Graphic 45 Design Team Call 2012!

Hello G45ers,

Happy Friday to you all! This has been such a rocking week and it's about to get even better! It's the day that many of you have been waiting for! We are so excited to announce the Graphic 45 Design Team Call for 2012! Yes, that's right! It's your chance to try out for our awesome design team! This is an event that we always look forward to. It's a lot of fun and a fantastic opportunity for all of you talented Graphic 45 papercrafters out there! We're going to give you all of the details on this marvelous design team call on today's blog! Then you can spend the weekend letting your imagination run wild with ideas! Here is everything you need to know! We are over the moon with excitement and we can't wait to see what this year's 2012 Design Team Call will bring! Read all about it!

Now is your time to be in the spotlight! We see your talent on our Facebook, on our Ning, on YouTube and we want you to be a part of our 2012 Design Team! Below, you will read all you need to know to submit your creations to become a part of our exciting, fast-paced, creative team!

As a Graphic 45 design team member you will receive:

A box of Graphic 45 product supplied every three months including new products before they are released!
Receive product from our education partners and for blog hops.
Your name, bio and headshot featured on Graphic45's website.
Prominent exposure on the community site, blog, gallery, and weekly newsletters.
Possible teaching, publication, and manufacturing opportunities.
Create projects for trade shows, such as CHA and other venues.

What are we looking for?

Graphic45 paper and products are unique and vintage inspired, so we are looking for a variety of team members that can produce high quality cards, layouts, altered art, videos, and home decor projects that show off our papers and embellishments.

Our team is education-based, so we will need you to have good photography skills, the ability to create tutorials with instructions and size images for blog and website use.

This call is open to International and domestic applicants. Current design team members who have been on the team for one year and want to re-apply for a second year are eligible, but you must resubmit. You cannot resubmit if you have already been on the design team for two years.

How do I apply to be on the team?

Our design team search will consist of two rounds. Please read the entire contents of both rounds, as there is quite a bit of information.

First Round:

Email the following to submissions@g45papers.com by Sunday, February 26 at Midnight (PST), 2012.

Full contact information: include your home address, phone number, email address,  blog/website address.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you think are your design strengths.
Tell us why you want to be on the Graphic45 design team.
List any companies that you have designed for in the past or with whom you currently work. Please keep in mind that being on a team past or present is not a requirement.

On your blog create a blog post with a minimum of 6 projects that you have created. Graphic 45 products not required, although preferred. Title this post “Graphic 45 Design Team 2012 Audition”.  In your email, include the link to your G45 audition blog post. (You must have a blog in order to audition for our design team.)

We will be choosing 30 finalists from all applications. These 30 finalists will be announced on Friday, March 2, 2012 on the blog. The finalists will be contacted with additional information about the final round.


Final Round:

We are requiring the top 30 finalists to mail in or email a video of three projects that represent you as an artist for review by Graphic45 staff including Diane Schultz, the CEO and head designer.

If you are mailing, your projects must fit in a Large Flat Rate Box (and the equivalent size for international packages 12" x 12" x 5 1/2"   or 30.48cm x 30.48 cm x 13.97cm in metric)   . We must receive all projects by March 23, 2012. Please note: We WILL be returning the projects to all applicants following the call.

Once we receive all projects, we will review them and make the announcement on Friday, March 30 on the blog.

We look forward to seeing what you submit, we know we will be blown away! So get busy creating and most of all, have fun!

  Click here to print the Design Team Call Terms and Conditions!

Thank you all so much for joining us on this wonderful day! We hope you have a great weekend, filled with inspiration! There is more fun and excitement ahead on the Graphic 45 blog! We have more gorgeous craft ideas coming your way! So have a great day and let your creativity run wild!

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45

 

Happy Birthday to Gloria Stengel From Graphic 45!

Hello G45ers,

Welcome to a very special day here at Graphic 45! Not only do we have tons of gorgeous and inspiring crafts to share with you, but it is also the birthday of one of our beloved design team members, Gloria Stengel. We also have some winners to announce for this week's "Win Your Favorite New Collection" contest and we've got more fun photos from CHA! This blog is action-packed! Lets start by announcing the winners! We want to thank everyone who participated in this week's awesome contest by changing your Facebook profile picture to your new favorite Graphic 45 collection banner. It was a lot of fun and we hope you had fun too! Our winners, chosen at random from Facebook, are...

- Cindy Anderson who won Little Darlings

- Ann Richards who won Olde Curiosity Shoppe

- Steve Mooney who won Kraft Reflections (for his wife! Yay, Steve!)

- Liz Goettsche who won Tropical Travelogue

Congratulations! Will our winners please email us with your shipping information at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize!

Here are some more exciting photos from our CHA adventures. It has been quite a wold ride and we have had an incredible time! Here are some more terrific moments from CHA 2012! Here is Graphic 45 design team member Nancy Wethington giving an amazing demo in our booth!

Here is Graphic 45 team member Jenay displaying a beautiful Olde Curiosity Shoppe creation by Laura Denison.

Here are a few of the wonderful items we gave away at one of our daily raffles. Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Little Darlings and Tropical Travelogue altered objects! Oh, so gorgeous!

The happy team of Graphic 45 all dressed up at CHA! 

Okay, now it's time to honor the fabulous Gloria Stengel on her birthday! Gloria has been on our design team for two years now and her talent is undeniable. Her work is classic and elegant, perfectly lending itself to the style of Graphic 45. Not only are Gloria's crafts continuously breath-taking but she is also prolific with her creations. There is always lots of new and innovative crafts to discover from Gloria. We adore seeing her latest creations and featuring them on our blog. She has really become a member of the Graphic 45 family and we are thrilled to have her on our design team for the second year in a row. She brings such style and passion to everything she creates. She also loves to share her love for crafting with others and it shows in her fabulous tutorials. All of us here at Graphic 45 want to take this time to wish Gloria a very happy birthday! Happy Birthday, Gloria! You are the best!

Well G45ers, get ready to be amazed! In honor of Gloria's birthday we are bringing you ten gorgeous crafts that she's created. Each of these projects perfectly captures Gloria's stunning style and technique. There's a wide range of creations from cards, altered art, printers trays and more! Today's crafts are particularly excellent because of the way that Gloria combines the Graphic 45/Hampton Arts cling stamps with lots of different Graphic 45 paper collections. This is quite a treat and we are so happy to be sharing Gloria's stunning work with all of you! These projects also include helpful tips by Gloria herself! So please enjoy today's birthday blog for our dear design team member, Gloria Stengel!

Tropical Travelogue and On the Boardwalk Altered Art Box

Techniques:

This art box looks simple from the outside, but when you open it, you find a treasure-trove! Not only is the box a receptacle for treasures, but the last panel contains a fold-out journal.

Each little bottle contains treasures from a tropical vacation. I made labels for the larger bottles by stamping images onto paper, then wrapping the stamped labels around the bottles. I also used the stamps to create one-of-a-kind postcards.

Supplies:
Graphic 45: Kraftboard Altered Art Box Staples; On the Boardwalk (She Sells Seashells, Coney Island, High Style Holiday, Bathing Beauties, Tags), Transatlantique (Pack Your Bags, Bon Voyage, Exotic Destinations), An ABC Primer (Grammar School) papers; Metal Tag Staples; Tropical Travelogue stamps
 Clearsnap: Colorbox Decades Antiquing Ink (Photogenic, Dark Cashmere, Venetian Lace, Antique Moss), Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan, Pumpkin Spice, Tangerine)
 Neenah: Natural White CardstockPrima: Flowers
Kaisercraft: Flowers
7Gypsies: Glass bottlesMay Arts: twine
Spellbinders: Grand Calibur Die Cutting Machine, Nestabilities Labels Twenty-two
Core'dinations: Sand It Gadget
Inkssentials: Glossy Accents Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: My Stik tape runner, foam squares
Scotch 3M: ATG tape runner and foam tape
Other: shells, eyelet, mesh, stones, glitter, sand, hot glue

Tropical Travelogue Cards

Techniques:

1. Stamp the lady with Dark Cashmere dye ink onto cream cardstock. Mask the image, then over-stamp with the postage image in Photogenic dye ink. Remove the mask. (Create a mask by stamping the lady image onto a sticky note, then trimming around the image.)

