the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Friends Make Life Sweeter

 

Hey everyone!

Flourishes Gambler’s Sale is happening right now, and the design team thought we’d bring you some more shopping inspiration this week!

 

 

For my card, I chose to work with the fresh and fun Berry Sweet Frames set.  My card base is Classic White, and the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye's Six By Six Playdate pad.  A few enamel dots and a strip of pretty crocheted trim finish off the details.



I stamped the background stamp in Memento Summer Sky in, and the sentiment in Memento Lady Bug and Nautical Blue inks.  I then die-cut them with Flourishes Perfectly Pierced Classic Frames Die Set.  The raspberries were stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored with the following Copic Marker Collections:

Inside, I stamped the raspberries in Memento Lady Bug, and stamped the sentiment in Memento Nautical Blue.

 

The rest of the design team has some beautiful designs to show off for you today;  so head on over and visit:

 

Allison

Christine

Cindy <---You are here!

Heather

Julie

Stacy

Tosha

 

And, just as a reminder for you, here’s the SALE details….

 

Why is it a gamble? Well, all of these items will be going, going, gone — never to return again. So, if you see something you really want — buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! This week, all prices will be 10% off with the code GAMBLERS10. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 10% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices! Each Monday, we’ll be upping the ante and adding another 10% off! So…if you dare wait, this coming Monday brings 20% off prices!

 

Thanks so much for stopping by, friends!  Have a fabulous weekend!

~Cindy

Supplies:

 

 

You've Got a Friend

Hello all! 2014 brings new challenges, new vision, and a new focus for Flourishes; and today starts that focus.  If you travel through our store, you know that we have a mix of old and new. Well, with a new year, we want to focus on all new! That means that what you'll find in the store will be smaller in scope, but always something to appeal to your creative side. What does this mean?  We need to clear our shelves. What does that mean for you?  You get a chance to save and save big!  We're bringing back the....

Why is it a gamble? Well, all of these items will be going, going, gone -- never to return again. So, if you see something you really want -- buy it now or take a gamble to see how low the price will go! This week, all prices will be 10% off with the code GAMBLERS10. Just use that code in the coupon box at the time of check out to get 10% off your entire order, even on already reduced sale prices! Each Monday, we'll be upping the ante and adding another 10% off! One item to try to get your hands on?

Our MYSTERY BAGS were WILDLY popular in the past and so, why not bring them back? Each bag is valued at roughly $40 but... you pay only $25!!! Each bag has two stamp sets -- YES TWO! One is an unpackaged set that we cannot sell because it doesn't have an index sheet. But, it stamps perfectly and would love a new home! Each bag also has a fun tutorial sheet showcasing a card or technique. Add in a few yards of ribbon and an embellishment and that is what is in each Mystery Bag. It's one heck of a bargain! Once you use your Gambler's Sale Coupon code -- it takes the price down even further! There are limited quantities of these bags so.... pick one up while you can!

My card today uses one of Flourishes older sets, called Sweet Nature.  It showcases the gorgeous ranunculus flower, and is illustrated by the oh-so-amazing Marcella Hawley.

I began with a Classic White card base, and layered on some pretty papers from Basic Grey's Sweet Threads 6x6 pack.  The die-cuts were made with Spellbinders Labels Four and Gold Labels Four Nestabilities die sets.

I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

I air-brushed the background behind the flowers with my BG53 Copic marker.  The sentiment was stamped in Memento Bamboo Leaves, and die-cut with Spellbinders Standard Circles Nestabilities.  A couple of sparkly crystals from Prima and a bit of pink crocheted trim finish off the details.



Inside, I added a strip of patterned paper, stamped the sentiment in Memento Bamboo Leaves, and stamped the single flower stem in Ranger Dried Marigold Distress Ink.

Before you go, get ready to HOP! Our fabulous designers whipped up some creativity giving you a wee bit of eye candy before you shop! So, head on over and see...

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes January Release Rewind

The weekend is here! Hopefully you have something fun in store for yourself. The Flourishes Senior Design team is delighted to bring you another round of inspiration created with our brand new and beautiful January New Release Sets. There is just so much more you can do with these stamps and we can’t wait to show you more. And, the good news is, you can still purchase the January New Release Bundle at a discount! Today is the last day this discount is available and we don’t want you to miss out!



