Cards, Layouts, Minis & More With Gloria Stengel
Hello G45ers,
Today we're bringing you an abundant variety of inspiration with cards, layouts, tags and so much more. This is a bittersweet day here at Graphic 45 as we say a very fond farewell to one of our brilliant Special Project Designers, the incredible Gloria Stengel. In the many years that Gloria has been involved with the Graphic 45 Design Team and as our Special Projects Designer, she has created countless works of art that have inspired so many people! She is beginning a new chapter in her creative adventure and today we're going to do our best to pay homage to her boundless talent and incredible style. You're going to see some never-before-seen projects by Gloria, a great downloadable card tutorial and some of Gloria's classic crafts from years past. This is going to be such an inspirational blog! Ladies and Gentleman, please join us in saying the fondest of farewells to a gifted artist, teacher and friend, the magnificent Gloria Stengel!
A Special Message From Gloria:
"As much as it pains me to do so, it is time for me to say a final good-bye to Graphic 45. After 3 1/2 years and 100s, maybe 1000s of projects using Graphic 45 papers, I have decided to hang up my Graphic 45 designer hat. My health issues and family commitments mean I must take a step back and look at other ways to create and share. I have loved every second spent working with the Graphic 45 Family! There is not a better group of people in the creative spectrum! I will certainly miss the new collections coming to my door...ready for me to "add creative spirit" to them! Those of you who know me, know that I will continue to create with Graphic 45 products. The G45 collections remain my favorites of all the paper that is out there to choose from! Graphic 45 asked me to chose some of my favorite projects to share with you today. It is hard to single out a few as "favorites," but these projects are the projects that I had the most fun making - or they are the ones that "speak" to me for one reason or another. In fact, most of these projects are on display in my studio! That's how much I love them! I hope that all of you will continue to come and read my blog and see what is next for me (Scraps of Life). I am sure to have at least one iron in the fire...including more projects using G45 paper! Many blessings to all of you, and thank you for the love and support. To Diane, Charee, Aimee, Kelly, and the rest of the G45 Family...thanks for a wonderful 3-plus years!" -Gloria
Gloria has always had a knack for bringing every Graphic 45 collection to life. She always knows how to tap into each collection's unique personality and allow it to shine in her crafts. This gorgeous Secret Garden card is a perfect example of Gloria's talent. This card is like a breath of fresh spring air. It contains gorgeous paper layers, pretty borders, and some of Gloria's handmade flowers. This card is absolutely stunning. Here is what Gloria had to say about it.
My niece got married on June 15, and her wedding colors were green, yellow, and purple. It is not hard to imagine that I would make her wedding card using Graphic 45 Secret Garden papers!
I created a 5x5 inch card and decorated it with the yellow and green papers for my base.
I wanted to have touches of purple, so I "grounded" the purple flowers with a strip of the purple paper and a bit of lavender ribbon. I cut the flowers with Spellbinders die templates and rolled the shapes into miniature roses.
My card is quite thick, and not a standard size. I will have to find a padded mailer to mail it to my niece. I try to keep a stash of padded and cardboard mailers on hand since most of my cards are not "post office" approved!
I decorated the inside of the card with one of the Secret Garden cut-outs. I love the calendar on this image and thought my niece could circle the month/date of her wedding.
I stamped the wedding greeting on the inside, and made sure to leave plenty of space for a gift card or special message.
Supplies:
Graphic 45 paper:
Secret Garden 8x8 pad: Leafy Treetops, Beautiful Blooms, Sun Kissed, Pretty Primrose, May Flowers
Cardstock: WorldWin Papers ColorMates Light Totally Tan, Deep Spring Green
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse Fancy Phrases, Rubber Stampede Wedding Day
Ink: Clearsnap Colorbox Fluid Chalk Lavender; Tsukineko Memento Rich Cocoa
Die cuts: Spellbinders Bitty Blossoms, Little Leaf Sets, Ribbon Banners; My Favorite Things Fishtail Flag Stax and Layers, Jumbo Fishtail Banner Stax
Doily: Wilton
Ribbon: unknown
Adhesive: Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Scotch 3M ATG tape; Aleene's Tacky Glue
Here is another gorgeous craft treasure that's never been shared on the Graphic 45 blog. This is Gloria's gorgeous Steampunk Spells banner card! This colorful card is perfect for Halloween but it's also great for any occasion. The marvelous colors and dazzling patterns of Steampunk Spells are on full display in this fun card. We've even included a downloadable tutorial that Gloria created so you can create this fabulous card for yourself or someone you love! Let Gloria's amazing talent inspire you!
