the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Time for a Wee Break

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample is made with Flourishes Cherries and Peaches stamp set.  Cherries are one of my absolute favorite summer fruits...yummmmmy.  I love the detail in Marcella's images, don't you?  She is just an incredible artist!

I colored the cherries with the Dahlia Copic Marker Collection from Flourishes.  The leaves were colored using the Evergreen Collection, and the stem was done with the Flesh Tones 2 Collection.

Here's a close up of those scrumptious cherries:

I have a little news to share with you today, friends.  Did you know that I have been blogging now for over three years?  Well, in all that time would you believe that I have never taken a real vacation from blogging?  Yeah, you know where this is going, don't you...

I have made the decision to take the month of July off from blogging, design teams, and classes.  In essence, I will be enjoying a little "summer hibernation".  

I don't think I've mentioned this already; but I recently accepted a management position in my day job, which means I'm working full-time and learning lots of new things.  It is just a good time for me to free up my evenings a bit.  I look forward to sitting on the couch with my hubs in the evenings, and even going to bed at a decent hour. :)

I promise that I WILL be back in August, right after I return from CHA!  I have lots of ideas for tutorials, classes, and some long-overdue blog candy.  

I do hope you have a wonderful July, and spend much of it making happy memories with your family!  I look forward to returning in August, refreshed, rejuvinated, and RARING TO GO!!!

Thanks soooooo much for popping in to see me each day!  It means the world to me that you do!  

Much love and {{{hugs}}},

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Cherries and Peaches
Papers:  Whole Wheat & Old St. Nick from Couture Cardstock, Classic White from Flourishes, and Life Lines Patterned Papers from Webster's Pages
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink from Tim Holtz, Copic Markers - Dahlia, Evergreen, and Flesh Tones 2 Collections from Flourishes
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Sponge Daubers, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Stitched Trim from Flourishes, Buttons from PTI, Natural Hemp Twine from Flourishes, Dimensionals

So Glad We Are Friends

Hello Stampers~ 

Today's sample was made with a couple of super-sweet stamp sets from Our Craft Lounge, Fabulous Florals and Say It With Flowers.  The possibilities with this combo of stamp sets is truly endless!

I used this week's OCL Sketch Challenge for my card.  This sketch actually scared me a little when I first saw it; but, let me tell you, it was super easy to put together!  I am so happy with the way it turned out. :)

The patterned papers are from October Afternoon's Thrift Shop pack.  Man, that company makes the CUTEST papers, don't they?!  I colored the flower in with Copic markers.

Here's a close-up view:

I know I say "Thanks for stopping by!" every single day...but I really DO mean it!  I am soooo grateful for all of my faithful readers!  You guys are the BESTEST!!!

Please do stop by tomorrow, as I have something important to tell y'all.  Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Fabulous Florals, Say It With Flowers (Our Craft Lounge)

Papers:  Desert Yellow (Couture Cardstock), Basic Black, Classic Ivory, Thrift Shop Patterned Papers (October Afternoon)

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - Y32, Y35, Y38, YG01, YG03, YG17

Accessories:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, Black Rhinestones, Classic Oval Nestabilities, Black Velvet Ribbon, Dimensionals 

A Summer Arbor

Hello Stampers~ 

Today's sample is made with a gorgeous stamp from Impression Obsession.  It's called Arbor, and I picked it up at Stampers Dream.  Doesn't that scene look like a little piece of heaven on earth?  I also found the perfect sentiment in Rachelle Ann Miller's Sentiments set.

The fancy bottom edge of the card is made with the Layered Arches border punch from Martha Stewart and some pretty green pearls.  I added lots of piercing and some pretty green velvet ribbon to finish it off.

I decided to pull out my Prismacolor pencils and Gamsol for the coloring on this one.  I do so love my Copics; but I have also grown quite fond of the Prismacolor pencils.  They blend sooo beautifully, don't you think?  Truth be told, anything involving coloring is sure to be something I'll love. :)

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

Have a terrific day, my friends!

Thanks so much for spending a little time with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Arbor (Impression Obession), Sentiments (Rachelle Ann Miller)
Papers:  Chocolate Kiss (PTI), Old Olive (SU), Life's Portrait Patterned Papers (Webster's Pages), Neenah Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rich Cocoa, Prismacolor Pencils
Accessories:  Piercing Tools, Green Velvet Ribbon, Martha Stewart Layered Arches Border Punch, Green Pearls, Gamsol, Blending Stumps, Dimensionals    

Happy Birthday, Michelle!

