the creative closet by cindy lawrence

You Mean the World to Me

Hello Stampers~

Happy Monday to you!  Today's sample is made with the lovely Kindness cling mount stamp set from JustRite Stampers.  I picked mine up at Stampers Dream.

The richly colored papers are from the Stella & Rose Hattie collection from My Mind's Eye.  I paired them up with the Lattice Pendant, Labels Fourteen, and Circle Nestabilities.

Here's a close up for you:

I adhered some vintage glass glitter to the circle layer at the bottom for a touch of something unexpected and fun.  I added gold accents with some Wild Honey Distress Ink, gold rhinestones, stick pins, double-sided satin ribbon, and a pretty Sparkler from Webster's Pages.  The finished card size is 5-1/4" square.

I hope your Monday is absolutely FANTASTIC, friends! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,
~Cindy 

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Stamps:  Kindness (JustRite)
Papers:  Not Quite Navy (SU), Blue Bayou (SU), Stella & Rose Hattie Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye), Classic Ivory (Flourishes)
Inks:  Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Wild Honey Distress Ink, Blue Bayou (SU), Not Quite Navy (SU)
Accessories:  Gold Rhinestones, Gold Pearl Stick Pins, Aqua/White Twine (The Twinery), Gold Satin Ribbon, Sparkler (Webster's Pages), Lattice Pendant Nestabilities Die, Labels Fourteen Nestabilities Die, Circle Nestabilities Die, Sponge Dauber, Clear Vintage Glass Glitter, Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (PTI), Dimensionals

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

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

 

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 

JustRite Week with Stampers Dream Day Two

Hello Stampers~

I'm back for day two of JustRite week with the Stampers Dream team.  My sample uses the Fancy Tags & You Inspire Me stamp sets.  I love the elegance of these sets, and how beautifully they work with Spellbinders dies.

I began with a pretty ivory cardstock, and punched all the way down both sides with Martha Stewart's Modern Garland Border Punch.  I added a dry-embossed ivory layer and several layers of Prima's Annalee Patterned Papers.

The layout for my card is this month's Sketch For You To Try.  I finished it off with some pretty trims, a bit of air-brushing, and a Prima flower.  Now I'm ready for the next wedding or anniversary on my card list.

It's time for you to stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see their gorgeous creations.  Your first stop is the amazing Kim Teasdale.  Here's the line-up for the whole week:

Monday - Michelle , Cindy , Amy , Mariana 
Tuesday - Michelle , Cindy , Kim , Tosh , Teresa 
Wednesday - Michelle , Teresa, Tosh , Lea, Christina 
Thursday - Michelle , Christina , Amy , Lea, Kim

Thanks for visiting, friends!  Have a glorious Tuesday! :)

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  JustRite You Inspire Me, JustRite Fancy Tags
Papers:  Flourishes Classic Ivory, Prima Annalee Patterned Papers
Inks:  SU Melon Mambo, SU River Rock, Copic Markers (BG13 & R81)
Accessories:  Prima Flower, Pink Crocheted Trim, Pink Velvet/Crocheted Ribbon, Labels Five Nestabilities, Petite Oval Nestabilities, SU Lattice Embossing Folder, Copic Airbrush System, Dimensionals, Martha Stewart Modern Garland Border Punch 

Stampers Dream JustRite Blog Hop Day One

Hello Stampers~

How are you all???  Gosh, I've missed you!  I can't believe how easily two weeks can get away from you!  I planned to take it easy over the holidays; but then I came down with some serious cold/flu symptoms, which officially kicked my behind last week.  The good news is that I am feeling a million times better, and ready for a fabulous week ahead! :)  I hope you all had very blessed Christmas and New Year holidays with your loved ones. 

It's JustRite week at Stampers Dream, and the team has some fun and fabulous samples to share with you.  I chose the Adorable Dragon set for my sample.  This dragon truly IS adorable, don't you think?  I just love this fun new line of stamps from JustRite!

I colored him in with Copic Markers, using the Colorless Blender to achieve the textured effect on his body.  Here's a close-up view for you:

I used Spellbinders Hearts Nestability Dies to anchor my dragon, and the Copic Air Brush System to achieve the blended shades of pink on the heart.  The fun heart patterned paper is from Bo Bunny's Crush Collection.

Here are the Copic markers I used:

Next up you'll want to stop by and see what fabulous creation Amy has for you.

Here's the line-up for the whole week:

Monday - Michelle , Cindy , Amy , Mariana
Tuesday - Michelle , Cindy , Kim , Tosh , Teresa
Wednesday - Michelle , Teresa, Tosh , Lea, Christina
Thursday - Michelle , Christina , Amy , Lea, Kim

Have a wonderful day, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Adorable Dragon
Papers:  Prism Razzleberry Light and Dark, Neenah Classic Solar White, Bo Bunny Crush Patterned Papers
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo), SU Purely Pomegranate 
Accessories:  Hearts Spellbinders Nestability Dies, Shimmery Ribbon, Crocheted Trim, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals, Clear Sakura Glaze Pen, Copic Airbrush System, White Opaque Pen

Groovy Snowman

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine day?  I am TERRIFIC!  I have the day off tomorrow...and I get to be home alone for the first time in a loooooooong time.  Whatever shall I do?  Stay in my jammies all day...reading, watching tv, eating bon bons and sipping wine???  Hmmm....I guess I should probably finish up the gift wrapping, write in/address/mail the Christmas cards, get the ham into the oven for dinner, begin the candy making marathon, find and load photos onto my mother-in-laws digital photo frame, do laundry, housework, and maybe even squeeze in a bit of stamping.  Yup, that sounds more like my day; but boy oh boy, am I thankful for it!!! :)

Today's card is another Christmas card, made with Just Rite's Groovy Snowmen stamp set.  I chose warm tones and pretty Mistletoe patterned papers from Memory Box.   The corduroy buttons are some old SU buttons that I dyed with my R24 Copic marker, and strung with Peppermint Twine.  I finished the card off with a pretty border made with Martha Stewart's Modern Garland punch.

