Try something new this weekend, like an off the page project. We love the idea of getting dimensional with paper, and really the sky is the limit. To showcase just how creative you can get with some paper and dies, Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador, Tanya Cloete has created an Elegance Typewriter Box with Mini Album. Below you will find Tanya’s step by step tutorial along with tips and tricks that are great for any paper crafting project. So grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

Tanya Cloete – South Africa

2021-2022 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador

“Hello dear G45ers! My name is Tanya Cloete. I live in South Africa with my husband and fur babies. I am what you would call an avid scrapper. I spent most of my days crafting away in my little piece of heaven, my happy place. I have loved making crafty things as far back as I can remember but never imagined that scrapbooking and paper crafting would develop into such a passion. I scrapbook simply because I love it, I love making pretty things and it brings me a lot of joy. I enjoy creating scrapbook pages, mini albums, mixed media pieces, altered art and cards, but my love for paper crafting lies mostly in making ‘off the page’ projects. Especially with Graphic 45 collections, the papers inspire to do just that. For those who know me (or maybe don’t) this is the number one crafting I thoroughly enjoy doing, building 3D projects and love seeing how it all comes together.

#G45Selfie Elegance Typewriter Box with Mini Album

By Tanya Cloete

I am absolutely thrilled to be part of this amazing team again and so excited to share my #G45Selfie project as a Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador.

For our first assignment I was asked to create a ‘Self-Portrait’ project that reflects me as an artist using my favourite paper medium and go-to technique.

I present to you my love for off the page, a Typewriter Box with a Mini Album featuring the ever so stunning Elegance collection. I love the patterns, the colours and floral imagery in this collection, they are so gorgeous and pink is my favourite colour!

My favourite paper medium currently is watercolor paper. I love to die cut shapes from this paper and heat emboss them, this is my go-to technique. I love embossing powders!

Herewith the Supplies and Instructions you may use to recreate such a project

G45 Supplies used:

Elegance Collection Package

Antique Brass Door Knockers

Antique Brass Door Pulls

Tag, Pocket & Butterfly Dies

Other Supplies used:

Tara’s Craft Studio Typewriter Box template

Foam Board

Various Cutting Dies

White Cardstock

Watercolor Paper

Wooden Box (with drawer)

Number/Alphabet Stamp

Scoring Board

Red Double Sided Tape

Masking Tape

Soft Gloss Gel

Metal Embellishments

Chipboard

Embossing Powders

Pink Paint

Ribbon and Lace

Flowers

Flat Back Pearls and Rhinestones

I had the base pieces of the typewriter laser cut from wood but generally you could use foam board too. Cut the number in shapes as per the link above. Trace and cut the same shapes from the pattern sheets from the collection to be adhered on top of the wood pieces.

Tip: Remember to cut extra shapes of some pieces because they will have to go on opposite sides.

Cut the tube pieces from the pattern sheets. Adhere the brass knockers on each side.

Cut the typewriter keys from white cardstock, roll tightly between your fingers and glue.

Tip: Use a quilling tool to start the process; it just makes it easier to roll. Adhere these pieces with a soft gloss gel thus ensuring that the paper won’t come loose.

Stamp some numbers (or alphabet) onto cardstock. Use a die with lots of little circles if you have to cut the numbers to fit on the ‘keys’

Tip: Adhere them with masking tape to the die before cutting, making sure they do not move from the position you want.

Fussy cut and die cut some elements to add to the ‘typewriter sheet’. Adhere to the tube piece with the brass knockers.

Paint the wooden box drawer (15 cm x 11 cm) with pink paint and line with the pattern sheets from the collection. Adhere a door pull in the center.

Create a little Mini Album to fit in the drawer of the wooden box. Cut five pieces from the pattern sheets measuring 16 cm x 10 cm each. Score in half and decorate the pages with some ephemera, die cut

and fussy cut elements from the collection. Adhere the booklet with lace and ribbon.