the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Beautiful Dragonflies

Hello Stampers~

I hope you've enjoyed the long weekend if you live in America. :)  I am so very thankful for the men and women who serve our country while we sit home enjoying our freedoms!  May God bless each and everyone of them! :)

My oldest son turned 22 today....yikes!  Where on earth does the time go?!

My card is made with the Dragonfly Vine cling stamp from Stampendous.  This is such a beautiful image that it needs very little hooplah to introduce it.  I chose to emboss the image in white (could have also used clear) on white cardstock.  I then sponged on some Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass & Shabby Shutters Distress Inks.  It's such an easy technique, but really gives a wow effect, don't you think?

The sentiment on the card is from JustRite's Just Because Mini Sentiments stamp set.  I love it when I find a set that has lots of small sentiments, and this one has some really great ones! 

I added some touches of black to really make it pop.  My favorite part is the sweet little dragonfly charm hanging from the bow.  That came from the Butterfly Garden Metal Charms pack from Pink Paislee, and was actually a brass metal color until I got ahold of it with my C9 Copic marker. {grin}  I do so love to color things with those markers!  Here's a close-up for you:

 That's all from me today, friends!  Thanks so very much for stopping by today!

Hugs,
~Cindy 

Flourishes Friday

Hey all~

I'm keeping my post short and sweet today, as I've written today's Flourishes Blog post.  

Here's a peek at my sample:

We're talking about ways to use your Copics this week.

Check out the rest of the design team blogs for their Copic creations! :)

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

Then you'll want to stop by the Flourishes blog to see my full card sample for today, as well as to get some tips for ways to use your Copic markers.

Have a fantastic Friday, friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Hugs,
~Cindy 

Friendship Blooms Card Set

Hello Stampers~

I have a sweet little set of notecards to share with you today.  I seem to have a bit of a thing for notecards lately. :)  I had every intention of sharing it with you this morning; but I just plum ran out of time. 

These cards are all 4-1/4" square, and are made with Just Rite's fabulous Friendship Blooms cling mount stamp set.  The pretty patterned papers are from the Picket Fence collection from Lilybee Designs.

I just love how the images in this set coordinate with several Spellbinders dies!  I used the Labels Eighteen & Classic Circle dies for my cards.  I was tempted to add some sponging, colored cardstock, a big bow....but in the end I decided that I really liked the freshness and vibrancy of all that white.  When I do give this set away, I will include a set of my hand-made square envies to match, like the ones I did in my last post.  I will do a tutorial for you guys...promise!

Here's a close up of the back card, since you can't see it very well in the photo above:

Hope you are all doing absolutely fabulous today, my friends!

Thanks for visiting with me!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Friendship Blooms (JustRite Stampers)
Papers:  Neenah Classic Solar White, Picket Fence Collection (Lilybee Designs)
Inks:  Memento Rhubarb Stalk, Memento Grape Jelly, SU Cool Caribbean, SU Bermuda Bay
Accessories:  SU floral embossing folder (can't remember the name of it), Clear Stardust Spica Glitter Pen, Martha Stewart Border Punch, White Pleated Satin Ribbon, Spellbinders Labels Eighteen Die, Spellbinders Classic Circles Die, White Pearls, Dimensionals 

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

Can you believe it's Friday already?  This has been one rainy week here in NH!  Next week looks like more of the same; so I guess I'll be getting lots of indoor projects done.  

My project today is a set of 4-1/4" square cards with matching envelopes in a pouch, much like the one I posted HERE.  I just love making these sets!  They will make perfect gifts for some special people in my life. :)

The first card uses the Cherries and Peaches stamp set.  Each of the images are colored in using Copic markers.

The pretty patterned papers are from Memory Box's Minuet Paper Pad.  The card bases and stamped layers are made with Classic White card stock.  I cut out the images with Spellbinders Labels Twenty Nestabilities die and my Grand Calibur die-cut machine.
The second card uses the Berry Sweet stamp set.

This next card also uses the Berry Sweet stamp set.  Don't you just love the blueberries?

The final card uses the Strawberries stamp set.  Strawberry season is almost here for us, and I cannot wait!

As you can see, I punched a border along the left side of each card.  I used an old border punch from SU on my cards; but you could use anything your heart desires!  I then scored two lines next to the punched border, and added pearls between the lines.
Here's what the outside of the pouch looks like:

 

Finally, here's a shot of the inside of the pouch.
 

As you can see, four cards with envelopes fit nicely inside the pouch.  I used regular medium sized envelopes, and cut them down to be square.  I then added matching patterned papers to the cut side as flaps...easy peasy!

Here are the Copic markers I used. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Now hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to see their fabulous creations:

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber – D.T. Coordinator
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan

Remember that today is the final day to get in on the Flourishes Release Bundle special at 10% off! Don't miss out!!!

