Hello Crafters,

We hope you are enjoying your Saturday. We thought we'd take this opportunity to take you on a tour of our new offices! We just moved into our brand new space and we're so happy about the new setup. We thought it would be fun to show you some pictures! We're still in the same building as we were before, but now we have more room and windows, and lots of them! Here is a photo of our crafting  area. This is the place where we come up with ideas for projects and classes. You can also see the part of the office where Aimee and Charee work. This is where the Graphic 45 magic comes to life!

Here is another view of our crafting area in the office.

Here is our table where we keep many of our crafting supplies. You can see our large assortment of ribbon and stacks of beautiful paper. The good thing about moving is that it forces you to get very organized. It's great to have everything in its place, nicely labeled, and easy to find.

This is our office lounge space. We like to have meetings here or take breaks while enjoying the cascading sunshine through the big windows.

 

This is what you see when you first walk into the office. These are the desks where Dustin and Kelly sit while they process orders or work on the blog. It's quite a difference from our previous office that had no windows at all. We are very grateful for this beautiful new space.

And last but certainly not least is Henry, the Graphic 45 office mascot and cuddle pup. We love him! Henry works hard all day. His favorite activities include taking naps, playing fetch, and making friends with other dogs in the building. He's a real super star!

Well, that's all we've got for today, crafters. Thank you so much for joining us for this special Saturday edition of our blog. This upcoming week is going to be very exciting as we gear up for CHA. There are going to be some excellent surprises throughout the week so we hope you'll come back and see us. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Your Pals in Paper,

Team Graphic 45

 

Hello Crafters,

Happy Thursday and thank you for stopping by our blog today.  Now that summer is upon us, it feels like there are more hours in the day to get things done. Even though the actual length of our days hasn't changed, as much as we'd want them to, summer is that magical season where the days feel longer. More sunlight almost always translates into more energy and more ideas. We're trying to make the most of this amazing season by being very creative, staying up a little later than usual, and deeply enjoying the experience of summer crafting. Today we're bringing you some amazing and vibrant Once Upon a Springtime crafts from our design team that are sure to get you inspired. Jack & Cat Curio have created a gorgeous tattered Once Upon a Springtime gift bag and tag. And Melanie Forbes is going to share her techniques for creating a wonderful altered bird cage. It's going to be a great day, so lets get to it! This first creation was made by the always clever Jack & Cat Curio. Here is what they had to say about the inspiration behind this magical gift bag and tag.

"This is not your average store bought paper gift bag. We wanted to create a rich and vibrant gift bag for a good friend. We decided to alter a plain brown bag with things she holds dear. Ruffles, lace,ribbon, and touches of Spring romance. Torn and tattered pieces stamped and sewn into a complex layering of beauty. Enjoy." -Jack & Cat Curio

Supplies:

Paper Bag
Graphic45 Collection: Once Upon A Springtime
Fairy Folk, Butterfly Kisses, Woodland Fantasy, Once Upon A Springtime, Pixie Post
Trim Staples
Metal Button Staples
Cavallini & Co.Decorative Paper Tape Numbers
Stamps: Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection V1-1161, Stampers Anonymous Tim Holtz Collection U3-1158, A Stamp in The Hand Co. F-2042 Bird-Flycatcher, small letters
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink Vintage Photo, Ranger Archival Inks Jet Black, Ranger Distress Embossing
Claudine Hellmuth Studio semi-gloss acrylic paint Blank Canvas
Embossing Powder: Ranger Super Fine Detail Black
Vintage ribbon, lace, seam binding, and twine
Manila tag
Tools: Sewing machine, heat tool

This next spectacular project was created by Melanie Forbes and it comes with a great tutorial. We're obviously huge fans of altered bird cages, and Once Upon a Springtime is the perfect collection for such a project. Melanie's tutorial is going to show you a great technique for creating beautifully layered paper shingles on a roof. It's a pretty simple way to give your altered birdcage, or any piece that has involves a roof,  some stunning depth and texture. Have a look at this amazing work of art, and find out how to create one of your very own!

Supplies:

Graphic 45:
Once Upon a Springtime
Flight of Fancy #4500290
Primrose Cottage #4500289

Twiddleybitz
Bird cage large BCLG01
Row of Mushrooms MUSH003
Swirly Flower elements BAS022
Small cluster of Mushrooms MUSH002
Fern & Flourish border BOR0020

Stamping up border punch
Tim Holtz aridondack
dabber Sandal, Copper, Willow
Generic cream rose, leaf ribbon, eggs, moss, beaded ribbon
Allison Ellis glitter - gold

1. Paint all pieces of chipboard and put aside to dry whilst making roof of birdcage.

2. Cut 5 one inch strips from patterned paper and using border punch - punch one side.

3. Using glossy accents or equivalent apply a small strip of glue to bottom of roof and lay down one strip. Cut off at edge of roof.

4. Repeat with remaining strips until you cover the entire side. Repeat with remaining roof sides.

5. Neaten edges of roof using a craft knife then ink all edges and turn up shingles to create a more 3D effect.

6. Assemble birdcage as per instructions.

7. Glue to top of birdcage.

8. Embellish remaining birdcage with choice of embellishments (eg chipboard, moss, eggs, flowers.

Technique can be easily used to cover all sorts of roofs!

We want to thank the brilliant Jack & Cat Curio and Melanie Forbes for their astonishing projects today. We also want to thank all our readers for joining us on this beautiful day. Don't forget that there is still time to leave us a comment for this week's blog contest. Tell us what your favorite fairy tale is and you will be entered to win this week's blog prize! We will be announcing our random winner tomorrow, right here on the blog. We hope you all have a terrific day!

Ribbons and Rosettes,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Wonderful Crafters,

Thank you for stopping by today! It's going to be a very exciting day of craft inspiration. We've got absolutely stunning creations by Laura Denison and Gloria Stengel. Today's crafts focus on some amazing ways to use our beautiful Metal Staples. Gloria has even prepared a fun tutorial that shares some brilliant techniques for working with out Metal Flower Staples! So get ready for heaps of enjoyment because today is going to be amazing! First up is this spectacular alarm clock by Laura Denison. Not only is it a completely gorgeous work of art, but it contains a special surprise inside! Check it out!

 "I love clocks...maybe it is because I am always looking for more time! Clocks have been a common theme in my work ever since I started paper crafting. I have had the idea to make an alarm clock out of an old flower tin for quite some time. The hold up was what to use for the the domed "bell" things on top. When I saw the knobs for the Graphic 45 Door Plates, I knew they were the perfect solution. As I eyed the plates themselves, I thought to myself:  "How easy are these to bend?". They were quite easy! and they became the perfect wrap for the outside of the Alarm Clock. A friend has said I will put a mini album in anything, so of course the clock needed a mini album to go inside! Paper covered coasters were the perfect size for the pages and, of course, the Graphic 45 "Steampunk Debutante" paper was the perfect paper!" -Laura Denison

 

Supplies:

Papers:  G45 Halloween In Wonderland Collection
Jaberwocky
Through The Looking Glass
Wonderland Classifieds
Alice’s Tea Party
 
G45 A Proper Gentleman Collection
Timely Point of View
Man About Town
A Proper Gentlemen
G45 Steampunk Debutante Collection
Time Flies
G45 Once Upon A Springtime Collection
Butterfly Kisses
G45 Le Cirque Collection
Magnifique
Bohemian Floral
Wizards of Wonder
7 Gypsies Avignon collection
Ecriture
Inks: Tim Holtz Distress Inks
Tumbled Glass
Frayed Burlap
Shabby Shutters
Black Soot
Stamps:  Cherry Pie Art Alice Collection
Hero Arts Bold Flourish
Embellishments:  G45 Ornate Door Plate and Knob Staples, G45 Metal Flowers, Making Memories Metal Frame, Prima Flowers
Extras:  Twine, Mod Podge, Black Acrylic Paint, Vintage Book, Vintage Clock Face, Vintage Key
Adhesives:  Scrapbook Adhesives 3d foam squares, E6000, Tombow Mono Color Glue stick

Next we have another brilliant altered book creation. This one is by the wonderful Melanie Forbes and even comes with a great tutorial! This awesome book features A Proper Gentleman and Steampunk Debutant, two amazing collections that look great together! Just look at all the gorgeous details in this book! It's so inspiring!

