the creative closet by cindy lawrence

My Little Chickadee

Happy last day of June, friends!

Today is my final day on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps design team.  I have thoroughly enjoyed my six months on the team.  Korin is an absolute doll, and it has been an honor and a blessing to work with her and her images. :)

For my farewell sample, I chose to make a card with the very first Sweet 'n Sassy set I ever purchased.  I think this little chickadee image is just the sweetest thing.  I also used my new Classic Frameability and Labels Four Nestability dies.  I love all of these fancy-schmancy dies Spellbinders keeps coming out with, don't you?!  I cut the Frameability die cut in half to make it fit nicely behind the other die-cuts.  I love how it turned out!

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps: My Little Chickadee

Paper: Night of Navy, Whisper White, Bella Birds Designer Paper, So Saffron Textured, Watercolor

Ink: Black Staz-On, So Saffron, Sahara Sand, Basic Gray, Night of Navy

Accessories: Prima Flowers, Flat-back Pearls, Ninji Water Brush, White Crocheted Lace, White Satin Jacquard Ribbon, Lables Four Nestabilities, Classic Frameabilities, Sewing Machine, Dimensionals

I chose my colors for this week's Color Challenge over on SCS.  This week's hostess, Kelly (schirmcat), asked me to be her "wing woman" for the challenge.  In other words, would I make a sample ahead of time?  She just didn't know how literally I was gonna take the whole "wing" woman thing...haha! :)

I also wanted to share a card I made for the SCS Dirty Dozen gallery back in October of 2008.  It was the first card I made with this set. 

If you'd like more deets on this card, stop by SCS and check out the October 2008 Fan Club Gallery.  You have to be a member to view the gallery.

Now, there are a few other fabulous design team members who are bidding farewell to Sweet 'n Sassy today.  You really must stop by their blogs and check out their awesome samples, beginning first at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps blog, of course!

Faith Hofrichter
Deb Felts
Lorie Ames

Have a wonderful Tuesday, everyone!  We managed to get swimming lessons in yesterday morning before the downpour.  Let's hope we can do it again today!

Oh, and here's a hint for tomorrow...

Repeat after me... Copic tutorial.

'Nuff said! ;)

See ya tomorrow!

Hugs~
C

Wishing You Joy

Good Monday mornin' to ya!

It was sooo good to see the sunshine yesterday!  It was just what the doctor ordered. :)  Of course, my daughter starts swimming lessons today, and it's supposed to rain.  I give up...my new moto is WHATEV! {grin}

Today's sample is made with a really pretty new Gina K set called Many Wishes.  Just like the card I shared on Friday, this one's a 3-1/4" x 5-1/2" card.  I am really enjoying this size, which is great...cuz I have a lot of it left over from making 5-1/4" square cards!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Many Wishes

Papers: Pure Luxury White, Textured Saffron, Basic Grey Porcelain Designer Paper

Inks: VersaMark, Regal Rose

Accessories: White Detail Embossing Powder, Hibiscus Burst Satin Ribbon (PTI), Labels Four Nestabilities, Pearl Dew Drops, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

I hope your Monday offers you a little piece of wonderful. :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C

A Rare Stamposaurus!

Happy weekend, everyone!

I sure hope the weather is sunnier in your neck of the woods!  We have had the rainiest June I can ever remember.  I just took a peek at the 10-day forecast, and it shows thunderstorms every single day...right on through the 4th of July.  Lord, have mercy!  Thank God for a few little glimpses of sun this past week, or I might have packed up and moved already! ;)

Today's sample was made with the new Dino set from Hanna Stamps.  This is such a cute set!  I never seem to have enough sets for boys; so I am thrilled to have this one in my collection!

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps: Dino

Paper: Pure Luxury White, Basic Black, Ambrosia Designer Papers

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Piercing Tools, Black Buttons, Circle Nestabilities, Black Stitched Grosgrain (PTI), Dimensionals

Have a fabulous weekend, friends!

Thanks for visiting with me!  I am honored to have you stop by! :)

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Friday Focus

Happy Friday, friends!

Today's Flourishes Focus is on solid image stamps.  Leslie has a fabulous tutorial over on the Flourishes Newsletter! 

For my card, I chose to use the lovely Spring Ephemerals stamp set, as well as Silke's awesome Timeless Tuesday Sketch.  You can play along with the sketch challenge until Monday night at 8pm.  Just use the keywords FTTC21 when you upload to Splitcoast. 

I colored my image directly on the stamp using water-based markers, and then added some shadows and details with a water brush.  The final touch on the flowers is some Angel Wings Shimmers, which you can't see at all in the photo.  It gives it an all-over shimmer that is oh-so-pretty in person. :)

The piercing on the designer paper was done with the Victorian Pierceabilities.  I also used the same Pierceability template to make the fancy bottom edge.

