Sunday, September 21, 2025

Botanical Tea Mini Album | Full Walkthrough & Materials List

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Title:
Botanical Tea Mini Album | Full Walkthrough & Materials List

Post:
Hi crafty friends, it’s Michelle from Creatively Michelle!

Today I’m sharing my newest handmade album using the gorgeous Botanical Tea Quarterly Kit paired with the Deconstructed Trifold Waterfall Folio Album. This album is full of interactive elements—pockets, waterfalls, and flip pages—all wrapped in soft florals and sweet details.

Materials Used

I’ve included a complete materials list below so you can easily recreate this project:

Deconstructed Trifold Waterfall Folio Album – Kraft – SKU: 4502927
Botanical Tea Quarterly Kit with 180+ pieces including papers, stickers, ephemera, and the exclusive Peony Flower metal die set
Double Stitched Hexagon Dies – Scrap Diva Designs
Stickles Glitter Glue for accents
Ivory cardstock & patterned papers (blue stripes, pink florals)
Gemstones for flower centers

Album Features

Cover: Layered patterned papers, hexagon die cuts, peony florals, and glittery accents
Pocket Pages: Perfect for mementos and photo mats
Waterfall Flip Pages: 14 panels for photos and journaling
Photo Mats: Various sizes throughout for plenty of photo space

Video Walkthrough

I’ve filmed a full YouTube walkthrough where I talk about each page and share tips along the way. You can watch the full video Creatively Michelle YouTube

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this album came together. The Botanical Tea Kit made it so easy to coordinate all the layers and details. Let me know in the comments what your favorite page or element is—I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for stopping by and happy crafting,
Creatively Michelle

Sunday, August 31, 2025

How to Fussy Cut Like a Pro - Halloween Card

Let's make a Halloween card - today I will share how I fussy cuts some paper pattern images to create this Halloween card.

Do you like to have a white border around your ephemera, or do you prefer a clean edge? Personally, I’m a no-borders kind of girl. It takes a little more patience, but to me it really makes a difference. And while I love using ephemera packs (Graphic 45 is one of my go-tos since I don’t have to fussy cut at all!), sometimes a patterned paper has such beautiful images that I just have to cut them out and use them. That’s when fussy cutting comes in.

Yes—it can be a bit of a pain sometimes, but once you see those little details come to life in your project, you’ll know it was worth it. Let me share my favorite tools and tips to help make the process easier and more enjoyable.

Follow YouTube link below where I show you how I fussy cuts some images to create this Halloween card.

You Tube Link - Fussy Cut Ghostly Greetings Card

Tools You’ll Need

The right tools make all the difference when fussy cutting. Here’s what I keep in my crafty toolbox:

Scissors

Small Precision Scissors by Scrapbook.com – Sharp and reliable for everyday cutting.
Mini Snips by Tim Holtz – My favorite for thicker paper or chipboard.
Small Craft Scissors (3-pack) by We R Makers – Great for everyday use with backups ready.

For Extra Precision

Craft Knife by Tim Holtz – Perfect for those teeny, tiny spaces.
Dollar Tree Piercing Tool (2-pack) – A budget-friendly lifesaver for tricky corners.

Let’s Fussy Cut!

So what is fussy cutting? Simply put, it’s cutting out images directly from patterned paper to use as your own handmade embellishments. Instead of relying only on pre-made ephemera, you get to customize exactly what you want for your project.

Here are my tried-and-true tips:

Move the paper, not the scissors – Keep your scissors steady while guiding the paper with your other hand. This makes curves and corners smoother.
Trim first, then detail – Rough cut around your image before going in for the fine details.
Choose your edge – No border for a clean, seamless look (my favorite!), or leave a thin border if you want your piece to pop.
Stick to sharp tools – With good scissors or a craft knife, precise edges are so much easier to achieve.

Extra Tips

Add stability – For delicate designs, adhere your patterned paper to cardstock using wet glue, then roll a brayer over the back for a smooth finish. I like using the Tim Holtz Mini Snips for these reinforced cuts.
Relax into it – Fussy cutting isn’t about rushing. Put on your favorite playlist or podcast, grab a cup of coffee, and enjoy the process—it’s surprisingly calming.