Supplies:

Graphic 45:
A Proper Gentleman            
The Sophisticate #4500181
Tags from 12x12 pad
Dressed to the Nines #4500180
A Proper Gentleman #4500176
Timely Point of View #4500185
Steampunk Debutante: Fantasy Floral #4500263
Graphic 45 Staples: Geometric metal door plate & knob #4500298, Metal hinge Staples #4500299
Twiddleybitz                        
Roman Clock small CF002
Chicken Wire WIR002
Small Shadowbox SBS001
Name plate curved NP002
Itty bitty Alpha raw ALPHA005R
Old hard cover book
Tim Holtz Distress Stain Wild Honey & Broken China
Tim Holtz Distress ink Vintage photo & Broken China & Wild Honey
Tim Holtz Paint Dauber Sandal
Tim Holtz light bulb, glass bottle, clock face & hands
Maya Rd Calendar numbers black

Tutorial:

1. Assemble shadowbox according to instructions and then trace around the box on the inside of the book ensuring there is enough depth to cut into the book deep enough.

2. Using a craft knife cut a hole deep enough for the shadowbox to sit inside snugly as per photo below

3.  Cover inside of shadowbox with paper as per photo.

4. Paint metal door plate and knob and 2 metal hinges with Paint dauber (I used Sandal). Once dry gently sandpaper back to rough up finish.

5. Cut paper to fit book and decorate with tags. Stamp over the top of tags once in position. Attach metal doorknob, plate and hinges and place stained chipboard clock on top. Using stain Broken China – stain nameplate and place title and glue to spine of book.

6. To decorate inside book – cut paper to page size and adhere to book pages – here I have simply scrunched up the paper and inked creases prior to attaching to book pages. Cut out clocks from A Timely Point of View and using 3D foam tape adhere to inside of shadowbox. Glue trinkets into place and then glue shadowbox into place inside of box.

 7. Stain edges of book with Tim Holtz Wild Honey stain.

Voila!

Huge thanks so the amazingly talented Nicole Eccles and Melaine Forbes for these gorgeous creations today. And many thanks to all of you for joining us today. We can't wait to read your blog comments this week! We also love seeing what you're creating with our papers. Don't forget to post your Graphic 45 creations on our Facebook page, Ning site, or website gallery!

Have a beautiful day, crafters!

Your Pals in Paper,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters,

Happy Friday and thank you for stopping by and seeing us on this lovely summer day! Today is exciting for so many reasons. We have amazing summer craft ideas from our design team, and we have two winners to announce for this week's craft challenge! We have had so much fun featuring all of these amazing summer-inspired crafts! We want to thank our amazing design team for all of their hard work, and big thanks to all of our readers, and everyone who submitted projects for this week's challenge! Our randomly chosen winners are: 

Melissa Hampton and Margreet Westerling. Here are the great projects they created for this week's challenege! Ladies, please email us at info@g45papers.com with your contact information so that we can send you your prize! This first adorable project was made by Melissa Hampton.

And here is Margreet's wonderful summer mini album! You can see more photos of this sweet mini on our Facebook page! You can also see all the beautiful crafts that were submitted for this week's challenge. Thank you all so much for sharing your amazing work with us!

Okay, lets get to the crafts! Today we have a stunning summer layout by the amazing Yuka Hino, as well as a gorgeous and fun altered lifeguard birdhouse by Nancy Wethington. Nancy's project also includes a fabulous tutorial! We hope today's crafts give you some great ideas for your weekend crafting. This first project is a splendid On the Boardwalk layout by Yuka Hino. This LO features beautiful paper flowers, splendid central photos, and a wonderful use for our Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob Staples. Take a look!

Hello Crafters,

Welcome to wonderful day of crafting here at Graphic 45! We are so glad you are joining us for today's inspired creations.  We have more warm summer fun projects from our design team to share with you. Don't forget to post your fun summer creations on our Facebook page this week for your chance to win a super prize! This first craft was created by the amazing Laura Denison. She used Transatlantique and beautiful Core'dinations/Graphic 45 Timeless sandable cardstock to create the exterior for this amazing backgammon suitcase. This project is so stunning and inventive. Check out the amazing detail and symmetry on the inside of the suitcase. It's just astonishing!

Supplies:

  "There is no denying it, summer has finally arrived.  From cookouts to pool parties and trips to the beach.  It is a time for celebration! And what better way to celebrate then to send out some yummy G45 On the Boardwalk inspired cards to friends or family. What I love most about creating with G45 papers are the possibilities for creating scenes, or moments by just layering a few images. Die Cut a shape out of your card front, use the negative and instant shadowbox effect.  So Fun!" -Nicole Eccles

Thank you all so much for joining us today. Huge thanks to Laura Denison and Nicole Eccles for their amazing projects today. We hope you are all enjoying this week's craft theme as much as we are. Join us tomorrow for more splendid ideas.

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters,

Welcome to another bright day of summer craft inspiration here at Graphic 45! We've got more marvelous craft ideas from our wonderful design team today. There is an adorable layout by Hilde Janbroers, and a gorgeous gift card holder and tutorial by Gloria Stengel. Just a reminder, you still have one more day to submit your summer-inspired Graphic 45 crafts to our Facebook page for your chance to win this week's amazing blog prize! We will be picking two random winners and announcing them on our blog tomorrow. We've already seen so many beautiful crafts so far. It is always such a joy to see what you are all creating with our papers. Thank you so much! Well, lets get to the crafts. This first ray of sunshine is by Hilde Janbroers. It's a stunning On the Boardwalk layout that is full of wonder and cheer. Check out the beautiful paper rosettes! This piece is full of so much love, it's like a big craft hug.

Hello Crafters,

Welcome to our blog today! Thank you for stopping by and seeing us for some terrific craft ideas! Today we have gorgeous projects and tutorials by Sherry Cheever of our design team. Her amazing work features our beautiful collection On the Boardwalk, which is absolutely perfect for fun summer crafts! We hope that today's creations will help inspire you to make something terrific for this week's Summer Fun Craft Challenege! Don't forget to post your projects on our new Facebook page for your chance to win this week's amazing prize! Well, enough talk, lets get to the crafts! Check out this wonderful On the Boardwalk card by Sherry, complete with brilliant tutorials that are filled with excellent crafting techniques! Check it out!

