the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Happy Birthday Flourishes!

Happy Friday, everyone!

Guess what?!  Flourishes is celebrating their birthday!  Two years ago this month, this one of a kind stamp boutique opened its doors to a whole new kind of creative expression.  Today, the entire design team cooked up creations to honor Flourishes' special day.  Now, we want you to help us celebrate!  Simply make a birthday creation of your own - link your card to the Flourishes Newsletter post or upload to SCS using the keyword FLLCBDAY.  We'll pick one lucky winner with the prize being a stamp set of your choice!  So, make time for play time and you might just be a winner!  Don't forget to click onto the Flourishes Newsletter tomorrow (Saturday) -- there is a BIG announcement that you won't want to miss! :)

My sample is made with the Butterfly Moments set, which is one of the very first Flourishes sets I ever purchased.  I chose to make an elegant birthday card because when I think of Flourishes, I think of classy elegance...not only their stamps, but the lovely ladies who own Flourishes as well.

Here's the supply list for my card:

Stamps:  Butterfly Moments, Sweet Violets (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic Ivory, Basic Black, River Rock, Vintage Red Designer Paper from Jenni Bowlin, European Watercolor

Inks:  Palette Noir Black, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red, Regal Rose

Accessories:  Labels 4 Nestabilities, Niji Waterbrush, White Pearls (dyed Black with C9 Copic Marker), Black Silk Ribbon, EK Success Border Punch, Shimmerz, Dimensionals

Check out the birthday wishes from the rest of the design team:

• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Faith Hofrichter
• Julie Koerber
• Latisha Yoast
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Dee Jackson
• Silke Ledlow
• Jan Marie Caruso

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, FLOURISHES!!! :)

For those who are local, stop by and see me tomorrow morning from 8 to 11 am at my RUBBER STAMP YARD SALE!  Once again, it's at 160 Emerald Street Keene NH.  You can reach me at 603-313-4300 if you have trouble finding us. :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Tropical Windows

Hey everyone~

Today's sample was made with Gina K's new Tropical Windows stamp set.  It just calls out for some fun, vibrant colors.  Don't you think?  I used the new Pumpkin Spice card stock & Timeless Treasures digi paper.

I embossed my image in vanilla & used sponge daubers to add color around the images.  I love this look...such an easy way to add a pop of color!

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Tropical Windows

Papers:  Pumpkin Spice, Pure Luxury Ivory, Timeless Treasures Digi Paper

Inks:  VersaMark, River Rock, Dusty Durango

Accessories:  Vanilla Embossing Powder, Sewing Machine, Ivory Sateen Flowers, Pumpkin Ric Rac, Hemp Twine (Stamp TV Kit), Distressing Tool, Antique Brass Mini Library Clip, Dimensionals

Check out the fabulous samples of the rest of the design team:

• Gina Krupsky
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Jessica Fick
• Joanne Basile
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Sue Morris

Tonight is the big RELEASE PARTY over on SCS!!!  Stop over between 7 and 10 pm central time to get in on all the fun!

I also want to remind you about my RUBBER STAMP YARD SALE this Saturday morning from 8 - 11 am at my hubby's office (160 Emerald Street Keene, NH).  Hope to see you there! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C

Signs of Autumn

Hey everyone~

Today I have a sneak peek from Gina K's new Stamp TV Kit.  I used papers, ribbon, brads, and images from the kit. 

I don't know what it is about apples; but I seriously love to color them!  For this card, I chose to make my apples green.  Perhaps it was the awesome new Green Apple card stock that inspired me. :)

I used Gina's Nail Heads on the bushel basket.  I colored them with a Copic marker to change the shade from gold to a more copper-like hue, which better matches the brads at the top of the card.  Ever since I discovered that you can dye things with the Copic markers, I am sooo all about that!  I just can't stop dying things. {grin}

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Signs of Autumn, Thanks a Million (both from the Stamp TV Kit)

Papers:  Pure Luxury Ivory, Chocolate Kiss, Soft Sand, Green Apple, Watercolor

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Bordering Blue, Sahara Sand, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Brown & Rust Copic Markers (to dye nail heads)

Accessories:  Label & Circle Nestabilities, Striped Ribbon (Stamp TV Kit), Copper Brads (Stamp TV Kit), Nail Heads, Niji Waterbrush, Finial Press Texture Plate (SU), Dimensionals

Now, check out the awesome samples from the rest of the design team:

• Gina Krupsky
• Asela Hopkins
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Jessica Fick
• Joanne Basile
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Dawn Lusk

Have a fabulous Wednesday! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Gina K Sneaky Peeks!

