Typography Keepsake Collection...A Vintage Story Captured in Time

 

There are moments in life that feel like they were meant to be preserved in something truly special… and this project is exactly that.

Today I’m sharing a handmade mini album created with the stunning Typography Collection by Graphic 45, paired with their beautifully structured Rectangle Policy Envelope Album (Black) — and let me just say… this combination was pure creative joy from start to finish.

A Collection That Tells a Story

The Typography collection immediately stole my heart with its rich vintage tones, bold patterns, and timeless design elements. From classic fonts to intricate florals and nostalgic imagery, every sheet feels like a piece of history waiting to be told.

What made this project even more meaningful were the photos I had the honor of working with — my son Michael and his beautiful wife Lauren during their recent trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

They took these incredible vintage-style photos, and the moment I saw them, I just knew… this collection was made for these memories.

The Perfect Album Base

For this project, I used the Graphic 45 Rectangle Policy Envelope Album in Black, and it could not have been a more perfect foundation.

The structured envelope style creates built-in pockets and layers, making it ideal for storytelling, tucking in photos, and adding interactive elements. The black base adds depth and allows all those vibrant Typography papers and embellishments to truly pop.

Bringing It All Together

Designing this album felt like stepping back in time.

I layered rich patterns, added dimensional ephemera with foam tape (because you know I love that 3D magic ✨), and incorporated beautiful vintage elements like clocks, keys, and ornate frames to enhance the storytelling.

Each page became a little window into their adventure — full of personality, charm, and love.

One of my favorite parts of this project is how seamlessly the photos blend into the collection. It honestly feels like they were designed together — like the papers and the memories were always meant to meet.

Why This Project Means So Much

As a mom, there’s something incredibly special about preserving memories like these. Watching your children create their own stories, their own adventures… and being able to capture that in a handmade piece of art is truly priceless.

This album is more than paper and glue — it’s a keepsake filled with love, laughter, and moments that will be cherished for years to come.

Watch the Full Walkthrough

I’ll be sharing a full video walkthrough on my YouTube channel where you can see all the details, flips, pockets, and interactive elements up close. 

YouTube LINK

Products Used

• Typography Collection by Graphic 45
• Rectangle Policy Envelope Album (Black) by Graphic 45

Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing this special project with me.

Until next time… keep creating, keep storytelling, and always add a little dimension to your life 

Creatively Michelle

Journaling Through Time – My 2026 Creative Journal Binder

 

There is something truly magical about creating a project that will grow and evolve throughout the year. Today I’m sharing the cover of my 2026 creative journal binder album, made with the beautiful Graphic 45 “Journaling Through Time” collection.

This album will become a special place where I document moments, memories, and little pieces of life throughout the entire year.

A Journal for the Year Ahead

For this project, I used the gorgeous Graphic 45 Journaling Through Time collection, which is a calendar-inspired paper collection designed for memory keeping, junk journaling, and mixed media creativity. The cheerful color palette—flamingo pink, goldenrod gold, leaf green, and bluebird blue—creates a bright and playful foundation for documenting everyday moments.

I paired the collection with a Graphic 45 Binder Album, which makes it easy to add, rearrange, and build pages throughout the year. My plan is simple: each month of 2026 will get its own space in this binder where I can add photos, journaling, creative notes, and little memories from life along the way.

Designing the Cover

When creating the cover, I wanted it to feel whimsical and layered—almost like a collage of imagination.

I started with patterned paper from the Journaling Through Time collection and began building layers using ephemera from the collection. The focal point of the design is an oval frame created with metal dies, which acts as the centerpiece for the composition.

Around the oval frame, I layered:

• Graphic 45 ephemera pieces

• dimensional flowers and leaves

• butterflies and vintage imagery

• small embellishments for sparkle and texture

To give the cover depth and dimension, many of the pieces were raised using foam adhesive. This layering technique creates a beautiful dimensional cluster that brings the entire design to life.

A Year of Memories

This journal binder album will be a creative time capsule for 2026. Each month I plan to add:

• photos of special moments

• creative reflections

• handwritten notes and journaling

• small keepsakes from the month

By the end of the year, this album will hold a collection of memories that tell the story of 2026—one page at a time.

Let Creativity Lead the Way

One of the things I love most about this collection is how it celebrates creativity and encourages us to collect moments, not things while documenting our lives.

This project is just the beginning. Over the coming months, I’ll be filling these pages with memories, stories, and creativity.

Stay tuned as I continue adding to this album throughout the year.

Full Walk Through album You Tube Link

Products Used - 

Journaling Through Time Collection

Ivory Binder Album

Scrap Diva designs - Oval Metal Die

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 Happy crafting,
Creatively Michelle

Ghostly Greetings Mini Album – Cut File Guide & Creative Inspiration

 

Hello Crafty Friends,

I’m so excited to share my latest creation featuring the Ghostly Greetings collection by Graphic 45. This mini album was such a joy to design — blending gold, black, and soft creams with hauntingly elegant patterns that bring spooky charm to life.

This project is all about layering, texture, and balance. Every page was thoughtfully designed with coordinating cardstock and detailed die cuts, giving each layout its own personality.

Below you’ll find the cut file dimensions and product links for each section — perfect if you’d like to recreate this project or use the structure as inspiration for your own Halloween-themed album.

To see the whole album, watch the full step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel: 

 Creatively Michelle YouTube

Album Overview

Base: Trifold Waterfall Folio Album in Black
Theme: Vintage Halloween Garden
Size: 7- 1/4" x 7- 1/4"" album with interactive pockets, foldouts, and waterfall pages

Cut File Dimensions

Cover:

• Gold Cardstock – 7⅛" x 7⅛"

• Pattern Paper – 7" x 7"

• Green Cardstock – 5¾" x 5¾"

• Gold Cardstock – 5½" x 5½"

• Pattern Cemetery – 5⅜" x 5⅜"

Spine:

• Gold Cardstock – 1⅛" x 7⅛"

• Word Pattern Paper – ⅞" x 7⅛"

Scroll to the bottom of this post for the complete cut file dimensions and materials list.

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Products Used

• Graphic 45 Ghostly Greetings Collection Pack

• Ghostly Greetings Sticker Set

• Ghostly Greetings Ephemera Set

• Ghostly Greetings Chipboard Tags & Frames

• Trifold Waterfall Folio Album – Black

• Scrap Diva Designs Witch Hat Die

• Vintage Leaf Punch – (no longer available)

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Download the Full Cut File Dimensions + Product List Cut File Link

Thank you for stopping by my crafty corner!
Follow me on Instagram and TikTok for more daily inspiration: @creatively.michelle

🖤 Until next time, stay spooky and creative!

— Creatively Michelle

 

Just Go For It! 

A Dream Come True — Creatively Michelle in Print!

Hello sweet friends,

I can finally share the news I’ve been bursting to tell you — Creatively Michelle (that’s me!) has been published in a magazine! 

The Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Scrapbook & Cards Today has officially been released, and you can find it here Scrapbook & Cards Today - Fall Issue 2025  And tonight, SCT will be hosting a very special live celebration on  YouTube Link at 8PM Eastern / 5PM Pacific — it’s not just about this new release, but a celebration of their incredible final printed issue. It’s bittersweet, but what a beautiful way to honor the creativity, community, and friendships that have made this magazine so special to so many of us.

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 A Little Backstory

Let’s rewind about 10 years.
Issue after issue, I would admire the beautiful projects in Scrapbook & Cards Today, dreaming that one day my own work might be featured. Every single release, I’d tell myself, “next time I’ll submit.” But then doubt would sneak in — I’d convince myself my projects were too simple, not enough, not quite ready.

But this year, something shifted.
Somewhere between late-night crafting and quiet reflections, I decided to just go for it. To stop doubting, and to start believing. Little ole Michelle from Chino, CA — the one who’s been handcrafting mini albums for over 20 years — finally hit “submit.”

I sent in a few projects, honestly not expecting much. But on the very last day before the deadline, I remembered an album I had created months earlier that I had never shared. Something in me said “why not?” — and wouldn’t you know it, that was the one they chose. 

And as fate would have it, that project made it into the final printed issue ever of Scrapbook & Cards Today, they are going digital for all future releases. I almost missed my dream — but I didn’t. 

 From Doubt to Dream

If there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t let doubt steal your dreams.
Every time I’ve pushed through fear or self-doubt, amazing things have happened. From filming a Cricut infomercial to working in the craft industry, meeting incredible creative souls, teaching classes, and now proudly creating for Graphic 45 post as a two-term Brand Ambassador — it’s all been part of this magical creative journey.

I am truly humbled and cannot wait to share my project mini album photos. In my haste to send my project to SCT I did not take any pictures. To see the album, you will have to watch it live tonight on YouTube or follow the issue link to preview the issue until my project comes home, and then I will do a full walkthrough reveal here. 

So if you’re reading this and have been holding yourself back… this is your sign. Just go for it. 

The sky truly is the limit, and my heart is overflowing with gratitude. I have tons more I need to learn , evolve and share with you, so thank you all for your encouragement, for cheering me on, and for sharing in these beautiful creative milestones with me.

Always yours,
Creatively Michelle 💕

Botanical Tea Mini Album | Full Walkthrough & Materials List

 

Blog Post Draft

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

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:

1. Move the paper, not the scissors – Keep your scissors steady while guiding the paper with your other hand. This makes curves and corners smoother.

2. Trim first, then detail – Rough cut around your image before going in for the fine details.

3. Choose your edge – No border for a clean, seamless look (my favorite!), or leave a thin border if you want your piece to pop.

4. 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.

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