"The card base is 5-1/2 x 5-1/2.  All the designer paper and cardstock are sewn together and the edges have been sponged with Antique Linen Distress Ink.  The seam binding was dyed with Wild Honey Distress Stain.  All the images were raised with foam mounting tape to add dimension to the card front." -Sherry Cheever

Supplies:

Graphic 45:  On the Boardwalk
Spellbinders:  S4-116 Small Classic Circles, S4-114 Large Classic Circles, S4-243 Ric Rac Diamond Border, S4-307 Reverse Wonky Rectangle
Stamps:  Sentiment from Stampers Anonymous E1-1384
Ink/Paints:  Ranger Archival Jet Black, Wild Honey Distress Stain and Antique Linen Distress Ink
Tools/Miscellaneous:  Ranger Matte Accents, Mini Mister, Craft Sheet, Ink Blending Tool; idea-ology Memo Pin; Seam Binding; Black and Blue Cardstock; White Shipping Tag

How to dye seam binding with Distress Inks

 

How to use Distress Reinkers, Mini Misters and Perfect Pearls to dye seam binding

 

Up next, Sherry has created this brilliant On the Boardwalk wall hanging that includes tips and instructions for making one of your own! Just look at this amazing work of art! It is loaded with vibrant colors, lavish layers, and impeccable style. It's a classic Sherry Cheever creation!

The base of the wall hanging is a piece of illustration board that was die cut with Spellbinders Grand Labels One.  On the Boardwalk paper was then die cut with the same die template and glued to the base with matte multi-medium.

The shelf is made from hobby wood, cut to size, and painted black.  The shelf was then sanded at various spots, dyed with Vintage Photo distress stain, glued to the base.

The background is made up of a postcard image of the beach, an image of the back of a postcard and a frame to encircle them.  The frame is made from a rectangle chipboard coaster that was covered with On The Boardwalk paper and then die cut with Spellbinders Labels Eight.

The larger bottle was filled with play sand and the taller with sand and water to represent the beach.  The tag of the men are the cabana boys she’s dreaming of.

The flowers were made with Spellbinders Carnations Creations and there is a new tutorial containing a little twist to the flowers.

Want to learn how to make these wonderful paper flowers? Check out this great tutorial,  filled with helpful tips!

 

Supplies:

Paper: Graphic 45 On the Boardwalk;  idea-ology GrungePaper; Illustration Board; Chipboard Coaster

Spellbinders:  S4-328 Foliage, S5-050 Rose Creations (leaves), S5-049 Carnations Creations, S5-019 Labels Eight, LF-161 Grand Labels One
Ink/Paints:  Ranger Antique Linen and Vintage Photo Distress Ink; Forest Moss, Peeled Paint, Vintage Photo, Antique Linen Distress Stain; Crushed Olive Re-Inker (Mini Mister and water to make a spray); Black acrylic paint
Miscellaneous/Tools:  Ranger Mini Mister, Craft Sheet, Ink Blending Tool, Matte Accents, Multi-Medium Matte; Antique Brass Paper Fasteners; Black Craft Wire; Paper Distressing Tool; Corked Vials; Wood Hobby Trim; Sanding Tools; Play Sand and Water; Trinket Pins

Huge thanks to the amazing Sherry Cheever. It is always a pleasure to share her creations with all of you. We are super excited to see what you'll post on our Facebook page for this week's craft challenge! Have a terrific day and we hope to see you all again tomorrow!

Happy Days,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters,

Happy Monday and thanks for joining us on this splendid day. This is going to be a very exciting week. We have a new craft challenge to announce! Since summer has pretty much arrived, we're asking you to create a fun summer-themed craft out of Graphic 45 product and post it on our new Facebook page. We will randomly pick two winners for this challenge on Friday, June 24. The prize will be this spectacular Le Cirque Door Plate Mini Album kit. This amazing kit, featured in the photos below, is a Graphic 45 original creation and was taught in Canada and Australia by our team. Check out this super cute Le Cirque mini album and start thinking about what you'd like to create for this week's challenge. Remember to submit your works to our new Facebook page! We can't wait to see your summer-inspired crafts! 

Have a look at the finished product! It's fun to create and it looks amazing!

Today's dose of craft inspiration is brought to you by the amazing Nicole Eccles. This is the kind of project that you can't help but fall in love with when you first see it. It's a Le Cirque pull-toy and it is equal parts gorgeous, fun, and adorable. It's a true craft treasure. Nicole has even prepared a tutorial for this wonderful work of art! Here is what she had to say about this wonderful and whimsical creation. 

 

 

We want to say a huge thank you to Nicole Eccles for her phenomenal project today. We are so excited to see everyone's summer crafts on our Facebook page this week! We hope you all have a terrific day and we hope to see you back here tomorrow for more awesome craft inspiration.

Smiles and Sunshine,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters!

Welcome to our blog! It's Friday which means we've got a winner for this week's blog prize! We also have more awe-inspiring crafts from our design team to share with you. This week's focus on our beautiful Metal Staples has been truly amazing. It has been so inspiring to read all of your clever ideas for uses of our Metal Staples. And the fun isn't even over! Today we've got Metal Staples creations from Jack & Cat Curio, and Tara Orr! But before we get to the business of wowing you with crafts, lets announce this week's blog prize winner! Chosen at random from this week's blog comments, the winner is Melissa Minor! Here is what she had to say about her idea for a great Metal Staples craft.

"I have a cute little vintage cabinet that is crying out for a door plate, knob and hinges. It is weeping for some G45 paper to cover the inside! Please help me to make this cabinet beautiful again!" -Melissa Minor

Great idea, Melissa! Please email us at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize! Congratulations!

Okay crafters, check out this phenomenal altered cigar box by Jack and Cat Curio. Their work is always remarkably clever and full of imagination. Today's work is a shinning example of their ethereal style and impeccable technique. Here is what they had to say about this wonderful piece entitled "The Invention."

"We are highly influenced by the works of American artist Joseph Cornell. Always on the lookout for an altered box craving to be transformed. Here in Arizona the Steampunk movement has been on the rise for several years... At weekly art events we often get several requests for Steampunk treasures....This last month we attended the Phoenix Comic-con event....it was Steampunk overload...we came home and created this little piece...a mixture of sci-fi and movie set magic. We hope that you enjoy the piece." -Jack and Cat Curio

Supplies:

Cigar Box
Graphic45 Collection: Steampunk Debutante
Steampunk Debutante, Modern Marvels, Eclectic Emporium, Time Warp, Nouveau Artistry
7gypsies Tissue Paper NUMERO
Geometric Metal Door Plate and Knob Staples
Tim Holtz idea-ology: Foundations Box Feet
Ink: Ranger Distress Walnut Stain, Black Soot, Spiced Marmalade, Ranger Archival Inks Jet Black
Liquitex Molding Paste, Claudine Hellmuth multi-medium matte, Claudine Hellmuth Studio semi-gloss acrylic paint Altered Orange, Claudine Hellmuth Studio semi-gloss acrylic paint Blank Canvas, Kaisercolour Terracotta, Golden Glaze Burnt Umber
Ranger Perfect Pearls: Mandarin, Mint
Stamps: Hero Arts H2365 Old French Writing, small numbers
Salvage: Glass bottle, light bulb, copper tape, wooden finial, metal gear, shells, mini pearls, fiber

 

This next craft was created by the brilliant Tara Orr. Tara seems to have endless sources of craft inspiration. Today's creation, a stunningly beautiful Steampunk Debutant card, is filled with amazing layers, colorful embellishments, and clever surprises. Here is what Tara had to say about this inventive and vibrant card.

