the creative closet by cindy lawrence

Stampers Dream and Friends Blog Hop

Hello Stampers~

I'm back with something fun from Stampers Dream!  Today the  Dream Team and friends are bringing you a little blog hop and some CANDY as well! 

For my card, I chose to use the sweet Hello!  image from Stampavie.  Isn't that kitty the cutest?!  I paired it up with a sentiment from the Thanks a Bunch set from My Favorite Things, which I thought was the perfect match for the image. :)

I used Echo Park's Springtime Patterned Papers, some fun pink flower trinket pins from Maya Road, and a couple of pretty pink ribbons.  I colored the image in with the following Copic markers:

 

The layout for my card is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.

Now, are you ready to get hoppin'?  This is one seriously TALENTED group of stampers, my friends!  You are in for some real eye candy...and some real BLOG CANDY as well! ;)  Be sure to leave a comment on each and every blog post as you hop around today.  TWO have hidden blog candy, and you must leave a comment on each blog post for your chance to win.

Here's the list:

Becca Feeken 
Michelle Rodgers 
Jerri Kay Jimenez 
Amy Sheffer 
Denise Marzec 
Arlene Cuevas 
Leslie Miller 
Cindy Lawrence 
Kellie Fortin 
Tosh Leyendekker 
Jeanne Streiff 
Mariana Grigsby 
Joan Ervin 
Lea Lawson 
Frances Byrne 
Christina Fischer 
Carla Murphy 
Teresa Kline 
Carol Longacre 
Gabriela Devine

 AND.... here are the two prize packages from Stamper's Dream - one for each lucky winner!  

Now those are some GREAT prizes, don't you think?!  The winners will be announced on the Stampers Dream blog on Thursday evening, April 14, as well as on the blogs that had the hidden candy! So be sure to check back to see who the two winners are....it could be you!

Have a fantastic day, friends!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Hello! (Stampavie), Thanks a Bunch (My Favorite Things)
Papers:  Neenah Classic White, Springtime Patterned Papers (Echo Park), Pink Pirouette (SU)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Lilac Posies, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Pink Satin Ribbon, Pink Gingham Ribbon, Pink Button, Pink Trinket Flower Pins (Maya Road), Clear Stardust Gellyroll Pen (Sakura), Dimensionals 

 

My heart led me to you...

Hello Stampers~

Today is a very special day in my life...  It's my hubby's and my 16th wedding anniversary.   I love that man more today than every day before...  He is truly one in a  million. 

Yes, I really made that fru-fru card up there for him!  I wanted something romantic, with a bit of vintage flare.  I know it's rather feminine in design, but so are weddings, right?  I think this is the one occasion when I can get away with fru fru for the hubs. ;)

I used JustRite Stampers Friendship Blooms for the pretty frame stamps, and Romantic Sentiments for the saying (which I love so very much).  Those gorgeous papers are from Crate Paper's Portrait pack.  I added lots of special details, like the rose organza trim, cream satin pleat edging and pom pom trim border, gold mini rhinestones on the patterned paper, narrow ivory satin ribbon with a couple of gold pearl stick pins, a Martha Stewart border punch, several Nestabilities dies, some faux stitching with my White Opaque Pen, and finally dimensionals to pop up those layers.  Phew....that's a lotta embellies!

Here's a close-up view for you:

As you can see, I sponged all of the ivory cardstock layers with a Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink Pad to add to the vintage appeal.  The final touch is a spritz or two of Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist from Tattered Angels.  I know you can't really see it in the photo; but it adds such a pretty shimmer to the card.

The card itself is 5-1/4" square.  The layout is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Have yourselves a FANTASTIC Wednesday, friends!  I am looking forward to a quiet evening out to dinner with my sweetheart.

Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Friendship Blooms (JustRite), Romantic Sentiments (JustRite)
Papers:  Confetti Tan (retired SU), Classic Ivory (Flourishes), Portrait Patterned Papers (Crate Paper)
Inks:  Ocean Tides (PTI), Berry Sorbet (PTI), Antique Linen Distress (Tim Holtz)
Accessories:  White Opaque Pen, Gold Mini Rhinestones (Zva), Small Cream Roses Organza, Cream Satin Pleat Edging, Ivory Pom Pom Trim, Labels One Nestabilities, Circle Nestabilities, Narrow Ivory Satin Ribbon, Gold Pearl Stick Pins, Sponge Dauber, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Dimensionals, Dazzling Diamonds Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels)

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 

JustRite Stampers Dream Blog Hop

Hello Stampers~

How was your weekend?  My church retreat was wonderful....refreshing, rejuvenating, and relaxing! :)

Today the Stampers Dream Team has teamed up with the JustRite Stampers design team for a fun blog hop to celebrate their March release.

