the creative closet by cindy lawrence

You Melt My Heart

Hello Stampers!

Today I have another Gina K Designs sneak peek for you.  This adorable stamp set is called Warm Winter Wishes, and was illustrated by the fabulous Carolyn King. 

My sample also uses some of Emily's yummy new Vintage Holly digi paper.  I colored the snowman in with Copic markers and added some heart-shaped Raindots to finish it off.

Here is the full recipe:

Stamps:  Warm Winter Wishes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Cranberry Tart, Vintage Holly Digi Paper

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Snowflakes Cuttlebug Folder, Cranberry Brads, Heart Rain Dots, Cranberry Satin Ribbon (Stamp TV Kit), Cranberry Button (Stamp TV Kit), Label Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Sewing Machine

Hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs, and check out their fabulous creations!

• Jessica Fick
• Cathy Tidwell
• Carolyn King - illustrator
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Nina Bracket
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber
• Lori McAree - Center Stage Spotlight Designer
• Joy Hadden - Center Stage Spotlight Designer
• Gina Krupsky

Have a fantastic Thursday, friends!  Hope to see you tomorrow evening at 7pm CST at the Gina K release parTAY!  It is always a ton of fun! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Gina K Preview Day 3

Hey everyone~

It's day three of Gina K's sneak peek blog hop!  Are you enjoying all of the fabulous samples from the design team?  This is going to be an AWESOME release...so much fabulousness being unveiled all at once! ;)

Today we're showcasing the newest Stamp TV Kit, Holiday Cheer.  Love the images and sentiments in the stamp sets in this kit, as well as the yummy papers, ribbons, buttons, and other embellishments.  It really is a fantastic kit!

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps:  Holiday Cheer Stamp TV Kit

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Rocket Red, Watercolor, Good as Gold, Deck the Halls Digi Paper

Inks:  Staz-On Black, Vivid Straw, Vivid Taupe, Vivid Vintage Green, Vivid Olive, Vivid Brick

Accessories:  Petite Oval Nestabilities, Fancy Tag Nestabilities, White Satin Ribbon with Gold Trim (Stamp TV Kit), Gold Cording, Gold Brads, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Piercing Tools, White Gel Pen, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Now, check out the fantastic creations from the rest of the design team:

• Jessica Fick
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Tami Mayberry
• Theresa Momber

Have a fantastic Wednesday, friends!  It's the last day of September...oh MY, where does the time go?!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Gina K Preview Day 2

Hello Stampers! :)

Today's sneak peek is Gina K's Lord of the Season stamp set designed by Nina Brackett.  I LOVE the sentiments in this set...which I haven't shown you here on this card; but I will show them to you soooooon.  I had to whip out a quick card for today...so much to do, so little time!  I used Theresa's gorgeous Deck the Halls digi paper as well...yumm-O!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Lord of the Season

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Rocket Red, All Spruced Up, Deck the Halls Digi Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Long Rectangle Nestabilities, Rhinestones (colored with Copic Markers), Dimensionals, Satin Ribbon (another sneak peek from Gina K)

Check out the rest of the design team creations:

• Jessica Fick
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Kurtis Amundson
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Nina Brackett
• Theresa Momber
• Janice Melton - Center Stage Spotlight Designer
• Gina Krupsky

That's all, folks!  Gotta keep it short and sweet...just got in from my very last SU workshop, and need to finish preparing for my last demo class, which is tomorrow evening.  What the heck was I thinking cramming all of this into the end of the month?!  Nothing like going out with a bang, huh? :)

Have a FABULOUS day, friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Gina K Sneak Peek!

Hey everyone~

Today I have a sneak peek from Gina K Designs for you!  This gorgeous vintage-style stamp set is called Very Merry Christmas and was designed by Theresa Momber. 

The fireplace image reminds me of home.  We have five fireplaces, and the one in the living room is always hung with stockings at Christmas-time.  It's one of my favorite holiday traditions, for sure!

I colored the image on watercolor paper using ink pads and a Niji waterbrush.  That awesome designer paper is another Emily original...new holiday digi paper!  Wait until you see the rest of the pack!  That gorgeous green cardstock, ribbon and red button are all new sneak peeks from Gina K as well.  This is going to be one AWESOME release!

