Precious Ideas For Family Memories By Karen Shady

Hello G45ers,

The sun is shining on another gorgeous week of fun here on the Graphic 45 blog! We are here to add some joy to your Monday with some awe-inspiring crafts and inspiration! We are continuing our introductions of the incredible new Graphic 45 2013 Design Team! Today you're going to meet an amazing artist, Karen Shady! She has created 3 exquisite crafts including a layout, altered frame and pretty tags! Her work is filled with adorable family photos and heartwarming sentiments that you're sure to love! But first we wanted to announce this week's new blog contest! We're giving away this magnificent Bohemian Bazaar prize pack that includes a 12x12 paper pad, Stickers, Chipboard Die-Cuts, Tags & Pockets, Large Tag Album Staples, Antique Metal Door Pull Staples and a E-Z Dots by Scrapbook Adhesives! That's a $40 value! Just leave us a blog or Facebook comment any time this week for your chance to win! A random winner will be chosen from this week's comments and announced on Friday's blog!

We are so excited to welcome Karen Shady to our new Graphic 45 2013 Design Team. Her crafts are full of love and so many gorgeous details. She definitely knows how to use colorful embellishments to add rich depth and color to her crafts. Karen loves to use embellishments that are inspired by nature like pretty flowers, butterflies, and vining chipboards to give her crafts an organic look. Her family is also a great influence on her work. As you'll see today, she loves to use precious family photos in her crafts to give them heartwarming charm and sincerity. Her beautiful blog Karen's Scrap Spot is filled with stunning ideas, fun insights and lots of inspiration. Her crafts are true celebrations of life! We are so happy to welcome Karen to our team. Please join us in welcoming the amazing Karen!

About Karen:

My name is Karen Shady, and I am Mum to my 5 gorgeous children, Ashlee (22), Matthew (20), Samuel (19), Jack (7) and Harrison (5).I am happily married to Chris, and together we own and run a 6000 acre cropping farm in Victoria, Australia. I love the country life, and am very grateful my kids are growing up here. I have scrapbooked for well over 10 years, and it is a huge part of my life. Over the years, I have been very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for some amazing magazines, and manufacturing companies. I have what I think is a unique blend of ‘shabby vintage ’ style.  I love to layer and fussy cut images from paper, and feel my style is very well suited to G45 products. I do like to try new things, and have a love of rustic style works also. I am beyond excited to be a part of the Graphic 45 Design team, and I hope I can inspire you with my creations.

Karen's Blog: 

http://karenshady.blogspot.com.au/

We begin Karen's introduction with this gorgeous altered frame featuring A Ladies' Dairy. You can see how Karen's beautiful family takes center stage in this exquisite creation. Lavish chipboards and flowing embellishments look perfect against the pretty pastel papers of A Ladies' Diary. Here is what Karen had to say about this fabulous piece of home decor.

I made this frame for my daughter, Ashlee, it was inspired by the top left photo of her, which I came across recently. I thought she looked very elegant and ladylike, and I thought these papers, and chippy pieces were the perfect combination to reflect that. She is a farm girl, through and through, and these photos of her all dressed up are hard to come by, as you can see by the other 2 photos I've used. lol.  . I've used a combination of 'A ladies diary', 'Little darlings' and 'Olde curiosity shoppe'. Lots of fussy cutting, flowers, and chipboard, all my favourite things. I fussy cut the gorgeous bird nest image from the 'Little darlings' range, and layered the pieces to give it a paper tole look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

A ladies diary - Moment in time, A ladies diary, Picture perfect, La Gazette, Timeless memoir.

Little darlings - Little darlings.

Olde curiosity shoppe - Parlor wall, Butterfly specifics

Other: Kaisercraft frame, Dusty attic chipboard, Manor House Creations flowers, Jo Sonja crackle paint, Tim holtz distress ink, Prima resin corner pieces.

 

Next we have this adorable layout that Karen created with Little Darlings. This sweet creation celebrates the preciousness of childhood. The amazing photos look perfect against a backdrop of lavish paper layers, fussy cut characters and pretty floral and butterfly embellishments. Here Karen explains her inspiration for this wonderful work of art.

 

I created this layout a while ago now, but it remains one of my favourites. It is a precious photo of my 2 youngest children, taken in the hospital, the day Jack, my then 2 year old, met his baby brother, Harry for the first time. Is there a more perfect paper collection than the Little darlings range, to preserve and remember such a special moment.

