the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Warmer Together

Hello Stampers~

So we've been having weather in the 90's, and I'm making winter-themed cards!  I know....I know...

I played with my new Winter Warm set from Stampendous...too flippin' CUTE!  I especially love this sweet little family of snow-people. :)

I used this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch for the layout, and some delicious Olivia patterned papers for a little bit of fresh color. :)  I sponged around the edges of the circle with Soft Sky ink and a sponge dauber.  Then I added some pretty glitter to the snow with a Quickie Glue Pen.

Those cool sparkly foam snowflakes have been in my stash forEVAH; so I have no idea who makes them.

I colored the image in with Copic markers.  Here are the colors I used:

That's all from me today, folks!

I do so hope your day is WONDERFUL, my friends!

 

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps: Winter Warm (Stampendous)
Papers: Neenah Classic Solar White, Olivia Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories: Quickie Glue Pen, Glitter, White Glitter Dots, White Crocheted Trim, Pink Satin Ribbon, Circle Nestabilities, White Sparkly Foam Snowflakes, Sponge Dauber

On Top of the World!

Hello Stampers~

I don't have a card to share with you today, because I spent the weekend hanging out with my family.

This is where I was on Saturday:

Amazing view, eh?  You really need to see it in person...pics don't do it justice.  This is the top of Mount Monadnock, which is the most-climbed mountain in the USA and the second most-climbed mountain in the world (right after Mt. Fuji).  I used to climb this mountain all the time when I was *young*; but it has been a couple of years since I ventured up.  I wasn't sure I would be able to do it; but I surprised myself by doing quite well. :)

My 10-year old daughter was amazing, and marveled at the beauty of God's creation as we climbed higher and higher.  At one point, she exclaimed, "Mommy, this is the most fun thing we've ever done together!"  "Even more fun than the Panama cruise???"  "Yup!"  "...even more than Disney World?!" "Yup!"  Well, gosh, if we had known she was this easy to please, we could have saved a lot of money! haha

My 13 year old son struggled a bit on the way up; but he persevered and pushed himself all the way to the top.  We were sooo proud of him!  Now they both want to do it again next weekend. {grin}

We are planning to try out a few more of the trails up the mountain this fall.  It's a great way to spend time together as a family, and get in shape at the same time. :)

One more thing before I go...

Stampers Dream is having an AWESOME sale today only!  Just for fun, they are offering an additional 10% off all merchandise in the Sales and Specials category.  The coupon code is good just through midnight today, Monday August 30.

All you need to do is enter the coupon code 10OffToday at checkout.  The order minimum is only $25 to activate the coupon code.  Happy shopping!

See y'all tomorrow with a fun new sample!

Hugs,

~Cindy

Sweet Simplicity

Hello Stampers~

Today's samples are a sweet little set of cards I made for a card class I taught this past week.  They were originally created by the fabulous Laurie Schmidlin.  I added twine and buttons, punched corners, and some sponging to mine.  Thank you, Laurie, for the fabulous idea! :)

The stamp set is Flourishes Ferns and Fiddles...sooo pretty, don't you think?

Here are the individual colors close up:

Kiwi...

Caribbean -

Tangerine -

That's all for today, friends!  My family is hiking Mount Monadnock today.  I used to hike up that mountain all the time, but haven't done it in two years.  We shall see if all my working out has paid off enough for me to actually make it up the mountain..haha!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps: Ferns and Fiddles
Inks: VersaMark, Memento Rich Cocoa, Tangerine Tango, Cool Caribbean, Kiwi Kiss
Papers: Tangerine Tango, Cool Caribbean, Kiwi Kiss, Classic Ivory
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Twine, Buttons, Clear Embossing Powder, Sponge Daubers, Dimensionals

Flourishes Friday Focus!

Hello Stampers~

It's time for another Flourishes Friday Focus!  The design team is putting the spotlight on backgrounds this week.  Leslie has a fabulous tutorial over on the Flourishes Blog showcasing fun ideas with Flourishes background stamps.

For my card, I used the Falling Leaves stamp set and some yummy European Watercolor Paper.  I sponged on several Tim Holtz Distress Inks to get the pretty multi-toned background.  Then I stamped the leaves in Tim Holtz Walnut Stain.  I punched out the square for the sentiment using a 1-3/8" square punch.  The sentiment was a tad bigger than the hole made by the punch; so I simply punched it again a little to the side, making the opening a bit bigger. :)  I then sponged all of the edges in Walnut Stain Distress Ink.

Now check out what the rest of the design team has created for you today:

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

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a fabulous Friday, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps: Falling Leaves
Papers: Prismatics Kraft, Dark Chocolate (PTI), European Watercolor Paper
Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks - Crushed Olive, Walnut Stain, Wild Honey, Rusty Hinge
Accessories: Chocolate Striped Ribbon (SU), Twine, Button, 1-3/8" Square Punch, Sponge Daubers

A Bountiful Crop

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample was made for this week's Card Positioning Systems Sketch Challenge, which is sponsored by Our Craft Lounge.  I used the Bountiful Harvest set, which I knew I just had to have the moment I saw it.  Not only is it a great set for autumn, but it has a TRACTOR in it, which means it is the perfect set to make cards for my hubby and 13-year-old son.

