the creative closet by cindy lawrence

It's a Birthday Celebration!

Hello Stampers~

Welcome to a very special addition of Flourishes Friday!  Today the Flourishes design team and friends are honoring the owner of Flourishes stamps, Jan Marie, with a surprise birthday celebration!  Jan Marie is one of the sweetest, kindest people you will ever meet.  I hope you will stop by her blog and leave her some love.  Happy, happy birthday, sweet lady! :)

For my card, I chose to use the gorgeous Butterflies and Blossoms stamp set, and paired it up with some soft and pretty Annalee patterned paper.  I colored the image with Copic markers and cut out extra blossoms and a butterfly and popped them up on Dimensionals.  I then added some Lemon Yellow Flower Soft to the flower centers and Clear Stardust Glitter Glaze to the flower petals.  

Pretty velvet ribbon and braided trim give it that extra special feel; but the real grand-finale are the swirls of pretty pink rhinestones from Zva...love those babies!

The sketch is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  My card also fits with this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which is to create a birthday card.

Here's a close-up of the main panel:

...and here are the Copic markers I used:

How'd you like a chance to win that gorgeous stamp set for yourself?  You would???  Well, of COURSE you would!  Simply leave a comment here, along with your e-mail address, anytime between now and Sunday afternoon, and I'll draw one random winner.   Easy peasy, right?  How about some more good news?  The fabulous Leslie Miller is offering up her own blog candy this weekend as well.

Check out the whole set:

Now, you'll want to check out what the rest of the design team and friends created for Jan Marie's special day.  You are in for some serious eye candy!

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Betty Wright
• Cindy Haffner
• Dee Jackson
• Maki Jones
• Silke Ledlow
• Tammy Hershberger
• Beate Johns
• Cindy Coutts
• Heather Jensen
• Kathy Jones
• Yvonne Hagane

Before I forget, have you checked out Flourishes' Gambler's Sale yet?  All sale prices on the Sale Page are now at least 25% off!  Click HERE to check it out!

Thanks, as always, for stopping by today!
Have a fabulous Friday, friends! 

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Butterflies and Blossoms, Mix N Mugs (sentiment)
Papers:  Pale Kiwi Textured (Prism), Annalee Patterned Paper (Prima), Classic White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Pink Rhinestone Swirls (Zva), Pink Satin Ribbon (SU), Pink Velvet Ribbon, White Braided Trim, Clear Stardust Glitter Pen, Dimensionals, Lemon Yellow Flower Soft

Stampers Dream Blog Hop

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a special treat for you!  The Stampers Dream Team and friends are sharing samples made with some of our favorite stamps from the Stampers Dream store.  I chose to use the Fancy Nested Frames set from JustRite Stampers.  I have many favorite stamps right now; but these nested frame sets from JustRite are high on my list.  They make such elegant cards, don't you think?

I stamped the frame on some pale green cardstock and embossed it with vanilla embossing powder (retired SU).  I did this three times, and used my Spellbinders Labels Fourteen and Classic Oval Nestabilities to cut out the layers.  I then popped the layers up with Dimensionals.

The bottom portion of the card has been dry embossed with my Scor-Buddy, to give it a little bit of subtle pattern.  The top portion of the background is some beautiful Annalee patterned paper from Prima.  I sponged each layer of the pale green cardstock, which gives the card a bit more depth.  The card itself is shimmery white cardstock, and measures 5-1/2" square.

I finished things off with some pretty pearls, a white paper flower, and a big green silk bow.  Although I chose to use the "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment,  this would make a lovely wedding or anniversary card simply by changing the sentiment.  Pretty papers, luscious ribbon, and one of these JustRite nested frame sets, and you've got yourself one fancy-schmancy card! ;)

Here's a close-up view for you:

 Hey... Did I tell you that a wonderful part of today's blog hop is BLOG CANDY???  I didn't?!  Well...there are actually going to be TWO separate winners, on two different blogs!  The only catch is, that we aren't gonna tell you which blogs have the hidden candy.  You'll just have to leave a comment on every one between now and Saturday afternoon for your chances to win! 