 

 

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Supplies:

 

Little darlings paper collection- little darlings, Bundle of joy, Baby borders

Olde curiosity shoppe - Butterfly specifics

 

Last but not least are these superb Secret Garden tags that Karen made. They are like a breath of fresh spring air with their vivid colors and harmonious embellishments. You can see how perfectly Secret Garden looks with lavish chipboards and bright floral embellishments. Karen definitely captured the essence of spring in these gorgeous tags. Here is what she had to say about them!

 

I adore the Secret Garden collection, in fact, I think it may just be my all time favourite so far. I chose to go with a shabby chic style for these 2 tags. The 2 gorgeous floral images cut from the ‘Springtime’ paper, take centre stage on my tags, I simply added some chipboard to the top and bottom of my tags, and a flower to finish. A very quick, and easy gift tag for someone special.

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

Secret Garden paper collection - Springtime, Pretty primrose, Sun kissed.

                                Olde curiosity shoppe paper collection - Butterfly specifics.

 

That's all for today, G45ers. We are so happy that you stopped by to see us! Big thanks to Karen for her amazing creations. We are looking forward to a fantastic year of inspiration and creativity with Karen on our team! It's going to be wonderful! Don't forget to leave us a blog or Facebook comment this week for your chance to win that fabulous blog prize. Come on back and see us tomorrow for more splendid inspiration from your friends at Graphic 45!

 

Happy Papercrafting!

 

Team Graphic 45

Graphic 45 Presents a May Place in Time "Dearest Mother" Card

 

May Place in Time "Dearest Mother" Card

Download the May Place in Time "Dearest Mother" Card Project Sheet

Last Minute Ideas For Father's Day Gifts!

Happy Friday G45ers,

We've got an extra special blog lined up for you today! Father's Day is this Sunday and there's still time to create something special for dad! We've got three splendid ideas for Father's Day cards and gifts! You're sure to find the perfect handmade treasure for your dad, grandparent or special guy in your life! We've got a pretty French Country altered gift box by Romy Veul. Denise Johnson has created an adorable Place in Time date keepsake mini album. We also have a fun and fabulous A Ladies' Diary trio card tutorial by Maria Cole! Today is loaded with inspiration and joy! Plus we have a new winner for this week's blog contest! We chose this week's winner at random from comments left on our Facebook page. And the winner is...

-Angel Sena: "Would really love to win especially the 8x8 proper gentleman pad. I have looked for it, but can no longer find it."

Congratulations, Angel! Please email us with your shipping information at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize. This is the beautiful prize that Angel won today! We have a new blog contest every week here on the Graphic 45 blog so there's always a chance to win something wonderful! Stay tuned for your next chance to win!

 

Now it's time to give all of you G45ers the perfect inspiration for handmade Father's Day gifts! We begin with this superb altered 8x8 Matchbook box created by Romy Veul. This is the perfect way to turn a simple gift into something beautifully heartfelt. Romy used our French Country collection to add rustic charm and elegance to the Graphic 45 8x8 Matchbook Box. What a wonderful idea! It's fun to make and it's guaranteed to make dad feel loved and appreciated!

"For as long as I can remember, I have always given my dad handmade gifts for Father’s Day. When I was 4, I painted a rock for him in the most awful combination of colours. But he still owns it! When I was 5, I made him a flower pot, even though he does not have any flowers. But he still cherishes it! Well, I could go on like that for a few more sentences. I really want to stick to my tradition of handmade crafts and still like to create something special for him. For this Father’s Day I was looking for a special gift packaging. As soon as I saw the 8x8” Staples matchbook box, I knew this would be perfect for it. I actually covered the inner square of the shadow box with paper, so it would become more like a secret box. I scrapped a photo of myself with the gorgeous French Country collection on top of the box and filled the inside with his favourite candy and a sweet note to my dad" -Romy

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

8x8 matchbook box

French Country 12x12 papers: Sunflower, Rendezvous, Bon Appetit, A La Carte, Montage

French Country Stickers

French Country Chipboard 2

French Country 8x8 paper pad

Staples Ornate Metal Label Holders

Staples Ornate Metal Keys

May Arts gold ribbon (along the sides of the box)

Scor Tape

 

Next we have an wonderfully clever date book keepsake by Denise. This sweet mini was made using the new Graphic 45 Tag Album Staples and pretty Place in Time and French Country papers. The mini is filled with fun ideas for outings with dad. It's the gift that keeps on giving! Here is what Denise had to say about the inspiration behind this lovely gift! 