Click the link below to download the tutorial for Gloria's beautiful banner card!
Download the Steampunk Spells Banner Collage Tutorial
Supplies:
Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells Cardstock Banners
Graphic 45 Steampunk Spells paper: Steampunk Spells, Fanciful Floral, Frightful Folly,
Vintage Voyage
Black cardstock (WorldWin Papers)
Black silk ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon)
Border punch (Martha Stewart)
Adhesive (tape runner, dimensional foam, adhesive dots)
And now we're going to take a journey back in time to some of Gloria's crafts from past Graphic 45 collections. Over the years Gloria has created a huge number of crafts with Graphic 45 papers and Staples. These are some of her favorite creations from her time with the Graphic 45 Design Team. We definitely think that these crafts reflect her elegant and fun-loving style. Here is a remarkably beautiful altered box that Gloria created using our older collection, Olde Curiosity Shoppe. Just look at the fabulous details with the beautiful embellishments and more handmade flowers! There is so much remarkable dimension and color in this project. It is such a treasure! Here is what Gloria had to say about it.
"It's easy (and fun) to take a $3 wooden box and turn it into a work of art! Using paint, paper, and a few embellishments, this inexpensive wooden box is now a keepsake. I added a metal handle and four wooden feet to the box, making it even more special." -Gloria
Supplies:
Graphic 45 Papers:
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Olde Curiosity Shoppe, Optical Oddities, Butterfly Specifics, Genuine Article, Mercurial Masterpiece
Communiqué: Society Page
Domestic Goddess: Lady of the House
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Butterflies, Metal Brads
Clearsnap: Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Antiquing Ink Venetian Lace
Clearsnap: Colorbox Clear Embossing Powder
Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz Spun Sugar, Vanilla Shimmer, Gold Glow
Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard Steampunk Clock, Birdcage, Clock
Spellbinders: Grand Calibur Die Cutting System; Die Templates Foliage, Rose Creations, Bitty Blossoms, Spiral Blossoms One
Cosmic Shimmer: Mica Mist Silver
Making Memories: Acrylic Paint Asphalt
Deco Art: White Acrylic Paint
Ranger: Alcohol Ink Sunset Orange, Lettuce, Meadow
7 Gypsies: Metal handle, Gears, Metal hanger
Idea-ology: Light bulb, Pen nib, Film strip
Martha Stewart: Butterfly punch
Craft Supply: wood box, wood feet
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape runner, foam tape; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Beacon Zip Dry glue
Gloria is such an expert card maker. Here is another magnificent example of one of her fun cards. This one features Steampunk Debutante and some of our older Staples. The key to this card is lots of layering and paper distressing. Gloria built a vibrant scene with amazing dimension in this card. It's always a good occasion to send a handmade card. Let Gloria's fabulous ideas inspire you to create a pretty handmade card for someone you love!
Supplies:
Steampunk Debutante Collection
Flower Staples
Button Staples
Metal embellishments
Here is another richly layered creation by Gloria. This is her stunning Curtain Call tag that highlights lots of beautiful Graphic 45 Staples. This is a wonderful example of how perfectly all the Graphic 45 Staples can blend together to create a uniquely beautiful work of art. This tag is elegant, fun and it would make an incredible gift! Here is what Gloria had to say about it.
"I used one of the Regular Tag Album Staples for my tag base. The Graphic 45 Staples collection contains wonderful products to work with! I used eight (8) different Staples. Can you find them all? I painted the Metal Butterfly Staples with white gesso, and then stamped over the top with French Country stamps and black ink. The butterfly's body is a Chipboard Button and Stamped Metal Brad Staples. I had a blast looking for the perfect papers in the color scheme, and then seeing how many Staples I could add and still have a cohesive art piece! I have to say, I really love how it turned out!"
