the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Gimme Some Sugar! :)

Hello Stampers~

I hope you are all enjoying the last-minute Christmas preparations as much as I am!  Although I still have a bazillion things to do, I've decided to adopt the "whistle while you work" attitude.  It would be so easy to be stressed out; but, really...what good would it do me?!  Oh, and lest you think me a Pollyanna...I am not always so good at remaining calm in stressful situations; but as I get older I am learning to just do the best I can & let God take care of the details.  It's incredibly freeing!  (Gosh, why didn't I think of that before now?!!)

So...on that note, I don't have a card sample for you today.  I have been spending my evenings wrapping gifts and baking cookies with the kiddos.  Last night, Abbi and I made the yummy sugar cookies pictured above for her class party.  Well, we made those and about four dozen more because Mom thought it would be a good idea to double the recipe.  (What was I thinking?!)  I usually make regular icing for my sugar cookies; but this year we went with an egg yolk glaze and piped icing instead.  We both LOVE how they turned out...so bright and festive!

I probably won't get any more stamping in between now and Christmas...but you never know!  Stranger things have been known to happen! ;)

I am working a 1/2 day today and then hitting the stores for some last-minute stocking stuffers.  I have never been this late with my shopping, but this full-time job stuff has really put a cramp in my style. {grin}  The good news is, I told my boss that I want to cut my hours back to more of a part-time schedule after the New Year, and she said no problem...yippee! :)

Have a very blessed Wednesday, my friends! 

Hugs~
Cindy

The Calendar is DONE!

Hello Stampers!

Are you feeling it too?  Too much to do and not enough time?!  I can't believe Christmas is this Friday!  We made a decision over the weekend to skip sending Christmas cards this year.  I know, I know...I have over 40 of them made; but I just don't know when I can write in them, address them and get them into the mail.  Soooo, we hope all of our friends and family will forgive us, and know that we wish each and every one of you a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!  Next year, I will have LOTS of cards to send out...and maybe I can even get an early start with addressing them! {{grin}}

We had a glorious reunion with Ben this weekend.  Although he experienced some airport delays and his luggage didn't make it home until Sunday afternoon, we are sooo thankful he came home when he did!  A blizzard blew in the very next evening, canceling over 5000 flights up and down the east coast.  So many people are still stranded, and scrambling to find a way home for Christmas.  My heart goes out to them!

I finally finished my calendar gift yesterday afternoon...yippee! :)  Today I have the rest of the year to share with you.  In case you've forgotten, or didn't see the previous months, the calendar template and images are from Flourishes.  The flowers come in three separate Year of Flowers stamp sets...a MUST have if you are a flower lover!

Here they are...

August is morning glories:

September is asters:

October is mums:

November is cyclamen:

December is amaryllis:

What a wonderful project this was to create!  I had so much fun coloring in these flowers!  Now, I just need to figure out how I'm going to put it all together.  My original plan was to use my Bind-it-all; but it is quite thick with all of those cardstock layers.  So, now I'm thinking of using an easel.  What do you all think?  Would it be lame to have the pages freestanding on an easel?  Or do you have another idea you'd like to share???  Nothing like figuring this out at the last minute, huh?! ;)

The other advantage to not binding the pages is that they could easily be turned into pretty floral cards after the months have passed.  All they would need to do is pop off the colored cardstock at the top and attach it to a card base.  I am thinking of including 12 white card bases and envelopes with the gift.  That will make it a DOUBLE gift! 

I hope you have a fantastic Monday!  I have more to do than is humanly possible; but I'm going to just keep putting one foot in front of the other and hope that everything falls into place.

Thanks for stopping by today!

BIG hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Friday Focus!

Hello Stampers!

It's time for Flourishes Friday Focus!  This week's Focus is on clean and classy cards with lots of white space.  Leading the charge is the fabulous Stacy, who is the queen of white space!  Check out her designs and challenge info over on the Flourishes Newsletter.

