the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Gina K Preview Day One!

Hello Stampers~

It's time for another Gina K release, and that means sneak peeks for you all week long! :)  The release party is on Thursday at 7pm CST in the Gina K forum over on SCS.  You won't want to miss it!

For my sample, I used Nina's new Lovely {Shelf} stamp set.  There is sooo much wonderful variety to this set!  I chose to go simple with my card, using a vase of flowers and sweet sentiment.  This will be my mom's birthday card.

The images are not the only sneak peek on my card...  Did you see that gorgeous shimmery, pearly white cardstock?  ...and how about that yummy blue I used as the base???  You guessed it...new from Gina K Designs in just THREE sleeps! 

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps:  Lovely {Shelf}

Papers:  Ocean Mist, Mother of Pearl, Elegant Eggplant (SU), Pure Luxury White (vase of flowers), Wisteria Designer Papers (Basic Grey)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Elegant Eggplant, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Pearls, Baja Breeze Satin Ribbon (retired SU), Eggplant Twill (Stamp TV Kit), Circle Nestabilities, Dimensionals

For even more ways to use this fabulous stamp set, as well as Melanie's awesome new release (Tech Talk),  please check tonight's featured Illustrator's blogs:

Nina Brackett {Lovely Shelf} Melanie Muenchinger {Tech Talk}

Then, visit our Designer's blogs participating in the previews tonight:

GinaK, Carolyn, Cathy, Cindy, Donna, Emily, Erika, Jessica, Lee, Lynn, Tami, Theresa

We also have two of our special Center Stage Spotlight Designer's joining us with samples as well:

Cheri Weston Melissa Shultz

That's all, folks!

Have a fabulous Tuesday! :)

Hugs~
Cindy

Easy Peasy Christmas Wreath

Hello Stampers~

It feels like forever since I've posted anything!  I hope you all had a very blessed Thanksgiving and long weekend.  Ours was absolutely perfect!  Oh, and let me tell you, that pumpkin pie from Paula Deen that I posted about last week, was CRAZY good...definitely a keeper recipe!  They were all delicious; but that one knocked my socks off.

Today I have a fun project to share with you.  It's a Christmas wreath made from a wire coat hanger, shatter-proof ornaments, ribbon and hot glue.  My friend Kirsten shared the idea with me, and made a gorgeous one of her own.  The original idea came from HERE. 

Abbi & I made ours together, and decided that we are going to shop for some more ornaments and make another one for grandma & grandpa.  We used about 70ish ornaments in our wreath, which we found at our local dollar store.  Now, word to the wise, when the instructions say to hot glue the toppers on to the ornaments, they aren't kidding.  This is a step you simply cannot skip.  The other thing to note, is that your wire hanger should be as thin as possible.  Ours was a pretty heavy-duty one; so we gave daddy the job of re-twisting the top at the end.

All in all, it was a fun project to do together, and it looks just beautiful hanging on the front door. :)

Our project for this evening is an advent calendar made from a mini muffin tin.  I will share photos of that this week as well. 

Have a fantastic day, friends!

Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs~
Cindy 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hello Stampers~

I hope today finds you healthy, happy, and surrounded by loved-ones...whether or not you're celebrating Thanksgiving today! :)

I am thankful for so many, many things.  The list is waaaay too long to write here.  I do want to let you all know just how thankful I am for YOU, my wonderful blog readers!  I began this blog over a year and a half ago, and never could have dreamed I'd have the readership that I have today.  I am still amazed that you all keep coming back! {grin}  Thank you so much for your kind words and support over these many months.  You have been and will continue to be a huge blessing to me!  {{{BIG GROUP HUG}}}

Now, I thought I'd share my favorite, favorite part of any Thanksgiving meal...

PIES!!!!  Mmm, mmmm, good!  This year I decided to try some new variations of our favorite holiday pies.

The top pie is The Pioneer Woman's Pecan Pie.  My hubby and I were tempted to devour this last night; but it is our oldest son's favorite pie, and he would be so very disappointed if we did. ;)

The middle pie is an old Taste of Home recipe for Cranberry Cherry Pie.  This was one of the easiest pies I've ever made, and doesn't it look heavenly?!

Here's that recipe:

Cranberry Cherry Pie

3/4 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
2 cups cranberries
Pastry for double-crust pie
Milk and additional sugar

In a bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch.  Stir in pie filling and cranberries.  Line a 9-in. pie plate with bottom pastry; trim to 1-in. beyond edge of plate.  Pour filling into crust.  Roll out remaining pastry to fit top of pie.  Cut slits or shapes in pastry.  We used a star-shaped cookie cutter for ours.  Place pastry over filling; trim, seal and flute edges.  Brush with milk and sprinkle with sugar.  Cover edges loosely with foil.  Bake at 375° for 55-60 minutes or until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly.  Cool on wire rack.

