the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Eclectic Summer

Happy weekend, friends!

I do believe we are in for some rain today....why not, that'll make four days in a row!  We will need to HAY the lawn by the time it stops raining!  {grin}  I do love how lush and green everything looks right now...so pretty!

Today is our oldest son's birthday....he's TWENTY!  *gasp!*  How did that happen?!  I thought I was still twenty!  We're throwing him a little family b-day bash tomorrow afternoon...good times!  Happy birthday, Steve!!!

I made that card up there for Gina K's release party on Thursday night.  What a FUN time that was...and a record turn-out too!  All of the new releases are now available to purchase in the Gina K store.  This month's Stamp TV kit is awesome!  The stamp sets are so fun and versatile...love the papers, ribbons, brads...and even the packaging is fantastic!  Gina really went all out with this one!

I used the SCS sketch for this week, which at first intimidated me a bit.  I though...how on earth am I going to make that many that many crazy layers look good?!  I know...coming from me that's rather comical, since my cards often have a gazillion layers on them.  I do really like how it came out, and then I checked out the rest of the samples in the sketch gallery and WOW, they are rockin'!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Eclectic Summer Stamp TV Kit

Papers: Pure Luxury White, Black Onyx, Basic Grey Ambrosia Designer Papers

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Large Oval Punch, Scalloped Oval Punch, Corduroy Buttons & Brads, Orange Rhinestones (MAMBI), Horizontal Slot Punch, Black Satin Ribbon (Gina K), Spica Glitter Pen, Dimensionals

I hope you will savor every moment you have this weekend!  It all goes by toooo quickly, doesn't it?!

Thanks so much for spending a little time with me today!

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Friday

Hello and happy Friday, friends!

Today is a very bittersweet day in the Lawrence household.  Our beloved Korean student, ShinHo, who has stayed with us on every school vacation throughout high school is flying back to Korea this morning.  We have sooo enjoyed having him here.  He will always be a part of our family.  Sigh...I'm getting emotional just typing that.  There is good news, though!  He is planning to attend college in the states, and hopes to still come back to our house on vacations.  We are hoping and praying (however selfishly) that all works out, and he is back with us for Thanksgiving or Christmas break!  I just cannot say goodbye...

Okay...deeeep breath.  Today's sample was made with Flourishes I Love Roses stamp set.  Those awesome silver embellishments are from the brand-new metal embellishments kits, which will be available for you to order TODAY!  They are seriously GORGEOUS, my friends!!!  Check out the Flourishes Newsletter for all the deets.  I thought it would be fun to replace the silver brads in the centers with some yellow rhinestone brads.  You can change them up in as many ways as you have bling to go in them!  Fun, fun! :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  I Love Roses

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, More Mustard, Wisteria Designer Papers from Basic Grey, European Watercolor Paper

Inks:  Palette Hybrid Noir Black, Almost Amethyst, More Mustard, Old Olive, VersaMark

Accessories:  Vanilla Embossing Powder, Ninji Water Brush, Crocheted Ribbon, Mustard Grosgrain, Beautiful Brads Finishing Touches, Fire Rhinestone Brads, Dimensionals

I just realized that today's Flourishes Focus was to make a CLEAR card...duh!  Well, at least I remembered to use the brads...sheesh!  To say I've had a lot on my mind this week would be an understatement. 

I can tell you that the rest of the design team has made some beautiful clear card samples, and our beloved Laura is heading up this week's Focus on the Flourishes Newsletter.  Do stop over there and check it out!

Here's what the rest of the design team has done:

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

Hope your Friday is FANTABULOUS!  I am off to Logan airport in Boston at 5:30 this morning, and should be back home by noon...just in time for a nap! lol

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Release Day!

Hello Stampers!

Today is an exciting day!  Tonight, Gina K will be releasing a bunch of AWESOME new stamp sets, as well as a brand-new Stamp TV Kit!!!  This is truly a fabulous release...don't miss it!

My first sample is made with the new Lazy Days of Summer set, which is just perfect for those summer time celebrations and occasions.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Lazy Days of Summer

Papers:  Pure Luxury In the Navy, Pure Luxury White, Stars & Stripes Digi Paper

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers, Night of Navy, White Craft

Accessories:  White Twill (Stamp TV Kit), Wavy Border Punch (EK Success), Navy Mini Brads (Stamp TV Kit), Word Window Punch, Dimensionals

This next sample was made with a bunch of new Gina K product!  The Ribbon Stripes set was used on the twill ribbon, as well as down the left side of the card.  I also used both stamp sets from the new Stamp TV kit, new Bright Summer Grunge digi paper, Rocket Red Pure Luxury Card Stock, White Mini Brads, and White Twill Ribbon...all new release products!

I decorated the inside of my card as well, but forgot to snap a picture of it. 