We want to say a super huge thank you to Jack & Cat Curio, and Tara Orr for their astonishing creations today. And thank you to all of our readers and everyone who left us comments this week! We will be posting a very special blog post tomorrow, Saturday, so be sure to stop by and see us! We hope you have a wonderful Friday and a terrific weekend!

Happy Papercrafting,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Wonderful Crafters,

Happy Thursday to you all and thank you for stopping by today. We have some spectacular treats to share with you, including an amazing tutorial from Jane Tregenza of our Design Team! This week we've been featuring a lot of crafts that highlight our awesome Metal Staples. Today's projects are stunningly unique and gorgeous, with that classic Jane Tregeneza style. We hope you enjoy her marvelous ideas! Today's crafts also feature photos of the Graphic 45 owners: Diane Schultz and Aimee Filimoehala! This first craft is an exquisite fan that features our Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob combined with Once Upon a Springtime. You can even learn how to make this dazzling work of art because Jane has prepared a super fun tutorial! Below you will find some amazing tips and inspiring words from the craft goddess herself! Take it away, Jane!

As soon as I heard our brief to use a Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob, my brain went into overdrive. So many possibilities and uses. I decide to do a fan , hopping no one else on the design team had also come up with the idea.  I used Chipboard to make the fan and then decorated it with lots of my favourite embellishments.

I have included a tutorial if you would like to have a go at making one. It is quite simple.

Work out how any pieces you wish to have in your fan. I have 8, each fan piece is 1 ¼ x 9 inches. I have cut my to suit the ornate door plate outline, but it will look just as nice with rounded corners.

Cover all the fronts of your fan pieces. Add the ornate door plate and knob and push the brads right through the chipboard to the back and fold them over. This means your heavy plate and knob are less likely to fall off. Cover the backs of all your fan pieces.

Using a large hold punch, make a hole in the middle of each fan piece about 1 ¼ inch up from the bottom and in the middle. Line each one on top of the next to make sure your holes line up.

I used a post screw set to hold all my fan pieces together, this worked well as I could extend the posts as needed.

Fan out the fan pieces, I have a gap between each piece near the top. Glue or tape them on top of each other where they overlap.

Now you are ready to decorate. I decided to do mind on Diane. I am a big fan of her’s, she is such an elegant lady and a truly lovely person.  I have a photo of her taken in Australia when she and her two lovely daughters visited us. I matted the photo, added photo corners and tucked the bottom corner of the photo under one of the fan pieces. I used foam tape to build the top right hand corner out.

I chose a resin frame and some words that I think sums up Diane. I added a “glass looking” vine from prima and a crystal dangle from 7 Gypsies. I have just discovered gesso in a spray can and am in love with the finish. I used it on the Imaginarium Designs Butterflies, which gives them a chalky white finish, this also makes them perfect to ink in soft pastel colours.

I had a bunch of flowers which matched the papers, but looked a little lost on the fan. I got my beautiful lace out and ran a gathering thread along in top edged of it and pulled it up tight to make a rosette for the paper flowers to sit on.

I love the way it all came together, it looks lovely on a stand I have and will sit on a shelf to remind me of the time I shared with Diane while she was here in Australia.

Here is some of the language of the fan!

A fan placed near the heart says “ I have won my love ”

A closed fan near the right eye says “when may I be allowed to see you”

Carrying a close fan in the left hand says “ come and talk to me”

Opening a fan wide says “wait for me”

Supplies:

  Once Upon a Springtime. Ornate door plate and knob - Graphic45

 Melisa Frances ornate oval frame

Tim Holtz - muse tokens

DanglesVine from - Prima

Chipboard Fan and Butterflies Imaginarium Designs

I am really into miniature at the moment and having great fun doing lots of little projects. I have a great photo of the Lovely Graphic 45 ladies taken in Australia this year. I decide to do this project on Aimee. The book is only 4 inches high and five inches wide. It sits on an Imaginarium Designs chipboard stand, slightly opened. I love the way all Graphic 45 papers work together, I used papers from Steampunk Debutant, Le Cirque, and Playtimes Past. The was another quick little project, as the book is two pieces of chipboard 2 ½ x 4 inches, covered with papers on the back. I used gaffer tape to create a spine and to hold the two covers together. I then covered the inside (which is really the front!) with one piece of paper. I added some chess board paper from the playtimes past papers each side of the covers. I matted a photo of Aimee. I used a large clock from Imaginarium Designs which I inked black and cut in half. I glued each half on each side of the covers, not quite touching in the middle. Aimee’s photo went on with foam tape. I used a letter tile for the A. I used some of Imaginarium designs branches with another of their mini clocks, sprayed silver and mounted with foam tape. I added some prima pearls, some of Tim Holtz’s metal embellishments and a key from 7 gypsies. On the back side of the book, I decide to keep it simple. I used a German scrap frame and a mini butterfly from Imaginarium designs. This all adds to the charm. Of course having a lovely photo helps! And you got to love this one of Aimee. I have another one for Charee and Diane, but will share another time.

Materials used
Papers from Steampunk Debutant, Playtimes Past and Le Cirque
Tim Holtz key chain and word muse
Key and gaffer tape - 7gypies
Say it in pearls – Prima
German scrap
Stand, clocks, branch and butterflies – Imaginarium designs

We want to say a very big thank you to the amazing Jane for her awe-inspiring work today! We hope you will all join us tomorrow as we announce this week's blog prize winner as well as bring you some more Metal Stapes inspiration from our design team! Have a magical Thursday.

Smiles and Butterflies,

Team Graphic 45

Hello There Crafters,

Welcome to our special Saturday edition of the Graphic 45 blog! We are just so excited about this summer's CHA in Chicago. The G45 headquarters are buzzing with creativity and anticipation of this amazing event! If you've seen out past booths at CHA, you know we love to put on a big show. Today we're giving you a sneak peek of a few of the Magic of Oz crafts that we've been working on for our booth. These beautiful creations were made by Diane Schultz, designer and CEO of Graphic 45! If you're going to be attending this summer's CHA, be sure to stop by our booth #715 and say hello to us. We'll have lots of stunning crafts, prizes, fun and inspiration galore! Have a look at the first of many Magic of Oz crafts to be featured here on the Graphic 45 blog! Wow, these are amazing!

 

 

Thank you all so much for stopping by today. We will have more Magic of Oz crafts to share with you very soon. We hope Diane's amazing creations helped give you some great ideas today. We hope to see you this summer at CHA! Until then, have a terrific day and keep on scrappin'!

Happy Papercrafting,

Team Graphic 45

 

 Graphic 45 Renaissance Faire:  Renaissance Faire; Venetian Lace; Florentine; Renaissance Faire Frames;
Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante:  Mechanical Mind; Steampunk Debutante Frames; Time Warp
Graphic 45 Staples:  Geometric Metal Door Plate & Knob; Metal Flower Staples; Metal Tag Staples; Metal Button Staples
Ranger: Glossy Accents; Distress Stains; Distress Ink; Stickles
May Arts: black ribbon; black string; black velvet rick-rack
Maya Road: chipboard gears
Miscellaneous: gears; brads; chipboard (used for popping up images and curtains)
Adhesive: Tombow Permanent Adhesive; E-6000

We want to say a very big thank you to the amazing Nancy Wethington. Her work is always so beautiful and it radiates with inspiration. We hope her amazing piece captured your imagination as much as it has captured ours. Join us tomorrow for more spectacular crafts. And don't forget about this week's blog contest! Leave us a blog comment telling us about some Metal Staples craft ideas that you've had and you'll be entered to win this week's prize! A random winner will be announced on Friday right here on the blog. Have a great day, crafters!