Supplies:
Regular Tag Album Staples
Chipboard Buttons
Metal Butterflies
Stamped Metal Brads
Trims
Ornate Metal Key Holes
Ornate Metal Keys
Metal Clothespins
French Country: Bon Appetit, Montage
Kraft Reflections: Glimpse of Paris, Elusive Wings
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Optical Oddities
Curtain Call: Tour De France
Ribbon and twine: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Flowers: Wild Orchid Crafts
Other: white gesso
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape; Beacon Fabri-tac; Aleene's Tacky Glue; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Scor-tape
"I love this photo of my husband and me. It was taken in London, with the London Eye in the background. The setting made me think of the London scenes in "Around the World in 80 Days." I wanted to make a steampunk-esque layout, with flowers, butterflies, gears, and all sorts of "junk." The layout is part romance, part engineering geek, part garden fantasy. It is all the parts of my personality rolled into one!" -Gloria
Supplies:
Graphic 45 Papers:
Olde Curiosity Shoppe: Butterfly Specifics
Steampunk Debutante: Modern Marvels, Time Flies
Le' Romantique: Le' Romantique, Sweetheart of Mine
Graphic 45 Chipboard Tags: Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Graphic 45 Cardstock Stickers: Olde Curiosity Shoppe
Graphic 45 Staples: Metal Clothespin, Metal Button
Clearsnap: Colorbox Graphic 45 Decades Antiquing Ink Venetian Lace
Clearsnap: Colorbox Pigment Ink Dragonfly Black
Clearsnap: Smooch Spritz Spun Sugar, Splash, Green Olive
Imaginarium Designs: Chipboard Birdcage, Clock, Fence
American Crafts: Cardstock
Tattered Angels: Glimmer Mist Moonlight
Cosmic Shimmer: Mica Mist Silver
Deco Art: White Acrylic Paint
Other mist: Twinkling H2O Fern (dissolved in water); Stampin' Up Re-inker Citrus (mixed with PearlEx White and water)
Prima: Branch
Wild Orchid Crafts: Flowers
Idea-ology: Clock, Glass vial, Light bulb, Brads, Film strip
Bead Landing: Glass capsule
7 Gypsies: Gears
Martha Stewart: Butterfly punch
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape runner, foam tape; Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L foam squares; Beacon Zip Dry glue
Here is another captivating layout that Gloria created! This one features our older collection, Curtain Call. This wonderfully vintage-inspired LO is a true celebration of Paris and the Eiffel Tower. You can see some great examples of Gloria's amazing paper distressing techniques in this LO. A few well-placed embellishments help add dazzling detail. There's also a nice use of open space in this layout that allows for a clean and elegant look. It's absolutely lovely!
Supplies:
Graphic 45 Curtain Call Collection
Core'dinations & Graphic 45 Timeless Cardstock
Supplies:
"Several years ago, I created a flip album for a workshop project that I was teaching. The original design came from a Close to My Heart demonstrator in approximately 2007. However, all good things come back into fashion, and I have always wanted to make another one of these minis with an updated flair. I have never had the time, until now! The Graphic 45 Place in Time collection inspired me to give it another go! I used adhesives from Scrapbook Adhesives by 3L and Graphic 45 papers to create a Valentine's Day mini perfect for the sweetie my life!"
Supplies:
Graphic 45 papers:
Place in Time: January, February, June Cut-Aparts, February Foundation Page 8x8, Calendar Foundation Page, Stickers, Chipboard
Birdsong: Harmony
Baby 2 Bride: Unchained Melody, Endless Love
Domestic Goddess: Yours Truly, Simple as Pie
The Magic of Oz: Tenderhearted Tin Man
A Ladies' Diary: Chipboard, Stickers
Scrapbook Adhesives b 3L: My Stik Permanent tape runner, 3D Foam Squares
Cardstock: Bazzill Butter Cream; American Crafts Pomegranate, Black
Ink: Ranger Distress Fired Brick
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection Odds and Ends
Ribbon: Really Reasonable Ribbon
Brads: Creative Imaginations
Doily: Wilton
Flowers: Kaisercraft, The Paper Studio, Wild Orchid Crafts
Chipboard Clock: Teresa Collins
Chipboard wing: Maya Road
Glitter: Stampendous Kaleidoscope transparent glitter embossing powder
Sprays: Pro 31 Designs
Metal key: Tim Holtz Idea-ology
Punches: Martha Stewart heart border; Carl heart
Other: Scrabble tiles, bottle cap, mini lock, white glue
It has been such an incredible adventure having Gloria on our Design Team and as our Special Projects Designer. We are deeply grateful for everything she has done over the years to help make Graphic 45 what it is today. She has inspired so many people and taught us so much about the wonders of being creative. We can't thank her enough for being such an amazing person, talented artist, teacher and friend. Words cannot properly express how much Gloria has meant to us. She will always have a home here at Graphic 45 and we wish her the very best in everything she does. We know she will continue to be an inspiration to papercrafters all over the world. We encourage you all to check out Gloria's amazing blog for more gorgeous ideas. There's never a shortage of inspiration!