2. Stamp the word "beach" in Antique Moss dye ink, over-stamping a bit of the postage images. 

3. Using a foam blender, ink around the images with Venetian Lace dye ink.

Supplies:
Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue
 Graphic 45 paper: On the Boardwalk Bathing Beauties
Clearsnap: Colorbox Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Photogenic, Venetian Lace, Antique Moss, Dark Cashmere; foam blender ink applicator
Other supplies: black, brown and cream cardstock; green twill; black gems; tape runner

Techniques:

1. Stamp the tree image with Espresso pigment ink onto kraft cardstock, and emboss with clear embossing powder. 

2. Ink over image with Aquamarine and Ice Jade chalk ink. Rub excess ink from the embossed image. Allow to dry.

3. Spray paper with Vanilla Shimmer Smooch Spritz. Allow to dry. Wipe spray from the embossed image. 

4. Stamp the words below the main image with Dark Cashmere Decades Antiquing ink.

5. Edge the image with Aquamarine chalk ink.

Supplies:

Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue
Graphic 45 paper: Transatlantique: Travelogue, Exotic Destinations
Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz Vanilla Shimmer; Top Boss Clear Embossing Powder; Colorbox Pigment Ink Espresso; Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Dark Cashmere; Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink Aquamarine, Ice Jade; foam blender ink applicator; Color Catcher
Other supplies: black and kraft cardstock; twine; scallop edge die template (Spellbinders E8-001 Classic Scallop Edgabilities); tape runner, foam squares

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Altered Canvas

Techniques:

To create this 8x8 canvas, I stamped onto tissue paper using the Curiosity Shoppe stamps and permanent ink. I then used Modge Podge to attach the tissue paper to the canvas. To create depth, I painted on a wash of acrylic paint, then stamped with bubble wrap in darker paint colors. After the canvas was sealed, I added the photo and other embellishments.

Designer note:

The photograph is of my grandparents, great uncle, my mother, and three of my mother's siblings (she had 14 siblings). My mother is the little girl on the far left, standing in front of her uncle.

Supplies:

Graphic 45: Metal Tag Staples; Metal Flower Staples; Envelope Tag Staples; Curiosity Shoppe stamps 
Clearsnap: Colorbox Decades Antiquing Ink (Photogenic), Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan, Charcoal)
Neenah: Natural White CardstockImaginarium Designs: Chipboard
Maya Road: Bingo numbers
Creative Imaginations: Jewel brad
Making Memories: Shopping Bag, Sky, Meadow acrylic paint
Staz-On: Jet Black permanent ink
Inkssentials: Glossy Accents
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam squares
Plaid: Modge Podge
Other: canvas, hot glue, tissue paper, bubble wrap

Olde Curiosity Shoppe & Steampunk Debutante Altered Frame

Techniques:

I stamped each bottle, added a stamped label, then colored and shaded the bottles with markers. I cut out each bottle and mounted them onto foam tape at varying heights to create dimension.

Supplies:

Graphic 45: Steampunk Debutante (Mechanical Mind), An ABC Primer (Grammar School) papers; Curiosity Shoppe stamps
Clearsnap: Colorbox Decades Antiquing Ink (Photogenic, Dark Cashmere, Triumphant Red, Bon Voyage, Venetian Lace, Antique Moss), Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan)Neenah: Natural White CardstockMaking Memories: Shopping Bag acrylic paint
Copic: Alcohol markersPrima: Vines, flowersWild Orchid Crafts: Flowers 7Gypsies: GearsIdea-ology: Clock, spinnersMaya Road: Bingo numbers
Inkssentials: Glossy Accents Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: Foam squaresPlaid: Modge Podge
Other: wood frame, hot glue

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Cards

Techniques:

1.Ink cardstock and paper edges with Chestnut Roan chalk ink.

2. Spray kraft cardstock with Walnut Stain Smooch Spritz in a splotchy pattern, allow to dry.

3. Spray doily with Ginger Ale and Spun Sugar Smooch Spritz and allow to dry. 

4. Stamp the bottle images onto cream cardstock with Creamy Brown and Olive Pastel chalk ink. Cut out images. Ink green bottle with Antique Moss antiquing ink. Ink brown bottle with Creamy Brown chalk ink. 

5. Stamp bottle labels with Chestnut Roan and Lavender chalk ink. 

6. Spray the paper rose with Ginger Ale Smooch Spritz.

Supplies:
Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Curiosity Shoppe
Graphic 45 paper: Once Upon a Springtime Woodland Fantasy
Clearsnap: Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Dark Cashmere, Antique Moss; Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink Chestnut Roan, Creamy Brown, Olive Pastel, Lavender; Smooch Spritz Walnut Stain, Ginger Ale, Spun Sugar; foam blender ink applicator; Color Catcher
Other supplies: Black, cream, and kraft cardstock; doily; antique white grosgrain ribbon; trinket pins; paper rose; tape runner; white glue; foam squares

 

Techniques:

1. Use edge tool to distress all patterned paper edges, ink edges with Chestnut Roan chalk ink.

2. Stamp the lady image onto kraft cardstock with Photogenic antiquing dye ink. Color with alcohol-based markers. Trim and ink edges with Chestnut Roan chalk ink. 

3. Stamp the eye chart image onto kraft cardstock with Photogenic antiquing dye ink. Trim and ink edges with Chestnut Roan chalk ink. 

4. Spray three Graphic 45 flower staples with Splash Smooch Spritz. Allow to dry, then form into a blossom. Attach together with a black mini brad and glue to the card.

Supplies:
Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Curiosity Shoppe
Graphic 45 paper: Steampunk Debutante Ephemera Extraordinaire, Modern Marvels
Graphic 45 Staples: Trims, Flowers
Clearsnap: Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Photogenic; Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink Chestnut Roan; Smooch Spritz Splash; foam blender ink applicator; Color Catcher
Other supplies: Black and kraft cardstock; alcohol markers (Copics); brad; tape runner; white glue; edge distressing tool

Little Darlings Altered Printers Tray

Techniques:

Each opening of the tray contains items to celebrate a baby girl; all in shades of pink. The stamped images enhance the papers.

Designer note:

These are photos of my daughter, Laura, when she was 3 months, 6 months, and 2 years old. She's now 16 and a young lady.

Supplies:

Graphic 45: Once Upon a Springtime (Fairy Folk, Woodland Fantasy, Spellbound, Flight of Fancy), Le' Romantique (Tender Missives), Baby to Bride (Endless Love) papers; Metal Tag Staples; Little Darlings stamps
Hampton Art Stamps: studio g (baby)
Clearsnap: Colorbox Decades Antiquing Ink (Dark Cashmere), Colorbox Fluid Chalk (Chestnut Roan, Creamy Brown)Bazzill Basics:  Pink Cardstock
Neenah: Natural White CardstockBest Creations: Glitter Cardstock
Copic: Alcohol markers, multiliner pen
7Gypsies: White Artist Printers Tray, Glass bottles
Idea-ology: Glass bottles
Want2Scrap: PearlsButtons Galore: Buttons
DMC: FlossSpellbinders: Grand Calibur Die Cutting Machine, Shapeabilities Nested Butterflies TwoReally Reasonable Ribbon: twine
Flowers: Prima, Petaloo, Wild Orchid Crafts, Stampin' UpRanger: Stickles Star Dust glitter glueInkssentials: Glossy Accents
Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L: My Stik tape runner, foam squares
Scotch 3M: ATG tape runner and foam tape
Other: Bottle cap, felt, spools, glitter, beads, charms, scrabble tiles, Hole punch, hot glue

Little Darlings Cards

Techniques:

1. Stamp the stork image onto cream cardstock with Dark Cashmere antiquing dye ink, and color with alcohol-based markers. 