The bottom pie is Paula Deen's Pumpkin Pie.  This recipe has cream cheese in it, which already makes it a winner in my book. :) 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Simplify

Hello Stampers~

Since we're in the midst of a very busy season for most of us, I thought this sample would be perfect to share today.  It was made with the Primitive Beginnings stamp set from Cornish Heritage Farms.  I love the homespun feel of primitive art.  It has a wonderful sense of history, don't you think?

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps: Primitive Beginnings

Paper: Very Vanilla, Basic Black, Watercolor

Ink: Black Staz-On, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Old Olive, Soft Sky, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Pad, Chocolate Chip

Accessories: Scor-Pal, Mark Jacobs Bling, Tiny Button Brad, Linen Thread, Sponge Daubers, Liquid Applique, Crystal Effects, H2O Brush, Cloud Stencil, Dimensionals

Between work, last-minute grocery shopping (what was I thinking?!), pie baking, house cleaning, and back to work again for a few late-night hours...today is gonna be a little piece of history in no time.  As much as I have to do, I am going to put a big smile on my face and enjoy every minute...no matter what! :)

Hope you have a wonderful day, whatever is on your agenda!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Fun With Tags!

Hello Stampers~

Last night I had the privilege of spending some quality stamping time with some of my favorite girlfriends.  We decided to do a little holiday tag shoebox swap...fun and productive!

Today I thought I'd share the gorgeous tags that each of the girls made.  I won't be providing recipes or instructions in this post; but if there's something you really want to know, feel free to e-mail me and ask. :)

Here they are in no particular order:

It's hard to tell in the photo; but this one has a cello bag full of candies in the middle:

I just realized I didn't get a picture of Meg's second ornament tag.  It was a beautiful red ornament with gold embossed poinsettias all over...just gorgeous!

Wasn't that fun?!  I hope I've given you some inspiration to create some of your own one-of-a-kind holiday tags!

Have a terrific Tuesday, my friends!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

A Helping Hand

Hello Stampers~

First things first, the winner of the OCL Shamrock Blessings stamp set from Friday's post, is Ida Krause.  Congratulations, Ida!  E-mail me with your mailing address, and we'll get your goodies right out to you!  Thanks to everyone who left a comment!

I hope you had a great weekend!  After a great stamping class on Saturday, I was able to catch up on some much-needed r&r.  I am hoping it was enough to kick the sick bug in the patootie once and for all! ;)

Today's sample is from Cornish Heritage Farms.  I think these little chipmunks are just the cutest!  It is a good reminder to us all...take a moment to do something kind for someone else today.  It'll make you both feel like a million bucks!

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Helpful Chipmunks (Cornish Heritage Farms), Thank You Kindly (SU)

Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Ruby Red, Watercolor, Glitter Rainbow Dot DP from DCWV

Ink: Ruby Red, Old Olive, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Really Rust, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip, Pacific Point, Soft Sky, Old Olive, Black Staz-On

Accessories: Corner Rounder, Scallop Edge Punch, 5-Petal Flower Punch, Cloud Stencil, H2O Brush, Blender Pen, White Gel Pen, 1/2" Grosgrain Ribbon, Sponge Daubers, Polished Pebble Brads from Bazille, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by today!

See y'all back here tomorrow!

Hugs~
Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Blog Hop and CANDY!

Hello Stampers!

Welcome to the Our Craft Lounge new release blog hop!  OCL is releasing some fantastic new sets; but that is really no surprise, now, is it?! :)

Today I'm showcasing the Shamrock Blessings set.  I used one of my tried and true go-to layouts for my card, which allowed me to finish it in under one half hour.  Love it when a card comes together like that! 

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Shamrock Blessings

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Old Olive, Abbey Road Stomp Designer Paper (My Mind's Eye)

Inks:  Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Baha Breeze

Accessories:  Flat Back Green Pearls (Basic Grey), Labels 4 Nestabilities, Baja Satin Ribbon (retired SU), Dimensionals

This set not only has the sweetest clovers in it; but also pretty little flowers, bugs, and wonderful sentiments.  I can see me using this set a lot this spring!

Well, I guess I could stop telling you what's in the set, and actually show you!  Whaddaya say...good idea?  Okay, you twisted my arm...here it is:

Isn't that so dainty and pretty?!  I just love it!

How'd you like a chance to WIN this set??? All you need to do is leave me a comment on this post today no later than midnight EST.  Please include your e-mail address in your comment.  The winner will be chosen randomly at midnight, and notified within the next couple of days.  Please leave only one comment per person.  May the luck o' the Irish be with ya! ;)

If you'd like to purchase this set and/or others from OCL, click here for a full list of retail stores carrying OCL products.  My personal preference is Eclectic Paperie, which carries a full line of awesome stamping and scrapbooking products.  Their customer service is bar none as well!

