the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Sweet Santa Mouse

Hello Stampers~

Here we are on the very last day of November...just one month left of 2010.  What are your plans for this last month of the year?  Let me take a wild guess...shopping, decorating, wrapping, baking, eating, visiting, partying, eating, working, sleeping, and oh yeah, eating.  Was I close?  haha  Seriously, though, this time of year goes sooo quickly, doesn't it?  I hope you will spend some time reflecting on the things that are truly important in this life, and take time out of your busy schedule to just "be".  I am determined to do that this year. :)

Today's sample is a fun card showcasing an adorable Christmas mouse.  I found this idea on Kim Score's amazing blog.  You can find complete instructions for making the mouse out of punches right HERE.  I had SUCH fun making this! :)

Here's a close-up of my mouse:

Isn't he a cutie-patootie?!  Thanks for the awesome idea, Kim!

Have a fantastic Tuesday, my friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

 

Alleluia Angel

Hello Stampers~

A very happy Monday to ya!  I know that many of you had a nice, long weekend with your families.  I do hope it was full of love and lots of laughter! :)  

Today's sample is made with Flourishes Alleluia Angel stamp set, and some pretty Mistletoe patterned paper from Memory Box.  I used the Lacey Circles Nestabilities and some pearls around the focal image to jazz it up a bit.  I colored the image with Copic markers, and added a bit of sponging around the edges with a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Pad.  That fancy border was made with one of my fabulous Martha Stewart punches.  Last, but certainly not least, I used some more of that gorgeous Green Velvet Ribbon along the edge.  I LOVE that ribbon!

Here's a close-up of the image:

The angel is so elegant and richly detailed, isn't it?!  It was fun to color!

Here are the Copic colors I used:

I can hardly believe that November is coming to a close already.  It has been such a wonderful fall season for our family.  I look forward to what adventures are in store for us this winter!  One of our adventures is going to involve some ice skating.  I just purchased skates for each one of us.  We have a little pond out back where we can practice falling down until we can't feel our bums anymore...and no one has to know (well, except for all of you!).  Good times!

Have a fabulous day, my friends!

Thank you all so very, very much for stopping by to see me here!  It means so much to me that you do!

Hugs,

~Cindy
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Stamps:  Alleluia Angel
Papers:  Cranberry (GKD), Dark Green (Couture Cardstock), Classic White (Flourishes), Mistletoe Patterned Paper (Memory Box)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rhubarb Stalk, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Lacey Circles Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Green Velvet Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Pearls (colored with G99 Copic marker), Dimensionals

 

Holiday Money Holder & Black Friday Special

Hello Stampers~

I hope all of my American friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving day!  We certainly did, and I can't believe it's past already.  Let the holiday shopping begin!

Actually, if I was going to be truthful, I'd admit that I do not in any way, shape, or form like holiday shopping.  It gives me hives.  haha  I do much of my shopping online...so much easier, don't you think?! ;)

Today's project is a holiday money holder.  I used A Gift For You from Flourishes.  I love how this set coordinates with so many Spellbinders Nestability dies!  I used Labels Fourteen on my project.

 

I have very limited time to do much explaining of this project today; but I can tell you that it is made from an 8-1/2" x 7" piece of cardstock that is scored 1-1/2" from one end and 3-1/2" from the other.

Guess what?!  Flourishes is having an awesome Black Friday sale today only!!!  

That’s right… everything in the store FRIDAY ONLY is 15% off!!  To shop, simply use the codeSAVINGS4U at the time of check out in the promotional code box.  

You have until midnight tonight to enjoy today's special savings!

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy
-----------------------------------------------------------

Stamps: A Gift For You (Flourishes)
Papers:  Baja Breeze, Cranberry (GKD),  Kiwi Kiss (SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Patterned Paper
Inks:  Kiwi Kiss (SU), Rhubarb Stalk (Memento), Soft Sky (SU), Baja Breeze (SU)
Accessories:  Labels Fourteen Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Olive Ribbon (PTI), SPonge Dauber, Spica Lipstick Glitter Pen, Nestabilities Border Template (used to cut edge), Piercing Tools, Dimensionals, Scor-Tape

Mmmm....candy!