For my card, I chose to use the lovely Wild Roses set.  The card base and white layers are Classic White, and the pretty patterned papers are from Echo Park's For the Record 2 Documented 6x6 paper pad.  The die-cut layer was made with Spellbinders Labels Fourteen dies.  I air-brushed the background with a B93 Copic marker.



I stamped the flowers with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:









I cut the flowers out, and attached them to the die-cut layer with foam tape.  I stamped the sentiment in Memento Nautical Blue ink.  I added just a bit of sparkle to the flowers with a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll Glitter Pen.  A few enamel dots, a pretty satin ribbon, white crochet thread, and a white button finish off the details.



Inside, I stamped the beautiful Bible chapter on love in Memento Cantaloupe ink, added a strip of patterned paper at the top, and stamped the flowers and leaves in Memento Cantaloupe and Bamboo Leaves inks.

Next up you'll want to hop on over to see what the rest of the design team has in store for you today with this month's new sets:

• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Julie Koerber
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks so much for visiting with me today, friends!

Have yourself a FANTASTIC weekend! :)

~Cindy

Supplies:

Footprints in Your Heart

Hey friends!

Today's card is another peek at Flourishes new Flowers for Jan set.  I just had to get those irises inky! ;)

The card base is Classic White, and the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.

The color palette is this week's Color Throwdown combo.  Check it out HERE.

I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, die-cut it with Spellbinders Classic Ovals, layered that onto Spellbinders Floral Ovals die-cut, and colored the image with the following Copic Marker Collections:

I air-brushed the background behind the image with my Copic Airbrush System and BG53 Copic marker.  I stamped the word "iris" in Memento Teal Zeal ink.  Finally, I finished off the details with some girly tulle ribbon, pink crochet trim, and a few enamel dots.

Inside I added a strip of patterned paper, stamped the sentiment in Memento Teal Zeal, and stamped the floral image in Ranger Dried Marigold.

Thanks so much for swinging by today, friends!  Hope it's a GREAT Monday for you!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes Release Wrap Up

 

We’re wrapping up our January New Release at Flourishes, and we’ve had a fantastic time showing off these beautiful sets to you this week.  Today the Senior Design Team brings you one more round of inspiration using any set from this release that their little hearts desire.  We’ve loved the variety this month’s sets have had to offer and we’re looking forward to showing you more!



My favorite set from this month's release is the gorgeous Flowers for Jan set, illustrated by the one-and-only Marcella Hawley.  Today, I chose to work with the peony image.  My card base is Classic Ivory, and the pretty patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye's Bramble Rose collection.  The Spellbinders Marvelous Squares die was the perfect accent for the elegant peony image.  I added a sweet pearl to each corner of the die-cut.  I punched the bottom of the card in an elegant design using a Martha Stewart border punch, then layered a pretty row of yellow pleated gingham ribbon.



I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

Inside, I added a strip of patterned paper, stamped the peonies in Ranger Victorian Velvet Distress Ink, and stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black.

Now, hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs to check out their fabulous creations!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all newly released January sets…you can play in our Get in Shape Challenge– we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th at 6 PM EST. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available now HERE! Take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• We’re also excited to offer companion Silhouette cut files for these new sets. Check them out here!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog tomorrow, Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce the winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger challenges!

Thanks so much for joining us for this week’s celebrations and all your kind comments! We’ve been delighted to bring these ideas to you and hopefully inspire you as you’re creating!

Thanks, as always, for visiting today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes Release: Wild Roses

 

With Valentine’s Day almost upon us, Flourishes couldn’t miss out on giving you another amazing botanical set for the season, Wild Roses. This stunning set features a wild rose and a theme of "love" - perfect to tell those you cherish just how you feel - all year long!  This set, illustrated by Sam Pickard with sentiments provided by Dina Kowal, measures 4" by 6" and offers three main images, three sentiments and a sentiment background stamp.



