the creative closet by cindy lawrence

May the Odds Be Ever in Your Favor

Hello, friends!

Welcome to this week's edition of the Wednesday Stamp Club sketch challenge from My Favorite Things.  Here's the sketch:

I decided to work with the new Document It - Right on Target set, since I've yet to use it.  I love the sentiment, straight out of The Hunger Games.  You have to say it in Effie Trinket's Capitol accent, accentuating ever, of course. ;-)

I began with a Steel Blue card base, and swiped on some Steel Blue ink to give it a grainy look.  I added layers of Steel Grey, Jellybean Green, and Sno Cone card stock.  I stamped the Distressed Background Blocks in Berrylicious ink, and distressed the edges.  I also wrapped a bit of twine around the background layer.

The sentiment was stamped in Steel Blue, and I added a trio of Sno Cone buttons for balance.  The feathers were die-cut with the Accent It - Feathers and Arrows Die-namics.  I sponged on some Jellybean Green and Berrylicious inks to give the feathers a multi-tone look.  I stamped the target in Jellybean Green ink and die-cut it with the Circles 1 STAX Die-namics. 

Inside I added Sno Cone and Steel Grey card stock layers, stamped the arrows and sentiment in Steel Blue, die-cut the feather with the Accent It - Feathers and Arrows Die-namics, and sponged it with Berrylicious ink.

Stop by the MFT blog for links to the rest of the designer blogs.  Be sure to play along for your chance at the weekly prize, valued at up to $20 in vouchers to the MFT Boutique. You can submit your entry using the keyword MFTWSC125 to the Gallery at Splitcoaststampers. Entries for this week’s challenge will close on Tuesday, May 28th at noon EST.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Cindy

Supplies:

MFT Creative Challenge: May Flowers

Hello, friends!

It's time for the May Design Team Creative Challenge from My Favorite Things.  This month we were challenged to create projects with a focus on flowers using Die-namics.  Can you imagine a focus on FLOWERS?!  haha...so right up my alley, right?! :)

For my first card, I created the card base with the Mini Album Bracket STAX Die-namics and Kraft card stock.  I added a strip of Sour Apple Grosgrain, a strip each of Grapesicle and Smooth White cardstock that were die-cut with the Dotted Scallop Border Trio Die-namics, and a strip of Berrylicious card stock that was die-cut with the Blueprints 3 Die-namics.

I stamped the sentiment from Sweet Roses in Berrylicous ink, and die-cut it with the Fishtail Flags Layers STAX Die-namics.  The buttons are Berrylicious, Grapesicle, and Sour Apple.

Those gorgeous blooms were die-cut with the Plentiful Petals Die-namics out of Grapesicle, Sour Apple, and Berrylicious card stock.  I used double-sided foam tape between each layer to really make them pop.

Inside the card I added a Smooth White card stock layer, die-cut with the Mini Album Bracket STAX Die-namics.  I stamped the sentiment from Cheerful Blessings in Sour Apple ink.  The border at the top was made with Grapesicle and Berrylicious card stock, and the Dotted Scallop Border Trio Die-namics.

For my second card, I went with bold colors and clean lines.

I actually used the left-over piece of Kraft card stock from my first card above to make the card base for this one.  It's 3-1/2" wide by 5-1/2" tall.  I added layers of Black Licorice and Razzle Berry card stock, and used the Dotted Scallop Border Trio Die-namics and the Blueprints 3 Die-namics to make the flower and borders.  I stamped the sentiment from Chalkboard Greetings (this month's Triple Scoop set!) in white pigment ink and embossed it in white embossing powder.  A Black Licorice Button and a bit of Copic-colored (RV06) white crochet thread finish off the details.

Inside I stamped the sentiment from Cheerful Blessings in Black Licorice and the three hearts from Cheerful Blessings in Razzle Berry.

Stop by the MFT blog for links to all of today's designer creations. That's all today, friends!  Have yourselves a terrific Tuesday!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Hey, Girlfriend!

Hey everyone~

Today, the Flourishes design team is sharing projects made with some of the new May release sets.  I chose to work with Glamour Girls because I haven't had a chance to use it yet.  I kept the card monochromatic, with a Classic White card base, and pretty purple and lilac paper layers from the Crocus Color Made Easy Collection.  The gorgeous lace is White Scalloped Lace Trim, and I added a pretty Elderberry seam binding ribbon & sparkly Prima Crystals to finish off the details.

