Next Level Style With Couture Tutorials

Hello G45ers,

It's always a good time to be fashionable! Our new Couture collection is a celebration of beautiful style and elegance! Today we're going to share some stunning crafts that take beauty to a whole new level! You'll see a dazzling Couture altered frame by Clare Charvill. Then Annette Green will take you on a fun step-by-step tutorial through the creation of a gorgeous altered 8x8 Matchbook Box! Both of today's crafts would be perfect for pretty home decor or beautiful handmade gifts! With our Couture collection, it's easy to find your signature style! Let the creative journey begin!

It's Monday and you know what that means! It's time for a new blog contest! This week we're giving away this beautiful Couture and Sweet Sentiments prize pack! You could win a Couture 8x8 Paper Pad, Sweet Sentiments 8x8 Paper Pad, Couture Stickers, Couture Banners, Sweet Sentiments Tags & Pockets, Sweet Sentiments Chipboard Die-Cut, Ornate Metal Keys and Metal Butterflies! That's a $51 value! Just leave us a blog or Facebook comment this week for your chance to win. A random winner will be selected from this week's comments and announced on our blog this Friday! Stay tuned to see if you've won!

And now it's time to get fashionable with pretty Couture crafts! Here we have a perfectly vintage-inspired art deco altered frame by Clare! This is such a fun and beautiful idea! You can find inexpensive frames at thrift stores and other bargain retail establishments. It is such a joy to turn an old frame into a breathtaking work of art with Graphic 45! The elegant patterns and bold colors of Couture make it perfect for creating unique home decor like this! The art deco style of Clare's lovely frame matches perfectly with the theme of this amazing collection. We also love Clare's use of the Couture Cling Stamp 3 for the central image inside the frame. This creation definitely takes style to a whole new level! Here is what Clare had to say about it!

"I used papers and stamps from the fabulous Couture collection to make this art deco style picture frame.  It’s not an expensive project to make, but would make a lovely gift.  I love the oranges and blues in the collection and used tiny off cuts I had left over from earlier projects for the inlay in the frame. There’s a tutorial on how to make it if you’d like to have a go yourself." -Clare

Video Tutorial:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBMWtTNnkmA

 

Supplies:

12 x 12 Fashion

8 x 8 Fashion

off cuts of 12 x 12 Couture & Classy for inlay decoration

Couture Cling Stamp set 3

Other Supplies Used

Foam Tape

Art Glitter – various colurs

Black & Cream Card

Black Acrylic Paint

Glossy Accents

1 sheet 2mm A4 chipboard

White Smooth White card for stamping

Memento Ink

Copic Ciao Markers E41, E000, E18, B00 B010 BG000

Sizzix Frame, Ironworks 657556

Next we have a fabulous tutorial by Annette to share with you. She created this remarkable Couture altered 8x8 Matchbook Box and filled it with lots of beautiful ornate objects. Let the lovely vintage style of this fabulous box inspire you to create one of your very own! It's so much fun to customize your altered Matchbox Box and fill it with little treasures. This darling creation also makes a gorgeous gift idea for friends and family! Have fun creating your own exquisite altered box by following Annette's marvelous tutorial! Take it away, Annette!

"Living in a small house, I find I don't have much tabletop space for displaying art pieces so I like to create projects which can be hung on the wall on propped on a shelf. Graphic 45's matchbook boxes are so versatile, they can be so much more than just a box with a sliding drawer. With the lovely Couture paper, an 8 x 8 matchbox slid open halfway, and two added panels of chipboard I created a display piece for my office wall. I love Couture because of the warm tones and the highlight of blue. Deep and rich while feminine too. It was great fun to hunt for small bottles, an antique hand mirror, and other treasures to fill it. Everything is securely glued so nothing shifts about." -Annette

Supplies:

Graphic 45  8 x 8 Matchbook Box

Couture Collection Double-Sided Cardstock Flowers

Couture Collection 12 x 12 Papers, one of each:

    Couture   #4500813

    Fashion (back side)  #4500814

    Beautiful  #4500816

Chic   #4500818

Fabulous (back side)   #4500821

Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Label Holder

Core-dinations Signature Series cardstock for Graphic 45, Kraft

Other:

Chipboard

Ink and dauber to distress edges, if desired

Adhesives: Glue stick, hot glue, Scor-Tape and tacky glue

 

 Tutorial:

 

1.  From “Couture” paper, cut apart the lace border.

Cut an 8 ¼ x 8 ¼  inch square from the lower center of the paper.

Cut apart the flowers and leaves in the upper left corner.

Cut the word “Couture” from the upper right corner (This cut is not shown in photo. This will

be used behind the metal label holder.)

 

 

2. From “Chic” paper, cut an 8 x 8 inch square from the lower right.

    Cut a 4 x 8 inch piece just above it.

    Cut apart the flowers and postage from the upper left.

