Farewell to Graphic 45!!

Hello Lifers!

I have had an AMAZING year being part of the Graphic 45 Design Team over the last year.

However...all good things come to an end.  

Check out my Farewell Post on the Graphic 45 Blog!!

Fond Farewell to Keri Sallee

You can also find a Snapguide for a this quick and easy gift project: 

XOXO

KERI Sallee

CHA Paper Arts+ Blog Hop

Hello Lifers!

Today, I am SUPER excited to bring you something a little different.

A few weeks ago I was asked by the Designer Council for CHA (The Craft and Hobby Association) to participate in a HUGE blog hop with some fellow designers and companies. 

Of course I said yes!!

AND then I found out...it gets even COOLER! You have a chance to win a serious prize just by "hopping" along! {more info on that in a bit!}

For my project, I got to work with a great company called Art Impressions. They make adorable stamps and coordinating dies and are always coming out with something to "shake" things up!

One of their new and innovative products is what they call their "spinners." This brilliant product allows you to add fun movement to you cards and projects.

When they were first introduced, Kate Swanson from Art Impressions made this little video for Scrapbook Expo.

Being more of an altered art person, I wanted to take their spinners out of a card setting and into something more 3-D, so I decided to use a black Graphic 45 Window Shadow Box to make my project fun and interactive. 

I was able to use the "Frosting Spinner" Stamp and coordinating Die, so I wanted to do something fun and bright to match my cute little mouse.

He was stamped on watercolor paper using Ranger's Archival Ink in Black, colored with Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens and cut by lining up the die with my stamped image and running it through my Sizzix Big Shot. SUPER EASY!!

Here is him facing forward: 

And here he is when you spin him around: 

I made a quick little video just to show the interactive features of my project: 

Art Impressions also sent me their "Cupcake BFF" stamp, so I knew she had to be my little mouse's best friend at his party: 

She was stamped on Watercolor paper, colored with Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens and hand cut out.

Want see more? Here are a few close-ups!!

Carta Bella's "It's a Celebration" was a PERFECT collection to host a party for my little cupcake mouse!

NOW...on to the giveaway!!!

WIN $500!

Follow the CHA Paper Arts+ Blog Hop all week on the CHA Blog for updates on new designer blog posts and projects. There will be a “password” at the end of each designer blog post. Make sure you keep track of all of the “passwords.” At the end of the hop you’ll need to use the “passwords” to form a phrase.

The first two people to tweet CHA @Craftandhobby the correct phrase will win:

1st Prize: $500 toward travel to the Paper Arts+ Show (trade only)

2nd Prize: $25 AMEX gift card

MY PASSWORD: YOU

Don’t forget, registration is now open for the CHA Paper Arts+ Show in Chicagoland where you’ll see, touch and learn about product, like the ### that was donated for this Blog Hop by ####.  Paper Arts+ is A CRAFT FUSION experience with exhibits offering everything from paper to jewelry to mixed media materials.  The industry will be there looking for fourth quarter trends and new product SKUs. Members attend for FREE! For more information and to register, visit www.craftandhobby.org/paperarts.

XOXO, 

KERI 

"Once Upon a Springtime" with Graphic 45

Hello Creatives!

Just a quick share today!

On the Graphic 45, I am so excited to be sharing a tag I made using the newly rereleased "Once Upon a Springtime" Collection from Graphic 45. It was featured in the G45 Booth at CHA 2015 in Ahaheim, CA.

Here's a little sneak peek:

For more pics, details and more amazing Springtime projects, check out:

Embrace Spring on the Graphic 45 Blog!

XOXO,

KERI

Round 2!! Graphic 45 Design Team Call

I was so excited (and honestly...a little relieved! LOL!) to see my name on the Top 25 for the Graphic 45 Design Team Call.

I made it through Round 1...{insert big sigh of relief and big girly SQUEL!!}

For round 2, we had to do a video with either a tutorial or a video showcasing 3 of our favorite projects.

I decided to do a tutorial video because I had a new technique I wanted to share and I thought this was the perfect opportunity!

Here is my video for how to make a mini album from just 3 sheets of paper...there's also a little message from me to you!

Enjoy!!

XOXO,
KERI

Graphic 45 Design Team Audition 2015

Holy WOW...has it been a year already?

I have had the amazing year being on the Graphic 45 Design Team and sadly it is coming to an end...or at least the FIRST year is! :)

Graphic 45 is looking for a new team for 2015 and...fingers crossed...I hope to join them again for another year.

Today, I want to show you my favorite Graphic 45 projects from the last year.

"Magic of Oz" Altered Shoe

I can't help but go all the way back to a year ago when I was working on my first audition.

I LOVED the idea of doing something out of the box and someone incorporate the "Magic of Oz" collection into it.

And being me {giggle}...I think...SHOES!! LOL

"Raining Cats & Dogs" Book

I had the fun opportunity to make a few projects for last years Paper Arts Show presented by the Craft and Hobby Association.