The size of my card is 3-1/4" by 5-1/2".  I have a ton of pieces of white card stock in this size because I make a lot of 5-1/4" square cards, and that's what's left over.  I really enjoyed working with this size card...makes for a clean and simple card.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Spring Ephemerals, Sweet Violets ("hello")

Papers:  Classic White, Core'dinations Green, Jenni Bowlin Victoria Designer Paper

Inks:  Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, So Saffron

Accessories:  Labels Two Nestabilities, Oval Nestabilities, Victorian Pierceabilities, Piercing Tools, Silver Finishing Touches brads & ribbon slide,  Green Velvet Ribbon, Ninji Water Brush, Dimensionals, Angel Wings Shimmerz Paint

That's all from me today, folks!  Hop on over to see what the rest of the design team cooked up with their solid images.

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

Have a fantastic Friday!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Release Day!

 
Hey friends~

Today is the day!  Gina K is releasing six new stamp sets, new Soft Sand card stock, rhinestones, nail heads, tools, and more!  It's gonna be an awesome release!  Stop by the release party tonight from 7 to 10 pm Central.

My first sample was made with The Journey, which is another fabulous set by Asela Hopkins.  I used the door image and colored it in with my Copic markers.  I am using them as much as possible these days, so I really get lots of good practice!  I've been having so much fun with them. :)

I found the little key charm in my stash from years ago.  In case you haven't noticed, I've been challenging myself lately to use some of my stashed away, long forgotten treasures. 

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  The Journey

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Chocolate Kiss, Basic Grey Infuse Designer Papers

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Old Olive, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Always Artichoke Buttons, Gold Cording, Key Charm, Striped Ribbon (SU), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

 
My second sample today is made with Gina's Many Wishes stamp set.  I so enjoyed playing with this set.  It is such an easy set to design with!  I whipped this card up in 10 minutes, which is clearly not the norm for me. {grin}

The fun textured-looking designer paper is actually digital paper.  It's one of Gina's freebie papers, called Summer Fabrics.  It's a neutral-colored paper pack, which is perfect for brayering or sponging any color you want!  I chose Dusty Durango (SU) and brayered it over the paper.  I think it really looks like fabric.  Don't you?!  You can download your own Gina K freebie papers over at Stamp TV!

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Many Wishes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Always Artichoke, Summer Fabrics Digi Paper

Inks:  VersaMark, Dusty Durango

Accessories:  White Detail Embossing Powder, Ribbon Slot Punch (had it forever...no idea who makes it), Large Labels Nestabilities, Copper Nail Heads, White Satin Ribbon, Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Brayer, Dimensionals

Now, it's time for a little eye candy for you!  Stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see what they've whipped up for ya. :)

• Gina Krupsky
• Asela Hopkins
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Jessica Fick
• Joanne Basile
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Pam Imholz (Center Stage Spotlight)
  
• Selma Stevenson (Center Stage Spotlight)

Hope to see you tonight at the release party!  I'll be a little late, as the hubs is taking me out to dinner...but I will be there! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Preview Day 2

Hello, sweet friends!

Welcome to day two of this month's Gina K sneak peeks. :)  This first sample is made with Melanie's gorgeous Arranged With Love stamp set.  While it does require a lot of coloring, it makes for a quick card composition!  All you need to do is choose your sentiment, color, and add a few embellies.  I so loved coloring this image in!  I used my Copic Sketch markers, and added some sparkle with a bottle of Diamonds Stickles.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Arranged With Love

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Black Onyx

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch Markers

Accessories:  Berry Sorbet Satin Ribbon (PTI), Diamonds Stickles, Craft Knife (to cut slit for ribbon), Tiny Rhinestones (new from Gina K!), Rhinestone Flower (been in my stash forever)

This next sample is made with Nina Bracket's new set, Bug Me Anytime.  This is such a cool stamp set full of bugs, mushrooms, flowers, and more.  I chose to go with some subdued tulips on my card.  Once again, I used my Copic Sketch markers to color in the images.  That gorgeous tan cardstock is Gina's new Soft Sand, and I paired it with Basic Grey's Wisteria Designer Papers.  I added stitching to several layers for a more homespun look.  Check out Stamp TV for Gina's awesome sewing tutorial and a chance to win your very own Jenome sewing machine!!!