Here's the full recipe for my card:

Stamps:  Very Merry Christmas

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Fresh Asparagus, Vintage Holly Digi Paper, Watercolor Paper

Inks:  Staz-On Black and umpteen bazillion colors on the image :)

Accessories:  Red Brads, Green ribbon, Red Button (all from Gina's newest Stamp TV Kit), Niji Waterbrush, EK Success Border Punch, Natural Twine, Dimensionals, Spica Glitter Pens (on fire, stockings and holly garland)

Check out what the rest of the design team has done with this fabulous stamp set:

• Jessica Fick
• Carolyn King
• Cathy Tidwell
• Donna Baker
• Emily Giovanni
• Erika Martin
• Lee Murphy
• Lynn Mercurio
• Melanie Muenchinger
• Theresa Momber
• Linda Payne - Center Stage Spotlight Designer
• Gina Krupsky

Hope your Monday is fantastic!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

You + Me

Hey everyone~

How are you on this fine Saturday?  I am GREAT!  I have been running around like a headless chicken lately, and today I get to sleep in...yippeeee! :)  (Yes, little things make me happy!)

I have another of my favorite Dirty Dozen samples for you today.  This one was made with the cutest stinkin' snowman stamp I think I've ever laid eyes on!  It's from Whipper Snapper Designs, and is called a Snowman's Best Friend.

Here's the complete recipe:

Stamps: A Snowman's Best Friend, Sweet Serendipity from SU (words)

Paper: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip, Ski Slope Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Black Staz-On, Real Red, Old Olive, Basic Gray, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Really Rust, Blush Blossom, Baja Breeze, Soft Sky, More Mustard

Accessories: Lg Oval Punch, H2O Water Brush, Blender Pen, Photo Corner Punch, Red Brads, Piercing Tools, Alpine Ribbon, Dimensionals

That's all for today, friends!  I'm keeping it short and sweet.  I have a workshop Monday evening and a class on Tuesday; so I still have lots to do.....but it's all good!  I'm looking forward to seeing some of my favorite "peeps" again at both events.

Have a lovely weekend!  See y'all on Monday!

Hugs~
Cindy

Flourishes Friday!

Hey everyone~

Today I have two samples for you!  For this week's Flourishes Focus, Leslie is the hostess with the mostess. :)  Leslie challenged us to make two cards using the same stamp set, but with totally different looks.  They could be masculine/feminine, light/dark, simple/wow...or whatever suited our fancy. 

I chose to go with a spring/fall theme for my cards.  Now, I must confess that I was determined to watch the season premiere of Grey's Anatomy last night; so I did my coloring and card design in front of the tv.  I kept both layouts exactly the same; but changed the papers and colors to reflect the two seasons.

Here's my spring card:

It's funny, because I actually used Basic Grey's new holiday designer paper (Eskimo Kisses) on this card.  I love the fresh colors in this plaid pattern.  I colored my image with Copic markers.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Summer on the Patio

Papers:  Classic White, Pink Pirouette, Eskimo Kisses DP

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Lt Blue Silk Ribbon, Silver Finishing Touches, Pink Rhinestone, Pink Brads, Labels Eight Nestabilities, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen

Okay, here's the fall card:

This one uses Basic Grey's Indian Summer designer papers.  I did not think I'd like this paper when I first saw it; but I must admit that I LOVE it!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Summer on the Patio

Papers:  Classic White, Bravo Burgundy, Indian Summer DP

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Burgundy Satin Ribbon, Dark Grey Button, Ivory String, Copper Finishing Touches, Labels Eight Nestabilities, Dimensional, White Gel Pen

Now, check out the fabulous samples made by the rest of the design team:

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

Finally, hop on over to the Flourishes Newsletter to check out Leslie's fabulous tutorial!

Have a fabulous day, my friends!

Thanks for stoppin by!

Hugs~
C

Indian Summer

Hello Stampers!

In honor of the Indian summer we've been having here in NH, I thought I would use the new Indian Summer Designer Papers from Basic Grey.  Aren't they yummy?!  Of course, it doesn't hurt to pair them with such a gorgeous leaf image!  The stamp set I used is Falling Leaves from Flourishes.  As is always the case with Flourishes images, the detail is spectacular in this set!

The layout is this week's SCS Sketch Challenge.  Just my kind of sketch...allows for umpteen layers of card stock {grin}.

Here is the recipe:

Stamps:  Falling Leaves

Papers:  Classic Ivory, Chocolate Chip, European Watercolor, Indian Summer Designer Papers

Inks:  VersaMark, More Mustard, Tangerine Tango, Riding Hood Red

Accessories:  Gold Finishing Touches, Orange Rhinestone, Gold/Champagne Double-Sided Ribbon, EK Success Wavy Border Punch, Ninji Water Brush, Dimensionals, Gold Detail Embossing Powder, Branches Cuttlebug Embossing Folder

I am scrambling to get ready for two workshops and a demonstrator class before September ends next week.  Man, do I miss having the daytime hours to prep!  I have to actually plan ahead! :)

Hope your Thursday is productive and FUN!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Meow!