Now....you have some hopping to do, my friends!  There are lots of other sets to be won!  Check 'em out:

Bird and Groom  - Beth

Hang it Up Cupid - Carol, Vicki

Hearts & Hugs - Holly, Joy

The Journey - Charmaine

Life Is -Amber

Love Notes - Heather, Beate

Out for a Spin - Pam

Fairy Dust is a Must - Cami, Broni

Granny's Truffles - Val

Jungle Love - Deb, Kendra

Shamrock Blessings -Cindy

Sweet on You -Kisa

Wanted - Lila

Finally, don't forget to stop by The Lounge.  The Birthday Bash Challenge is still going on with chances for you to win more yummy stamping goodies!  Have a very happy Friday, everyone!

Hugs~
Cindy

His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a sample made with Vintage Borders from Gina K Designs.  I love the versatility of this beautiful stamp set!  I kept it sweet and simple for this one.  My card opens from the left side and is 5-1/2" x 3-1/4".

Here's my card recipe:

Stamps:  Vintage Borders

Papers:  Soft Sand, Pure Luxury White, Deck the Halls Digi Paper

Inks:  Vivid Brick Red, Craft White

Accessories:  Petite Oval & Labels Nestabilities, Red Stitched Grosgrain (Stamp TV Kit), Rhinestones (colored with R29 Copic marker), Red Button (Stamp TV Kit), Natural Thread, Dimensionals

How about some more inspiration with the Vintage Borders stamp set? First, check in with the Illustrator of this versatile stamp set, our Senior Designer Nina Bracket and her friend Lisa Hjulberg joining in the blog hop tonight. Then, stop by these GinaK Designer's & Center Stage Spotlight blogs for even more samples:

Asela, Carolyn, Cindy, Emily, Erika, Jessica, Kurtis, Lee, Lynn, Melanie, Tami, and Theresa

Deb, Melissa, Karen, Sharri, and Sue

Before you finish hopping, be sure to check in on GinaK's blog to enter your comment for a chance to win Nina's Vintage Borders stamp set. If you already have purchased Nina's set, you can substitute any GinaK Designs stamp set valued at $23.95 or less. For those of you are who looking for a quick and easy Christmas card idea, check out the Vintage Borders Card Kit available online in GinaK's store tonight. The Kit includes the step by step tutorial as well as all the card stock cut to the exact measurements needed to make 4 cards. For more details and photos of this card kit, see Jessica Fick's blog link as well as this Class Kit link.

Hope you have a wonderful Thursday!  I am sick for the third time in about a month...all the symptoms of the flu.  I wonder when my immune system is going to finally get used to working in a public place...sheesh.  

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Be sure and wash your hands after you visit, so you don't catch what I have. {grin}

Hey, at least I can still laugh, right?

See y'all tomorrow!

Hugs~
Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Sneak Peek!

Hello Stampers!

Today I have a fun sneak peek from Our Craft Lounge to share with you!  This new set is called Bird & Groom.  While this set is technically geared toward weddings, anniversaries and the like, I chose to make my card a very girly birthday card.  I love to show the versatility of a stamp set...makes them more valuable, don't you think? 

I added the candles to the birthday cake simply by cutting them out of card stock and coloring them in with Copic Spica Pens.  I also added tiny rhinestones to the cake, and colored them pink with a Copic marker.  I even added some sparkle to the paper flowers with a Spica Pen.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Bird & Groom, Lil' Pea-Nut (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Ooh La La For Her Designer Papers from My Mind's Eye

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Copic Markers, Copic Spica Pens

Accessories:  Rhinestones, Pink Satin Ribbon, Paper Flowers, Button, Natural String, Sponge Dauber, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals

Be sure and check out the rest of the fabulous sneak peeks today:

Bird and Groom  - Cindy, Kisa

Hang it Up Cupid - Heather

Hearts & Hugs - Deb

The Journey - Kendra

Life Is - Kendra

Love Notes - Pam

Out for a Spin - Lila, Vicki

Fairy Dust is a Must - Carol

Granny's Truffles - Pam

Jungle Love - Charmaine, Joy

Shamrock Blessings - Holly

Sweet on You - Amber

Wanted - Beth, Carol, Cami

You'll want to stay tuned to OCL for the next three days for more sneak peeks, a BIG blog hop on Friday...and some seriously fabulous give-aways!  (Yup, one of 'em will be right here!)

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Hugs~
Cindy

Lamp Post Greetings

Hello Stampers!

Today I have a sample from Flourishes to share with you.  This beautiful and unique stamp set is called Lamp Post Greetings, and is brand-spankin' new in the Flourishes store!

I made my card using the Timeless Tuesday Challenge sketch over on the Flourishes Newsletter. 

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps:  Lamp Post Greetings

Papers:  Classic White, Chocolate Chip, Dewfrost Designer Papers

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Soft Sky, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Polar White Flower Soft, Light Blue Silk Ribbon, Sparkly Foam Snowflakes, Ivory String, Pale Blue Button, Dimensionals

Hop on over to the Flourishes Newsletter to play along with this week's challenge!

Have a fantastic Tuesday, my friends!

Hugs~
Cindy