I paper-pieced her gloves with pretty purple patterned paper from the Secret Garden collection from Graphic 45.  I stamped her on Classic White with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored her with the following Copic Marker Collections:

Inside I stamped the beautiful roses from Old Tea Rose in Memento Lulu Lavender, and stamped the sentiment in Memento Sweet Plum.  A slim strip of card stock from the Crocus Color Made Easy Collection balances it off nicely.

Check out the beautiful projects created by the rest of the design team today:

• Amanda Havon
• Christine Okken
  
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Danielle Kennedy
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Maki Jones
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

JustRite Guest Blogger Day Three

Hello friends!

It's the third and final day of my guest blogger gig over at JustRite Papercrafts.  I have so enjoyed blogging for them, and playing with their fabulous stamps and dies!

Here's a peek at today's project:

Isn't that a beautiful, heart-warming sentiment?  ...and how about the frames surrounding it?!  All the details and full photos can be found on the JustRite Blog.  Hope you stop by and give me a shout!

Have a terrific Wednesday, friends!

~Cindy

CardMaker & Flourishes Blog Hop

  Today the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team is pairing up with the Flourishes Design Team to bring you some fabulous inspiration with our most recent Flourishes May Release sets! It’s a taste of creativity you’re sure to love!

For my card, I chose to use the Call Me set, and cheery shades of red, white, and blue-green.  I love this fresh color combo!  My card size is 5" square.  The patterned papers are from the Happy Days collection from Echo Park.  The blue-green textured papers are from the Emerald Coast Color Made Easy Collection.  The ribbon is Paradise Aqua Seam Binding.  I finished off the details with a Poppy Button, Red Enamel Dots, and a Crystal Trinket Pin.

I stamped the image on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, die-cut it with the Spellbinders Labels Twenty Eight die set, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

Inside the card, I added a bit of patterned paper, stamped the image in Memento Lady Bug (stamped off once), and stamped the sentiment in Memento Teal Zeal.

Flourishes loves CardMaker Magazine and its endless source of inspiration in each edition. You’ll find gorgeous photography; beautiful creations, step-by-step instructions and card and paper-crafting designs from the simple to the elaborate; and we love that a number of our Flourishes designers have been published in its pages! So hop along today and be doubly inspired by two great teams! 

You'll want to be sure to comment because we're giving away our entire May Stamp release valued at more than $70...one prize on the Flourishes Blog and one prize hidden along the blog hop! The deadline to participate is Friday the 17th at 5 pm EST...yes, that's just two days away!  So, go and get commenting! :)

If you're going in order, you should have come from the lovely Stacy Morgan's blog before here, and next you're off to see what the oh-so-talented Melanie Muenchinger has created.  If you didn't start at the beginning, hop on over to the CardMaker Blog to get all the details and start at the beginning.

Thanks so much for joining us today!  Good luck!

~Cindy

Supplies:

JustRite Guest Blogger Day Two

Hey everyone~

It's my second day as guest blogger on JustRite Papercrafts!  Today, I have a fresh floral project to share with you.  Here's a little peek:

Oh, how I love irises!  Check out all the details and a full view of this project over on the JustRite Blog. 

See you over there!

~Cindy

MFT Release Rewind

Hey everyone~

It's time for the Release Rewind from My Favorite Things!  I've made a sweet little set of cards with Lisa Johnson's new Peaceful Wildflowers set, as well as her Cheerful Blessings set for the inside sentiments.  I also used the coordinating Wildflowers Die-namics, Mini Album Square Scallop STAX Die-namics, Happy Hellos Die-namics, and Blueprints 3 Die-namics.  Yes, I love Die-namics! :) 

For my first card, I began with a Razzle Berry card base.  That fun chicken wire background was made with the brand-new Chicken Wire Stencil, my Copic Air Brush System, and a RV17 Copic marker.  The white card stock on all of the cards is Smooth White.  Each of the card bases was die-cut with the Mini Album Square Scallop STAX Die-namics, as was the Smooth White card stock inside.

Inside the card, I stamped a sweet sentiment from Cheerful Blessings in Lemon Drop ink, added a Blueprints 3 Die-namics cut strip of Sour Apple card stock, and a sweet little heart stamped in Razzle Berry ink.

My second card began with a Sour Apple card base, and I used a YG03 Copic marker with the Chicken Wire Stencil to make the background.

Inside this card, I stamped the sentiment and sun from Cheerful Blessings in Lemon Drop ink, added a Blueprints 3 Die-namics cut strip of Lemon Drop card stock, and stamped the flower from Peaceful Wildflowers in Razzle Berry and Sour Apple inks.  I die-cut the flower with the Wildflowers Die-namics.