Gloria's blog:
http://gloriascraps.blogspot.com/
Big thanks to all of you G45ers for joining us for today's very special blog. We enjoyed taking this walk down memory lane with Gloria and her amazing crafts. We will have another special blog tomorrow, filled with lots of beauty and inspiration. We hope you'll stop by and see us again. Big thanks to Gloria for all of her great work in making today's blog so wonderful. We wish you all a very happy day.
With Love and Pretty Paper,
Your Friends at Graphic 45
GloriA we will certainly miss you and your amazing talent. God Bless on your new direction and journey. Better health and much happiness!
Posted by: Anne Schilling | December 17, 2013 at 05:12 AM
Wow!! I am always leaving this blog speechless!!!
Posted by: Dorothy McCarthy | December 17, 2013 at 05:14 AM
Wow-lots of lovely Spring items today, to help us get through winter!
Posted by: Susan Zacher | December 17, 2013 at 05:23 AM
You will be missed Gloria... may good luck and good health bless you and your family.
Posted by: Kathleen Rimer | December 17, 2013 at 05:39 AM
Gloria, your work has inspired me for many years now. I'm happy I was able to share this short time with you on the DT, and sad to see you go. You always offered such great support, encouragement and inspiration to all of us. Best wishes on your journey and in health. Perhaps I'll see you at CHA? Would love to meet you in person.
Posted by: Annette Green | December 17, 2013 at 05:54 AM
Bittersweet indeed. Blessings as you embark on the next leg of your creative journey. And, FYI, that Valentine project is STILL one of my favorites! :-)
Posted by: Melissa Divelbiss | December 17, 2013 at 05:55 AM
LOVE all the beautiful creations! Just gorgeous! WOW!
Posted by: barbara f | December 17, 2013 at 06:01 AM
Gloria, all the best to you in your creative journey. Will miss you..."stop by" when you have time. Thank you for all your wonderful projects and sharing. God bless!
Posted by: carrie j | December 17, 2013 at 06:32 AM
Gloria, I feel as if I just met you, & will miss you on Graphic 45. Best of everything to you & thank you for sharing your art.
Posted by: Kathleen Scott | December 17, 2013 at 06:35 AM
Good luck in your new adventures. You and your talent will be missed
Posted by: Ray Ann | December 17, 2013 at 06:37 AM
Gloria will certainly be missed! I am already following her blog so I can keep up with her creations!! It is like she becomes one with the papers and just magically makes them do her bidding! She is amazing and I am in awe of her skills! So long for now!
Posted by: barbara macaskill | December 17, 2013 at 06:41 AM
While you may not be designing and posting regularly here on the blog, you will never really "leave".... you will always be a part of the Graphic 45 family! Your inspiration will be missed! Hugs and Thank You to you on a personal level, Gloria!
Posted by: Laura Denison | December 17, 2013 at 06:54 AM
What wonderful inspirations from Gloria!
Posted by: Linda B | December 17, 2013 at 07:04 AM
I will miss seeing her gorgeous creations here. I wish Gloria luck on her new adventures and hopefully she can make a guest appearance every once in a while. G45 is my favorite paper and Gloria is one of my favorite designers.
Posted by: Dee in NH | December 17, 2013 at 07:11 AM
I am truly sad! Wishing Ms Gloria all the best!
Posted by: Kitty Strydom | December 17, 2013 at 07:14 AM
Gloria please know that we love your talent. You have inspired us so much. Thank you.
Posted by: linda ann murphy | December 17, 2013 at 07:25 AM
Gloria, You have been such an inspiration! Your work is so very impressive. I'll miss seeing you here. Best of luck in your future endeavors.
Posted by: Linda R | December 17, 2013 at 07:29 AM
We're going to miss you, Gloria. Thanks for all the inspiration you gave us.
Posted by: Karen Wedding | December 17, 2013 at 07:33 AM
Gloria, you will be missed. Your style is so signature and one I wish were my own. God bless
Posted by: Mary Reppe | December 17, 2013 at 08:21 AM
Delightful taste of Gloria's G45 design career. Best of Luck in your future endeavors.