I chose to color the tractor orange to make the rich Max & Whiskers papers from Basic Grey.  I kept the details simple, with just a bit of twine, a row of piercing, and a few corduroy buttons.  

The sentiment is such a good reminder for all of us, isn't it?  I tend to go-go-go all the time, and forget about the importance of a bit of quiet rest.  It is good for the soul. :)

I used Copic markers to color the image, and sponged some inks on to represent sky and ground.  Here are the Copic colors I used: 

Thanks so much for visiting with me today, friends!

Have a fabulous day!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Bountiful Harvest
Papers:  Prismatics Kraft, Basic Grey Max & Whiskers, Neenah Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Corduroy Brads (SU), Linen Twine, Piercing Tools, 1-1/4" & 1-3/8" Circle Punches, Classic Rectangle Nestabilities, Dimensionals

OCL Blog Candy WINNER!

Hello stampers~

The winner of the gorgeous Trim the Tree stamp set from Our Craft Lounge is...

MaryAnn Thompson

Here is MaryAnn's comment:

Wow, how is this for inspiration! Love the layout or sketch and love the fact that this could be a make a bunch in a hurry type card. Of course I wouldn't do it the justice you do, but love to try. Thanks Cindy and thanks for a chance to win too.

Posted by: MaryAnn Thompson | August 20, 2010 at 07:24 AM

CONGRATULATIONS, MaryAnn!  Please contact me at onehappystamper@myfairpoint.net with your complete mailing address.  Thanks so much!

Hugs,

~Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Blog Hop & Give-Away!

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine Friday?  I am soooo happy to be at the end of this week!  I've been getting up at 4am all week to go into work early...good times.  Today, however, I'll be out by 11am and off to spend a little quality time with a dear friend that I don't see nearly enough.  Now, that IS *good times*! :)

Today's card uses the gorgeous new Trim the Tree stamp set from Our Craft Lounge.  No coloring required with this set, great for easy-peasy cards.  I used some Glossy Accents and Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles on the ornaments to make them *pop*!  I do have a confession to make, however...  I did not wait for the Glossy Accents to dry before I took my photos....and you can tell (esp in the close-up photo).  BUT, hey, you get the idea, right?  You know it will look fabulous when it's dry! {grin}

See what I mean?  It looks kinda milky before it dries completely.

The layout for my card is this week's OCL Sketch Challenge.  Isn't that a cool sketch?!  I love how unique it is.

Sooo.... Do you wanna WIN this stamp set???  Just leave a comment here on this post (or either of the last two days' posts).  At 3pm est on Sunday, I'll draw a name randomly from all the comments, and that person will WIN their very own Trim the Tree stamp set!  Lucky duck!  Actually, there are LOTS of sets to be won!  Check out The Lounge for all the details. ;)

Here's the full view of the set:

Check out the fabulous samples that the rest of the design team and friends have to share with you today:

Amber Hillman
Beate Johns
Beth Silaika
Bev Gerard
Broni Holcombe
Cambria Turnbow
Charmaine Ikach
Cindy Lawrence
Deb Felts
Debbie Corbari
Deborah Anton
Denise Marzec
Heather McNally
Holly McMillen
Jeanne Streiff
Joy Kennedy
Julie Okada
Kendra Wietstock
Kisa Peters
Lori McAree
Maree Truelove
Michelle Fowler
Pam Hooten
Tammy Hershberger
Terri Thill
Vicki Garrett

Have a FABULOUS Friday, my friends!  I know I will! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Trim the Tree, Jolly Ornaments (sentiment)
Papers:  Pure Luxury Ivory, Red Textured (Couture Cardstock), Polar Expressions Glitter Patterned Papers (Imaginesce)
Inks:  Memento Rhubarb Tart, Memento Bamboo Leaves, Soft Sky (SU), Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories:  Red Pearls, Olive Pearls, Labels Four Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Narrow Ivory Satin Ribbon, Glossy Accents, Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles, Dimensionals

Our Craft Lounge Sneak Peek Day Two!

Hello Stampers~

How CUTE is this sweet little penguin?!  It's from the new Penguin Fun set from Our Craft Lounge.  My daughter is in L-O-V-E with it! :)  

I went with a palette of soft pinks and blues for my card.  I have been so drawn to those colors lately...probably in part due to Basic Grey's Olivia patterned paper pack, which has been sitting out on my work station for a week now.

I used this week's Sketch For You To Try for my layout...such an easy one to work with.  The pretty pink satin ribbon is some antique ribbon that I've had in my stash for years.  

I added some Chunky Crystal Crafty Sparkles to make snow, and glittered up the earmuffs with some Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles.

My image was colored in with Copic markers.  Here are the colors I chose:

Stop by The Lounge to see sneak peeks of several of OCL's newest sets!

After you've done that you'll want to hop on over to following blogs to check out what they've done with the new sets...fabulous stuff, folks!  Enjoy! :)

Amber Hillman
Beth Silaika
Bev Gerard
Cambria Turnbow
Charmaine Ikach
Deb Felts
Debbie Corbari
Deborah Anton
Denise Marzec
Heather McNally
Holly McMillen
Jeanne Streiff
Joy Kennedy
Kendra Wietstock
Kisa Peters
Lori McAree
Michelle Fowler
Pam Hooten
Tammy Hershberger
Terri Thill

Have a WONDERFUL Thursday, friends!  Thanks a million for visiting me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Penguin Fun (OCL)|
Papers:  Light Baby Pink Prismatics, Basic Gray (SU), Olivia Patterned Papers (Basic Grey), Neenah Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Light Blue Pearls, Cosmo Crystal Crafty Sparkles, Chunky Crystal Crafty Sparkles, Quickie Glue Pen, Antique Pink Satin Ribbon, Classic Rectangle Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Opaque White Pen

Our Craft Lounge Sneak Peek Day One!

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a fun sneak peek of a delicious new stamp set from Our Craft Lounge.  I have to say that this OCL release is one of my favorites EVAH, and this stamp set sits right up at the tippy top.  It's called Be Jolly, and it makes me smile from ear to ear! :)

For my sample, I colored the images with Copic markers, and added some Sugar Sparkly Fluff to give the snow a little bit of fabulous sparkly texture.  I added a sweet sign to the tree by  cutting the sentiment out with ovals and *tacking* it to the tree with a silver brad.  It sends a sweet message to all who pass by. :)

The final touch on my card is some pretty sheer white ribbon with a thin silver thread...yummy stuff!

Here's a close-up for you:

Here are the Copic colors I used:

Now you'll want to get to hopping over to the rest of the design team blogs to check out what else is new from Our Craft Lounge!  They are giving away some SERIOUS goodies this week as well!  All yo need to do is leave a comment to be eligible.  Stop by The Lounge for all the details.

Amber Hillman
Beth Silaika
Bev Gerard
Broni Holcombe
Cambria Turnbow
Charmaine Ikach
Deb Felts
Debbie Corbari
Deborah Anton
Denise Marzec
Heather McNally
Holly McMillen
Jeanne Streiff
Joy Kennedy
Kendra Wietstock
Kisa Peters
Lori McAree
Michelle Fowler
Pam Hooten
Terri Thill

Thanks for visiting!  Have a fabulous day, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Be Jolly (OCL)
Papers:  Neenah Classic White, Soft Sky (SU), Prismatics Dark Razzleberry
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Sugar Sparkly Fluff, Quickie Glue Pen, Silver Brad, Small & Large Oval Punches, Dimensionals, Ticket Corner Punch, White/Silver Sheer Ribbon, Sponge Dauber

Stampers Dream JustRite Week Day Two

Hello Stampers~

Welcome to day two of the Stampers Dream Team's JustRite Week focus!  Today, I'm showcasing the gorgeous Vintage Christmas set...so right up my alley!  The sentiment is from the fabulous Christmas Nested Sentiments set.  The fonts in that set are just beautiful!

I went a little PINK crazy on my card...something about pink and Christmas just make me happy. :)

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch for my layout.  What a fun one to play with!

I made my satin ribbon wavy by adding mini glue dots in strategic places...easy peasy!  I added the ruffle around the oval by gluing down some pretty ruffled ribbon all around the edge.

The image was colored softly with Copic markers and the background sponged with Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Distress Ink.  The pretty papers are from Basic Grey's Porcelain pack.

Too funny...as I'm looking at my card now, I'm remembering that I was going to add some Flower Soft to the pom pom and trim on Santa's hat.  Oh well...you can just imagine it there; but I will definitely be adding it. :)

Here are the Copic colors I used:

Just so you don't miss out on any of this week's JustRite samples from the Dream Team, here's the line-up one more time:

Monday Michelle , Cindy , Denise , Laurie , and Amy 
Tuesday Denise , Cindy , Amy , Tosh , and Cammie 
Wednesday Laurie , Leslie , Karen , Christina and Tosh 
Thursday Michelle , Leslie , Christina , Karen and Cammie

Have a terrific Tuesday, friends!  Thanks for spending a few moments with me! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Stampers Vintage Christmas Borders & Centers, JustRite Stampers Christmas Nested Sentiments
Papers:  Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Pink Pirouette (SU), Porcelain Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Ecru Vintage Pom Pom Trim, Cream Ruffle Edge Trim, Pink Crocheted Trim, Pink Satin Ribbon, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Martha Stewart Modern Garland Border Punch, Pink Button (PTI), Dimensionals