 Wanna see what you could win?  Here's the first prize package:

  

Blog Candy #1 includes the following:

Epiphany Crafts Heart Punch and Epoxy Bubble Caps Stickers

A LaBlanche Rubber Stamp

The Rubber Café stamp

Webster’s Pages designer vellum pack

Webster’s Pages Sentiment Sheet

Mini 3-D Puzzle

Cosmo Cricket Togetherness Paper Pad    

 ...and here's what's in the second package:

 

Blog Candy #2 includes:

Stampavie Rubber Stamp (new release) by Gillian Roberts

Stickles Tropical Tangerine (new color)  

Basic Grey Wander 6 x 6 Paper Pad          

La-La Land Crafts Panda rubber stamp

Stampendous Clear Stamp Set

Sassafras Lass felties puddle jumpers

Mini 3-D Puzzle

Webster’s Pages designer vellum pack

Webster’s Pages Sentiment Sheet

Handmade heart pin from Fabscraps

Awesome goodies, huh?!  

Hop on over to the rest of the blogs, and leave 'em some love...and maybe get a little in return yourself! ;)

Michelle               http://michellerodgers.blogspot.com/

Becca                    http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/ 

Jerri Kay               http://jerrikay.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/  

Amy                       http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/        

Tosh                      http://stamptalkwithtosh.blogspot.com/            

Mariana               http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/               

Cindy                     http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/

Leslie                     http://lesliekmiller.typepad.com/       

Kim                        http://paperintheworks.blogspot.com/               

Teresa                  http://enjoythevasunshine.blogspot.com/        

Lea                         http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/             

Christina              http://flowersandink.blogspot..com/     

Thanks for stopping by today, sweet friends!

Have yourselves a fantastic day!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Fancy Nested Frames
Papers:  Shimmery White, Pale Green (Gina K), Annalee Patterned Paper (Prima)
Inks:  VersaMark, New Sprout (Memento)
Accessories:  Pearls, Green Silk Ribbon, White Paper Flowers, Scor Buddy, Sponge Dauber, Labels Fourteen Nestabilities, Classic Oval Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Vanilla Embossing Powder

Bloomin' Birdhouse

Hello Stampers~

How is your week going?  My sweet Abbi-girl hasn't had the best start to her school break.  She has been feverish and coughing.  I'm hoping it doesn't turn into anything too serious.  She also had a rather unpleasant awakening yesterday morning...a bee stung her in the face!  First of all, where on earth does a bee come from in February...and secondly, what is his problem anyway?!  Ornery thing.  Abbi handled it very well; but I felt so bad for her. :(  Hopefully, she's feeling better when she wakes up today.

Today's sample uses JustRite's new Birdhouses stamp set, which I picked up at Stampers Dream.  I love this particular summer-time birdhouse, as it gives me hope that we may actually see something other than snow again...haha!

I went with bright pink cardstock layers, and some yummy Lemonade papers from Basic Grey.  I sponged some Pomegranate ink onto the embossed cardstock layer to make it stand out more.

That fun sketch is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Here's a close-up of the image:

To achieve the softly colored background behind the birdhouse, I used my Copic Air Brush system and the BG02 & YG13 Copic markers.  The rest of the markers I used are as follows: 

That's all for today, folks!  Thanks for stopping by. :)  

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Birdhouses, JustRite Happy Everything Tag Making Kit
Papers:  Purely Pomegranate (SU), Classic Solar White (Neenah), Lemonade Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Purely Pomegranate (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Lacey Circle Nestabilities, Labels One Nestabilities, JustRite Tag Nestabilities, Embossing Folder (SU), Clear Rhinestones (colored with RV19 Copic marker), Pink Shimmery Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, White Opaque Pen, Copic Air Brush System, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this lovely day?  I am just giddy with excitement, as I took this next week off to hang with my kiddos, who will be on their winter break from school.  It is going to be a FUN week for sure! :)

Today's card is made with Flourishes new Hello Hyacinth stamp set.  I am LOVING the gorgeous spring blooms in this set!  I went with pretty blues, greens, and yellows for my card.  I colored the image with Copic markers, cut it out, and popped it up with Dimensionals.

I also participated in this week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge, which is to use three patterned papers on your project.  The pretty papers are from an old Basic Grey pack called Lily Kate.

Here's a close up of the image:

  

The Copic colors I used to color the image are as follows: 

Have you checked out Flourishes Gambler’s sale lately?  All sale prices have been lowered to  at least 20% off and new items have been added!  Click HERE to check out the amazing deals!

Also, today is the last day to get the New Release Bundle at 10% off!  You don't want to miss it!

