the creative closet by cindy lawrence

A Time to Celebrate!

Hello Stampers~

Happy Memorial Day to you!  As we honor the men and women who serve and have served our country, I thought it would be most appropriate for me to share a patriotic card with you all today.

I used the Patriotic Parade set from Our Craft Lounge, and this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  The patterned paper is from The Paper Loft, and reminds me a bit of fireworks.  I added some sparkle to all of the stars with a Quickie Glue Pen and some Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles.

I colored the image with the following Copic markers:

I also sponged the grass and clouds with Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters and Memento Summer Sky inks.  I used a retired SU cloud template to make the clouds.

Here's a close-up of the colored image:

That's all from me today, folks!  Have a blessed Memorial Day with your families, and remember to keep those who serve, as well as their families,  in your prayers.

God bless!
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Patriotic Parade
Papers:  Neenah Solar White, Gina K Cranberry Tart, Morning Rain Patterned Paper (The Paper Loft)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters, Memento Summer Sky, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Labels Eight Nestabilities, Buttons (PTI), White Button Thread, Sponge Daubers, Quickie Glue Pen, Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles, Cloud Stencil, Burgundy Silk Ribbon, Dimensionals

The Earth Laughs in Flowers

Hello Stampers~

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all my fellow Americans! 

Today's sample is made with the Fabulous Florals and Say It With Flowers sets from Our Craft Lounge.  Isn't that flower just the most delicious flower evah?!!!  It was soooo much fun to color too! 

My layout is this week's OCL Sketch turned on it's side.  It's a super-simple sketch to work with. :)  I used some yummy Bloom & Grow papers from My Mind's Eye, and colored the images with Copic markers.  I also sponged on some Soft Sky ink to give it a soft background behind the flowers.

Here's a close-up of the flower layers and color detail:

If you look closely at the flower centers, you will see that I used some Glossy Accents and a sprinkle of Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles to make them *pop*.

Here are the Copic colors I used today:

I do believe that's the smallest pile of Copics I've ever used on a card!  How about that?!

I do hope you have a fabulous weekend, friends! :)

Thanks so very much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Fabulous Florals, Say It With Flowers
Papers:  Neenah Solar White, Tangerine Tango (SU), Bloom & Grow Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Labels Eight Nestabilities, Orange Satin Ribbon (PTI), Sponge Dauber, Clear Rhinestones (colored with YR09 Copic marker), Dimensionals, Glossy Accents, Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles

Flourishes Friday Focus

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample is made with Flourishes Gerber Daisies stamp set.  Since we are kicking off Memorial Day weekend today, Danielle is challenging us to 'Kick off the Summer’ with our samples.  I chose to go with a soft and elegant card using my favorite summer flowers.  I thought this would work well for a summer wedding as well.

Here's a close-up of the image, which I colored with Copic markers: 

Stop by the Flourishes blog to read all about the challenge.  Then you'll want to hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their yummy creations:\

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

Have a wonderful Friday weekend, friends!  Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Gerber Daisies, Fanciful Flourishes (sentiment)
Papers:  Classic White, Barely Banana, So Saffron
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - BG0000, YG01, YG03, YR32, YR35, E42, E4|
Accessories:  Fleur de Lis Cuttlebug Folder, White Satin Ribbon, Cream Crocheted Trim, Pearls, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Garland Border Punch, Dimensionals

Goin' to the chapel...

Hello Stampers~

Today I have three cards to share with you from last night's card class.  This month's class theme was weddings/anniversaries, which was such a fun theme to create for! :)

We are right smack in the middle of a thunderstorm, so I'm gonna keep this very short and sweet! 

All stamps are from Flourishes. 

The card above is made by using a Scor-Pal and Fanciful Flourishes to create a pretty background.  The shiny black dots in the corners were made with a Sakura black glaze pen.

My next card is a 4-1/4" square card with a sweet pair of bride and groom hearts.  I've been seeing these hearts all over Splitcoaststampers, and just had to create my own version of them.  The envelope is made by cutting down a regular envie and adding a designer paper flap.

Check out the "bride and groom" close-up...loooove these! :)

The third card is an easy tri-fold with rounded ends.  I love how easy this one is to put together...would be perfect for mass-production!

Here is the inside view.  I did all of my stamping on the vellum, which allowed for message writing on the white card stock underneath.

