the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Easter Note Cards

Hello Stampers~

I have a little set of note cards to share with you today.  Remember the little carrot candy pouches I made to go into my kiddos Easter baskets?  Well, these are the little critters I had left-over from that project.  So, I made them matching cards....one for the hubs too, of course! ;)

The cards are 4-1/4" square.  I decorated them with pretty papers from the Stella & Rose Mabel collection from My Mind's Eye.  The sweet little critters are from the Hello Spring stamp set from Taylored Expressions.  I kept the embellishments very minimal, just a pretty Mint Glimmer Ribbon strip and a couple of Orange Rhinestones.  I used SU's Word Window Punch for the sentiment, and scalloped circle, 1-3/8" circle, and 1-1/4" circle punches for the main image.  Of course, I popped the sentiments, images and circles up with Dimensionals; but that is it, my friends.  These are truly easy-peasy little cards!

Have a WONDERFUL day, my friends!  

Thanks so much for spending a wee bit of it with me! :)

Hugs,
~Cindy 

Ribbon Techniques

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine Tuesday?  I will be stamping the day away today, finishing up samples for next week's blog posts.  We leave for the wild wild west bright and early on Thursday morning.  I am sooo ready for a vacation! :)

My first card today is made with the gorgeous New Beginnings stamp set from Taylored Expressions.  I LOVE that sentiment so much!  It speaks volumes about the potential we all have to live a full and joyful life. 

I chose a monochromatic, sunny yellow color palette.  The shape I used for the sentiment is Spellbinders new Labels Twenty die.  The patterned paper is from Echo Park's Springtime Collection.

I cut out two butterflies, and sparkled the wings with a Clear Stardust Gellyroll Pen from Sakura.  The striped yellow ribbon was ruffled using the Ruffled Ribbon Border technique I shared on Splitcoaststampers a couple of weeks ago.  If you missed it the first time, you can see it HERE.

Here's another card I made using a fun ribbon technique:

Yes, that flower is made from satin ribbon.  Cool, huh?  I can say that because it wasn't my original idea.  You can find awesome instructions for making your own right HERE.  I can't get enough of these...one of the coolest ideas I've found in a long time. :)

I scored the background of my card using my Scor Buddy.  The sentiment is from Taylored Expressions new Treasure Life stamp set.  The leaves were made using a Martha Stewart leaf punch.  The pretty patterned paper is from Prima's Sweet Fairy collection.  The pretty flower brad is from SU.  I colored the center using my V9 Copic marker.  The card size is 4-1/4" square.

Here's a close up of the flower - 

Don't you just love that?!  I will definitely be making lots more of those babies!  

I have another ribbon technique to share with you; but I'm saving that one for another day. ;)

I hope you have a fantastic day, friends!

Thank you so much for visiting with me today!

Hugs,
~Cindy

Taylored Expressions April Release

Hello Stampers~

It's release day over at Taylored Expressions!  There are some super-cute new stamps, dies, kits, and other goodies that you just don't want to miss! :)

I used the awesome new Treasure Life stamp set and coordinating Apothecary Dies.  I LOVE that there are dies to match this set...makes it SO easy to use!  I also used the Take Note Die 3 behind the jars.  Have you seen the awesome collection of custom dies available in the Taylored Expressions store?  She has a fantastic selection to choose from!

After I die-cut the jars, I colored them in with my G0000 & G00 Copic markers.  I then stamped the "live", "love", "laugh" labels onto the jars, added some shine with a Sakura Clear Glaze Pen, and decorated them with chocolate pearls...yum.  The pattered papers are from Basic Grey's Hello Luscious collection.  I tied on some scalloped satin brown and Mint Glimmer Ribbons, finishing them off with a pretty blue Prima flower and pearl stick pins that I colored with a E49 Copic marker.

The punched edge was made with a Martha Stewart border punch.  The card size is 5-1/4" square.

Here's a close-up view:

Next you'll want to stop by the design team blogs to see their fabulous creations!  

