I have been creating a range of projects with the beautiful “Time to Flourish” collection from @Graphic 45. It is a calendar style set of papers and I have based my creations around this. I started with a box kit from a UK based company called Oakwood Direct. This is the Accordion Handbag which comes as a set of two – in kraft and black card. It worked well with the Time to Flourish papers and was relatively straight-forward to put together.
I am not quite sure why it is called a matchbox camera because it is certainly much bigger than a standard matchbox!
I was able to use the excess papers from the first project and added seasonal images throughout the matching notebook.
I still had the larger journaling cards left from the 12×12 sheets so then I adapted the box set above to create my own larger version. (The first photo shows a sleeve with the Flower Market papers. I will explain why in my video) As you can see from the photos every project is slightly different and it shows just how versatile “Time to Flourish” is.
I created a second video to show the inside of the Camera Notebox along with a tutorial on how I upscaled the idea to incorporate the larger journaling cards.
Just for your reference – here are the dimensions for the larger project.
Main book
Cut two pieces of A4 card – lengthwise by 5 1/4″
Score from each end at 2″
Cut the second panel in half to create two side panels (5 5/8 by 5 1/4″)
Cut 6 pieces 8″ by 5 1/4″ for the pages. Score at 1/2″
Mat sizes
Centre panel and back – 7 1/2″ by 5 1/8″
Side strips 1 3/4″ by 5 1/8″
Front covers 3 5/8″ by 5 1/8″
Pages 7″ by 5″
This is a glorious collection to create with. I hope my videos will inspire you to try them out. I am not affiliated to Oakwood Direct but I do recommend their kits as a great starting point.
Before I leave fond memories of Christmas 2022 behind, I have one more set of cards to share. This blog post and video were originally made for the team at Graphic 45 and include full instructions for a set of diamond fold cards that can be used with other papers.
Making Christmas cards is an absolute joy, especially when using the wonderful Warm Wishes collection from Graphic 45. This quartet of festive cards are based on one of my go-to card folds – the diamond easel card. This card is a great starting point for beginners or for batch-making cards. However, by adding a few more steps it is easy to create showstopping cards for the extra special people in your life.
HOW TO MAKE THE BASIC DIAMOND EASEL CARD
Each card begins with a basic 5”x5” card blank cut down to create a diamond shape.
Measure and mark 2 ½” along the top edge, the right edge and the bottom edge.
Draw a feint pencil line to create a diamond point.
Using a paper cutter or a pair of scissors – cut away the two triangles to create a diamond-shaped card base.
Use a scoreboard or carefully fold down the 2 ½”. line (the top mark will meet the bottom mark) on the front of the card.
Next, decorate the card using the elements shown below
PLEASE NOTE – THE DECORATIVE PANELS OF EACH CARD HAVE THE SAME DIMENSIONS. However, each card has different elements.
A full tutorial with decorating tips can be viewed on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel
LINK –
DIAMOND EASEL CARD – PORTRAIT
1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above
1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
1 x Warm Wishes Chipboard element to create a stopper
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
Decorate the inside of the card first. Then adhere the 3 1/2 “ x 3 ½” white card topper to the triangle (fold) on the front of the card. Remember to glue the square on the lower half of the diamond, before continuing to decorate.
The Warm Wishes 12×12 papers work perfectly with white, kraft and black cardstock.
The Warm Wishes Ephemera makes wonderful toppers and the Warm Wishes Chipboard pieces can be used as toppers to hold the front easel in place on the card.
DIAMOND FOLD CARD – LANDSCAPE
1 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as shown above
1 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
2 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 2 ¼” x 2 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
This time, keep the diamond in landscape mode and decorate as for the portrait card above.No stopper is required.
These cards lie flat for posting and fit inside a standard envelope.
The next card makes a great card for the special people in your life. It is based on the same idea above but this time there is a diamond panel on each end and a large centre panel to add a sentiment.
DOUBLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD
2 – 5”x5” white card blank with a diamond point on front only
2 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
2 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
4 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 4 ¾” x 4 ¾” decorative panel from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – Warm Wishes Journalling card – large
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
When making the initial card base – remember to cut the diamond point on the front panel only. The two square panels are then adhered together to form the main card. To achieve a clean line – try cutting ¼” away from one of the squares. Then both cards will sit well together, allowing you to close the card flat.
The Warm Wishes Journalling cards work well, both as sentiments inside the card, and decorative panels, to add your own text on the back of the card.
The final card is a real showstopper and would look great on a festive mantlepiece.
TRIPLE DIAMOND FOLD CARD
2 – 5”x5” white card blank cut as diamonds and scored down both 2 ½” marks
3 – 3 ½” x 3 ½” white card
3 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
6 – 2 ¼” x 4 ¾” decorative panels from Warm Wishes 12×12 papers
1 – 3 ¼” x 3 ¼” decorative panel – cut diagonally to create 2 triangles
Warm Wishes Ephemera, Stickers and Chipboard to decorate
The two card bases are created in the same way as card number 2. Then both sides should be scored down at the 2 ½” mark. The two centre triangles are folded in and upwards and the centre topper lays flat on both of them. Full details and tips can be followed in my video on the Graphic 45 YouTube Channel.
This set of cards is perfect for beginners and more experienced crafters. By working with one basic card fold, four different cards can be created. They make wonderful Christmas cards, however, each style can be used throughout the year.
Happy crafting!
Love Elisabeth xx
TOP TIPS
Take care with the fold lines and use a bone folder if possible.
Use wet glue to stick the toppers to the triangular flaps rather than to the topper.
Take your time when lining up the diamond toppers to the card base – ensuring that the bottom point perfectly matches the card base.
The Double Diamond Fold card and the Triple Diamond Fold card will lie flat for postage – however if adding additional toppers – consider making a matching box to hold these showstoppers into.
Although I create festive cards throughout the year because of tv launches: it is only now that I begin my personal Christmas card-making.
This year, I am recording short videos as I go. This means that if you see a card design you like, you will have a few pointers to get your creative juices flowing. I am at about the halfway mark so allow me to share a few of my recent favourites.
Day 1 – Star card
This is such a simple stamped card but sometimes they make the most striking designs.
Day 4 – Stamped stag card
This is another stamped and masked card – based on an idea from a few years ago.
Day 7 – Teepee card
This year I decided to make mini teepee cards and tie them up with a festive ribbon.
Day 11 – Origami Christmas tree
This set of papers “Let’s Get Cozy” from Graphic 45 has a nordic feel to it so I made a matching fir tree using a great origami technique.
Each of my video tutorials is launched at 5.30pm (UK time) and is saved to a dedicated playlist. This means you can watch as you craft. I have even included a festive sound track for you to listen to in the background.
I would love to hear when you try any of these ideas. Please tag me on social media @elisabethhogarthdesigns
I have the perfect pick-me-up collection to brighten the shorter days ahead. “Little Things” from @Graphic45 is full of delightful characters, fabulous flora and joyous, uplifting colours. I have created an octagonal album and a set of eight cards which I would love to share with you.
The octagonal album is a kit set from Oakwood Direct which is based in the UK. It includes simple instructions for construction. Then I decorated the front cover with the main image from “Little Things” and coordinated it with the Floral Assortment.
Next, I moved on to decorating the inside pages.
Finally, I used the “scraps” to create a set of eight matching cards.
You can see more of this album, the cards and the second set of cards I created with the “Little Things” stamp set in my YouTube video
I would love to know your thoughts on this adorable collection.
October 1st is World Card Making Day so let us celebrate this great hobby and be proud of all the cards we create and send. I was fortunate to receive two design team parcels this morning. I opened up the larger box which held a plethora of crafting goodies from the team @Graphic45
12×12 Paper collections
I chose to work with the new Let’s Get Cozy, Cafe Parisian, Home Sweet Home and Little Things. I will create projects for each collection and share the videos on my YouTube channel
Embellishments, Dies and Card Club
In addition, I opted for the Folder and Sentiment dies, Card Club Volume 11, Journalling cards and Ephemera. Everything compliments the 12×12 paper collections.
