Friday Focus on Graphic 45: Children's Hour Altered Notebook and Card

Hello, Friends!  It's Kathy here, and I'm excited to be sharing today's  Friday Focus on Graphic 45.

For the next two weeks, all Graphic 45 products will be on sale for an additional 15% off the already discounted price at The Funkie Junkie Boutique!  If you all know me even a little bit, you know that these glad tidings make my crafty little heart go pitty pat as I adore all things Graphic 45!

To whet your appetite for this lovely sale, I've created an altered notebook and card duo using the September papers from the Children's Hour collection.  (You'll find product links to the Funkie Junkie Boutique below this post.)

 

Children's Hour Altered Composition Notebook

 This is a standard composition notebook that I purchased at a Back to School sale.  It measures 7.5" x 10".  The cover has been altered to look like old leather.  This process involves sanding the cover then inking it up with Copper Mixative, Espresso, Ginger, and Pesto Alcohol inks.  The sanding gives the cover a lovely texture while the Alcohol inks cover the boring black and white background and blend colors to look like vintage leather.

 You get a good look at the album base in this shot.

I layered stickers and fussy cut elements from the 8x8 and 12x12 collections to create the vignette on the cover.  Petaloo flowers, burlap and ribbon add lots of lovely texture.

I used the alcohol ink to color the edges of the notebook pages so that they all look deliciously aged. Then, on this inside, I added more patterned papers, tags, a policy envelope, and layered elements.  I love the way the ribbon and crocheted lace look inside the notebook.

I designed the notebook to hold photos and a journal of the school year.  It seems that the years go by so quickly, and it's easy to forget those little moments that make life so special.

Children's Hour September Card

One of the main problems I have with Graphic 45 is that I just can't stop playing with it.  I was about to clear off my desk when my eye fell on some scrap pieces.  Instantly, my brain saw a card just begging to come to life.  How could I resist?

One comment that I often hear from folks is that while they love all the beautiful patterns and images in Graphic 45 papers, they feel lost when it comes to using them.  With this in mind, I thought it might be helpful for you to see how I layered all these different patterns and images together to create a cohesive design.  That's where the Snapguide tutorial comes in.

You can draw attention to your focal image by "framing" it with burlap string.  The eye is instantly drawn to the main feature of the card.  To keep the smaller image from disappearing in the mix, I framed it inside one of the small filigree frames from the Funkie Junkie Boutique.  Adding the red border and black chipboard sentiment also help to focus the eye on the main image.  I could not resist adding in a used pencil and a burlap string wrapped pen nib, just for fun.

I'm known for adding lots of fun details to the insides of my cards.  I love using Tammy Tutterow's Deco Mini Envelope Die to create a small gift or note pocket.  The envelope is held shut with tiny magnets.

Here's a peek at what I tucked inside.

The base of the card interior holds a large pocket that I've filled with sweet tags.

These interactive elements and extra goodies make the card a worthy gift all on its own, but if you wanted to, you could tuck a gift card or small wrapped chocolate and tea bag into the pocket.

I hope this post has inspired you to break out your scissors and get busy with the gorgeous G45 papers you've been hoarding. This sale presents the perfect opportunity to add to your stash, as all the new collections will be shipping any day.  So, I don't know about you, but I'm going shopping!

Thanks for stopping by!
Cheerio,
kathy
Check out How to Make a Graphic 45 Children's Hour September Card by Kathy Clement on Snapguide.

Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour Ephemera Cards 4501259	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour Decorative Stickers 4501257	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 8x8 Calendar Pad 4501250	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 12x12 Pad 4501249	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour 12x12 Calendar Pad 4501251
Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour - 8x8 Pad 4501248	Graphic 45 - Children′s Hour - 6x6 Pad 4501247	May Arts Crocheted Lace - 1.5" Ivory	Burlap String - 12 Colors	Natural Jute Mesh (Burlap)
Petaloo Botanica Collection Textured Elements Blossoms x 4 Red	Petaloo Botanica Collection Mini Blossoms x 9 Red	Tim Holtz Idea-ology Pen Nibs	Message Charm Pendant - Antique Bronze "never never give up′ - set of 4	Ranger Tim Holtz Mini Distress Ink Pad - Walnut Stain
Adirondack Color Wash Dye 2 Ounce Spray - Espresso	Tim Holtz Ranger Idea-ology Sanding Grip	Tim Holtz idea-ology Refill Pack for Sanding Grip (4 sheets)	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Copper Mixative	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Ginger
Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink Applicator, Stamp Handle and Felt	Ranger Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Bottle	TammyTutterowDecoEdgeEnvelopeDie	Graphic 45 Children′s Hour Decorative Chipboard 4501255	Ranger Inkssentials Glossy Accents
Scor-Pal Scor-Tape 1/2" x 27 Yards