2. Stamp postage image and sentiment onto patterned paper with Dark Cashmere antiquing dye ink.

Supplies:

Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Little Darlings Graphic 45 paper: Once Upon a Springtime Fairy Folk, Flight of Fancy Clearsnap: Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Dark Cashmere
Other supplies: brown, pink, and cream cardstock; alcohol ink markers (Copics); oval and scalloped oval die templates (Spellbinders S4-110 Classic Ovals LG, S4-111 Classic Scalloped Ovals LG); seam binding; twine; tape runner, foam squares; adhesive dots

Techniques:

1. Edge all patterned paper with Creamy Brown chalk ink, using a foam ink applicator.

2. Stamp the carriage image onto cream cardstock with Photogenic antiquing dye ink. Stamp "lullaby" above the image with Blue Lagoon chalk ink.

3. Use Creamy Brown chalk ink, using a foam ink applicator to "distress" the cream cardstock.

Supplies:
Hampton Art Stamps: Graphic 45 Little Darlings
Graphic 45 paper: Baby 2 Bride Love is Blue
Clearsnap: Graphic45 Decades Antiquing dye ink Photogenic; Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink Creamy Brown, Blue Lagoon; foam blender ink applicator
Other supplies: Black, teal, and cream cardstock; twine; buttons; floss or baker's twine; tape runner, adhesive dots

We hope you all had a wonderful time today! We sure enjoyed getting to feature so many gorgeous crafts by Gloria in one blog! Once again we want to wish Gloria a very happy birthday! And thank you all for joining us for this exciting day of inspiration! Also, Happy Groundhog Day everyone! Our office mascot Henry, the beloved wire fox terrier, is our honorary groundhog for the day. He did not see his shadow this morning which isn't a surprise since he lives in cloudy Portland, Oregon. But Henry is a tough pup and wouldn't be afraid of his shadow even if he did see it! So lets hope that Spring is coming sooner than later! Please join us tomorrow as we bring you amazing crafts and announce our winner for this week's blog prize! It's going to be a lot of fun! We hope you all have a terrific day!

Happy Papercrafting!

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Olde Curiosity Shoppe Creations & CHA Photos!

Hello G45ers,

We are so pleased that you are joining us for more fun on today's blog! Yesterday we brought you some lovely Little Darlings projects from our design team. Today's projects were all made using Olde Curiosity Shoppe, another one of our lavish and lovely new collections! Today we've got a gorgeous tag by Tara Orr and a stunning altered Metal Film Canister by Melanie Forbes! We also have more fun photos to share with you from CHA! Yes, we're keeping the inspiration train running all week here at Graphic 45! And don't forget that you still have the opportunity to win your favorite new Graphic 45 collection this week! Just download your favorite Graphic collection banner from Monday's blog post and upload the banner as your Facebook profile picture! Be sure to leave us a comment on the Graphic 45 Facebook page so we know you changed your photo. We will chose 4 random winners and announce them here on our blog tomorrow! Yay, what fun!

Here are some more great snapshots from our adventures at CHA. We are big fans of documenting a wonderful moment. We sure had a lot of great times to capture this year! Check it out! Here is Jeff, Charee and Aimee standing by the Tropical Travelogue section of our CHA booth.

Here is Gloria Stengel in the Graphic 45 booth teaching inking and stamping techniques!

Charee at the Tropical Travelogue section of our booth! Super excited for the next raffle event!

A beautiful Tropical Travelogue bust by Candy Rosenberg! This bust was created for an auction with Charity Wings! It's just stunning and went to a great cause!

Diane signing autographs!

Okay, lets get to the crafts! Here is a gorgeous Olde Curiosity Shoppe Tag by Tara Orr! Tara did an amazing job of layering papers and contrasting colors to create a one-of-a-kind work of art! There are a lot of fun image motifs in Olde Curiosity Shoppe. There are so many ways to create something clever and beautiful! You can also see how well this new collection works with Graphic 45 Metal Buttons and Metal Hinges! It's just marvelous!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Supplies:

Patterned Paper: Genuine Articles, Optical Addities, Apothecary, Butterfly Specifics, Bazaar of Wonders - Olde Curiosity Shoppe

Staples: Metal Hinges, Metal Buttons

Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Dots

Ranger: Glossy Accents

Next up is this gorgeous altered Metal Film Canister by Melanie Forbes. You can really see how well the different colors and patterns from Olde Curiosity Shoppe blend together in this unique piece. This is such a beautiful gift idea! And its so easy to make something heartfelt with this stunning new collection! Here is what Melanie had to say about this inspiration behind this marvelous creation.

"A special tin created for a dear friend who’s dad recently passed away. The doily she gave me not long beforehand and it was her mum’s and all hand-sewn. The tin was created for her to put those special memories in." -Melanie Forbes

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Olde Curiosity Shoppe – Exquisite Motif, Counting Down, Optical Oddities Staples – Metal Film Canister, Metal flowers, Chipboard button, Metal button Coredination Colorcore  Graphic 45 - Venetian Lace cardstock Colorbox Decades Graphic 45 - Photogenic & Antique MossNestabilities – Floral Doily Motiffs S5-041Petaloo – Darjarling Leaves medium, HydrangeaMay Arts Natural twineTwiddleybitz – small wings mdfTim Holtz Paper rosette dieGauzeHandsewn doily

Thank you all so much for joining us today. Big thanks to Tara Orr and Melanie Forbes for their astonishing projects. You bet we have more fabulous inspiration in store for you tomorrow. Please come on back and see us! We hope you all have a lovely day!

Paper Power!

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Little Darlings Creations & Pics From G45 at CHA!

Hello Fabulous G45ers,

It's another super day of inspiration and we are so glad you are joining us! We are still glowing from all of the excitement of CHA and we've got more awesome behind-the-scenes photos to share with you today. Plus we've got some gorgeous Little Darlings creations from our design team! So get ready to fall in love because today's creations are too wonderful for words! Yuka Hino, Robin Shakoor and Nancy Wethington have prepared some incredibly stunning creations for you to enjoy. There's a marvelous layout by Yuka, an exquisite card by Robin and some precious tags by Nancy! It's a fun-filled day of Little Darlings bliss! So lets get to it!

First we wanted to share some more fun and fabulous highlights from our time at CHA! Its been quite a wild ride and we are so thrilled to have had such a marvelous time yet again. Here are some great photos from our adventures! These first photos are from the Olde Curiosity Shoppe section of our CHA booth. Check out all of the wonderful Olde Curiosity Shoppe creations that decorate this section! It's like a craft wonderland!

Here's Aimee and Jeff being happy in our booth at CHA!

Here is Jane Tregenza doing an amazing demo in our booth before a captive audience. So much fun!

Here is Diane getting interviewed by Scrapbook.com in our booth! So much excitement!

Next we have these stunning Little Darlings projects from our design team. These beautiful crafts are sure to inspire you! Check out this classic Little Darlings layout by Yuka Hino. There are lots of wonderful paper layering, paper distressing and 3-D elements to this LO. Its overflowing with love and joy!