My final card has with a Lemon Drop card base, and I used a YR07 Copic marker with the Chicken Wire Stencil for the background. 

Once again, on the inside of the card, I stamped the sentiment from Cheerful Blessings in Razzle Berry ink, the heart in Sour Apple ink, and added a Blueprints 3 Die-namics strip of Razzle Berry card stock along the top.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Fun News with JustRite Papercrafts

Hey everyone!

I am super excited to be guest blogging over on JustRite Papercrafts for the next few days!  I am a long-time fan of their products, and had SUCH a great time playing!

Here's a little peek at today's project:

Isn't that a GORGEOUS image?!  You'll need to stop by the JustRite Blog for all the details and a full view of the project.  Come on over and say, "hi"!

Have a fantastic Monday, friends!

~Cindy

The Key to My Heart

It's our last day of May Releases at Flourishes! We know you've enjoyed all the Sneak Peeks this week of these fabulous new sets! And we've enjoying showing them to you! All our May Release are now LIVE HERE! Now how about showing you one more? A very popular trend in jewelry right now are charm-bracelets, and today we've made it possible in stylish paper-crafting form. Here's... Use this set when nothing but a "Simply Charming" card will do! With more than a dozen mix-and-match sentiments and six charms that you can mask and add to the "Tiffany's" style charm bracelet, this set is one of a kind! The options are endless and the uses are downright fun! Let's see what kind of "charming" cards you can whip up with this one! Plus, with a Sihouette Cut File there's no problem combining the bracelet links and charms. All of our Silhouette Files are available now HERE.

I combined the Simply Charming set with the beautiful Wedded Bliss set to make a card that is perfect for a wedding, anniversary, or simply to say I love you.

I began with a Classic White card base, a layer of textured red card stock from the Poppy Color Made Easy Collection, and striking patterned papers from Echo Park's Love Story collection.  The fancy frame was made with the Spellbinders Antique Frame & Accents die set.  The Black Velvet & Lace add an elegant touch down the left side of the card.  I stamped the silhouette image in Memento Love Letter ink, and stamped the sentiments in Brilliance Graphite Black ink.  I wrapped the card in pretty seam binding from the Poppy Color Made Easy Collection, added a sweet Silver Cord bow, and a few Hot Pink Rhinestones.

The darling charms from the Simply Charmed set were stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black on Classic White card stock, and colored with the following Copic Marker Collections:

I then hand-cut the charms and tucked them under the bow.

Inside the card, I added a strip of patterned paper, a skinny strip of card stock, stamped the sentiment in Brilliance Graphite Black, and stamped the silhouette image in Memento Love Letter, which I stamped off once to lighten it up.  The ornate details in the corners were stamped in Brilliance Graphite Black as well.

Come and be inspired by the Design Team's creativity with this set on their blogs, And today is your last chance to find the...

Hidden amoung the Design Team is one person who's today's Mystery Blogger, comment on her blog and you could win today's set! How easy and wonderful is that?!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Danielle Kennedy
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Maki Jones
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan

Don't forget about the other ways you can win this week, you still have time to play in our Colorful Creations Challenge - the deadline for entries is tonight at 5 PM Eastern. This week's Timeless Tuesday Challenge is another way to win. Click HERE to find out more. And all our winner's will be announced tomorrow on the Flourishes Blog in our Winner's Circle. Be sure to tune in to see if your name is chosen!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!  I am finally feeling better after having the flu, which turned into a 9 week sinus infection (still hanging on just a wee bit), and then a bout with a stomach bug (why not, right?!).  My son had the flu first (the one who insisted on a flu shot...ahem); then my hubby caught a bad cold last week.  Now it appears that my daughter is coming down with something as well....ugh.  This has been a tough year for so many people!  Now that the weather is warm and beautiful, let's hope we can all put the sickies behind us! 

Hope you have a wonderful Friday, and truly lovely Mother's Day weekend!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Give Me a Ring

We're back for Day 3 of Flourishes May New Releases to show off for you! It feels so good to connect with an old friend doesn't it? We have the perfect set for you today that brings in some fun vintage-style that celebrates friendship. Introducing....

 

What's the 411 on this set? It's a darling, vintage feel set that helps you stay connected with friends far and wide. This set, whimsically illustrated by Marcella Hawley, offers three main images plus six spunky sentiments you can use to catch up with friends. This set measures 4 by 6". We think it's very charming and so much fun! And for even more fun, we've got Silhouette Cut Files for this set that you will see along the way too.