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Eclectic Sayings & Eclectic Summer (Stamp TV Kit), Ribbon Stripes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Pure Luxury Rocket Red, Bright Summer Grunge Digi Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Old Olive, Real Red, White Craft, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Martha Stewart Zig Zag Border Punch, White Twill Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, White Mini Brads, Circle Nestabilities, Dimensionals

Check out what the rest of the design team has cooked up for you today:

• Joanne Basile
• Jessica Fick
• Carolyn King
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Gina Krupsky
  
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Melissa Schultz (In the Spotlight Designer)

Remember to join us for the Gina K Designs Release Party on Splitcoaststampers tonight from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central time.  It's gonna be a BLAST, and you have a great chance of winning some yummy goodies! :)

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Birthday Smiles

Happy Tuesday Wednesday, everyone!

Are you as confused about which day it is as I am?  Whenever there's a Monday holiday, it always throws me off for a week.  Now, I'm not complaining, mind you...I just think perhaps it would be easier on us if EVERY Monday were a holiday!  Such a simple solution, isn't it?! :)

Today is day one of Sweet 'n Sassy's monthly blog hop.  I made my card using the Birthday Fun set.  I needed a birthday card for this weekend anyway; so this was a perfect choice.  I'm not sure you can see it in the photo, but the balloons are covered in Crystal Effects to make them all nice and shiny.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Birthday Fun, Doodle Flowers (sentiment)

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Basic Black, Black Orchid Designer Papers (SEI)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Certainly Celery, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Crystal Effects, Black Satin Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Felt Brad, White Brads, Small Oval Punch, Dimensionals

If this is your first stop on the blog hop, you should hop on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps blog and start from the beginning.  The girls have some awesome sneak peeks for your viewing pleasure!  From here, you'll head to Ceal''s blog.

Have a WONDERFUL day today, my friends!  We are getting some rain today, which is just perfect timing for all of those gardens that were planted this weekend. :)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Preview Day 2

Happy Tuesday, friends!

I'm so excited to share another sneak peek from Gina K Designs with you!  This one's called Special Fathers, and was designed by Nina Bracket, a brand-new illustrator for Gina K.  It is such a fabulous stamp set! 

The gorgeous patterned papers I used are from the new Bright Summer Grunge digi pack designed by Emily Giovanni.  Aren't they YUMMY?!

I colored my image with Copic markers, and used Crystal Lacquer on the sentiment and 1/4" Tangerine card stock circles to give them a little extra substance. :)

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Special Fathers

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Tangerine Tango, Bright Summer Grunge Digital Papers, Dimensionals

You might recognize the card sketch, as I've used it on two other cards in the past week.  It's the most recent sketch from the weekly challenges over on SCS.  Yes, I LOVE it!

Check out what the rest of the design team did today:

• Jessica Fick
• Carolyn King
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Gina Krupsky
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Melissa Schultz (In the Spotlight Designer)

Stamps:  Special Fathers

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Tangerine Tango, Bright Summer Grunge Digi Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  1/4" Circle Punch, Crystal Lacquer, Word Window Punch, White Twill Ribbon, Tangerine Tango Corduroy Buttons, Dimensionals

There's another awesome sneak peek set for today, called With This Ring.  Unfortunately, my sample for this set is not quite finished as of this moment.  It's been a crazy, wonderful weekend, and I just couldn't quite get to it.  I hope to have that sample finished up early this morning, and will add it to my post as soon as I do.  The set is designed by Rupa Shevde and is absolutely beautiful!

Okay, folks....here is the card:

I am not 100% happy with it; but it'll have to do for now, as I need to get out the door.  Don't be surprised if you stop back later on and I've changed the card! :)  I'm thinking white embossing on the sentiment, rather than black...

Back later with the recipe!

Remember to join us for the Gina K Designs Release Party on Splitcoaststampers on Thursday, May 28 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central time.  It is always a fun time with lots of samples, laughter, and plenty of chances to win some yummy Gina K goodies of your own! :)

Have a lovely day, everyone!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Preview!

Happy Memorial Day, friends!

Today's sample is a sneak peek from Gina K. :)  This awesome set is called Sporty Accessories, and was designed by Melanie Muenchinger.  I thought it would be fun to make a basketball-themed card.  I sooo wish I'd had this set while my sports-fanatic son, Ben, was still in high school!

I also used some new digi paper from Gina K.  It's appropriately called Stars & Stripes. :)

The textured background is done with a Cuttlebug folder, which I also used on the basketball after I finished coloring it.  I sponged a little extra color on the texture to add to the effect.  The sketch is an older Stamp TV sketch.