Supplies:
Graphic 45 Papers
Little Darlings: Little Darlings, Peek-a-boo, Bundle of Joy, Lullaby, Rock-a-bye, Cherished, Precious Posey, Little Treasures, Baby Borders
Want2Scrap: White Pearls
Scrapbook Adhesives By 3L: MyStik™ Permanent Strips Dispenser, 3D Foam Squares - Black Small
Kaisercraft: Rhinestones
Ranger Industries: Glossy Accents, Distress Ink, Crackle Paint
Melissa Frances: Punch
Sewing Machine, Sandpaper

Next up is this gorgeous card by Robin Shakoor entitled "Happiness Be Yours." It's just amazing what you can create with Little Darlings. And of course Robin used a variety of lovely ribbons and Graphic 45 Trim to give this wonderful card a delicate and adorable look. So sweet!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Papers
Little Darlings Collection: Little Treasures; Baby Borders; Bundle of Joy; New Arrival
Graphic 45 Staples:  Trim
Fiskars:  Scallop Edge Scissors
Crafty Secrets:   Clear Art Stamps – Card Sentiments – Large
Creative Memories:  Circle Punch 1”
Provocraft:  Cricut Die Cutting Machine, Heritage Cartridge
Craft Supply:  Vellum
Ranger Distress Ink:  Tattered Rose, Old Paper; Stickles – Diamond; Pop It Shapes
Tsukineko:  Memento – Tuxedo Black
Tim Holtz:  Ribbon - White
Melissa Frances:  Pom Pom Trim
Bazzill:  Cardstock
Scotch ATG; Helmar’s 450 Quick Dry Adhesive
Scor-Pal

Here we have some amazing Little Darlings tags by Nancy Wethington. Tags are so much fun to create and Nancy did a fabulous job of capturing the sweetness of Little Darlings in both of these tags. You can see some great usage of the Graphic 45 Metal Button Staples as well as paper layering. All of the papers in Little Darlings work perfect together. You can mix and match your papers to create elegant and unique creations just like these!

"This tag actually shows an image from Little Darlings used as a transfer technique with clear packing tape." -Nancy

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Paper: Little Darlings Collection: Kewpie Cute; Cherished; Baby Borders; Little Darlings; Heaven Sent; Rock-a-Bye

Graphic 45 Staples:  Button Staples

Partner Products:  May Arts ribbon

Other Products:  Clear Tape; Glossy Accents; miscellaneous flowers; baby pins

We hope you all enjoyed today's creations! Big thanks to Yuka Hino, Robin Shakoor and Nancy Wethington for their fabulous work. We hope you'll join us tomorrow for more craft inspiration! We wish you all a wonderful day!

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45

Fun With Tropical Travelogue, CHA Pics and Contest!

Hello G45ers!

Welcome to another grand and exciting week here at Graphic 45! We have so much fun stuff to share with you this week. If you need some inspiration to get you through the week, our blog is the place to be! We've got stunning new design team projects, behind-the-scenes CHA images and a great new contest! It's going to be a lot of fun! First lets talk about this week's contest. We're giving you a chance to win one of our brand new collections! All you need to do is change your Facebook profile picture to one of the banners pictured below. Just right click on the image to save it to your computer. Got a Mac  computer? Here's a great explanation on how to right click using a Mac! Then just upload your favorite banner image to your Facebook profile picture and tag Graphic 45 or leave us a Facebook comment so we know you changed your photo! That's all you need to do to enter to win your favorite new collection. We will be choosing 4 random winners and announcing them here on our blog and in our newsletter on Thursday, February 2nd!

Next we have some great images to share with you from our adventures at CHA. We are having a great time and we wish you could all be there with us! Instead we thought it would be fun to share some of our adventures with all of you!

CHA Day 1: Little Darlings

Jeff, Aimee, Charee, Diane, Joanna, Jenay, and Stan the Man

 

Little Darlings Raffle Winner: Michelle with Everything Scrapbook & Stamp

Charee prepping for the Design Team Daily Demos

A big part of what makes our CHA booth so amazing are all of the gorgeous and unique crafts that decorate it every year. We start working on our booth well in advance so that we can have the most inspiring space possible at CHA! Our design team works hard too, creating lots of stunning projects that give our CHA booth that unique and timeless Graphic 45 look. This week we are showing you some of the gorgeous creations that our design team has dreamed up exclusively for this year's CHA! Today we've got stunning creations by Tara Orr and Hilde Janbroers that you are sure to love!

First up is this vibrant and sunny layout by Tara Orr using Tropical Travelogue. This collection is so warm and inviting, like a wonderful island breeze! Tara used lots of gorgeous layering and paper distressing to create this layout. It has a lot of dimension, as though it could spring to life right off the page! It's so pretty!

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Supplies:
Patterned Paper: Botanica, Jungle Fever, Island Jewel, Hibiscus Heaven, Paradise Postage: Tropical Travelogue
Chipboard Tags 1: Tropical Travelogue
Cardstock Stickers: Tropical Travelogue
Alphabet Stickers: Tropical Travelogue
Scrapbook Adhesives: 3D Foam Squares
Ranger: Glossy Accents
Misc: Doilies

Next up is this sweet and exquisite layout by Hilde Janbroers. This is another example of wonderful paper layering. Hilde also uses contrasts of open spaces in this LO to give it a flowing form that really catches the eye. With such a lovely central photo and loving sentiment, this LO is so heart-warming. Those vibrant colors and patterns in Tropical Travelogue look astonishing in this terrific work of art!

 "With this layout I layered lots of pieces of paper. Some vertical, some horizontal. With a file I distressed the edges a bit. Add lots of cute chipboards to get the shabby chic look." -Hilde Janbroers

Supplies:

Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue papers, chipboard die cuts 1 & 2, alphabet stickers

partner products: Imaginarium Designs chipboard, Petaloo flower

other items:

Martha Stewart punch

Tim Holtz alternations rosette die 

Glossy Accent

glimmer mist

Next we have this lovely Tropical Travelogue card also by Hilde. This sweet and simple card is perfect for any occasion. The bright colors and stunning patterns radiate with joy! And that gorgeous Petaloo flower works perfectly with Tropical Travelogue!

"I folded a piece of the blue papers to a card. I added some kraft cardstock and patterned paper vertical on the card. I cut out the image of the pink flower and placed it on the card. Then I added the flowers and chipboards. As a final touch I sewed on the card." -Hilde Janbroers

Supplies:

Graphic 45; Papers Tropical Travelogue, Chipboard Diecuts Tropical Travelogue

Partner Products; Imaginarium Designs Chipboard, Petaloo Flower

Other items; Sepia Glossy Accents, We're Memory Keepers Sew Easy, kraft cardstock

That's all for today, G45ers. Thank you so much for stopping by today. Big thanks to Tara Orr and Hilde Janbroers for their wonderful work today. Don't forget to update your Facebook profile picture to your favorite Graphic 45 collection banner for your chance to win this week's prize! Remember to tag Graphic 45 or leave us a Facebook comment so we know you changed your photo! We will be right back here tomorrow with more fabulous crafts and images from our CHA adventures! It's going to be a lot of fun! Have a great day!

With Love and Pretty Paper,

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Win Your Favorite New Collection!

Win Your Favorite Collection!

Change your Facebook photo to your favorite new Graphic 45 collection banner

Be sure to tag Graphic 45 (@Graphic45) in your post or leave us a Facebook comment.  That way we will know that you've changed your profile picture and you'll be entered into this fun contest!

You will be entered to win your favorite new collection.

Winners announced on Thursday, February 2 on our blog and in the newsletter! There will be four winners, one for each collection!

(Right click which collection you love from the four we have above, save that photo and post it as your profile picture! Have a Mac and don't know how to right click? There's a great explanation here!)

 

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Have you been curious about what exactly is CHA? CHA stands for the Craft & Hobby Association. They have two award-winning trade events every year, one in January (which we are getting excited about!) and one in July.

CHA’s vision  is “to create a vibrant industry with an exciting image, an expanding customer base and successful members. The goal is to stimulate the sales growth of the craft and hobby industry worldwide by creating consumer demand, helping members succeed and leading the industry.”

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For you, our loyal customers: A FREE Le Cirque Lunch Pail and Mini Album Project Sheet

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Behind the Scenes at CHA & New Design Team Creations!

Hello G45ers!