I wonder... Am I the only one who takes longer to make a SIMPLE card than I do to make one of my usual multi-layered, mega-embellished cards???  Why is that?!  I think too much...that's what my problem is. ;)

I used a large Nestabilities die for the card base, and added a smaller layer on top for the focal image.  To get a little contrast between the layers, I sponged on some pale blue ink around the edges.  The tea pots are from the Christmas Tea stamp set...looove them!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Christmas Tea

Papers:  Classic White, Sultry Designer Paper (Basic Grey)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Label Punch, Long Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Pearls (dyed bright pink with Copic marker), Pink Satin Ribbon, Button, Dimensionals

Check out the beautiful samples from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Have a FANTASTIC Friday, my friends!  Mine can NOT go fast enough!  We're off to the airport late tonight to pick up Ben...yaaaahhoooooo!!!  So happy to get to have him home again!  He told me yesterday that he's been packed for days....awww, does a heart good to hear that! {insert big cheesy grin on my face}

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Hearts Come Home

Hello Stampers!

First, I want to thank you for the many supportive e-mails and blog posts regarding yesterday's post!  I honestly did NOT mean to stir the pot again; but that's what happens when you type up a quick blog post at midnight...not a lot of thought gets put into what you're writing.  I do want to clarify something since a couple of you seemed confused by my babblings.  ;)

It is true that I am on my way out the door with SU.  So sorry if what I said confused you!  What you don't know is that I have hung onto my demo status to help my upline (since I am a high level demo in her downline) AND because I was really looking forward to seeing that article in print, which is why it hit me so hard when I was left out of it.  Silly?  Perhaps; but those were my reasons for hanging on.  As for the article, it really comes down to the common courtesy of a phone call.  That would be the professional way to handle it, whatever their decision.   ...and THAT, my friends, is all I'm going to say about that!  What I REALLY wanted to share with you yesterday, was my PROJECT...which I was (and still am) really excited about!

I do have an SU sample to share with you today.  It's one I made during my stint on the SCS Dirty Dozen.  I love coloring in this door!  It just makes me happy! :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Home for Christmas

Paper: Whisper White, Bravo Burgundy, Whisper Designer Paper by Corina Nielsen for Prima, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Staz-On Black, Handsome Hunter, Wild Wasabi, Going Gray, Basic Gray, Really Rust, Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Bravo Burgundy, Summer Sun, Baja Breeze

Accessories: Vintage Cuttlebug Corner Die, Crystal Effects, White Liquid Applique, White Gel Pen, ribbons, primas, hardware, Dimensionals, Blender Pen, Piercing Tools

I hope you are able to find some joy and peace in all the busy-ness of this holiday season!  Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle, that we forget what it's all about. 

Here's a special song by one of my favorite groups to lift your spirits and give you inspiration today:

God bless!

See y'all tomorrow! :)

Hugs~
Cindy

Garden From the Heart

Hello Stampers!

The samples I have to share with you today bring me both joy and sadness.  The joy comes simply in the fact that I am just thrilled with how they turned out!  The sadness comes from the fact that I designed them for a Stampin' Up Artisan Award article that came out in December's Stampin' Success Magazine, and they were omitted from the magazine.  Actually..."I" was omitted.  You see, SU decided to leave me out of the article because they assumed that I had officially resigned from the company.  I find that fascinating on so many levels...seems it would be simple to find out the truth of the matter...maybe by picking up the phone and CALLING ME.  I would have been so grateful for the teensiest heads-up that this might happen.  I was sooo looking forward to seeing the article in print...such a disappointment.

The good news is that I LOVE this project, and I had enough foresight to snap a few pictures before I sent the package off.

I am not going to give you a full supply list for this; but you can find everything through SU...except for maybe the chocolate. ;)

Here's a separate shot of the treat box:

and a close-up of the card...

The temps here in NH continue to plummet into oblivion...hitting single digits by Friday.  Have I mentioned that I really do NOT like to be cold?!  You know what I do like, though???  I like the fact that my Ben will be home from college for six weeks beginning on Saturday!  I can NOT WAIT to see him again!!!  It's been almost four months since we've seen him...waaaay too long!  It will be a joyful reunion for sure. :)

Hope your day is positive and productive!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~

Cindy

The Flower Fest Continues...

Hello Stampers~

Here I am with more calendar pages to share with you.  I have to say that it's been a real pleasure to be working with these gorgeous flowers when the temps here in New Hampshire have been so frigid!

Today I have May, June, & July to show you.  I had intended to share August with you as well; but I didn't quite get it finished on time.  I'm going to take a little break from the calendar pages for the next couple of days.  I have some other projects I want to share with you.  I'll share the rest of the calendar with you on Saturday.  That should give me time to get it finished.

Okay, here's May:

May's flower is the iris.  We have lots of irises on our property, several shades of pretty purples and some lovely pure white ones as well.  I chose amethyst as my main color, and added some touches of lilac to the petals.

