We are overjoyed to begin our 2020-2021 Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador Introductions. To kick off the festivities, we are honored to introduce you to Aya Elsheshtawy. Aya is a master at all things papercrafts and can do everything from mixed media to cards to creating mini albums from scratch. For her #G45Selfie – June Challenge project Aya has created an outstanding Altered Photo Frame with our Ocean Blue paper collection. Be sure to watch her video tutorial to see how it all comes together and soak in all of her crafting tips, and when you are done leave a warm welcome in the comments below.

Aya Elsheshtawy – USA

Graphic 45 2020-2021 Brand Ambassador

My name is Aya Elsheshtawy. I entered the 30th era :). Being a wife, a mother makes my life busy. However, finding an hour to craft is a must. Big thanks to my husband for supporting me. I have a master’s degree in Educational Psychology yet, nothing hooked me more like crafting! I love scrapbooking, mixed media, coloring, card making, resin art. I also love creating my own mini albums, I also enjoy altering some sorts of items into an art piece. I was honored to present the first TV show ” Scraps” in the Middle East, where I introduced all types of crafting, stamping, die-cutting.. etc. Finally, I enjoy sharing ideas and crafting techniques and tutorials on my YouTube channel.

Altered Photo Frame – #G45Selfie

By Aya Elsheshtawy

“Hello everyone,

I am so happy to share with you my first project for G45.

Since we are not traveling this summer to Egypt, I thought to create a scene that reminds me of the Red Sea!

I created this 3D scene of fishes using ocean blue paper collection. Alteration and creation scenes are my favorites go-to art projects.

Let me share with you the steps of creating this 3D scene. You can also watch the full video tutorial here.

Video Tutorial:

Altered Photo Frame Tutorial by Aya El for Graphic 45

1 – First, I brainstormed different ideas for making the scene, and once I settled on one, I sketched it with some details.

2- To start my scene, I fussy cut some sea creatures from my ocean blue paper pad.

Tip: I only used my 8″ pad, so my sea creatures wouldn’t be excessively large for my 9″ frame.

4- then, to cover my frame sides, I measured them and cut some papers accordingly. Then I glued them on with multi-medium glue.

Tip: Since the main focus of the project will be in the front, I used some simple patterns to cover the sides.

5- to give it some unique 3D look, I used clear shrink film to hold my fishes and stuck them in different palaces. As an added bonus, they also wiggle around when shacked as if they are swimming.

6- because I always love adding different textures to my projects, I used a stencil with shimmer paste to make some raised patterns.

7- Finally, I stacked several embellishments and die-cuts to create a unique look of depth.

Tip: Before gluing any of the embellishments, try arranging and moving them around till you are content with their placement. Take several pictures then begin gluing them.

I hope you like my project as much as I do. The nautical theme is one of my favorite themes to create. You know the smell of the sea, fresh air, wave sound, and the stunning world under the sea!” Aya