Hey everyone~

Today I have a couple of Gina K sneak peeks for you.  The design team is showcasing a couple of fabulous sets by Theresa Momber and Rupa Shevde.

First up is Timeless Treasures by Theresa Momber.

I love the vintage images in this set, and just know that I will used them over and over again.  I chose the hourglass image, did some precision cutting, and added crystal lacquer to give it the appearance of glass.  That gorgeous designer paper is digi paper that was made by Emily Giovanni to go with the Timeless Treasures stamp set.  I always love the papers that Emily comes up with; but this one is hands-down my favorite so far...love, love, LOVE it!

That yummy green cardstock is new from Gina K as well, and it is deLISH!

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps:  Timeless Treasures

Papers:  Green Apple, Pure Luxury White, Timeless Treasures Digi Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Basic Gray, Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Copic Markers

Accessories:  EK Success Border Punch, Green Satin Ribbon, Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Gray Brads, Clear Rhinestone (colored with green Copic marker), Curly Label Punch, Crystal Lacquer, Dimensionals

Next up is Rupa's Are We There Yet stamp set.

I have to admit this card cracks me up every time I look at it.  Heck, I was crackin' up while I was making it.  This shiny red, polka dotted, blinged out moped is what I'm gonna be driving when I'm too old to drive a regular car.   Meep beep...look out world, here I come! :))

I used some more of Emily's fabulous digi paper on this card.  I love how it matches the fleur de lis pattern in the punched border.  The card size is 5-1/2" x 3-1/4".

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Are We There Yet

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Rocket Red, Timeless Treasures Digi Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  EK Success Fleur de Lis Border Punch, Red Polka Dotted Satin Ribbon, Red & Yellow Rhinestones, White Gel Pen, Crystal Lacquer, Dimensionals

Now you'll want to hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs, and see their gorgeous creations.

• Gina Krupsky
• Asela Hopkins
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Jessica Fick
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Shannon Bracken (Center Stage Spotlight Designer)
  
• Brenda Turner (Center Stage Spotlight Designer)

Quick update on the knees...  The doctor ran a bazillion tests, none of which I have the answers to yet.  I should have this all figured out by the end of the week, if all goes well.  Right now, I have some good meds and a wonderful, supportive family. :)

***Before I go, I wanted to let you know that I'll be having a ROCKIN' rubber stamp yard sale this coming Saturday morning, August 1st from 8am - 11am on Emerald Street in Keene, NH.  It's at my hubby's office, where I have held my previous sales.  This year I'll have not only tons of Stampin' Up retired sets, but many sets and products from other companies as well.  Everything is priced to GO....super cheap and super fabulous!  Bring your own bag(s) and cash or personal checks.  Let me know if you need directions.

Thanks so much for visiting today!  I'll have some more fun sneak peeks for you tomorrow.  So, y'all come back now, ya hear?

Hugs~
C

Coastal Wishes

Hello friends!

Today I'm showcasing the Spotlight Set of the Week from Our Craft Lounge.  This stamp set is called Coastal Wishes, and is definitely one of my current favorites from OCL.  I love the beautiful beachy images in this set. 

I kept my sample pretty simple, and use Cindy Haffner's Dare to Get Dirty sketch for the layout.  None of my prima flowers were vibrant enough to match the designer papers; so I gave each of them a little punch with my Copic markers.  Now they have PUNCH! :) 

I added the rhinestones in a half-circle to mimic the rays of the sun.  I think it turned out pretty neat.  Here's the coolest part... I was short ONE orange rhinestone; so I colored a yellow one with my YR09 Copic marker.  You can NOT tell the difference either!  Isn't that the coolest?!

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Coastal Wishes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Marrakech Designer Paper

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Old Olive, Always Artichoke, Copic Markers, Chocolate Chip Marker

Accessories:  Rhinestones, Circle Nestabilities, Wide Chocolate Stitched Grosgrain, Prima Flowers, Basic Grey Glazed Brad, Dimensionals

That's all for today, folks!  I'm finally going to head to the doctor's office for my knees.  It's now been 9 days since I injured them, and the pain has not subsided one bit; but my ability to even walk has lessened more and more each day...not good at all.  I'm such a stubborn fool...hate going to the doctor's.  Blech!  So, feel free to say a prayer for me today!  I'll keep you posted.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
C

Lovin' the Clear Cardstock!

Happy weekend, friends!

Today's sample was made for several of the Dare to Get Dirty challenges over on SCS.  I combined three of them for this card...love it when I can do that! :)

The card base is clear acetate.  I love the look of clear cards, don't you?  I almost never think to do it; but I likey! 