Happy Friday to you all and welcome to another exciting day of inspiration here at Graphic 45! Right now we're getting everything set for Winter CHA 2012 which begins this weekend! There is always so much to do to get ready for this awesome event. We just love the process of getting everything set up, decorating our booth and getting ready for the grand gala! Plus it is always so much fun to see many of our old pals again as well as meeting new people in our crafting community! Today we thought we'd bring you some behind-the-scenes photos from our CHA preparation. We also have three random winners to announce for our January Hero Challenge! We also have some super inspiring crafts from Nancy Wethington and Robin Shakoor that showcase our latest collections Little Darlings and Olde Curiosity Shoppe! So if you can't make it to this year's Winter CHA, you can still join us for highlights and craft inspiration right here on the Graphic 45 blog! So lets get to it!

First we want to thank everyone who submitted layouts for our January Hero Challenge. It was so inspiring and heart-warming to see all of the entries for this fun challenge. Thank you all so much for your gorgeous work! Today's winners will receive a package of Graphic 45 goodies with $75 in value! Our three random winners are...

Ava Gavloski

Nicolle Grabowski Kramer

Mimi David Hernandez

Conratulations to our winners! Please email us at info@g45papers.com with your shipping information to claim your prize! And thank you all again for all of your fantastic work!

Now we'd thought we'd share with you some of our adventures setting up for CHA! The Graphic 45 family has arrived in beautiful and sunny Anaheim.  (Aimee, Charee, Jeff Filimoehala, and Diane Schultz, aka mom) Day one of set up: all 10 crates have arrived and the booth set-up is in action.

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Diane stops to say hello.

Aimee, Diane and Jeff.

And now its time for some craft inspiration from our design team! Here is an absolutely lovely and adorable layout by Nancy Wethington using our latest collection Little Darlings. This LO is so wonderful and it perfectly captures the preciousness of babies, which is exactly what Little Darlings is all about! Nancy used beautiful layering and contrasting paper patterns to create a sweet little world in this LO. It truly is a celebration of life!

Supplies:

 

Graphic 45 Papers: Little Darlings: Little Treasures; Precious Posy; Kewpie Cute; Cherished; Little Darlings; Heaven Sent

Partner Products: Decades colorbox inks; Imaginarium chipboard; Want2Scrap self-adhesive pearls
Other supplies used: Americana Celery Green acrylic paint; Ranger Pearlex Spray

Next up is this stunning layout by Robin Shakoor using Olde Curiosity Shoppe. This LO exquisitely captures the timeless beauty of this playful new collection. There are lavish elements of nature with the butterflies and paper flowers. Plus that classic central photograph looks absolutely perfect! Olde Curiosity Shoppe has so many fun image themes to play with. It truly is a deeply inspiring collection. But don't take our word for it! Here is what Robin had to say about her inspiration for this fabulous layout!

 

"Do you believe in love at first sight?  If you do, then you will know how I felt the first time I saw the Olde Curiosity Shoppe collection.  The gorgeous vintage imagery and magnificent color palette will truly make your heart soar.  I found this wonderful vintage photo of Nellie Donegan taken in 1913.  As soon as I saw it I knew she would make the perfect focal point for my design.  I married the old with the new by using Graphic 45's current metal and chipboard staples.  They add just the right touch to this magical page.  Enjoy!" -Robin Shakoor

Supplies:

Layout Title:  Magic Happens!
Graphic 45 Papers
Olde Curiosity Shoppe:  Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Bazaar of Wonders, Optical Oddities, Counting Down
Graphic 45 Staples:  Chipboard Buttons, Metal Buttons
 Scrapbook Adhesives:  3D Foam Squares
Fiskars:  Paper Trimmer
McGill Flower Punch – Flowers – Floriano 2 1/8”, Tools
Ranger:  Perfect Pearls Mist - Heirloom Gold, Distress Ink – Black Soot, Fired Brick, Walnut Stain; Stickles – Cinnamon
Creative Memories:  Circle Cutter
Creative Imaginations:  Chipboard Stickers Helmar’s 450 Quick Dry Adhesive; Scotch ATG 700

We hope you all had fun today! Thank you so much for joining us! We will be bringing you more behind-the-scenes fun from CHA all next week as well as more craft inspiration. It's going to be a marvelous week! We can't wait! Have a wonderful rest of your day and a great weekend! 

Happy Papercrafting!

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Nostalgic Appeal: The Beautiful G45 Art of Carol Murphy

Hello G45ers!

Happy Thursday and thank you all for joining us on this lovely day! We have such a treat in store for you today! We have some prize winner announcements from yesterday's blog as well as an outstanding featured artist to introduce you to. Her name is Carol Murphy and you are going to absolutely adore her unique and gorgeous style. Not only are Carol's Graphic 45 projects out of this world, but she's also included wonderful tips and techniques for you to enjoy. Today's blog is full of inspiration! It's just the thing to get you in the creative zone for your upcoming weekend! But first we want to announce our winners from yesterday's blog contest. Big thanks to everyone who left us blog and Facebook comments yesterday. We have so enjoyed reading all of your amazing feedback during our CHA sneak peek weeks! Your words continue to inspire us. Thank you, G45ers! And our winners are...

From our blog:

- Sara Tanner: "My hearts all a flutter with those butterflies. Was so excited to see those. I've gotten alot of use out of the metal flowers and now this. Thank You. :)"

- Karen Linkole: "These are so beautiful and delicate! I can't wait until these items are at my LSS so that I can get them! They will be amazing on my Spring cards!!!"

From Facebook:

- Becky Bland Jeffress: "The lady on the Kraft Reflections paper is gorgeous! And the brads are going to be so handy!"

- Sandy Harp Christen: "g45 truely my go to paper for everything."

Congratulations to our winners! Please email us at info@g45papers.com with your shipping information to claim your prize!

In case you missed our winners list during our CHA Sneak Peeks weeks, here is our full list of winners! Wow! What a list! Haven't yet claimed your prize? Email us at info@g45papers.com with your shipping address!

Pam Allen
Maria Cole
Mary Longberry
Stacey Shields Balderrama
Donna Silliman
MaryLouH
Ruth Lundsten
Clare Buckingham Dempsey
LeslieW
Cindy Lou
Joy Sikes
Jacquolyn McQueen
Jamie Hensley
Bartemous Black
Cresta Woodruff
Eric Van Pelt
Jackie Gallagher
Dara Hale
Gayla Templeton
Jocelyn
Rea Custer
Kathleen Norris Rimer
Lyn Parker Gill
Becky Garrison
Stacy Caddy
Trece Wyman
Catrina Mellen Gilstrap
Bev Allaire
Tanya Phenis
Chris Dudek Dring
Christina Colon
Marylinn Kelly
Jo West
Annie Roen Schriever
Michael Farrell
Amy32
Jamie Hensley
Beth Williams
Kathleen Norris Rimer
Rosann R. Barnes
Hussena Calcuttawala
Pat Minges
Carla Hogan
Maxine Hodges
Michelle Mooney
Laurie Reed White
Beverly Orris
Sara Tanner
Karen Linkole
Becky Bland Jeffress
Sandy Harp Christen

We are very excited to introduce you to today's featured artist, Carol Murphy. One look at Carol's work and its obvious that she's a vastly talented artist. Her stunning style has been honed over the years to reflect a sentiment that is uniquely hers. She has a true knack for utilizing contrasting textures and layers in her papercrafting to create breathtaking and original works of art. All of Carol's projects radiate with beauty and joy that is truly inspiring. Each piece is like its own little world with its own distinct message. In addition to her lavish talent, Carol is also a fabulous teacher. She loves to share her passion for crafting with others in her wonderful tutorials and crafting classes. Today you will see a great variety of Carol's art and learn some awesome techniques in mini tutorials written by Carol herself! We are so happy to introduce you to the amazing Carol Murphy!