I'd like to send a big shout out to sweet Ms. Barbara Anders, whose birthday it is today!  HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, sweet lady!  May it be the BEST one yet! :)

Have a great day, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Cherries and Peaches,  Berry Sweet, 
Papers:  Classic White, Minuet Patterned Papers (Memory Box), Baja Breeze Textured Card Stock (SU)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories: Spellbinders Labels Twenty Nestabilities Die, Grand Calibur Die-Cut Machine, Wide Stitched Baja Breeze Grosgrain Ribbon (SU), Large Corner Rounder, Sponge Dauber, Modern Label Punch (SU), 1-1/4" Circle Punch, Eyelet Lace Border Punch (SU), 1/8" Scor-Tape, Scor-Buddy, White Pearls

Out On A Limb

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a simple card to share with you.  I made this one using the Out On a Limb stamp set from Stampendous.  I picked this cute set up at the Stampers Dream store.

The card size is 3-1/2" x 5-1/2", so a little bit narrower than usual.  I used some pretty Jillibean Soup Dutch Mustard patterned papers, and complimented them with Copic markers in coordinating colors.

Here's a close-up of the image:

It looks a bit like this tree suffers from a bit of rosacea, doesn't it?!  I guess I could have been a bit more careful with the rosy cheeks. :)

Here are the Copic colors I used:

The inside of the card, which I forgot to take a picture of, says "I'd go out on a limb for you."  Isn't that sweeeeet?

I do hope you all have a FANTASTIC day today!  I am working and then off to teach a card class in the evening...can't wait! :)

Thanks for visiting today!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  On a Limb (Stampendous)
Papers:  Solar White (Neenah), Dutch Mustard Patterned Papers (Jillibean Soup)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Chocolate Twill Ribbon (PTI), Chocolate Pearls, Dimensionals, White Opaque Pen (eyes), White Button Thread, White Flower Button (SU) 

Flourishes Release Week Finale

Hello Stampers~

Gosh, can you believe it's Friday again?  It feels like the days are going by in warp speed lately!

It's the final day of Flourishes release week!  Have you been enjoying the samples and sets that you've seen so far?  I hope you are loving them as much as I am! :)

Today we are releasing not one, but two coordinating stamp sets.  One is called Country Charm Labels and the other is Country Charm Borders.  (...notice a theme?)

Here's the card I made using both sets:

I used two of the borders and one of the labels, along with that lovely sentiment.  I was so excited to see that the Country Charm Labels set coordinates with Spellbinders new Grommet Tags die set...easy peasy to cut out!  The pretty patterned papers are from the Portrait Collection from Crate Paper.

Check out the rest of the design team samples:

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

Don't miss out on your chance to win Flourishes ENTIRE release!  Play along in the Sketch Challenge and/or the 3 in a Row Challenge for two chances to win!  Stop by the Flourishes blog for all the details.

Have a FABULOUS Friday, friends!  We're in for another gorgeous day here in NH...yippee! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Country Charm Labels, Country Charm Borders
Papers:  Black, Classic Ivory, Portrait Patterned Papers (Crate Paper)
Inks:  Palette Noir Black, Aqua Mist (PTI)
Accessories:  Black Rhinestones, Black Braided Trim, Black Mini Rose Trim, Spellbinders Grommet Tag Die, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals 

Flourishes Sketch Challenge!

Well, hello again, friends!  How would you like to play along in a fun sketch challenge with the opportunity to win this month's ENTIRE Flourishes release???  You WOULD?  Well, of COURSE you would! :)

Check out the sketch above...easy peasy, right?  Here's my sample to help you get your mojo flowing:

I used the What a Catch stamp set, which is being released today!  I stamped the image three times on Flourishes Classic White cardstock, and colored them in with Copic markers.

Here are the markers I used:

 ...and here is a close up of the image:

It's pretty impossible to tell in the photos; but I used a clear gel pen to give the fish a bit of a shine.  The soft backgrounds were achieved with the Copic Air Brush System.  I colored the staples and Copper Nail Heads using my YG95 Copic marker.

Check out then awesome samples made by the following design team members:

• Christine Okken
• Danielle Kennedy
• Julie Koerber 
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget about our Mystery Blogger challenge as well!  Just leave a comment on each of the blogs participating in today's sketch challenge, and you'll be entered for a chance to win this month's entire release.  How's that for an easy way to win???

Have yourselves a fabulous day, friends!  Thanks a million for swinging by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  What a Catch
Papers:  Classic White, River Rock, Stella Rose Hattie Patterned Papers from My Mind's Eye
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Copper Nail Heads, Staples, Linen Ribbon, Labels Three Nestabilities Dies, Word Window Punch, Modern Label Punch, Clear Gel Pen, Copic Air Brush System, Dimensionals, Natural Burlap String 

Flourishes Release Week Day Two

Hello Stampers~

It's day two of Flourishes release week, and today's stamp set is REEL-y cool! ;)  It's called What a Catch, and is the perfect set for the men in your life.  Actually, I know some fisher"women", who would love a card made with this set as well! 

I decided to watercolor this one; so I broke out some dye inks, European watercolor paper, and my sadly neglected water brush.  I had forgotten how much I love the way the colors blend together with watercolor...sigh, so satisfying!  I love this sentiment too...so cool and very current.

Check out the samples made by the rest of the design team.  Wait until you see how AMAZING they are!  This is one awesome stamp set for sure!

