My love affair with Graphic 45
Four years ago, I wandered into an independent scrap booking store in Winston-Salem NC. As I browsed the aisles, my eye fell upon the most exquisite piece of scrap booking paper I had ever seen. It was all cream and shades of green and featured beautiful ladies dressed in fashionable clothing from yesteryear. The minute I picked up that gorgeous page from the Graphic 45Times Nouveau collection, I was a goner. The quality of the paper, the beauty of the design and the fabulous vintage vibe captured my imagination and set my mind whirling with creative possibilities. Little did I know that I would one day have an entire shelf in my studio dedicated to product from this innovative company. For years, I’ve dreamed about auditioning for their incredible design team, but never dared to take the plunge. But this is the year I take those risks, stretch those boundaries, put on my brave boots and go after my dreams. So here I am, folks, submitting some of my favorite pieces for the 2013 Graphic 45 Design Team Audition.
Remember, you can click on photos for a larger view.
Submission One: Card Sampler
Wedding Card made with Le Romantique paper collection
Birthday card and matching envelope made from Olde Curiosity Shoppe collection
Valentine made with Place in Time collection
Submission #2 French Country Mini Album
This mini album measures 6×6″ when closed up, but is designed with a clever accordion style which makes it a great option for small spaces or for sending through the mail.
French Country accordion fold album featuring Graphic 45 Staples: butterfly, keyhole, key and hinges.
Side view of mini album, showing ingenious accordion fold
One panel contains a custom envelope with room inside for a journaling tag and photos or small souvenirs.
The two loops on the front and back covers are designed to allow the album to hang on a wall, if desired. It can hang either vertically or horizontally, depending on how photos are arranged.
Close-up of the first four panels. Note the envelope pocket.
The middle panel, featuring that amazing rooster!
The final panel. All cut out elements have an open edge so that photos can be mounted with ease.
Submission 3: Mixed Media Memory File
8×8″ Mixed Media Memory File Made using Le Romantique, Staples and Handmade Flowers
Acrylic Paint was added to the petals of the rolled roses. Two hearts, embossed with UTEE contain mica chips.
Close up of ornate keyhole, stitching and distressed edges.
The back side of the memory file. The flap opening is secured with pink satin ribbon. Glossy accents have been added to the inset framed photo of the groom.
Interior of the memory file. All panels have been stitched and distressed. Frames are mounted on foam tape with one edge left open so that photos can easily be inserted. There is also room for journaling.
Submission #4: Shabby Chic Tag
Jumbo Tag using images from
Le Romantique, Staples Flowers, Ornate Drawer pulls,
feathers, tulle, stamping
dry embossing and gesso.
Close up of tag images. Note the cracked glass effect and the altered staples flower.
Here you get a good view of the embossing, stamping and texture added with gesso.
Submission #5: Happy Birthday Mini Book within a book
Mini Book tucked into its own little pocket. Created with Playtimes Past and ABC Primer collections.
Mini book cover with wooden button.
Inside pages count from 1 to 10 with images from favorite childhood nursery rhymes.
When you reach number 7, an even smaller book has been inserted into the larger book with blank pages for photos and/or journal entries.
Submission #6: Mixed Media Canvas
Mixed Media Christmas Canvas
Poinsettias in the corner are made using Spellbinder’s dies, metal foil and alcohol inks.
Another corner treatment made using Sizzix dies, Distress Stains and a small metal flower.
Close up of Santa and frame from Christmas Past collection. Note the antiqued, cracked glass effect.
Beautiful papers from Christmas Past and Christmas Emporium collections are collaged with bits of sheet music, tissue paper and paper snowflakes. Canvas has been treated with acrylic paint and alcohol inks to create texture.
Submission #7 Vintage Banner
Sweet vintage banner created using Playtimes Past, chipboard and fussy cutting.
Fussy cut dresses are embellished with a touch of Stickles and clipped onto the banner using mini clothespins.
Chipboard birds are covered with paper.
Hand crafted sunflowers adorn the Little Bo Peep image.
The letters were cut from the paper collection, mounted on chipboard and treated with Glossy Accents. Each letter was framed with chipboard that had been treated with Rock Candy Stickles.
Thank you so much for taking the time to view this audition for the 2013 Graphic 45 Design Team. It is an honor and a privilege to submit these projects for your approval. It is sheer joy to create with Graphic 45! Your comments will be taken to heart, and as always will make me happy right down to the tips of my crafty little fingers.
Cheerio,
kathy
Looking at your work reminds me of how when you watch the Olympics, you really have no clue of the skill and dedication of the kids until you see earlier clips of them breaking down the routines that look so “natural” when they put on a gold medal performance
Your artistry is totally an “ooooh” and “aahhhh” experience and hearing of the intricate steps it takes to compile such masterpieces makes me marvel and appreciate your work all the more.
And yes, I can feel the sand beneath my toes on your sea-themed card. I especially like the French country one too…those are my kitchen colors. 🙂
Speaking of kitchen- Did I tell you that I keep you cards that you’ve sent me front and center on my kitchen window sill? From the woman who prefers empty countertops and window sills….you have quite a place of honor!
Continue to dare greatly in your art!
Love,
t
What an amazing show of talent! The attention to detail is incredible. You’ve really showcased the Graphic 45 products in such fun and different ways that it makes my fingers itch to start working with G45 myself! It is so hard to pick a favorite project, but the romantic in me can’t help but fall in love with the wedding album. The flowers! WOW! I’d say good luck, but I don’t believe luck has anything to do with it. Your talent speaks for itself! You can be proud of what you’ve created here!
Each of these entries is gorgeous in and of itself. Combined, they are breathtaking! I am so impressed with your creativity and the different techniques you used on each. Bravo for taking on the design challenge — whether or not you are selected for the design team (and I dearly hope you are), you are already a winner. Amazing and beautiful work.
Very Cool Projects! Beautifully done! Of course I love the Christmas Mixed Media! Fantastic! Good Luck to you Kathy! YOU CAN DO IT! 🙂
Hugs to ya!
Jim
WOW…WOW…and WOW again! I hope hope and hope again that you make it! Good luck! They would be nuts not to pick you! I said it!
Holy Mackerel! You have totally rocked out on showcasing these G45 products. Good luck with the call, Kathy. Your work is absolutely beautiful!
There is no doubt in my mind, Kathy…you should be on the Design Team! Fabulous, creative and unique work!
GO YOU!!!!! Phenomenal entries, absolutely gorgeous. If it were up to me, you’d be on the G45 design team immediately 🙂
I am so happy you dared! Thank you for sharing your submissions so we can all enjoy the beautiful work you do. My favorite is the Valentine card. 🙂
Oh wow! I love your projects. That folded French Country book is one of my favs! The Le Romantique mixed media project is also AMAZING! I was sitting here thinking how much your work reminds me of my own and saying, “wow she’s pretty good!” You have such a great chance of making the team! Make sure you load your projects (any and all) to the Ning Gallery as well. Share the love! Hugs and best wishes for the team! I am rooting for you!
WOW WOW WOW – talent and creativity and imagination galore – talk about detail!!
They need to audition to get you!! 🙂
Mercy! Someone has been very busy! Excellent crafting, Kathy! Very creative…. love them all!