We are shaking things up today on the Graphic 45 blog with a Mixed Media Shaker Tray. This home decor masterpiece has been created for us by the fabulously talented returning Brand Ambassador, Aya El. Watch the short and sweet video tutorial to see this simple wooden tray and our Voyage Beneath the Sea – Deluxe Collector’s Edition comes together to create this show stopper. So grab some scissors and paper and have some fun with us!

Aya El – USA

2021-2022 Graphic 45 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.

Mixed Media Shaker Tray

By Aya El

Hello everyone,

I am so happy to share with you another project using G45 papers

I created this 3D scene of fish using the Voyage Beneath the Sea deluxe edition. Alteration and creation scenes are my favorite 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:

Mixed Media Canvas Tutorial by Aya El | Graphic 45

Graphic 45 Supply List:

Voyage Beneath the Sea – Deluxe Collector’s Edition

Voyage Beneath the Sea (limited edition) 8×8

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

To start my scene, I fussy cut some sea creatures from Voyage Beneath the Sea paper pad.

I only used my 12″ pad, if your frame/tray is smaller, You can use an 8” paper pad or your die cuts will be excessively large for your small frame.

Then, I painted the wooden tray using acrylic paints and a round sponge. I started dabbing the paint on all the frames and edges to get cool textures. I measured a clear plastic sheet and cut it to cover the frame/tray

Because I always love adding different textures to my projects, I used a stencil with iridescent paste to make some raised patterns in the background

I stacked several die-cuts (that I fussy cut ) to create a unique scene and look of depth.

To give it some unique 3D look, I added some sequins, star confetti and clear jewels then, I sprayed glue adhesive from above. You see some clusters have been formed and it looks amazing. I used clear plastic film to seal the frame to be a shaker frame.

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.