For my images, I used one of my favorite stamp sets from Our Craft Lounge, Growing Gratitude.  I added some tiny white pearls to the flower pot and butterfly to dress it up a bit.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Growing Gratitude

Paper: Clear Acetate, Basic Black, Mimosa Designer Papers (SEI), Pure Luxury White, Swirl Vellum (old SU)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: White Pearls, Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Silver Buckle (Flourishes), Dimensionals, Labels 4 Nestabilities, Border Punch (EK Success, Berry Sorbet Satin Ribbon (PTI)

Today is the final day of Dare to Get Dirty Challenges.  Hop on over to Splitcoaststampers to get in on all the fun!  Remember, you have to be an SCS Fan Club Member to view the challenges.

Hope your weekend is awesome! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
C

Flourishes Friday!

Happy Friday everyone!

Today's card was made for Flourishes focus on Shimmerz.  I embossed my images in gold & colored them entirely with Shimmerz paints.  So pretty and sparkly in real life!

Here's a close up:

Don't you just love the shimmer and sparkle?  Yummmmy!

For more details, including a complete recipe, AND more samples using Shimmerz, check out the Flourishes Newsletter!

Also, don't forget that today is day two of the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges on SCS!  Beginning at 9am, there will be all-new challenges every hour on the hour all day long!  What could be more fun than that?! :)

Have a fabulous Friday!

Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs~
C

My Dirty Challenge

Hey everyone!

Thanks for coming back today! :)  My card today is made entirely with Stampin' Up products!  Well, there is one teeny tiny exception, and that is cuz I spaced it.  Most of the circles were made with the new Circle Scissor Plus; but the smallest one was made with my Circle Nestabilities.  I use those things so much, that it was only natural for me to pull them out for this card.  I was surprised to discover that the Circle Scissor Plus was really quite easy to use!  I had read some negative feedback about it, and was a little leary to break it out...but I LIKE it, I really do!

I am so pleased with how this card turned out.  I used the new Peace Within stamp set, embossing my images in detail black, and coloring with a water brush a ink refills.

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Peace Within

Papers:  Whisper White, Old Olive, Rich Razzleberry, Cottage Wall Designer Series Papers, Watercolor Paper

Inks:  VersaMark and pretty much every other color in my SU collection! lol  (Seriously, toooo many to list!)

Accessories:  Black Detail Embossing Powder, Aqua Painter, Blender Pen, Sewing Machine, Circle Scissor Plus, Circle Nestabilities, 1-4" Circle Punch, Old Olive Brads, White Crocheted Flowers, Old Olive Designer Flower Button, Finial Press Texture Plate, Elementary Ribbon Originals, Eyelet Border Punch, Dimensionals

I'd love it sooo much if you played along with my Dare to Get Dirty Challenge!  I'm not going to tell you what exactly my challenge is; but here is the direct link to it on SCS. ;)

Come on out and plaaaayyyyy with us!  (You have to be an SCS Fan Club Member to view the challenges.  What are you waiting for?!)

Hugs~
C

Dare to Get Dirty is HERE!

Hey everyone~

Today is day one of THE most fabulous stamping event of the year!  It's the annual Splitcoaststampers Dare to Get Dirty challenge!  Last year I participated in every single challenge, and had sooo much fun doing it!  I was also secretly getting ready to begin my own six month term on the Dirty Dozen design team.  What a hard secret to keep! 

This year, the cat is waaaay out of the bag, and I am actually hostessing one of today's challenges.  What is it, you ask?  Welllll...

I can't tell ya just yet! :)

I'll be back at 12 noon (est) today with the sample I made for my challenge, as well as a direct link to it on SCS.  I am so excited about it...love my challenge, and really love the card I made for it too!  It's even an Stampin' Up only card!  How about that?!  Just so full of surprises, aren't I?!

Stop back at noon today for all the details!  BUT...head on over to SCS this morning!  The challenges begin at 9am (est), and there's gonna be a new one every hour all day for three days!  I've seen what the girls have in store for you all, and you're gonna LOOOOOVE 'em!  Hope you have lots of fun playing with the Dirty Girls past and present! :)

See ya in a while, crocodile!

Hugs~
C

Seashell Treasures

Hey everyone~

Today I have a super-quick post for you.  This sample is made with Flourishes Seaside Life stamp set.  I'm not thrilled with how this sample turned out; but I do think the wood-grain effect on the background turned out cool. :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Seaside Life

Papers:  Sahara Sand, Classic White

Inks:  Charcoal Palette, Burnt Umber Palette, Sahara Sand, Craft White, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Piercing Tools, White Pearls, Ivory String, Distressing Tool, Mini Library Clips, Dimensionals

Hope you have a fabulous Wednesday, friends!

See y'all tomorrow! :)

Hugs~
C