 

"Create this gift for dad that will last long after Father’s day....the whole year in fact! Using Place in Time monthly themed elements create a date with dad page for every month of the year. This keepsake includes a date for each month, a pocket for mementos as well as room for photos and journaling for each date. After the year is through not only will you have had 12 fun dates with dad, you will have a keepsake/scrapbook to cherish the memories long after. PS... I chose some dates that cost me a little, along with some freebies. Check out Restaurant.com and group-on for great ideas and good deals! A friend of mine did only freebie dates, the planning and scheduling is the most important thing here...spending the time and looking forward to your dates!! Enjoy!" -Denise

 

Monthly gift ideas I included:

June- Cinetopia (dinner and a movie GC)

July- Beach trip (include a map and list of things to do)

August- Baseball game (game & train tickets)

September- Golf & coffee date (GC for local par 3 and Starbucks Card)

October- Pumpkin Patch outing

November- Big Al’s Bowling date (CG)

December- Ice Skating (include a flyer from the ice rink)

January- movie date (GC)

February- 1st Friday Art Walk (include flyers from participating studios)

March- bike ride at the lake (include a map of the trail)

April- Fancy Dinner date (include a Restaurant.com GC)
May- Subway picnic and hike (GC and a map to a local hiking trail)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

Graphic 45 Staples- Regular Tag Album

Graphic 45 Staples- Large Tag Album

Graphic 45 Place in Time Collection 8 x 8 Papercrafting Paper

Graphic 45 French Country Collection 8 x 8 Papercrafting Paper

Graphic 45 Bird Song Collection Chipboard Tags 2

Graphic 45 French Country Collection Chipboard 1 & 2

Graphic 45 French Country Collection Tags & Pockets

Graphic 45 French Country Collection Banners

Graphic 45 French Country Collection Flowers

Graphic 45 French Country Collection 6 x 6 Patterns & Solids

Graphic 45 Staples- Ornate Drawer Pull, Ornate Keys

Graphic 45 French Country & Secret Garden Collections- misc. Alphabet Stickers

Graphic 45 Staples- Alphabet Stickers

Misc. May Arts Ribbons

7 Gypsies- paper fasteners & manilla tag pockets

Scrapworks- misc. rub-on letters

Misc bits- chipboard crown, bulldog clip, vintage buttons, bakers twine, crown brad, tickets, metal sprocket charm, plastic Tim Holtz  letters

Distressing ink and tool

Journal stamp and ink

 

Last but not least is this wonderful and fun card trio tutorial by Maria. Follow along with her step-by-step tutorial to create the perfect card for dad! This tutorial is filled with lots of great techniques for working with Graphic 45 papers and Staples! Take it away, Maria!

 

"For Father’s Day, I wanted to make a unique card set that you can use for the important guys in your life! I love trying alternate ways of using Graphic 45 products, so the idea to use the envelopes from my black policy album hit the spot. Not only are the envelopes lean and long, but they have a uniform style so that each guy receives an equally elegant card. Since most of us may have used up our Proper Gentleman paper, the next best paper line to use for a Father’s Day gift was A Ladies Diary! I felt it would be a fun challenge to use paper that I would normally use with feminine projects for masculine recipients instead. Being the flower-lover I am, I did end up adding in some fussy cut flowers and mini roses but I don’t think my dad, grandpa, or father-in-law will mind! So these envelopes have a front flap that flip up to reveal a message area along with another area that you can place a photo, or something fun like tickets to his favorite sporting event! I left the inside of the envelope empty, so that your dad can fill it with little mementos from Father’s Day. These envelope cards are quite easy to put together! Feel free to substitute other paper patterns or colors wherever you like." -Maria

 

 

Supplies:

 

Graphic 45 Paper:

A Ladies Diary Ageless Beauty

A Ladies Diary Fashion Plate

A Ladies Diary Lasting Impression

A Ladies Diary Moment In Time

A Ladies Diary Timeless Memoir

Graphic 45 Staples:

Black Envelope Policy Album

A Ladies Diary Alphabet Stickers

A Ladies Diary Chipboard Die-cuts 2

Ornate Metal Label Holder Staples

Ornate Key Hole Staples

Ornate Keys Staples

Additional Products:

May Arts sheer gold ribbon (6) 1 foot long pieces

May Arts black plaid ribbon (3) 1 foot long pieces

Imaginarium Designs chipboard pieces

6 tiny metal brads

Prima mini roses

Corner punch of your choice

Ranger Distress Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy

 

 

Tutorial:

 

Overall note: Ink and distress edges of all papers that you cut and fussy cut with Vintage Photo Distress Ink and a paper distresser before adhering.