I fell in love with the "Raining Cats and Dogs" paper from the moment I saw it, so I had jumped at the chance to make this book box featuring this collection. The mixture of teal and tomato red, with the black accents and fun puppies and kitties made this one so easy to work with.

My book was featured on Scrapbook.com's Video from the Paper Arts Show!

"Graphic 45 Paper Flowers 4 Ways" Video

I was so excited when G45 asked me to do a special video sharing some of the ways I use their cardstock flowers.

I decided to use G45 tags and the "Couture" collection and show, not only the technique behind each flower, but a finished project using each.

"Baby 2 Bride" Miniature Box 

Sometimes you just gotta try something new, right?

I have always been fascinated by my fellow DT Member Nichola's ability to make these little scenes in boxes (or other cool vessels), so I wanted to try my creative hand at going miniature.

"Times Nouveau" Memory Canvas

& 

"Art Washes..." Mixed Media Canvas

Lastly, I wanted to share two of my favorite Mixed Media Pieces I've made during my time on the Graphic 45 Design Team. 

I have LOVED the idea of taking Graphic 45 to a level you don't see it often of Mixed Media...with paints, modeling paste, and all sorts of yummy messiness. :)

My "Times Nouveau" Memory Canvas adds a memory aspect to a typical Mixed Media piece, by adding an album made from G45 tags. 

My "Art Washes..." was from a blog hop we did with Core'dinations and I was Ssssooo excited because I finally got to use a technique I had been dying to use...I used varying colors of Core'dinations Cardstock, embossing it with tons of different patterns and layering those to form my background. I then layered all sorts of "Typography" yumminess on top of it.

So there you go....my 6 favorite projects from the last year on the Graphic 45 Design Team.

Words can not express how humble and honored I have been to be on the Graphic 45 Design Team for the last year and I would LOVE to extend that amazing opportunity for another year.

Fingers Crossed, friends!! 

XOXO,

KERI

Stamping Techniques with Graphic 45

Hello Lifers!

I have to admit...although I own a lot of stamps, I don't consider myself a "stamper." I like graphic stamps that can be used over and over without looking the same. I think I think "stamp" and I think I have to make a card! LOL

Today, on the Graphic 45 blog, I am sharing a stamping technique that allows you create your own resist background!

Here's a little sneak peek:

For more pictures and the complete Snapguide, 

you can click here----> Graphic 45 Stamping Techniques

Have an awesome day!!

Xoxo,

KERI

What's up 2015?!?!

Happy New year!!

Are you having a great year? :)

For the last few years, the beginning of a new year has brought one of my all time favorite experiences: The Craft and Hobby Association Trade Show!!

It is held each January in Anaheim, California and I have had the total privilege the last few years to be able to attend.

Alas...this year I will not be...BUT...I do have the AWESOME privilege of having 7 projects featured in the Graphic 45 Booth!

Since the week leading up to CHA is notorious for sneak peeks, G45 has been showing some new collections, one of which I got to make a project with.

And let me tell you...it is DROOL WORTHY (the collection...not my project...OK...it's pretty good too! LOL)

The collection is called "Artisan Style" and it is all about the romantic era of the 1920s and Art Deco style.

G45 showed off this picture yesterday on their blog: 

I used a vintage 7Gypsies Cathedral Window Chipboard album of my base and cut my flowers with Tim Holtz "Tattered Florals" die for Sizzix. 

Here's a few pics you didn't see on the G45 blog!

There will be more pics to come and to see the full "Artisan Style" collection, check out the Graphic 45: Sneak Peek Artisan Style

XOXO,

KERI

Graphic 45 Christmas Ornaments...How did I forget this!?

OH my word Lifers!!

Last weekend we for my husband's family Christmas, we rented a house in Branson, MO. It...was...awesome! No one had to clean their house...it was so huge that the kids could be else where in the house and the adults could actually converse without interruption. (GASP! LOL)

While I was doing family time, I totally forgot to share my ornament on the Graphic 45 blog!

Here's a sneak peek!

For more info and pictures, head on over to the Graphic 45 Blog.

Even though it's christmas now...this little ornament can easily be translated into any holiday!

XOXO,

KERI 

Core'dinations Blog Hop with Graphic 45

Hello Lovely Lifers!

I hope you are having an amazing day. 

Today, I want to share with you a super fun blog hop that is going on with Graphic 45 and Core'dinations Cardstock.

Graphic 45 is having an AMAZING giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Today, is my day and I decided to go Mixed Media for my project.

Core'dinations is a fantastic line of cardstock that has different color cores so when it's sanded, crumbled and distressed it shows different colors.

Here is a sneak peak of the base for this piece:

Want to see more?

Check out the Graphic 45 Blog for more details and more fantastic projects!!

Graphic 45 and Core'dinations Blog Hop Day 5

XOXO

KERI

Going Little in a Very BIG Way!

Hello Lifers!!

Today I am SUPER excited to FINALLY share my first EVER mini scene.

It's featured in today's Graphic 45 Newsletter using their new Mixed Media Boxes.

