Showing posts with label graphic 45. Show all posts
Showing posts with label graphic 45. Show all posts

Thursday, July 19, 2018

Buntings are hard to photograph and the new wood shed

I love buntings. I think they are just about one of the prettiest things around. They're whimsical and joyous and sweet... and such a pain to photograph.

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

This particular bunting is a happy thing, all yellow and sunshiney. But pictures! Ugh, pictures. I was moping around this morning trying to figure out how to show it off when the new woodshed caught my eye.

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

The Mr used recycled wood so it doesn't LOOK new, but huzzah for that because it's the perfect contrast to my pretty flaggy thing-a-ma-doodle. I'm certain Mr had no idea he was actually building me a giant photography prop.

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

But on to the bunting! I knew I wanted to create a long banner so I used two sets of this Banner Builder Pennant Set. Instead of layering straight and scalloped edged pieces, I've used them separately. 

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

I painted the chipboard white and stamped the edges with a floral filigree pattern. Atop of that I applied papers from Floral Shoppe (which is gorgeous and probably my favourite Graphic 45 paper ever.) The colours I chose are a very subtle nod to my beloved Hufflepuff house.

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

The butterflies are stamped onto Floral Shoppe Indigo Lilies. A few dabs of white paint are added as highlights, then I fussy cut those suckers.

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

The flowers were created using elements from the Large Tag ATC and Flower Die set.


Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

That snip of lacy paper at the top was created by clipping a portion of clock from from the Square Tag and Clock Dies

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

Attach all those bits to a length of ribbon and you've got yourself a bunting that is very difficult to photograph!

Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe Bunting - Nichola Battilana

Thank goodness for new woodsheds that look old.

Here's the bit list if you too would like to make a pretty hanging something-or-other.

Floral Shoppe: Golden Serenity
Floral Shoppe Indigo Lilies

Thursday, June 21, 2018

Graphic 45 Fairie Dust ATC Tags

Asked to create a self portrait project for Graphic45 my mind raced. Should I upcycle some cool old dodad? Make a steampunky something or other?! Create a super cool Sherlocian whatchamacallit with Master Detective?!?! I was a mess of ideas!




I took a deep breath, refocused, and realized the exact right thing to do was play with the fairies.
My #G45selfie includes three things I like best... ATC's, fussy cutting, and fairy folk.




As a friend of the fairies, I'm all sorts of in love with Fairie Dust. It's so cheery and colourful. I've also added butterflies from Olde Curiosity Shoppe to my project, they just seem to go hand in hand.




I love working in ATC size. If I'm feeling stuck, or need to kick my creative mojo in the pants, creating in ATC size is undaunting (is that a word?) It's a non-stressful size, but big enough to be creative.




I also love fussy cutting. I do it while watching tv, collecting those tiny snips as I cut away. My best fussy cutting tips? Use super sharp scissors and cut more than you think you'll ever use.




Toss all those elements together and you've got yourself a cute-as-can-be set of Fairie Dust ATC's. I’ve created a video to show you exactly how I created these cute little tags. (https://youtu.be/uGxSF14HY4o)


So grab some sharp little scissors, some Fairie Dust, and make some magical little tags with me.”

Staples - Artist Trading Tags-Ivory

Graphic 45 Supplies:
Tiny Toadstools
• Parlor Wall
• Butterfly Specifics


Other Supplies:
• glue
• ribbon

• foam squares

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Floral Phone Holder for Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts

This month I decided to make something a little less elaborate, but it's one of my favourite products from Gypsy Soul Laser Cuts: the Tablet/Ipad/Phone Holder


I have three of these Phone holders around my house and I use them every day.


I know, I know... "but I could just prop my phone against something." That's what I thought too, but I really do love my little holders, use them daily and find them so useful.


Plus, it's a fun little project to work on. A little project to express your own style that takes up just a short time, a very few supplies, and is practical! Woo hoo, right?!?!


I've made a quick video walkthrough with a few tips like adding embellishment to the far edges rather than the centre. You can find it HERE 


You can get as elaborate or restrained as you like. Create something to suit your own style and tastes... but here are all the supplies I used to create this version of the Tablet/Ipad/Phone Holder.

Tablet/Ipad/Phone Holder
Lace Frame
Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe - PINK LILIES
Graphic 45 Floral Shoppe - Chipboard Tags
Thin Looped Dresden Borders - Pink
1 Inch Curly Paper Roses - Variegated Yellow Pink
Butterfly Charm
Acrylic paint

Thursday, April 05, 2018

Graphic 45 2018 Brand Ambassador Audition

Some of you may recall that a few years ago I was on the Graphic 45 design team. It was a lot of fun, I learned so much, and (best of all) I made such nice friends.

So, when I saw that Graphic 45 had announced a Brand Ambassador Call... well I couldn't help myself.


I've made an extra special project with a new video tutorial just for the occasion.

Paper Fairy Frock with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana

Paper fairy frocks! It's the sort of project that ticks all my boxes... moderately simple, uses few supplies, and easily customizable. As a bonus, there's a bit of recycling in there too!

Paper Fairy Frock with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana


I've used Graphic 45's Baby 2 Bride Classic Collection "Birdy Baby Blues" with a smidge of Botantical Tea for this frock. But don't let that limit your imagination! You can make these to suit just about any taste or theme.

Graphic 45 Paper Fairy Frocks with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana

Seriously, how cute would these be for a shower? Or a ladies lunch? Or sweet 16?!


Something chic for the fashionista with Couture.