Along the hop we have 3 great blog candy prizes hidden!  No one knows where the blog candy is! For your chance to win one of these three prizes simply leave a comment on each blog.   Blog comments will remainn open until 8 pm CST - Tuesday March 22nd.   The 3 winners will be announced on the Stamper's Dream Blog and the JustRite Blog on Wednesday March 23rd.  
Here is what you have a chance to win - 4 JustRite Stamps sets of your choice...AND....a $50.00 prize package from Stamper's Dream (check out the photo below!)  or a $50.00  shopping spree to the JustRite Webstore.

How awesome is that?!  Remember, all you need to do is leave a comment on all the blogs along the hop for your chance to win.  Good luck!

For my card, I used the Vintage Oval Labels cling set.  I just love the ornate elegance of the images in this set, and the way they coordinate so beautifully with Spellbinders dies.  I embossed my image using black embossing powder and colored it in with Copic markers.  That richly colored patterned paper is from Echo Park's For the Record collection.

Here's a close up for you:

I sponged on a little Tim Holtz Pumice Stone Distress ink, and added White Opaque Pen accents to the flowers.  The card size is 5-1/4" square.

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

JustRite Inspiration Blog

Becca Feeken

Michelle Rodgers

Debbie Olson

Amy Sheffer

Kazan Clark

Cindy Lawrence

Heidi Blankenship

Kellie Fortin

Tosh Leyendekker

Barb Schram

Arlene Cuevas

Michele Kovack

Teresa Kline

Kathy Jones

Mariana Grigsby

Sankari Wegman

Christina Fischer

Angela Barkhouse

Lea Lawson

Eva Dobilas

Kim Teasdale

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!  

Have a super day!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Vintage Oval Labels
Inks:  VersaMark, Tim Holtz Pumice Stone, Tim Holtz Forest Moss, Copic Markers (R12, R14, YG03, YG17)
Papers:  Black, Sahara Sand (SU), For the Record Patterned Papers (Echo Park)
Accessories:  Black Rhinestones, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Black Roses Trim, Green Ruffled Ribbon, Black Satin Ribbon, Labels Six Nestabilities Dies, Tim Holtz Styled Labels Die, Sponge Dauber, White Opaque Pen, Dimensionals, Black Embossing Powder, Clear Spica Glitter Pen

 

You Mean the World to Me

Hello Stampers~

Happy Monday to you!  Today's sample is made with the lovely Kindness cling mount stamp set from JustRite Stampers.  I picked mine up at Stampers Dream.

The richly colored papers are from the Stella & Rose Hattie collection from My Mind's Eye.  I paired them up with the Lattice Pendant, Labels Fourteen, and Circle Nestabilities.

Here's a close up for you:

I adhered some vintage glass glitter to the circle layer at the bottom for a touch of something unexpected and fun.  I added gold accents with some Wild Honey Distress Ink, gold rhinestones, stick pins, double-sided satin ribbon, and a pretty Sparkler from Webster's Pages.  The finished card size is 5-1/4" square.

I hope your Monday is absolutely FANTASTIC, friends! :)

Thanks for stopping by today!

Hugs,
~Cindy 

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Stamps:  Kindness (JustRite)
Papers:  Not Quite Navy (SU), Blue Bayou (SU), Stella & Rose Hattie Patterned Papers (My Mind's Eye), Classic Ivory (Flourishes)
Inks:  Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Wild Honey Distress Ink, Blue Bayou (SU), Not Quite Navy (SU)
Accessories:  Gold Rhinestones, Gold Pearl Stick Pins, Aqua/White Twine (The Twinery), Gold Satin Ribbon, Sparkler (Webster's Pages), Lattice Pendant Nestabilities Die, Labels Fourteen Nestabilities Die, Circle Nestabilities Die, Sponge Dauber, Clear Vintage Glass Glitter, Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon (PTI), 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 

La-La-Land Birthday

Hello Stampers~

How are you on this fine March day?  I couldn't be happier that March is here...inching closer to spring every day. :)

Today's card is made with a sweet new image from La-La-Land Crafts, called Marcie Ballerina.  I just love the way these precious little girls are drawn...adorable!  Stampers Dream just got in a great selection of them!

