Pages of Beauty: Introducing Susie McGuire of Creative Cafe
Hello Crafters,
Happy Friday and welcome to a very special edition of the Graphic 45 blog. Today we're featuring the work of Susie McGuire, a very talented crafter! Today you'll see some examples of Susie's remarkable talents and get to know a little bit about what inspires her to create such dazzling works of art! But before we get to that, we wanted to quickly announce this week's blog prize winner! Big thanks to everyone who left us a comment on our blog and Facebook page about our new fabric collaboration with Wilmington Prints! It was amazing to read all of your feedback! Our random winner is...Kristina M. Anderson! Here is what she had to say on our blog about what she'd create with these great new fabrics!
"There are so many things you can make with fabric. Book covers, pillows, scarves, vest, chair cushions, and so much more. You could also frame it for great artwork (the fabric is so pretty)." -Kristina M. Anderson
Congratulations Kristina! Please email us with your shipping information at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize!
And now it's off to the enchanting land of Suzie McGuire from the blog Creative Cafe'. As you will see, Susie's talents are astounding. Residing in South Central Missouri, she has an extraordinary knack for creating gorgeously detailed mini albums that perfectly capture the essence of each individual paper collection. She has a unique eye for making each project come to life. Every page of her mini albums have their own clever personality and she obviously takes great time and care with every stunning detail. If you check out her blog (which we strongly recommend you do) you'll find a world of inspiration. Not only does Susie love to create for herself and the ones she loves, but she also loves to share her creations with her crafting community. Her blog is full of terrific videos, loads of photos, tutorials and sweet descriptions about each wonderful piece. Truly, Susie is a crafter who adores what she does and it's obvious when you look at the quality of her work. Below you will find some amazing examples of her Graphic 45 crafts. We are happy to introduce you to the amazing Susie McGuire of Creative Cafe'!
"I have always enjoyed doing various crafts and only started scrapbooking about 11 years ago when my daughter was in grade school. Back then I used what I would call BLAH paper (it was just that) and a lot of stickers to embellish with. I didn’t know that such beautiful projects could be made from scrapbook paper until I purchased my first paper crafting magazine. I saw a paper bag mini album that was absolutely gorgeous and thought to myself, "I can do that." I started out doing paper bag minis and now I do mini albums out of anything I can find to alter. I got my first glimpse of Graphic 45 about 4 years ago at a scrapbook store that I stumbled on when my husband and I were traveling. The papers caught my eye immediately. I love anything old and vintage. Graphic 45 gives me that. It has become my favorite line of paper to work with. I like to keep my mini albums simple, so most of the time I don‘t use a lot of flowers, bling or embellishments. I think the paper should speak for itself. Once again Graphic 45 that does exactly that. I enjoy sharing my projects with others and I love to do tutorials for those wanting to know “now just how did you do that?” I believe we all have a creative side and sometimes I think we give up a little too quickly. If you will stay with it, your creativity will come shinning through." -Susie McGuire
Here is one of Suzie's astonishing Magic of Oz mini albums. It's so pretty and full of lots of love!
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Check out this amazing Hallowe'en in Wonderland purse that's also a mini album! How clever is this?! It's also so beautifully decorated! It is such an eye-catching piece! So unique!
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"This album was made using Graphic 45's new paper collection "An ABC Primer" and 9 x 6 catalog envelopes. On a scale of 1 to 10 (ten being the greatest) of the most fun mini's I've ever made, this one is a 10+ ! I didn't think I would like this particular paper collection, but since Graphic 45 is my FAVORITE paper line, I decided to buy it anyway. Sooooooo glad I did! This is now my all time favorite album to date. I used some of my left over cork board in this album, I think it incorporated nicely with this theme." -Susie
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Here is a beautiful Christmas Emporium mini album that is just perfect for the holiday season!
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Next we have this exquisite Once Upon a Springtime mini album by Susie. Each page overflows with a whimsical beauty all its own!
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Here is Susie's ultra classy Curtain Call mini album! The contrasting colors of black, cream and vibrant red looks so amazing in this show-stopping mini! Plus all the beautiful lace and trim help give this mini that unmistakable look of pure vintage elegance.
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Here is one of Susie's sweet Deluxe Edition Christmas Past mini albums. Here again you can see her amazing eye for creating beautiful dimensions and layers. This mini is like taking a journey through a winter wonderland of craft bliss!
