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
All are absolutely stunning!!!
Posted by: Dorothy McCarthy | June 18, 2014 at 05:12 AM
Amazing. I love the idea of using the keyholes staple for feet on your inspiration box. And your steampunk butterfly matchbox is so curious and delightful. Welcome back Rhea!
Posted by: Mary Reppe | June 18, 2014 at 05:20 AM
I totally agree, stunning projects, Rhea! Love them all!
Posted by: Donna Espiritu | June 18, 2014 at 05:22 AM
These are definitely incredible projects from Rhea. I LOVE the idea of altered art, too!!
Posted by: barbara f | June 18, 2014 at 05:49 AM
Very creative, captivating projects. Thank you for sharing. Michelle t
Posted by: michelle t | June 18, 2014 at 05:51 AM
Amazing projects Rhea! Love that there is always a story or meaning in your pieces. Of these the inspiration box is my favorite.
Posted by: Sharon Young | June 18, 2014 at 06:04 AM
Amazing projects! So glad to see Rhea is back for another year.
Posted by: liz Russell | June 18, 2014 at 06:49 AM
Rhea, you are an amazing designer and I adore all of your projects! The recipe box is gorgeous and I love, love, love the printer's tray and what a great idea...an inspiration box!! Graphic 45 has such a great collection of papers but Botanical Tea is my absolute favorite.
Posted by: Eileen Barton | June 18, 2014 at 07:18 AM
Amazing projects!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Charlene Norbut | June 18, 2014 at 07:35 AM
Beautiful! I love Rhea's inspiration box!
Posted by: Mary Jane W | June 18, 2014 at 07:49 AM
Great inspirations...Bobbie
Posted by: Bobbie Harrison | June 18, 2014 at 08:01 AM
Welcome Back Rhea! So exciting to see your fabulous creations! Your an inspiring papercrafter! Thank you for sharing with all of us!
Posted by: Wendy Wakfeidl | June 18, 2014 at 08:09 AM
Unbelievably beautiful projects. Of course, when you start with Graphic45 products, how can they be anything but beautiful!
Posted by: Marsha Bouters | June 18, 2014 at 08:13 AM
Love the printer,s tray and matchbox metal box!
Posted by: Sharon P. | June 18, 2014 at 08:21 AM
Lovely projects! Welcome back, Rhea!
Posted by: Vanessa L | June 18, 2014 at 08:42 AM
all the projects are beautiful and creative. I especially like the "inspiration box"
Posted by: Yvonne Boucher | June 18, 2014 at 09:12 AM
All fabulous creations. Love how you put everything all together. Each one is a adventure in detail.
Posted by: deb | June 18, 2014 at 09:20 AM
great work; my favorite is that first chest--that collection is one of my favorites!
Posted by: Kelly Massman | June 18, 2014 at 09:26 AM
WOW ... another Day of G45 amazing projects ... love all the embellishments!
LOVE the tray ... so much goodness!! Welcome back Rhea !
Posted by: Rosann | June 18, 2014 at 09:27 AM
Rhea is going to be a wonderful addition to the DT. I can't wait to see more from her.
Posted by: Sue Kendrick | June 18, 2014 at 09:33 AM
Beautiful projects!
Posted by: Linda B | June 18, 2014 at 09:43 AM
OMG...The inspiration box is one of the first items I saw when I started crafting. It was one of the strongest motivators I had to get into Graphic 45 and crafting beyond cards. Thank you so much for bringing back this wonderful artist.
Posted by: Gail Gill | June 18, 2014 at 09:51 AM
This DT member certainly brings a different light to G45. All of her projects have a more reserved appearance, yet do a wonderful job of showcasing your beautiful paper collections. Looking forward to having my email chosen for this week's product package!
Posted by: Martie Rollin | June 18, 2014 at 09:52 AM
Rhea's creations are amazing! So glad she's on the team!
Posted by: Judy D. | June 18, 2014 at 10:17 AM
Simply stunning!
Posted by: Paula | June 18, 2014 at 10:22 AM
Wow! Some amazing makes - am blown away :o)
Posted by: Stefanie | June 18, 2014 at 10:27 AM
stunning work, thanks for the inspiration
hugs
Posted by: Daniele | June 18, 2014 at 10:28 AM
Beautiful creations.. Thanks for great inspiration.
Posted by: Gitte | June 18, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Just when I think it can't get any better you surprise me again!! These are all gorgeous! I especially love the printer's tray and recipe box!! TFS!
Posted by: barbara macaskill | June 18, 2014 at 10:57 AM
OMW! So many details. Love them all. Thank you for wonderful inspirations.
Posted by: Christine Schärfer | June 18, 2014 at 11:10 AM
Gorgeous projects!! So inspiring.
Posted by: Mary Longberry | June 18, 2014 at 11:38 AM
Wonderful projects! Very creative and beautifully done/
Posted by: Kathleen Rimer | June 18, 2014 at 12:00 PM
Absolutely breathtaking! Love the decorative feet on your boxes!
Posted by: Scrappin' Diva - Cindy B | June 18, 2014 at 12:05 PM
Stunning projects! Going to love watching you as an artist. Love your work!
Posted by: Anne Schilling | June 18, 2014 at 12:09 PM
Wonderful projects!
Posted by: Tona | June 18, 2014 at 12:31 PM
another
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day!
Posted by: {vicki} | June 18, 2014 at 01:57 PM
Rhea's projects are just amazing. Thank you for such wonderful inspiration.
Posted by: Carol Mc | June 18, 2014 at 01:59 PM
Wonderful projects, love the idea of usiing keyholes for feet on the altered box, Great inspiration, too.
Posted by: Kim | June 18, 2014 at 02:00 PM
Rhea creates delightful projects and I love the way she used different pieces for feet on the boxes. I really enjoyed the aqua enameled looking legs.
Posted by: Elizabeth Etheridge | June 18, 2014 at 02:18 PM
Wonderful projects! I love them all. I especially like the Typography Tags and Box...such inspiring words. :)
Posted by: Linda | June 18, 2014 at 02:58 PM