October Scrapbooking Challenge - Mid-Month Reveal | Deadline November 4

The detectives at CSI are back on the case with a brand-new investigation that’s sure to make your creative style sparkle! Our second October Case File is inspired by Wear Something Gaudy Day, so grab your boldest colors, your most flamboyant embellishments, and let’s have some fun solving this vibrant new challenge!

In this mid-month reveal, our stylish Detectives are hitting the runway with their inspiration for Case File No. 465. Both cases close on November 4, 2025, so grab your magnifying glass and your most fabulous stash, follow the clues, and strut your creativity before the deadline!

GUEST DETECTIVE SPOTS

Our Detective Squad is always hot on the trail of standout scrappers! If your layout leaves us awestruck, you just might get deputized as a Guest Detective. We’ll be combing through the case files on the 4th of each month, so make sure your evidence—er, layout—is filed in the album by then. And don’t worry—our cold cases are always open, so feel free to revisit old clues whenever inspiration strikes. Crack enough crafty cases and leave a trail of wow-worthy work… and you could find yourself recruited to our elite Design Team Task Force!

CASE FILES 

At CSI, we like to have fun with our Case File themes. October has us looking up—toward skies dotted with balloons and wardrobes that refuse to whisper. This month’s Case Files are inspired by Balloons Around the World Day and Wear Something Gaudy Day—perfect for documenting celebrations, travel snapshots, quiet moments that feel lighter than air, or fabulously over-the-top stories told in bold patterns and shiny trims. Case File No. 464 leans into that hot-air, uplifted vibe—think airy layers, stitched “flight” trails, soft textures, map pieces, and gentle movement that suggest wonder and travel rather than loud color. Case File No. 465 is your permission slip to go big: loud prints, clashing patterns, metallics, sequins, and embellishments that celebrate playful excess.

But remember—you don’t have to stick strictly to balloons or gaudiness to solve the case. Let The Scene inspire your story, or use the traditional clues at the bottom of this post to guide your investigation. However you choose to play, we can’t wait to see where your creativity takes flight!

Image credit: Cottage Digitals

Image credit: The Funky Nanas

Looking for the traditional CSI clues? You’ll find them at the bottom of this post and on our Facebook page—just head to the first entry under the Case File album (click the Case File images above to go straight there).

Ready to submit your layout? Click on the Case Files in our sidebar to be taken to the corresponding Facebook album, where you can upload your evidence for all to see!

INSPIRATION 

Investigators, are you ready to crack the case? Let’s revisit the first Case File on our investigation board...

It’s time to investigate The Scene—and what a showstopper she is! Our fashionable suspect is clearly guilty of having fabulous style. Just look at those oversized glasses, bright colors, and playful personality! This Case File dares you to let your layout strut down the runway of creativity.

Will you copy the color scheme? Tell a story that celebrates personality and confidence? Maybe take a cue from her statement accessories or bold background for your page design. However you crack this case, make sure to have fun and let your inner fashionista detective shine!

CSI  DETECTIVES

Our talented team of CSI Detectives put on their most daring creative outfits and strutted their stuff with this Case File. Their pages prove that a little splash of color and a whole lot of confidence are the perfect recipe for scrapbook fabulousness!

From playful brights to retro flair, our Detectives took this Case File in every direction imaginable. You’ll see layouts featuring bold patterns, statement embellishments, eye-catching clusters, and a healthy dose of sparkle. Each page captures the joy and freedom that come from expressing your unique style—whether it’s through fashion or scrapbooking!

CASE FILE CLUES 

Agents, the clues are all around you—waiting to be uncovered. You may choose to follow a single lead or gather the full spectrum of evidence. Whether you opt to work with one category of clues or assemble them all, the decision rests in your hands. Let the image be your prime suspect, your inspiration, or your guide through this case.

Use what sparks your creativity and challenge yourself to piece together as many clues as you dare. Your mission: decode the mystery, craft your layout, and bring the story to life.

The case is open—are you ready to solve it?

Testimony Links: October Prompts

Testimony Links: October Prompts

We trust the clues tucked into this colorful Case File will give you everything you need to strut your creativity down the CSI runway and crack this case wide open. You’ve got until November 4—and beyond (check the Guest Detective briefing for details)—to submit your own fashion-forward report.

We can’t wait to see how you follow the trail of evidence and let your stories shine in full, fabulous color. Share your finished layouts by uploading them to our Facebook Group—album links are waiting for you in the sidebar.

The spotlight’s on, the flashbulbs are popping, and the Case is open … until you’re ready to make your grand reveal! ✨🕶️👠

October Scrapbooking Challenge Case Files - First Reveal | Deadline: November 4

Calling all CSI Investigators! Grab your magnifying glass and fasten your seatbelts, because October’s Case Files are floating in with festive flair. This month, our Scenes are inspired by two delightfully quirky “holidays”: Balloons Around the World Day and Wear Something Gaudy Day.

