Graphic 45 Design Team 2013 Audition

Hello there!

I am THRILLED to share my audition for Graphic 45's illustrious 2013 design team. It's a long shot, but hey - a girl has all right to dream, right? :)

This past year has been such a blast. From my first audition last March, I feel like I've grown so much. Emotionally, spiritually ... and definitely as a designer. I owe a huge part of that growth and creativity to Carolyn and Kathy from The Mad Scrapper. These ladies took a chance on me and gave me the wonderful opportunity to design and teach classes at their store in the greater Seattle area. In doing so, I've been able to create a few projects with the latest Graphic 45 papers and Staples and not to mention, I've also been able to meet some pretty amazing women who I now call friends! ;)

Most of the projects I'm sharing are projects that I designed and taught - so if I ever made that lucky team, I know I'd be over the moon getting to teach *everyone* some new projects and designs!!

Well, I won't waste anymore time - so I'll start off by sharing my latest Graphic 45 creation: A mini album made with Graphic 45's new large tag album and beautiful Secret Garden paper line! This is probably my favorite Graphic 45 project that I designed for The Mad Scrapper. I love romantic colors, flowers, vintage themes and of course tags, so it was very fun to create.

Next up, French Country. Who didn't fall in love with this line at Winter CHA? I was so excited when the ladies called me from California, asking me how much extra paper I'd like to order for my mini album/organizer class. :) "Um, a lot?"

One thing I try to do with Graphic 45, is when I see an image or a pattern that is so unique, I try to use that as a focal point for a project. Like the arc on my cover below; it was so striking and stately, that it begged to be fussy-cut from the Rendezvous paper. 

Then, we have a 12" x 12" calendar album I made with Place In Time. I'll admit, this was a stretch for me as I'm not a layout person. But ... I always love to challenge myself, so it was fun trying to think up how I wanted each page to look. Below are my favorite months from the project:

When I first saw sneak peeks of Bird Song, I got so excited and immediately thought of ideas on what I could do with the paper. Well, I have this tendency of changing my mind sometimes at the last minute. Not because I'm trying to be difficult, but because the paper just, well, inspires you to do something beyond what you first imagined! 

With Bird Song, I remember laying all the pieces out on the table at The Mad Scrapper and reveling at how beautiful they were. Then I thought how my previous idea just wasn't right. That's when I noticed my papers making a fan shape on the table and well, the idea to make a fan album was born!

And then there's Ladies Diary. I loved this line so much! Again, the pretty, romantic colors and flowers are so my kind of style. But I wanted this journal to feel a little aged and worn, so I distressed the edges using a combination of ink and Breakfast Blend coffee. ;)

Happy Haunting is the nicest Halloween line I've ever seen! I'm not hugely into Halloween, but this line was a must have. I taught this class months before Halloween, but we still had a pretty packed house! I was so excited to use Happy Haunting along with Graphic 45's altered kraft box. The ladies even learned how to make the super funky but simple flower on top. ;)

Steampunk Debutante. An oldie, but goodie. Some of my students are big into steampunk so I wanted to challenge myself last summer by making a project that not only used steampunk imagery, but had a bit of functionality to it as well. For this project, I made a "radio" out of chipboard that folded out to reveal a mini album. In the last picture, the Victorian lady's arm is actually attached with a brad so it has a hinge effect. 

Next is a little shadow box that I decorated with Little Darlings paper. Since I made this for a real nursery, I wanted to keep the embellishments and details simple, yet precious. 

I don't make cards very often, but when I do, they're always chunky! Here are some that I made for Mother's Day using another oldie but goodie, On The Boardwalk. 

I think of all of Graphic 45's lines, Tropical Travelogue is my favorite! While I love pastels, romantic designs, and really feminine patterns, I also love rich and vibrant tropical hues. Maybe it's because I've lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life, and every time I see some sunshine-y paper, it makes me feel like I'm sitting under the sun. ;) 

This is a children's book I made last year with Tropical Travelogue. I spent hours fussy cutting little jungle leaves and flowers and just got lost in the whole process! I keep telling myself I'm going to make another one someday. And then life happens. ;)

Finally, I'd love to end my audition with my first project that I designed for The Mad Scrapper. It's another mini album using Tropical Travelogue, but it's special to me just because it marked the beginning of a new season in my life. I also used Graphic 45's fun metal hinges and flower Staples. 

Well, that is all, ladies and gents! Thank you kindly for your time reviewing my audition! And thank you so much to all my sweet blog friends and visitors who visit my site. I am so grateful for your encouragement! As I near my two year anniversary in papercrafting, I can honestly say it's been the hugest gift and such a wonderful blessing in my life. Whatever your craft, whether it's papercrafting, stamping, or beading, I hope you continue to pour your heart into your work. There is so much joy in creativity!!

Many hugs,

Maria

Secret Garden Tag Album Class 3/28

Well, it's definitely a Graphic 45 kind of month for me. ;) First it was a French Country mini album/organizer, and now it's a Secret Garden project!