I went with a neutral color palette for most of my card, leaving the pop of color to the gorgeous image from Wild Roses.  The card base is Classic Ivory, and the patterned papers are from Crate Paper's Portrait collection.  The image of the Bible verse was stamped in Brilliance Graphite Black ink.  LOVE that verse! (no pun intended... ;))  The sentiment was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black, and die-cut with the Perfectly Pierced Classic Hourglass Die Set.



I stamped the beautiful botanical image on Classic Ivory with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

I then carefully cut out the image, added a sweet satin bow, and mounted the image on foam tape.


Inside, I added a strip of the striped patterned paper, stamped the flowers in Ranger Dried Marigold Distress Ink, and stamped the leaves in Memento Bamboo Leaves ink.  I also added a die-cut Spellbinders Classic Oval to dress it up a bit more.

Today you’ll see some fragrant beauties from our Senior Design Team with this love-themed set, and while you’re enjoying their designs don’t forget to look for our:

Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is a Mystery Blogger. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all three of our January sets…you can play in our Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available for pre-order. You can take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger Challenges!

Thanks a million for stopping by today, friends!  I am on my way to sunny southern Cali today for the annual Craft & Hobby Association trade show.  It is always so much fun, not only to see all the fabulous new paper-crafty goodies coming out, but especially to see old friends and make new ones.  Given the frigid temps we've been having so far this winter, I must admit I'm a little more than psyched about some warm California sunshine too. 

I have scheduled several posts while I'm away; so you won't feel a thing. :)

Have a terrific day!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes Release: Under the Big Top

Welcome to day two of our January New Releases at Flourishes! We have your ticket to fun in this great set called, Under the Big Top! You’ll find our own company of trained animals, circus elements and a clown to give you a wonderful performance on your next celebration. This silhouette-style set illustrated by Lauren Pope measure 4 x 6 inches and includes 9 whimsical circus images and 3 sentiments for occasions far and wide.



For my card, I chose a Classic Ivory card base, and patterned papers from Simple Stories' Urban Traveler 6x6 pad.  I stamped the circus tent in Memento Lady Bug ink at the top, and added a few red enamel dots to gussy it up a bit.  I stamped the elephant in Memento Gray Flannel, and his accessories in Memento Bamboo Leaves, Memento Paris Dusk, Memento Lady Bug, and Memento Cantaloupe.  I fussy cut it all out, and popped it up on foam tape.  I layered that on a piece of Classic Ivory card stock that was die-cut with Spellbinders Labels Twenty Two die set.  I rounded the top two corners.  Along the bottom, I attached a bit of red cotton striped ribbon and some cheery yellow and white twine with a red enamel dot center.




Inside, I stamped the banner in Memento Bamboo Leaves and Memento Lady Bug, stamped the clown in Memento Cantaloupe, and stamped the sentiment in Memento Paris Dusk.

Have fun taking a trip through our Senior Design Team’s Blog to see their creativity with this set, and while you’re enjoying their designs don’t forget to look for our:

Hidden among the design team blogs today is a Mystery Blogger. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

 

Allison Cope
Christine Okken
Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
Heather Jensen
Julie Koerber
Silke Ledlow
Stacy Morgan
Tosha Leyendekker

Do you want to win Flourishes’ January Release?

• If you would like a chance at winning all three of our new January Release sets…you can play in our Timeless Tuesday Get in Shape Challenge – we will have multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is January 13th. Check out the link for the official rules!
• All three of our January sets are available for pre-order. You can take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all three sets together in a bundle. This discount will only be available through January 17th, so you have to act fast!
• And, don’t forget to come back to the Flourishes Blog Saturday, January 11th for the Winner’s Circle where we’ll announce all of our winners of this weeks’ Mystery Blogger Challenges!

Thanks so much for visiting today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes Release: Flowers For Jan

Hello all and welcome to a very special kick off to Flourishes' January Release!  Not only are we ushering the new release in with a fun-filled Timeless Tuesday Challenge; but we are showcasing a set designed to honor Flourishes' owner and founder.

INTRODUCING....

