the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Flourishes Sneak Peeks Day Two!

Hello Stampers~

It's day two of Flourishes sneak peeks, and we're continuing with the love-fest! ;-)  Today's set is called Heartlines.  It's the perfect sentiment set for sending a little love to a dear friend, whether it be on Valentine's Day or any other day of the year. 

 I chose to re-purpose a six-inch heart-shaped box I've had in my stash since last Valentine's Day.  I pulled the cover apart, and traced the shape of the lid onto some pretty Picadilly patterned paper from Basic Grey.  I then traced an identical shape onto Classic Ivory for the inside of the lid.  I forgot to snap a photo; but I stamped that gorgeous heart image from the From the Heart image on the inside of the lid to dress it up a bit.  Before I glued the layers together, I added some beautiful ruffled ivory ribbon around the edges to really dress it up.  The luxurious Red Velvet Ribbon finished the look off perfectly.  The bow is made with Solid Wrinkled Ivory Ribbon with a tiny red heart epoxy sticker in the center.
I used the Spellbinders Classic Heart Nestabilities die (S4-136) and Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Heart Nestabilities Dies (S4-137) for the sentiment layers.  I sponged on a bit of Soft Sky ink, and stamped the sentiment in Lady Bug ink from Memento. 

It's difficult to tell in the photo above that it is, indeed, a box; so here's a slightly different view for you: 

It was really quite a simple project to put together, and I'm quite pleased with the end result.  Now to decide whom to give it to... ;-)

Are you ready for a chance to win this awesome stamp set?  All you need to do is leave a comment on each of the designer's blogs because one of us is today's...

Remember that one of us will be picking a name from the comments you leave on today's blog post.  We don’t know which one it is… so the more blogs you leave comments on, the more chances you have to win!

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber 
• Sharon Doolittle
• Stacy Morgan
• Tammy Hershberger
• Heather Jensen
• Mona Pendleton
• Beate Johns
• Cindy Haffner 
• Jan Marie Caruso

DID YOU KNOW YOU COULD WIN OUR ENTIRE JANUARY RELEASE?  Have you checked out our A New Year Challenge?  Just click HERE to find out how to play!  You can also play in our Noon Time Challenges this week!  To do that, all you need to do is check back here today at  noon!  These fast-paced challenges are designed to spark creativity and give you another chance to win some wonderful goodies!  All challenges will close this Friday at 5 PM EST and winners will be announced Saturday in our Winner’s Circle blog post!  So get those fingers inky and good luck!

Can’t wait until all of our sets are revealed Friday morning?  Well, you can pre-order them now if you like what you see on our designers’ blogs!   Just click  HERE. You’ll also see that we are offering our special New Release Bundle again – 10% off if you purchase all three stamp sets in one bundle!

Have yourself a FABULOUS morning, friends!  I'll be back at 1pm EST for today's Noon Time Challenge.

Thanks a million for stopping by!

Hugs,

~Cindy 

Flourishes Alterables

Hello Stampers~

Today I have something really FUN to share with you!  I get so wrapped up in card-making that I completely forget what a delight it is to work with an alterable project.  Flourishes has a whole new section of them (HERE), including this gorgeous Mannequin from Kaiser. 

I began by painting the mannequin with a cream acrylic paint.  Once the paint was dry, I sanded some of the corners and edges to rub off some of the color.  I then used a couple of Tim Holtz Distress Inks (Antique Linen and Walnut Stain) and a sponge to give it a real aged look.  Next up, I added some gorgeous patterned papers from Prima's Alla-Prima pack, which I unabashedly admit that I am head-over-heals in love with...sigh).

Once I had the basics done, it was time to embellish...fun, fun, FUN!  I began with a couple of sweet little doilies.  The first one I added as a collar by slitting the center opening to fit over the neck, and dressing it up with a tiny string of pearls.  The second doily was added in the same way to dress up the bottom.  I held it in place with a bow made from some gorgeous Solid Wrinkled Ivory Ribbon, with a sweet little Arco Iris flower embellishment in the center of the bow.

I added some gorgeous Webster Estate Polka Dot Trim around the waist, wrapped in a yummy Wrinkled Ivory Ribbon, and a bit of rich Teal 1/8" Velvet Trim.  I added a Prima Botanical Sugar Bloom to the center of the bow, and dressed it up with a pearl stick pin, and some pretty Zva Pearl Swirls.  The final embellishment is the "brooch" on the collar, which is made from a Bo Bunny Trinket and a Sea Breeze Sparklet from Kaiser.

Here's a close-up view for you:

Now, in case you're wondering what you would do with something like this, aside from the obvious display piece, here's a shot of what I'm doing with mine.

Doesn't it look so pretty draped with some of my favorite  jewelry?  I just LOVE it!  