Your Pals in Paper,

Team Graphic 45

This next gorgeous creation was made by Lynette Carroll. It's a stunning Curtain Call photo display and it's just amazing! She has even created a terrific tutorial so that you can make one of your very own! Photo displays are so much fun to create and Lynette has some amazing tips that we think you'll love. Get ready to be inspired! Here is what Lynette had to say about the inspiration for this wonderful project.

 

Hello Crafters,

Happy Monday and thank you for joining us! Are you ready to put the pedal to the metal? Today we've got a new blog contest that's all about our amazing Metal Staples, and today's crafts all feature beautiful ideas for Metal Staples creations. Check out this week's awesome blog prize! All we ask is that you leave us a blog comment letting us know what kinds of creations you've made or would like to make with our Metal Staples. Today's projects from our amazing Design Team should help give you some ideas. Let us know what comes to mind and you could win this gorgeous prize! Our beautiful new 12x12 paper pad for The Magic of Oz and all three Magic of Oz Cling Stamps! Awesome!

If you've ever crafted with our Metal Staples, you know that they're the perfect accessory for any creation. They look perfect with all of our paper collections and have superb versatility and elegance. Today we've got a stunning mini album from Robin Shakoor, and an out-of-this-world jewelry design and tutorial by Jack & Cat Curio. Both of these stellar projects feature our Metal Staples and are sure to capture your heart and imagination. First up is this astonishing One Upon a Springtime mini album by Robin Shakoor. This mini is filled with so much love, radiant color, and stunning techniques, it's a real craft jewel. Have a look at this amazing work of art!

"The Once Upon a Springtime collection is my favorite for preserving childhood memories.  I  used the collection to create this altered mini album with a few select photos of of daughter.  My daughter will turn 20 this month and going through old photos of her was wonderful.  The cover is adorned with flowers, ribbon and beautiful detail cut images from the collection.  I also added a beautiful Graphic 45 Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob that I painted ivory and sprinkled with glitter.  Adding this beautiful metal embellishment to your projects will give them a one-of-a-kind look that will last through the years.  I hope you enjoy this walk down memory lane with me." -Robin Shakoor

Look at Robin's amazing use of our Ornate Metal Door Plate and Knob. It looks absolutely perfect painted ivory and set against Once Upon a Springtime! This is such a clever and beautiful way to use the Metal Staples. The Metal Door Plate and Knob is especially great for books or mini albums. You can open the door to memories!

 

Supplies:

Hello Crafters,

Yay, it's Friday! Thank you for joining us on this amazing day. We have stunning Father's Day craft inspiration from our Design Team today as well as a winner for this week's blog contest! Wow, it sure has been an exiting week here at the Graphic 45 offices. We're working like crazy to get our gorgeous new collection The Magic of Oz to all of our stores. We can't wait for you all to see it in person! It's just gorgeous!  Before we get to the crafts, we want to announce this week's contest winner. We had so many great blog comments this week and we want to thank every one of you who participated in this week's contest. And the randomly chosen winner is...Misty! Here is what she had to say about her favorite time to scrap.

"I scrap every Friday night at home & once a month at a crop with friends & of course any other time I can fit in. My family knows that Friday night at 6 I will be out of commission until Saturday morning so do not disturb! It's great to have them trained like that. LOL" -Misty

Thanks Misty! Please contact us at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize and let us know your contact information so we can send you your craft goodies. We hope it adds to your Friday night enjoyment!

Okay, lets get to the crafts! Father's Day is June 19th so there's still plenty of time to create something special for dad. We have some amazing ideas from our Design Team: a gorgeous card designed by Robin Shakoor, and an altered envelope by Gloria Stengel. We've also got a super fun altered cigar box by Sherry Cheever! So many ideas, you're certain to be inspired! First, lets have a look at this ultra sophisticated card by Robin Shakoor! I love Robin's use of our collection A Proper Gentleman and our Metal Hinge Staples! This card is flawless!

"The  "A Proper Gentleman” collection was truly made for all of the men in our lives.  I decided to use this collection to create a one-of-a-kind Father’s Day card.   I incorporated metal hinges and flower embellishments for added texture.  I chose the gentlemen in white tie and tails as my focal image.  My husband loves flowers so I added metal flowers on either side of the sentiment and trimmed them with black Stickles.  You will find that this collection is perfect for everything from cards to cigar boxes for the special gentlemen that we love." -Robin Shakoor

Supplies:

Supplies:

Envelope: Graphic45 Kraft Envelope Album Staples
Graphic45 paper: A Proper Gentleman (A Proper Gentleman, Sporting Aristocrat, Man About Town, Cultured Reserve)
Metal embellishments: Tim Holtz Idea-ology (clock, spinners, brads, pen nib)
Dies: Spellbinders Nestabilities Labels Eleven
Film strip: Tim Holtz Idea-ology
Button: Graphic45 Button Staples
Twine: May Arts
Adhesive: Scotch 3M tape, Glue Dots, Tombow Mono Metal Liquid, Aleene’s Quick Dry Tacky Glue
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Distress Old Paper
Stamps: StampingScrapping Label Accents

Next, the talented Sherry Cheever has created an astonishing altered cigar box. This is such a fun and clever idea! Sherry used A Proper Gentleman as well as our gorgeous Geometric Metal Door Plate and Knob Staples and Metal Flower Staples. This box has so much character and class. It combines beauty with sincere sentimentality. Really, is there any better combination for a handmade gift? I think not! Sherry is going to share with us her creative process for making this amazing box! Take it away, Sherry!

This is the original box.

And this is the box after altering.

All the engraved lettering on the cigar box was filled with drywall compound and then sanded down to have a smooth surface to work with.  The top edges of the box were painted black and then sanded to show wear.  The box was then covered with A Proper Gentleman using matte multi-medium.  Each side was done individually with the excess paper sanded off at the edges.  After sanding, all the edges were sponged with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

This side is a photo of my grandfather as a young man.  The ruler on the sides was taken from one of his carpenter rulers that I have.  The Model A is on this side, because he owned one from the time I could remember until his death. 

This side of the box shows my grandfather as young boy.  The Model-T  on this side represents the Model-T that he owned when I was a child.  We all loved having rides around town with the top down.

 The flowers are the Graphic 45 metal flowers that have been shaped with pliers.  The feet are from idea-ology that were silver.  Gold Mixative Alcohol Ink was dabbed on to change the feet to match the Geometric Metal Door Plate and Knob.

When you pull up on the door knob and slide the front up:

Are trinkets from my grandfather  that were in old cigar boxes that he had.  I can’t say that all the items were his personally (he didn’t smoke a pipe and I doubt he wore the glasses).

The inside of the box was covered with a coordinating paper from A Proper Gentleman.

The ledge in the back is a child’s building block that was covered with the same paper as on the outside.