{don't get the news letter? Click Here to Sign Up} 

I used  the Graphic 45 "Baby 2 Bride" re-released collection and their new 5x5 Mixed Media Box in Kraft.

I wanted to go with the Bride theme and make a scene that looked like a someone was getting ready for a special day.

I started with making an origami dress.

Check out How to Make an Origami Dress With Graphic 45 by Keri Sallee on Snapguide.

I added these fun "mini" touches I found in the doll furniture section of Hobby Lobby. I distressed the little dresser Shabby Chic style to keep with the pastel tones of the Graphic 45 paper.

The frame on the right is made from a blank necklace bezel that I cut a coordinating G45 sticker to fit. 

My photo frame on the back wall is made from a stamp that come with the G45 "Raining Cats and Dogs" Collection. that I popped up a "Baby 2 Bride" sticker on.

My rug is made from a piece of paper that was fringed. How perfect?!

Behind my dress is a collage of vintage inspired wall decor. Like my other wall, my frames are made from blank necklace bezels. That beautiful cameo was found at an antique market (it's a reproduction though) and my key is from Graphic 45.

I LOVE my little scene! My shoes are compliments of my neighbors little girls and their huge Barbie collection! LOL

To finish my project, I wanted to make my cover reminiscent of a wedding bouquet.

 I used Petaloo Flowers, Prima Marketing Flowers and flowers from The Paper Studio and Michaels. I added bits of lace and a G45 Key Hole.

So there you go! I hope you enjoyed my "little" project! I hope it inspires you to try something new!

XOXO,

KERI

My Day on Marion Smith Designs!

It's my day over on the Marion Smith Designs Blog!

Today I am showing you how to make 3 fabulous tags...no matter how much time you have!!

Check out full details here:

Bloom Impressions and Tags!

Have a great day!

XOXO,

KERI

Hello Update!

Hello Lifers!

I hope you are all doing amazingly well.

I have been crazy busy and although I've been around on other blogs, it's been a little bit since I updated my own. (isn't that just the way it goes!)

Here's what I've been up to:

Marion Smith Designs

This month, I had two projects featured on Marion Smith Design's blog.

The first was a simple, but beautiful project using Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel, Water Colors, Vintage Sheet Music and Marion's "Curious" Stamp Set. 

You can see the full tutorial here: Stamping Gold with Curious Stamp Set

My second project features the joining of two of my favorite companies: Marion Smith and Graphic 45!!

I used Graphic 45's Small Matchbox, along with Marion's Garment District.

You can see more pics here: Garment District Altered Matchbox

Graphic 45

I have been having so much fun stretching myself on the Graphic 45 Design Team.

Here are 3 of my most recent projects:

YES! I actually did a "Project Life" style Scrapbook layout. My sister-in-law would be so proud! LOL

Did I go a little crazy on the fussy cutting? :)

I turned Graphic 45's banners in to a spooky shingled roof for my little house made from a file folder!

What?! YES!

You can see these and more over on the Graphic 45 Blog

For Others...

Many of you know that I have a total heart for an organization called Saving Grace, which is a home that houses and helps girls between the ages of 18-early 20s who have aged out of foster care, are homeless or have a living situation that is unhealthy.

Last year I was asked to come to their mentor/mentee retreat and do a project with the ladies. We did crowns and dress because the them was "What Not to Wear."

This year I am so honored to be asked back again. This year, the theme is "Fight Like a Girl" and I was asked to design a paper mache dress form.

Here is what I came up with:

I was able to use this piece on a mixed media website that I was asked to do a guest post for.

You can read more about the story behind this piece at: Mixed Media Art-Taking Your Art Journaling Out of a Book .

For me....

As an artist in this business, it is so easy to get so caught up in "assignments" that you never create just for yourself.

Last week, I felt that tug in my creative spirit. I thought...when was the last time I sat down and created with out an agenda? An honestly...the answer was close to 5 months.

So, I decided to change that.

I pulled out this old canvas that I had played with last year, but never finished. It had mod podged newspaper covered in Tattered Angels spray ink, with a green glittered fleur-de-lie kind of shape in the corner. Ya...I had no idea where I was going when I started this one! LOL.

I've been wanting to work more on my painting skills, so I decided to use this project for some fun experimenting on my painting style. I just played....

This is what I came up with: 

She's not done yet, but I love her. I plan on adding a quote and some other fun elements, but even if I never finish it or it takes me another year, it's still a symbol of what I can do and reminder to do it more often..just for the fun of it.

So there you go...a quick little update on what has been going on in my studio.

I promise, now that school is back in session, I WILL be more faithful to blogging. :) or atleast I'll try. 

Until next time friends, remember to make your art an intentional part of your life and not an after thought.

XOXO,

KERI

P,S. Did I mention my YouTube Channel "The Creative Life Studios?" I've got a lot in the works for it!

P.S.S. Did I mention I am taking a "Belts Bracelets" class from Christy Tomlinson? Ya...super excited. More on that later. :)