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Next up is this festive altered wooden cigar box and printer's tray that contains a beautiful Christmas Emporium mini album! It's an altered art piece and mini album combined into one! It's just amazing!
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"The mini album was made with the G45 Black Policy album and on the inside I have used one G45 chipboard button for each flap. I have 4 categories: Traditions, Dinner Menu, Guest List and Gifts.
There is a journaling tag in each pocket and a place for one picture on the following page." -Susie
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We want to say a huge thank you to Susie McGuire of Creative Cafe! It was an absolute pleasure to feature her work today! We hope you will all go and check out her blog. You will fall in love with all of her glorious creations! We also hope you will all come back and join us on Monday. We will be having a sneak peek of our brand new collection! Yes, you read right! A sneak peek of a brand new Graphic 45 paper collection will appear on our blog on Monday! There will also be a new blog contest! It'll be a glorious day and we hope to see you all there! Have a wonderful weekend, Crafters!
With Love and Pretty Paper,
Team Graphic 45









The minis are stunning!
Posted by: Miss Cooper | October 21, 2011 at 05:22 AM
Absolutly stunning!
I love the purse :)
Posted by: melissa latter | October 21, 2011 at 05:43 AM
WOW!
Sandra ltb
Posted by: Sandra ltb | October 21, 2011 at 06:22 AM
Absolutely gorgeous! I feel blessed to have gotten to know Susie a little. I just adore her work! Beautiful creations!
Posted by: Patty | October 21, 2011 at 06:46 AM
Everything is gorgeous!
Posted by: Heidi Mireles | October 21, 2011 at 07:19 AM
OMG Wow! This post is PACKED with gorgeous inspiration! Amazing mini albums and tray! Fabulous work!
Posted by: Doris Widder | October 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways....These minis are wonderful. I love the layering and the fact that there are not alot of embellishments(don't get me wrong, I LOVE embellishments) and the albums still look amazing is really saying something. Reminds me of a line from Seven Brides for Seven Brothers where the oldest (Adam) has stopped in for some dinner and to check out his prospective wife to be (Millie). She's serving stew and she fills his bowl and Adam immediately asks for ketchup. Millie said how do you know you need ketchup, I can't remember his words exactly but he tried it without the ketchup and she made a comment regarding her stew being able to stand on its own. I think that's Susie, she doesn't need anything fancy, just some perfect paper, which her and I (funny I act like I know her and I don't) know is anything Graphic 45 and away she goes. Love her style, although I am all about embellishments, her style is easy going and I just adore it. Thank you Susie for sharing, Im on my way to your blog, to be your #1 fan!!!!
Posted by: Tammy Hall | October 21, 2011 at 07:26 AM
Outstanding projects Susie.
Posted by: Robin Shakoor | October 21, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Susie's my hero! I just bookmarked her blog on my favorites. Her work is incredible, thanks for introducing this (beyond) talented artist.
Posted by: Beth Beery | October 21, 2011 at 08:08 AM
I knew Susie was amazingly creative the first time I came across her blog. Now the whole world knows, too! Congratulations, Susie. And thank you G45 for featuring her beautiful work.
Posted by: elsie | October 21, 2011 at 08:30 AM
I've got nothing to say other than "WOW!" FABULOUSLY gorgeous projects!
Posted by: jengd | October 21, 2011 at 08:31 AM
These are so amazing, I absolutely love her work, Thanks for G45 for introducing Susie....WOW
Posted by: Susan | October 21, 2011 at 09:06 AM
Wow! Super Cool Mini Albums.
Posted by: Marilyn R-S, Dream Valley | October 21, 2011 at 09:14 AM
Some people just drip talent and Suzy is one of them. I love love love that purse! Thanks for the inspiration.
Posted by: Gayla Templeton | October 21, 2011 at 09:46 AM
Absolutely stunning albums Susie! I am in awe of your work! Thank you for sharing. I am truly inspired!
Posted by: Carrie | October 21, 2011 at 11:11 AM
AMAZING!! I am soooo loving seeing all of these amazing projects. If I can't make them myself, at least I can see them and dream.....You are such talented ladies!
Posted by: sharon gulliikson | October 21, 2011 at 11:31 AM
Love the minis, love the "let the papers speak" attitude. Beautiful, beautiful.