Posted by: Mary | December 17, 2013 at 08:25 AM
The Graphic 45 Community is so awesome and we're always sad to say farewell. Good luck Gloria in all of your endeavors! I truly thank you for all of the inspiration.
Posted by: Wendy Wakefield | December 17, 2013 at 08:25 AM
Thank you Gloria, and Good Luck!
Posted by: julie | December 17, 2013 at 08:39 AM
Wishing you all the very best Gloria. Peace, love and good health to you in 2014. Your an amazingly creative designer and will miss seeing your beautiful creations. God Bless!
Posted by: Mary | December 17, 2013 at 08:40 AM
Oh NO .. I am going to miss you so much Ms. Gloria. You have been such a wonderful inspiration to me. Your creations are beautiful and so is your heart. I wish you health and good fortune for the coming years. I do follow your blog and will continue to do so but it just won't be the same here without you.
Posted by: Jeanann Cavalier | December 17, 2013 at 08:41 AM
I will miss seeing your lovely creations but wish you the best. Merry Christmas.
Posted by: Rea Custer | December 17, 2013 at 08:51 AM
Thank you Gloria for sharing your talent with us and inspiring us with beautiful projects. All the best to you!
Posted by: Susan Hirsch | December 17, 2013 at 08:58 AM
Gloria we will sure miss you on the G45 Blog but I subscribe to yours too so I definitely will be looking forward to seeing all your new creations on your Blog. God Bless and good health!
Posted by: Traci | December 17, 2013 at 09:18 AM
Gloria, your beautiful work has inspired me ever since I discovered Graphic 45! Your projects always show off the papers so perfectly, and your tutorials have always been so easy and inspiring! I'm very disappointed but I also admire you for going on, and for continuing to craft even if it's not as much as you used to do. You have inspired people like me all over the world and for that I thank you so much!!!
Posted by: Maria Cole | December 17, 2013 at 09:56 AM
What a wonderful tribute to Gloria! Have been a huge admirer since I discovered g45. How you managed to choose from all your creations, I have no idea.... Love the Olde Curiosity, Steampunk & the altered tray is staggering! All the very best, take care & thank you :))
Posted by: caroline | December 17, 2013 at 10:08 AM
I am so sad to think that we won't be regularly seeing your projects on the G45 blog Gloria, but you need to take care of you over everything else, so I wish you the best in this next step. Enjoy this time moving forward. A new season brings new and unexpected surprises! Thank you for your inspiration and have a wonderful Holiday Season!
Posted by: Carrie | December 17, 2013 at 10:25 AM
Best wishes to you, Gloria. Your work is lovely and elegant and always an inspiration!
Posted by: Diane Ritchie | December 17, 2013 at 10:49 AM
Awww so sad Gloria is leaving, but understand completely. Thank you so much for ALL the inspiration she provided so enthusiastically!!
Posted by: Caroline Duncan | December 17, 2013 at 10:54 AM
In my mind, Gloria IS Graphic45! She is the one designer that readily comes to mind when I think of G45. Thanks, Graphic45, for including her on your team for over 3 years, and thanks, Gloria, for all your inspiration. Best wishes!
Posted by: Judy D. | December 17, 2013 at 11:09 AM
OMG! WONDERFUL PROJECTS.
Posted by: JOYCE | December 17, 2013 at 11:33 AM
Gloria, you will greatly be missed. I love all of your projects, and you are so talented. May God Bless you with your health and all you do in the future.
Posted by: Kay G. | December 17, 2013 at 12:04 PM
Thank you, Gloria, for sharing your talents with the rest of the G45 world! My favorite, shown today, is that tag. Good fortune to you as you move into another chapter in your creative life.
Posted by: Martie Rollin | December 17, 2013 at 12:06 PM
Your work will be missed!
Posted by: Jean Marmo | December 17, 2013 at 12:26 PM
Wow! Gloria, you rock! Best Wishes always.
Posted by: Mary Morris | December 17, 2013 at 12:35 PM
you will be missed
Posted by: {vicki} | December 17, 2013 at 12:40 PM
Gloria, thanks for sharing so many of your creative ideas with us G45-a-holics. Keeping my fingers crossed that you will bounce back soon & find you just can't stay away. Meanwhile I just have to be satisifed receiving your newsletter always filled with creative ideas. Again, thanks for the inspiration & I promise to start fussy cutting my stash, tomorrow or maybe the next day.LOL
Posted by: Peg Adams | December 17, 2013 at 01:06 PM