Check out the awesome creations made by the rest of the design team:

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Dawn Burnworth
• Jan Marie Caruso
• Julie Koerber 
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Thanks for stopping by today!  Have yourselves a FABULOUS weekend, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  Hello Hyacinth
Papers:  Classic White, Lilykate Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Paris Dusk, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Pearls (dyed with B26 Copic marker), Martha Stewart Zig Zag Border Punch, Dimensionals 

Daffodil Days Are Comin'...

Hello Stampers~

It is hard to imagine here in snowy New Hampshire; but spring is most certainly on it's way to us. Soon the daffodils will be blooming, and all will be right in the world again. :) 

For my card today, I used JustRite's new The Greatest Joy stamp set, which I picked up at Stampers Dream.  I stamped the daffodils over and over to create a little springtime garden.  I chose sunny shades of yellow, cheerful ruffled ribbon, and fun flower brads to make a get well card that is sure to be a bright spot for someone who's feeling a bit under the weather.

The layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  

I colored the image in with the following Copic markers:

 You may be wondering where I used the BG15 marker.  I actually air-brushed it on very lightly for the sky, and did the same with the W8 marker for the dirt.  While both of these markers are fairly intense colors, when air-brushed they take on a much softer appearance.

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

 Okay, friends, that is all from me today.  I am working my way towards a week off next week to be with my kiddos on their winter break.  Three days and counting... :)

Have yourselves a FABULOUS day, friends!  Thanks for visiting with me!

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  JustRite The Greatest Joy, JustRite Fancy Tags (sentiment) 
Papers:  Neenah Classic Solar White, Delovely Patterned Paper (Cosmo Cricket, Intense Yellow Textured Cardstock (Prism)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Flower Brads (SU), Gold Rhinestones, Ruffled Yellow Gingham Ribbon, Copic Air Brush System, Dimensionals

 

Flourishes Release Day!

Hello Stampers~

It's Flourishes release day!  I think you'll agree with me when I say that the sets this month are knock-your-socks-off GORGEOUS!  I have had such fun playing with them. :)

For my card, I stamped an image from the From the Desk of stamp set onto Kraft cardstock, and colored it with Copic markers.  I love the soft look that results from coloring on Kraft cardstock.  For my layout, I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  It was a challenging sketch; but I am happy with the end result.

I paired up some chocolate brown cardstock with Prima's Fairy Flora patterned papers.  To add to the aged look, I used a bone folder to distress the edges of my main layer, and sponged on some Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  The chocolate buttons finish things off nicely.

Here's a close up view for you:

I actually used regular silver staples to hold the little sentiment tag on, and simply colored them with the E49 Copic marker.  I also colored the tiny pearls with that same Copic marker.

Here are all the Copic markers I used: 

Check out what the rest of the design team created today: 

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber 
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

...and DO stop by the Flourishes store to grab this month's stamp sets!

Have a fantastic weekend, friends!  Thanks so very much for stopping by today! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  From the Desk of
Papers:  Dark Chocolate, Fairy Flora Patterned Papers (Prima), Kraft
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Brown Buttons (PTI), Natural Twine, Sponge Dauber, Pearls (dyed with E49 Copic marker), Staples (dyed with E49 Copic marker), Bone Folder (for distressing edges), Dimensionals 

Flourishes Sets Are Live!

Hello Hyacinth

 From the Desk Of

You can find both sets and don't forget about the New Release Bundle -- where you can get both sets bundled together at 10% off!  

The Flourishes DT will be back with another creation showcasing this set tomorrow... so stay tuned!

Flourishes Sneak Peeks Day Two!

Hello Stampers~

Today's Flourishes sneak peek set is going to be a favorite of mine for a long, long time.  It's called From the Desk of, and pays tribute to the time-honored tradition of letter-writing.  Of course, it's versatile enough to create artwork for many different occasions.

My card is vintage-inspired.  I love the shabby chic look of fru-fru ribbons, lace, and soft color combinations.  I used some Ivory Crocheted Ribbon, Rose Crinkled Satin Wired Ribbon, and Ivory Loop Trim.  I finished off the bow with a pretty pink Vintage Sparkler.  

The edges of my card are decorated with a Martha Stewart Border Punch.  That simple little step adds so much elegance, don't you think?  

I stamped the image on Classic White cardstock, colored it with Copic markers, and cut the whole panel out with my Labels Fourteen Nestabilities Die.  I then sponged the edges with a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink Pad. 

