Hello, Friends!
This is an exciting time of year for lovers of beautiful vintage papers. March is not only National Craft Month, it’s the month when Graphic 45 puts out their design team call. You know how much I love working with this amazing line of vintage papers, because you see them featured here on my blog with great regularity. So, I got my Brave Boots out of the Closet of Shame, laced them up and put together my Graphic 45 Design Team Audition 2015! It’s always exciting, and to be honest, a little bit nerve-wracking, to submit one’s work for consideration, but it’s always a joy to share Graphic 45 goodies with you here on my blog.
Without further ado, here are the projects that I feel best show my style, my strengths and my deep love of all things Graphic 45.
Home Sweet Home Altered Recipe Book
Some of my favorite childhood memories were created in my Grammy Ma’s kitchen. Sunday dinners at her house were an event that we anticipated all week long. I can still see her in her navy blue polka dot dress, hand on her hip as she slaved away over the stove creating one delightful course of country food after another. So when I found this battered Better Homes & Gardens Recipe book at a yard sale, I snatched it up with the thought of altering it. It languished in the Closet of Shame until Graphic 45 Released the Home Sweet Home collection. As soon as this paper landed on my doorstep, I knew it was destined to become this altered recipe book. I could almost smell Grammy Ma’s famous baked ham and blueberry pie as I worked away on this project. Won’t you join me for a tour?
Cards, Cards and More Cards!
Is there anything better than receiving a real, honest to goodness card in the mail? The joy of seeing an envelope that doesn’t contain a bill or an invitation to buy a time share…the thrill of seeing actual human handwriting…and then slipping that bright colorful paper out of its sheath to drink in the beautiful images and read a sentiment that was picked out just for you…wow…nothing is better than that. Unless, of course, it is a one of a kind, hand made card that was conceived, designed and created just for you. That tops everything! And in my heart of hearts, although I create lots of other fun stuff with paper, cards have always been and will always be my first love. I made my first card on a Doodle Pad with Crayola crayons when I was about 4 years old…and the joy of card making has never left me. Here are some of the my favorite Graphic 45 cards that I’ve shared on my blog during the past year.
Steampunk Debutante is one of my all time favorite collections and I had so much fun with it when I made this mixed media birthday card. There are so many fun techniques built into this card, along with a great collage interior and a keepsake tag pocket.
I have always loved the color palette and imagery of the ABC Primer collection. Before I knew the collector’s edition of this collection would be released, I created a series of ABC Primer cards celebrating the joys of reading.
I know a lot of crafters struggle when it comes to making masculine cards, but as much as I love making a frilly feminine card, I equally enjoy making a strong, clean masculine design. So when Good Old Sport came on the scene, I could not wait to get my hands on it!
Kathy by Design
I created a sort of mini book/card with room to tuck in gift cards and little messages tucked into hidden pockets. This was made using the large Staples Tags and while it is “mini” in size, it still managed to hit a home run when I gave it to our son on his birthday.
Kathy by Design
I was thrilled when this Pumpkin Time card was featured on the Graphic 45 Blog!
As a beach lover, I just had to make a mixed media card with the fabulous By the Sea papers and ephemera. This fun cutaway card has loads of layers, stamping, heat embossing, dry embossing and loads of techniques.
And every beach needs a mermaid, right?
Mini Albums
I have been dubbed “The Queen of Mini Albums” by my friends. There’s something so exciting about starting a new mini album….and it’s even more exciting when it’s finished! I love the way you can carry a theme throughout a mini book.
This Couture mini album was made with upcycled TP tubes, and features quotes from Audrey Hepburn.
And this Typography “mini” Mini was featured on the Graphic 45 blog as the most pinned item of the week.
My biggest thrill this year was when this Sweet Sentiments/Time to Flourish mini album received almost 1000 likes and more than 100 shares when it was featured on the Graphic 45 Facebook page. What an honor!
“Off the Page” projects and Altered Art
I also love to dabble in mixed media, altered art and “off the page” projects. The great metallic look and Steampunk Vibe of this altered letter was achieved by adding lots of different embossing techniques to the wonderful Kraft Reflections paper collection.
For my final audition piece, I have a little slideshow that features a great altered piece using By the Sea papers. I found this battered wooden tray at my local thrift store and gave it a fresh lease on life. I think you’ll agree, these are the cutest little mermaids on the planet!
And folks, that’s a wrap! Thank you so much for taking the time to review this body of work. I feel such joy when I create, and I hope that has come through the words and images of this blog. It’s an honor to have you view my work, and I look forward to sharing more Graphic 45 goodies with you in the future.
Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
Kathy, Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful work with us! Your minis, cards, and more are just so gorgeous. Thank you so much for applying! Happy papercrafting! ~Charee & Joanna
Hi, Charee and Joanna! It’s an honor to have you visit my blog. I love working with Graphic 45 goodies!
As always your work is so stunning, I have no hope…oh well, i only got my first paper in December, and with the stuff I won maybe I will have time to prepare for next call…
Wonderful projects. You are a serious contender. Good luck to you.