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Sporty Accessories

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Pure Luxury In the Navy, Really Rust, Stars & Stripes Digital Papers

Inks:  Tuxedo Black Memento, Really Rust, Night of Navy, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Double-Stitched Grosgrain, Navy & White Mini Brads, Sponge Dauber, Octogon Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Folder, Dimensionals

Check out what the rest of the design team has cooked up with this set:

• Jessica Fick
• Carolyn King
• Erika Martin
• Gina Krupsky
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Melissa Schultz (In the Spotlight Designer)

I won't bore you with lots of photos from Ben's graduation and party; but here's one quick shot of the handsome graduate and his parents.  We're so very proud of him! :)

 

Have a lovely Memorial Day, friends!  Take some time out today to remember those who serve our country now or in the past.  Without those brave men and women, we would not enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today!  May God watch over them and bless them richly...

Hugs~
C

Hello Weekend!

Happy Memorial Day weekend, friends!

Today is the big day... Ben graduates from high school this morning at 10am.  Sigh...he's all grown up now.  At 6' 4" tall, I do believe he's actually finished growing!  This afternoon we have a few parties to attend, and then our party for Ben is tomorrow afternoon.  It's gonna be a party, parTAY kind of weekend.  The weather is promising to be just beautiful....yahoo!!! 

Today's sample is made with Sweet 'n Sassy's Doodle Flowers stamp set.  I paired it with some Black Orchid SEI designer papers for an eye-popping, happy card! :)  I stamped the vines on the green background paper, and dyed the ric rac to match with my YR09 Copic marker. 

I do love to have some generic cards on hand, cuz you never know when you're gonna need one.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Doodle Flowers

Paper: Pure Luxury White, Basic Black, Black Orchid Designer Papers from SEI

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (YR02, YR09, BG10, YG01)

Accessories: Orange Rhinestones, Tangerine Striped Grosgrain, Pumpkin Wide Ric Rac (dyed to match card with YR09 Copic Marker), Small Oval Punch, 1/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals

Hope you enjoy the long weekend!  I'll be back on Monday with a new post.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I am sooo glad you do!

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Friday Focus!

Happy, happy Friday!!!

Another crazy day in paradise...okay, New Hampshire. ;)  Seriously, though, the weather is just GORGEOUS right now, and promises to be just as gorgeous this weekend.  I am a happy, happy girl!  When the weather is warm and the sun is shining, it makes me joyful right down to my toes!  As we used to sing in Sunday School, I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy...down in my heart...where?...down in my heart to stay!  There's more to it...but I won't bore you any longer. ;)

I made this sample for Flourishes Friday Focus, which is to use piercing on your card.  The fabulous Christine has a wonderful tutorial on the Flourishes Newsletter using Spellbinders Pierceabilities...so cool!

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps: A Man's View

Paper: Pure Luxury White, Basic Gray, Memory Box Sweetbay Designer Papers, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Basic Gray, Certainly Celery, Soft Sky, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Pewter Mini Brads, 1/8" Circle Punch, Pierceabilities Template, Piercing Tools, Small Oval Punch, Green Scalloped Edge Ribbon, Niji Waterbrush, Dimensionals

Check out what the other dt members have pierced up for you today!

• Christine Okken
• Faith Hofrichter
• Julie Koerber
  
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Have a fabulous Friday!  See y'all tomorrow!

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Fabulousness

Hey friends~

Hope your week is going fabulously! :) 

Today's sample is made with Flourishes new DIY Topiary stamp set...yet another beautifully illustrated stamp set drawn by the oh-s0-talented Marcella Hawley.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  DIY Topiary

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Basic Gray, European Watercolor, Memory Box Rhubarb Tart Designer Papers

Inks:  Palette Hybrid Noir Black, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, More Mustard, Basic Gray Marker

Accessories:  Basic Gray Corduroy Buttons, Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Piercing Tools, Niji Water Brush, Red Rhinestones, Dimensionals

That's all from me today, folks!  Gotta keep it short and sweet this week...so much to do, so little time. :)

Enjoy your day!  We're in for a HOT one today...supposed to hit 90 degrees!  I LOVE it! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

I Treasure You

Happy Wednesday, friends!

I made today's card for Saturday's Inspiration Challenge over on SCS.  I haven't been able to play in many SCS challenges lately; so this was a treat.  I soooo miss playing along every day!  Maybe someday my schedule will allow for that again. :)

The set I used is the gorgeous Whispy Blooms set from Our Craft Lounge.  I love those deLISH flowers! :)

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps: Whispy Blooms

Paper: Very Vanilla, Chocolate Chip, Madeline Designer Paper (K & Co), Watercolor Paper

Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento, Purely Pomegranate, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette

Accessories: Pearls (K & Co), Labels 4 & Oval Nestabilities, Niji Water Brush, Pomegranate Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

Since some of you have asked, I thought I'd share a photo of Ben & Cody on prom night.  They both looked fantastic, and had a wonderful evening. :)

 

Aren't they sweet?! :)  Hope your day is absolutely wonderful!  We are scrambling to get ready for this weekend's graduation festivities....can't believe it's here already!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C