the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Merry Fish-mas!

Hello Stampers~

Happy weekend to you!  Today I have to work until 2pm; but tonight Abbi & I are going to see the Nutcracker Ballet.  We are both sooo excited! :)

Today's sample is something fun from Our Craft Lounge.  I have a gazillion items for future "projects" in my stash, and this photo snow globe was one of them.  Doesn't it fit just perfectly with the fishy theme?!

I used the Sea-sons Greetings set to create my under-water scene, and colored it all in with Copic markers.  The satin ribbon and cut-out starfish at the bottom complete the look.

Here’s the recipe:

Stamps: Sea-sons Greetings

Papers: Pure Luxury White (GKD)

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Photo Snow Globe, Satin Ribbon (PTI)

If you'd like to check out a bunch of other fun samples from Our Craft Lounge, hop on over to The Lounge!

Before I go, I thought I'd share the ornament wreath I made for my mom & dad, with the help of my sweet son, Nick:

I just love the color combo on this one, and the jingle bells add so much!  Nick & I were pleased as punch with how this turned out. :)  Now to find a box that it will fit in!

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Sea-sons Greetings, Friends!

Hello Stampers~

How cute is this turtle image?!  He's from the Sea-sons Greetings set from Our Craft Lounge.  He is having a blissful moment enjoying his candy canes. :)

I have to say that I have some of the most gorgeous designer paper these days!  I could just eat it all up...except that then I wouldn't have any...  I get most of my papers from Eclectic Paperie.  They have an incredible selection, including full packs and single sheets in yummy, yummy patterns and colors from oodles of different companies.  It's seriously fabulous stuff...seriously.

Here's the recipe for my card:

Stamps:  Sea-sons Greetings

Papers:  Kraft (Prism), Vanilla (SU), Watercolor, Polar Express Glitter Designer Papers (Imaginesce)

Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Kiwi Kiss, Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red, Bashful Blue

Accessories:  Ninji Waterbrush, Red Glitter Dots, Striped Twill (SU), Labels Nestabilities, Dimensionals

I am at almost 50 Christmas cards made so far this year...yahoo!  I need to get a few more done; but these daily blog posts sure do help my cause. ;)

Before I go, I want to share another little project my daughter and I made:

Have you seen these???  It's an advent calendar made from a mini-muffin tin!  Remember the ornament wreath I shared with you the other day?  Well, that same amazing friend shared this idea with me.  Thanks, Kirsten! :)

I would have shown you a little sooner, so you had time to make one of your own before Dec 1st; but I had to wait until my tin arrived.  You see, I looked everywhere locally for a tin without ridges around the cups, and that had a hole punched in it at the end.  When I couldn't find what I wanted I turned to Amazon and found what I thought was the perfect tin.  What they SENT me, however, was entirely different than what was pictured.  Soooo...my tin has the ridges and we had to punch our own holes (thank God for my Crop-a-dile!). 

I used 24 different designer papers from my giNORmous EP stash, and attached them to 2"x2" magnet squares made from left-over business card magnets.  Then I punched out circles and used my Cricut to make the days of the month.  After I punched my holes, I added some gorgeous ginham ribbon from Flourishes to the top, and filled the cups with many different kinds of candy for the kiddos.  We were also going to tuck in a Bible verse a day...but we just didn't get there.  It's a great thought, though! :)

The tin is totally usable afterwards too, since nothing is actually "attached" to it.  Check out Kirsten's blog to see what she did with hers...sweet and clever that girl is!

Hope you all have a wonderful, wonderful day today!

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs~
Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Blog Hop and CANDY!

Hello Stampers!

Welcome to the Our Craft Lounge new release blog hop!  OCL is releasing some fantastic new sets; but that is really no surprise, now, is it?! :)

Today I'm showcasing the Shamrock Blessings set.  I used one of my tried and true go-to layouts for my card, which allowed me to finish it in under one half hour.  Love it when a card comes together like that! 

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Shamrock Blessings

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Old Olive, Abbey Road Stomp Designer Paper (My Mind's Eye)

Inks:  Old Olive, Certainly Celery, Baha Breeze

Accessories:  Flat Back Green Pearls (Basic Grey), Labels 4 Nestabilities, Baja Satin Ribbon (retired SU), Dimensionals

This set not only has the sweetest clovers in it; but also pretty little flowers, bugs, and wonderful sentiments.  I can see me using this set a lot this spring!

Well, I guess I could stop telling you what's in the set, and actually show you!  Whaddaya say...good idea?  Okay, you twisted my arm...here it is:

Isn't that so dainty and pretty?!  I just love it!