Wisteria, Peonies and Bearded Iris -- all three of these flowers are favorites of Flourishes' founder and owner Jan Marie Caruso. Sentimentally illustrated by Marcella Hawley, these beautiful blooms honor the lady at the helm at Flourishes. Three breathtaking flowers are paired with three beautifully scripted words and five accent words.  This 4" by 6" set is sure to be one you reach for just to send creations to friends far and wide for any and all occasions!  Would you like to win this set along with the other two sets being released this month?  All you need to do is play along with us!!!  

We have a special treat for you today -- two actually!  First, in honor of Jan Marie and this very special set, Flourishes' Senior Design Team is joining along in this challenge to give you double the inspiration!  



For my card, I began with a Classic Ivory card base, and added layers of pretty Secret Garden patterned papers from Graphic45.  The word "wisteria" was stamped in Memento Grape Jelly ink.  I stamped the lovely wisteria image in Memento Tuxedo Black, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

 

The air-brushing was done with the Warm Neutrals collection.  I die-cut the image with Flourishes own Perfectly Pierced Classic Hourglass Die Set.  Some dainty lace, ivory seam binding, a couple of stick pins, and a blingy brad finish off the details.



Inside I stamped the sentiment in Memento Grape Jelly, and the wisteria in Memento Lulu Lavender.

As you hop around getting inspired on ways to "Get In Shape", don’t forget to try to figure out….

Hidden among the Design Team’s blogs today is our Mystery Blogger of the day. Comment on her blog and you could be chosen to win today’s set! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

• Allison Cope
• Cheryl Lea
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Deborah Anton
• Heather Jensen
• Jenny Gropp
• Julie Koerber
• Katie Sims
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks so much for stopping by, friends!  I'll see you back here tomorrow for another sneak peek of this month's release! :)

~Cindy

Supplies:

To Be Irresistibly Desired

Hey everyone!

Today, the Flourishes Senior Design Team has a bit of beautiful variety to show off. Some of the team got to play with Becky Fleck’s new round of January Sketches at PageMaps (which will be live on Becky's site on Saturday morning), and others on the team are going to surprise you with some of their own creativity.

For my card, I chose to work with the lovely From the Heart set and Antique Lace background.  I am kinda into Valentine's Day cards these days. ;)

The card size is 5" x 7", definitely bigger than I'm used to working with!  I used one of Becky Fleck's fabulous sketches, which you can find HERE (starting tomorrow).

The card base is a bright pink, and the layers are Classic White and a pretty textured gray.  I added a paper doing, and some Spellbinders die-cut hearts to really add to the girly, love theme.  I stamped the pretty, swirly heart image from From the Heart in Memento Rose Bud.  I stamped the sentiment in Memento Gray Flannel ink, and die-cut it with a fun flag die.  The gray trim, sheer pink ribbon, and silver metallic string are from an old 123 Create Kit.  I centered the bow with a shiny silver Candi dot, and added a trio of tiny hot pink rhinestones to dress up the sentiment flag.  I stamped the Antique Lace background in white pigment ink, and added pretty patterned paper from Bo Bunny's Isabella 6x6 pad.



Inside, I added a layer of Classic White cardstock, a strip of patterned paper, stamped the heart image in Memento Angel Pink, and stamped the sentiment in Memento Rose Bud.

Now you'll want to hop on over to the rest of the design team blogs for some fabulous inspiration to kick-off your New Year!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• Tosha Leyendekker

Thanks so much for visiting today, friends!  Have a lovely Friday!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Flourishes After Christmas Sale!

We hope you had a blessed holiday – however you celebrate! It was wonderful time to rest, relax and reflect on the beauty of the season surrounded by friends and family! We know some of you probably have some Christmas money that you’d love to spend and guess what?  Flourishes needs to reduce what is on their shelves before our year-end inventory count. So, a sale is in order!

It’s Time For Their…..

Simply use the code MERRY13 in the coupon code box and you'll get 25% off your entire order -- even the Sale Page -- which already offers a discount on items listed there! All codes are case sensitive, so please use all caps, just like shown above. You have to act fast, this sale runs through December 30th. Another note to shoppers, Flourishes will be closing down the store for a few hours on the 31st in order to do inventory. For about a 4 hour period, folks will not be able to take or process orders . They promise they will try to be as quick as possible! Enjoy the rest of your holiday season -- 2014 will be here before you know it!

~Cindy