How to Use Your Fussy Cut Pieces

Once you have your little treasures cut out, here are a few fun ways to use them:

Layer with foam tape for a 3D effect
Create custom embellishments without buying extra packs
Tuck them into pockets, tags, or journaling spots
Cluster multiple cut-outs for a striking focal point

Fussy cutting might take some time, but it’s one of the best ways to stretch your paper stash and make the most of every collection. Next time you look at a patterned sheet, don’t just see paper—see endless possibilities waiting to be snipped out and added to your next project.

So grab your scissors, get cozy, and start fussy cutting. Before long, you’ll see just how much personality those little details can add to your creations.

Monday, August 11, 2025

My Favorite Graphic 45 Collection of All Time: Let’s Get Artsy

If you’ve followed my crafting journey for a while, you probably already know I have a few favorite Graphic 45 collections… but there is one that will forever have my heart: Let’s Get Artsy.

This vibrant celebration of creativity bursts with dazzling colors, bold patterns, and an irresistible mix of floral designs inspired by some of the world’s most iconic artists — including Van Gogh, Picasso, and my personal favorite, Frida Kahlo. Every time I work with this collection, it feels like stepping into a lively artist’s studio filled with paints, brushes, bright beautiful florals and boundless imagination.

Frida 6x8 Handmade Album

4x5 Frida mini album

8x8 handmade Frida mini album

Frida Scalloped mini album

Floral 6x6 mini album

Over the past 2 years, I’ve created five different albums with this beautiful line, each one capturing a different facet of its charm. And now, I’m so excited to share my latest creation — a brand new 8x8 handmade mini album featuring 12 colorful layouts, each layered with vibrant ephemera, whimsical tags, and painterly accents.

This collection’s mix of jewel tones, florals, and art-inspired motifs makes it perfect for everything from travel memories to everyday snapshots. Best of all — it’s still available on the Graphic 45 website Let's Get Artsy collection , so you can grab it and let your creativity run wild. Here you will find this gorgeous digital from Craft Betty - Heart digital link

Below, you’ll find a photo of my newest album along with a short walkthrough video on Instagram my Instagram so you can flip through the pages with me. I’ve also linked my past Let’s Get Artsy albums below so you can see just how versatile and inspiring this collection truly is.

See walk through of new handmade 8x8 album here

Here’s to bold colors, creative freedom, and the joy of making something you love — one page at a time.

Stay Creative, Creatively Michelle

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Flights of Fancy Mini Album Walkthrough

Welcome back, crafty friends! I'm so excited to share this dreamy mini album I created using the Flights of Fancy collection by Graphic 45.

From fluttering butterflies to elegant floral frames, this album is filled with soft watercolor tones and interactive details on every page — flaps, pockets, tags, and photo mats galore! I also incorporated Graphic 45’s gorgeous metal dies and chipboard pieces to bring texture and dimension throughout the project.

Here are just a few of my favorite features:

A gatefold page for extra photo space
Sentiment cards like “Fluttering by to say hello” and “Just flying by”
Metal die-cut tags and chipboard frames that add a touch of elegance
Plenty of room for 2x3, 3½ x 3½, and 3½ x 5 photos

I've included a couple of pictures below, and you can also watch the full YouTube walkthrough here:

https://youtu.be/__VbIMLtZUQ?si=HzSVsYoqlgGW_zAh

Product List

Paper, ephemera, & chipboard - Flight of Fancy – Graphic 45 Papers

Chipboard - Kraft 12×12 Chipboard Sheets (10 pack) – Graphic 45 Papers

Metal Dies - Metal Dies – Graphic 45 Papers

Let me know what your favorite page is — and as always, happy crafting!

Scroll down to see the full photo gallery and supply list!
#Graphic45 #MiniAlbum #FlightsOfFancy #PaperCrafting #CreativelyMichelle #MemoryKeeping

Let me know when you're ready for your next crafty post — or if you'd like me to help format the blog post in Word!

Monday, July 21, 2025

Decorating the Cover with Happy Haven

Hello sweet crafty friends!

Today, I’m excited to share a closer look at the cover of my handmade 8x8 album featuring the bright and beautiful Happy Haven collection by Paige Evans for We R Makers. This collection is bursting with cheerful florals, playful patterns, and cozy, homey touches that just make your heart smile.