Hello Stampers~

Today I've got a fun holiday treat box to share with you.  I first saw the test tube idea on Splitcoaststampers, and fell instantly in love. :)  Lisa Somerville is the genius behind these boxes, and has fantastic instructions for making single, double, triple, and even quadruple tube boxes on her blog.  Check them out right HERE.

I've seen many creative ideas for filling the tubes, from bath salts to ice cream toppings to trail mix.  Let your imagination go wild!  My tubes are filled with holiday M&M's...yumm.  I used the adorable reindeer image from JustRite's Holiday Cheer set as my focal image.  That is the cutest little set EVER! 

 

I added some faux stitching around the image, using a White Opaque Pen from Ranger.  The ribbon is some pretty retired SU ribbon I had in my stash.  I added a fancy border with my Martha Stewart Modern Garland Punch...one of my faves for sure!

I hope your week is going great so far!  I've got most of my cleaning/organizing prep done for Thanksgiving, and made my yummy homemade cranberry sauce last night.  Tonight I've got some pie-baking to get started.  I've always made the boys' favorite pies....pecan for Steve, peanut butter for Ben, pumpkin for Nick, and now apple for Abbi.  You'd think at least two of them could choose the same kind of pie, right?! ;)  Actually, I truly enjoy all the baking.  It's part of what makes the holidays special for us, since the kids will often help me.  However, I did tell my hubby that if he has a different pie request to please save it for another day. LOL  (Good thing he likes 'em all!)

Thanks for stopping by, friends!  Have a fabulous Tuesday! :)

Hugs,
Cindy
----------------------------------------------------------------

Stamps:  JustRite Holiday Cheer
Papers:  Red (PTI), Neenah Solar White, Glorious Green (SU)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - R24, R29, E33, E37, G19
Accessories:  Martha Stewart Modern Garland Punch, Scallop Circle Punch, White Opaque Pen, 1-3/8" Circle Punch, 1-1/4" Circle Punch, 1" Circle Punch, Red Polka Dotted Ribbon (SU), White Taffeta Ribbon (SU), Test Tubes, M&M's, Corner Rounder, Dimensionals, 1/4" Scor-Tape

Give Thanks

Hello Stampers~

Happy Monday to you!  Can you believe Thanksgiving is THIS week?!  I guess that means the holiday season is officially upon us.

I work in retail management; so you can imagine how much I am looking forward to it all. {grin}  Funny thing is, I prefer to do most of my shopping from the comfort of my home...in my jammies while holding a steaming cup o' joe.  Now that's what I call a pleasant shopping experience! haha 

Today's sample is made with JustRite's A Day in the Country set.  It's one of their new cling sets.  You can check out all the new cling sets (and many more) at the Stampers Dream store.  I went with a brown-on-brown-on-brown look for this one, letting that beautiful image do all the talking. ;)

I used my Houndstooth Embossing Folder for the background, and sponged on some Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink to really make it pop.  I did the same with the Beaded Oval Nestabilities layer I added below the image.

The brown pearls were all different colors when they started...left-overs from my stash.  I simply colored them all with my E49 Copic marker.  That always makes me so happy!

Here's a close-up of the card:

I colored the image with Copic markers...lots and lots of them.  Here's what I used:

Now, before you pass out, let me just say that you most certainly do not have to use this many markers on that one rather small image.  I have a bit of a thing for shading...in case you haven't noticed. haha  You could seriously get by with less than half of these, and still have a beautifully colored image.  I promise!

For an added bonus, I stamped up the inside of the card with JustRite's Give Thanks Nested Frames:

...very simple, but effective I think.

Okay, friends, that is all from me today!  Enjoy every moment of your day today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy
-------------------------------------------------------

Stamps:  JustRite A Day in the Country, JustRite Give Thanks Nested Frames
Papers:  Dark Chocolate (PTI), Very Vanilla (SU), Neenah Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Walnut Stain, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Beaded Oval Nestabilities, Classic Oval Nestabilites, Houndstooth Cuttlebug Embossing Folder, Brown Crocheted Ribbon, Brown Satin Ribbon, Sponge Dauber, Pearls, Dimensionals

Vintage Postcard - New From Flourishes

Hello Stampers~

You are not seeing things...I am posting on a Sunday!  Since I missed Flourishes release week, due to my computer troubles (all computers are GO as of last night...yahoooo!), I decided to throw in a few extra posts in the next week or two.  I have a bunch of samples made up, and I'd really like to share 'em with ya! :)

Today's card is made with Flourishes brand-new Vintage Postcard set.  I love the elegant, cozy feel of this image...reminds me of an old Currier & Ives print.