On to June:

This page is going to be a favorite of my mom's, I just know it.  It is so her!  I pulled out my pink crocheted ribbon for this one, and colored the flowers using pink pirouette and regal rose. 

Before I go on to July, I wanted to note that the first six months of pages are all soft and easy on the eyes; but the last six months all pop with richer shades that match the flower varieties represented.

Here's July:

July's flower is the tiger lily.  These flowers are such a stunning display of God's creativity, aren't they?!  I used Tangerine Tango & Pumpkin Pie on my flowers, and dyed the satin ribbon and pearls to match.

That's all from me today, folks!  Hope you have a very blessed day today. :)

Hugs~
Cindy

Flowers, flowers, and more flowers!

Hello Stampers!

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!  Mine was glorious...relaxing and productive all at the same time. :)    I am still plugging away on the calendar for my mom.  Actually, I decided to make two of them; so it's taking me a bit longer.

Since it's such a time-consuming project, I thought I'd share a few pages at a time with you over the course of this week.  I hope you won't find that too boring!

You've already seen January (see Saturday's post).  So, I'll start with February:

February's flower is the primrose.  I chose Baja Breeze and Rich Razzleberry as my main color palette for this page.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Euphoria pack.  My image was stamped in black Staz-On ink and watercolored with re-inkers on European Watercolor Paper.

Marching on:

March's flower is the pansy.  I'm not so sure that pink pansies exist in nature; but I am lovin' it on paper.  My paper is Certainly Celery & the flower image is done in pink pirouette and regal rose.  The designer paper is from Basic Grey's Porcelain pack.  I do so love a soft pink and green color palette...yumm! 

Now, on to April:

April's flower is the daffodil.  I decided to go with a white center for my flowers and shades of So Saffron and More Mustard for the outer petals.  I think daffodils are one of the happiest flowers...so sunshiny and cheerful! :)

Okay, that's all I'm going to show you today.  Tomorrow I'll have four more months to share.  I do want to tell you that while I did have many of the ribbon and pearl colors on hand, whenever I didn't have a color I simply dyed it with a Copic marker.  Marvelous invention, aren't they?! 

Finally, you should know that nearly all of the supplies I used for my pages can be purchased from Flourishes.  The gorgeous images are from their brand-new Year of Flowers stamp set series, and the calendar pages are downloadable from Flourishes as well!  Hop on over there and check 'em out!

Here's a peek at the first set in the series, which covers January through April.  Gorgeous, isn't it?!!!

Have a FABULOUS Monday, friends!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

A Special Gift

Happy weekend, friends!

I have been working on a special calendar for my mom whenever I could squeeze out a moment this week.  I have parts of all 12 pages finished; but this is the only month I have completely finished.  I will share the rest of the calendar with you once it's completely finished.

Mom loves pearls and lace and all things Victorian!  So my calendar will be in keeping with that theme without being too fru fru. ;)

I had the perfect stamps to use for my calendar!  Flourishes just released their Year of Flowers series of three stamp sets.  These are the sets I've been showcasing all week long.  Today I am finally sharing the calendar with you.  It's a gorgeous template, and you can manipulate it to fit the style/size of calendar you wish to make.  You can get the calendar download for just $2 OR even better....FREE with the purchase of all three stamp sets in the series.

Here's the recipe for my calendar page:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Set 1

Papers:  Classic White, European Watercolor, Pale Plum Textured, Memory Box Dewfrost Designer Paper

Inks:  Inkjet Printer Ink, Staz-on Black, Pale Plum, Perfect Plum, Orchid Opulence, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Creamy Caramel, Soft Sky

Accessories:  Labels Four Nestabilities, White Crocheted Lace, Satin Ribbon (PTI), Narrow White Silk Ribbon, White Pearls (colored with V15 Copic marker), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Water Brush, Flourishes 2010 Calendar Download

Have a fantastic weekend, everyone!

Stay warm!  It's freeeeezing here in NH!

Hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Release Day!

Hello friends!

I had great plans to finish up my calendar project for today's post; but with extended work hours all this week, I haven't been able to finish it.  So....I have another card sample to share with you.  I am hoping to have the calendar finished in time to share with you at tonight's release party.