I used some pretty Sweet Fairy papers, and colored the image with Copic markers.  

The sketch is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  The card size is 5-1/2" square.

Here's a close-up shot for you:

The sparkle is achieved with a Sakura Stardust Clear GellyRoll Pen.  The soft background is achieved by sponging on some Tim Holtz Distress Inks.

That's all for today, friends!  Thanks so much for visiting with me! :) 

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  Marcie Ballerina (La-La-Land Crafts), Sentiments 1 (Stampavie)
Papers:  Classic Solar White (Neenah), Sweet Fairy Patterned Papers (Prima), Melon Mambo Textured (SU)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Melon Mambo (SU), Tim Holtz Spun Sugar Distress Ink, Tim Holtz Shabby Shutters Distress Ink, Memento Lulu Lavender, Copic Markers - E000, E00, E02, E30, E33, E37, RV000, RV00, RV02, V12, V15, V17, BG10
Accessories:  Sakura Stardust Clear GellyRoll Pen, Bright Pink Cotton Linen Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Long Rectangle Nestabilities, Classic Square Nestabilities, Martha Stewart Border Punch, Glossy Accents, Dimensionals

Stampers Dream Blog Hop

Hello Stampers~

Today I have a special treat for you!  The Stampers Dream Team and friends are sharing samples made with some of our favorite stamps from the Stampers Dream store.  I chose to use the Fancy Nested Frames set from JustRite Stampers.  I have many favorite stamps right now; but these nested frame sets from JustRite are high on my list.  They make such elegant cards, don't you think?

I stamped the frame on some pale green cardstock and embossed it with vanilla embossing powder (retired SU).  I did this three times, and used my Spellbinders Labels Fourteen and Classic Oval Nestabilities to cut out the layers.  I then popped the layers up with Dimensionals.

The bottom portion of the card has been dry embossed with my Scor-Buddy, to give it a little bit of subtle pattern.  The top portion of the background is some beautiful Annalee patterned paper from Prima.  I sponged each layer of the pale green cardstock, which gives the card a bit more depth.  The card itself is shimmery white cardstock, and measures 5-1/2" square.

I finished things off with some pretty pearls, a white paper flower, and a big green silk bow.  Although I chose to use the "Happy Mother's Day" sentiment,  this would make a lovely wedding or anniversary card simply by changing the sentiment.  Pretty papers, luscious ribbon, and one of these JustRite nested frame sets, and you've got yourself one fancy-schmancy card! ;)

Here's a close-up view for you:

 Hey... Did I tell you that a wonderful part of today's blog hop is BLOG CANDY???  I didn't?!  Well...there are actually going to be TWO separate winners, on two different blogs!  The only catch is, that we aren't gonna tell you which blogs have the hidden candy.  You'll just have to leave a comment on every one between now and Saturday afternoon for your chances to win! 

 Wanna see what you could win?  Here's the first prize package:

  

Blog Candy #1 includes the following:

Epiphany Crafts Heart Punch and Epoxy Bubble Caps Stickers

A LaBlanche Rubber Stamp

The Rubber Café stamp

Webster’s Pages designer vellum pack

Webster’s Pages Sentiment Sheet

Mini 3-D Puzzle

Cosmo Cricket Togetherness Paper Pad    

 ...and here's what's in the second package:

 

Blog Candy #2 includes:

Stampavie Rubber Stamp (new release) by Gillian Roberts

Stickles Tropical Tangerine (new color)  

Basic Grey Wander 6 x 6 Paper Pad          

La-La Land Crafts Panda rubber stamp

Stampendous Clear Stamp Set

Sassafras Lass felties puddle jumpers

Mini 3-D Puzzle

Webster’s Pages designer vellum pack

Webster’s Pages Sentiment Sheet

Handmade heart pin from Fabscraps

Awesome goodies, huh?!  