G45 Brand Ambassador Unboxing
I know how lucky I am to receive these generous packages. I do work hard to create content and share inspiration so that I can show my love of Graphic 45. I know that some of you enjoy the unboxing process which is why I show the products above in an unboxing video.
Card Club Volume 11 – Card 2 – Let it Snow
In addition to the unboxing of the G45 goodies, I decided to celebrate World Card Making Day by trying out one of the card designs from Card Club Volume 11. This was a first for me and it was a great experience and one I shall repeat. The card on the left features Let It Snow. The card on the right features Let’s Get Cozy.
Let’s Get Cozy
I fell in love with the colours and the imagery of this collection immediately. You can see a quick flick through of the papers in the video at around the 17-minute mark. Then I use the z-fold card above to create another holiday card with Let’s Get Cozy.
My latest YouTube video is a great mix of new products, mini card tutorials, and other ways to use your Graphic 45 products. Follow the link below to watch it now. If you enjoy watching then please do like the video, subscribe to my channel and hit the bell for new notifications.
Thank you for being a part of this great card-making journey.
It is good to be back on my blog again – after a few weeks away (recovering from Covid). Today, I would like to share photos from my Charmed Shadow Box Album. I am predominantly a card maker but I really wanted to create and craft more of a keepsake. I also knew that if anything would get me crafting again it would be a G45 collection and Charmed was a fantastic starting point. My plan is to create a recipe book to hold sweets and treats recipes for Halloween. When I was growing up, we made fudge and honeycomb which was much more fun than buying all the treats that are available now. The Journaling cards will eventually become recipe cards.
I bought the Shadow Box Album from a UK company called Oakwood UK and spent a little time following the instructions to make it up. Then I moved on to decorating the frames of the front and back cover, then the pages. In hindsight, I should have created these in reverse but it was just the way my creative juices were working.
Front Cover
I was immediately drawn to these two beautiful ladies. The stylish witch is an Ephemera cut out and the party girl is a Journaling card.
Embellishments
Because the front cover is a shadow box, I was able to add extra 2D embellishments within the frame. The burnt orange pumpkins and mini witch add another layer of interest. Look carefully at the purple trim and you will see a “Charmed” tag. I show you how to make these in my video. Link below.
Boo!
I began by making a pocket that flips outwards which I decorated with the Charmed 12×12 papers and a smaller Journaling card.
More pumpkins.
Even the “scrap” title line can be stamped upon with the matching “Charmed” stamp set. This set is a must-have in my opinion because of the details that match the papers.
Embossing folders
I added another layer of interest by embossing purple cardstock and tinting it with gold gilding wax. The bubbles work really well in the witch’s brew.
Pockets.
Every single pattern works well together. Here, I made a pair of pockets to house more tags.
Mini flaps
I adhered a set of four matching pages with a small hinge to create a mini book. Again, there is plenty of space for recipes.
Stickers.
There are two sheets of stickers within the Charmed collection and these can be used to decorate the inside of the flaps. I particularly like the border strips because they can be cut to any length and add a little detail to any project.
All treats. No tricks.
The phrase above is one of the themes of this collection. This border strip is my favourite version and it makes a great pouch too!
How could I forget this witch?
This harlequin witch stamp is one of my favourite “favourites” of the whole collection. Here I have stamped her onto the Patterns and Solids papers because it will then match perfectly to the other colours within the papers.
Back Cover.
The back cover is equally as charming as the front. The larger Journaling card fits perfectly inside the shadow frame. In the corner, you will see a purple and orange border. Once again, this is from another brilliant sheet of borders and patterns. Never underestimate just how useful these pages are.
If you would like to see my Charmed Shadow Box Album then follow the link to my YouTube video. I don’t pretend to be an Album Maker however I thoroughly enjoyed the entire process. In addition, I will show you how to add embossing powders to glam up mdf pumpkins and create mini stamped embellishments using shrink backed plastic.
