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We’re beyond thrilled to welcome back Creatively Michelle for another year as a Graphic 45 Brand Ambassador! Known for her elegant layering, love of detail, and magical storytelling through paper, Michelle has prepared a special treat to kick things off—three stunning DIY mini albums featuring the enchanting Fairy Boutique, romantic Love Notes, and whimsical Flight of Fancy collections. Each project is packed with clever techniques, album walkthroughs, and plenty of scrapbook inspiration to spark your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned memory keeper or new to the world of paper crafting, Michelle’s projects show just how fun and rewarding creating handmade mini albums can be.
Blog Creatively Michelle
“Hello crafty friends!
I’m so grateful and honored to be returning for my second term as a Brand Ambassador for Graphic 45. It truly feels like a dream to continue sharing my love for paper crafting with such an inspiring community.I live in sunny Chino, California, where you’ll usually find me happily surrounded by scraps of patterned paper, glue on my fingers, and a head full of ideas.
My paper crafting journey began back in 1998, and let’s just say… it was love at first snip. Over the years, creating mini albums has become my true passion. There’s something so special about turning paper and photos into keepsakes that tell a story—and I treasure every step of the process.
For my first project this term, I created this mini album with Graphic 45’s Fairy Boutique Paper collection. It is filled with beautiful colors, and whimsical designs. The palette includes Aero Blue, Lilac Lavender, Posey Pink, and Spring Green, this collection brings a soft, whimsical and ethereal charm to every page.
You can check out my very first official 2025-2026 Graphic 45 tutorial over on YouTube, where I walk you through how to make the fairy album from start to finish. I have also started blogging again, come join me. My greatest hope is to spark inspiration—to help others find the same creative joy that’s been such a big part of my life. You can find all my social media links below.
Thank you for being here. I can’t wait to share more projects, tips, and crafty moments with you.
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.
For full album walkthrough follow YouTube Link below- G45 Fairy Boutique Album Walkthrough
Fairy Boutique 8×8 Collection Pack – Graphic 45 Papers
Album in a Box (Ivory) – Graphic 45 Papers
Large Tag, ATC Tag, and Flower Dies – Graphic 45 Papers
Love Bundle Nesting Set| Scrap Diva Designs
Sizzix Big Shot Machine Starter Kit – Sizzix.com
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.
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:
I’ve included detailed pictures of each page below, and you can also watch the full YouTube walkthrough here.
Let me know what your favorite page is — and as always, happy crafting!” ~Creatively Michelle
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
Scroll down to see the full photo gallery and supply list!
Die-Cutting is Your Best Friend: Michelle swears by her Sizzix Big Shot and loves how perfectly it pairs with Graphic 45 Metal Dies for flowers, tags, borders, and frames. A die-cutting machine makes layering quick, precise, and extra magical.
Choose a Paper Collection that Tells Your Story: From the fairy-tale elegance of Fairy Boutique to the musical romance of Love Notes and the whimsical beauty of Flight of Fancy, each collection brings its own personality to an album.
Add Interactive Details: Flaps, pockets, and tags aren’t just fun—they also maximize photo and journaling space. Michelle uses them throughout her albums for dimension and surprise.
Personalize with Photos & Themes: One of Michelle’s most heartfelt albums is a 4″x5″ keepsake made for her daughter-in-law, pairing the Love Notes collection with photos from a live music performance. Pairing a paper collection with meaningful photos makes every project extra special.
Mix Embellishments for Texture: Chipboard, ephemera, and layered die-cuts all help create visual interest and make your album pages feel alive.
We’re so excited to see what Michelle will create with us this year! Be sure to scroll down to watch her full album walkthroughs on YouTube and explore her supply lists for each project. Which of Michelle’s three albums inspires you most—the fairy-tale, the love letter, or the whimsical flight? Drop your favorite in the comments below and let’s keep the crafty conversation going.
Don’t forget to tag @Graphic45 and #Graphic45 when sharing your own mini album projects—we love featuring your creations!
