Crafty Dreams really do come true!

Crafty dreams really do come true! ♥

It was in the late-spring of 2011 that I submitted my first application for the Graphic 45 design team. My heart literally stopped when I was selected for round 2! Then the 2011-2012 design team was announced. I remember I woke up to email notifications the day the Graphic 45 blog announcement was made - my phone was literally "pinging" off the hook! It was then... on that very day... that my crafty dreams came true. I had always dreamed of being on the Graphic 45 design team, but thought with all the talent out there, how would I even be considered? But you know what? You never really know, unless you try. ♥

I came to love Graphic 45 back in 2010 when I was first introduced to Fashionista at my local scrapbook store. I fell in love with the color palette, the vintage imagery and design and the quality of the papers. It was then that I started posting videos on my YouTube channel "Mybutterflykisses12" of projects featuring Graphic 45. 

It's with a heavy heart that I had to make the decision this year to not apply for a 4th term with the Graphic 45 design team. The family behind the Graphic 45 name is nothing short of AMAZING! I want to give the most heartfelt "THANK YOU" to Diane Shultz, Aimee Filimoehala, Charee Filimoehala, and Joanna Harding for the most wonderful opportunity to design for Graphic 45. Not only have I made lifelong friends on the team, but being on the team was like being part of the family - and that alone, was very special to me. ♥

Today on the Graphic 45 blog is my farewell from the design team [me --> holding back the tears!] I hope you have time to run on over and peek and some of my favorite projects over the past year and a new project I created -- A Botanicabella tag album (sneak peek above)!

Click HERE to jump over to the Graphic 45 blog now.

I want to thank all my friends and followers alike for all the support over the years. This is not good-bye, but a brief "farewell for now". I hope to see you around social media... stay in touch! ♥

Much love and butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Card featuring Enchanted Forest collection by Graphic 45!

Hello friends!

I'd like to share a card I created featuring Graphic 45's Enchanted Forest paper collection. This collection is so whimsical and fun, it was the perfect collection to create this card with loads of layers! 

Here are more photos:

I fussy cut some butterflies from Botanicabella, which complimented the card...

I love all the fairies and vintage imagery of this collection...

Thank you so much for stopping by to take a peek at one of my last projects with the Graphic 45 design team. I have another project left to share with you, coming soon! Hope to see you back here for that! ♥

Be sure to visit the Graphic 45 blog today for more card inspiration!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Product List:

Enchanted Forest - 8x8 paper pad, 6x6 Patterns and Solids, Journaling and Ephemera cards

Staples: Metal Clock Key

Petaloo flowers

Prima pearls (black)

Paper Trey Ink kraft card stock

La La Land Crafts dies

Botanicabella (butterflies)

Twine

Ranger Distress ink - Black Soot

Celebrate Special Moments with a Layout and Graphic 45!

Hello friends!

Today I'd like to share one of my last Graphic 45 projects for the 2015-2016 design team term. It's been an amazing journey designing for Graphic 45 for 3 years! But because my career is taking me in a new direction, I had to make the tough decision not to reapply for the 2016-2017 design team term. Unfortunately creative time will be scarce, and I'll be taking a little break from blogging and YouTube for a bit. 😔  (Not just yet, I have a couple more projects in the pipeline!) It was a very tough decision knowing I'll need to "disconnect". However, I know in my heart it's the right decision for me and my family. ♥

I created this 12x12 scrapbook page of my niece Cadence who performed in her very first ballet recital last month -- I'm so proud of her! I created this scrapbook page so her mommy and daddy could remember that special night. The page features Graphic 45's A Ladies Diary Deluxe Collectors edition and some odds and ends from my stash of A Ladies Diary from years back.

I love that Graphic 45 revived this collection as it's one of my all time favorites! ♥ Grab it quick while you still can!

Here are more photos of the scrapbook page, and don't go too far because I have a video tutorial to share with you that shows you beginning-to-end how this scrapbook page was created.  ♥

Here is the video tutorial showing you how this scrapbook page was created...