I loved creating with this “gifted” collection and I am sure you will too. All I need to do now is write up the recipe cards.
I had a great time crafting with the entire Christmas collection including the new Essential papers. You can see everything and all my projects and top tips in my latest YouTube video.
You may have seen this hexagonal pop-up box card before. I was reminded of it by my crafting friend Karen Watling who shared the design on World Card Making Day in my Facebook group Creative Minds Kind Hearts. https://www.facebook.com/groups/creativemindsiikindhearts
The Voyage Beneath the Sea papers from Graphic 45 lend themselves nicely to this card shape so I decided to see if I could make three different sizes. I used 12×12 card stock around 160 – 180 gsm. A few folds are required so try to pick a lighter weight for construction. My video has a full tutorial and I will explain that the depth of the box can be changed depending on the size of the hexagonal template.
MY SOUL
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 7cm/ 2 3/4″ and will fit into an 8″x8″ envelope
I’M REALLY A MERMAID
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 5.5cm/ 2 1/8″ and will fit into a 6 1/2″ x 9″ envelope
VOYAGE BENEATH THE SEA
This hexagonal box is based on a die with an edge of 5 cm/ 2″ and will fit in a 6″x6″ envelope.
To watch the full tutorial follow the link to my YouTube channel: –
If you would like to connect with other fans of Graphic 45 then join the Facebook Group
My season as a Brand Ambassador for Graphic 45 has officially begun. They are an international, iconic paper crafting brand and it has a privilege for me to be a part of their team. On a personal level I have lovingly curated their papers for many years and usually save, and then use them for my personal creations. The imagery evokes strong personal memories for me. My Mama was a crafter and passed her passion onto me. My Pa was an architect and my Grandad was an acrylic painter too. Creativity runs through my veins and I love keeping my family legacy alive.
If you have seen my other cards and craft makes over the years then you will see many similarities in the new creations I make. However, there will be far more personal projects using the Graphic 45 products and personal reflection so you may see another side to me. If you are new to my crafting journey then I really hope you like what you see and will enjoy following me and watching me develop throughout the coming months.
I will begin with a classy collection called Couture. I love it because my parents were born in the 1920s and they grew up with the style and colours depicted in these papers and embellishments.
KEEPSAKE TAG BOX
This began life as a simple mdf tag box. I die-cut the dress-makers mannequin and tried a few basque designs before I was happy. The buttons are tiny red sequins. It was then a matter of building up the layers using the Couture ephemera, stickers and papers. The box will hold one of Mama’s thimbles which you can see in the photo.
HANDBAG GIFT BOX AND CAS CARDS
Believe it or not, this handbag began life as Covid packaging. I have previously shown how you can adapt it. The peacock paper is wonderful to work with and so in keeping with the era. This is just one of four clean and simple cards. Graphic 45 works with all crafting genres.
LADIES DAY
This is a 4″x6″ card made for Ladies Day at Royal Ascot. Funnily enough the Tonic stamp is called Ladies Day too. I stamped onto the G45 papers and fussy cut the dress which I then layered onto the main image. I am a big fan of the notecards page in the collection too because they make the perfect instant background.
MATCHING HANDBAG
Every outfit needs a matching handbag and this mini Kensington bag works perfectly with the outfit above.
COUTURE NOTEBOOK
This is a notebook cover which you would pay good money for in a shop. I often buy cheap notebooks and art journals, and decorate the covers so that the beautiful designs inspire me to work on something new. The notecard worked beautifully with the Dienamix Iron Frame Die from Craft Consortium.
DOUBLE CORNER EASEL CARD
This is a larger style card which I made because I wanted to use the notecards. I embellished the middle one with a complimenting sticker and a Sentiment stamp.
FREE TUTORIAL
This is a smaller version of the card above and you can see how to make it in my YouTube video, along with all the cards and projects I have shared today.
You will be able to see another of my makes plus a full video tutorial on the Graphic 45 Blog on Monday 20th June. Let the creative fun begin!
Elisabeth Hogarth Designs 