"I was so excited when I was asked to be a “Featured Artist” for Graphic 45!  The combination of vintage images and muted colors makes this line a favorite of mine, as Graphic 45’s nostalgic appeal is so close to my heart. I have two wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters in law, and a lovely and very smart granddaughter, Zoë.  My full time “day job” is working with Special Education kids and it has truly been my “life’s purpose” for the past thirty years. Even though I love it dearly, I’m looking forward to retiring in 2013 when I can devote more time to my art. On weekends and holidays I teach mixed media art classes incorporating lots of Graphic 45 into the mix.  Growing up in the 50’s as an only child, art and creativity were a huge part of my life.  When I was young I designed dresses for my paper dolls and was always busy with one craft project or another.  In my late teens and early 20’s I made macramé belts, plant hangers, and jean skirts. (I’m sure some of you can identify with those) In my 30’s I created Victorian gift items and jewelry pieces that were sold at several consignment shops in the San Diego area.  My love for paper crafting came about sometime in the early 90’s when all those stamps and papers changed from cutesy to cool!  In 2005 I merged my passion for teaching with my love for art and began teaching both in-store and online mixed media classes. I absolutely adore using Graphic 45 paper collections and goodies. They encompass who I am as an artist; a little bit vintage- with an edge.  My style is truly “controlled chaos” using lots of textures, layers, and colors.  Too much is not enough is usually my motto!  Because I have a very loose style, I find collage and mixed media to be a perfect outlet for my creative spirit. Creating little books and mini albums are my favorites; although I do like to expand my creativity by using these beautiful papers in my mixed media canvases, altered objects, and wall art.  Featuring the scrumptious images from G45 makes everything so much easier and so much more fun." -Carol Murphy

Tropical Travelogue Rainstick

Many traditional cultures believed the sound of falling rain that rainsticks made could produce a storm. Thought to have originated in Central America, they have been found the world over bringing sounds of pitter patter to songs and meditation.  I thought it would be fun to create one using the new Tropical Travelogue collection.  This would also be a wonderful project for classrooms, church groups or scouts.  Kids love making rainsticks!  The tubes can be decorated to fit any theme and postcards, family photos and train tickets, etc. can be added for decoration.

Tips and Techniques:

Hammer nails in randomly and add a bit of glue to them before you nail them in (They go in very easily) 

Cover the outside of the tube using various papers and overlapping here and there.  Remember- this project has a top and bottom so be mindful of the paper and image orientation.  Change out the colors and patterns.  Paint the skewers black and attach.  Add the gimp and trim to cover up the “change” lines between papers.  I decorated the outside before I added the little rocks but that’s up to you.  Paint the tube caps black and let dry.  Add a dab of glue all the way around the INSIDE of the rim of the BOTTOM end of the tube and insert one of the tube caps. 

Let dry well- you don’t want the innards to stick to the glue!  Pour abut a cup of little rocks into the tube. The measurements will vary according to the items used.  You can fiddle around with the sound a bit until you find the right sound and measurement for you.  Insert the TOP tube cap in the same manner and make sure to wait until the last bit of glue is dry before turning it over to listen to the sound.  Best to let it dry overnight.  Adhere moss to the top of the cap.  Add shells and flowers randomly creating a mound of goodies on top of the rainstick.  Let this all dry well and then - let it rain!!!!!!!!!!!!

Supplies:
Mailing tube and caps- Mine is about 3½ inches around by 40 inches long.
Small nails with a head about 1 ½ inches long I used 30, the more the merrier the sound will be!
Small fish tank rocks or-beads, beans, tiny nails, etc. 
Medium size shells (Michaels)
Graphic 45 Tropical Travelogue papers 4500400
Graphic 45  Garden Isle papers 4500401
Graphic 45  Oceania papers 4500407
Colored gimp and trim - Mine reminds me of a little Hula Skirt!
Flat wooden  h'orderve skewers (Dollar Store)
Tropical flowers (Michaels)
Moss (to hold the flowers and shells better  to the top cap)

School Days Altered Canvas

The new Alphabetical canvas by Tim Holtz is a perfect backdrop for Graphic 45’s An ABC Primer collection.  These papers are just a yummy goodness of vintage school charm.   I combined several papers and tags, wooden rulers, a handmade flower and clear embellishments, pencils, rosette die cuts and more to create this piece.  If you look closely at the bottom right hand corner, you’ll see one of the little froggies that must have been hiding in one of the little boy’s pants pockets.

Tips and Techniques:

Rip small pieces of cardstock, layer up, and add scrabble tiles.  Attach to canvas.  Create the basic rosette, add the flower, and set aside.  Find an image you want for the flower center.  It must fit inside the flat marble shape.  Add a bit of Diamond Glaze to the paper and place the flat marble on top.  Let dry and cut out.  Adhere to the center of the flower.  To make the organza flower, simply cut six or seven circles and add a brad to the middle.  You may need to poke a hole with a bead tool or awl first. Holding the center down with a chopstick or bamboo skewer, heat up the circles until they all shrink up and look like a flower.  Add the decorative marble to the center.  Tear around some ivory cardstock and the focal point image.  Attach to the center of the piece. Add the frame, ruler, and clocks.  (I also added some Diamond Glaze to the pale to add some interest)  Layer up the tags and papers on the corners, adding brads if desired.  Rap the pencils with decorative papers and attach to the sides of the canvas.  Add file tabs and the little froggie in the corner.  Voila!  Piece of cake!

Supplies:
Tim Holtz Alphabetical canvas
Graphic 45 An ABC Primer 4500378
An ABC Primer Chipboard Die-cuts 1 4500392
An ABC Primer Chipboard Die-cuts 2 4500393
Assorted papers from the  ABC Primer 8x8 Paper Pad 4500391
Scrabble tiles
12 inch wood ruler cut in half
Ivory and black Coredinations cardstock
Little froggie
Red raffia
Gold brads
Diamond Glaze
Small piece of Organza
Tim Holtz large Rosette Maker

Springtime Heart Pocket

I wanted to incorporate Graphic 45 into my Valentine theme for classes this year and decided on the beautiful Once Upon a Springtime collection for this project.  My Springtime Heart Pocket class will be on February 5 at Stamping Details in Poway, California. The large heart pocket with beaded hanger measures 8 x 10 inches and holds two large tags, a card panel, and a gift card holder.  The pocket is large enough to hold small gifts as well and is a really cute way to show off your valentines.  What about adding some little soaps and fancy washcloths or a set of handmade stationary with envelopes?  Think how cute it would be to make up a bunch of little ones to decorate a Valentine Tree.  A heart using the new Little Darlings collection would be so adorable for Mother’s Day.  I think this wall pocket will have tons of uses and can also be used for birthdays and anniversaries, thinking of you gifts, and more

Tips and Techniques:

I used my Accucut dies but you could use any other heart shapes, hand cut or die cute.  My large heart is about 7 x 9 inches in size.  Start by cutting one chip board piece and two paper pieces.  Adhere the papers to the front and back. Lay the chipboard piece on a third piece of paper and trace plus 1/8 inch on each side of the bottom of the heart.  (You don’t have to add the extra paper to the entire bottom half- just the top inch or so on both sides.) Notice how the sides are just a bit larger than the original heart?  This will create a pouch when you glue up the sides.

Scooch the sides in and glue along the edge with a strong white glue, let dry.  Spray one pre gathered strip of lace with Jingle Bells and Coffee Shop Tattered Angel Sprays and the other with Patina and Gumdrop, let dry.  Punch holes on the heart tops and measure wire about 10- 12 inches long.  The length will depend on how long you want your hanger to be.  Loop one end of the wire through one of the holes, tighten, and start beading.  When you have it as long as you want it, loop the other end through the second hole, tighten, and cut the wire.  Adhere the laces, first the blue green and then the rust. I use hot glue for this.  Arrange the flowers and twigs at the top and bottom of the piece.  Cut a doily in fourths and glue one fourth to the bottom of the heart.  Add the smaller heart shapes to the top of the doily and attach the cameo to add that extra bit of sparkle!  Voila!  All done!