I want to thank each and every one of you for following me on my creative journey, many of you have been with me since the very beginning and I have made so many valuable friendships along the way. Please know that this is not "goodbye" but simply "see you later". ♥

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Product List:

A Ladies’ Diary Deluxe Collector’s Edition pack

A Ladies’ Diary 8x8 paper pad

A Ladies Diary chipboard

A Ladies Diary Stickers

Staples: Metal Clock Key

White Doilies

Petaloo Flowers

Wild Orchid Crafts flowers

La La Land Crafts Two Leaves Die

MFT Jelly Bean Green cardstock

Recollections pearls

Pretty Pink Posh sequins

Twine

Upcycle with Graphic 45!

Hello there!

For today's project I am recycling some old mason jar lids that I had left over from a project. I didn't know what to do with them, but decided to try to incorporate them onto an altered wooden sign to use as decor in my home office. The sign features Graphic 45's Botanical Tea collection and some of the fun Staples Shabby Chic metal pieces! ♥

Here are more photos of the altered sign. Included below is a link to the Snapguide tutorial showing you some of the details of how I pulled this project together.

I distressed the mason jar lids with gesso and acrylic paint and sanded it down a bit once the paint was dry. The lids were a perfect accent under the fluttering butterflies!

I used small left over pieces of Botantical Tea papers from my stash to punch out the butterflies and create the circles on the mason jar lids. Don't throw out those small paper scraps after working on a project! You never know when they will come in handy! ♥ I store all of my small paper scraps in a clear plastic envelope so I can easily see the contents. The envelope is then stored in the same storage container where I keep all things "Botanical Tea". ♥

Here is the Snapguide tutorial:

Check out How to Recycle Mason Jar Lids to Make an Altered Sign by Arlene Butterflykisses on Snapguide.

I hope you give one of these altered signs a try!

Be sure to visit the Graphic 45 blog for more details on this project including the product list!

Thanks so much for stopping by.

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Graphic 45: Communique card

Hello there!

I'd like to share a card I created featuring Graphic 45's Communique Deluxe Collector's Edition pack. I LOVE that Graphic 45 brought back this classic collection, it's one of my all time favorites! This card was created for the Graphic 45 booth at Winter CHA 2016. 

Here are more photos:

I love the imagery and vintage feel of the collection...

And of course... I had to finish the inside of the card as well. ♥

Thank you so much for stopping by to take a peek at my latest Graphic 45 creation.

Be sure to visit the Graphic 45 BLOG for more inspiration from the design team!

Have a wonderful day!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Products:

Communique Deluxe Collector’s Edition pack

Staples: Ornate Metal Keyhole, Ornate Metal key

Paper Trey Ink Kraft card stock, Black card stock

Petaloo Flowers

Twine

Recollections Pearls

Black Doily

Graphic 45/May Arts Blog Hop, Day 2!

Hello friends!

This week over at the Graphic 45 blog, we are hosting a Blog hop with May Arts, the creators of fabulously chic and gorgeous ribbons! Be sure to visit the Graphic 45 blog this entire week for a dose of creative inspiration from the designers!

We were asked to create a project with a touch of these gorgeous ribbons by May Arts. I created a multi-photo 12x12 layout of my sweet niece Jaelyn featuring Graphic 45's Enchanted Forest paper collection and May Arts ribbon!

Here is a sneak peek:

Be sure to hop over to the Graphic 45 Blog for more photos, a product list and a video tutorial showing you how to create this layout!

Thanks so much for stopping by and have a wonderful crafty week ahead!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Products:

Enchanted Forest: 12x12, 6x6 Patterns and Solids, Chipboard 1 and Chipboard 2, Journaling and Ephemera cards

Staples: Metal Clock Keys, Ornate Metal Key, Metal Door Plates & Knobs

Petaloo Flowers

May Arts Ribbon

Hot Glue

Glossy Accents

Aleene’s glue

Graphic 45: Altered Easter Egg & Tutorial

Hello friends and happy Monday!

Hope you enjoyed your weekend. Today, I'd like to share a special Easter project with you. I created this altered Easter Egg using a Styrafoam egg from Michael's and Graphic 45's Children's Hour and Time to Flourish paper collections.