Hello Stampers~

Today the Stampers Dream Team and friends are celebrating the birthday of the owner of the Stampers Dream store, Michelle, with a special birthday blog hop.  If you've come here from Karen's blog, you're right on track.  If not, you'll want to swing by Kellie's blog and start at the beginning.

For my card, I used the JustRite Baroque Nested Frames & Centers Set, as well as some gorgeous Webster's Pages patterned papers.  I love the elegant patterns and rich colors of this paper pack!  ...and how about that awesome Swirls Artisan Element from Pink Paislee?  It adds so much to the card, don't you think?  I also used some of my favorite trim ever, the Vintage Pom Pom Trim from Maya Road.

The layout for my card is this week's Sketch Challenge over at Splitcoaststampers.  Of course, I turned it into a square card, so I could fit umpteen bazillion elements on the card!  {grin}

Here's a detail shot:

Next, you'll want to swing by to see what the fabulously-talented Leslie has created.  She is one A-MAZING designer!

Dear sweet Michelle, I hope your birthday is the best one EVER!  Luv ya!  MWAH!

Thanks for stopping by, everyone!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Baroque Nested Frames & Center Set
Papers:  Classic Ivory, Dark Razzleberry Prismatics, Webster's Pages Patterned Papers
Inks:  VersaMark, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress, Rich Razzleberry (SU)
Accessories:  Navy Silk Ribbon, Vintage Pom Pom Trim, Light Blue Pearls, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Vanilla Embossing Powder, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Swirls Artisan Elements from Pink Paislee

Flourishes Friday Inspiration

Hello Stampers~

Happy Friday!  Today I'm hosting the Flourishes Blog with an inspiration challenge.  I've chosen this photo:

Isn't that a beautiful bedroom setting?  I think there are so many wonderful elements that would work perfectly with Flourishes images.

My card uses the Cherry Blossoms stamp set, along with some pretty Cappella patterned paper from Basic Grey. I incorporated many elements from the photo into my card, such as the head-board (a perfect match for Martha Stewart's Modern Garland border punch), dust ruffle, rug, trims, flowers, and soft color palette.

I stamped the images on European Watercolor Paper using Charcoal ink from Palette to keep the color palette soft. To make the ruffle, I simply folded the ivory satin ribbon and glued it down on the backside as I went. I topped off the focal point with a row of pretty pearls and some ivory trim.

The idea for the pretty punched borders came from my dear friend, Dee, who had done something similar on a card she made.  I fell in love with it instantly, and filed it away in the "must try" section of my brain. {grin}  Thanks, Dee!

Here's a close-up view:

I don't know if you can tell; but I used some Twinkling H2O's on the flowers for a subtle shimmer.

Next, you're gonna want to hippity hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their gorgeous creations!

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

Thanks sooo much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Cherry Blossoms
Papers:  Classic Ivory, Cappella Patterned Papers (Basic Grey), European Watercolor Paper, Bear Berry (Couture Cardstock)
Inks:  Charcoal (Palette), Spun Sugar (Tim Holtz), Victorian Rose (Tim Holtz), Bamboo Leaves (Memento), Soft Sky (SU)
Accessories:  Tim Holtz Styled Labels Die, Ivory Satin Ribbon, Ivory Trim, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Pearls, Sponge Dauber, Water Brush, Dimensionals

Riding by with a happy HI!

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample was made with the Out for a Spin set from Our Craft Lounge.  It was one of four cards I designed for a "summer" themed card class I taught last night.  I kept it sweet and simple, since the image had to be colored in.  I used Copic markers to color the images.

Here's a close-up:

That's all, folks!  I need to get some sleep! :)

Thanks for visiting!  Have a fabulous day! 

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Out for a Sping

Papers:  Neenah Solar White, My Mind's Eye Quite Contrary Patterned Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, SU Soft Sky, Memento Pear Tart, Copic Markers -

Accessories:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, Ticket Corner Punch, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Rain or Shine

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample made me smile from the very moment I began putting it together.  The precious little girls and brightly colored  papers just make me happy. :)

Many of the supplies I used on my card can be found at Stampers Dream.  The adorable image is called Rain or Shine from Penny Black, and the papers are from October Afternoon's Fly A Kite collection.  I love this image SO MUCH!  My favorite part is the umbrella.  Seriously...I WANT that umbrella!

