Welcome back, Investigators! February is in full swing, and our Cold Case Files are heating up. Earlier this month, we cracked open the first set of long‑saved inspiration images — those forgotten gems tucked deep in our archives — and now it’s time to shine the spotlight on our second Case File.
If you’ve been itching for something bold, graphic, and full of personality, you’re in the right place. Case File No. 471 brings the energy, the color, and the attitude — and our Detectives have been busy following the clues to craft some truly standout layouts.
And remember, both cases stay open until March 4, 2025, so grab your magnifying glass, follow the clues, and start sleuthing through your stash before the deadline!
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!
At CSI, we love giving our Case Files a playful twist, and February's Cold Case investigations are full of energy to get us out of the winter doldrums--it's downright frigid here in Maryland as I write this blog post!
Case File No. 468 - This Case File explodes with creative energy—an abstract, playful illustration filled with circles, bursts, scribbles, and movement. It feels like imagination in motion: ideas popping, thoughts colliding, and creativity spilling in every direction. There’s a sense of joy, chaos, and freedom here that invites you to loosen up and let your story breathe.
Case File No. 469 - Case File No. 471 brings a very different—but equally fun—vibe. It’s bold, graphic, and packed with personality, featuring signage‑style phrases, playful typography, and retro flair.
And remember—you’re never limited to the theme itself. Let the Scenes spark your imagination, or follow the traditional clues at the bottom of this post to guide your investigation. However you interpret the evidence, we can’t wait to see how you solve the Case!
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!
This month’s second Cold Case is anything but chilly. Our Scene bursts with signage‑style typography, retro flair, and a whole wall of encouraging declarations. Whether you’re drawn to the punchy color scheme, the mix of fonts, or the “say‑it‑loud” vibe, this Case File is packed with story potential.
Use the Scene as your prime suspect, or follow the traditional clues to guide your investigation. However you approach it, we can’t wait to see how you solve this one.
Our Design Team dove into this Case File with gusto, pulling inspiration from the signage, the color palette, the typography, and the overall “own your moment” energy of the Scene. Their layouts show just how many directions this Case File can take — from playful and retro to clean and graphic to heartfelt and empowering.
Scroll through the gallery below to see how each Detective cracked the case.
And be sure to check back on our Instagram page daily to see more details about each of the Detectives' layouts.
Ready to jump in? Case File No. 471 is open until March 4, 2026, and we’d love to see your take. Big titles, bold colors, declarations, affirmations — whatever direction the clues lead you, bring it.
Our Cold Cases are all about rediscovering forgotten stash, telling meaningful stories, and having fun with the process. Grab your supplies, trust your instincts, and show us what you’ve got. The Case is officially open.