Hello Stampers!

Today I have another sample made with the Purr-fect Wishes set from Our Craft Lounge.  When I saw this image of the kitty wrapped in ribbon and the "meow" sentiment, I immediately thought of a more "romantic" theme {giggle}.  Wouldn't this be a great card for your sweetheart?  I just love how versatile this stamp set is.  While it does make adorable holiday cards, it is all that and a ball of yarn too! ;)

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps:  Purr-fect Wishes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Chocolate Chip, Basic Grey Bittersweet Designer Papers

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Pink Button, Twine, Pink Brads, EK Success Heart Border Punch

The sketch I used for my card is the September Sketch Challenge over at the OCL Forum.  You have until this Friday, Sept 25th to play along with this challenge for your chance to win a free stamp set of your choice from Our Craft Lounge.  It just couldn't be easier! :)

Have a fabulous Wednesday, my friends!

See ya right back here tomorrow!

Hugs~
Cindy

Purr-fect Wishes

Hey Stampers!

I stamped...I stamped...I stamped!  It's amazing how exciting that is for me these days! :))

Today's sample is made with the Purr-fect Wishes stamp set from Our Craft Lounge.  I just adore the sweet little kitties in this stamp set!  That gorgeous designer paper is Basic Grey's new Eskimo Kisses paper...yummmO!  You can get both the stamp set & the designer paper at Eclectic Paperie.  I used Beate's weekend sketch for my layout.

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps:  Purr-fect Wishes

Papers:  Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, Watercolor, Eskimo Kisses DP

Inks:  Palette Hybrid Noir Black, Palette Ripe Avocado (PTI), Going Gray, Basic Gray, Regal Rose, Riding Hood Red, More Mustard

Accessories:  Dimensionals, Ninji Waterbrush, Stitched Ripe Avocado Grosgrain (PTI), Ripe Avocado Button (PTI), Twine, Snowflake Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Sponge Dauber

That's all from me today, friends!  Have a super Tuesday!

Hugs~
Cindy

Sarah Kay aka: Holly Hobby

Hey everyone~

Welcome to Monday!  I hope your weekend was lots of fun!  I had a wonderful class on Saturday with some of my long-time SU customers/friends.  Since I will no longer be an SU demo next month, I have been dreading saying goodbye to these ladies...absolutely dreading it!  But....they surprised me, and I won't have to say goodbye after all.  They want to keep doing monthly classes for a fee...using whatever stamps I feel like using!  They don't care what company the stamps are from, as long as I keep coming back...how awesome is that?!  They totally made me cry.  I {heart} these wonderful women so much! :)

I spent yesterday blowing my nose and popping cold meds.  (I know...you're jealous!)  It's funny how I can get through a class or a work day; but as soon as I have some down time, the cold really knocks me down.  Thank the dear Lord for good drugs! 

I did attempt to stamp yesterday; but every 30 seconds I had to blow my nose or sneeze.  So, it was pretty pointless, and I gave up. 

So, today I have another oldie but goodie to show you.  This is one of my favorite cards from my days on the SCS Dirty Dozen.  It reminds me how much I love those Sarah Kay images!  They remind me of a childhood favorite... Holly Hobby.  Sigh...those were the days, huh?  Now we have Bratz...ugh.  This image is called Picnic of Daisies, and she is watercolored using re-inkers on watercolor paper.  I paper-pieced the gingham napkin on the basket.

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps: Picnics of Daisies (Sarah Kay)

Paper: Whisper White, Riding Hood Red, Not Quite Navy, Holiday Treasures Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper

Ink: Black Staz-On, Not Quite Navy, Soft Sky, Riding Hood Red, Sage Shadow, Barely Banana, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Reall Rust, Apricot Appeal, Blush Blossom

Accessories: Riding Hood Red Taffeta Ribbon, Not Quite Navy Brads, Piercing Tools, White Gel Pen, Scalllop Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Aqua Painter, Blender Pen, Linen Thread, Ticket Corner Punch, Dimensionals

I hope your Monday is FANTABULISTIC!  Everyone always has such low expectations for Mondays; but I say LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST, my friends!!!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy