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

MOJO 409 Seaside Cupcake Card

I missed posting my card for Mojo Monday a few weeks ago, but still wanted to share it with you. I was busy using up scraps on my desk, so it was easy to decide what papers to use.

Recipe:
Paper: Seaside, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Sorbet CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cutie Pie (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Smoothie (CTMH)
Tools: Scallop Circle Punch (retired), Journal Pen, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Seaside Complements, Brads (CTMH)

This is one of my favorite stamp of the month sets...ever. 

I hope your day is a crafty one. Thank you for visiting.

Casandra

Ice Cold Summer Card

I love summer. I feel like I am finally enjoying it, rather than hiding away from the heat. Lemonade is my little girl's favorite drink. She can drink lemonade year-round. So I made this card with Izzy in mind.

Recipe:
Paper: Stella (Retired), Confetti Wishes, Canary Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Card Chatter - Sympathy (Retired), Ice-Cold Summer (CTMH)
Inks: Canary, Pixie, Thistle, Glacier, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Sponge, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen, LePen Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Oceanside Sequins (CTMH)

Cheers!

Casandra

A Framed Christmas Card

I confess that Yuletide was not a favorite Christmas paper. However, I do like the way it looks with the basic paper fundamentals.

Recipe:
Paper: Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Yuletide, Colonial White CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Framed (CTMH)
Inks: Cranberry, New England Ivy (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Green Ribbon (American Crafts), Foam Tape, Glue Dot (CTMH)

I may use this pattern again but with different paper for this year's Christmas cards. It was easy to create.

Have a happy, crafty day!

Casandra

A Framed Note Card

I had an incredible weekend. It's not often that I feel spoiled, but this was definitely one of those weekends. My husband took me on our first date night in probably a year. We went out to dinner and then followed it up with movies. We saw "Vacation". Cute, hilarious movie, and all of my giggling attested to the fact that I don't get out much (sorry movie-goers). LOL

Yesterday, we went back to town and did some bicycle shopping. I haven't been on a bike in at least 18 years. I am a wobbler, and I ache all over. My new bike needs a sign for drive by at your own risk. ;)

Here is my next card made with the current stamp of the month "Framed".

Recipe:

Paper: Chalk It Up, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, Colonial White CS (CTMH)

Stamp: Framed (CTMH)

Inks: Sorbet, Lagoon (CTMH)

Tools: Needle, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)

Other: Glitter Buttons (retired), Foam Tape, Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

This card illustrates a great way to use up those scraps. Sometimes, you just need a basic note card, so I chose that direction for this card. These papers will be retiring very soon. You can visit the "Shop With Me" link to the right of this post, if you are interested in purchasing your own crafting supplies.

Thanks for visiting my blog. Hope you have a Happy Monday!

Casandra

A Framed Thinking of You Card

Hello. I am back today to share my next "Framed" stamp of the month card with you.

Recipe:
Paper: Scaredy Cat, Chalk It Up, Paper Fundamentals - Basic, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Framed (CTMH)
Inks: Sunset, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Circle Stax Die (MFT), Micro-Tip Scissors, Glue Pen (CTMH)
Other: Black Twill Ribbon, Foam Tape (CTMH)

I love this color combo. The supplies I used to create this card won't be around much longer. Be sure to get your's before they're gone. You can order directly from my website.

Have a great week.

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

LM231 Wild Thing Layout

Good morning. We are counting down the days until Spring Break. A couple of weeks ago, my little niece turned 4, and we surprised her with cupcakes at McDonald's. While this layout will actually go into my daughter's scrapbook, I thought it would be good to show the personalities and relationships that my children have with their little cousin.

Recipe:
Paper: Hooligans (retired), Flaxen Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Brushed WOTG (CTMH)
Ink: Gypsy (CTMH)
Tools: Micro-Tip Scissors, Scallop Border Punch, Journal Pen (CTMH)
Other: Hooligans Complements, Boardwalk Washi Tape (CTMH)

I would like to enter this layout into the following challenges:
1) Lasting Memories #231 Challenge
2) Heart 2 Heart "Green With Envy" Challenge

I knew this old paper pack I have been hoarding was perfect for these pictures. I added in the flaxen paper (pennants) to help draw the eye to the photos. Oddly enough, it all works together. The green 1/4" strips are actually washi tape and comes in a washi trio called "Boardwalk Washi". I couldn't wait to use it. It's "WOWZA!"

Have a wonderful day!

Casandra

Dreaming of Daffodils

The kids and I sat in the car last week waiting for the school bus to come one morning. It was running late, so we had a lively discussion about our favorite seasons. Jackson and I agreed that Spring is our favorite, though we certainly like the other seasons, too. Izzy said that she likes Summer best.

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: A Little Note (CTMH)
Ink: VersaMark, Topiary (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Gold Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Clear Sparkles (CTMH), Green Ribbon (American Crafts)

This card didn't photograph well. The gold embossing is beautiful in person, though I found it a little harder to color. But it's charming, nonetheless.

Have a wonderful day.

Casandra

RS156 Have A Happy Day Card

I tried a new technique with this card. I inked up the flaxen yellow stamped images and swiped them across my ink pad before stamping them on to white cardstock. It gives this faint stripe to the image. So easy.

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Seaside, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Cricut Artiste, Have A Happy Day (CTMH)
Inks: Flaxen, Lagoon, Juniper, Smoothie, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Cricut Artiste Cartridge, Micro-Tip Scissors, Paper-Piercer (CTMH)
Other: Aqua Dots, White Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

I am entering this card into the Retro Sketches RS#156 Challenge.

Have a happy day.

Casandra

A great way to utilize those scraps

The same night I let the kids play in my craft room and create cards for Grandma, I also created the following two cards. It's a great way to utilize those scraps. I find myself hoarding them more often than I use them. (I'm addicted to paper. Even my husband knows this. LOL)

Recipe:
Paper: Sweetheart (retired), Basic Paper Fundamentals, Glacier CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Cutie Pie (retired)
Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Chevron Border Punch, Journal Pen, Micro-Tip Scissors, Stitch Guide Ruler (CTMH)

Recipe:
Paper: Twitterpated (retired), Sorbet CS, Sweetleaf CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamp: Hi (retired) CTMH
Ink: Black (Versafine)
Tools: Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Shinhan Alcohol Markers, Chevron Border Punch, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Foam Tape, Flaxen Twine (CTMH), Green Brads (Jo-Ann Fabrics)

Cooincentally, after making the second card, I decided that I love the thick twine. Go figure. LOL

Casandra

PP234 Think Spring Card

My parents are enjoying the warmth and sunshine of Florida right now. Yesterday, while running errands, I talked with my mom. She "casually" mentioned that it was in the 80's there. A certain amount of envy hit me as I looked at the temperature gauge on my car..."hey, mom...it's 2 degrees here. I bet you're jealous. Haha."

I am determined to "Think Spring", and perhaps I will even get lucky and thaw out before then. ;) In the meantime, I am devoting today's efforts to happy Springtime cards.

Here's my first go:

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, Twitterpated (retired), Sweet Leaf CS, Topiary CS, Bamboo CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Ink: Topiary, Black (CTMH)
Stamp: A Little Note
Tools:Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, ShinHan Alcohol Markers (CTMH)
Other: Topiary Chevron Ribbon, White Daisy Embroidery Floss (CTMH)

I am entering this into The Paper Players PP234 Challenge: Think Spring.

If you would like to order this adorable stamp set or the fun chevron paper, please visit my website: http://scrappinbliss.ctmh.com/ 

A1171 A Little Note $6.95

Z2033 Whimsy Paper Fundamentals

Thank you for stopping by my creative place today. Please send warm, sunshiny thoughts my way. 

Casandra

Snowhaven Up To Snow Good Layout

Last night, I started working on my latest project. I was excited to receive my Shutterfly print order in the mail and itching to create a scrapbook layout with some of the photos. I had this layout idea spinning circles in my brain and felt the mojo magic to create it.

Recipe:
Paper: Snowhaven, Glacier Paper Fundamentals, Hollyhock CS, Smokey Plum CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Frosty Fun, Keyboard Uppercase Alphabet, Year: Noted (CTMH)
Inks: Smokey Plum, Hollyhock, Black (CTMH)
Tools: Sponge, Cricut Art Philosophy, Cricut Artbooking, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Craft Heater, Craft Tray, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, ShinHan Alcohol Markers, Stitch Guide Ruler (CTMH)
Other: White Daisy Embroidery Floss (retired), Red Enamel Hearts, Silver Sequins, Clear Sparkles (CTMH)

The "snow" title pieces were negatives from a cricut title piece I used on another layout. They were cut out on white cardstock, but I thought the white felt flat against the picture, so I used my smokey plum ink pad and a sponge to color them purple. Tomorrow, they will probably look lighter (more purple) than they do now, since that's the way ink seems to work as it dries. If I had a white gel pen, I would have outlined them to make them pop more. I must remember to add it to my next order. 

People often ask me if I use a machine to stitch, but the answer is no. I hand-stitch. Call me crazy, but I like it. Oh, and that title was something I saw today on Pinterest. How's that for timing? I couldn't resist using it since it paired so well with my mischievous children and last January's photos.

Thanks so much for stopping in today. Hope your weekend is crafty!

Casandra

Merry and Bright Card

I can't believe it is already New Year's Eve...another year that flew by too fast. 2014 was a pretty good year for us. I am excited to see what 2015 will bring. 

This next card was the first Christmas card I made for my workshop. I used the paper fundamentals paper along with the Merriest Christmas stamp set. 

Recipe:
Paper: Whimsy Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS, Cranberry CS (CTMH), Grey Chevron (Hobby Lobby)
Stamp: Merriest Christmas (CTMH)
Ink: Cranberry (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH)
Other: Red Shimmer Trim (CTMH), Red Brads (Hobby Lobby)

This card is so cool in person. I love our new glacier blue color. May your new year be merry and bright!

Casandra

Aspen Winter Layout

I am home today with a sick princess. After being up since 3am, she is finally resting. 

I thought I would post a layout I completed, last week, using the retired Aspen kit.