These are very simple.  The tags are 6 x 3 inches and are backed by an ivory cardstock.  Layer up the teal cardstock and background images.  Cut out the little rabbits or chosen fairies and attach to the tags.  Add dimension by adding extra strips of chipboard.  Punch holes in the tag tops and attach tulle.  Add some little flowers in the corners and to the holes if you like   to finish off.

For the Card Panel- simply layer up the ivory cardstock, Teal cardstock and one of the postcards from the Woodland Fantasy sheet.  Add bling to the top and flowers to the corners.  You can use this is a card panel, sign the back and attach to a package or layer it up on a card.  To create the large gift card cut an 8 x 6 sheet of cardstock and score at 3 inches, 3 inches, and 2 inches.  The 2 inch section will be folded up to create a little pocket to house the gift card.  Decorate the inside top with image paper and flowers.  Rim the top edge of the pocket with flowers and add German Scrap borders to the bottom.  Add your gift card and you’re ready to go! 

Supplies: 
All papers are from the Graphic 45 from the Once Upon a Springtime collection
Fairy Folk #4500283
Woodland Fantasy #4500285
Once Upon a Springtime #4500281
Medium weight chipboard
Teal and Ivory cardstock from the Coredinations Graphic 45 Signature Series
Accucut Heart Die #2 J and L H1210
Petaloo flowers Mixed Blooms Blue Green ITEM: 1279-190 from the Chantilly collection
Assorted flowers and Christmas twig leftovers (from my stash)
Pearls and round glass marbles
Wire and matching beads of choice
Cameo (Dollar Store)
Hand dyed laces
Peach Tulle
Gold German Scrap Borders (Artchix Studio)
Gold Doily
Tattered Angels Jingle Bells Coffee and Shop for the rust colored lace and Patina and Gumdrop for the blue green lace
Recollections Bling

Steampunk Heart Wall Art

I love Steampunk so when I decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Graphic 45 I certainly couldn’t leave these luscious papers out!  I used my Accucut die but you could use any die cut or hand cut hearts.  I like the unevenness of the primitive dies for this look. This wall hanging is about 7 x 11 inches not including the beaded hanger.  What a great way to spruce up your workspace or forgotten corner in your home. Combine your Steampunk Heart with other Steampunk art to create a focal point on a wall. It would also make a unique door hanger!  I’ll be teaching this class in Poway at Stamping Details on February 11 just in time for the big day! 

Tips and Techniques:

Cut out the chipboard.  Cut one heart out to of the black cardstock, emboss it, and lightly rub over the raised area with a bit of gold leaf pen on your finger.  This will be the front.  Cut one heart from the Fantasy Floral- this will be the back.  Apply papers to the chipboard.  Attach some of the large die cut gears to the front to add color.  Cut out the Steampunk Debutante girl and adhere to the front.  Punch holes all the way around the heart.  Lace up the edges with black eyelash yarn.  Tie off at the end. Attach a wire through a hole at the top and fasten tightly.  Sew through each hole with the wire and add beads, washers, and gears, as you go.  Again, fasten tightly at the end.  Take another wire about 12 inches long and attach this to one of the top holes.  Start beading to form the hanger and attach the end of the wire to a top hole on the other side of the heart.  Cut out die cuts of wings from copper and emboss.  Decorate the metal flowers with Stream ink and add the button for the center. Attach brads to some of the gears.  Adhere the clock faces, wings, charms and dangles to finish off.  A Steampunk Valentine for all to enjoy!

Supplies:
Graphic 45 Renaissance girl from the Steampunk Debutante 8 x 8 pack
Graphic 45 Metal Flower Staples 4500300
Graphic 45 Fantasy Floral paper 4500263
Graphic 45 Metal Button Staples 4500302
Medium weight chipboard
Coredinations Graphic 45 black cardstock
Gold metallic pen
Accucut Hearts #7 J and L  H1231
Tim Holtz Gadget Gears dies, Wings die,  and gears embossing folder
Tim Holtz metal gears and washers, tokens, clock face and game spinner , keys, and word sticks
Tim Holtz Alcohol ink Stream
Copper foil
Assorted washers, gears, charms, and  Paris clock (from my stash)
Black Eyelash yarn
Wire, matching beads, and silver screw brads

"Peace" Altered Canvas

Tips and Techniques:

The bottom canvas will remain just a plain canvas and the top will become the TOP layer. Turn one of the canvases over and cut a large X in the middle reaching almost to the wood bars.  You’ll be removing some of the fabric and rolling some of it back to create interest.  Cut a 4 inch square from the center and set aside.  You can now cut a few more slits running up towards the wood frame on all sides.  Turn the canvas back over to continue.  Using a white glue or Modge Podge roll the fabric forward to create small rolls on the bottom, top, and sides.  (Fabric Stiffener will also work well for this.) You can use a pencil to do this and carefully and remove it.  You’ll have to finesse it a bit as the glue will make it sticky.  With the remaining 4 inch piece, cut or rip it into 4 or 5 strips and create rolls the same way you created the TOP rolls.  Set aside.  (You may want to cut these up later to make smaller rolls.)  Glue the TOP layer to the base canvas and let this dry overnight. When everything is all dry-base paint both canvases, the plain one and the  TOP layer.  Be sure to go around the edges too as these will show later.  Sponge paint everything using the gold, green, and copper paints.  Let dry well. 

Cut or tear some papers and add them to the frame of the piece.  Apply glue or Modge Podge and adhere the images to the center of the piece.  Add molding paste to the edges of the cut images s to blend them into the canvas.  Add a bit of texture with a credit card or sponge.  Let dry.  Over paint with gold and copper, green blue paints, sponging as you go.  Add extra rolled canvas pieces to the sides, top and bottom, wherever you like.  Layer images, drapes, tags, key, etc. and use chipboard to create depth.  Attach the PEACE word at the top and add mosses and feathers, key, flowers, leaves, etc.  Remember, you’re building up from the bottom of the piece and working outward.  Randomly add all the sticks to the entire frame.  Arrange the corner pieces and attach the door knob plate. Decorate the flower with Cranberry Alcohol ink and add the button. Attach to the right hand corner of the piece along with flowers, feathers, and leaves.  Finish up with tags, the bird nest, and any little extras you might choose to add.  So much fun to create and display!

Supplies:
2 12 x 12 Canvases (with frame)
Medium Molding Paste (any kind)
2 sheets of the Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire paper  4500107
Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire Tags 4500117
Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob Staples 4500297
Graphic 45 Button Staples 4500302
Graphic 45 Metal Flower Staples 4500300
Black, metallic blue green, and gold paint
Random sticks, twigs, and colored moss, gold and copper leaves
Petaloo flowers Mixed Blooms Blue Green ITEM: 1279-190 from the Chantilly collection
Tiny nest and bird eggs
Light copper dimensional brads and dragonfly brads
Tim Holtz Cranberry Alcohol Ink
feathers and flowers from my stash
Large key ( A Tim Holtz word key would be nice here too)
Peace die cut
Thick chipboard to add dimension to some of the pieces

All That Jazz

I love making mini albums and I really wanted to incorporate the Curtain Call papers into a little calendar mini.  This is quite a simple mini for me but you could fancy it up to your heart’s content!  I always want my students to think outside the box and kind of “Make do” with what they have on hand if possible.  Even though I used the Accuct dies for this book you could use the Tim Holtz Dwelling dies or even cut out shapes free hand.  Since they are straight lines they will still be easy to cover.  Notice on the cover how I separated the buildings by using different papers.  This sets the cover apart from the rest of the book.

Cut out the cityscape and decide if  you  want it accordion style or in a book binding.  Adhere the papers and on the cover, create separate buildings by using different papers for each building.  Design several different pocket styles, combing corner pockets and straight pockets throughout the book.  Attach German Scrap Borders to some of the pocket tops.  Place calendar months on the pockets varying placement.  Cut out tags, images, etc. add brads and place in pockets.  On some of the buildings, affix square and rectangular gems to simulate windows.  On others, cut out small images of people and images.  Bind the book using your favorite binding method.  I used the Bind it All.  Add ribbons to the spine and sayings and images to the tops of several buildings.  Attach feathers, tags, and flower and Ooh La La!  All done!