• Charmaine Ikach
• Danielle Lounds
• Jackie Pedro
• Jodi Collins
• Karen Giron
• Karen Motz
• Melissa Sauls
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Tori Wild

Stop by the Taylored Expressions store today to check out all the new goodies!

Have a great day, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stamps:  Treasure Life
Papers:  Dark Chocolate (PTI), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Hello Luscious Patterned Papers (Basic Grey) 
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers - G0000, G00, E49
Accessories:  Dimensionals, Brown Scalloped Satin Ribbon, Mint Glimmer Ribbon, Pearl Stick Pins, Prima Flower, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Take Note 3 Die, Apothecary Jars Die, Chocolate Pearls, Sakura Clear Glaze Pen

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

-----------------------------------------------------------------
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 :) 

don't worry bee happy...

 

Hello Stampers~

I am excited to share a fun Taylored Expressions sample with you today.  I used the Garden Party Critters stamp set, as well as the Pennant A la Carte stamp and matching Pennant Border Die.  Did you know that Taylored Expressions dies come with an acrylic alignment tool that makes it super easy to line up your stamped image before you die-cut it?  GENIUS, I tell ya!

I used some pretty Fine & Dandy True Blue patterned papers, which could not have matched my card more perfectly if they were made for each other!   I also added Chocolate Bakers Twine to the banner to dress it up a bit.

The layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch, and the card size is 5-1/4" square.

Here's a close-up for you:

I added lots of dimension to make each layer stand out.  The pennant banner, bee hive, and bees were all coated with a clear Sakura Glaze Pen, and the wings were given a touch of sparkle with a Sakura Stardust Glitter Pen.

The images were colored in with the following Copic markers: 

As always, thank you so very much for visiting with me today!  I am so grateful that you do! :)

 Have a terrific day!

Hugs,
~Cindy

------------------------------------------------------------------
Stamps:  Garden Party Critters, Pennant A la Carte
Papers:  Aqua Mist (PTI), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Fine & Dandy True Blue Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye)
Inks:  Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Chocolate Bakers Twine, Sakura Glaze Pen, Sakura Stardust Glitter Pen, Amber Bling, Dimensionals, Labels Eleven Nestabilities, Copic Air Brush System, Pennant Border Die

I woolly love you...

Hello Stampers~

I am so excited to tell you that I get to be the guest designer for Taylored Expressions for the months of March and April...cool, huh?! :)

Today is release day over at Taylored Expressions, and you have just got to see the sweet new sets they've come out with!  The set I'm showcasing today is definitely one of my faves.  It's called Hello Spring, and is chock full of adorable critters and clever sentiments.  I especially love the sentiment I used on my card...."I woolly love you...".  That is just too flippin' CUTE!

The pretty papers are from Echo Park's new Springtime paper pack.  The layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  I colored the image in with Copic markers, and added White Liquid Applique to the sheep to make them look really "woolly".

Here's a close-up:

I also airbrushed a soft sky using my BG11 Copic marker.

Here are all of the Copic markers I used:

Mmmm....yummy springtime colors!  Only 18 days left until spring, my friends.  I can NOT wait! 

Stop by the rest of the design team blogs to see their gorgeous creations:

• Charmaine Ikach
• Danielle Lounds
• Jackie Pedro
• Jodi Collins
• Karen Giron
• Karen Motz
• Melissa Sauls
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Tori Wild

Have a fabulous day, everyone!  Thanks for visiting!

Hugs,
~Cindy

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Stamps:  Hello Spring (TE)
Papers:  Pink Pirouette (SU), Classic Solar White (Neenah), Springtime Patterned Papers (Echo Park)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rose Bud, Copic Markers (see photo) 
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, White Paper Flowers (one is dyed with the RV00 & RV02 Copic markers), Yellow Button (PTI), White Brads (Basic Grey), Pink Twinkles, Glossy Accents, White Liquid Applique, Pink Polka Dot Ribbon, Dimensionals 

Turtles In Love

Hey everyone~

Aren't these turtles just so sweet?!  It's one of the newest images from Taylored Expressions.  I am going to give this card to my sweetie-pie just to say I love you. :)

The pretty patterned papers are from the Jack & Jill collection from My Mind's Eye...love them!

I used Taylor's sketch, and turned it on it's side:

Here is the full supply list:

Stamps:  Turtles in Love

Papers:  Classic White, Jack & Jill Patterned Papers

Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - BG000, BG10, E30, YG03, YG05, YG07, R24, R27, R29

Accessories:  Sewing Machine, Clear Rhinestones (colored with R29 Copic marker), Red Stitched Grosgrain (PTI), Red Button (PTI), Ivory Burlap, Dimensionals

I've received lots of inquiries about my stamp yard sale.  Here are the deets:  Saturday, March 6th from 8am until 11am.  Location is Lawrence Electric 160 Emerald Street Keene NH 03431.  I am selling just about all of my Stampin' Up stamps and many of the papers, inks, and embellishments from them as well.  I will also have supplies from several other companies as well.  All stamp sets are $5 & $10...crazy, I know; but I want 'em GONE! :) 

Have a fantastic Wednesday, friends!

Hugs~
Cindy

Love is in the air...

 

Happy Weekend, Friends!

Oh, and Happy Valentine's day as well!!!  Today I thought I would share some of the Valentine cards we made in our house.  The cards above are 3x3, and made with all SU products except for the Cuttlebug folder and satin ribbon.  The large heart image is from Always, such a beautiful stamp set!

Here's a close-up of one card, along with an inside view:

Next up, are the little animal cards that I made out of all of those watercolored images I shared with you the other day.  I LOVED making these!

It was so much fun to go through my sets and find so many adorable images from all different companies!  What a treat!  These are also all 3x3 cards.

I hope you all have a wonderful V-Day, surrounded by those you love the most!

Stop back tomorrow for a special Sunday post!

Big Happy V-Day {{{{{hugzzzzzzzz}}}}} to all of you!

~C

Taylor's Anniversary Challenge & Fabulous Prizes!!!

Hey everyone~

I'm so excited to have been asked to help Taylor celebrate her one-year Cupcake Challenge Anniversary! 

Each of the cupcake sketch samplers has designed their own sketch to celebrate. Today, I'm featuring Stephanie Hargis' sketch challenge. You can check out the sketch on her blog and find out about the prize you can win by participating!

Don't forget to check out Taylor's blog, the anniversary celebration headquarters, for all of the sketch challenges as well as an awesome grand prize for one random winner who participates in ALL 9 sketch challenges! We hope you'll help us celebrate this yummy occasion!

Here's the card I made for the challenge:

I just love Taylor's Love Is Sweet stamp set...just perfect for Valentine's Day or any occasion when you want to tell someone how much you love them.  The sentiment I used on my card just makes me smile..."love Muffin"...hubba hubba! :)

Here's the recipe:

Stamps:  Love Is Sweet

Inks:  Black Staz-On, Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa, Chocolate Chip

Papers:  Very Vanilla, Riding Hood Red, Pink Pirouette, Candy Lane Designer Series Paper, Watercolor Paper

Accessories:  Wide Pink Pirouette Grosgrain Ribbon, Riding Hood Red Taffeta, H2O Brush, Swirls CuttleBug Folder, Red Heart Rain Dots, Scallop Edge Punch, Curly Label Punch, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Check out what awesome samples the other girls made with this sketch:

Sarah Anderson: http://scrampinmama.blogspot.com/

Michelle Bartnett: http://justpaintingaround.blogspot.com/

Steph Hargis: http://www.stephsstampinstuff.blogspot.com/

Thanks so much for stopping by today!  Good luck in all the drawings...hope you WIN! :)

See y'all tomorrow!

Hugs~
C