Whew!  I'm finished, and the power only flickered off once before I finished writing my post.  I know...I must be crazy to be sitting here at my computer while a thunderstorm is going on outside!  What can I say...I LOVE y'all! :)

Have a wonderful Thursday, friends!  Thanks a bazillion for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

Get Out the Shades or You Might Go Blind!

Hello Stampers~

I have been super-busy getting ready for a card class that I'm teaching this evening (with 21 guests...wowzers!).  So, I don't have a "new" card to share; but it is a "new to my blog" card.  I made it for the "Colors of the Rainbow" Dirty Dozen Fan Club Gallery over on Splitcoaststampers.  This one really presented a challenge for me, since I am not really a fan of primary colors.  It's quite a bright one, eh? ;)

I could never-ever-ever mail this card (well, maybe in a BOX), 'cuz it has seven-hundred-gajillion layers of cardstock on it...craziness!

I'll be back tomorrow to share some of the projects I had the ladies make in class tonight.  I am really excited about them!

Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!  Thanks, as always, for visiting with me!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps: Crazy for Cupcakes (SU)
Paper: Whisper White, Real Red, Only Orange, Yo Yo Yellow, Glorious Green, Brilliant Blue, Lovely Lilac
Ink: Black Staz-On, Brilliant Blue, Only Orange, Glorious Green, Yo Yo Yellow
Accessories: Crystal Effects, White Gel Pen, Real Red Buttons, Bright Blue Embriodery Floss, Aqua Painter, White Liquid Applique, Clear Chunky Glitter, Lg Oval Punch, Beads: Red, Blue, Green, Orange, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Brilliant Blue Grosgrain, Dimensionals

You're Bloomin' Fabulous!

Hello Stampers~

How's your week going so far?  We had a little fireworks display in our neighborhood last night.  Well, technically, it was the neighbor's power line exploding; but it certainly LOOKED like a fireworks display!  I heard the popping, and our lights flickered; so I looked out the window just in time to see the sparks flying and their tree catch on fire.  Fun stuff!  My hubby put out the fire in the tree, and the utility company came & repaired their wires; so all is well in our peaceful little neighborhood again.  Heck, we never have anything that exciting happen around here...except for the occasional fisher cat or pack of coyotes howling in the night. {grin}

For today's sample, I used the Pretty Petals & Say It With Flowers stamp sets from Our Craft Lounge.  Aren't those flowers soooo pretty?!!  Say It With Flowers has some really fun and unique sentiments in it.  I used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch for my layout, and some pretty Delilah patterned papers from Bo Bunny.  I added Glossy Accents to the flowers and lady bug, after coloring them in with Copic markers.  I kept the fru-fru to a minimum because the patterns & colors are so bold, that I didn't want it to seem too busy.

Here's a close-up of the flowers:

....and I even remembered to snap a picture of the Copic markers I used:

That's all, folks!  Hope your day is truly WONDERFUL!  We're in for a heat wave here in NH.  LOVE it!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Pretty Petals, Say It With Flowers
Papers:  Vanilla (SU), Dark Chocolate (PTI), Brandenburg Pink (Couture Cardstock), Delilah Patterned Papers (Bo Bunny)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Walnut Stain, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Glossy Accents, Pink Button (PTI), Natural Burlap String, Stitched Brown Grosgrain, Labels Four Nestabilities, Dimensionals

Birthday Princess

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample is brought to you by the letters Q-T, the color purple, and the number 3. {grin}  Seriously, though, she is a cutie, isn't she?!  I know you're shocked to see a card made with a Pure Innocence image here on my blog...on a Monday no less.  Stampers Dream is keeping me well stocked with these fabulous stamps! ;)

This one's appropriately called Birthday Princess.  I used this week's Sketch For You To Try, and I am in love with this layout!  I am going to have to save this one for future reference.  My card came together in a snap.

I colored her with Copic markers, and paper-pieced her dress, crown, and tights with some delicious Kioshi patterned papers.  I did add a little shading to the tights with Copic markers.