 

Step 1: Remove (3) envelopes from your black policy envelope album.

 

 

Step 2: Take Timeless Memoir paper, tan side up, and cut (3) 3 7/8” wide x 12” tall pieces. With each piece, score 3” at the bottom and fold. You will use one piece per envelope.

 

 

Step 3: Adhere the 9” tall section of the Timeless Memoir pieces to the front of the envelopes. (The front of your envelopes have the envelope flaps on top.)

Adhere the 3” tall sections to the back of the envelope.

 

 

Step 4: Take Fashion Plate paper, black side up, and cut (3) 3.75” wide x 12” tall strips. Trim each of these to 3.75” wide x 8.75” tall, but save your 3.75” wide x 3.25” tall pieces for Step 7.

 

Step 5: Take 3.75” wide x 8.75” tall Fashion Plate paper and score .75” from the top and fold. Adhere just the scored section to the front of each envelope to create a flap.

 

 

Step 6a: Take Lasting Impression paper, border side up, and trim off the bottom (3) patterns: the journal images, clocks, and pink fashion plate. Cut out each journal image; you will use one per envelope. Take clock border and cut (3) 3.75” long strips. Take pink fashion plate border and cut (3) 3 7/8” long strips. Save the pink fashion plate strips for Step 15.

 

 

Step 6b: Take your remaining Lasting Impression paper and flip over to reveal blue side. Cut (3) 3.75” wide x 7.5” tall pieces. Then, trim each piece to 3.75” wide x 6” tall but save your 3.75” wide x 1.5” tall scraps for Step 11.

 

 

Step 7: Locate your 3.75” x 3.25” Fashion Plate pieces from Step 4. Turn pieces so they are 3.25” x 3.75”. Use a fancy corner punch (I used Martha Stewart’s Deco Shell punch) on each corner.

 

 

Step 8a: Locate your Moments In Time paper. Fussy cut (6) bunches of flowers, (3) medium clocks, and (3) large clocks from the edges of your paper. Set aside the medium clocks for Step x10.

 

 

Step 8b: Locate your Ageless Beauty paper and cut out the (3) photo mats that have men in them along with the photo mat of the car. Fussy cut (3) stamps.

 

 

Step 9: Open up each flap. Adhere 3.75” x 6” Lasting Impression, journal image, stamp, and large clock to upper half. Adhere 3.25” x 3.75” Fashion Plate pieces and fussy cut flowers to lower half. Optional: Use Ladies’ Diary Alphabet Stickers to spell “for you” on each.

 

 

Step 10: Locate your fussy cut medium-sized clocks from Step 10. For a crackled effect, apply some Distress Crackle Paint in Clear Rock Candy to each. Dry completely before using.

 

 

Step 11: Optional: Take some fancy chipboard embellishments, such as these corner edges and medallions from Imaginarium Designs, and apply some brown ink. Set aside.

 

Step 12: Locate your 3.75” x 1.5” Lasting Impression pieces from Step 6b. Make sure the blue side is face up, then use your alphabet stickers to spell “Dad” or “Papa” in the center of the piece. (Note: These particular letters from Ladies’ Diary can only fit 5 characters or less.) Adhere Ornate Metal Label Holder over stickers; punch holes and insert brads. Also punch holes in the lower left and right corners and insert tiny metal brads. Adhere to the bottom of the front flap to create nameplates.

 

 

Step 13: Locate 3.75” wide clock border pieces and adhere above nameplates. Then, arrange Ageless Beauty images, chipboard embellishments, Ladies’ Diary chipboard die cuts, mini roses, fussy cut flowers, and medium-sized clock per photo.

 

 

Step 14: Take black plaid ribbon, fold in half, then fold in half again. Take a Metal Brad and pierce through ribbon and insert into envelope flap hole. Take 1 foot of gold ribbon, tie an Ornate Metal Key in the center, then tie around Metal Brad. Place a letter sticker under the envelope flap to hide the brad arms.

 

Step 15: Take your Lasting Impression 3 7/8” strips from Step 6a and adhere to the back of your envelopes, blue side up. Take 1 foot of gold ribbon and tie around the inside of the envelope, making a bow on the side. Take a large monogram sticker and attach with foam dots to the back.