How'd you like a chance to WIN this set??? All you need to do is leave me a comment on this post today no later than midnight EST.  Please include your e-mail address in your comment.  The winner will be chosen randomly at midnight, and notified within the next couple of days.  Please leave only one comment per person.  May the luck o' the Irish be with ya! ;)

If you'd like to purchase this set and/or others from OCL, click here for a full list of retail stores carrying OCL products.  My personal preference is Eclectic Paperie, which carries a full line of awesome stamping and scrapbooking products.  Their customer service is bar none as well!

Now....you have some hopping to do, my friends!  There are lots of other sets to be won!  Check 'em out:

Bird and Groom  - Beth

Hang it Up Cupid - Carol, Vicki

Hearts & Hugs - Holly, Joy

The Journey - Charmaine

Life Is -Amber

Love Notes - Heather, Beate

Out for a Spin - Pam

Fairy Dust is a Must - Cami, Broni

Granny's Truffles - Val

Jungle Love - Deb, Kendra

Shamrock Blessings -Cindy

Sweet on You -Kisa

Wanted - Lila

Finally, don't forget to stop by The Lounge.  The Birthday Bash Challenge is still going on with chances for you to win more yummy stamping goodies!  Have a very happy Friday, everyone!

Hugs~
Cindy

Our Craft Lounge Sneak Peek!

Hello Stampers!

Today I have a fun sneak peek from Our Craft Lounge to share with you!  This new set is called Bird & Groom.  While this set is technically geared toward weddings, anniversaries and the like, I chose to make my card a very girly birthday card.  I love to show the versatility of a stamp set...makes them more valuable, don't you think? 

I added the candles to the birthday cake simply by cutting them out of card stock and coloring them in with Copic Spica Pens.  I also added tiny rhinestones to the cake, and colored them pink with a Copic marker.  I even added some sparkle to the paper flowers with a Spica Pen.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Bird & Groom, Lil' Pea-Nut (sentiment)

Papers:  Classic White, Ooh La La For Her Designer Papers from My Mind's Eye

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Copic Markers, Copic Spica Pens

Accessories:  Rhinestones, Pink Satin Ribbon, Paper Flowers, Button, Natural String, Sponge Dauber, White Gel Pen, Dimensionals

Be sure and check out the rest of the fabulous sneak peeks today:

Bird and Groom  - Cindy, Kisa

Hang it Up Cupid - Heather

Hearts & Hugs - Deb

The Journey - Kendra

Life Is - Kendra

Love Notes - Pam

Out for a Spin - Lila, Vicki

Fairy Dust is a Must - Carol

Granny's Truffles - Pam

Jungle Love - Charmaine, Joy

Shamrock Blessings - Holly

Sweet on You - Amber

Wanted - Beth, Carol, Cami

You'll want to stay tuned to OCL for the next three days for more sneak peeks, a BIG blog hop on Friday...and some seriously fabulous give-aways!  (Yup, one of 'em will be right here!)

Have a fabulous day, friends!

Thanks for visiting!

Hugs~
Cindy

Tweet Winter Wishes

Hello Stampers!

I hope you've enjoyed your weekend.  Today was a truly gorgeous day here in NH, practically perfect in every way! :)

My sample today was made with Tweet Winter Wishes from Our Craft Lounge.  I colored my image with Copic markers and added some Cosmo Crystals Crafty Sparkles to the snow.  That is such pretty glitter, with a lovely pink undertone.  The designer papers are from the Colorful Christmas pack from My Mind's Eye.

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps:  Tweet Winter Wishes

Papers:  Pure Luxury White, Purely Pomegranate, Soft Sky, Colorful Christmas Designer Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories:  Sewing Machine, Petite Oval & Labels Nestabilities, Pomegranate Polka Dot Ribbon (retired SU), Buttons (Basic Grey), Cosmo Crystals Crafty Sparkles Glitter, Small Scalloped Border Punch (EK Success), Dimensionals

Have a fabulous Monday, my friends!

Thanks for stopping by today and always! :)

Hugs~
Cindy

A Killer Wardrobe...

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a fun sample from Our Craft Lounge.  I just had to make another card with the Witch to Wear set and the awesome Boo To You designer paper from My Mind's Eye.

This witch is all about color and bling, baby!  Her only problem is deciding what to wear every morning.  She even special-ordered a shiny black broom to coordinate with her outfits.  All of the other witches are postively green with envy!