When I started decorating the cover, I wanted it to feel like a warm welcome into a happy, memory-filled home. Using elements from the 12” x 12” Project Pad, I began layering patterned paper, ephemera, chipboard frames, and of course, foam tape—because dimensional layering is my happy place!

Each detail on this cover was chosen to tell a story:

"Home is where your story begins"—because every photo we tuck inside this album starts with love.
Whimsical florals, golden accents, and frames bring in a garden-fresh vibe.
And little phrases like “Forever”, “Family time”, and “Where your story begins” capture the heart of the season.

Everything came together like sunshine after spring rain—layer by layer, pop by pop. If you’d like to watch how I built the chipboard album from scratch, here’s the link to that video:
Watch how I made the album cover base from scratch

And guess what?
The full walkthrough of the completed pages is coming soon, so be sure to check back! I can’t wait to show you all the interactive elements and sweet little details I tucked inside.

Until then, grab your favorite paper collection, a little foam tape, and start decorating your story—one layer at a time.

With creativity & joy,
Creatively Michelle

Friday, July 18, 2025

DIY 8x8 Chipboard Album Base – Start to Finish Tutorial

Hi crafty friends!

I'm so excited to share a special project straight from my craft table—a DIY handmade 8x8 album created completely from scratch! This sturdy chipboard album base is the perfect foundation for your next mini album, scrapbook, or themed memory book. Whether you're a seasoned maker or new to the crafty world, this tutorial will walk you through the entire process.

Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube
In this video, I’ll show you how to:
✔️ Assemble the album cover
✔️ Create a strong, flexible hinge system
✔️ Build your base pages
✔️ Get everything ready for decorating with your favorite paper collection

👉 Watch it here:
8x8 YouTube Tutorial

Don’t forget to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to my channel for more crafty content!

Grab Your Free Printable Cut Guide
To make it even easier, I created a printable 8x8 album tutorial guide so you can follow along with measurements and build confidently. Perfect to keep on hand at your craft table!

8x8 Cut Guide Tutorial

Why I Love This Album Size:
The 8x8 format is so versatile—big enough to fit plenty of photos and journaling, but still small enough to feel like a cozy, handmade gift. You can customize it for birthdays, holidays, travel memories, or even a baby book!

Stay tuned—I'll be decorating this album with a gorgeous paper collection very soon, and you won’t want to miss that follow-up post!

Product links -

Tape - Double Sided Tape

Wet Glue - Art Glue

Chipboard - Kraft 12×12 Chipboard Sheets (10 pack) – Graphic 45 Papers

Book Guide - We R Makers - Book Cover Guide - Mint

Cardstock - 12" x 12" White Cardstock - 20 Pack - 49 and Market

Thanks for stopping by my crafty little corner of the internet. I'd love to hear if you give this tutorial a try—leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @creatively.michelle so I can see your creations!

Happy crafting,
Creatively Michelle

Thursday, July 17, 2025

My Most-Loved Crafting Tool – A Die-Cutting Dream Come True

If I had to choose just one tool to keep in my crafting sanctuary, it would hands-down be my die-cutting machine. This powerhouse of creativity is the unsung hero behind so many of my projects. With a simple crank of the handle, it brings delicate designs and dreamy layers to life—no scissors required!

One of the reasons it’s a must-have in my craft room is how seamlessly it works with Graphic 45’s metal dies. Whether I'm adding ornate borders, layering tags, or creating dimensional florals, my die-cutting machine helps me cut precise shapes quickly and effortlessly. It's not just a tool—it's a portal to possibility.

For this fairy-tale-inspired project, I used my Sizzix Big Shot die cutting machine to help create a sweet keepsake using the magical Fairy Boutique paper collection from Graphic 45. I paired it with the elegant Album in a Box (Ivory) base and finished it off with some of my favorite dies, including:

Large Tag, ATC Tag, and Flower Dies – Graphic 45
Love Bundle Nesting Set – Scrap Diva Designs

Every flower petal, tag, and layered sentiment was cut with love (and the help of my trusty machine!). It’s my go-to companion for elevating every project—from mini albums to gift boxes like this one.