I began my card with a 5-1/2" x 3-1/2" piece of pretty yellow textured card stock from the Sunflower Color Made Easy Collection.  The bold patterned papers are from Basic Grey's Little Black Dress collection, and I backed them with Classic Black card stock.  I stamped the image from Call Me with Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Classic White card stock, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

I die-cut the image with a Spellbinders Petite Oval die, and layered that on a Spellbinders Imperial Gold Labels Four die-cut.  I added a bit of black pom pom trim and Black Braided Trim along the bottom to anchor the card.  The sentiment was stamped in Brilliance Graphite Black ink, and a couple of black rhinestones finish off the details.

Inside the card I added a bit of Classic Black card stock, some patterned papers, stamped the sentiment in Brilliance Graphite Black, and stamped the image in Memento Cantaloupe.  I just love that sentiment!

Don't forget about today's... 

One of the Design Team Members is today's Mystery Blogger. If you comment on her blog you could be chosen to win today's great set! The more you comment the better your chances!

• Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Danielle Kennedy
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Maki Jones
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you want a chance to win all four of our soon-to-be released May sets, you can always play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – there will be multiple winners there! Deadline for entries is Friday at 5 PM EST. OR, play along with the gals for this week’s Timeless Tuesday Challenge! Check out the links for the official rules! Also, if you like what you see on our designers’ blogs today, you can pre-order this set (along with the other three sets as well). You can also take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle. All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Old Tea Rose

Welcome to Day 2 of Flourishes Sneak Peeks for May! Those April showers have brought May flowers and we're bringing a beautiful flower to you today too, it's a brand new set from a brand new illustrator for Flourishes! We'd like to introduce...

 

It's a gorgeous new set that celebrates the majestic rose. Artistically drawn by our new artist Sam Pickard, this old tea rose just begs to be colored with style. This elegant floral features three accent images, including a stately looking butterfly and five beautifully scripted sentiments - all on a 4 by 6" set. This set will also have a Silhouette Cut file available as well for wonderful creative options. You can find out more about our new Illustrator Sam Pickard HERE.

My card begins with a Classic White card base, with a layer of pretty textured paper from the Tiger Lily Color Made Easy Collection.

I added a couple of rows of white lace and a peach button to dress it up a bit.  I rounded the top right corner of the card to add interest and balance.  The sentiment was stamped in Memento Olive Grove ink.

I stamped the tea rose image on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with the following Copic Marker Collections:

Inside the card I added a strip of card stock, stamped the sentiment in Memento Olive Grove ink, and stamped several roses in Memento Morocco ink.

You'll want to see all beautiful inspiration that the Design Team has for you with this set, and you'll want to be sure to comment because...

One of our Design Team Members is the Mystery Blogger of the day! That means commenting on her blog puts you in the running to win you today's Old Tea Rose stamp set! You'll have to comment to find out who it is!

Want to see all the beautiful things you can create with this gorgeous flower? We love it so much we've invited some extra friends to the party. Head on over and see…..

• Friends of Flourishes Team Coordinator Allison Cope
• Christine Okken
• Cindy Lawrence <---You are here!
• Danielle Kennedy
• Heather Jensen
• Julie Koerber
• Maki Jones
• Silke Ledlow
• Stacy Morgan
• and BBB Team Member Dina Kowal

Now for more fun offerings...following on the heels of last month's wonderful 123 Create Kit we bring you...

A gorgeous new kit called Prairie Chic ready for spring and summer creating. You'll see it along the way as you visit some of Design Team today and the week ahead. We do all the coordinating for you with beautiful papers, ribbons and embellishments.

DO YOU WANT TO WIN OUR ENTIRE RELEASE?

If you want a chance to win all four of our soon-to-be released May sets, you can always play in our Colorful Creations Challenge – there will be multiple winners there! OR, play along with the gals for this week’s Timeless Tuesday Challenge! Check out the links for the official rules! Also, if you like what you see on our designers’ blogs today, you can pre-order this set (along with the other three sets as well). You can also take advantage our New Release Bundle and get 10% off when you purchase all four together in a bundle. All sets will be live first thing Friday morning along with the coordinating cut files for this release. So, be sure to stick with us this week as we unveil a whole new host of paper-crafting fun!

Thanks so much for visiting with me today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Make a Wish!

Hey everyone~

It's time for the May New Product Tour from My Favorite Things!  I have a couple of cards made with the adorable new Pure Innocence Make a Wish stamp set.

