the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Under the Mistletoad

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a fun bookmark card to share with you.  I found the idea on Splitcoaststampers, and thought it was such a neat way to add a bookmark to a card.  The stamp set I used is from Our Craft Lounge, and is called Under the Mistletoad.  How flippin' CUTE is that?!

Check out the inside of the card, which shows how the bookmark is attached to the card.

All you really need to do is cut your cardstock so there is an extra flap for the bookmark.  Mine is about 2-1/2" wide.  Then you'll want to cut a half circle in the top of the card, so the bookmark can peek through.  I marked the inside of my card with a pencil before I cut my circle, so that it would line up perfectly with the center of the bookmark.  I used a 1-1/4" circle punch to make the hole.  The card front itself is a regular 5-1/2" x 4-1/4", opening from the top of course. 

I colored the images in with the following Copic markers: YG01, YG03, YG17, R01, R24, R27, R29, Y32, Y35, E33, E37, B34, B39.

That's all for today, friends!  Hope you are having a fantastic week so far! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  Under the Mistletoad (Our Craft Lounge) 
Papers:  Confetti Tan (retired SU), Neenah Solar White, Merry Days of Christmas Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Lady Bug Red, Copic Markers (see above)
Accessories:  Green Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (PTI), 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Crop-a-Dile, Linen Thread, Paper Cutter w/Scoring Blade, Dimensionals

Happy Halloween!

Hello Stampers~

Just wanted to wish you all a very safe and happy Halloween!  We are beginning our family vacation in the White Mountains today, and are really looking forward to a week with no commitments other than to each other. :)

My sample is a quick and easy candy pouch made with the fabulous Witching You a Happy Halloween set from Flourishes. 

Here's the inside:

I added some sparkle to the cat and spinder web border on the pocket with a Quickie Glue Pen and some pretty black glitter. 

This couldn't have been easier to make, and would be terrific for holiday treats as well.

I have a few posts pre-done for the week; so you won't even notice I'm gone.  Have a fantastic week, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy

 

Flourishes Friday Focus

Hello Stampers~

A very happy Friday to you!  This week's Flourishes focus is on "windows".  For my card, the window is on the inside.  The photo above shows the outside of the card...sweet and simple.

Here's the inside:

Isn't that fun?  This is called a Tunnel Card.  I used my Spellbinders Labels Fourteen die to cut out the opening, since it matches perfectly with Flourishes A Gift For You stamp set.

Here's a close-up of the focal point:

It is very difficult to tell in the photos; but I added some clear Shimmer Spritz to both the outside and inside of my card.  It's so sparkly and pretty in person!

Hey, did you know that Flourishes is a part of Rubber Stamp Chat's "Virtual" Convention?  What does that mean to you?  How about 10% off anything in the store, even sale items!   Simply use the code CHATITUP in the coupon code box.

Now, stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see their fabulous window creations:

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

Stacy Morgan is doing a fantastic tutorial on how to make window cards.  Stop by the Flourishes Blog to check it out!

I do hope your Friday is absolutely WONDERFUL!  I am going to enjoy one last day of work before my vacation. :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  A Gift For You
Papers:  Classic White, Rich Razzleberry (SU)
Inks:  Rich Razzleberry
Accessories:  White Satin Ribbon, Labels Fourteen Nestability Dies, Lacey Circles Nestability Dies, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, Purple Rhinestone, Dimensionals, Sakura GellyRoll Pen, Shimmer Spritz, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Poinsettia Embossing Folder (SU), Sponge Dauber

 

Santa Card WITH Instructions!

Hello Stampers~

As promised, here are the instructions for the Santa punch card that I shared in THIS post.

I began with a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of red card stock folded in half to form the card base.  Next I centered a 2-1/4" x 4-1/4" piece of flesh-toned card stock on the front of the card base.  I used textured cardstock to give Santa a bit more character.

To make the beard, mustache, and hat brim, I began with a 4-1/4" x 5-1/2" piece of white card stock.  I ran it through my Big Shot die-cutting machine with the Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder.  In my opinion, the swirls are what really make this card. :)  Next, you'll need a large circle cutter or simply use a large circular item, such as a dinner plate or frisbee and a pencil to mark the curve.  I marked the first curve (for the beard) about 3" up from the bottom.  (Make your markings on the back side of the embossed card stock.)  I then marked another curve about 1" higher than the first.  Cut along both curved lines to form the beard and hat brim.  To make the mustache, use the remaining piece of white card stock, and cut along the curved line (which forms the top of the mustache), making two curvy cuts for each side of the mustache.

Before you attach your pieces to the card, you'll want to punch out two black eyes with a 1/2" circle punch, one flesh-toned lip with a 1/2" circle punch, and one flesh-toned nose with a large oval punch.  Sponge pale pink ink on Santa's "cheeks", as well as around the edges of his nose and lip.  I also added some highlight markings to the eyes and nose with a white opaque pen.

Now you can assemble your layers.  I attached the nose/mustache ensemble with Dimensionals (also known as Pop Dots) to make them stand out.

The final touch is three punched "branches" and a red button decorating Santa's hat.  If you have a holly punch, that would also be fantastic here!

