the creative closet by cindy lawrence

It'll Be Okay

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this final day of March?  I am so thrilled to be heading into April and warm weather. :) 

Today's sample is made with the My Umbrella Pure Innocence image from My Favorite Things.  I thought it was an appropriate image since we are on our third day of rain here in NH (with lots of sunshine on the horizon, I might add).  I used Copic markers to color the image, including the rain slicker and boots.  I made the polka dots with the Colorless Blender, and added some Diamond Glaze to make them shiny.  I also added it to the paper-pieced umbrella, raindrops, and puddle.

I sewed around the edges and sponged them with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The layout is this week's Sketch For You To Try.

You can see the shine a bit better in this photo:

Thanks for stopping by!  Hope you have a terrific day, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  MFT Pure Innocence My Umbrella
Papers:  Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah), Birchtone Dark Prismatics, Textured Green (Couture Cardstock), Kraft Prismatics, Kioshi Patterned Paper (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Vintage Photo, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Copic Markers
Accessories:  Circle & Petite Oval Nestabilities, Diamond Glaze (JudiKins), Prima Flower, Chocolate Pearls, Sewing Machine, Sponge Daubers, Brown Vintage Crocheted Trim, Dimensionals

From Sea to Shining Sea...

Hello Stampers~

It's Impression Obsession week over at Stampers Dream, and the design team will be sharing samples with you all week.  Today I'm using the gorgeous Rowboat image.  I went with an Americana look for my card, using vintage trims, buttons, and sponging.

I colored the image in with Prismacolor Pencils and Gamsol, and topped it off with the "cracked glass" technique.  I just love how it looks with this image!  To get the cracked glass effect, you'll need some Amazing Glaze thick embossing enamel, a VersaMark pad, a heat tool, and your freezer.  Begin by coating the already colored image with VersaMark ink, and pouring on a layer of embossing enamel.  Heat with your heat tool, and let cool.  Repeat two more times, and pop it in the freezer for a couple of minutes.  Remove your image from the freezer and bend it back and forth to crack the enamel.  You can do this as much or as little as you desire.  As you can see, I went a little crazy with mine! :)  I also sponged on some Antique Linen distress ink to give it a more aged effect.

Check out this week's lineup of Impression Obsession samples made by the Stampers Dream Team:

Yesterday - Leslie , Laurie , and Becca

Today -  me , Amy , Denise , Dawn , and Michelle

Wednesday -  Tosh , Silke , Cammie , Amy , and Michelle

Thursday - me , Leslie , Denise, Dawn , and Michelle

Friday - Laurie , Silke , Tosh , and Michelle

 It's hubby's & my anniversary today.  We have been together for 18 years, and married for 15.  Time sure does fly by when you're having fun, doesn't it?!  I am sooo very blessed to be married to that wonderful man! :)

Thanks for visiting with me today!  I hope your day is absolutely wonderful!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Rowboat (Impression Obsession)

Papers:  Prismatics Kraft, Prismatics Nautical Blue Dark (how appropriate, huh?!), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), 365 Degrees Patterned Papers (Pink Paislee)

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Prismacolor Pencils, Antique Linen Distress Ink, VersaMark Ink

Accessories:  Amazing Glaze Thick Embossing Enamel, Sponge Daubers, Buttons, Crocheted Trim, Stamped Twill, Natural Burlap String, Sewing Machine, Gamsol, Labels One Nestabilites, Dimensionals

Dandy Bookmark Card

Hello Stampers~

How was your weekend?  Mine was great!  Now I'm ready for a GREAT week as well! :)

My sample today is made with Dandy Days from Our Craft Lounge.  I know, I know...I keep using this stamp set; but I love it!  I taught this card at my class on Saturday. 

It's a "bookmark card", meaning a card with a bookmark attached (in case you couldn't figure that out on your own...haha).

The bookmark is perforated at the fold line; so it can easily be torn off by the recipient.  There's no coloring on this one, just some sponging for the grass and sky.

I added some pretty Sugar Sparkly Fluff to the dandelion centers to give them a more authentic "fluff" look.  Check it out up close:

Isn't that Sparkly Fluff cool?!  I adhered it with a Quickie Glue Pen.