3. From “Beautiful” paper, cut away the three tickets and an 8-inch strip from the lace on the

   lower right corner.

4. Adhere the 8 x 8 piece of Chic into the base of the matchbook box and adhere the 4 x 8 inch
   piece to the box frame’s inside top.

5. Cut four strips from “Fabulous,” using the back side of the paper, 1 ⅝ x 8 each. Adhere to

   inner walls of the base of the matchbook box.

6. Cut strips from “Fashion” using the back side of the paper:

    Two at 1 ¾ x 8 inches; adhere one to top and one to bottom of the outside of the matchbook

       box base.

    Two at 1 ¾ x 4 inches; adhere to lower portion of the left and right of the outside of the

      matchbook box base.

 

   

7. To create a shelf and topper for the boxes cut two pieces of chipboard:

Chipboard Topper: 2 x 8 ½ inches

Chipboard Shelf: 1 ¾ x 8 inches

 

Cut Kraft cardstock 2 x 9 ½ inches and adhere (centered) to the Chipboard Topper. (It will be longer than the chipboard so it can fold over and adhere to box sides later.) Cut another piece of “Fashion” (using back side) 1 ¾ x 8 ⅜ inches and adhere to Kraft side of Chipboard Topper, centered.

 

Cut Kraft cardstock 1 ¾ x 10 inches and adhere (centered) to Chipboard Shelf (it will extend past chipboard). Cut another piece of “Fabulous” (back side) 1 ¾ x 8 inches and two small pieces 1 ¾ x 1 inches. Adhere to Kraft side of Chipboard Shelf as shown.

 

8. Flip over the Chipboard Topper and Shelf and then cut two more pieces of “Fabulous”:

   For Chipboard Topper, cut one piece 2 x 8 ½ inches and adhere, centered.

   For Chipboard Shelf, cut one piece 1 ¾ x 8 inches and adhere, centered.

   Add Scor-Tape to side flaps as shown. Set aside.

 

9. For the frame portion of the matchbook box, cut two pieces of “Fashion” back side 1 ¾ x 4

   inches each and adhere to upper inside walls.

 

   From the 8 x 8 piece of “Couture” that you already cut, using the back side, cut out a square

   from the center of the paper measuring 5 ¾ x 5 ¾ inches. Adhere to front of matchbook box

   frame.

 

10. Adhere Chipboard Topper to box frame’s top and sides using tacky glue to secure the top

     edges and the ScorTape flaps folded over the sides.

 

     Cut two more pieces of “Fashion” (back side) 1 ¾ x 8 ⅜ inches each and adhere to sides of

     box frame. In this step, you will cover up the kraft flaps from the Chipboard Topper.

 

11. In the base of the matchbook box, create your shelf by adhering the Chipboard Shelf piece

     across the center, securing the Scor-tape flaps to the inner walls of the box as shown.

 

12. Apply tacky glue to the upper half of the box base’s edges, including the front of the

     Chipboard Shelf. Quickly slide the box frame onto the box base, lining up the bottom of the

     frame with the Chipboard Shelf. Press to adhere and let dry competely.

 

     Cut four thin strips of “Fashion” (back side) at ¼ x 5 ⅞ inches each. Adhere to box frame

     opening.

 

     Fussy cut flower and leaves; flowers and postage pieces and adhere to corners.

 

13. Layer double-sided cardstock flowers as desired and adhere to box with hot glue.

     (Note: “leaves” are cut from the peacock side of the largest flower shapes)

 

13b. Adhere the word “Couture” to the box frame and affix the metal label holder over it using

       brads.

 

14. Layer more flowers as desired; cut apart three tickets and fan out. Adhere this unit to inside

     of box base in lower left corner.

 

15. Create another flower cluster as desired. Adhere this unit to frame as shown using hot glue.

 

16. Add small items to your display piece like picture frames, knick-knacks or memorabilia.

 

We hope today's blog helped add some pizazz to your Monday! Don't forget to leave us a blog or Facebook comment this week for your chance to win that amazing Couture and Sweet Sentiments prize pack! Big thanks to Clare and Annette for their stunning work today! We had a lot of fun sharing their gorgeous creations with all of you, G45ers! Thank you so much for stopping by our blog today! There's more inspiration in store for you on tomorrow's blog. We hope you'll stop by and see us again. Enjoy your day, G45ers!

Happy Papercrafting!

Your Friends at Graphic 45

Comments

[Anne]

Beautiful art pieces and I love the paper collections! Thanks for the chance to win!

[fk]

Wow! These projects are BEAUTIFUL! I love the die cutting and piecing for the frame and the detail in the altered matchbox...incredible! this week started out very well:) thx

[Malu Dela Cruz]

Okay...okay....before I wanted the couture line. NOW! I WANT COUTURE LINE!! ^_^ Beautiful and amazing projects! Love it!

[Rose Street]

The couture collection is so elegent and the sweet sentiments adorable. Great job G45 design team.