Here's a close up of Santa's face:

Okay, folks, that's all!  I hope my instructions are clear enough.  Have fun making your own Santa cards. :)

Have a fantastic Tuesday, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  None  (I did use the "Ho Ho Ho" stamp from Flourishes on the inside!)
Papers:  Classic White, Blush Blossom Textured, Red (PTI), Glorious Green (SU), Basic Black (SU)
Inks:  Pink Pirouette (for sponging)
Accessories:  Swirls Cuttlebug Folder, large circle cutter, 1/2" Circle Punch, Large Oval Punch, Martha Stewart Branch Punch, Red Button (PTI), Natural Burlap String, White Opaque Pen, Dimensionals

 

Kindness Feeds the Heart

Hello Stampers~

I am finally able to upload a card to my blog again...yay!  My computer is still acting up a bit; but it is at least working. :)

For today's sample, I used Penny Black's Kindness image.  Isn't it the sweetest???  I colored the image with about a bazillion Copic markers.  I did take a photo of the colors I used; but my computer ate it or something, because I can't find it anywhere!

That pretty patterned paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Pixie-Licious pack.

Here's a close-up of the image:

The layout for my card is last weeks Sweet Sunday Sketch.  I added some sparkle to the snow and various other elements with a Stardust Clear Gellyroll Pen from Sakura.

You can get most of what you need to make this card at Stampers Dream...love that store!

On another note, MANY of you have e-mailed me asking for instructions for the Santa punch card I posted a couple of weeks ago.  Stop back tomorrow for complete instructions! :)

Have a truly fabulous day, friends!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps: Kindness (Penny Black)
Papers:  Neenah Classic Solar White, Pixie-Licious Patterned Paper (Cosmo Cricket)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (a bazillion!), Memento Lulu Lavender
Accessories:  Lavender Moon Satin Ribbon (PTI), Ocean Breeze Button (PTI), White Button Thread, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Stardust Clear Gelly Roll Pen (Sakura), Purple Rhinestones

 

How Does Your Garden Grow

Hello Stampers~

Arggh!  I have had the most frustrating few days with my computer!  It would appear that I have some sort of virus, in spite of having an up-to-date expensive anti-virus program installed.  I haven't been able to get a card loaded onto my computer since last week...sooo frustrating!  

Lucky for me, I had this card already uploaded; so I am able to write the post from my laptop.  Hopefully, the problem with the other computer will be repaired soon!

I made this card as MFT's Fab Friend back in September.  I adore this sweet little girl from the How Does Your Garden Grow stamp set.  I colored her in with Copics and added some tiny pearls to her belt.  The soft and pretty papers are from Prima's Fairy Flora paper pack.

Here's a close-up:

...and the Copic colors I used:

Okay, folks, that's all from me today.  I spent entirely too long on that computer, and need to get to bed.  Hopefully, I'll be able to share my Penny Black sample with you tomorrow!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  How Does Your Garden Grow (MFT)
Papers: Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Fairy Flora Patterned Papers (Prima), Neenah Classic Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Baja Breeze, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories: Word Window Punch (SU), Petite Oval Nestabilities, Pink Crocheted Trim, Pink Satin Ribbon, Button, White Thread, Sewing Machine, Large Scallop Die-Namics Die (MFT), Dimensionals, Pearls

 

Flourishes Sneak Peeks Day Two

Hello Stampers~

Today's Flourishes sneak peek is extra special.  This fabulous new set, called A Gift for You, was designed to coordinate with several of the Spellbinders Nestability dies!  How cool is that?! 

For my card, I used Labels Fourteen, my absolute favorite of the newer Spellbinders dies:

I used the die twice, once for the main image, and a smaller die turned on it's side for the sentiment.  I love how this came out! 

That pretty patterned paper is from the Annalee Paper Pack by Prima.  This shade of pink is so pretty for Christmas, don't you think?  The Fuchsia Iridescent Ribbon, pink rhinestones, and sparkly images really add to the festive feel of the card.

You can see the sparkle a bit better in the close-up.  I used a Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll pen.

I colored the images in with the following Copic markers:

Now you'll want to hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their gorgeous creations....AND since this set is a collaberative effort with Spellbinders, THEIR design team is joining us on the hop!  You are in for a serious amount of eye candy, my friends!  Enjoy! :)

• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
• Laura Fredrickson
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Ashley Cannon Newell
• AJ Otto
• Beth Pingry
• Deborah Young
• Gina Hanson
• Holly Simoni
• Margie Higuchi
• Judy Hayes
• Julie Overby
• Kazan Clark
• Latisha Yoast
• Mona Pendleton

Remember to check out the Flourishes blog for your chance to win today's set!  The RELEASE PARTY is tonight, friends!  You can find it by clicking HERE tonight beginning at 10pm EST.  Hope to see you there!

