the creative closet by cindy lawrence

You Make Me Smile...Oh, Yes You Do!

As soon as I saw this sweet little image, I knew I had to have her!  Isn't she SWEEEET?!  She's from Stampavie...Penny Johnson to be exact, and is called Little Tobi Watering Roses.  I stamped her on Copic Xpress-It card stock, using Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored her in with the following Copic markers:  BG000 (sky) ~ YG00, YG03, YG06 (leaves, grass) ~ RV63, RV66, RV69 (roses) ~ Y11, Y15, Y17 (dress, hair band) ~ BG53, BG57 (bird) ~ E000, E00, E02 (skin) ~ E50, E53, E55, E57 (hair) ~ C00, C2, C4 (shoes, watering can)

The patterned papers are from Echo Park's Country Drive collection.  I cut the image and sentiment out using Spellbinders Classic Circles and Ovals Nestabilities Dies.  I finished things off with a couple of pearl stick pins, a pretty yellow satin ribbon, pink flower button, and a few simple stitches in the corner.  The card size is 5-1/4" square.

That's all for today, friends!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Cindy 

Sweet Snuggles

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a sweet sample to share with you using the adorable Snuggles image from Stampavie.  This one reminds me of my daughter, Abbi.  Although she's not so little any more (ten and a half already....gulp!), she is still a big snuggler..especially with our kitties. :)

I used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch for the layout.  The main card panel was made with mySpellbinders Grand Labels One Nestabilities Die.  I colored the image in using Copic markers, and sponged on a bit of Tim Holtz Distress Inks for the sky and grass.  The pretty patterned papers are from the Blossom Soup collection from Jillibean Soup. 

Here's a close up of the image:

Doesn't she just give you the warm fuzzies?!  You can pick this image up for yourself at Stampers Dream...but hurry, because they're going fast!

Here are the Copic markers I used:

Have yourselves a fabulous day, friends!  I hope to have some vacation pics to share with you all tomorrow.  I have about 300 to sort through! LOL

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Snuggles (Stampavie)
Papers:  Neenah Classic Solar White,  Blossom Soup Patterned Papers (Jillibean Soup)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters Distress Ink, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Big Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Grand Labels One Nestabilities, Green Satin Ribbon (PTI), Yellow Button (PTI), White Button Thread, Sponge Daubers, White Pearls, Dimensionals 

Such a Cheeky Boy

Hello Stampers~

I finally had a chance to play in this month's Sketch For You To Try.  I just recently received gaZOODLES of new patterned paper packs; so I had lots of inspiration for all the layers in this sketch.  I chose to go with Jillibean Soup's Dutch Mustard papers.  Are they not just SCRUMPTIOUS?!  I do believe I will be using this pack quite a bit...yummy, yummy colors and patterns!

I used Penny Johnson's Cheeky Boy image from Stampavie as my focal image.  I mean, after all, I have raised three cheeky boys of my own!  HaHa  I just got this image in the mail from Stampers Dream, and I could not wait to get it inky.  I took one look at that sweet face, and my heart just melted...sigh.

I colored the image with Copic markers, and used the Copic Airbrush System to created the soft background.  I shined up the eyes and glass jar with some Glossy Accents.  In the corner, I used one of Jillibean Soup's fabulous new Corrugated Shapes, some natural burlap string, orange satin ribbon, and a pretty green corduroy brad (which I colored with my YG03 Copic marker).

Here's a close-up of the image:

I went all matchy-matchy, and gave him green eyes.  Truth be told, however, I have green eyes myself, as do two of my sons; so I am a bit partial. 

To get the polka dots on the kite, I simply used my YR09 Copic marker for the darker dots and my Colorless Blender for the pale dots...easy peasy!

Here are the Copic markers I used (brace yourself!):

I know it's a lot; but I do so love to shade!  You could easily get away with about half of these, and get pretty similar results.  I just can't help myself...:)

That's all from me today, friends!

Hope your Tuesday is TERRIFIC!  Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Cheeky Boy (Stampavie)
Papers:  Confetti Tan (retired SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Dutch Mustard Patterned Papers (Jillibean Soup) 
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Labels Eight Nestabilities, Copic Airbrush System, Glossy Accents, White Opaque Pen (just a smidge on the eyes), Natural Burlap String, Corrugated Shape (Jillibean Soup), Orange Satin Ribbon (PTI), Green Corduroy Button (SU), Dimensionals 

Welcome Sweet Baby Girl

Hello Stampers~

Look at that...another Monday.  Where do the weekends go?!  

Today's card sample is made with the SWEETEST little stamp, called Baby Fairy Flora from Stampavie.  The Stampers Dream store just got in a fantastic selection of stamps from Stampavie (as well as a bazillion other drool-worthy items)!