I stamped the image in VersaMark ink and embossed it with detail black embossing powder on European Watercolor Paper.  I then colored it using dye re-inkers and a water brush.  The sparkle effect you see on the frame and snow was made with a Sakura Gelly Roll Glitter Pen...love that thing!  I also added some glassy glaze to the pond to give it the look of real ice.

Here's a close up view for you:

That fun embellishment in the corner is made with some Tim Holtz Grungeboard and a pretty Vintage Sparkler.  The grungeboard was colored with a pigment-based white ink pad and covered in glitter.  I added a fun wavy banner for the sentiment.

I often decorate the inside of my card, sometimes with just a strip of patterned paper, sometimes with more.  Here's the inside of today's card:

The "Merry Christmas" sentiment is from the Christmas Wreath stamp set...such a great font!  Oh, before I go, I should tell you that the card size is 5-1/2" square.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!  Hope your Sunday is full of many happy blessings!

Hugs,

~Cindy
----------------------------------------------------------

Stamps:  Vintage Postcard, Christmas Wreath (sentiment on inside)
Papers:  Always Artichoke, Confetti Tan, Confetti White, European Watercolor, Jovial Patterned Paper (Basic Grey)
Inks:  VersaMark, Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red, Soft Sky, So Saffron, Crushed Curry, Chocolate Chip, White Pigment, Tim Holtz Black Soot Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress Ink
Accessories:  Martha Stewart Border Punch, Black Detail Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Water Brush, Sakura Glitter Glaze Pen, Crystal Effects, Vintage Sparkler, Tim Holtz Grunge Board, Dazzling Diamonds Glitter, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Flourishes Friday & a Special Birthday

 
Hello Stampers~

Today is a very special day at Flourishes.  Our fabulous design team coordinator, Julie Koerber, is celebrating a birthday!  It's a big one too; but I won't say which big one. ;)  Happy, happy birthday, sweet Julie!  Thanks so much for all you do for Flourishes & for the design team!  You ROCK!

For my card, I used the brand-new Warm Winter Wishes set...cute, cute, cah-UTE!  Julie challenged us to use this fun sketch on our samples today.  I used some of my new favorite patterned paper pack, Basic Grey's Jovial...lovin' the rich plaids and florals!  Yummmmmy!

I stamped just the head of the snowman onto a small circle of Classic Ivory cardstock.  I colored him in with Copic markers.  Here's a close-up:

 
I added some rich velvet ribbon and Cranberry Nailheads to finish the card off.

The Copic markers I used are as follows:

 
Okay, friends, that's it for me today!  Check out what the rest of the design team has to share:

Danielle Kennedy

Dawn Burnworth

Laura Fredrickson

Leslie Miller

Stacy Morgan

Flourishes Blog

Have a fantastic Friday, everyone! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

JustRite/Stampers Dream 12 Weeks of Christmas Blog Hop

Hello Stampers~

Today, the Stampers Dream team has teamed up with the JustRite team to bring you an array of Christmas samples sure to get you in the holiday spirit.  The set I'm using today is called Sparky and Friends, and is one of JustRite's newest cling mount sets.  I am soooo excited that they have added some cling mount images to their line...yahoo! :)

I stamped my image on Neenah Solar White cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  I colored it in with Copic markers, and added some shading with Bundled Sage Distress Ink from Tim Holtz.  I used one of Spellbinders newest Nestabilities dies, Beaded Ovals.  It makes a bold and beautiful statement, don't you think?

That awesome snowman paper is from Basic Grey's Jovial pack...so much fun!  I also added some sparkle to several areas on my image with a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Glitter Pen.

Here's a close-up:

 
Can you see the sparkle?  Aren't they just the happiest looking snowmen?

Here's a shot of the Copic markers I used on my image:

 

Inside the card, I added a strip of the snowman paper, and the "Have a Warm & Cozy Holiday" sentiment.