The layout for my card is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.

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

I used a "few" Copic markers to color the image in:

Did you fall out of your chair when you saw that stack of markers???  I think that might be a new record for me....24 markers on one image!  Yup, sometimes I get a weeeee bit carried away when I'm coloring. ;)

Have yourself a happy day, my friends!  I am in for a looong work day today...so much to do, so little time.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Rain or Shine (Penny Black)
Papers:  Prismatics Butter Cream, Couture Cardstock  Oasis Textured, October Afternoon Fly a Kite Patterned Papers
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers (just a couple...)
Accessories:  Red Pearls, Green Polka Dot Sheer Ribbon, Martha Stewart Lace Border Punch, Button (PTI), White Button Thread, Dimensionals

Guess Whoo Loves You!

Hello Stampers~

Welcome back to Monday! :)  I hope you had a fantastic weekend!  Ours was busy, but super-fabulous!  We got an incredible deal on a new-to-me elliptical machine, which I tried out last night...and let me tell you, if I can't lose weight on THAT thing, nothing's gonna work! lol  It is one heck of a workout; but I am a very determined woman! :)

Saturday evening we went to our local drive-in theater and saw Toy Story 3 and Price of Persia, both great movies!  I think this is the first time we've ever stayed all the way until the second movie ended at 1 o'clock in the morning.  Needless to say, we didn't make it to church on Sunday morning.  After a leisurely morning, and Jim opening his Daddy's Day gifts, we headed out to pick up our oldest son, who joined us for a yummy late breakfast and an afternoon of game-play and relaxation.  It was truly a perfect weekend!

Today's sample is one of my SU Artisan Award submissions from last year.  Since I didn't do a whole lot of stamping this weekend, I thought this was the perfect time to share it with you.  I used a sweet little stamp set called Forest Friends, a chipboard tag covered in shimmery brown paper, some rub-ons, ribbons, and fun embellishments.  The card size is 6" x 3-1/4".  It looks like a simple little card; but there are a bazillion little details on here.  The details are my favorite part of any card! :)

I hope your Monday proves to be absolutely TERRIFIC!  I am so thankful for each of you who visit with me here in blog-land.  I hope it blesses you as much as it does me!

Hugs,

~Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Sketch Challenge

Hello Stampers~

Did you know that Our Craft Lounge has a weekly sketch challenge over on their blog?  It is posted every Friday, and one winner each month wins a FREE stamp set of your choice!!!  Now that's what I call a cool challenge! :)

As you well know, I do love me a fabulous sketch, and this one's no exception!  My card is 6" x 3".  I used some of the Fly A Kit papers from October Afternoon for a fresh backdrop to the fun image from OCL's Life's a Picnic set.  I chose to color my popsicle in a rather unusual color; but I figured, it's a popsicle...why not?!  I added some Glossy Accents to the treat to give it a delicious shine (gosh, I think I need a popsicle now...).  I colored it in with Copic markers (shocker, I know!).

Here are the marker colors I used:

That's all she wrote, folks!  As always, thank you so much for visiting with me today!

Have a WONDERFUL weekend! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Life's a Picnic
Papers:  Classic Ivory (Flourishes), October Afternoon Fly A Kit Patterned Papers
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Aqua Marine Rhinestones, Aqua Satin Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals, Glossy Accents, Sponge Dauber

Just Humming Along...

Hello Stampers~

Welcome to another Flourishes Friday! :)  This week the design team is sharing some fun projects with some of Flourishes newest stamps.

I chose to use Humming Along on my sample, which I must admit is my favorite set from the June release.  As always with any set that Marcella draws, the detail is astounding on this one! 

Here's a close up:

You can see that I added some Glossy Accents to the hummingbird's eye to add to the realistic look of the bird.  I used some pretty Webster's Pages patterned paper for my background, and combined some red crocheted trim and reversible satin ribbon to give it some pop.  I colored the images in with Copic markers.  Here are the colors I used:

Check out the gorgeousness from the rest of the design team:

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

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Have an AMAZING Friday, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Humming Along
Papers:  Classic Ivory, Webster's Pages Life's Portrait Patterned Papers
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers (see above photo), Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  Red Rhinestones, Red Reversible Satin Ribbon, Red Crocheted Trim, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Glossy Accents (hummingbird eye)