Graphic 45 Paper Fairy Frocks with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana

Or perhaps something playfully psychobilly with Rare Oddities

Graphic 45 Paper Fairy Frocks with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana

I think they are all sweet as can be.

Are the possibilities swimming in your head? Are you ready to create your own? 
Download the template below. CLICK HERE if you're having trouble

Paper Fairy Frocks with Tutorial - Nichola Battilana



Here are all the supplies you'll need:

Scrapbook paper
(Graphic 45's Baby 2 Bride Classic Collection - Birdy Baby Blues is used in the video sample)
Pleated Ribbon
Empty container for base
Florist Oasis/Foam
Moss
1/4" wood doweling
Fairy Wings
Buttons, faux flowers and leaves, ribbon, embellishments
Adhesive

And... AND... my second audition project: a mini mini album!

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

And I do mean mini! Just 1.25" x 2" made with Graphic 45's Rare Oddities. 

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

Now, I will be the first to admit that mini albums are not one of my skill strengths, BUT I think that my sense of crafting adventure IS my absolute biggest strength.

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

I love crafting. It's fun. It brings me joy. That joy comes from exploring, playing, experimenting and fearlessly making mistakes. Loads and loads of mistakes.

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

I glue my fingers together regularly. I mismeasure and cut where I shouldn't. And that's ok! Everyone does it. Every one of us starts somewhere.

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

While this finished the project may look spiffy, the two prototypes I made before were a mess!

Graphic 45 Rare Oddities Mini Mini Album - Nichola Battilana

And those two messes? They are soooo important because, cross my heart, the trying, the doing, the mistakes and messes, they are the most valuable creative tools you have. Never ever be afraid of mistakes (unless you're a beginner knife thrower).

Good luck to everyone auditioning for Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador. I've seen a load of other audition posts and there are some fiercely talented folks auditioning. If you're on the fence about applying... GO FOR IT! DO IT NOW!!! You have until the April 8th, 2018 to apply.

Saturday, March 25, 2017

Magical Masquerade ATC's

This months kit at Alphastamps.com is themed "Beauty and the Beast" but I've run with the Midnight Masquerade papers and made a handful of pretty magical masquerade ATC's instead.



The colours are juicy and gem like and look lush with copper highlights. I applied some thick acrylic medium with the Quatrefoil Texture Sheet and Diamonds Texture Sheet to create some three dimentional texture.

NOTE: If you want to use your texture sheet over and over again, try a couple of coats of marine varnish to protect it and make the card super durable.




This card has adorable Small Mulberry Blossoms and pretty Lavender Purple Gardenias.



Those little Clear Iridescent Star Sequins on all of the cards are really quite nice and rather dreamy. I thought they seemed quite a bit thicker than most sequins I've worked with before.



And how gorgeous are those Gardenias in Mixed Cream Yellow Orange?



I think they turned out quite nicely. All dreamlike and rich.


See a card you like and want to swap? Shoot me a note and we can make a trade!

Want to make your own? Here's a list of all the bit's I used for these ones.

Friday, May 13, 2016

A lady-like tablet holder

I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but while I'm working I like to have something playing, a movie, or tv show, you know what I mean. Lately, I've been watching Netflix with my tablet propped up against a ratty old paint can. It slips and falls all over the place. So when Gypsy Soul sent me this Business Card Holder I asked if they could hook me up with something for my tablet. And they did!

Tablet holder w/ gslcuts.com and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana

I've embellished mine with Graphic 45's Artisan Style "Decorative Flourish" and added chopped up Ornate Metal Keys, Stamped Metal Brads and Stamped Metal Tag. There's also an elegant strip of Mini Floral Dresden Border. I loves it to bits!

Tablet holder w/ gslcuts.com and Graphic45 - Nichola Battilana
A historic moment, no fingerprints on my screen!

I feel like a lady! Watching lady shows, whilst making lady-like things. 

Lah-dee-dah, darlings!

Monday, December 07, 2015

Wintry Sleigh and Card with Petaloo and Graphic 45

What a lovely holiday treat to have the chance to work with the Christmas Carol collection from my old friends at Graphic 45. The gorgeous, vibrant colours work so well with Petaloo's blooms. Whether it's red, green or blues... they all coordinate beautifully.

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Sleigh - Nichola Battilana

I've embellished this Chipboard Sleigh which is perfectly sized to hold your holiday cards and tags. The sleigh is embellished with Bah Humbug and Graceful Garland  from Christmas Carol. A sweet bough of blooms adorns each side.
  
Graphic 45 / Petaloo Sleigh - Nichola Battilana

A bough of Sugared Berrys ClusterChantilly-VelvHydrangeas and White Glitter Snowflakes adorn each side of the sleigh.

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Sleigh - Nichola Battilana

The front and back have Christmas Carol Journaling Chipboard embellishments, accented with White Glitter Snowflakes

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Sleigh - Nichola Battilana
  
Finally, a bit of bling with Fancy Trims and a whole lot of glitter.

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Cards - Nichola Battilana

Here are the handmade cards I've filled my little sleigh with. Made with all sorts of papers from the 12" Christmas Carol pad. I've embellished with white and green Velvet Holly LeavesSugared Blooms, Botanica Petite’s and Sugared Mini's

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Card - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Card - Nichola Battilana

Graphic 45 / Petaloo Card - Nichola Battilana


And here's the supply round up if you want to create your own sparkly winter sleigh to hold your Christmas Treasures:

Petaloo:
Graphic45:
Chipboard Sleigh
Glitter


Happy crafting!