Finally, did you see that you could actually WIN our entire October release?  All you need to do is join us for our “The Details are Sketchy” challenge!  It’s a fun-filled sketch challenge and you can read all about it HERE!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps: A Gift for You
Papers:  Soft Sky (SU), Classic White, Annalee Patterned Paper
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Melon Mambo (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Pink Rhinestones, Fuchsia Iridescent Ribbon, Spellbinders Labels Fourteen Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Sakura Clear Star Gelly Roll Pen

 

 

Flourishes Release Week

Hello Stampers~

Can you believe it's time for another Flourishes Release Week?  My goodness, this last month just flew by!

Today, we're showcasing a darling holiday set called Sweets of the Season.

For my sample, I used this week's Sketch For You To Try.  I played along with this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge as well.  I distressed the edges of my cardstock layers by rubbing them with a bone folder and then sponging on some Distress Ink.  

Here's a close-up:

I colored the image with Copic markers and added some Vintage Glass Glitter to the foam.  It adds some nice texture to the image.

Here are the Copic colors  that I used:

Thanks for stopping by, friends!

Check out the rest of the design team samples:

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

Don't forgot to hop over to the Flourishes blog for your chance to win today's stamp set!  AND you'll want to be sure and attend the Release Party on Thursday evening at 10pm Eastern.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  Sweets of the Season
Papers:  Kraft, Classic Ivory, Merry Days of Christmas Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Rhubarb Stalk, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Bone Folder (for distressing edges), Sponge Dauber, Vintage Glass Glitter (Art Glitter), Baby Blue Cotton Linen Ribbon, Natural Burlap String, Red Button, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals

Star Gazing

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine Tuesday?  Life is good at this time, and I am savoring every moment. :)  On Saturday, my family hiked a mountain (this time we did Sunapee) for the seventh straight weekend.  Yes, we are officially in love with hiking!  We are hoping to hike Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA this weekend...although it looks like it may rain.  I guess eight gorgeous Saturdays in succession might be too much to ask for, huh?!  We shall see...

I haven't updated you on my weight loss journey in a bit, have I?  Well, since I started 16 weeks ago, I have lost a total of just over 33 pounds.  I am truly amazed that I have actually done it!  I've dropped two full sizes, and am feeling SO great.  I would like to drop one more dress size, which would put me in a size that I haven't worn in about 15 years.  So...for now, I'll keep eating salads, working out on my elliptical machine (Thank you, GOD, for that machine!), and climbing every mountain in sight.  {grin}

Today's card sample is made with a super-sweet image from Stampavie, called Star Gazing.  I picked it up at Stampers Dream.  I tend to reach for blues when I am working with polar bears; but I deliberately did not do so this time.  I kept the coloring very simple, and used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch for my layout.  The pretty papers are from Cosmo Cricket's Mitten Weather pack.

Here's a close-up:

I used a Sakura Stardust Clear Star Gelly Roll pen on the snow and star.  Here are the Copic colors I used:

Thanks so much for dropping by today, friends!  How I would love it if we could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee together in the morning.  Stampers are the friendliest people, don't  you think?

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  Star Gazing (Stampavie)
Papers:  Sahara Sand (SU), New Leaf (PTI), Classic Solar White (Neenah), Mitten Weather Patterned Papers (Cosmo Cricket)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Sakura Stardust Clear Star Gelly Roll Pen, Red Buttons (PTI), Natural Burlap String, Martha Stewart Border Punch, New Leaf Satin Ribbon (PTI), Sponge Dauber

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

Have you ever made a card that you just instantly fall in love with?  Well, this is that card for me.  I have always loved coloring apples for some reason, and the Apple of My Eye set from Flourishes definitely has the most beautiful apples EVAH...so stunningly life-like!

This week's Flourishes challenge is a fabulous sketch designed by the equally fabulous Julie Koerber.  Head on over to the Flourishes blog for the sketch and all the details on how to play along.

For my card, I used some deeee-licious patterned papers from Prima's Fairy Flora pack.  My fellow design team member and sweet friend, Leslie, fell head-over-heels in love with this paper when we first saw it at CHA.  (I mean, SERIOUSLY in love, people!)  I thought it was really pretty; but it wasn't until I had it in my hot little hands that I realized just how MUCH I love it.  It is difficult for me not to reach for this paper every time I make a card...yum, yum, yummy!

I framed the card by scoring all around the edge with my Scor-Buddy.  Then I sponged outside the scored lines with some Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  I also added some sponging to the other brown layers on the card.  The pretty ribbon is Flourishes new Brown Gingham Ribbon.

Here's a close-up of the apple detail:

See what I mean?  Yummy apples, huh?  Good thing we went apple picking this past weekend, cuz this is making me hungry!

Here are the Copic markers I used:

Now, you'll want to check out the gorgeous creations made by the rest of the design team.  I just know they're gonna knock your socks off!

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

Thanks for visiting today, friends!  Have a fantastic weekend!  I do believe we're going to find a mountain to climb...{grin}.

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  Apple of My Eye
Papers:  Dark Chocolate (PTI), Riding Hood Red (SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Fairy Flora Patterned Papers (Prima)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Brown Gingham Ribbon (Flourishes), Red Button (PTI), Natural Burlap String (Flourishes), Red Brads (SU), Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals, Scor-Buddy