Here's a close-up for you:

Have a fabulous Monday, friends!  Thanks sooo much for stopping by today! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Pure Innocence Birthday Princess (My Favorite Things)
Papers:  Neenah Solar White, Kioshi Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - E000, E00, E02, R01, V12, V15, E25, E27, E29, E42, E44, E47, Y32, Y35, BG0000, BG10, BG11, YG03, YG17
Accessories:  Prima Flowers, Sparkle Brad, Spica Buttermilk & Black Glitter Pens (candles and shoes), Buttons (PTI), White Button Thread, Satin Ribbon, Polka Dotted Sheer Ribbon, Crystal Gemstones (colored with V15 Copic marker), Dimensionals

Treat Yourself

Hello Stampers~

Today's card is made with the new Life's a Picnic set from Our Craft Lounge.  The images in this set just make me smile! :)

I used this week's OCL Sketch Challenge for the layout.  I also pulled out my neglected Nook and Pantry paper pack from Basic Grey.  I colored the images with Copic markers.  I went over the sentiment with a clear Spica Glitter Pen.

Here's a close-up of the coloring:

...and here's a shot of the Copic marker colors I used:

I hope you have an absolutely fabulous weekend, friends!  Thanks for stopping by today. :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Life's a Picnic
Papers:  Neenah Solar White, Core'dinations Greens, Nook and Pantry Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see above), Spica Glitter Pens
Accessories:  Labels Eight Nestabilites, Circle Nestabilities, Pearls (colored with R27 Copic marker), Green Gingham Ribbon, Red Button (PTI), 1/8" Circle Punch, Dimensionals, Large Corner Rounder (EK Success), White Button Thread

Flourishes Friday Focus

Hello Stampers~

It's Flourishes Friday again! :)  This week Laura challenged us to use the Beauty Within set without using the Labels Eleven or Thirteen Spellbinders Dies.  It was a fun challenge, and really quite an easy one, since you can do so much with this set!

I made my image an oval and colored it softly with Copic markers.  I used Basic Grey's new Cappella Patterned Papers and a pretty silk ribbon to match.  The sketch is this week's SCS Sketch Challenge.  I also joined in with this month's SCS Dirty Dozen & Alumni challenge, which was to make a sample using buttons and no black whatsoever.  I did my stamping in Memento's London Fog ink, rather than my usual stand-by Tuxedo Black.  I love the softer, vintage feel that this gives the card.

Here's a detail shot:

We also thought it would be fun for you to see the gorgeous Beauty Within creations in the Flourishes gallery.  Check them out HERE.

Now, grab yourself a cup o' jo, and check out the gorgeous samples from the rest of the design team:

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

Have a fabulous Friday, friends!  Thanks for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Beauty Within
Papers:  River Rock (SU), Mugwart (Couture Cardstock), Cappella Patterned Papers (Basic Grey), Classic White (Flourishes)
Inks:  Memento London Fog, Copic Markers - R000, R00, R01, R02, C00, C1, YG91, YG93
Accessories:  Champagne Silk Ribbon, Buttons, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Dimensionals, White Button Thread, Martha Stewart Border Punch

Fishing With Dad

Hello Stampers~

I have another masculine sample for you today.  I used the Fishing With Dad set from Our Craft Lounge along with some more Max & Whiskers patterned paper from Basic Grey.  The colors in that paper pack are just perfect for masculine cards!

I colored the image with Copic markers, and used the Air Brush System for the background.  I just ordered a bazillion refills for my Copics, some from Carpe Diem and some from Oozak.  It was quite eye-opening to order from both places.  I ordered from CD on May 1st and had to pay shipping because they don't do free shipping on refills.  I ordered from Oozak on May 16th and received free shipping on my order.  Guess what?  BOTH orders arrived on my doorstep today...took CD a whopping NINETEEN days to get my order to me...and Oozak took TWO days.  Oh, and CD had to remove two refills from my order, because they were out of stock.  Not only that, but the refills at Oozak are only 3 cents more than at CD!  Guess who has all of my future business?!  Oh, I should mention too, that if you create an account with Oozak, the prices will go down quite a bit...never knew this before, or I'd have probably ordered from them in the first place!   

I used Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge for my layout.  It was a really easy sketch to work with.

Here's a close-up of the colored image:

Have a wonderful day, friends!  We're in for a bunch of gorgeous days here in NH! :)

Thanks so very much for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Fishing With Dad
Papers:  Classic White, Oasis Couture Cardstock, Seafoam Couture Cardstock, Max & Whiskers Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - E42, E44, E47, BG0000, BG10, BG75, C00, C1, C4, YR04, YR07, YR09, Y21, Y24, Y26, Y35, E00, E02
Accessories:  Copic Air Brush System, Labels One Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Piercing Tools, Natural Burlap String, Mustard Brads, Dimensionals