[Pam Bradley]

I love the items created by these talented people! I have boxes waiting to be altered...Thanks for a chance to win!

[Cathy Osborne]

That matchbox creation is fantastic. So much detail and fussy cutting...I love it.

[Karen Itzenhuiser]

Such a clever project! I'm inspired to make one of these and use some small mementos that my mother gave me from her younger years...jewelry, hat pins, small clutch purse, a vintage perfume atomizer, and some awesome pics of her in the 1930's. "Couture" would be perfect for this.

[Denise Shepherd]

What a fabulous opportunity, thank you. The couture papers are gorgeous, if I could I would go out and buy them today. I cannot so would love to win them. My next craft purchase will have to be the couture papers. Fingers crossed x
Thank you also for the fabulous inspiration x

[Patricia Howarth]

Thank You !! Thank You !! Thank You !! for the chance to Win these two fabulous collections, please pick me !!
The tutorials today, as always, are stunning, fantastic creations, love them xx

[Magda Palka]

I really like these projects, the boxes are wonderful! And the both collections are great as all of your collections of course! Love them! It would be great to win something :)

[Karen Conner]

Love this collection! So elegant! The project are so inspiring.

[Margie D]

Great projects and that altered matchbox is an absolutely stunning piece. Super tutorial too. Margie

[Brenda Bothma]

Wow!!!! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!!! Graphic 45 you totally ROCKS my scrapbooking world!!! The contributors are soooo darn fabulous and talented....such high standards to live up to. ;-D Luv, luv, luv you all!!!!

[Kristi]

I love it! Very clever how she got the extra space by not closing it the whole way and love the extra shelf in it!

[Patty Newton]

Omg Graphic 45! Oh how I wosh to accomplish this,Your team is amazing! Just Beautiful, thanks for
the inspiration!

[Patty Newton]

Omg! Just Beautiful!

[kathy/NorthCarolina]

I love the Art Deco feel of Clare's gorgeous frame! It is so delicate. The shadow box from Annette is simply amazing! One of the prettiest I've seen. I appreciate that it is not cluttered or overdone. So beautiful!

[Kathryn Hughes]

These projects are beautiful! I love the Matchbook Box, it's amazing!

[Kathy Lutter]

Your papers and projects never disappoint! Glad for a chance to win this lovely collection!

[Debbie Siddle]

It's all absolutely beautiful and so is the giveaway. Thank you so much for the chance to win.

[Debby Moreau]

Thank you so much for the step by step tutorials. I've always wanted to do this and never knew quite how to start. I think these posts open up a whole new world to artists out there wanting to spread their wings. I think if you create this step by step project exactly you will be more apt to try more on your own because you now understand the process. Thank you again.

[SuZeQ]

Such beauty! Thanks so much for a wonderful product and for sharing the beautiful projects.

[Debbie Wilson]

What fabulous projects! So art deco and so wonderful. The tutorials are so detailed that it makes these projects seem easy.

[Shirley Smith]

wow..Just beautiful !! I may have to try doing something similar and show case some of my Mom's and Grama's sewing items and pics !! I love Graphic 45 !!

[Kathlene Ford-Walters]

Another project..like the 12 Days of Christmas...they just keep on coming. Thanks for a chance to win. Love the colors.

[Carol Greenwald]

Thanks for the chance to win.

[orlie]

Oh My This shadow box is to die for. Great job done on all the projects today.

[Barbara Weber]

I ordered my couture dp today and can't wait until arrives to start creating!!

[Barbara Weber]

I would love to win these great prizes, thank you for the opportunity graphic45

[Pacific]

Love love love this! So inspiring for a newbie. Thank you.

[Brenda B]

I love the ATC cards,the projects and the two collection prize pack! Thank you for entering my name in the draw! Here's hoping!

[HeatherDG]

Both such lovely pieces with great tutorials! And I appreciate seeing others "oops" moments and how they fix them. I just cannot wait to get these collections!

[Maia]

WOW SUCH ELEGANT PROJECTS!
Thank's for this tutorial and that gorgeous chance to win !!
Greetings Maia

[diana752@gmail.com]

These are so beautiful. Words do not do justice.Thank you for sharing and for the opportunity

[Laura L Shapiro]

So inspired by the projects, and would love to win!!

[Larysa]

What a gourges paper prize pack! I would love to win it!

[Larysa]

Absolutely beautiful prize! Thanks for a chance to win!

[Gloria R.]

I am definitely going to do some of these, such stylish ideas. :)

[Tami McDaniel]

I love the use if the iron gate die, but it doesn't seem to be offered in the US. :( The way she made it look like stain glass with the papers is so pretty. The box project is incredible with so much detail. The use of all the different pieces of the paper really makes you look at a piece of paper differently. Great job!

[Sharon Kaczorowski]

Fantastic projects...love the frame!