I've been dying to use G45's latest Staple - the large tag album. For those of you who are more 12" x 12" scrapbookers, a 4" x 8" tag album may seem anything but large, but for those like me who thrive in smaller spaces, it is just the right size!

I've been insanely busy. So much, that I've been panicking about meeting deadlines for work-related items, bride-to-be's, and of course, The Mad Scrapper. Yesterday, I begged God to help me start and finish my Secret Garden project this weekend (versus the several days it normally takes) - and instead, I got it done in 6 hours!! That NEVER happens, my friends! I should ask Him for help more often, huh? :)

So the tag album comes with 6 individual tags and a beautiful large copper binder ring. We'll cover each side of the tag album and create little pockets for your best-kept secrets, memories, or photos. I have a feeling we'll get a lot accomplished in class in terms of covering the pages. 

After all is said and done, this will be a pretty hefty little album. I love to pop things up so despite the 6 tags, it will feel like you have 30 once you're finished. :)

And that's it, friends! Thanks so much for looking and have a fantastic, creatively-filled week.

--------------CLASS INFO----------------

Date:      Thursday, March 28th, 2013
Time:     6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place:     The Mad Scrapper
               1590 NW Gilman Boulevard
                   Issaquah, WA 98027 (just 15 minutes east of Seattle)
Call:       425-427-8871

Bring: Your basic tool kit, postage stamp edge scissors, Picket Fence Distress Stain, Stickles in the following colors: yellow, copper, and light pink (I used Ice Stickles in Coffee Ice), craft mat, and heat tool.

A French Country Affair - 3/14 Class

Hi there!

I wanted to share my latest class project for The Mad Scrapper: a mini album/organizer using Graphic 45's beautiful French Country line.

French Country is so rich and stunning! The papers are just perfect for a home decor project. However, I did not have a fun item for the class to alter, so I opted for a project that could still count in the "home decor" department - an organizer that you can keep on your fireplace mantle or in your kitchen!

In this class, we'll make plenty of pockets to put laundry lists. 

I'll also show you how to make these pretty envelopes! Just another place for all your to-do lists. 

--------------CLASS INFO----------------

The class and kits have sold out. However, you can still contact The Mad Scrapper directly at admin@madscrapper.com to order the instructions and photos. 
Date:      Thursday, March 14th, 2013
Time:     6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place:     The Mad Scrapper
Call:       425-427-8871

Journey To Paradise 2/28 Class

Happy Monday, everyone!

I am really excited about all the new product that The Mad Scrapper is getting in. The ladies had a blast at CHA and ordered some great new lines; as the weeks go by, I'll continue to post more photos of future classes I'll be teaching.

And speaking of classes, I wanted to share another February project: a travel binder featuring the Far And Away line from Teresa Collins! I love that even the binder is a TCD product. :)

I turned to some of my honeymoon photos from St. Thomas for inspiration. :)

Below, we have some handmade garland and faux washi tape. Scott and I paid $2 each to have our photo taken with those turtles, but we made up for it with all the free rum punch our hotel handed out. :)

If you're new to my blog, I should warn you now that I love flowers! I love them so much, that I will either make my own or die cut a bunch if I don't have any on hand for my classes.

This is one of the handmade rosettes that we'll make in class!

I love Teresa's file folders! The map one below is my favorite of the four.

Also in the binder are a handful of Teresa's fun sticky notes. I also used them in my Stationery Noted class.

Another rosette!

Of all my honeymoon photos, this one was my favorite. We didn't get married here, but I like to pretend that we did. :)

Well, that's enough sneak peeks for now. I'm headed to The Mad Scrapper to drop off the binder. Now I can exhale! That is, until I pick up product for my next class. ;)

Thanks so much for looking and I hope you're scrapping your own vacation photos, too!

--------------CLASS INFO----------------

Date:      Thursday, February 28th, 2013
Time:     6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Place:     The Mad Scrapper
Call:       425-427-8871

Bring: Your basic tool kit, a decorative edge punch (like Martha Stewart or Fiskars), postage stamp scissors, and a favorite travel memory to share. 

Teresa Collins Stationery Noted Class 2/16

Hello there!

I'm really excited. In a few weekends, I'll be teaching my first class at The Mad Scrapper using Teresa Collins paper and embellishments!

If you haven't seen Teresa's Stationery Noted paper line by now, let me tell you about it. Actually, I'll just let the photos tell you. :) Two of my favorite colors (blue and red) are used in this line, and in classic Teresa style, there's a full sheet dedicated to huge flowers (one of my other favorites). The designs have a cool postage/office feel to them, with a touch of whimsy in the form of Mr. owl.

Handmade garland and a little bling for the front cover. :)

This mini album is jam-packed with pages. :)

You know me and fussy cutting ... 

Lots of fun stuff hanging out!