 

 

Step 16: Insert some movie tickets or other fun things underneath the gold ribbon. Or, tuck a menu from his favorite restaurant inside the envelope. Then, give him a big hug and tell him “Happy Father’s Day” and how much you love him!  

 

We hope you all had a lot of fun exploring these fabulous ideas for Father's Day gifts and cards! We encourage you all to take some time to create a special handmade gift for your dad! Huge thanks to Romy, Denise and Maria for their gorgeous work today! We hope you all enjoy your day! Come on back and see us for more joyful craft ideas to brighten your day. Have a great weekend and a Happy Father's Day!

 

Your Pals in Paper,

 

Team Graphic 45

Decorate in Style With Denise Johnson's Minis & More!

Hello G45ers,

Get ready for a whimsical day of breathtaking mini albums, journals and more! We are thrilled to be introducing another talented member of the new Graphic 45 2013 Design Team, the fabulous Denise Johnson. She has created three extraordinary crafts that are sure to knock your socks off! You will see amazing ideas for creating perfect mini albums for any occasion! It's going to be so much fun! We also wanted to remind you all that today is the final day to leave us a blog or Facebook comment for your chance to win this week's blog prize! You could win 8x8 paper pads from both A Proper Gentleman and Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Stickers and Alphabet Stickers from Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Large Tag Album Staples, Black Policy Envelope Staples and Chipboard Button Staples! That's a $42 value! Just leave us a blog or Facebook comment today for your chance to win! A random winner will be announced on tomorrow's blog!

We are so excited to welcome Denise Johnson to the Graphic 45 2013 Design Team. She is an artist with a refined style and incredible creativity. She has an incredible knack for making superbly detailed and embellished crafts that are instantly heartwarming. Her blog Art Soiree is filled with incredible ideas, lavish crafts and fun insights. She definitely has a talent for adding the classic Graphic 45 vintage charm to all of her creations. Her work overflows with superb technique and alluring style. One look at Denise's captivating crafts and you'll understand why she's perfect for the Graphic 45 Design Team! We are so excited to welcome her on board for another great year of inspiration! Ladies and gentleman, please join us in welcoming the amazing Denise Johnson!

About Denise:

 

Denise Johnson…designer, artist and purveyor of good junk. My passion for paper, repurposing and treasure hunting have melded together splendidly, allowing me to do what I love every single day. Whether I’m designing for an upcoming workshop, on the hunt for discarded, rusty treasure or building a new vignette to showcase my creations, I’m immersed daily in all my favorite things and life is GOOD!!

 

I’ve evolved right along with the ever-changing paper crafting industry. What started out as a part-time, just-for-fun gig, designing & teaching for a few of my local scrapbook stores, developed into an amazing, rewarding career. Through my store contacts I acquired a position with a large paper crafting manufacturer, moving through the ranks, advancing to National Education Director. After years of travel and commuting, I decided to create a home base, and opened my own store, providing the very best in mixed media art supply, creative workshops and custom framing services.

Today, my aspirations of establishing a thriving home studio and classroom have been realized. I host workshops and parties, participate in vintage markets and design paper goods for events and local businesses.

I’m living my dreams on our farm, with my dogs and always amusing, ever-accommodating little family. We enjoy our bucolic life immensely, however  we do occasionally leave the farm, mostly to engage our foodie senses, exploring all the wonderful restaurants & eateries in the big city just over the river. Running, cooking, shopping, gardening, hiking and entertaining are a few of my {other} favorite things. 

Denise's Blog:

http://junquesoiree.blogspot.com/

Here we have one of Denise's amazing altered journals. This one features Steampunk Debutante and it's filled with lots of enchanting embellishments. Denise definitely captures the fun-loving spirit of Steampunk Debutante on every page of this pretty journal. We love her clever technique for book-binding! Metal Staples mingle amid lavish paper layers and fussy cut elements. This journal is a true celebration of creativity!