Now, you'll want to stop by Christine's (She has blog candy!) and Stacy's blogs to see their gorgeous handiwork with the Mannequin.  What fun it is to see such different looks from the same piece! :-)

Thanks for stopping by today, friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy 

Splitcoaststampers Tutorial - Holiday Card Pouch

Hello Stampers~

I know I said I was going to upload my {365} pictures this weekend; but I just didn't get to it.  I will catch up...promise!

Have you seen the Holiday Blitz tutorials over at Splitcoaststampers this past week?  There are some really great ideas!  Check them all out HERE.

I had the final tutorial, and chose to do this card pouch.  I know several of you have been chomping at the bit for a tutorial on how to make it...so here you go! :-)

Here's a shot of the inside:

My pouch perfectly fits 4-1/4" square cards; but you could certainly adapt it to fit a different size card.  I won't get into the details of how to make it here on my blog, because you can just hop on over to Splitcoaststampers to check out the tutorial for yourself.  There's even a video for ya!  Check it out HERE.

Here are the cards I made to go inside:

The cards were made using Flourishes awesome Poinsettia and Boxwood set.  I think I have used that set more than any other set I own...love, love, LOVE it!

The pretty patterned papers are from Echo Park's Seasons Greetings pad.  The gorgeous 1/8" Red Velvet Trim can be found in the Flourishes store, along with that awesome Spellbinders Blossom Tags Accent piece behind the main image.  The image was colored in with my favorite Copic reds, which can be found in Flourishes Copic Poppy Collection.  I added just a bit of Lemon Flower Soft to the center of each flower.  The final touch is a Martha Stewart border punch down the left side of each card.

If you'd like to learn how to make the envelopes to match these little cards, check out the tutorial I did for SCS a couple of weeks ago HERE.

I hope you enjoy the tutorials, friends.  If you make the pouch, let me know.  I'd love to see your creation!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,

~Cindy 

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

Hello Spring!

Hello friends~

Happy weekend to you!  I am working my last Saturday...such a happy, happy day! :)

I have been working on a fun little Easter project this past week.  I've only been able to grab little bits time here and there; so this one actually took me a whole week to complete!  

I found the most adorable carrot box pattern on Splitcoaststampers.  Check it out HERE!  Then I found the most adorable chocolate bunnies, lambs, and chicks while I was perusing the Easter candy aisles.  Then I thought of Taylored Expressions newest adorable stamp set, Hello Spring....and I just knew I had found a match made in Heaven.   

I made five of these little babies...one for each of my kiddos and one for the hubs.  I still make up fun Easter baskets for everyone in the family....and will until the day I die! :)

After I cut out and scored the pattern for the carrot boxes, I used one of Spellbinders Nested Pennant dies to cut the triangle-shaped window out of the front of the box.  How excited I was to find that the dimensions were a PERFECT fit!  I added clear acetate behind the opening to create a window for the treats to peek through.  I then added some White Opaque Pen faux stitching around the window.  The background was stamped with Tangerine Tango ink on Tangerine Tango card stock, and then I sponged the same ink on every crease.  The sponging really makes the whole thing pop!  I punched a 1/8" hole at the top and tied some ribbon and twine to hold it all together.  

I stamped each of the little animals onto Neenah Classic Solar White cardstock using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored them in using Copic makers.  The patterned paper on the little chick's egg is from Lily Bee's Picket Fence collection.  Here are the markers I used:

 I actually cut out and colored a whole bunch more of those sweet little animals, which I will have to show you what I did with on another day. ;)

For now, I hope you have a fantastic weekend, my friends!  Thanks so much for spending just a wee bit of it with me!}

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Hello Spring (Taylored Expressions)
Papers:  Tangerine Tango (SU), Acetate Sheets, Classic Solar White (Neenah), Picket Fence Patterned Paper (Lily Bee)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tangerine Tango (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Carrot Box Template, Spellbinders Nested Pennant Die, White Opaque Pen, Dimensionals, Green Polka Dotted Satin Ribbon, Natural Burlap String, 1/8" Circle Punch, Scor-Tape, Sponge Dauber, Candy :) 

Flourishes Release Day!

Hello Stampers~

It's finally FRIDAY...yahoooo! :)  I am heading out this afternoon to spend the weekend with some girlfriends at our church's ladies retreat.  I am sooo looking forward to it!

The Flourishes design team is showcasing the final two sets in this month's release, Birthday Pennants and Strips & Stripes, which coordinate beautifully together!

I have a fun little box to share with you today:

I made this box with some pretty Springtime patterned paper from Echo Park.  I needed to gift-wrap a mug for this weekend's retreat (part of a fun workshop we're doing); so I found a box that was sized appropriately and basically "wrapped it" with dp, leaving one end open.  Then I slid the box out, and decorated the new paper box with textured cardstock, a border punch, pretty ribbons, and the pièce de résistance... a pennant banner made from the Birthday Pennants stamp set.

