used the following products to create this layout:

Bliss Level 2 Paper Packet
Miracle Level 2 Paper Packet
Chocolate, Colonial White, Sweet Leaf, Vanilla Cream, and White Daisy Cardstock
A Hop Stamp Set
Splendid Day Stamp Set
Around the Block Stamp Set
Antique Copper Brads
Chocolate Watercolor Pencil
Chocolate, Garden Green, Buttercup, Sweet Leaf, and Crystal Blue ink pads
Scallop and Picket Fence Border Punches
Magic How-To-Program: Secret template

This is the first time that I've used that Around the Block stamp set. I'm glad I decided to keep it. :)

Casandra

Birthday Blast Miracle Card

Today, I was beginning to think it would be a miracle to get my prep. done in time for the card workshop (next weekend). Phew! Worry, no more. I am finished!

Here is the card that I just completed a few minutes ago:

This card has a few techniques to show off. I used the edge distresser to "wrinkle" up the edges. Stamping, coloring, and paper-piecing round out the extra techniques.

Now, here's a secret to share with you. I didn't like this stamp set when I first saw it. I thought it was too cartoonish. But, the more I looked at it, the more possibilities I saw from this set. And the sentiments? Could they be any cuter?! :)

Here is a list of products used to make this card:

Birthday Blast Stamp Set
Cranberry, Crystal Blue and Desert Sand Inks
Watercolor Pencils (Honey and Desert Sand)
Desert Sand, Creme Brulee, Cranberry and Colonial White Cardstock
Miracle Level 2 Paper
Colonial White Grosgrain Ribbon
Cranberry Brads
Edge Distresser
Wishes How-To-Program

If you click on the picture, you will be able to see it in larger detail. From there, you will see how I used the Desert Sand watercolor pencil to outline some of the images. I have yet to emboss, so I'm guessing this set would be super cute with embossing.

I can't wait to show my workshop guests how to create this fun birthday card. As of yesterday, I have 8 people signed up. I still have room for 2 more guests, if you are interested. Please contact me by Saturday, July 9th to RSVP.

Hope you're all enjoying your holiday weekend!

Casandra