To help me make this book, I printed up my engagement photos that were taken exactly 4 years ago by our friend Tyler Gould. (If you live in Portland or Seattle, or you pretty much anywhere, this guy is a rockstar and happens to make everyone he photographs look like rockstars, too.) I figured it was time to print them and that they would make a heartfelt gift for my husband. To be honest, I was going to stick our photos in with some of Teresa's Vintage Finds paper, but oh my gosh, the moment I put one of our photos against Stationery Noted, I was in love and will be picking up this paper for myself!

These are only snippets from the entire album. I designed it so you have 30 pages total for tons of photos and journaling. :) 

(Note: We will use silver wire instead of copper to bind the albums. Also, your brads may vary from the ones in the photos since I'm splitting packages.) 

My favorite thing about Teresa's papers is that not only are they beautiful, but they really make your photos sing. :) I really love her paper and have already started my own 2013 Journal/Scrapbook/Project Life book with her December kit ... :) You can bet I'll be adding some of Stationery Noted in there, too.

Well, thank you for looking and have a wonderful weekend!

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Class info

Date: Saturday, February 16th, 2013
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Mad Scrapper, Issaquah, WA U.S.A.
Call: (425) 427-8871

Webster's Pages "Best Friends" Mini Album 1/31 Class

There are so many wonderful paper companies out there. From vintage-inspired styles like Graphic 45 to the cleverly eclectic like Prima, I love them all! I've been so blessed to design classes for The Mad Scrapper using some of my favorite paper lines. And now, I'm adding my first Webster's Pages class - a funky mini album made with WP's "Best Friends" line!

Two of my favorite things about Webster's Pages are their cameo embellishments and their gorgeous ribbon trim. It's impossible not to use them on the front cover! 

I chose this paper line for my Valentine's Day project for a few reasons. First, the colors are a nice break from the traditional red and pink and they're versatile enough to be used for an Easter or other spring project. Second, the "Best Friends" theme can work anytime of the year! So if you don't complete the mini album in time for Valentine's Day this year, you can still gift it anytime. Finally, the papers and sentiments work for all kinds of best friends: a girlfriend, your spouse, child; even the family dog! 

Since the colors and imagery are so playful, I thought I'd make an equally playful yet simple book. I made the pages different sizes and heights, created a few fold out pages, and added a flap to the inside front cover. I also fussy cut some heart balloons, added some twine behind them, and popped them up.

I also made a few pockets with tags, and turned some of my page borders into flags. 

I love all the cute Polaroid-style photos mats and the text boxes! They're such a fun way to add journaling.

Very spring-y colors, huh? 

I told you this works for 4-legged best friends as well! I love how Webster's Pages chose a Parson Russell Terrier. That is my favorite dog breed and hopefully, I'll have one some day. :) But that's a story for another day ... 

Thanks so much for looking! For you ladies and gents who'd like to attend class, here are the details: 

Date: Thursday, January 31st 2013

Time: 6:00 - 8:00pm

Location: The Mad Scrapper, Issaquah, WA U.S.A.

Call: 425-427-8871

In addition to your basic supply kit, please bring a corner rounder. :)

New Year, new resolution that I hope to keep!

Well, Happy New Year, dear crafty friends!

I hope 2013 has been very good to you so far. If you have any resolutions, hopes, dreams, or other goals for the new year, I hope all of them come true for you!

Recently, I shared with my fellow blog friend Sandra about a resolution I really want to keep this year: to make at least one project for myself every month! Specifically, I want to start scrapping my life!

I knew I wanted to start documenting everyday life, but I couldn't decide how to do it. Do I go the traditional 12 x 12 layout route, but then keep a separate journal? Or, do I try the quick yet thorough Project Life approach but nix the layouts? I love elements of both, so I decided to grab the December 2012 Teresa Collins kit and turn that into my journal/scrapbook/planner/Project Life book!

Teresa's kit came with (2) 10 x 10 covers, (4) binder rings, (2) pieces of paper from her "Now & Then" line, a package of trim, gorgeous blingy embellishments, and calendar and journaling templates. The original instructions were to trim the covers down to something like 5" x 7", but because I wanted to use this book for layouts as well, I ended up trimming my book to 8" x 10". I also used all (4) binder rings instead of the 2 suggested in the kit and widened the border. My last tweak to the cover design was to add a monogram die cut from Teresa's "Sophisticated" Cricut cartridge. Emilyn, if you're reading this, I will bring yours to the staff meeting tomorrow!

I am in love with Teresa's simple yet stunning style. She has lots of new gorgeous paper lines coming out soon! I can't wait to use some of her new designs as I fill out my 2013 book. :)

Another crafty friend of mine, Janna, has a new crafty resolution as well! Her new adventure is starting an art journal! Her first page is just awesome. I love how she's stretching her creative abilities and venturing into art journal territory. Do you have any new crafty goals?

I love how the new year always brings about new ideas and resolutions to live our lives more meaningfully. Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Maria