I used the third installment in the Year of Flowers calendar series from Flourishes.  The flower I chose for today's sample is the December amaryllis...yet another of God's finest examples of natural beauty. :)

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 3

Papers:  Classic White, Riding Hood Red, Early Bird Designer Paper from Cosmo Cricket

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Poppy, Evergreen and Flesh Tones 2  Copic Marker Collections

Accessories:  Labels One Nestabilities, Red Rhinestones, Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Burgundy Satin Ribbon, Copper Finishing Touches Flower, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals

Now it's time for you to check out the beautiful creations from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN today's gorgeous stamp set!  You'll also want to check out the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge.

Finally, it's HERE!  The Power Hour Release Party is TONIGHT from 9pm to 10pm CST!  You just have to stop on by and visit with us, play a game or two, check out tons of awesome samples, and maybe even WIN something fabulous!  Oh...and the most important thing of all???  Be one of the FIRST to get your hands on the Year of Flowers calendar series of stamp sets! :)

See y'all tonight!

Hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Sneak Peek Day Two!

Hello Stampers!

Today, the Flourishes design team is showcasing A Year of Flowers Set 2!  I really loved coloring in these morning glories that Marcella drew!  Aren't they divine?! 

I used this week's SCS Sketch Challenge for my layout.  I also used my Copic Airbrush System to get the soft blue fade around the flowers...looooove that look and must, must, MUST do it more often!

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 2,  Cottage Home (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Brilliant Blue Textured, Rhubarb Tart Designer Paper from Memory Box

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Delphinium & Green Grass Copic Marker Collections

Accessories:  Top Note Die (SU), Celery Green Silk Ribbon, Silver Finishing Touches Buckle, Blue Rhinestones, Copic Air Brush System, Label Punch, Dimensionals

Now it's time for you to check out the beautiful creations from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN today's gorgeous stamp set!  You'll also want to check out the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge.

Come on back tomorrow for a sneak peek at the third & final set in the Year of Flowers series.  Then hop on over to the Power Hour Release Party beginning at 9pm CST!  It's gonna be a FUN hour for sure!!! :)

Thanks for visiting with me today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Sneak Peek!

Hello Stampers!

I am sooo excited about this month's release from Flourishes!  You all know how much I love flowers, right?  (and who doesn't?!)  Well, the fabulous Marcella has illustrated twelve gorgeous blooms to keep you smiling all year long! :)  They are divided into three separate stamp sets, and there is even a beautiful calendar template, which costs just $2 OR is completely FREE with the purchase of all three sets!

Today, I'm showcasing the February flower, which is the primrose.  I don't think I've ever colored a primrose before...such a sweet flower!

Here is the supply list:

Stamps:  A Year of Flowers Calendar Set 1, Gerber Daisies (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Lemonade Designer Papers from Basic Grey

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Fancy Label & Circle Nestabilities, White Crocheted Lace, Pink Satin Ribbon, Clear Rhinestones (colored with RV19 Copic Marker), Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Dimensionals

Check out the gorgeous samples from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Remember to stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for your chance to WIN this gorgeous stamp set!

Stop back tomorrow to see more sneak peeks of the A Year of Flowers series!  AND don't forget about the Power Hour Release Party this Friday evening at 9pm CST OR the Floral Finesse Color Inspiration Challenge!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Good News and Bad

Hello Stampers~

Today I have good news and bad news to share with you.  I'll start with the bad news... 

I have made the very difficult decision to step down from the Gina K Designs senior design team.  I have been a part of the GKD team for just over a year now, and it has been TONS of fun!  You know the saying, "My cup overfloweth..."?  Well, my cup WAY overfloweth, and I needed to let something go in order to hang on to a wee bit of my sanity. :)  I wanted to open the door for a new designer who really has time to devote to GKD.  Gina is an amazing, wonderful, kind, smart, and oh-so-talented lady, and she deserves the BEST!  I will remain a GKD customer and stalker, as I love the products and the people involved. 

So... In honor of this fond farewell, I thought I'd share the very first card I uploaded for the SCS Dirty Dozen, which just so happens to be made with a Gina K stamp set, Retro Boutique.

Here is the full supply list:

Stamps: Retro Boutique

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Night of Navy, Bella Rose DP from SU, Addison DP from K & Co.

Ink: Black Staz-On, Riding Hood Red

Accessories: Nestabilities, Christmas Red Stickles, Red Rhinestones from MAMBI, Red Gingham Ribbon, Piercing Tools, Scallop Border Punch, 1- 1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Dimensionals

Now, for some good news...