Case File No. 464 invites us to soar among hot-air balloons in a sky full of autumnal color and whimsy. Picture sweeping views, joyful celebrations, and the magic of floating above the world—it’s the perfect Scene for documenting adventures, celebrations, or simply moments that make your heart feel light as air.

Later this month, Case File No. 465 will bring out your wild side with a nod to Wear Something Gaudy Day. Think loud patterns, bold colors, and delightfully over-the-top details. It’s your chance to embrace fun, fearless storytelling with all the flair you can muster.

In this first reveal, we’ll share the design team’s inspiration for Case File No. 464. And don’t forget—Case File No. 465 will be lifting off later this month! Both cases close on November 4, 2025, so grab your magnifying glass, follow the clues, and let your creativity soar before the deadline!

ANNOUNCEMENT: NEW DETECTIVE ON THE CASE!

We’re thrilled to welcome Ronda Ivens to our CSI Detective Squad! Ronda is known for her bold, layered style, full of energy and detail. Her creative flair brings an incredible dimension to storytelling, and we can’t wait to see the clues she uncovers in our Case Files. 

Here's a bit about Ronda, in her own words:

I’m thrilled to have been invited to join the CSI Design Team! I live in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada—known as the Aurora Capital of the World—and I look forward to sharing and inspiring you with stories and memories from life “North of 60.” I began scrapbooking more than 20 years ago after a trip to Disneyland, and while my style has evolved over time, I still love incorporating memorabilia into my travel layouts. I’m always collecting little keepsakes and often up-cycle items like clothing tags, brochures, and event programs to bring an extra personal touch to my pages. You can see more of my work on my Instagram: travelling_with_gonefishing.

Be sure to check out Ronda's first “case report” below—you’ll love the way she cracks this whimsical Scene wide open.

GUEST DETECTIVE SPOTS

Our Detective Squad is always hot on the trail of standout scrappers! If your layout leaves us awestruck, you just might get deputized as a Guest Detective. We’ll be combing through the case files on the 4th of each month, so make sure your evidence—er, layout—is filed in the album by then. And don’t worry—our cold cases are always open, so feel free to revisit old clues whenever inspiration strikes. Crack enough crafty cases and leave a trail of wow-worthy work… and you could find yourself recruited to our elite Design Team Task Force!

CASE FILES 

At CSI, we like to have fun with our Case File themes. October has us looking up—toward skies dotted with balloons and wardrobes that refuse to whisper. This month’s Case Files are inspired by Balloons Around the World Day and Wear Something Gaudy Day—perfect for documenting celebrations, travel snapshots, quiet moments that feel lighter than air, or fabulously over-the-top stories told in bold patterns and shiny trims. Case File No. 464 leans into that hot-air, uplifted vibe—think airy layers, stitched “flight” trails, soft textures, map pieces, and gentle movement that suggest wonder and travel rather than loud color. Case File No. 465 is your permission slip to go big: loud prints, clashing patterns, metallics, sequins, and embellishments that celebrate playful excess.

But remember—you don’t have to stick strictly to balloons or gaudiness to solve the case. Let The Scene inspire your story, or use the traditional clues at the bottom of this post to guide your investigation. However you choose to play, we can’t wait to see where your creativity takes flight!

Image credit: Cottage Digitals

Image credit: The Funky Nanas

Looking for the traditional CSI clues? You’ll find them at the bottom of this post and on our Facebook page—just head to the first entry under the Case File album (click the Case File images above to go straight there).

Ready to submit your layout? Click on the Case Files in our sidebar to be taken to the corresponding Facebook album, where you can upload your evidence for all to see!

INSPIRATION 

Investigators, are you ready to crack the case? Let’s revisit the first Case File on our investigation board...

CSI  DETECTIVES

Our brilliant team has taken to the skies with Case File No. 464, and their layouts are bursting with clever clues, colorful layers, and stories that lift right off the page. Scroll down to see how they solved the case—you’re sure to find the perfect spark for your own crafty investigation.

And just wait until later this month when our Detectives tackle Case File No. 465 and its fabulously gaudy Scene—you won’t want to miss the bold, playful inspiration they have in store!

CASE FILE CLUES 

Agents, the clues are all around you—waiting to be uncovered. You may choose to follow a single lead or gather the full spectrum of evidence. Whether you opt to work with one category of clues or assemble them all, the decision rests in your hands. Let the image be your prime suspect, your inspiration, or your guide through this case.

Use what sparks your creativity and challenge yourself to piece together as many clues as you dare. Your mission: decode the mystery, craft your layout, and bring the story to life.

The case is open—are you ready to solve it?

Testimony Links: October Prompts

Testimony Links: October Prompts

We trust the clues floating in these Case Files will give you everything you need to let your creativity rise and crack the Cases wide open. You’ve got until November 4—and beyond (check the Guest Detective briefing for details)—to launch your own “reports.”

We can’t wait to see how you follow the trail of evidence and lift your stories off the ground. Share your finished layouts by uploading them to our Facebook Group (album links are waiting for you in the sidebar).

The balloons are in the air, and the Case is open … until you decide to bring it in for a landing. 🎈

September Scrapbooking Challenge Case Files - Mid-month Reveal | Deadline: October 4

Case File No. 463 has just been assigned — and it’s got us trading our magnifying glasses for reading glasses. The next mystery is here, and it’s wrapped in the scent of library shelves and autumn afternoons, inviting us to follow the trail of clues into a world where every page turn could crack the case wide open.

And remember — Case File No. 462 is still on the investigation board! Both mysteries will be closing their covers on October 4, 2025, so whether you choose to solve just one or go full detective mode and crack them both, we can’t wait to see the creative evidence you’ll bring in for the final report.

GUEST DETECTIVE SPOTS

Our Detective Squad is always hot on the trail of standout scrappers! If your layout leaves us awestruck, you just might get deputized as a Guest Detective. We’ll be combing through the case files on the 4th of each month, so make sure your evidence—er, layout—is filed in the album by then. And don’t worry—our cold cases are always open, so feel free to revisit old clues whenever inspiration strikes. Crack enough crafty cases and leave a trail of wow-worthy work… and you could find yourself recruited to our elite Design Team Task Force!

CASE FILES 

September has us sharpening our pencils and cracking open the books! This month’s Case Files are packed with scholastic spirit and book-lover charm—perfect for documenting first-day-of-school traditions, library visits, cozy reading nooks, or any story about learning and growth. From pops of school-bus yellow and chalkboard green to cozy, bookish textures, our September Scenes will get your creativity buzzing.

But remember—you don’t have to stick to a back-to-school or reading theme to solve the case. Let The Scene inspire your story, or use the traditional clues to guide your investigation—you’ll find them at the bottom of this post. However you choose to play, we can’t wait to see where the evidence leads you!

Image credit: Christian Iaraja Genis

Image credit: Tumblr

Looking for the traditional CSI clues? You’ll find them at the bottom of this post and on our Facebook page—just head to the first entry under the Case File album (click the Case File images above to go straight there).

Ready to submit your layout? Click on the Case Files in our sidebar to be taken to the corresponding Facebook album, where you can upload your evidence for all to see!

INSPIRATION 

Detectives, are you ready to crack the case? Let’s revisit the first Case File on our investigation board...Our latest investigation takes us to a quiet hideout — a blanket fort tucked away from the bustle of the outside world. Two young “persons of interest” have been spotted deep in the act of reading, their expressions suggesting they’ve uncovered something thrilling. Above them, a string of triangular flags flutters like coded signals, while pillows and blankets form a barricade against distraction. The evidence points to one thing: this is a case of pure, unfiltered imagination.

CSI  DETECTIVES

Our brilliant team of CSI Detectives has been back in the field — this time staking out blanket forts, library corners, and reading nooks — and they’ve already filed their first “reports!” Their layouts are brimming with clever clues, unexpected twists, and storytelling so vivid it could leap right off the page. Each one is like a case study in creativity, showing you exactly how to crack this month’s literary-inspired Scene wide open.

You’ll discover everything from curious pets keeping watch over the “crime scene” to an adorable baby scholar, from lively homeschool moments to children lost in the pages of a good book — plus a few clever off-theme takes that prove these Cases can flex to fit any story you’re telling.

Scroll down to examine their evidence closely — you just might spot the perfect clue, color combo, or technique to “borrow” for your own investigation. And now, with Case File No. 463 officially on your desk, it’s time to dive into its cozy, reading-themed Scene. We can’t wait to see how you’ll write the next chapter in this month’s mystery.

CASE FILE CLUES 

Agents, the clues are all around you—waiting to be uncovered. You may choose to follow a single lead or gather the full spectrum of evidence. Whether you opt to work with one category of clues or assemble them all, the decision rests in your hands. Let the image be your prime suspect, your inspiration, or your guide through this case.

Use what sparks your creativity and challenge yourself to piece together as many clues as you dare. Your mission: decode the mystery, craft your layout, and bring the story to life.

The case is open—are you ready to solve it?

Testimony Links: September Prompts

Testimony Links: September Prompts

We trust the evidence laid out in these Case Files will give you everything you need to ace the assignment and crack these Cases wide open. You’ve got until October 4—and beyond (check the Guest Detective briefing for details)—to turn in your “reports.”

We can’t wait to see how you connect the clues and bring your stories to life. Hand in your homework—aka your layouts—by uploading them to our Facebook Group (album links are waiting for you in the sidebar).

Class dismissed and Case closed  … when you say so.