Next up in the hop is Angela Barkhouse, who, no doubt, has something truly yummy to share. 

You should have come here by way of the fabulous Jenn Balcer; but just in case you didn't, here's the whole line up for today's hop:

JustRite Inspiration Blog  
Beate Johns  
Debbie Olson  
Michelle Rodgers 
Sankari Wegman 
Tosha Leyendekker 
Kazan Clark 
Lori Craig 
Amy Sheffer 
Stephanie Kraft 
Denise Marzec 
Michele Kovack 
Carolyn King 
Barb Schram 
Jenn Balcer 
Cindy Lawrence 
Angela Barkhouse 
Christina Fischer 
Heidi Blankenship 
Mariana Grigsby 
Terre Fry 
Teresa Kline

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!  Have a terrific Wednesday!

Hugs,

~Cindy
---------------------------------------------------------------
Stamps:  JustRite Stampers Sparky & Friends
Papers:  Kraft (Prism), Solar White (Neenah), Jovial Patterned Paper (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Bundled Sage Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Glitter Pen, Beaded Oval Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Natural Burlap String, Buttons (PTI), Piercing Tools, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals

I'm Back Again...well, sort of!

 
Hello Stampers~

I am so very sorry for the unexplained absense this last week.  Once again, we are having computer woes.  At this time, my main computer (the one with the photo editing software on it) is in the shop.  We got the "blue screen of death", and nothing we did would repair it.  My network is also down; so I am reduced to using the kids computer, which is the only one hooked up to the land line.  The kids use the computer for games only, and it is slooooowwww; but at least it's working. :)

So...my card sample today is one of the cards I should have posted last week for Flourishes release week.  Did you see all the amazing samples the design team created?  Well, I haven't yet; but I plan to check 'em out just as soon as I have a little internet speed again.  No doubt they are A-mazing!

The set I used is called Paperwhites.  Isn't it beautiful?  I embossed the image in white, and watercolored it using dye inks and a water brush.  All of my cardstock layers are Flourishes European Watercolor Paper, with the exception of the pretty blue patterned paper, which is from the Tinsel paper pack from Memory Box.

How about that gorgeous velvet and crocheted ribbon?!  Oh my gosh, I am sooo in love with this stuff!  I used the Crochet and Velvet Pink Ribbon on my card; but you can also get it in a pretty green (which I'll be using soon no doubt!).

Here's a close-up of the image:

 
I don't have any of my usual photo editing software; so forgive me if the pictures are a bit shadowy.  As you can see I added some pretty White Pearls to the flower centers.  I used Spellbinders Petite Oval Nestabilities die to frame the image.  The card size is 5-1/2" square.

That's all from me today, friends.  I do hope my computer troubles are soon to be behind me.  It's not convenient for me, the companies I design for, and most especially YOU!  I hope you'll hang in there with me while we work through this.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

Flourishes Friday!

Hello Stampers~

It's time for another Flourishes Friday Focus!  I should mention that my card is really quite a stretch for today's focus, which is to use shades of blue in your sample.  The theme revolves around the pretty blues of winter, and I have an autumn card.  Good job, huh? ;)  Seriously, though, I am away on vacation this week, and had previously made this card for a class I taught on fancy folds.  It squeaks by...barely.  It does use one of my favorite Flourishes stamps sets, Falling Leaves, which was drawn by the fabulously talented Marcella Hawley.

I colored the leaves in with Copic markers.  For the orange leaf I used YR04, YR07, & YR09.  For the yellow leaf, I used Y32, Y35, & Y38.

Now, on to that fold, which I know you're curious about.  I'm going to make it easy-peasy for you, and direct you right to the sight with complete video instructions.  Click HERE to learn how to make your own!

Next, you'll want to hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their fabulous creations!

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

Stop by the Flourishes Blog to learn all the details about entering this week's challenge!  It's your chance to win ALL THREE of this month's release sets!

Have a fantastic day, friends!

Thanks for visiting with me today! :)

Hugs,
~Cindy
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Stamps:  Falling Leaves
Papers:  Retired SU Patterned Papers, Really Rust (SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers (see above)
Accessories:  Paper Cutter with Scoring Blade, Natural Linen Twine, Dimensionals