This layout was inspired by Scrap with Sue. I made some minor modifications to my layout. What I like most about Sue's layout is the photo placement and sizes. 

I have just a couple more layouts to share from my baby album before I send it to its final destination. If you just checking in for the first time here, please be sure to look back through the past 5 weeks or so blog posts. They are dedicated to a baby album I created as a gift for cousins.

Recipe:
Paper: Aspen (retired), Outdoor Denim CS, Colonial White CS, Flaxen Paper Fundamentals (Whimsy Collection) (CTMH)
Stamps: Snow Flurries, One of a Kind (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Glacier, Flaxen (CTMH)
Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart)
Other: Aspen Stickease, Clear Sparkles, Aqua Dots (CTMH)

Thank you for stopping by today. I hope to get the rest of my posts done this week. 

Casandra

Use Your Chipboard UYSBH

Do you have lots of chipboard hoarded hiding in your stash? As I was contemplating this next layout, I stumbled upon one of the first packages of dimensional elements I had purchased...hearts. It was featured with long ago retired Topstitch kit. I like these dimensional elements because you can sponge ink on them, like I did, stamp directly to them, or layer paper on them. There's much more that you can do, but I touched on just a few that make these chipboard elements so wonderful.

If you have come here from Katy's blog, you are on the right track. Katie creates beautiful artwork, and I have had the pleasure of watching her grow artistically since even before I became a consultant.

I have been wanting to create this Wild About Love layout for some time now and I thought it would be perfect for the baby album I'm working on. 2 foxes meet, fall in love, and then along comes baby fox. Cute, right? 

The Wild About Love left page was scraplifted with a few changes from the S/S 2014 Idea Book. I used Reflections pattern #1 for the right page (title topper) but made a few adjustments to the pattern to best mirror the left page. I thought this would be a great February/March layout for the baby album. I think this is one that I may recreate for my son's album. I love it that much, and if you haven't yet purchased our Paper Fundamentals cardstock, what are you waiting for? It's awesome!

Products Used:

Paper: Basic Paper Fundamentals, Crystal Blue CS, Outdoor Denim CS, White Daisy CS, Desert Sand CS (CTMH)

Stamps: Wild About Love (retired), Field Trip Alphabet (retired) (CTMH)

Inks: Outdoor Denim, Sunset (CTMH)

Tools: Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors, Stitch Guide Ruler, Cricut Art Philosophy, Glue Pen, Journal Pen, Scallop Border Punch (CTMH)

Other:Foam Tape, Glue Dots, White Embroidery Floss (retired), Gold Polka Dot Washi Tape, Triangle Durable Studs, Hearts Dimensional Elements (retired) (CTMH), Epoxy Alphabet (K&Company)

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

Your next stop on the hop will be Shirley Ross' blog. Please be sure to visit all the blogs among this hop for more inspiration on how to use up that chipboard.

Thanks for stopping by! 

Casandra

CTS#69 Thinking of You Card

How are you today? I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it being Spring now when I still see piles of snow out my windows.

I created a quick card using CAS(E) this Sketch #69.

Recipe:
Paper: Paper Fundamentals, Twilight CS, White Daisy CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Soul Mates (retired), Lifting Spirits (CTMH)
Inks: Black, Twilight (CTMH)
Tools: Heat Gun, Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Paper-Piercer, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Scallop Die (Spellbinders)
Other: Foam Tape, White Brads (retired) (CTMH)

I am in love with our new paper fundamentals paper. The embossed part of the paper has such a smooth, glossy feel, and it shines. You can see that shine in my photo. I kept this pretty simple and the card literally went together in under 20 minutes. As was the case yesterday, I used some scraps that were sitting out on my desk. Sometimes it pays off not filing papers away each time in a bin. :)

Casandra

CTS #68 Bee Happy Card

Good morning. My daughter informed me yesterday that the other Kindergarten class had traps set out for the Leprechaun, and when I asked her why, she said it was to get the Leprechaun's gold. Hmm....

This morning, my children were so cooperative and helpful in getting ready for school. I heard "You're the best Jack in the world!" followed by "You're the best Izzy in the world." Awe. :)

When I saw the current color challenge at Dynamic Duos, I thought of honey bees. I paired the color challenge with the current sketch over at CAS(E) this Sketch! Did you notice the black paper has a glossy embossed texture to it? It's from a new paper line we are carrying called "Paper Fundamentals". I'm hoping to see more of this in our next idea book that will be out this summer. Maybe some Christmas colors(?)....

Recipe:
Paper: Mayberry (retired), Paper Fundamentals, White Daisy CS, Black CS (CTMH)
Stamps: Happy Hive, Delicate Wings Petite Perks (retired) (CTMH)
Inks: Black (VersaFine)
Tools: Clear Detail Embossing Powder, Heat Gun, Glue Pen, Prisma Glitter, Honey Alcohol Marker, Black Watercolor Pencil, Micro-Tip Scissors (CTMH), Oval Die and Scallop Oval Die (Spellbinders)

I would also like to enter this card into The Paper Players "Spring" Clean and Simple Challenge. Have a terrific Tuesday! Bee happy!

Casandra