Well, it's good news for ME! :)

I am going to CHA in January!!!!!!!!  I was not planning to attend this year, and actually told a number of peeps that I wouldn't be there; but God is good, and I'm GOIN'!

So... If you're planning to be there, please DO look me up!  I'll be at the SCS booth on Friday and at the Our Craft Lounge booth off and on during the week.  Hope to see you there! :)

Have a super-duper happy HAPPY day, my friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

A Bloomin' PERFECT Weekend!

Hello Stampers!

How was your weekend?  Mine was terrific! :)  Abbi & I enjoyed the Nutcracker Ballet immensely!  We went out to dinner afterward and spent the remainder of the evening doing a little Christmas shopping.  I always enjoy those one-on-one dates with the kiddos...great memories! :)

On Sunday, we decided to enjoy a rare lazy morning, complete with breakfast and a Hallmark movie in bed.  Then we decorated the Christmas tree, sang along (some better than others) to some of our favorite Christmas tunes, made peanut butter cookies and spiced pecans, had a bon fire/marshmallow roast, packaged up some goodies to send off to our college-bound son, and ordered Chinese take-out for dinner.  It seriously couldn't have been a more perfect Sunday!  I think it makes the week go so much better when you have a wonderful weekend to start it off, don't you?!  I am going into my Monday with a spring in my step and a song in my heart!  Fa la la la la la la la la...

Today's sample is from Flourishes.  This was one of my SCS Dirty Dozen samples from September '08.  Love the fun papers from Luxe and the gorgeous Flourishes blossoms!  I was so good to finish off the inside of my card then, too.  I don't do that often enough any more...must start doing that again!

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps: Summer Blossoms

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy, Watercolor Paper, Luxe Polo Shirt Designer Paper

Ink: Black Staz-On, Riding Hood Red, Certainly Celery

Accessories: Piercing Tools, Ticket Corner Punch, White Gel Pen, Blender Pen, Martha Stewart Leaf Punch, Tim Holtz Grungeboard, Sponge Dauber, Riding Hood Red Buttons, Linen Thread, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, 2-Way Glue Pen, Dimensionals, Big Shot, Birds and Blooms Sizzix Die

Hope you have a FANTASTIC Monday, friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Merry Fish-mas!

Hello Stampers~

Happy weekend to you!  Today I have to work until 2pm; but tonight Abbi & I are going to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  We are both sooo excited! :)

Today's sample is something fun from Our Craft Lounge.  I have a gazillion items for future "projects" in my stash, and this photo snow globe was one of them.  Doesn't it fit just perfectly with the fishy theme?!

I used the Sea-sons Greetings set to create my under-water scene, and colored it all in with Copic markers.  The satin ribbon and cut-out starfish at the bottom complete the look.

Here’s the recipe:

Stamps: Sea-sons Greetings

Papers: Pure Luxury White (GKD)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Photo Snow Globe, Satin Ribbon (PTI)

If you'd like to check out a bunch of other fun samples from Our Craft Lounge, hop on over to The Lounge!

Before I go, I thought I'd share the ornament wreath I made for my mom & dad, with the help of my sweet son, Nick:

I just love the color combo on this one, and the jingle bells add so much!  Nick & I were pleased as punch with how this turned out. :)  Now to find a box that it will fit in!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Friday Focus!

Happy Friday, friends!

This week's Flourishes Focus is Floral Finesse.  For this challenge we were to use our favorite flower as the inspiration for our card's color scheme.  While I love all flowers, daisies are my very favorite.  They are such a sweet, happy little flower, don't you think? :)

Now, I took the challenge very literally and even used a daisy image.  However, we only had to be inspired by the colors in our favorite flower; so I could have used any image.

We would love it if you played along with us!  Simply make a sample with your favorite flower as the inspiration, upload it to SCS using the keyword FLLCDEC, and leave a comment on the Flourishes Newsletter with a link to your project.  The contest runs through December 11th at 5 PM EST.  The winner will receive all three of our new releases for December!  Pretty cool, huh?!

Here's the supply list for my project:

Stamps:  Gerber Daisies

Papers:  Barely Banana, Basic Black, Classic White

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Black Gingham Ribbon, Eyelet Lace Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Pale Yellow Button, Ivory String

Be sure and visit the rest of the design team to see their beautiful creations:

• Christine Okken
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Flourishes Newsletter

Have a fantastic day, friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy