The Journey of a Journal: A Sisterhood of Creativity, Connection, and Quotes

 There's something magical happening in the world of paper, glue, and kindred hearts...

I recently joined a wonderful group of 15 creative souls on Facebook for a very special project: the Sisterhood Traveling Journal. Think of it as a passport of creativity—each of us begins a journal and sends it on a journey across the country, to be lovingly touched and transformed by each sister along the way.

Every artist has two weeks to create within the pages before passing it on to the next. It’s not just about paper and pretty things—it’s about connection, creativity, and community.

For my journal, I chose a paper collection that immediately spoke to my heart. With its vintage travel journal charm, vibrant florals, and beautiful feminine faces, it felt like the perfect blend of nostalgia and celebration. Just like our sisterhood—it’s rooted in the past, blooming in the present, and carrying stories into the future.

But I wanted this journal to be more than just beautiful pages. I wanted it to carry meaning. So I included a simple request for each sister:
✨ Add a quote that empowers and uplifts. ✨
Something that has touched your heart. Something you would whisper to a friend in need. Something that reminds us all—we are strong, creative, and never alone.

I can't wait to see the transformation of this journal—layer by layer, quote by quote, soul by soul. And I cannot wait to come back here to share all the details when my book is returned. 

The journey has begun. The pages are open. The sisterhood is ready.

Graphic 45 Love Notes 4x5 Mini Album

 

I’m so excited to share my latest mini album, created with heart, harmony, and just a hint of paper magic! This 4"x5" album was made especially for my daughter-in-law Lauren, who just so happens to be an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. 

The photos featured in this album were captured during an Open Mic Night at Assembly on Main diner in the charming town of Waynesville, NC. Lauren took the stage with her band, and every image is filled with energy, light, and the kind of soul that only live music can give.

For this project, I used the absolutely stunning Love Notes collection by Graphic 45. With its moody watercolor roses, elegant musical instruments, and rich red, black, and cream palette—it felt like the paper version of Lauren’s passion for songwriting. This collection is a true love letter to music itself, and it brought so much depth and beauty to every page.

I added layered tags, pockets, flip-outs, and musical embellishments to bring it all to life. Each page captures not just a performance, but a piece of Lauren’s creative spirit. 

Paper Link - Love Notes Collector’s Edition 8×8 Pack with Stickers – Graphic 45 Papers

You can also catch a full walkthrough video here on YouTube - https://youtube.com/shorts/BWUXscuC_BM?si=60BS-W77ncy6FYpV

Stay Creatively, Michelle 

Grateful to Return: My Second Term as a Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador

 

I’m incredibly honored and deeply grateful to share that I’ve been invited back as a Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador for the 2025–2026 season—my second term with this amazing company. ✨

To say I’m blessed is an understatement. Graphic 45 has been part of my creative journey for many years, and the opportunity to continue designing with their stunning paper collections truly fills my heart. Their vintage elegance, rich colors, and timeless themes continue to spark my imagination and inspire my love for handmade albums.

Over the past year, I’ve poured so much love into my creations—each album a labor of joy, storytelling, and beautiful paper layers. To be welcomed back for another term is a dream I hold with deep gratitude.

I can’t wait to continue sharing new projects, tutorials, and inspiration with you all. Thank you, Graphic 45, for this incredible opportunity—and thank YOU, my community, for cheering me on every step of the way.

Let’s keep creating with love. 💛

Graphic 45 Link, and team below - Blog – Graphic 45 Papers

“Let the Creativity Begin!”

Welcome to my little corner of the crafty world! I’m so excited to finally launch this blog and share the albums, stories, and paper magic that bring me joy. Whether you're here for inspiration, tutorials, or just to peek at my latest creations—thank you for stopping by. Let’s make something beautiful together, one page at a time. 💛

 I’m so excited to share my latest creation using Graphic 45’s vibrant Seas the Day paper collection — a pocket mini album I designed and handcrafted especially for my niece, Lexi. 

This album is a tropical escape brought to life through layers of playful turtles, vibrant coral reefs, and shimmering waves in hues of turquoise, violet, coral, and sunshine yellow. I created each pocket to hold photos and journaling cards that capture Lexi’s love of the water and her sunny spirit on vacation in Cancun, Mexico.

Every detail, from the adorable embellishments on the dimensional cover, was made with love. What makes this album even more special is the collection of candid moments tucked inside — memories of Lexi enjoying a beautiful day by the water, splashing in the pool with me, and spending time walking the beach with her cousins. I wanted each flip and pocket to feel like uncovering a new ocean treasure.

Whether you're a fellow paper crafter or just love mini albums with heart, I hope this project inspires you to dive into your creativity and “seas the day” with joy.

I have also created a DIY tutorial that is perfect for paper crafters of all levels - whether you're a beginner or seasoned scrapbooker. I'll guide you step-by-step through the process of creating the base, assembling the pockets, and decorating the pages using this beautiful under-the sea inspired collection filled with coral reefs, turtles, and tropical colors.

What You'll Learn:

• How to build your own pocket mini album from scratch 

• Tips for cutting, folding, and layering your papers

• Ideas for photo inserts, tags, and embellishments

• Creative inspiration using Graphic 45’s bright and beachy “Seas the Day” collection

Youtube link; https://youtu.be/thbI8NbEa4g

Materials list below. 

Graphic 45

Seas the Day – Graphic 45 Papers

Seas the Day 8.5 x 11 Patterns & Solids Pack – Graphic 45 Papers

Seas the Day Ephemera Set – Graphic 45 Papers

Seas the Day Chipboard Pieces, Tags & Frames – Graphic 45 Papers

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

Metal Dies 

Reef leaves Leaves Bundle| Scrap Diva Designs

Circles Essential Bundle #1| Scrap Diva Designs

Tools needed - double sided tape, paper trimmer, scissors, foam tape & cream colored cardstock. 

#Graphic45 #SeasTheDay #MiniAlbum #Papercrafting #Scrapbooking #DIYAlbum #HandmadeAlbum #PocketAlbum #CraftWithMe #creativelymichelle