Hope your Monday is practically perfect in every way! :)

Thanks for visiting with me today!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Dandy Days, Out For a Spin (sentiment)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Groovy Guava, Kiwi Kiss
Papers:  Dark Chocolate (PTI), Tangerine Tango, Ivory Classic (Flourishes), Abbey Road Whirleybird Patterned Paper (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories:  Sugar Sparkly Fluff, Quickie Glue Pen, Circle Nestabilities, Ivory Satin Ribbon (PTI), Sponge Daubers, Branches Cuttlebug Folder, Stapler, Clear Rhinestones (dyed with YR09 Copic Marker), Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals, Perforator Tool

Side Steppin' Bunny

Hello Stampers~

This afternoon I am teaching a fancy folds card class, and this is one of the cards they'll be making.  It's called a side-step card, and was actually a challenge over on SCS not too long ago.  You can find instructions HERE.

I just had to use Hippity Hoppity from Our Craft Lounge one last time before Easter has past...such a sweet set!  I made my jumbo eggs with the Wide Oval Punch from SU and some pretty WhirleyBird patterned papers from My Mind's Eye.  The grass was cut free-hand...easy peasy, and the fence is a Martha Stewart border punch.  The buttons from PTI finish it off simply.

I know it looks somewhat complicated; but it really is quite a simple card to make.  I had a lot of fun making mine!

Have a lovely Saturday, friends!  I have a full day ahead...working in the morning, teaching my class in the afternoon, and going to the ballet with the hubs in the evening....all after a 3-hour sleep last night.  Let's hope I stay awake for the ballet! :)

See y'all on Monday!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Hippity Hoppity
Papers:  Classic White, Kiwi Kiss, WhirlyBird Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - RV00, RV02, BG10, Y00, YR02, YR07, YG95
Accessories:  Scor-Pal, Buttons (PTI), White Button Thread, Fence Punch (Martha Stewart), Wide Oval Punch (SU), Sharp Scissors (for cutting grass)

JustRite Mystery Blog Candy WINNER!

I am SO excited to tell you that I have one of the mystery blog candy prizes from day one of JustRite Stampers Mega March Blog Hop.

Check out the PRIZE I have for one lucky winner!

How awesome is that?! :)

So, you wanna know who the winner is?  Huh?  DO ya?  Well...okay, here you go:

Here is the Random Integer result for the JustRite $100 Shopping Spree:

Random Integer Generator
Here are your random numbers:
462
Timestamp: 2010-03-25 22:12:56 UTC
Stunning, love all the black I'm seeing.
Posted by: Shirley Rea | March 23, 2010 at 01:36 PM

Congratulations, Shirley!  Drop me a line at onehappystamper@myfairpoint.net and put Day One $100 JustRite Winner in the subject line.  You have 48 hours to claim your prize!

To find out if you are the winner of any of the other fabulous prizes from day one, check out these blogs:

Amy Sheffer has the $200 JustRite Shopping Spree.

Jenyfur Pohl has the $100 Stampers Dream Shopping Spree.

Michelle Rodgers has the $100 Spellbinders Spree.

Linda Beeson has the 2^nd $100 JustRite Shopping Spree.

Congratulations to all the winners!  Enjoy your new goodies!  THANKS to everyone for playing along!  It was so much fun to see all of the gorgeous projects, and read your sweet comments! :)

If you're looking for my Flourishes Friday post, click HERE.

Have a fabulous Friday!
~Cindy

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this glorious Friday?  I am doing fabulous!  I have today off, and have big plans to crank up the music & stamp the day away.  Nothing like some good tunes to help get those creative juices flowing!  My dilemma is that sometimes I just have to get up and dance, which is not very productive.  I guess I'll just have to take my chances, cuz I got the music in me! ;)

So...on to my sample for Flourishes Friday!  This one's made with the Sweet Violets stamp set.  I colored the image with Copic markers, and airbrushed the background.  I added lots of sewing and pearls on this one.  The pearls were dyed with a V15 Copic marker.  The pretty sheer polka dotted ribbon was wrapped around a pencil to get the fun curly cues.  I also used my newest patterned paper collection from Basic Grey, Kioshi...so pretty!