Here's a close up of the image: 

I should also mention that I made the flower centers pop with a White Opaque Pen.  Here are the Copic colors I used: 

OTHER FLOURISHES FUN THIS WEEK!

• Flourishes’ Winter Thaw Challenge is in full swing!  You could win Flourishes’ ENTIRE February release! Check it out HERE.
• Join our DT with some chatter, fun, games and prizes!  Our Power Hour Release Party starts tonight, February 10th at 9 PM Central time!  You’ll find the party at the Flourishes’ Member Company Forum on SCS!  And… after the party, you can check out the new sets live in the Flourishes store!
• Save a BUNDLE with Flourishes new release bundle!  Purchase the entire release for 10% off! You can check it out HERE!
• Would you like to get your hands on our new sets NOW?  Pre-order them HERE!

Hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their fabulous creations:

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

One more thing before I go... The Gambler's Sale is still going on over at the Flourishes store...and they have just dropped the prices another 5%!  It's DEAL time, baby! ;)

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  From the Desk of
Papers:  Textured Soft Green, Beige, Classic White, Le Romantique Patterned Paper (Graphic 45)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Forest Moss Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Labels Fourteen Nestabilities, Sponge Dauber, Clear Rhinestones, Vintage Sparkler, Wide Crushed Satin Ribbon, Ivory Crocheted Ribbon, Ivory Crocheted Trim, Martha Stewart Border Punch, White Opaque Pen, Dimensionals 

Flourishes Sneak Peeks Day One!

Hello Stampers~

It's time for another Flourishes release week!  Today's sneak peek is a gorgeous stamp set called Hello Hyacinth.  I could color these beauties all day long.... :)

I kept the layout simple, and the size of the card a bit on the larger side (6" x 4").  I added some pretty white crocheted ribbon and blue cotton linen, as well as some pretty white pearls.  The sentiment was stamped with Memento's Danube Blue ink, and the image was colored with Copic Markers.

I cut the hyacinths out to hang over the edge the end before I cut out the rectangle.  This was the perfect image for that look. :)

Here's a close-up view:

Here are the Copic marker colors I used:

OTHER FLOURISHES FUN THIS WEEK!

• Flourishes' Winter Thaw Challenge is in full swing! You could win Flourishes' ENTIRE February release! Check it outHERE.
• Join our DT with some chatter, fun, games and prizes! Our Power Hour Release Party starts tomorrow night, February 10th at 9 PM Central time! You'll find the party at theFlourishes' Member Company Forum on SCS! And... after the party, you can check out the new sets live in the Flourishes store!
• Save a BUNDLE with Flourishes new release bundle! Purchase the entire release for 10% off! You can check it outHERE!
• Would you like to get your hands on our new sets NOW? Pre-order them HERE!

That's all from me today, folks!  Check out what the rest of the design team has done with this awesome stamp set:

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

Thanks for visiting with me today, friends!  Have a great one! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Hello Hyacinth
Papers:  Classic White, Ballet Blue Textured
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento  Danube Blue, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  White Crocheted Ribbon, Blue Cotton Linen Ribbon, White Pearls, Dimensionals 

Mother Nature's Gifts

Hello Stampers ~

Today's card is made with JustRite's gorgeous Mother Nature's Gifts set.  The pretty florals and borders in this set make it a must have in my opinion.   I pulled out some old Basic Grey Ambrosia papers to give it some *pop*...love those papers!  The sentiment is from JustRite's Fancy Nested Frames set.

The layout for my card is  this month's Sketch For You To Try.  It was the perfect layout to give my flower the central spotlight. :)

Here are the Copic markers I used:

I used the E49 Copic marker to make the spots on the tiger lily...fun, fun!

You know something?  I had a GREAT day today!  Wanna know why???  I gave my boss my notice...my two MONTH notice that is; but my notice, nonetheless.  I finally set a date in mid-April to quit my day job.  {BIG HAPPY GRIN HERE}  I'm looking forward to getting my life back again! :)

Hope you have a super duper lovely day, friends!  Thanks for visiting!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  JustRite Mother Nature's Gifts, JustRite Fancy Nested Frames (sentiment)
Papers:  Black, Ambrosia Patterned Papers (Basic Grey), Neenah Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Orange Rhinestones, Black Rhinestones, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Circle Nestabilities, Black Braided Cord, Dimensionals