I have a tutorial for you as well, showing you how I altered the egg.

Click HERE to visit the Graphic 45 blog for more pictures and my video tutorial.

First, here is a quick sneak peek of my altered Easter egg:

So much FUN! ♥

Click HERE to visit the Graphic 45 blog now.

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderfully, creative week ahead!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Products:

Children’s Hour: April Collective, April Montage, May Montage

Time to Flourish: April Cut Apart

Petaloo flowers

5” Styrofoam egg

Pearl top pins (approx. 250)

Flower punch(es) - I’m using Stampin Up

Small Paint brush 

Rubber/Foam pad

Hot Glue

Pretty Pink Posh sequins

Sheer white ribbon

Crystal top pin

Get Ready for Easter with Graphic 45!

Hello there and happy Monday! ♥

Today I have a project featured over at the Graphic 45 blog and I hope you run on over and check it out.  ♥ 

Easter is just around the corner and I've been in "easter egg alteration mode" in my craftroom the past few weeks! I created this fun Easter Egg hanging decor featuring Graphic 45's Children's Hour and Sweet Sentiments paper collections. Perfect to dress up your house for the Easter holiday!

Here are a few close-up pictures, but be sure to stop over at the Graphic 45 blog for more pictures and a video for this project!

Thanks for stopping by!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Products:

Children’s Hour 6x6 Patterns and Solids, 8x8 paper pad, Chipboard

Sweet Sentiments

Staples: Ornate Metal Keys

Petaloo flowers

Wild Orchid Crafts flowers

Recollections resin frame

Hot glue

Scotch Quick Dry Adhesive

A Card featuring G45's Voyage Beneath the Sea!

Hello my friends! 

Today I'd like to share a card I created for the Graphic 45 booth at Winter CHA 2016. The card features one of Graphic 45's newest collections -- Voyage Beneath the Sea! It's the perfect collection for all your summer, beach, water themed projects!

Here are more photos of the card I created:

Please stop by the Graphic 45 BLOG where the G45 designers have more card designs that are sure to get your crafty mojo kickin'!

Thanks for peeking in and have a wonderful week full of inspiration and creativity! ♥

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Product List:

Voyage Beneath the Sea - 12 x12 pad

Staples: Ornate Metal Key

Petaloo Flowers

Prima velvet leaves

Metal Trinkets from my stash

Pretty Pink Posh sequins

Pearl strand

Paper Trey ink Kraft card stock

MFT Persimmon card stock

White doily

Ranger Distress Ink - Walnut Stain

Get Ready for Valentine's Day with Graphic 45: Day 1 - Altered Window Shadowbox

Hello friends!

Today I want to share an altered Window Shadowbox that I created for Graphic 45 featuring Mon Amour. This project commemorates one of my favorite photos of my husband and I. We will be celebrating16 years this April and we're still going strong! ♥

Here are some photos of the shadowbox. I will also be sharing a Snapguide tutorial that will show you how to position your photos into the Graphic 45 Window Shadowbox for a perfect display!

Check out How to Position Images in Graphic 45 Staples Shadowbox by Arlene Butterflykisses on Snapguide.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Be sure to pop on over to the Graphic 45 BLOG, where you can find more Valentine's Day inspiration from the Graphic 45 Design Team!

hugs & butterflykisses xoxo,

Arlene

Products:

Window Shadow Box (Ivory)

Mon Amour 12x12 papers

Mon Amour 6x6 Patterns and Solids

Mon Amour Decorative Chipboard

Mon Amour Ephemera cards

Staples: Ornate Metal Drawer Pull, Ornate Metal Keyhole, Ornate Metal Key, Claw Feet

Wooden Block letters - Bottlecap Co.

Paper Studio Glass viles

Wooden Spool

Wooden cube

Wooden mini bird house

Momento metal corners

Metal Door pull

Wooden mini flower pot

I Am Roses flowers & rosebuds

Wild Orchid Crafts flowers

Recollections Pearls

White paint

Rub N' Buff - Antique Gold