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Bug Me Anytime

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Soft Sand, Wisteria Designer Papers (Basic Grey)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Sketch Markers

Accessories:  Silver Oval Hardware Label, Green Rhinestone Brads, Sewing Machine, Green Ribbed Velvet Ribbon, Dimensionals

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

• Gina Krupsky
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Jessica Fick
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Carla Suto (Center Stage Spotlight)
• Melisa Waldorf (Center Stage Spotlight)
• Selma Stevenson (Melanie's Guest Designer)
  
• Denise Marzec (Melanie's Guest Designer)
• Dawn Lusk (Melanie's Guest Designer)
  

Remember to stop by the release party this Thursday evening from 7 to 10pm Central.  Loads of freebies, sneak peeks, challenges, and fun are on the agenda; so don't miss it!

Have an awesome Wednesday!

Thanks a million for stopping by today! :)

Hugs~
C

Gina K Preview Day One

Happy, happy Tuesday, my friends!

Today I have some fun sneak peeks from Gina K for you.  The first one is called 100% Sweet...and it is!  There are some super-sweet and yummy images and sentiments in this set, just in time for summer. 

For my project, I decided to make a matching gift box and card.  The ice cream tag on the front of the gift box is a digi image designed by Rupa to match the stamp set.  In case you hadn't already noticed, the designer paper on the gift box matches too...yup, new digi papers! 

Donna has a wonderful "recycle" challenge going on over at Stamp TV this month.  The challenge is to re-use some packaging that you would otherwise toss out.  I used a thin box that I got some mini stamp pads in, and re-covered it both inside and out.  The inside is completely recovered in Barely Banana Textured Card Stock.  Do you think I remembered to snap a picture of it?  Nope.  It's nothing fancy right now anyway; but it does give it a nice finished look.  I am going to put in some gift cert's to the local Friendly's Ice Cream restaurant, and give it a friend who has been a wonderful blessing to our family. :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  100% Sweet, 100% Sweet Digi Images

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Barely Banana Textured, 100% Sweet Digi Paper, Pink Pirouette

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Copic Sketch Markers

Accessories:  Spica Glitter Pens (on both ice cream images), Pink Grosgrain Ribbon (from an older Gina K Stamp TV Kit), Prima Flowers, Glitter Dot, Sewing Machine, Scallop Edge Punch, Oval Nestabilities, 1 3/8" Circle Punch, Pink Pirouette Flower Button, Linen Thread, Dimensionals

This next sample has a totally different feel, doesn't it?  It's from the newest set by Theresa Momber.  It's called Happy Camper, and is the perfect "outdoorsy" set.    I went with a camping theme on my card, and included one of those sweet little critters you never want to see around your campsite. ;)

I had a lot of fun coloring in my images with those yummy Copic Markers.  Check out that awesome designer paper in the background.  That's new digi paper from Gina K!  Doesn't it look like it has some serious texture?  Well, it's all a fantastic allusion, cuz I printed that paper off from my computer.  I love, love, LOVE it!  Oh, and check out the copper nail heads!  I added two to my sign, and three larger ones as accents in the corner.  Those are being released this Thursday evening as well!  Oh my, yes, I can't forget that awesome Soft Sand cardstock!  It's a gorgeous cross between Kraft and Sahara Sand, and you guessed it...it's part of the new release as well.  I'm telling you, it's gonna be a gooood one! :)

Here's the recipe for this card:

Stamps:  Happy Camper

Papers:  Soft Sand, Chocolate Kiss, Pure Luxury White, The Great Outdoors Digi Paper

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Linen Distress Ink, Copic Sketch Markers

Accessories:  Copper Nail Heads, Sewing Machine, Sponge Daubers, Distressing Tool, Artichoke Grosgrain Ribbon (Stamp TV Kit), Dimensionals

Now, hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs for some fabulous eye candy using these two awesome new stamp sets!

• Gina Krupsky
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Jessica Fick
• Joanne Basile
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Carolina Buchting (Center Stage Spotlight)
  
• Jennie Harper (Center Stage Spotlight)
  

That's all for today, folks!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

See ya tomorrow for some more fun sneak peeks! :)

Hugs~
C

Bubbles happen!

Howdy friends!

How are you on this fine Monday?  What a whirlwind this weekend was!  Boy, do they go by fast, huh?!  Among other things, like another graduation ceremony and party, we took the kids to see the movie, Up, which I highly recommend.  It was great entertainment for the whole family...funny and touching all at the same time.  Two thumbs up!

So, waddaya think of today's sample?  Isn't he a little cutie patootie (pardon my "tootie" pun...hah)! I used the adorable Bubbles set from Our Craft Lounge.  That little guy reminds me of my dear hubby ...bwahahahahahaaaaa.  Seriously, though, he does...'nuff said. ;)

I colored my image in with Copic Sketch markers.  I love, love, LOVE shading with those markers!  They produce such vibrant, gorgeous color!