My first card bean with a 5-1/4" square Smooth White card base, and added layers of Grapesicle and Grape Jelly card stock.  The layout is one of the awesome Blueprints 3 sketches, and die-cut with the Blueprints 3 Die-namics.  The "hi" was made with the super-cool Happy Hellos Die-namics.  I am going to be using that one a LOT!  The background was stamped with Grape Jelly ink and the pretty Dandelion Wishes stamp set.

I stamped the image on X=Press It Blending Card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with Copic markers.

Inside the card I added a strip of Grapesicle card stock die-cut with the Dotted Scallop Border Trio Die-namics.  I stamped the sentiment and dandelion image from the Dandelion Wishes set with Grape Jelly ink, stamped off to lighten it.

My second card began with a 4-1/4" Tangy Orange card base.  I cut out the oval in the front of the card using the Accent It - Flags and Tags Die-namics, so that the sentiment can peek out from the inside of the card.  I stamped the floral silhouettes from Peaceful Wildflowers across the front of the card with Orange Fizz ink, added a Sno Cone button, and a sweet bow made from orange and white striped twine.

 
I stamped the image on X-Press It Blending Card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored it with Copic markers.

Inside the card, I added a layer of Sno Cone card stock, stamped the floral silhouettes from Peaceful Wildflowers in Sno Cone ink, stamped the sentiment in Black Licorice ink, and added  a couple of Tangy Orange card stock tabs die-cut with the Accent It - Flags and Tags Die-namics.

Thanks so much for stopping by, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Hay There!

Hi everyone~

Today's card was made with the awesome new Pure Innocence Farmer Girl set and Chicken Wire Die-namics.  What a great combo, eh?

I began with a Smooth White card base, stamped the hay bales in Lemon Drop, and used my E33 Copic marker to add chicken feed all over the background.  I then stamped the animals and farmer girl on X-Press It Blending Card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored the with Copic markers.  I then fussy cut each one out.  I attached the animals all over the background, and layered the Chicken Wire Die-namics in Steel Blue over the top.  I then mounted the farmer girl on top of the Chicken Wire.  The sentiment was stamped in Steel Blue ink and die-cut with the Blueprints 3 Die-namics, as was the Lemon Drop circle in the corner.

I added a bit of texture to her overalls by spritzing some Copic Colorless Blender onto a bit of denim fabric and pressing it onto the colored overalls.  I really love adding texture to my images!

Inside the card, I stamped the images in Lemon Drop, stamped the sentiment in Steel Blue, and added Lemon Drop and Steel Blue hexagons from the inside of the Chicken Wire Die-namics die.  Easy peasy!

Remember, today's the last day to win one of SEVEN $75 gift certificates to the MFT Boutique!  Stop back tonight at 10pm EST for the New Product Tour and to get first dibs on this month's awesome new MFT goodies!

Thanks so much for stopping by, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Just Be Happy

Hi everyone~

Today's card was super-fun and super-quick to make!  I used the awesome new Triple Scoop set, Chalkboard Greetings, Chicken Wire Die-namics, and Mini Album Square Scallop STAX Die-namics.  I used Kraft, Lemon Drop, and Black Licorice card stock, a Black Licorice button, and a couple of strips of Lemon Drop Grosgrain.  The rectangle was made with the Blueprints 1 Die-namics, and the black card stock strips were made with the Blueprints 2 Die-namics.  The sentiment was stamped in Black Licorice ink.

Inside the card, I stamped the image from Life's Direction in Lemon Drop ink, the sentiment in Black Licorice ink, and added Lemon Drop and Black Licorice card stock.

Be sure and stop by the MFT blog for your chance to win one of SEVEN gift certifications valued at $75 each!  How awesome is that?!

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies:

Take Time to Enjoy

Hi everyone~

Today's card is made with the CUTEST new set from My Favorite Things!  It's called Turtle Girl from the Doodle Garden collection.  Isn't she adorable?!

I began with a 5-1/4" square Kraft card base, layered some Red Hot and Sour Apple, and die-cut the pieces with the awesome new Blueprints 3 Die-namics.  The cute "hi" die-cut was made with the new Happy Hellos Die-namics.  A couple of Red Hot buttons anchor the sentiment nicely.  I gussied up the background with some Distressed Bkacground Blocks and Electric Red ink. 

 

I stamped the image on X-Press It Blending Card with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, and colored her in with Copic markers.  I then fussy cut her out, and mounted her on X-Press It Foam Tape.

Inside the card, I added a couple of strips of Sour Apple & Red Hot card stock, die-cut with the Blueprints 3 Die-namics.  I also stamped the sentiment in Red Hot ink, and stamped the image in Sour Apple.

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends!

~Cindy

Supplies: