Thursday 2 April 2015

Graphic 45 Design Team Audition 2015

It's that time of year again when I surround myself with Graphic 45 goodness and just create to my heart's content!  So without further ado…….Welcome to my blog and to my Graphic 45 Design Team Audition 2015!

I hope the projects I am sharing today show my love of designing, my versatility and my love of Graphic 45 papers!  You might want to get a cup of coffee and a biscuit as this is a teensy bit of a long post ;-)

Those of you that know me already know I am totally addicted to making video tutorials to share and I have videoed all my new Graphic 45 creations so there will be a video or two to share today and a few more in the pipe line for later!  I am going to start the ball rolling with a couple of projects in my Art Journal.  Since I began this book 7 pages ago I knew I wanted to combine mixed media and art journalling with scrapbooking and Graphic 45 papers were the perfect inspiration for Pages 6 and seven.  Page 6 was inspired by the fresh and intricate patterns of Bohemian Bazaar and I was inspired to make this page to celebrate my garden……..


Throughout the year I intend to take photos of the flowers in my garden which I will print out and make into pretty tags to tuck into the pockets of my page.  I only have tiny daffodils blooming at the moment so until I have more flowers to photograph I can look at the sunny flowers I have created with my Graphic 45 papers!  Here is a video tutorial to show you how I made this page I hope it reflects my passion for sharing my love of paper crafting.


I decided to use Bird Song next and I just had to use my favourite paper in the whole collection - both sides are fab so I am using them both!!!  It is such a pretty paper and so romantic and that set me in the mood to create a page to celebrate 33 years of marriage this year (I know, I know, I can't possibly be old enough surely!!!!? ;-)


It took me a while to work out how to create my pop out heart shaped frame so that it didn't pop right out of the book when it was closed!  I love how the pretty fussy cut blossoms bring an extra dimension to the frame.  I have two tags in the side pockets that record how hubby and I first met and what we have been up to over the years - they are really, really long tags ;-)

Mmmmm what next……I am a crafting butterfly as you will notice during this audition and that is part of the reason I love Graphic 45 so much.  With each new collection comes the opportunity to try different styles and By the Sea was the perfect excuse to up-cycle three picture frames for our holiday photos.

I mixed in a little Tropical Travelogue into some of my frames too.  I love that there are so many opportunities to create embellishments and adornments with all the Graphic 45 paper collections - I just wish I could cut out as quickly as I do in fast forward on my YouTube tutorials!!!

You can see I have imported some of that sandy beach from Sarasota to Derby ;-)  Love that little starfish saying.  These frames were surprisingly easy to create and of course there will be a video coming soon!!!


My next set of photos were taken during the recent partial eclipse we had here in the UK.  Love the peachy tone it gave to my Bohemian Bazaar canvas!  I really enjoy creating mixed media pieces like this one - I think I became queen of the dimensional paint dots by the end of the project ;-)


Here is a close up of those blooms……I was thinking Peonies…..Have I captured them in paper?


A couple of cards to share next because I think they quickly show you how different paper collections inspire me and take me in so many different directions to explore lots of different crafting techniques and styles along the way.


Ladies Diary is simply elegant and romantic and perfect for my Mum's Mother's Day card this year.  There are those tiny daffodils in my garden I was telling you about earlier!

Sometimes it is fun to combine collections …..take a little bit of Secret Garden and add a sheet of Curtain Call…….


…….and voila!   Do you think this would be perfect to wear to a Graphic 45 Design Team Audition?  I hope it is in my size!


For a totally different vibe let's get fresh and vibrant with Bohemian Bazaar.


I loved weaving the patterned papers together to create my background and using one of the journalling cards as my inspiration for the cheerful colour scheme that is sure to make you smile.  Pretty fabric daisies with colourful button centres and the card is complete.


Before I go I just had to share some of my favourite creations from previous auditions.

Why not turn your favourite layouts into canvases to decorate your home:



I had great fun turning the die cut flowers from Secret Garden into flower vines to embellish my canvas.  Working on a canvas means you can still incorporate journalling and interactive elements but you can go a little further with dimension as you don't need to confine your layout to an album!

Here is a Graphic 45 Book Box makeover that now records our families favourite recipes and the documents the good times we had sharing them with friends and family:




There is a video tour of this project if you want to see more of the details.  This is from my first Audition in 2013 so it is fun to see how my videos have changed!


There is also a video tour of this fun and spooky mini album which I made last year.  The journalling cards that accompany many of the Graphic 45 paper collections were the starting point for me coming up with the pocket page design of this mini.  This time I used SteamPunk Spells and I am currently working on a By the Sea version.





Please watch the video if you want to see all the details in this mini - Notice it is complete!!!  Journalling and all ;-)


I couldn't let you go without showing you my love of designing 3D projects which I normally teach in my workshops.  I love to turn a piece of chipboard into something entirely different!  Graphic 45 papers make sure everyone loves the end result.  Here is my Pyramid Mini that I had the pleasure of teaching in Cornwall last year.


The Couture Collection was perfect to mix and match both in the creation of the pyramid and the mini contained in the base.


The pages of the mini open up to reveal more space for photos and journalling and check out the beauty of the papers that are revealed when the pyramid is fully open!


Time is running out ……..did you see what I did there!???


This clock is testament to the longevity of Graphic 45 Designs - Vintage never goes out of style.  This clock was created from chipboard and a metal flower tin many years ago and it is sitting on my dressing table…….and was made gorgeous by mixing and matching my Graphic 45 papers.

Last but definitely not least - another clock made entirely from chipboard (except the clock!)  This is one of my latest creations and it is decorated with Tropical Travelogue Papers.



And this one is Old Curiosity Shop.  When I designed the aperture in the base of the clock it was to showcase the fussy cut elements from the Graphic 45 paper collections that I used.  I always say if you are going to take the time and have the patience to fussy cut the elements from the papers you might as well celebrate them and get them noticed!




I have chosen to show you projects old and new and I really hope you like my creations.  Sorry about the length of the post but it is mostly pretty pictures!  I love to create and I love to teach so most of my creations come with a tutorial. All that is left for me to say is good luck to my fellow auditionees and a great big thank you to Graphic 45 for giving me the opportunity to audition today.  Keep everything crossed for me and wish me luck everyone!  How fabulous would it be to make video tutorials for Graphic 45?………...

Thank you for popping by

Helen
x

51 comments:

  1. WOW! These are all so beautiful! You are super talented, that's for sure!! I'll go watch the video tutorials now, and I know they'll be great - always love watching you teach on camera.
    I'll cross my fingers for you and hope you'll get to create and share much more with Graphic 45. And, let me add, they would be very lucky to have you work for them, that's for sure! :)
    Rooting for you!!
    xox

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    1. Sending big Hugs Bibi - your support means a lot to me x

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  2. I'm rooting for you too, Helen. I think you have lots of beautiful projects including feats of paper engineering to be a real contender. Looking forward to watch the videos later!

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    1. Hope you enjoy the videos. I think I will be on craft room clean up today!!! Thank you for your good wishes x

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  3. Fingers, toes and all things crossed for you Helen. The depth of your talent to create such fabulous items and incredible patience to do so much fussy cutting never ceases to amaze me. And no you don't look old enough for 33 years of marriage! Obviously a child bride.
    I love to watch your videos and see your creations develop. Have a super Sunday Helen :D

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    1. Thank you Mo. I am definitely old enough - that photo was taken about 5 years ago ;-) !! Today I am spending half of it clearing up the creative mess I have made in my craft room but I have a new journal page that I woke up with yesterday so I am itching to get that one tried out. Have a fab week Hugs Helen x

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  4. Hello Helen
    I happened to discover your Youtube Channel today while looking for something interesting in mixed media - you know how they find similar things to watch... well, they led me to you here. I thought i'd click on the Blogger tab to see what creations you had here... anyway, I've now read your long post (we must have something in common because when mine was up to date - i'd rabbit on for ages lol)...

    It remains for me to wish you all the very very best of luck in your endeavours, I really hope it works out for you - however, you don't need anyone else to validate your creations because they are wonderful - so which ever way it goes - you just got a new subscriber to your YT channel and follower of your blog. Seriously though - I really hope it works out for you - you clearly have a love for G45 products and have worked relentlessly on your projects, which shows G45 off to a T.

    Fingers crossed and all that...

    Paula Gale. x x x

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    1. There is nothing wrong with a bit of rabbit I say ;-) Thank you for you kind words Paula and I look forward to sharing more creativity and lots of chat with you soon! You will soon see I am a bit addicted to sharing my videos - just love being part of a fab bunch x

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  5. Gorgeous projects Helen, I always look forward to your video tutorials and you have created so many beautiful things, fingers crossed you will be lucky this time! Very true what you say about how the G45 collections all go together so you can always mix and match and not waste any of those delicious papers!

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    1. Thanks Annie - I have a hard drive full of film waiting to be edited right now ;-) More talking to myself - but first I have got to clear some space - I can't even find my usual postage stamp of creative area right now!!!! x

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  6. You go Helen! They would be lucky to have you! Gorgeous pieces...every one of them!!!

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    1. Thanks Anita - I always have such fun auditioning - on with the tidying now though - not so keen on that bit ;-) x

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  7. Helen, I wouldn't know where to start to say which of these amazing projects is my favourite! Your creativity and productivity leaves me breathless. You are one talented lady!!! These are gorgeous papers, but made even more gorgeous by the way you have used and interpreted them. Simply amazing.

    After a second postponement in my surgery, I am now hoping to go in this coming Friday in the afternoon, but I await definite confirmation once my surgeon returns to work on Tuesday.

    Shoshi

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    1. Thank you for your support Shoshi, it means a lot. Thinking of you and sending every good wish to you at this time. Hope you don't have to wait too much longer now. Hugs Helen x

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  8. Good Luck Sweetheart. xxx

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  9. oh and by the way Tidy Your Craft Room!!

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  10. Helen, you are so talented! I cross my fingers! Your work is stunning.

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  11. You said you were bussy for the audition, but tjee you made so much and video's and all beautiful! Can't imagen that you would not be on the next DT! I'll keep my fingers crossed!!
    Oh, I am your newest follower; although I don't make that mannt LO's; I have to move on and put my photo's into books and you have so much inspiration for that here on your blog...
    Enjoy the sunday! Hugs, Gerrina

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    1. Thank you Gerrina - you can uncross your fingers now!!! ;-) x Thank you for joining me on my journey x

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  12. GO HELEN!!! Graphic 45 would be downright stupid not to have you on their DT, your videos and projects are awesome. they would be lucky to have you. So fingers crossed you get some fantastic news very soon.

    Thank you for your wonderful inspiration :-) xxx

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    1. Got the news today! Thank you for your good wishes and the crossed fingers - they worked! x

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  13. Congratulations you did it....so very well done Helen.

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    1. Thank you Maggie May - I am so excited right now x

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  14. Hi Helen! Congratulations on being a finalist for G45 design team. Also, thank you for continually sharing your talent and creativity. I'm rooting for you and would happily help you tidy your craft room! Good luck...

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    1. Thank you Sylvia! So so happy right now. There isn't a smiley face big enough ;-) Any time you want to pop round - all help gratefully received - I will supply cake ;-) x

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  15. Congrats in making to the top 25... best of luck for round 2

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    1. Congratulations to you too Katie - I expect you are as excited as me right now. Round 2……Good luck to us all - more fun with our Graphic 45 stash!…….If I can stop my hands shaking ;-) x

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  16. Beautiful work I have seen a few of your you tube videos have have enjoyed them. Good luck!

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  17. Helen, your projects are STUNNING! WOW!! So many pretty elements on each. Congrats on making the Top 25 and good luck!

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    1. Thank you Erica. Good luck to you too. I bet you are as nervous and excited as I am right now!!!!! x

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  18. Love all your projects...very well engineered. The one that really drew my attention was the woven card...Beautiful! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you for the good wishes Martie - there will be a tutorial for the woven card coming soon! x

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  19. Wow, I love your work. I love how you have a variety of projects. I love the beach frames, what a good idea. Also love the heart frame in the journal. Now to watch you video on the recipe book....

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    1. Hope you enjoyed the video Natalia. So happy you like my projects - am always inspired to work with my Graphic 45 papers x

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  20. Hi Helen,I love your style and unique projects! All are wonderfully created and are so very lovely!
    Tara Brown

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    1. Thank you Tara that means a lot - I am so proud to be part of such a talented group of crafters. So nervous right now - sending hugs x

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  21. I love what all you do with the paper, weaving, patchwork, just stunning. Congrats on making the top 25 and best of luck.

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    1. Thank you so much Lori - Can't quite believe I made it through to round two. Sending big hugs and good wishes x

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  22. Fabulous creations - GO UK!! :) Good Luck!
    Michelle
    The Craft Marquee

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  23. Congratulations!!!!!! Looking forward to see your projekts 😄😄

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    1. Thank you Dagny starting work on the video tomorrow - so nervous - hope it doesn't show ;-) x

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  24. Congrats Helen!! Lovely projects! Good luck on round 2!

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    1. Thank you Solange - big fan of your mixed media work! Good luck to you too x

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  25. Wow Helen, you know I am a fan of yours, but this post is merely overwhelming!! Awesomeness!!!!
    Wishing you loads of luck, hon!!
    xox

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    1. Thank you teamie x so nervous right now - listen out for the shaky voice over when I get my video posted!!! ;-)

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  26. Beautiful and inspirational, love it! Good luck!

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    1. Thank you for your good wishes Sharina x

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment. I always love to read them and if you have a question for me I will reply. Thanks again, Helen x
PS have had stop Anonymous comments as I am getting a lot of spam. I am so sorry to any real commenters that this affects. Feel free to email me if you want to and I will get back to you that way instead x

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