Hop on over to the rest of the blogs, and leave 'em some love...and maybe get a little in return yourself! ;)

Michelle               http://michellerodgers.blogspot.com/

Becca                    http://www.amazingpapergrace.com/ 

Jerri Kay               http://jerrikay.blogs.splitcoaststampers.com/  

Amy                       http://pickledpaperdesigns.blogspot.com/        

Tosh                      http://stamptalkwithtosh.blogspot.com/            

Mariana               http://marianagrigsby.wordpress.com/               

Cindy                     http://onehappystamper.typepad.com/

Leslie                     http://lesliekmiller.typepad.com/       

Kim                        http://paperintheworks.blogspot.com/               

Teresa                  http://enjoythevasunshine.blogspot.com/        

Lea                         http://leascupcakesandsunshine.blogspot.com/             

Christina              http://flowersandink.blogspot..com/     

Thanks for stopping by today, sweet friends!

Have yourselves a fantastic day!

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Fancy Nested Frames
Papers:  Shimmery White, Pale Green (Gina K), Annalee Patterned Paper (Prima)
Inks:  VersaMark, New Sprout (Memento)
Accessories:  Pearls, Green Silk Ribbon, White Paper Flowers, Scor Buddy, Sponge Dauber, Labels Fourteen Nestabilities, Classic Oval Nestabilities, Dimensionals, Vanilla Embossing Powder

Bloomin' Birdhouse

Hello Stampers~

How is your week going?  My sweet Abbi-girl hasn't had the best start to her school break.  She has been feverish and coughing.  I'm hoping it doesn't turn into anything too serious.  She also had a rather unpleasant awakening yesterday morning...a bee stung her in the face!  First of all, where on earth does a bee come from in February...and secondly, what is his problem anyway?!  Ornery thing.  Abbi handled it very well; but I felt so bad for her. :(  Hopefully, she's feeling better when she wakes up today.

Today's sample uses JustRite's new Birdhouses stamp set, which I picked up at Stampers Dream.  I love this particular summer-time birdhouse, as it gives me hope that we may actually see something other than snow again...haha!

I went with bright pink cardstock layers, and some yummy Lemonade papers from Basic Grey.  I sponged some Pomegranate ink onto the embossed cardstock layer to make it stand out more.

That fun sketch is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Here's a close-up of the image:

To achieve the softly colored background behind the birdhouse, I used my Copic Air Brush system and the BG02 & YG13 Copic markers.  The rest of the markers I used are as follows: 

That's all for today, folks!  Thanks for stopping by. :)  

Hugs,
~Cindy

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Stamps:  JustRite Birdhouses, JustRite Happy Everything Tag Making Kit
Papers:  Purely Pomegranate (SU), Classic Solar White (Neenah), Lemonade Patterned Papers (Basic Grey)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Purely Pomegranate (SU), Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Circle Nestabilities, Lacey Circle Nestabilities, Labels One Nestabilities, JustRite Tag Nestabilities, Embossing Folder (SU), Clear Rhinestones (colored with RV19 Copic marker), Pink Shimmery Ribbon, Martha Stewart Border Punch, White Opaque Pen, Copic Air Brush System, Sponge Dauber, Dimensionals

Daffodil Days Are Comin'...

Hello Stampers~

It is hard to imagine here in snowy New Hampshire; but spring is most certainly on it's way to us. Soon the daffodils will be blooming, and all will be right in the world again. :) 

For my card today, I used JustRite's new The Greatest Joy stamp set, which I picked up at Stampers Dream.  I stamped the daffodils over and over to create a little springtime garden.  I chose sunny shades of yellow, cheerful ruffled ribbon, and fun flower brads to make a get well card that is sure to be a bright spot for someone who's feeling a bit under the weather.

The layout is this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch.  

I colored the image in with the following Copic markers:

 You may be wondering where I used the BG15 marker.  I actually air-brushed it on very lightly for the sky, and did the same with the W8 marker for the dirt.  While both of these markers are fairly intense colors, when air-brushed they take on a much softer appearance.

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

 Okay, friends, that is all from me today.  I am working my way towards a week off next week to be with my kiddos on their winter break.  Three days and counting... :)

Have yourselves a FABULOUS day, friends!  Thanks for visiting with me!

Hugs,
~Cindy
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Stamps:  JustRite The Greatest Joy, JustRite Fancy Tags (sentiment) 
Papers:  Neenah Classic Solar White, Delovely Patterned Paper (Cosmo Cricket, Intense Yellow Textured Cardstock (Prism)
Inks:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers (see photo)
Accessories:  Flower Brads (SU), Gold Rhinestones, Ruffled Yellow Gingham Ribbon, Copic Air Brush System, Dimensionals