Supplies:
Graphic 45 The Cinema 4500323
Curtain Call Borders 4500327
Curtain Call Tags 4500328
Moulin Rouge 4500325
Curtain Call 8x8 Paper Pad 4500330
Accucut Accucut B1579 City Accordion Book
Recollections flowers-black
Petaloo flower from my stash
Recollections bling for windows and gold brads
black seam binding, gold and silver ribbon
Gold Mini German Scrap Borders from Artchix Studio
Calendar from  Jenni Bowlin

That's all for today, G45ers! We want to give a huge thank you to Carol Murphy for her astonishing work today. We highly recommend that you check out her website Altered by Design. You can explore galleries of her work, learn about her classes, link to her youtube page and much more! It's quite an inspiring site and we highly recommend it! We hope you'll come back and see us tomorrow as we bring you fun and excitement from our adventures at CHA. It's going to be a great day and we can't wait to share it with you! We will also be announcing the 3 winners from our January Hero Challenge! It's going to be a lot of fun! Have a wonderful Thursday and thank you all again for stopping by!

Happy Papercrafting!

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks: Introducing More New Staples!

Hello G45ers,

Welcome everyone to the final day of our epic Winter CHA Sneak Peek marathon! Wow, what an amazing couple of weeks its been! We are thrilled to have been able to share all of our magnificent new products with you. Reading your feedback has been such a pleasure and we want to thank you all for supporting us and sharing your thoughts. It is always our mission to bring you the most inspiring products possible. Your feedback means so much to us and we are truly lucky to have such a fantastic crafting community. Thank you, G45ers! While this may be the last day of sneak peeks, there is still one more day prize giveaways to come. We are announcing 4 new prize winners today and tomorrow so be sure to leave us blog and/or Facebook comments for your chance to win! This week's prize is our gorgeous new Kraft Reflections collection and one of each of our brand new Staples! It's an amazing prize so be sure to leave your comments for a chance to win! The winners from yesterday's blog contest are...

From our blog:

- Maxine Hodges: "I love everything you have let us have a peek at! Can't wait to have it in my hands! Graphic 45 has put a smile on my face and ideas spinning in my head! Thanks for always coming up with something better when I don't know how you can! I love all the lines and stamps, but most of all, I love that you are good people."

- Michelle Mooney: "More fabulous goodies! I can't wait to get my hands on those stamps - they are a must have! and love the clothes pegs - too cute!"

From our Facebook page:

-Laurie Reed White: "I love the word staples----meaning you have to have them...Yep that's what I'm telling my husband that they are staples and I have to have them....:)"

- Beverly Orris: "THIS LINE IS BETTER THAN EVER I LOVE IT ALL."

Congratulations! Will our winners please email us with their shipping information at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize! Today we're unveiling our stunning new Metal Butterfly Staples and Metal Brad Staples. These gorgeous new additions to the Graphic 45 Staples line are going to take your breath away! So lets get to it! We are proud to introduce the new Graphic 45 Metal Butterfly Staples. These fabulous new metal staples are just what you need to let your imagination take flight! These darling butterflies come in two fun sizes and are easily adjustable and malleable. These sweet butterflies look dazzling when affixed using Graphic 45 Metal Buttons or the new Metal Brads. They also work wonderfully with alcohol inks and embossing folders. Bring a fresh and jubilant sentiment to your next craft creation with the new Graphic 45 Metal Butterfly Staples!

Metal Butterfly Staples

 

Also new from Graphic 45, new Metal Brad Staples! The possibilities are endless with these new and elegant Metal Brads. Each pack of 10 brads contains 2 unique styles: ornate and geometric. They are perfect for bringing weight, dimension and authentic vintage flair to any craft creation. These enchanting new Metal Brads also work perfectly for affixing Graphic 45 Metal Flowers and new Metal Butterflies. Your crafts will radiate with timeless beauty with these fabulous new Staples. Experience the charm and versatility of the new Metal Brads from Graphic 45!

Metal Brad Staples

We hope you all had fun seeing these gorgeous new products today! Just a reminder that the deadline for our January Hero Challenge is today at 11:59 PM PST. Be sure to submit your hero layouts to our Facebook page before the deadline! Upload your layout image to our Facebook page and label it "January Hero Challenge."  We will be announcing three random winners on Friday right here on the blog! We certainly have enjoyed sharing our latest creations with all of you today. There is more fun in store tomorrow as we bring you our final list of prize winners as well as some ultra-inspiring crafts. It's going to be another unforgettable day of craft bliss. We hope you'll join us for all the fun. Enjoy your day!

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45

Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks: Introducing New Staples!

Hello G45ers,

Thank you for joining us for this extraordinary day of sneak peeks for Winter CHA 2012! We are so excited to share today's fabulous new products with all of you! We've got some stunning new Staples to show you that are going to capture your heart and imagination! But first we just want to say thank you to all of our readers. We have been so touched by all of the wonderful feedback we've been getting on our blog and Facebook page during our sneak peeks. We can't wait for you all to get your hands on these magnificent new products! And remember, there's still another day of sneak peeks ahead so be sure to leave a blog and/or Facebook comment today for your chance to win an amazing Kraft Reflections and new Graphic 45 Staples prize pack! We will be announcing 4 more winners tomorrow as well as unveiling more gorgeous new products! We also have some winners to announce from yesterday's blog contest! Chosen randomly from our blog and Facebook comments, our winners are...

From our blog:

- Rosann: "Love Kraft reflections , yep ...imagination is ALREADY going... love the Feminie Heart and Quote-Unquote..."

- Hussena: " i love this new line its so amazing...beautiful projects too thanks for sharing:)"

From our Facebook page:

- Pat Minges: "Another great collection!"

- Carla Hogan: "LOVE anything Graphic 45. Wish my local store carried this great line. Have to travel 75 miles to get it :-( I agree Graphic 45 is VERY contagious. Thanks for all the project ideas, too!"

Congratulations! Will today's winners please email us with your shipping information at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize. And now its time for the sneak peeks! We are so excited about these fantastic new Staples! Introducing our Antique Typewriter Wood Stamp Set and Metal Clothespin Staples! The Antique Typewriter Stamp Set is the perfect stamp set for the avid G45er. This fabulous set includes vintage-inspired typewriter letters, numbers and symbols that are classic Graphic 45. Each set comes in a compact and durable metal tin that's perfect for the stamper on the go. Spell out the perfect message in all of your unique craft creations with this gorgeous new stamp set from Graphic 45!

Antique Typewriter Wood Stamp Set

Next up are these fun and fabulous Metal Clothespin Staples. If you are looking for the perfect embellishment for your next craft creation then look no further! Each beautiful metal clothespin is embossed with it's own heart-warming sentiment: Remember, Timeless, Create or Unique. These high quality and durable metal clothespins are perfect for creating an enduring statement in every craft. They also match perfectly with all Graphic 45 paper collections. Let your style shine with new Graphic 45 Metal Clothespins!

Metal Clothespin Staples

We hope you all had fun seeing these great new Staples from Graphic 45! We can't wait to see what you'll create using these wonderful new products. Please join us tomorrow as we bring you the final day of sneak peeks. We still have a few more fabulous products to show you as well as 4 new prize winners to announce. It's going to be a memorable day of inspiration, and we hope you'll come back and see us! Thank you all so much for joining us!  Don't forget to leave us a blog and/or Facebook comment today for your chance to win this week's awesome Kraft Reflections and new Graphic 45 Staples prize pack! We hope you all have a lovely day!

Happy Papercrafting!

Your Friends at Graphic 45