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

 Flourishes has some fabulous challenges for you this week, beginning with yesterday's 3 in a Row Challenge.  You have until Friday at 5pm EST to play along for your chance at winning ALL FOUR sets in this month's release!  Stop by the Flourishes blog for all the deets.

Flourishes also has a "Mystery Blogger" on each day of the release.  So, even if you don't have time to play along in the 3 in a Row Challenge, you can easily participate in the Mystery Blogger Challenge.  Check out the details right HERE.

Come on back this afternoon at 1pm EST to see today's challenge and some more fun samples using this month's release!

Thanks for visiting, friends!

Have a fantastic Thursday!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  What a Catch
Papers:  Textured Mustard, Not Quite Navy, Blue Bayou, European Watercolor, Stella Rose Hattie Patterned Papers from My Mind's Eye 
Inks:  Black StazOn, Not Quite Navy, and many dye inks for watercoloring, Tim Holtz Pumice Stone & Antique Linen Distress Inks
Accessories:  Natural Burlap String, Piercing Tool, Bone Folder (for distressing edges), Sponge Dauber, Water Brush, Gold Square Mosaic Crystal Stickers, Dimensionals 

Flourishes Sneak Peeks Day One!

Hello Stampers~

Today the Flourishes design team is showcasing a gorgeous new stamp set from Flourishes, called Wedded Bliss.  This one's a silhouette style stamp set, which makes for some easy and elegant projects!

For my card, I used several layers of Classic White cardstock and just one pop of color in the background to keep things simple and elegant.  I used the Spellbinders Grand Caliber Die Cut machine to cut out and emboss the Lattice Rectangles.  I just LOVE that set of Spellbinders dies!

I sponged on some Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, and added pretty pearls, stick pins, and satin ribbon to finish it off.  I traced the "Congratulations" sentiment with a Clear Stardust Glitter Pen from Sakura.

Now that you've seen a little sneak peek of the set, stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see what gorgeous creations they've been working on!

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

Guess what?!  This month Flourishes is changing things up a bit, and releasing each stamp set on the day that we sneak peek it!  That means that Wedded Bliss will be available for you to purchase TODAY at 10am EST!!!  Just stop on over to the Flourishes store to pick yours up today!

Then at NOON EST today, stop by the Flourishes blog for the Three In A Row Challenge, which has a sweeeeeet prize...just sayin'!

Have yourselves a FANTASTIC day, my friends!  Thanks so very much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Wedded Bliss
Papers:  Classic White
Inks:  VersaMark, Not White Navy (sentiment), Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink
Accessories:  Spellbinders Lattice Rectangle Die, Grand Calibur Die Cut Machine, Pearls, Satin Ribbon, Pearl Stick Pins, Sponge Dauber, Black Detail Embossing Powder, Clear Stardust Glitter Pen (Sakura) 

 

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

Happy Friday to you!  Gosh, I haven't been a very good blogger this week, have I?!  Life just got in the way this week; but here I am with another Flourishes Friday post. :)

This week's Flourishes design team challenge is to use sentiments as the focal point of your card.  Wanna play along with us for your chance to win this month's ENTIRE release?  All you need to do is create a card or project using a sentiment as your focal point.  If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword FLLCMAY11. The deadline to enter is May 13th at 5 PM Eastern. Look for who won by clicking on our Winner's Circle post over on the Flourishes Blog Saturday, May 14th! You can read about the challenge details HERE!  That's where you'll link up your creation too.  

Here's my sample:

I chose an inspirational sentiment from the Life Lines stamp set.  This card is for a sweet young lady who is graduating from the 8th grade in just a few short weeks.  I used this week's SCS Sketch for my layout.  The pretty patterned papers are from the Hello Luscious collection from Basic Grey.  I added several ivory trims, pearls, stick pins, a sparkler, and a bright pink satin bow.  I even faux stitched around all of the layers.  Truthfully, I wanted to use my sewing machine.  However, everyone in the house was asleep; so I thought better of it. ;)

The card itself is 5-1/4" square.  Here's a close up:

I forgot to snap a picture of the inside of the card; but I used the "congratulations" sentiment and graduation girl silhouette stamp from Hats Off to You, as well as a strip of patterned paper, to dress it up a bit.

Flourishes release week is next week, and we're changing things up a bit; so be sure to stop by the Flourishes blog for all the deets!

Next up, you'll want to swing by the rest of the designers' blogs to see their fabulous creations.

• Barbara Anders


• Christine Okken


• Danielle Kennedy


• Dawn Burnworth


• Julie Koerber


• Leslie Miller


• Stacy Morgan

Have a fantastic Friday, everyone!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Life Lines, Hats Off to You (inside of card)
Papers:  Classic Ivory, Purely Pomegranate (SU), Hello Luscious Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Purely Pomegranate (SU)
Accessories:  White Opaque Pen, Pearls, Ivory Crocheted Ribbon, Ivory Roses Trim, Ivory Scalloped Edge Satin Ribbon, Bright Pink Satin Ribbon, Narrow Ivory Satin Ribbon, Pearl Stick Pins, Dimensionals