Supplies:

Graphic 45:  A Proper Gentleman, Geometric Metal Door Plate and Knob, Metal Buttons, Metal Flowers, Chipboard Buttons
Spellbinders:  S4-130 Classic Rectangles Small, S4-132 Classic Rectangles Large, S4-116 Classic Circles Small, S4-114 Classic Circles Large, S4-138 Petite Ovals
Ink/Paints:  Ranger Vintage Photo Ink and Stain; Gold Mixative Alcohol Ink and Blending Solution; Black Paint Dabber
Miscellaneous/Tools:  Ranger Craft Sheet, Ink Blending Tool with foam and felt, Multi-Medium Matte, Matte Accents; idea-ology Foundations Feet; Score Buddy; Sookwang Double-Sided Tape; Glue Gun; Pliers; Wood Building Block; Cigar Box; Folding Carpenters Ruler; Sanding Tools

We want to say a huge thank you to Robin Shakoor, Gloria Stengel, and Sherry Cheever for their amazing work today. And many thanks to all of you for stopping by our blog today as well. We hope to see you here again on Monday for more crafts and contests! We hope you have a wonderful, sunny weekend!

Happy Papercrafting!

Team Graphic 45

 

 

Check out this beautiful tag that contains a photo of Tara's parents today. Such a wonderful and clever idea!

We want to say a huge thank you to the amazing Tara Orr for this stunning creation today. Her work continues to be such a huge source of inspiration for all of us and we are so excited to have her on our Design Team! Many thanks to all of you for joining us today too. We hope to see you again tomorrow as we announce this week's blog prize winner! There's still time to leave us a blog comment letting us know when you most enjoy crafting. This will give you a chance to enter this week's contest! We hope you all have a wonderful and inspiring day.

Love and paper flowers,

Team Graphic 45

 

Hello Fabulous Crafters,

Welcome to another glorious day here at the Graphic 45 blog. We have lots of goodies in store for you today; gorgeous craft creations from Jane Tregenza and Tara Orr! It's going to be an exciting day of inspiration. Today is all about our elegant Curtain Call collection. Honestly, Curtain Call looks amazing on everything! Jane Tregenza has created a gorgeous layout, while Tara Orr has made a marvelous printer's tray and tutorial. So put on some jazz, grab a cup of tea, and enjoy some elegant inspiration! First up we have the awesome Jane Tregenza and her stunning "Dressed to the 9s" layout. Just look at how lovely this is! It just goes to show you that Curtain Call is the perfect accessory for your most beautiful photos! Gorgeous work, Jane!

Next we have a super fun tutorial by Tara Orr. Tara's enthusiasm and talent for crafting is out of this world. After seeing her amazing Curtain Call printer's tray, you'll want to run out and start crafting one of your very own. Take it away, Tara!

 

Hello Crafters,

Happy Friday to you all! Thanks for joining us today! We've got some amazing crafts to share with you today as well as a winner for this week's blog contest! This week's contest was pretty simple. We just asked you to share with us something fun that you've done this Spring. We got a lot of great responses and we want to thank everyone who submitted a comment this week. Our random winner is Jenny of the Infinite Elsewhere blog. Here is what she had to say about her Spring experience thus far.

"This spring has been rather wet here in Montana! On the 21st I went to check out our campsite and on the 22nd the road washed out - along with a lot of the rest of the state. So this spring I have just been trying to stay dry!" -Jenny

Well Jenny, we hope this week's prize will brighten your springtime. Please email us at info@g45papers.com to claim your prize. Congratulations!

Toady we've got some gorgeous Curtain Call crafts to share with you from Melanie Forbes and Jack & Cat Curio. Each of these amazing creations comes with a tutorial so you can see how it was done! How great is that?! This first craft was created by Melanie Forbes. It's a beautiful piece of home decor and it features our marvelous Curtain Call and Le Cirque collections. It's so cheerful, fun, and lovely. This is the perfect craft to create on a lazy Saturday afternoon. And check out Melanie's step-by-step description of how his wonderful piece was made!

Supplies:
Twiddleybitz- Floating Frame FRA001- Funky Attic house FAH001- Miniature park bench- Penny Farthing Bike small- Eiffel Tower EIF001-Iron Gates with Swirls GAT008- Chicken Mesh Wire WIR002-    New Foliage

Graphic 45
Curtain Call: Tour De France #4500324- Moulin Rouge #4500325 - Let’s Dance #4500320
Le Cirque- Greatest Show on Earth #4500311, Staples -Metal Flowers #4500300
Black Gesso
Aridonack Paint – sandal & silver
Distress ink Barn Door
Clear Embossing powder
Red rose and trinket with twine
Black feather & lace
Rock Candy clear crackle paint by Ranger

Step-By-Step

1. Assemble frame as per instructions and paint all with black gesso

2. Cut out large Paris Stamp from Tour De France – ink Edges and stick to top right hand corner of acrylic.

3. From remaining Tour De France cut 4 edges to fit and glue down

4. Cut stamps border from Moulin Rouge

5. Paint German Scraps border with Sandal paint allow to dry then glue into place along with stamp border to front of frame.

6. Ink Chicken wire, fence (half) and penny farthing black, Ink then clear emboss Eiffel tower in barn door. Apply silver to foliage. Allow to dry

7. Cover pieces from attic house in chosen paper

8. Assemble attic house as per instructions.

9. Construct miniature park bench then paint with Sandal paint followed by a coat of clear crackle. Tie on trinket with twine and glue flower into place.

10. Glue into place as per photo.

11. Tie black lace and attach metal flower to left hand side of frame.

This next piece was created by the amazing Jack & Cat Curio. They've found a stunning and clever way to turn Curtain Call and Graphic 45 Staples into gorgeous jewelry. Just look at these beautiful and original works of art. They've even created a fun video tutorial so that you can learn all about their amazing creative process. Check it out!

Supplies: 

Memory Frame: 1" x 3" Antique Copper, Memory Glass 1”x 3”
Graphic45 Curtain Call Collection: All That Jazz, Top Billing, The Cinema, Tour de France
Graphic 45 Staples Stickers, Trim, Chipboard Buttons, Tulle, costume jewelry earing, seam binding
Stamp: Cling Vintage Ladies
Ink: Ranger Distress Ink Wild Honey, Walnut Stain: Archival Ink Jet black
Tim Holtz Idea-ology Jump Rings, vintage buttons, chain

 

Wow, that was so great! We want to thank Melanie Forbes and Jack & Cat Curio for their beautiful work today. We hope they helped give you some fun ideas. Join us on Monday for more glorious craft creations and a brand new blog contest. We hope you have a marvelous weekend.

Happy Papercrafting,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters!

Happy Monday to all of you! We hope that whatever you're up to today, that you're enjoying the day. We've been having that funny mix of clouds, rain, and occasional sun. Some days it's hard to believe it's spring! But that makes the warm, sunny days all the more sweeter. And speaking of spring, we're giving away a Once Upon a Springtime 12x12 paper pad as well as some other gorgeous craft goodies as part of this week's blog contest! If the weather isn't going to abide, at least we can have spring in our hearts. This week we're just asking you to leave us a blog comment telling us about something fun you've done this spring. Maybe you've had a nice walk in the park on a sunny day, or perhaps you're working on a beautiful garden. Let us know how you've been enjoying this wonderful season and you could win this terrific prize pack. A Once Upon a Springtime 12x12 Paper Pad, Metal Hinge Staples, Once Upon a Springtime Cling Stamps, and three beautiful chipboards by Imaginarium Designs! You can leave your comment any day this week and we will choose a random winner and announce them on Friday, June 3rd. Hooray!

