The Riveting Altered Art of Rhea Freitag
Welcome to the blog this beautiful Wednesday. We are welcoming back the amazing Rhea Freitag to the 2014 Design Team! Rhea is such an amazing talent with a gift for the most gorgeous assemblage projects. Her mixed media and altered art are always memorable, incredibly beautiful, and so detailed yet streamlined and elegant. She is not only a wonderful artist, but acts so generously and selflessly in her personal life through her work. You will love reading her bio. An inspiring lady on all counts! We will share four incredible projects from Rhea today. Join us in welcoming back the wonderful Rhea Freitag!
"I have always been identified as a creative person, but within the last three years my inner artist has really emerged. Assemblage work, jewelry construction, art journaling and book making are all genres of mixed media art that I employ. I strive to make art that tells a story, has a soul and engages the viewer through interaction, movement, memory and story.
Another aspect of the creation process that I adore is the adventure of searching for unique art supplies at estate sales, flea markets and antique shops. Taking classes, blogging and gathering with my artsy pals are additional facets of the art world that bring me great pleasure and inspiration. For me, my art expression also provides a welcome escape from my challenging career as a regional Director for Family Preservation Services serving four counties in Michigan.
I am so very pleased to be able to work with Graphic 45. It really is a dream come true."
Rhea shares such a great idea below - when feeling stumped creatively, prep items to come to life later. Then, all you have to do is use the paper and embellishments to make your vision come to fruition!
"Sometimes when I am not inspired I will prep pieces for later. I had recently primed three different boxes I had on hand with white gesso. This recipe sized box stood out from the crowd and inspired me into creating this project. I simply layered elements of Graphic 45’s Botanical Tea paper from the 12x12 pad. A few additions were added such as feet and a decorative knob. I kept this piece rather simple on embellishments, as I hope it will get a lot of use and wear."
We love the ribbons she used on this great recipe box!
Supply List:
Botanical Tea 12x12
Shabby Chic Ornate Metal Keyholes
May Arts Ribbon
Tim Holtz Foundation Feet and Curio Knob
Vintaj Patinas
Silver and Patina Gilders Paste
Sandpaper
Kraft Recipe Box
White Gesso
Xyron Glue Stick for Corners
This Botanical Tea Printer's tray was one of Rhea's breathtaking Design Team submissions - we love how she uses the collection's chipboard and gorgeous ribbon and flowers. What amazing work!
So many hidden treasures in this project.
Supply List
Printer's Tray
Botanical Tea Chipboard 1
Botanical Tea Chipboard 2
Botanical Tea Paper Collection
Ribbon
Flowers
This inspiration box is such a wonderful idea to keep around on those days when you need to remember those encouraging words and quotes that spur you into making every day count by filling with gratitude and life!
"To draw you must close your eyes and sing" - what a great reminder for everyday!
This is such a great gift idea for someone facing a hard time. What a special project!
Supply List
Typography Paper Collection
Typography Chipboard
Regular Tag Album Staples
Ornate Metal Keys
Ornate Metal Keyholes
Ornate Door Pulls
Flowers
Upcycled Box
Rhea so wonderfully creates with our Graphic 45 Staples! This shows off the elegance and beauty of all of her creations. We love the gears and how she embossed our Metal Butterfly with a gear embossing folder. Amazing!
The base of this project is our Small Matchbook Box and from there, she really creates a memorable piece.
Supply List
Small Matchbook Box
Ornate Metal Keyholes
Metal Butterfly Staples
Steampunk Spells Paper
Flowers
Metal Embellishments
These are such incredible projects. Did you have a favorite? Is there a technique you loved from Rhea's pieces? Welcome Rhea in the comments below, we're so honored to have her on our Design Team for another year! Thank you for joining us today, and big thank you to Rhea.
Feeling Inspired,
Graphic 45
Want to try these projects out? Visit your LSS or order online today! Graphic 45 Store Locator Link Here
Absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Ann F. | June 18, 2014 at 03:14 PM
the shadow box is stunning, amazing job!
Posted by: Amante del Papel | June 18, 2014 at 03:39 PM
Fabulous projects, Rhea!!!
Posted by: Helen Cooke | June 18, 2014 at 04:38 PM
All the projects are amazing. I love the altered small matchbox. The keyholes, etc., are so beautiful.
Posted by: Cathy Osborne | June 18, 2014 at 05:16 PM
What fun to see the new talent!
Posted by: Jan Elmore | June 18, 2014 at 06:04 PM
Everything Rhea makes is gorgeous, but I especially like the feet made from key holes on the inspiration box.
Posted by: Noreen | June 18, 2014 at 07:53 PM
Fantastic work!!! Love it all!!!
Posted by: Nancy | June 18, 2014 at 08:49 PM
beautiful projects!
Posted by: Karen Itzenhuiser | June 18, 2014 at 10:44 PM
Такая изумительная красота, что словами описать сложно. Восторг!!!
Posted by: Марина Толоконникова | June 18, 2014 at 11:04 PM
Beautiful work! I especially love the printers tray, so much goodness in there!
Posted by: Isla | June 18, 2014 at 11:44 PM
Amazing projects!
Posted by: Pam | June 19, 2014 at 03:09 AM
Truly beautiful work! I love the Typography Inspiration box....it would start one's day with a smile and good thoughts!
Posted by: kathy/NorthCarolina | June 19, 2014 at 03:55 AM
WAUW soooo many gorgeous boxes here today, and all is sooo beautiful decorated with these amazing products here. Soooo gorgeous work in every project.
Posted by: Maryann | June 19, 2014 at 05:00 AM
Just beautiful, Rhea. I love all that you've done. Because G45 gives us such beautiful product, it certainly makes it easier. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: SuZeQ | June 19, 2014 at 05:24 AM
Beautiful projects!! If I closed my eyes and sang it would be scary!!!
Posted by: Jackie QH | June 19, 2014 at 07:03 AM
Welcome Rhea! Great use of G45 products. I love all of your projects!
Posted by: MaggieM | June 19, 2014 at 08:35 AM
Love the Typography project! Such creative use of the Staples!
Posted by: Danielle | June 19, 2014 at 12:51 PM
I love the creations. Beautiful!
Posted by: Marsha | June 19, 2014 at 12:51 PM
Love all of Rhea's projects! She is one versatile designer and so creative. Welcome back, Rhea and here's to another year of fabulous creations from you!! xoxo
Posted by: Maria Cole | June 19, 2014 at 02:46 PM
Beautiful!
Posted by: Erin Glee | June 19, 2014 at 09:48 PM
I am enjoying all the projects. So much talent and creativity. I look forward to each new day to see what's posted!
Posted by: Dottie in CT | June 23, 2014 at 08:43 AM