Grab your magnifying glass, Investigators—January isn’t done surprising us yet. Today we’re unveiling Case File No. 469, a Scene brimming with cozy creative energy, thoughtful details, and plenty of clues designed to spark stories, color play, and personal expression. From layered patterns and warm textures to playful pops of color, this Case File invites you to slow down, look closer, and let your creativity lead the investigation.
And here’s the good news if you’re jumping in late or still working on your first solve: both January Case Files remain open until February 4, so there’s still time to crack one—or even both—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 January’s investigations set the stage for a year full of creativity as we celebrate both winter magic and artful inspiration.
Case File No. 468 invites you into a charming winter scene filled with seasonal wonder. With its festive details and cozy color palette, this Case is perfect for documenting Christmas memories, winter traditions, or any story that sparkles with joy and nostalgia.
Case File No. 469 shifts the focus to creativity itself, inspired by Inspire Your Heart With Art Day. This Case encourages layered textures, expressive details, and stories that celebrate the joy of making and the heart behind your art.
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!
For Case File No. 469, we’re leaning into a moment of creative calm—the kind of space where ideas are scribbled on sticky notes, coffee cups linger nearby, and inspiration quietly builds layer by layer. This illustrated Scene feels warm, thoughtful, and intentionally cozy, inviting you to document creativity, focus, or those everyday moments when making something feels grounding and joyful.
The palette supports that mood beautifully, blending soft pinks and light blush tones with optimistic yellow, a pop of tangerine, and grounding dark neutrals. It’s a color story that feels cheerful without being overwhelming—perfect for playful pages, reflective journaling, or anything in between. The Evidence list is rich with creative cues, from florals, fabrics, and woodgrain textures to doodles, handwriting, art supplies, technology, and even coffee rings—offering endless ways to interpret the Scene and make it your own.
When it comes to Testimony, this Case File encourages you to tell a story about creativity and personal expression. You might choose to journal about what fuels your focus, what sparks your imagination, or how creativity shows up in your everyday life. Whether you write in list form on a sticky note, reflect on a January prompt, or simply let the inspiration words guide you, this Case File leaves plenty of room for your voice to shine.
Our Design Team has once again knocked it out of the park! Their layouts showcase a wide range of interpretations—from bold and colorful to soft and layered—all inspired by the same Case File.
Take a close look at how they pulled colors, patterns, and ideas from the Scene and transformed them into completely unique pages. Let their work spark ideas as you begin solving Case File No. 469.
And be sure to keep an eye on our Instagram throughout the month, where we’ll be sharing close-ups, details, and behind-the-scenes looks at our Design Team members’ pages. It’s the perfect way to catch the little touches and techniques you might miss at first glance.
Artwork by @slowsimpleseasonal
The clues are officially on the table, and Case File No. 469 is ready for investigation. With cozy creativity, thoughtful details, and plenty of room for personal interpretation, this Case File is designed to meet you wherever your storytelling takes you.
Remember, both January Case Files remain open until February 4—and even beyond (be sure to check the Guest Detective briefing for all the details). Whether you tackle one Case or decide to crack them both, there’s still time to gather your evidence and file your report.
We can’t wait to see how you follow the clues and make them your own. Be sure to share your finished layouts in our Facebook Group—album links are waiting for you in the sidebar—and keep an eye on Instagram for even more inspiration all month long.
The evidence is waiting, the creativity is calling—and it’s time to crack Case File No. 469 wide open.
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