The sketch for my card is from Taylored Expressions Cupcake Challenge for this week.  I pulled out the sewing maching for some zig zag stitching, and added a few Dew Drops to enhance the "bubble" effect.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Bubbles

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

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Dew Drops, Wavy Border Punch (EK Success), Sewing Maching, Clear Flower Button (been in my stash forevah), White Embroidery Floss, Rectangle Nestabilities, Dimensionals

Before I take off, I wanted to let you all know that Flourishes is now carrying Copic Markers in fantastic sets that make it oh-so-easy for you to do your own fabulous shading!  Stop by the Flourishes Newsletter for all the deets.

Have an absolutely AMAZING Monday, my friends!  That is exactly what I plan to do!

See y'all tomorrow!

Hugs~
C

Tri-Fold Shutter Card

Happy weekend, friends!

I found out some info about the "operation aborted" message that some of you are receiving.  It is actually a wide-spread problem for Internet Explorer users.  I don't believe anyone using Mozilla Firefox has had this issue.  It seems that there are several glitches in IE, some in IE7 and even some in the new IE8.  I'm wondering if those of you who are having problems lately, have recently upgraded your IE?  The only thing I can do is start removing widgets from my sidebar to see which ones your version of IE is not compatible with.  It seems that Sitemeter and Google Followers are two widgets that tend to be incompatible.  I really hate to remove either one of these; but if I have to, I have to.  I wish Internet Explorer would just get their act together.  Apparently, they are "working on it".  If you do a Google search for "operation aborted" you'll find lots of info on it.

Today I have a sample from my recent Demonstrator Class.  This one's a Tri-Fold Shutter Card, which I discovered on Splitcoaststampers.  Check out the tutorial by Bonnie Szwalkiewicz.  You rock, Bonnie! :)

My sample uses new designer papers from SU's catalog, being released on July 1st.  I love that Big Shot daisy die...makes such pretty flowers, don't you think?  I added a Summer Sun Corduroy Button as the flower center.  That yummy polka dotted ribbon is also brand-new from SU. :)

Here's a photo of the open card:

Isn't that a cool fold?!  It looks much harder than it is!  It is, in fact, one of the easiest fancy fold cards I have ever made.

If you do the folds correctly, it should look like this from the top:

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Upsy Daisy

Papers:  Whisper White, Razzleberry Lemonade Designer Papers

Inks:  Crushed Curry, Melon Mambo

Accessories:  Daisy Flower Big Shot Die, Summer Sun Corduroy Buttons, Melon Mambo Polka Dot Ribbon, Scoring Blade, Pop Up Glue Dot

Hope you try one of your own!  They are really fun to make. :)

Have a great Saturday, friends!

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Friday Focus

Well, hello there, friends!  Here it is Friday again...yippee!

So, about the security issues some of you have been having, can you tell me if you're still having them?  If you are, I am making it my mission to figure it out this weekend! 

Today, I have a couple of Flourishes samples for you.  The Friday Focus this week is Spellbinders dies, with a terrific tutorial by Latisha on the Flourishes Newsletter.

My first sample is one that I actually made last week, but it fit the theme; so I thought I'd share it with you today.

I used the new Life, Love, and Lemons set.  I used my Copic Sketch markers to color the fruit green to look like limes.  I used both the Circle and the Labels Four Nestabilities for easy added interest.  I have to say that the Labels Four dies are my current favorite shape. :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Life, Love, and Lemons

Papers:  White, Really Rust, Fernbrae Designer Paper from Memory Box

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Really Rust, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Clear Rhinestones, Spellbinders Circle & Labels Four Nestabilities Dies, Antique Gold Reversible Satin Ribbon, EK Success Border Punch, Score Pal, Distressing Tool, Small & Large Oval Punches, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

I made this next card in honor of our nation's birthday, which is sneaking right up on us!

 

I used the new Patriotism on Parade stamp set, and created a festive fireworks scene.  The shape of the card was made with the Curved Rectangle Nestabilities Die.  The ornate piercing at the bottom was made with the Scallop/Ric Rac Pierceabilities Die.

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Patriotism on Parade

Papers:  White, Night of Navy

Inks:  Night of Navy, Real Red, Navy Copic Marker (to dye navy flower)

Accessories:  Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Scallop/Ric Rac Pierceabilities Die, Piercing Tools, Red Stitched Grosgrain, Prima Flowers, Real Red Button, Linen Thread

That's it...just a clean and simple card. :)

You'll want to stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see what they've done with the Spellbinders dies.

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

Have a lovely Friday, my friends!  Thanks a million for stopping by to see me today!  I'm so glad you did! :)

Hugs~
C