Here's the card recipe:

Stamps:  Witch to Wear

Papers:  Rich Razzleberry, Whisper White, Basic Black, Watercolor, Boo To You Designer Paper

Inks:  Palette Hybrid Noir Black, Rich Razzleberry, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Accessories:  Rhinestone Bling, Petite Oval Nestabilities, Ninji Waterbrush, Spider Web Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Razzleberry Grosgrain Ribbon, Black Star Bling (Mark Richards), Dimensionals, Sakura Black Glaze Pen

Have a wonderful Tuesday, my friends!

Thanks a MILLION for stopping by and visiting with me today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Witch to Wear?

Happy Monday, friends!

How was your weekend?  Mine was just wonderful!  Although I worked until 2:30 on Saturday, we enjoyed the rest of the afternoon at the apple orchard.  Yesterday, we had my extended family over for a farewell gathering for my parents.  They are moving to Virginia this week.  We had such a fun day together, and I held up really well until they were backing out of the driveway.  I know we'll see them again; but it's going to be really weird to not have them close by.  I guess we'll be visiting Virginia soon!

I made the above sample right after everyone left the house last night...good therapy! ;)  I used the Witch to Wear set from Our Craft Lounge, and added sparkle to the boots and spider webs with Spica Glitter Pens.  I hand-drew the "tights" and colored them in with Copic markers.

Here's the recipe:

Stamps: Witch to Wear

Paper: Boo to You Designer Papers (My Mind's Eye), Certainly Celery, Basic Black, Classic White (Flourishes)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers

Accessories: Petite Ovals & Labels Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Spider Web Border Punch (to make corner webs), Spica Glitter Pens, Black Brads, Black Velvet Ribbed Ribbon, Dimensionals

Hope you have a fabulous Monday!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

Snow Wonderful!

Hello Stampers!

How are you on this lovely Thursday?  I am fantabulous!

Today's sample was made with Tweet Winter Wishes from Our Craft Lounge.  I happen to be pretty partial to snowmen, and this one is just darling.  He looks like he's waiting there with open arms to give you a great big {{{hug}}}. :)

Another thing I'm pretty partial to is plaid...all kinds of it.  It must be the Scottish blood in me; but I love, love, love plaids!  This designer paper is soooo yummy, don't you think?!  It's from The Merry Days of Christmas Kit from My Mind's Eye.

The sketch for my card is from yesterday's sketch challenge on SCS.  It has been so much fun to find a little time to play in the challenges lately!

Here's the full recipe:

Stamps: Tweet Winter Wishes

Paper: Pure Luxury White, Co'ordinations Dark Blue, The Merry Days of Christmas Paper Kit

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Bashful Blue (SU), Enchanted Evening (PTI), Copic Markers

Accessories: Sponge Dauber, Red Buttons (PTI), Natural Twine, Enchanted Evening Stitched Grosgrain (PTI), Snowflake Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Piercing Tools, Dimensionals

I hope your day is wonderful!  

Thanks so very much for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy

A Thankful Heart

Hello Stampers!

Today I have another Our Craft Lounge sample for you.  This one's made with the Autumn Garden stamp set, which is definitely one of my faves!  The sketch is Beate's weekend sketch challenge.  The pretty, sparkly designer papers are from My Mind's Eye, and can be found at Eclectic Paperie, along with the stamps, pearls and inks used to make this card.  I LOVE that store!  They have everything!

Here is the full card recipe:

Stamps: Autumn Garden

Paper: Confetti Cream, Chocolate Chip, Laundry Line Natural Designer Papers, Classic Ivory

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Copic Markers

Accessories: Kaiser Pearls (colored with E49 Copic Marker), Sponge Dauber, Label Nestabilities, Wide Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Dimensionals

That's all for today, folks!  See you back here bright and early tomorrow morning!

Have a fabulous day!

Hugs~
Cindy

These Boots...

Hello Stampers~

Happy Monday to you! :)

Today I have a fun sample I made with the Witch to Wear stamp set from Our Craft Lounge.  I really enjoyed coloring these images in and blinging it all up!  The boots are covered with a black Sakura glaze pen, which you cannot see in my photo.  I really need to take my photos in daylight; but I'm always doing my stamping at night.  Anyway, you can trust me...the boots look just like patent leather!

Here's the full card recipe:

Stamps: Witch to Wear

Paper: Classic White, Basic Black, Wisteria Designer Paper (Basic Grey)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Going Gray, Copic Markers

Accessories: Purple Rhinestone Bling, Purple Ribbon, Black Sakura Glaze Pen, Cloud Stencil, Ticket Corner Punch, Dimensionals, Crystal Effects (frog's eyes)

I hope you have a fabulous Monday, friends!

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs~
Cindy