The layout is this week's Tuesday Sketch Challenge from Mercy. 

Here's a close-up of the image:

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

 Okay, friends, that is all from me today.  I hope your day is grooooovy! ;)

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Groovy Snowmen (JustRite Stampers)
Papers:  Riding Hood Red, Sahara Sand, Classic Ivory, Mistletoe Patterned Papers (Memory Box)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Peppermint Twine, Cream Satin Ruffled Ribbon, Bone Folder (for distressing edges), Corduroy Buttons, Martha Stewart Modern Garland Border Punch, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals 

Do You Believe In Magic?

Hello Stampers~

Well, here we are just three days away from Christmas.  I hope you are finding time to enjoy the little things in these last few days leading up to the big day.  It's so easy to become frantic and frazzled with our "to-do" lists, isn't it?  I am often the worst offender in the "over-achiever" club...also known as the "doesn't-know-her-limits" club.  I do have to keep reminding myself of what is truly important.  I am so very thankful for all that I have been blessed with.  God is GOOD!  

I've been getting quite a kick out of the many frazzled men out there shopping this week...very entertaining indeed! ("Oh, she's about your size...")  Then there are the amazing questions like, "I need to buy something for a 7 year old boy.  What color do they like?"  ...and the line I hear over and over..."Do you work here?" as I'm taking down a sign.  The other day I couldn't help myself, and I said, "No, I just like messing with the signs."  HAH!  Here's my favorite encounter this week, as I over-heard an elderly couple talking about how they couldn't find what they were looking for and were just going to have to go somewhere else.  So I walked over, and said, "Hi there! Is there something I can help you find?"  Their response?... "No, thank you...just browsing." Hahahaha...some days it's hard to keep a straight face out there!   People are FUNNY, I tell ya! :)

Today, I have a sweet little snowman sample to share with you.  I used JustRite's Whimsical Christmas Borders & Centers to make the snowflake background.   The snowman is made from punches...don't you just love the ear-muffs?!  (Not my original idea...lifted from Splitcoaststampers!)  I used some pretty sparkly papers and a Sakura Glaze Pen to get lots of shimmer and shine.  My Nestability dies, some sponging, and pearls finish things off nicely.

Here's a close-up:

The card size is 6" x 3-1/4", and I rounded the top two corners for interest.

Have yourselves a fabulous Wednesday, friends!  My daughter is home with the stomach bug, which my son, Nick, had over the weekend.  Good times!  At least they are getting it out of the way before Christmas, right?  Gotta look at the bright side. :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy 

Hearts Come Home...

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine Tuesday?  I am terrific!  We decorated our house and tree this weekend, and I even have my Christmas shopping done (well, except for stockings).  So, for a moment I am feeling pretty on top of things.  I'm sure that won't last; so I'll just enjoy it while it does!  I even lost 2 lbs over Thanksgiving week, which is really crazy because I had several pieces of pie over the course of that week!  Maybe pie is the key to weight loss?  You think???

Anyway.... Today's sample is made with the Christmas Nested Frames set from JustRite Stampers.  I just can't get enough of the easy elegance of these framed sets.  I chose to go with a monochromatic color scheme for this card.  I stamped the images on Kraft cardstock from Prism, and colored the leaves with my YG03 & YG17 Copic markers.  The white berries are done with a Galaxy marker.  

The beautiful embossed poinsettia background was done with an embossing folder from SU.  I sponged the flowers with green ink to make them pop.  The pretty ivory crochet trim is from May Arts, and the green satin ribbon is from PTI.

To make the sentiment really pop, I embossed it with vanilla embossing powder.  The finishing touch on my card is a row of pretty green pearls...which I actually did NOT color!  They really came that color. LOL

Finally....Did you notice that I used Spellbinders dies on the frames???  Well, JustRite Stampers now has their own custom dies to match their frames and sentiments!  How cool is that?!  I used both the Nested Frame and Nested Sentiment dies on my card.  I am just soooo excited about these dies...such an awesome addition to my Spellbinders collection!  You can get your own set at Stampers Dream.

I hope your day is wonderful!  I am looking forward to watching my daughter play in her very first basketball game tonight...should be fun! :)

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Stampers Christmas Nested Frames
Papers:  Always Artichoke (SU), Kraft (Prism)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Always Artichoke (SU), VersaMark, Copic Markers (YG03, YG17)
Accessories:  Poinsettia Embossing Folder (SU), Sponge Daubers, Ivory Crochet Trim (May Arts), Green Satin Ribbon (PTI), Button (PTI), Ivory Burlap String, Dimensionals, Nested Frame Dies (JustRite), Nested Sentiment Dies (JustRite), Pearls, Vanilla Embossing Powder 

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
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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