Posted by: Fran Brunke | October 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM
She is truly amazing! Minis are one of my very favorite things to create. So I just spent an hour watching all of her wonderful creations. More time spent getting more inspiration. I don't know how much more inspiration my poor ole brain can handle, but I'm addicted! Thank you for sharing Susie with us
Posted by: Anne McIntosh | October 21, 2011 at 11:46 AM
This world lacks excellence, heart, good taste and the eye for design. Ms. McGuire has achieved all creating truly beautiful as well as functional works of art. Well done!
Posted by: Karen | October 21, 2011 at 11:57 AM
Wow. Thanks for sharing her wonderful work with us!
Posted by: KathiR | October 21, 2011 at 01:09 PM
I am a huge fan of Susie's work. She is one very talented lady and I LOVE her creations. Thank you Susie and thank you Graphic 45.
Posted by: Chrissie | October 21, 2011 at 02:22 PM
Now that's talent!!
Posted by: Jeanne Kelly | October 21, 2011 at 02:26 PM
I love it! Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: Elena Pana | October 21, 2011 at 03:22 PM
These are amazing and gorjuss! Love them all. Susie you are so talented! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sandy | October 21, 2011 at 04:09 PM
C'est magnifique, quelles belles créations, félicitations!
Wow, it's beautifuls creations, congratulation, it's gorgeous!
Posted by: Ephémère13 | October 21, 2011 at 05:08 PM
Thud! Holy mini books, Batman! What an amazing body of work! I love minis and these are wonderful. Each one so unique!
Posted by: Gloria Stengel | October 21, 2011 at 05:32 PM
I CAN NOT WAIT FOR THE NEW SNEEK PEEK OCT. 24TH. ALREADY POSTED ON MY FACEBOOK AND BLOG.
Oh...great work Susie, love all that you have done. Keep those creations coming! Congrats.
Posted by: Diana Caho | October 21, 2011 at 05:35 PM
I am a big fan of Susie's work! I love her blog and am so happy to see her amazing projects posted here! Great job Susie!
Posted by: Stacey Wilson | October 21, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Wow, Wow, and WOW! Fantastic projects!
Posted by: Linda Cain | October 21, 2011 at 06:56 PM
WHOA you are super talented!!
Posted by: sharlene peretini | October 21, 2011 at 10:40 PM
Susie is tremendously talented! I love her work and certainly enjoyed seeing her featured on the G45 blog. She is very deserving of this spotlight! Bravo, Susie!
**Belinda
Posted by: belindaakers | October 21, 2011 at 10:49 PM
Is this not incredible! I totally love them. What an artist. I would love to see you back on G45 blog.
Posted by: Debby | October 22, 2011 at 01:01 AM
Susie, your projets are incredible. Love the feel good look to all of your projects. Good eye G45 for featuring susie's work!!!
ava
Posted by: ava | October 22, 2011 at 05:13 AM
WOW these are all so gorgeous!! My fave is the black policy envelope one! Very inspiring :) And a new collection???!!! I am SUPER excited! LOVE G45!
Posted by: Renee VanEpps | October 22, 2011 at 06:37 AM
I love making mini books and have had some in the back of my mind but my mind does not work like that. So beautiful - you have inspired me!
Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Sandy Diller | October 22, 2011 at 07:36 AM
Very impressive, Susie! Love your style!
Posted by: Eniko's Playhouse | October 22, 2011 at 02:49 PM
She is crazy amazing!!!! I would love a gift from her for any reason..definately got a new stalker on your blog now ;) I would love to make a mini...getting the cinch early next mn. I think that would direct my mind towards minis for gifts & not 12x12 pg. spreads. Thanx so much for such a maginficent talent. BESTEST THING : (ya, I know its not a word!) She crafts. She doesn't bling it up, prima it up, or put so much fabric, lace& flowers that I feel like I've been stuffed into grandmas china cabinet!!!! (saw a book like that & thought I was gonna barf by the second page)
Posted by: Stacey | October 23, 2011 at 05:25 AM
gorgeous albums and love the little purse!
Posted by: Jan Hennings | October 23, 2011 at 05:22 PM
Susie's albums are so amazing. I follow her blog and every time she posts my friends and I just stare at her projects in awe. She has so many ideas and such a unique way of looking at things. I love everything she does and it's great to see her featured here!
Posted by: genagirl | October 23, 2011 at 08:18 PM
Each one is a masterpiece!!! Beautiful work!!!
Posted by: Barbara Johnson | October 24, 2011 at 06:41 AM