I colored her in with Copic markers, and added a bit of sparkle with a Sakura Stardust Gellyroll Pen.  There are lots of pearls on this card!  I added pretty pearl flourishes from Zva, and dyed them pale pink with my R11 Copic marker.  The pearl stick pins were already those shades of pink, as was the gorgeous pearl accent in the middle of the bow.  The three pearls under the sentiment were dyed with a RV19 Copic marker.

Here's a close-up of the image:

 

 
Isn't she just the sweetest?  I love all her piggy tails and ruffled panties...cute, cute, CUTE!

Here are the Copic markers I used:

I hope your weekend was a good one, friends!  I was lucky enough to spent Friday night and Saturday at a Stamping Around NH event.  I went with a dear girlfriend, whom I don't get to see nearly enough these days. :)  I even got to see an old girlfriend, whom I hadn't seen in YEARS...what an absolute treat that was!  ***waving hello, Fran!***  My favorite part of these events is always the socializing, although the stamping was pretty awesome too!  

Here's a shot of all the teachers at the end of the event (yes, we were all tired!):

You may recognize those fabulous ladies, as they are all well-known in the stamping world.  From left to right, they are:  Jodi Collins, Melissa Bickford, Erika Martin, me, and Julie Masse.

Have a fantastic Monday, everyone!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Baby Fairy Flora (Stampavie)
Papers: Classic Solar White (Neenah), Purely Pomegranate Textured (SU), Springtime Patterned Papers (Echo Park)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Rose Bud (Memento), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Pearl Flourishes (Zva), Bright Pink Satin Ribbon (SU), White Pleated Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Pink Pearl Stick Pins, Pearl Accent (Prima), Pearls, White Button Thread, Labels One Grand Nestabilities Die (Spellbinders), Clear Stardust Glitter Pen, Dimensionals 

Star Gazing

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine Tuesday?  Life is good at this time, and I am savoring every moment. :)  On Saturday, my family hiked a mountain (this time we did Sunapee) for the seventh straight weekend.  Yes, we are officially in love with hiking!  We are hoping to hike Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, MA this weekend...although it looks like it may rain.  I guess eight gorgeous Saturdays in succession might be too much to ask for, huh?!  We shall see...

I haven't updated you on my weight loss journey in a bit, have I?  Well, since I started 16 weeks ago, I have lost a total of just over 33 pounds.  I am truly amazed that I have actually done it!  I've dropped two full sizes, and am feeling SO great.  I would like to drop one more dress size, which would put me in a size that I haven't worn in about 15 years.  So...for now, I'll keep eating salads, working out on my elliptical machine (Thank you, GOD, for that machine!), and climbing every mountain in sight.  {grin}

Today's card sample is made with a super-sweet image from Stampavie, called Star Gazing.  I picked it up at Stampers Dream.  I tend to reach for blues when I am working with polar bears; but I deliberately did not do so this time.  I kept the coloring very simple, and used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch for my layout.  The pretty papers are from Cosmo Cricket's Mitten Weather pack.

Here's a close-up:

I used a Sakura Stardust Clear Star Gelly Roll pen on the snow and star.  Here are the Copic colors I used:

Thanks so much for dropping by today, friends!  How I would love it if we could sit and enjoy a cup of coffee together in the morning.  Stampers are the friendliest people, don't  you think?

Have a WONDERFUL day!

Hugs,

~Cindy
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Stamps:  Star Gazing (Stampavie)
Papers:  Sahara Sand (SU), New Leaf (PTI), Classic Solar White (Neenah), Mitten Weather Patterned Papers (Cosmo Cricket)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink (Tim Holtz), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Sakura Stardust Clear Star Gelly Roll Pen, Red Buttons (PTI), Natural Burlap String, Martha Stewart Border Punch, New Leaf Satin Ribbon (PTI), Sponge Dauber

Fairy Flora Flower Fest

Hello Stampers~

Today's sample is made with Stampavie's Flower Planters image.  What a fun image to color...not too much, not too little...just right! :)

I used some of Prima's gorgeous Fairy Flora patterned paper for the background layers, and added some yummy trims and ribbons to the edge.

I colored the image in with the following Copic markers:

I know...I used quite a few, didn't I?!  Those extra little touches of color do so much to make an image come alive.

Here's a close up of the colored image:

I hope you have a fantastic day, my friends!  Thanks for visiting with me today!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Flower Planters (Stampavie)
Papers:  Basic Gray (SU), Fairy Flora Patterned Papers (Prima), Neenah Classic Solar White
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Yellow Ruffle Edge Trim, Gray Crochet Trim, Green Polka Dot Sheer Ribbon, Yellow Button, White Button Thread, Coluzzle Circle Cutter, Ticket Corner Punch, Green Pearls, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen

 

Butterfly Gazing...