Did I ever tell you that I used to DETEST the color purple?  Well, it's true...and I still do, if we're talking about that crayon-box bright purple.  However, I have really grown fond of the softer shades, like these pretty plums and violets, as well rich shades of eggplant.  It does help that many of the paper companies have come out with gorgeous patterned papers in such pretty shades of purple...yummy!

Check out what the rest of the designers created today:

• Christine Okken
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
  
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Have a wonderful Friday, friends!  Get up and DANCE today!

Hugs & blessings,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Sweet Violets, Tag Lines (sentiment)
Papers:  Classic White, Plum Pudding (PTI), Kioshi Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Plum Pudding (PTI), Copic Markers - V12, V15, V17, YG00, YG01, YG03, E31, Y23
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Lavender Polka Dot Ribbon, Pearls, Sewing Machine, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Copic Air Brush System, Plum Pudding Button (PTI), White Button Thread, Dimensionals

Nature's Note

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a sample from Our Craft Lounge to share with you.  This one uses the lovely Nature's Note set.  I made this one back in January for CHA.  I went with a clean and simple layout, and a pretty spring color scheme.  I colored the images with Copic markers, and sparkled the flower centers with some Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles.

I picked up some Easter goodies for the kiddos yesterday afternoon, and found the perfect gift for my son, Nick.  You see, he has a very short wish list for his 13th birthday in July.  There's only one thing on God's green earth that he wants...a chicken.  Yup, you read that right...the boy wants us to buy him a chicken for his birthday.  Oh dear Lord, a chicken?!!  Well, just in case you think I found him a chicken to put in his Easter basket...you would be WRONG (well, sort of)!  We do not have plans to buy any chickens any time soon.  We'll happily take him to visit some chickens, though.  {grin}

So, anyway...what did I find for him?  Well, I turned the corner in the toy department and there, in a sea of adorable, pastel-colored stuffed animals was an ugly stuffed CHICKEN!  Oh my gosh, don't you know I snapped that little clucker right up, and have been laughing myself silly about it ever since.  Seriously, I can't even look at the thing without cracking up.  I hope Nick sees the humor in it as well. :)

I hope you have lots of reasons to laugh today, my friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Nature's Note
Papers:  Classic White, Soft Sky Textured, Ooh La La For Her (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (not sure exactly which ones, since it was made a while ago)
Accessories:  EK Success Border Punch, Labels Four Nestabilities, Teal Pearls, Copic Air Brush System, White Satin Ribbon, Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles, Quickie Glue Pen

Popcorn Bear

Hello Stampers~

How flippin' CUTE is that bear?!  His name is Popcorn Bear, and he's brand new from Crafter's Companion.  I found him (and a whole bunch of his friends) over at Stampers Dream.  I colored the image with Copic markers, keeping the bear soft and the flowers vibrant.  I added some Diamond Glaze Dimensional Adhesive to the bear's nose, eyes, and the glass jar.

Here's a close-up so you can see the shine:

Before I forget, I should mention that I didn't have the exact shade of yellow buttons that I wanted.  Soooo, I simply colored them with my Y02 Copic marker...shocking, I know! ;) 

Hope your day is fabulous, my friends!  Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Someone Special Popcorn Bear (Crafter's Companion)
Papers:  Classic White (Flourishes), Intense Kiwi Prismatics, Material Girl Patterned Paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - YG01, YG03, YG 17, Y00, Y02, YR02, YR09, BG0000, BG10, BG11, E000, E00, E40, E42, E44, R35, R37, R39, Colorless Blender
Accessories:  Sewing Machine, Yellow Silk Ribbon, Yellow Buttons, White Button Thread, Diamond Glaze Dimensional Adhesive (JudiKins)

JustRite Mega Blog Hop!

Hello Stampers~

I'm so excited to be a part of today's MEGA blog hop with JustRite!  We have lots of JustRite yumminess to share! :)

My sample is made with one of my favorite new sets, Plant A Little Love.