You are in for such a treat today, crafters. Our Design Team has whipped up some spectacular Steampunk Debutant crafts that are out of this world! We've even got amazing tutorials by Sherry Cheever and Melanie Forbes! The thing that I love about today's crafts is that they all feature altered art with Steampunk Debutant. Altered art is always so much fun to create, especially with a decadent collection like Steampunk Debutant with all its rich colors and whimsical designs. So lets check out these amazingly inspiring creations! This first piece was created by the fantastic Jack & Cat Curio. This beautiful Steampunk altered tin has so many lavish details and a perfect rustic look. It's just another example of Jack & Cat's stunningly unique artistic vision. Take it away, Jack & Cat!

"We call it….”layering the strange”…. bring enough odd objects together, cover them, distress them, and disguise them. You will unify them into a grand piece of eye candy. Such is the case with this piece… we gathered a mint tin, ceiling mount, brass charms, and our favorite “Steampunk Debutante” imagery." -Jack & Cat Curio

Supplies:

Altoid tin, ceiling mount

Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante Collection: Ephemera Extraordinaire, Mechanical Mind, Time Flies, Nouveau Artistry

Ink: Ranger Distress Wild Honey, Walnut Stain, Black Soot, Distress Embossing Ink

Golden Light Molding Paste, Modern Masters Metal Effects Iron Paint and Rust Solution, Claudine Hellmuth Blank Canvas, KAISER Colour Sea Breeze, Golden Glaze Patina Green, Zing! Gold Embossing Powder, Adirondack Metallics Acrylic Paint Dabbers Gold, Judikins Fluxe

Leaky Shed Studios Gear and Cogs, Leaky Shed Studios Ornate Corners, Graphic 45 Staples Metal Flowers, Graphic 45 Metal Staples Buttons, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Sprocket Gears, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Timepieces Watch Faces, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Adornments—Regal, Tim Holtz Idea-ology Long Fasteners, Objects and Elements Oval Hobnail Copper Bezel, Resin Black Frame, vintage rhinestones, netting material, vintage dictionary pages, brass crown, brass keyhole

Glue: Claudine Hellmuth Multi Medium, Hot Glue, Super Glue gel,

Tools: Tim Holtz Alterations Sizzix Bigz Dies Tattered Florals

Next up is a beautiful Steampunk Debutant altered frame by Sherry Cheever. Overflowing with gorgeous flowers, butterflies, clock gears, and luscious colors, this altered picture frame is beautifully balanced and breathtaking. Want to know how it was made? Sherry has prepared a video tutorial that shows you her techniques! Amazing! Here's what Sherry had to say about this lovely creation.

"The frame was painted black and then covered with Steampunk Debutante paper. The paper was glued down with Multi-Medium matte and the excess was removed by sanding away at the edges. Vintage Photo Distress Ink was then sponged on the edges of the frame. The middle image was centered and the wings were painted with Black Soot Distress Stickles. An extra hat and dress were cut out, the edges sponged with Vintage Photo and raised over the image with foam mounting tape. The hat was also painted with Black Soot Distress Stickles.

Craft Foil was die cut with Sprightly Sprockets and then covered with Black Soot Alcohol Inks with a drop of Copper Mixative added.

The flowers were made by die cutting/embossing Steampunk Debutante paper with Rose Creations and Carnation Creations. The flowers were shaped with a petal roller and a foam pad. All the leaves were die cut with the Foliage Die Template and then colored different hues of greens.

The butterfly in the top right corner was glued to a piece of Clearly for Art, heated with a heat tool and the wings were shaped with the Clearly for Art was still warm." -Sherry Cheever

Supplies:

Paper: Graphic 45 Steampunk Debutante; Tim Holtz idea-ology GrungePaper

Spellbinders: S4-328 Foliage; S5-048 Sprightly Sprockets; S5-050 Rose Creations; S5-049 Carnation Creations; F-012 Premium Craft Foils – Precious Metals; Grand Calibur

Ink/Paint: Ranger Peeled Paint Distress Stain, Lettuce and Meadow Color Wash, Vintage Photo Distress Ink, Adirondack Copper Mixative and Pitch Black Alcohol Inks and Blending Solution; Black Acrylic Paint

Embellishments: Tim Holtz idea-ology Memo Pins; 7 Gypsies Brads; Maya Road Vintage Pearls and Brown and Turquoise Leaf Trinket Pins; Ranger Black Soot Distress Stickles

Tools: Ranger Ink Applicators w/Felt (alcohol inks) and w/Foam, Non-Stick Craft Sheet, Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium Matte; Studio 490 Art Parts Clearly for Art; Black Craft Wire; Sanding Tools; Imaginisce Petal Roller; $1 Wood Frame from Michaels; Foam Mounting Tape; Foam Pad

Check out Sherry Cheever's video tutorial all about this amazing altered Steampunk picture frame!

 

Next up is this amazing Steampunk Debutnat alered clock by Melanie Forbes. This is a perfect example of Melanie's delicate and beautiful artisitc sensability. The multi-colored clock gears look so amazing in this altered clock, especially when combined with the gorgeous flowers and that amazing peacock feather. This is such a great example of taking a simple object and turning it into something magical! Lynette has even prepared a step-by-step tutorial on how this amzing clock was created! Get ready to be inspired!

Supplies:
Twiddleybitz
Butterfly multi pack BUT007
Steampunk Gears corner SPK004
Steampunk Blossum SPK009
Graphic 45
Steampunk Debutante: Mechanical Mind, Steampunk Debutante, Time Flies. Staples: Metal Flowers, Stickers
Prima blossoms
Creative Colour sprays – copper
Crafty Notions Jewel enamels – light copper CCE21 & Black
Lumiere Paint – halo blue gold
Black ink
Peacock feather

 

Steampunk Debutant Altered Clock Tutorial:

1. Cover backing piece with “Mechanical mind” paper. Middle cut out piece is reversed and placed on centre backing piece.

2. Top mdf piece is covered with Steampunk Debutante – all edges inked and sandpapered.

3. Cogs are coloured in using either crafty notions spray, enamels or black gesso

4. Assemble clock as per instructions

5. Attach inked black steampunk gears and blossom to either side of clock and glue flowers and butterflies into place.

Big thanks to our amazingly talented Design Team members: Jack & Cat Curio, Sherry Cheever, and Melanie Forbes. Their work is always so inspiring and it was a pleasure to be able to feature all of their amazing work in one blog post! We look foward to reading all of your blog comments this week. We hope today's crafts helped to brighten your spring day.

With Love and Pretty Paper,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters! 

It's a great day for creating! Thanks for joining us on this lovely Wednesday. We've got gorgeous craft creations from our amazing Design Team to share with you. Today it's all about Steampunk Debutant. This phenomenal collection is like a symphony of color, with gorgeous victorian-inspired imagery. It's like a beautiful dream! Nicole Eccles and Gloria Stengel have prepared some jaw-dropping craft creations that are sure to astonish you. So lets get to it! Our first craft comes from the brilliant Nicole Eccles. She has created this amazing layout called "Let Your Spirit Soar." That is the perfect name for such an uplifting and vibrant LO! It's so adorable and cheerful!