Here's a close up view of the pennant banner:

Can't you just see all the possibilities with this set?!  It coordinates perfectly with Spellbinders Nested Pennants and Nested Lacey Pennants Shapeability Dies.  I love all those layers together...really makes it pop!  I cut my die-cuts using Spellbinders Grand Calibur die cut machine...love, love, love that awesome machine!

We have some exciting additions to the blog roll today!  Several of Spellbinders design team members have joined with us to showcase how perfectly these sets work with Spellbinders dies.  Have fun checking out all the awesomeness!

• Barbara Anders
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence
• Danielle Kennedy
• Dawn Burnworth
• Julie Koerber
• Leslie Miller
• Stacy Morgan
• Jan Marie Caruso
• AJ Otto
• Beth Pingry
  
• Deborah Young
• Heidi Blankenship
• Holly Simoni
• Kazan Clark
• Latisha Yoast
• Margie Higuchi
• Mona Pendleton
• Terre Fry

OTHER FLOURISHES FUN THIS WEEK!

• Flourishes’ A Cut Above the Rest Challenge is in full swing!  You could win Flourishes’ ENTIRE March release!  Check it out HERE.
• Save a BUNDLE with Flourishes new release bundle!  Purchase the entire release for 10% off! You can check it out HERE!
• Gambler's Sale is up to 40% off....get 'em while they're HOT!

 Thanks a million for stopping by today!  Have yourself an incredible weekend, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  Birthday Pennants
Papers:  Melon Mambo, Pink Pirouette, Baja Breeze, Barely Banana Textured (SU), Springtime Patterned Papers (Echo Park), Classic White (Flourishes)
Inks:  Memento Rose Bud, Memento Pear Tart, Memento Sweet Plum
Accessories:  Yellow Polka Dot Sheer Ribbon, White Braided Trim, Wide Pink Satin Ribbon, Martha Stewart Modern Garland Border Punch, Spellbinders Nested Pennant Shapeabilities Dies, Spellbinders Nested Lacey Pennants Shapeabilities Dies, 3/4" Circle Punch, Webster's Pages Sparklers, Scor-Tape, Dimensionals

 

Flourishes Friday

Hello Stampers~

Welcome to another edition of Flourishes Friday!  This week's challenge is a cut above the rest {wink}.  It's no secret that die cuts, punched edges, and decorative borders are all the rage in card making.  So, let's see how you can create your own stamped project that's a cut above the rest!  To enter simply use a die cut, decorative punch or border punch as a focal point on your card...pretty easy, yes? :)

My project is a fun little gift set of cards and envies.  First up are the cards.  They are made using Flourishes Classic Ivory card stock, the sweet From the Desk Of stamp set, and pretty Curio papers from Basic Grey.  Each card measures 4-1/4" square.

 

As you can see, I punched a decorative border down the left side of each card using Martha Stewart's Modern Garland border punch.  I then scored two parallel lines next to the punched edge using my Scor-Buddy.  Three small pearls were added between the lines for visual interest.  The image of the vase of flowers on the stack of books (my fave image in the set!), as well as the sweet "hello", were stamped on Classic Ivory card stock, which was then die-cut using a Spellbinders Labels Four Nestabilities Die (also a favorite shape).  I sponged on a bit of Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink with the die still in place to give it a soft background.  The vintage-y patterned papers from Basic Grey's Curio collection make an elegant background for these sweet, simple cards.

I colored the images using the following Copic markers:  W00, W1, C2, C4, E30, E33, E37, Y32, Y35, Y38, YG11, YG63, YG67, R11, R12, R14, BG0000, BG10, BG72
BG75, BG78

I made the matching envelopes by cutting down some regular-sized envelopes, and adding flaps of matching patterned papers.  A couple of years ago, I made a tutorial explaining how to make these envies.  HERE is the link for ya! :)

Here's a view of the outside of the card holder: 

I kept the holder pretty simple, using only some Ivory Silk Ribbon, Curio patterned papers, Ivory Classic Card Stock, and Curio Ribbon Doilies to decorate it.  

The holder itself is a modified version of THIS one I found on Becky Robert's blog.  Becky's is a lovely stationery set, which holds 5-1/2" x 4-1/4" cards.  My version is pared down with just two pockets inside, and sized to hold 4-1/4" square cards.  I was even able to make the whole holder from one piece of 12" x 12" card stock...sweeeet!

Here's a shot of the inside of the card holder, complete with cards and envies:

Pretty AND simple...my kind of project!  I taught this project at Stamping Around NH last weekend. I was fortunate enough to have Flourishes sponsor my class.  Aren't they AWESOME?!  I had such fun with this one! :)

Now it's time for you to check out the rest of the design team's creations for this week's challenge:

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

I do hope you will play along with us for your chance to win the ENTIRE March release!  Remember to use the keyword FLLCMAR11 when linking up your card to online galleries.  The deadline is March 18th at 5pm EST.