Supplies:

Graphic45 Steampunk Debutante 12x12 papers

Pink Paislee chipboard letters

manilla file folders

corrugated paper

wire rebar

wing nuts & bolts

misc. nuts and bolts and washers

door hinges

medium weight welding rod

diamond glaze

bronze embossing powder, clear embossing ink, embossing gun

music sheet paper

adhesive rhinestones, paper flowers, brads, buttons, twine

journal line stamp/ink

circle punch

distress ink, distressing tool

stapler

adhesive- dry and foam tape

scissors

paper trimmer

needle-nose plier

wire cutters

 

Summer is in full swing in this joyful mini album featuring On the Boardwalk. Denise combined lots of different designs and colors to give this mini a bright and cheerful look. Pretty ribbons, sea shell embellishments and cute pockets only add to the allure of this clever creation! It's the perfect mini to house your precious memories from summertime!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk 12x12 papers

Graphic 45 Bird Song Cardstock Stickers

Graphic 45 Place in Time Chipboard

Webster’s Pages 12x12 papers and stickers

journal line stamp & ink

distress ink & tool

sanding tool

misc. ribbon scraps

found shells

3-D Art Gel Medium

key tags

shell charm

mini brads

foam tape

hole punch

5 x 5 book board covers

5 x 5 book pages

book rings

 

Here is a stunning French Country portfolio that Denise made! This astonishing creation definitely highlights Denise's attention to even the smallest detail. You can see how she loves to layer lots of gorgeous embellishments to give her creations beautiful depth and dimension. French Country Banners and Stickers only add to the vivid color and charm of this amazing creation. All the rustic elegance of French Country is in full display in this expertly decorated work of art!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

Graphic 45 French Country Collection 12 x 12 Papercrafting Paper

Graphic 45 French Country Cardstock Stickers

Graphic 45 French Country 8 x 8 Papercrafting Paper

Chipboard, elastic, binder prong (to create portfolio)

Distress Ink and Distressing tool

Collage embellishments- misc.flowers, brads, book plate, buttons, ribbon scraps, cork, bingo game piece, metal edging, gaffer tapes, jute, bulldog clip, key

October Afternoon chipboard letters

Pink Paislee chipboard letters

Typewriter key letters

gesso

journal line stamp, ink

cardstock (for cascading element, mini matchbook and garden journal)

blank manilla tags

 

We hope you all enjoyed today's gorgeous crafts! We are so excited to have Denise on our team and we want to thank her for all of her beautiful creations today. Big thanks to all of you G45ers who stopped by to see us. Don't forget to leave us a blog or Facebook comment today for your chance to win that wonderful blog prize! A winner will be announced on tomorrow's blog along with more amazing crafts to inspire your weekend! Thank you so much for visiting us today, G45ers! Have a fabulous day!

 

Happy Papercrafting!

 

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Picture Perfect Cards & Gifts For Father's Day

 

Hello Fabulous G45ers,

Father's Day is just around the corner! There's still time to create a special handmade treasure for the dad in your life! Father's Day is a wonderful holiday to celebrate dads, grandparents and more! It is an opportunity to express your love and gratitude for all that they've contributed to your life! Why not take the time to create a beautiful handmade card or gift with Graphic 45! It's the perfect way to show you care! Today we have three gorgeous crafts and tutorials that are sure to give you some fabulous ideas! We've got French Country card creations and tutorials by Annette Green and Susan Lui. There's also a beautiful gift card holder and tutorial by Karen Shady! Get ready for an incredible day of inspiration and fun!

We begin this amazing day with this gorgeous French Country Father's Day card and tutorial by Annette. This card is so wonderfully sophisticated with it's gorgeous colors and lovely layers! This card is so much fun to make and it's guaranteed to make dad smile! Follow along with Annette's fabulous tutorial to create this very special Father's Day card!

Supplies:

12 x 12 Signature Series cardstock

6 x 6 French Country Patterns & Solids pack

12 x 12 French Country paper pack

Graphic 45 metal key

French Country Cardstock Alphabet Stickers

Ribbon

Buckle

Die-cuts from Tim Holtz Fleur-de-lis and Eiffel Tower Alterations Die

Tutorial:

1. Cut a card base from black cardstock for a 5 x 7” card.

2. Cut two coordinating pattern paper pieces (from French Country 6 x 6 Patterns and Solids) 3” x 4 3/4” each and adhere to top and bottom portion of the card front. Then cut a Carte Postale image from the French Country 12 x 12 paper pack and adhere to center of card.

 

 

3. Create a unit:

    • Cut red cardstock 1 1/2” x 4 3/4” and pattern paper at 1 1/4” x 4 3/4”

    and adhere together.

    • From blue cardstock die-cut image of a fleur-de-lis and ink edges

    • Using ribbon (or faux leather material) weaved through a buckle and adhere to

    the paper unit, tucking the fleur-de-lis behind it. Add a metal key to the fleur-de-lis

    using Tacky Glue.