"This layout makes me think Indie Art, with a twinge of Steampunk.  Not only do I love all of Graphic 45's papers for cutting out images, but I love all the borders that are on the papers too!  They are great alone, but even to doodle or color in just a few elements can really give a dramatic effect.  Also love the versatility of the letter stickers, so easy to change them up by just sticking them to another piece of paper and fussy cutting!" Nicole Eccles

Supplies:
Cardstock: Bazzill, Stampin' UpDesigner paper: Graphic45 Steampunk Debutante (Mechanical Mind, Eclectic Emporium, Steampunk Debutante)Ink: Ranger Distress (Vintage Photo, Tea Dye, Antique Linen), Memento (Tuxedo Black)Stamps: Tim Holtz (Going Somewhere)Chipboard: Imaginarium DesignsDie cuts: Papertrey Ink (banners), Spellbinders (labels, circles, inverted scallop circles) Metal embellishments: Tim Holtz IdeaologyStickers: Jenni Bowlin StudioTrims: DMC (floss)Twist tie: PebblesTools: Close to My Heart (edge tool)
Computer font: Times New RomanAdhesive: Tombow (mono metal), Scotch 3M (ATG, foam tape), Glue Dots

Huge thanks to our amazing Design Team members Nicole Eccles and Gloria Stengel for their wonderful work today. It is always such a joy to see what they'll dream up next. We hope you will all join us tomorrow for more amazing craft inspiration. Have a lovely Wednesday!

With Love and Pretty Paper,

Team Graphic 45

Hello Crafters,

Welcome to another glorious week here at the Graphic 45 blog. Thanks for stopping by and seeing us on this terrific Monday. We've got an amazing line-up of treats in store for you this week, including a new blog contest and lots of amazing crafts from our Design Team! This week we're asking you to tell us about your favorite time to scrap. Do you scarp when you get home from work? Do you scrap on lazy weekend afternoons? Or maybe you scrap at random times in the week, whenever inspiration strikes. Leave us a blog comment any time this week and you'll be entered to win this magnificent prize: a Le Cirque 12x12 Paper Pad, Le Cirque Cling Stamps, Graphic 45 Metal Hinge Staples, and three beautiful chipboards from Imaginarium Designs. We will announce our random winner on Friday, June 10th.

Okay, lets get to the crafting! Today is all about our gorgeous Once Upon a Springtime collection. Our Design Team members have made some marvelous and cheerful creations today to help inspire your week. After all, spring is one of the most vibrant seasons of the year. We've got a beautiful card created by Sherry Cheever, a stunning tag by Gloria Stengel, and an amazingly fun layout by Yuka Hino. So get ready for smiles, because these crafts are going to lift your spirits to new heights! This first craft is by the super talented Sherry Cheever. She has created an awe-inspiring card that overflows with beauty. It's just amazing!

Supplies:

Paper:  Graphic 45 Once Upon a Springtime; Core’dinations Cardstock; Tim Holtz idea-ology GrungePaper; Light Weight (Thin) Chipboard Coaster

Spellbinders:  S4-328 Foliage; S4-308 Labels One Small; S5-050 Rose Creations; S7-014 Classic Lace Border; Grand Calibur

Ink/Paint:  Ranger Vintage Photo, Victorian Velvet and Spun Sugar Distress Ink; Ranger Peeled Paint Distress Stain

Embellishments:  Tim Holtz idea-ology Memo Pin; Maya Road Crystal and Vintage Pearls Trinket Pins; 7 Gypsies Paper Fasteners; White Seam Binding; Vintage Button

Tools:  Ranger Ink Blending Tool w/Foam, Non-Stick Craft Sheet, Mini Mister w/Water, Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-Medium Matte; Tim Holtz Tonic Scissors, Distressing Tool; Foam Mounting Tape; Hot Glue Gun; Sewing Machine

DETAILS:

Once Upon a Springtime paper was cut to size (5-1/4” square), the edges were sponged with Vintage Photo and then sewn to a layer of green cardstock.  The card base is 5-1/5” Square.  A border was die cut/embossed from the same green cardstock with the Classic Lace Border and then stenciled with the Vintage Photo before taken out of the die template. 

The flower was made by gluing the Once Upon a Springtime paper to GrungePaper and then die cutting with Rose Creations.  The edges were sponged with Vintage Photo and then curled from the ends to shape the petals.  The layers were glued together with a hot glue gun and a vintage button was put in the center.  The leaves were all die cute with Foliage from GrungePaper and then colored with Peeled Paint Distress Stain. 

The frame around the images was made by gluing Once Upon a Springtime paper to a thin chipboard coaster and then die cut with two dies from Labels One Small. 

The seam binding was dyed with Spun Sugar, misted with water, dried partially and then highlighted with Victorian Velvet.  It was once again misted with water, scrunched up in a ball and dried with a heat tool. -Sherry Cheever

This next amazing creation was made by Gloria Stengel. Its a stunning Once Upon a Springtime tag that is pure Gloria. Its loaded with beautiful textures, layers, embellishments, and lots of love. And look at those beautiful paper flowers! This tag is a true craft gem!

Supplies:

Sweet 16 Tag
Cardstock: Bazzill, Stampin' Up
Designer Paper: Graphic45 Once Upon a Springtime (Tiny Treasures, Woodland Fantasy, Pixie Post)
Glitter glue: Ranger Stickles (Star Dust)
Die cuts: Spellbinders (lacy circles, smooth circles), Tim Holtz Alterations (tag)
Grommet: We Are Memory Keepers
Ribbon: unknown
Pearls: Prima
Chipboard numbers: American Crafts Thickers
I created the rolled roses from torn paper circles. Once I had the roses assembled, I added glitter to the tops with Stickles.

This next beautiful creation was made by Yuka Hino. Yuka's crafts are always so imaginative and full of whimsicality. This amazing layout is another stunning example of Yuka's clever creativity. Take a close look at this amazing LO. There is a lot of magic to be found all over the place!

 

Hello Crafters,

 

This next beautiful LO was created by Robin Shakoor. This LO does an amazing job of highlighting the vibrant colors in Le Cirque. It is also so wonderfully layered with gorgeous shapes. As usual, Robin did a spectacular job on this LO! 

"I love to use as much patterned paper as possible in my designs.  This two page design showcases the beautiful , yet versatile, Le Cirque collection.  While two page layouts allow you to use multiple photos, I wanted to showcase one special photo of my daughter. Using patterned paper, I fussy cut flowers to create a beautiful frame around my photo . I am a huge fan of patterned paper which features different types of typography.  I cut several words from my paper using decorative scissors and placed them throughout my layout.   As a finishing touch, I die cut rosettes and matted them on die cut shapes to add a feminine, yet whimsical touch to this bright and cheerful layout." -Robin Shakoor

Supply List:
 
Patterned Paper:  Le Cirque, Curtain Call
Punch:  Martha Stewart Crafts
Artisan Elements:  Pink Paislee
Flowers:  Prima
Ink:  Distress Ink – Barn Door
Dies:  Tim Holtz Rosette; Spellbinders – Labels 1
Die Cutting System:  Spellbinders Grand Calibur
Twine:  Webster’s Pages
Circle Cutter:  Creative Memories
Stencil:  The Crafter’s Workshop
Decorative Scissors:  Fiskars
Chipboard Buttons:  Graphic 45
Foam Squares
Helmars 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

This next amazing creation was made by Hilde Janbroers and is astonishingly fun and beautiful. Hilde used lots of paper distressing, layering, and beautiful embellishments to create this one-of-a-kind work. You can just feel the love in this wonderful LO. It's yet another example of Hilde's knack for creating magnificent and heart-warming crafts. 

We want to say a huge thank you to our Design Team members Yuka Hino, Robin Shakoor, and Hilde Janbroers for their wonderful work today. We hope you will all join us tomorrow for more amazing crafts and our announcement of this week's blog prize winner! Thank you all so much for joining us today. Have a gorgeous Thursday!

Your Pals in Paper,

Team Graphic 45