One more thing before I run off today...

Have you been following the Gambler's Sale?  Prices are now at least a whopping 35% off!  Swing by the SALE page to get your deals today!

Have a fabulous Friday, friends!  Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  From the Desk Of
Papers:  River Rock Textured (SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Curio Patterned Papers (Basic Grey) 
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Copic Markers (see above)
Accessories:  Large Corner Rounder, Labels Four Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders), Sponge Dauber, Modern Garland Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Ivory Silk Ribbon, Pearls, Scor-Buddy, Modern Label Punch (SU), Curio Ribbon Doilies (Basic Grey), Scor-Tape

Easy Fold Basket

Hello Stampers~

I've got a quick post for you today.  I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!  Ours was practically perfect in every way! :)

Today's sample is a fun and easy basket made from one sheet of 12x12 cardstock and some pretty patterned papers.  The photo above shows the basket with the ribbons tied a bit looser, and the photo below shows it with the ribbon tied tight.  

You can find fantastic instructions for creating your own basket right HERE on Splitcoaststampers.  

Have a fantastic day, friends!   Thanks for visiting! 

Hugs,

~Cindy

Christmas Gift Tags

Hello Stampers~

Guess what?!  There are just eleven days until Christmas!  I know....right?!  How did we get here already?  I surprised myself this year by having all of my shopping and most of my gift-wrapping done early.  Now to get those Christmas cards signed, sealed, and delivered...  Why is it so easy for stampers to MAKE the cards; but so difficult to get them into the mail???  Is it just me, or is that a universal dilemma? 

Today I have a couple of fun Christmas gift tags to share with you.  I made them with Flourishes awesome Sweets of the Season set, and some fun Spellbinders dies.  I colored the images with Copic markers, and added some pretty Peppermint Twine for hanging.

Here's a close-up of the green tag:

For this first tag, I used the Fair Isle Pendant and Lacey Square dies.

Here's a close-up of the other tag:

For this tag, I used Spellbinders Petite Ovals, Beaded Ovals, and Labels Nine dies.  

I added a bit of Sakura's Gelly Roll Glitter Pen to both the whipped cream on the first tag and the candy cane on the second.

So much satisfaction in such a small project...love making tags!

I hope you are enjoying all that this season brings, my sweet friends!  I see so many unhappy faces out there this time of year.    When the pressures of the season start to take a toll on you, take a DEEP breath and remember the Reason for the season...the blessed birth of our great Savior, Jesus Christ.  What an incredible gift we have in Him!

Here's a little something to inspire and uplift you today:

 

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  Sweets of the Season
Papers:  Kraft, Riding Hood Red, Garden Green, Classic White (Flourishes)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (R24, R27, R29, G00, G12, G94, G99, Y21, E33
Accessories:  Spellbinders Nestabilities Dies - Beaded Ovals, Labels Nine, Fair Isle Pendant, Lacey Squares, Wide Oval Punch, Peppermint Twist Twine, Sakura Gelly Roll Glitter Pen, Dimensionals

Flourishes Release Day!

Hello Stampers~

It's Flourishes release day!  This month, Flourishes has something fun and FREE for you!  It's their brand-new 2011 Calendar Template, ready for you to download today!  Check out Julie's download instructions right HERE.

For my project, I chose to make a calendar for my hubby's desk at work.  I have had these wonderful wooden holders for a couple of years.  I believe I originally bought them at Oriental Trading Company.

To make the calendar pages, I printed the FLLC 2011 Calendar onto Classic White cardstock, and cut the pages down to 5-3/4" x 4".  I then layered those pages onto colored cardstock, sized at 5-7/8" x 4-3/4".  I used a Crop-a-Dile to punch the holes at the top of the pages, and slid them onto the metal arms.

I stamped images from a dozen different sets throughout the calendar...no coloring, just simple stamping.  I then added some rich patterned papers, a bow,  and metal nail heads to finish the pages off.  I love how it turned out, and hope my hubby will too!

Here's a close-up of January:

This is one of those projects that restores my faith in my ability to product CAS projects.  This came together SO quickly!  I may just whip up a more feminine version for my mom, since she loved the one I made her last year so much. :) 

Check out the rest of the design team's calendar creations:

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

A couple of reminders before I go:

Did you check out our Winter White Challenge?  You still have a shot at winning both of our new release stamp sets!  Just click HERE to check it out!  You have until today at 5PM to get your entries in!

And, last but not least…. just like in past releases, we’ve bundled up a great deal!  If you purchase both of  our stamp sets in our New Release Bundle – you save 10%.  But you have to hurry, this offer expires December 17th!

That's all folks!  Have a fantastic Friday!

Hugs,
~Cindy