Ohhh Kathy, if they don’t beg you to join them then I will declare them all crazy!
I love everything you’ve shared and shown us and if they were up for sale I think I’d make myself bankrupt by wanting to buy them. However … if I was only allowed to choose one … (after MUCH oohing and aaaahing, I managed to make a final decision) . . . I’d beg you to sell me the Home Sweet Home Altered Recipe Book.
Why? … Because it reminds me of my beautiful Grandma.
My Grandma taught me to cook. I learned how to make apple pies; meat pies and puddings. And she taught me to make Eccles Cakes (you perhaps might not have heard of these, so Google will be your friend for that information) – which are still to this day, my very most favourite ‘cake’ of all.
Yes … definitely the Home Sweet Home Altered Recipe Book.
But I repeat what I said … if they don’t drag you onto their team then I think the whole of blog land will be open mouthed with astonishment and we’ll all believe that they’ve gone crazy.
Crossing my fingers, toes, eyes, legs …. (basically not looking my most attractive right at this moment) – and wishing with all my might that you come back here very soon with some exciting, incredible news.
(I can’t wait! I LOVE Graphic 45 and buy so much of it that Mr. Cobs groans & sighs every time I say “there’s a new Graphics 45 collection!!”. I tell him: “Aw don’t grizzle. It gives those moths in that wallet chance to fly around for a minute or two!” LOL.
Sending much love … from me, and Mr. Cobs ~ (who I’ve just told about you applying for the design team, and I’m now going to show him your work above). Good luck! xxx
Well done 🙂 Lovely stuff! Best of luck to you!
Kathy I actually thought you were on the Team LOL! You’re my go-to girl for G45 inspiration and all things vintage! Your style is perfect for the team! You must be selected!! All your samples here today are worth a separate cup of coffee and study and I love watching your tutorial – brilliant!! Best of luck my friend!
WOW Kathy, stunning creations, of course ALL your work is always, always absolutely perfection and gorgeous…..I haven’t watched the videos yet, just had to leave this message first, but you can bet your toenails that is what I am going to do next. My fingers are crossed for you to be one of the new team creators…best of luck to you!!
How do we commission an altered recipe book? I literally cried while watching the video. Your work is beautiful and I am honored to have you for an aunt. May this be a winning entry and may Graphics 45 see that you will be an incredible asset to their design team. I still want this book in my kitchen!!!
Your work is absolutely stunning Kathy!! Fingers crossed they choose you!! Good luck!
Thank you so very much! That means the world to me!
WOW!!! Such a plethora of awesome projects, Kathy, I am dazzled! My fingers are crossed G45 has the good sense to choose you. LOL. You certainly deserve it. Best of luck!!!
~Kris~
Thank you so much, Kris! I poured my heart and soul into this audition…and now it’s out of my hands! I so appreciate your kind words…they warm my heart!
Extraordinarily beautiful projects Kathy…you so deserve to be a part of the Graphic 45 Design Team with such beautiful work…fingers crossed for you and for me.
AWESOME!!! LOVE that you are trying out! They would be lucky to have you! These are gorgeous projects!
Gorgeous projects! Just love your work. Good luck!!!
Beautiful work! Good luck, I’ll be pulling for you!
Absolutely stunning collection Kathy. You have shown your talent to create and inspire with your work. Your cards and albums cover so many occasions for male, female and children. You have incredible talent not only making projects but sharing how to do it. You would be a worthy Graphic 45 team member. X
OH! Kathy, you are sure deserving to represent the vintage team. Your work is beyond perfect, just fantastic and perfect. all of these are gorgeous. Hugs…..and best wishes for success.
Crossing my fingers and toes and wishing you the best! You and G45 are a perfect combination!
Wow Kathy! These projects are so beautiful!!!! Thanks for sharing your audition projects and I wish you luck!
WOWZA what a fabulous and beautiful collection of eye candy! Your work is ALWAYS top-notch and Graphic45 is lucky to have you showcasing their beautiful products. Wishing you all good things!
Jaw on the floor! That is a very impressive set of projects! I adore that tray! But, I love all of your mini albums, too…and well…I love all your vintage work! It is beyond fantastic. If G45 does not pick you this year, they are blind and just plain silly! I wish you all the best!!!!!
Aww FAB FAB FAB Kathy, Wow i like them all ,great work ! x
Elaine H X
It’s all just tooo pretty for words. So many outrageous layers and details!!! I can tell you love the product because your projects are picture perfect! I’ll be going back over this post again and again to admire your creations!!! You videos are fun too…I love the snappy toe tapping music : ) Well Done Kathy..I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed for you to be picked….this would be a great team for you!!!!!
You simply amaze me Kathy, every time! You are very very talented when it comes to detail of your pieces. Your layer upon layer all match up beautifully. I am sure glad I found your blog!
Have a great week.
your fan in BC
An absolutely stunning collection of work! You get my vote!!!