 

 

4. Adhere the unit to the card front.

 

5. From black cardstock, die-cut an Eiffel Tower shape and adhere to card using foam tape. Cut the postage image from French Country 12 x 12 paper and add DAD stickers, then pop up with foam tape in lower right corner of card. Finish the card with a gray colored satin ribbon tied into a large bow. Adhere with Tacky Glue.

 

 

Next we have another gorgeous French Country Father's Day card and tutorial! This superb card was created by Susan and it's filled with rustic charm and beauty. You can see how Susan used paper distressing and pretty embellishment layering techniques to create this joyful work of art. Follow along with her fun tutorial to create this sweet treasure for your dad! Take it away, Susan!

 

Here’s a Father’s Day Card I created using Graphic 45’s French Country collection and Graphic 45 Staples.

 

 

 

 

Tutorial:

Supplies:

Graphic 45 French Country Sunflower, Rendezvous and Promenade patterned papers

Graphic 45 French Country Chipboard 2

Graphic 45 French Country Flowers

Graphic 45 French Country Tags & Pockets

Graphic 45 Place In Time January Foundation patterned paper

Graphic 45 Staples Ornate Metal Key Holes

Graphic 45 Staples Ornate Metal Keys

May Arts Ribbon

A heart-shaped doily

Small brads

Some twine

 

Instructions:

1. Cut a 6x12 inch sheet from the Place In Time Foundation patterned paper, ink the edges and fold it in half. This will be the base of your card. Cut a 6x6 inch square from the Sunflower patterned paper and distress the edges.

2.  Attach the Sunflower patterned paper to the Foundation paper, followed by the heart-shaped doily.

3.  Cut out a flower motif from the Promenade patterned paper. Select the small blue envelope from the Tags & Pockets and construct the envelope. Now place the fussy cut flower and the envelope on the card as shown.

4. Cut a short strip of blue denim ribbon and lay it across the card, snipping dovetails into both ends. Place the black & white die cut flower over the ribbon as shown.

5. Adhere the Ornate Metal Key Hole to the flower on the card. Now assemble the red and green flowers using pop dots and top this off with the small black chipboard circle. Adhere this onto the corner of the Metal Ornate Key Hole.

6.  Write “Happy Father’s Day” on to a thin strip of Rendezvous patterned paper and dove tail one end of the strip. Adhere this to the card using small brads.

Your completed Father’s Day Card:

Last but not least are these gorgeous gift card holders by Karen featuring Bird Song and A Proper Gentleman. This is the perfect way to add personalized pizazz to any Father's Day gift! Karen created some great instructions that explains how these sweet creations were made. Create your own unique expression of love this Father's Day with Graphic 45! Take it away, Karen!

These cards are so quick and easy to make. You can use any envelope as the template, from large business sized envelopes, to small, specialty ones, like you would use for wedding invitations. I have designed some that can open up, so as you can place your sentiment inside, or, in this case, enclose a gift card, then others can be sealed closed, with the sentiment written on the back.

 

 

 

Supplies:

 

 

Bird song: Joy luck patterned paper, 8x8 paper pad: Jasmine dream, Tags #1

Olde curiosity shoppe: Butterfly specifics

Renaissance Faire: Tags

             other: metal brads, double sided tape, hessian (burlap) foam tape, dimensional magic.

 

 

 

Tutorial:

1. Using your chosen envelope as a template, open out, and trace onto the reverse of your chosen paper, cut on trace lines

2. Again using your envelope as a guide, score the fold lines.

3. Adhere double sided tape along the flaps, and close your envelope as shown

3. Using the top flap as a guide, trim a piece of hessian to size, and adhere underneath flap. Again, using the top flap as a guide, trim a coordinating piece of paper, to cover the hessian under the flap.

4. Decorate your envelope using a variety of G45 metal staples, and fussy cut images.

5. I have used a tiny press stud adhered under the flap to hold the card closed.

We hope you all enjoyed today's very special Graphic 45 blog post. We have more fun and excitement in store for you on tomorrow's blog. We hope you'll stop by and see us. Big thanks to Annette, Susan and Karen for their superb crafts and tutorials today. We also want to thank all of you G45ers for stopping by! We wish you all a very wonderful Wednesday!

With Love and Pretty Paper,

Your Friends at Graphic 45