I am so in love with the new line of Lush papers from My Mind's Eye...gorgeous!  The one I used on my sample actually has a velvet-like texture; so I used the pretty velvet ribbon that comes in the package as well.  Yes, I DID say that ribbon comes with the paper...you need to check this stuff out right HERE!

I embossed the JustRite border on Prism black cardstock using Vanilla embossing powder.  I love the elegance of black and cream together, don't you?! 

I then embossed the pretty floral image using JudiKins Detail Black embossing powder, and colored it with Gamsol & Prismacolor pencils.  I added some pearls on the border to enhance the elegance.  Here's a close-up of the focal image:

...25 designers, FIVE shopping sprees each day.  No one knows where the prizes will be!  Each day of the hop JustRite will have five Mystery Blog Candy Prizes hidden along the hop with a total retail value of  $600.  JustRite will randomly select five mystery blogs each day of the hop and randomly allocate each of the shopping sprees.  For your chance to win, simply leave a little love (a comment) on each designer’s blog including the JustRite blog.  The more designers you leave comments with, the better your chances of winning.  Each day’s comments will remain open for three days.  A winner from each of the mystery blogs’ comments will be randomly chosen using Random.org.  Consult the listing of designers at the JustRite blog each day (each day’s designers will be different) and start out on your way!  Beginning Friday, March 26, summaries of all the winners will be posted on the JustRite blog.  Good luck to everyone and enjoy all the JustRite eye candy along the hop!

Today during the JustRite Mega March Blog Hop (Day One) JustRite and its sponsors will be giving away the following five prizes:

 · $200 JustRite Shopping Spree

· $100 Spellbinders Shopping Spree

· $100 Stampers Dream Shopping Spree, and

· Two additional $100 JustRite Shopping Sprees!

Blog comments for Day One will be open until Thursday at 6pm EST.  On Friday, JustRite will announce on their blog which five blogs have the mystery candy for Day One.  You will need to go to the JustRite blog to determine where you need to go to find out if you are one of the five lucky winners.

JustRite Inspiration Blog
Becca Feeken
Tosha Leyendekker
Kazan Clark
Laurie Schmidlin
Kellie Fortin
Amy Sheffer
Jerri Jimenez
Denise Marzec
Michelle Rodgers
Stephanie Kraft
Sally Lynn MacDonald
Cindy Lawrence (You are here!)
Jenyfur Pohl
Silke Ledlow
Carolyn King
Dawn Easton
Holly Simoni
Julie Overby
Karen Maldonado
Colleen Schaan
Kimberly Crawford
Karen Taylor
Maren Benedict
Eli Harlan
Linda Beeson

Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends! 

See ya back here tomorrow! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Plant A Little Love Borders and Centers
Papers:  Black (Prism), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Lush Black Patterned Paper
Inks:  VersaMark, Prismacolor Pencils
Accessories:  Blossom & Circle Nestabilities, Pearls, Detail Black Embossing Powder, Vanilla Embossing Powder, Gamsol, Lush Black Velvet Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch

Soft and Simple

Hello Stampers~

What a wonderful weekend I had!  The retreat was both relaxing and rejuvenating.  Of course, it is always wonderful to spend time with girlfriends. :)

Today's sample is made with Dandy Days from Our Craft Lounge.  I just love this stamp set so much...definitely my favorite OCL set right now!

This card is super-simple, using a favorite color combo and a whole lotta yummy buttons!  It's hard to tell in the photo; but the cardstock is shimmery.  I spritzed it with some Psst Shimmer Spritz, and it's just so soft and pretty. 

I hope your Monday is absolutely FABULOUS!  Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Dandy Days
Papers:  Brown Paper Packages (Couture Cardstock), Drizzle (Couture Cardstock), Classic White (Flourishes)
Inks:  London Fog (Memento), Copic Markers - G40, BG10, Y02
Accessories:  Clear Rhinestones, Aqua Mist Buttons (PTI), Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon (PTI), Natural String, Border Punch (Martha Stewart), White Button Thread, Copic Air Brush System, Labels Twelve Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Psst Sparkle Shimmer Spritz