Hello Stampers~

For today's sample, I used a sweet new Sarah Kay image that I picked up at Stampers Dream.  The pretty patterned papers are from Bo Bunny's Jazmyne Die Cut Paper Pack.  The sketch is this week's Paper Craft Planet sketch.  I colored the image with Copic markers.

Here's a close-up of the colored image:

Enjoy your Tuesday, my friends!  Thanks for visiting today! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Sarah Kay Zoe Gazing At the Butterfly
Papers:  Orchid Opulence (SU), Elegant Eggplant (SU), Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Jazmyne Die Cut Paper Pad (Bo Bunny)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - V12, V15, V17, V09, E000, E00, E02, B34, B37, B39, Y11, Y15, BG000, W00, W1, E42, E44, R02, R05, BV00, BV02, YG01, YG03
Accessories:  Pearls, White Vintage Crocheted Trim, White Pearl Button, Plum Pudding Satin Ribbon (PTI), Dimensionals

An Apple A Day...

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this lovely Wednesday?  I am doing just fabulous! :)

Today's sample is made with one of my sweet new Sarah Kay images, Adele Enjoying Fresh Apples.  There are few images I enjoy coloring as much as Sarah Kays...so full of detail and wonderful shading possibilities.  You have to check out the awesome selection of these images at Stampers Dream!  If you want it, Michelle has GOT it! :)

Here's a closer shot of the coloring detail.  Remember, if you click on the photos, you can always get a really close-up view!

Have a lovely day, my sweet friends!

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Adele Enjoying Fresh Apples
Papers:  Chocolate Kiss (PTI), Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, Jillibean Soup Old World Cabbage Stew Patterned Papers
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (lots of them), Antique Linen Distress Ink
Accessories:  Twill Ribbon, Chocolate Button (PTI), Burlap String, Sponge Dauber, Chocolate Pearls, Dimensionals, Border Punch (EK Success)

April Showers Bring...

Hello Stampers~

I am sooo in love with this delicious color combo!  The gorgeous papers are from the new Thrift Shop pad from October Afternoon.  If you live within a 10-mile radius of me, you may have heard me squealing with delight when I flipped through this paper pack for the first time.  Isn't that the best moment....when you first flip through a brandy-new pack of yummy papers?  Maybe that's why have enough paper to wallpaper my entire county! ;)

I picked up this adorable Hedgehog with Umbrella image at Stampers Dream.  I do believe this is just about the cutest hedgehog image I have ever seen!  I colored him in with Copic markers, and did a little sponging around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink from Tim Holtz.  The pretty trims, Prima flower, and pearls were all purchased at Stampers Dream as well.

I also used this week's sketch over on SCS.

For those of you who might like a list of Copic markers, here's a snap shot for you:

Yeah, it's a lot, huh?!  Sometimes I go a little cuckoo with my shading.  You could easily get away with fewer shades.

Have a wonderful Tuesday, friends!  Yesterday was a good day; but it was so jam-packed that I never got a chance to catch my breath.  I'm hoping for a little less adventure today. :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Hedgehog With Umbrella
Papers:  Coordinations Blue-Green, Classic Red Prismatics, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Thrift Shop patterned papers (October Afternoon)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Antique Linen Distress Ink, Copic Markers
Accessories:  Classic Oval Nestabilities, Big Scallop Large Oval Nestabilities, Cream Lace Trim, Olive Green Ric Rac Trim, Pearls, Prima Flower, Dimensionals, White Gel Pen, Sponge Dauber

Spring Has Sprung!

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this beautiful spring day?  Oh, how I love this time of year!  Everything is so fresh and green and new. :)

For my card today, I used Stampavie's adorable new Rabbit in Watering Can image.  I chose to color the tulips in pretty shades of yellow.  I love all tulips; but yellow is definitely my fave!  I kept things pretty monochromatic with some Intense Yellow Prismatics card stock and pretty yellow ribbons & pearls.  Well, the pearls were white when I started; but I colored them with my Y38 Copic marker.

Here's a close-up so you can get a better idea of the shading on the image:

I hope you have  a spectacular Tuesday, friends!  Thank you so very much for visiting with me today!  I love it when you do! :)

Hugs,

~Cindy

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Stamps:  Rabbit In Watering Can (Stampavie)
Papers:  Classic Solar Crest White (Neenah), Intense Yellow Prismatics, Kioshi Patterned Paper (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers - Y21, Y23, Y35, Y38, YR07, YG01, YG13, YG17, BV01, BV04, E40, E41, E42, E30, E33, RV00, W1, W3, W5, W8, BG0000
Accessories:  Yellow Checked Gathered Ribbon, Yellow Satin Ribbon (PTI), White Prima Flower, Pearls (colored with Y38 Copic marker), Classic Oval & Big Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals, Black Glaze Pen (eyes)