Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Good-bye Graphic 45 - It Has Been Fun!

Oh boy, this is a hard post to write! After more than three and a half years and 100's (maybe 1000's) of projects and blog posts, I am hanging up my Graphic 45 hat. I never thought I would see the day. If you are a Follower, you already know about my health issues, and you know that I am "streamlining" my design work. I had hope to continue on with G45 but, the sad truth is - I simply cannot create as much or as often as I need to in order to be a viable member of the Graphic 45 Family. They expect the BEST from their designers and I cannot guarantee that I can give my best right now. So....I am going to be leaving them. 

Graphic 45 is throwing me a "good-bye party" over on the G45 Blog, so make sure you go over there and have a looky lou.

It has been an amazing 3 1/2 years! I was so honored to be chosen for the 2010-2011 team! A dream come true. Here is a peeky at the project I made for the final round of that DT call.



I made a 7x7 (or maybe 8x8) box out of paper and decorated it with the Fashionista papers. Remember that collection?!


And I made a card to go inside the box. The card was 6x6 (I think). And inside the card was space for a gift card. I used lots of techniques on the card - cracked "glass" and some other things. I combined Fashionista Collection with Le' Romantique.

I was so nervous about the 2011-2012 DT Call. I mean, you SEE the talent out there, right?! For the final round we were asked to make a card, an altered item, and a layout. Here were my offerings.



Masculine cards are hard for most people. So, naturally I decided to show off. {grin} You may recognize the A Proper Gentleman, Transatlantique, and Communique Collections. And yes, fussy cutting! (I am pretty sure I "invented" that, right?!)


My altered item was a mini album that is also a gift card holder. I used the Curtain Call Collection (with Fashionista and On the Boardwalk for the inside parts). The movie starlet stamp is an old one from my vast hoard of stamps. Love!


And, last my layout submission. At the time, there were so many amazing layout artists on the team, and I was pretty worried that I did not stand a chance. I wanted to show how the collections could work together, so combined Steampunk Debutante, Once Upon a Springtime, and Renaissance Faire.

I was so blessed to try out for a third year, and I made the 2012-2013 team! Here are the three items I made for the final round of the DT call.



I used the Little Darlings Collection to alter a 5x5 box and mini album.



 I guess this year we had to make three projects of our choice. 


I also altered a wood box using Olde Curiosity Shoppe and Communique. I filled the box with cards. {Yes, I cheat!}


The layout that I made was a combo of Steampunk Debutante and Le' Romantique, with a bit of Olde Curiosity Shoppe. I love this layout. It is hanging in my studio...I just love all the steampunkyness of it. 

Then came the 2013-2014 year and, per the rules, I could not try out for the team again. {insert sobbing} However, prior to my term ending, I got a phone call from G45 asking me to become a "Special Projects Designer" for them. {insert much rejoicing} My job was to be creating projects for workshops, make-n-takes, the newsletter, project sheets, etc. What fun! 

But, now it is time for me to move on. Don't worry...I will still be sharing G45 projects, but I won't be working directly with G45 any more. {insert much weeping}

Just to show you that I still have a lot of G45 in me, I will be sharing a few projects over the next few days. Here is an "orphan" that I created in the fall, showcasing the G45 Cardstock Banners.




This is the Steampunk Spells Collection. I have an AMAZING project to share using this collection...as soon as I get approval... You will be so excited to get working on it for next Halloween!!! Click HERE for a tutorial! 

This card is another "orphan" that Graphic 45 has not shared with you on their blog.


 I sneaked it onto my blog in THIS post. {wink}

And last (for today) is a Christmas project "blast from the past"!


This is the Christmas Past Collection! Anyone still have some of this in their hoard?!

Come back on Thursday for another set of G45 Christmas cards! And don't forget my Blog Candy! Click HERE. Leave a comment to be entered!







65 comments:

  1. I have just started scrapbooking (again) recently after almost 10 years of not creating. Anyways, you are truly talented and I am thankful to have found your blog for inspiration. I pray for your journey ahead, as I know personally how difficult health challenges can be. God bless.

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  2. Dear Gloria.
    It is sad to hear that your leaving graphic45. You make Always the most beautiful creations. I sure gona miss you.
    I hope with some rest your health issue's are going to be better.
    I wish you a nice Christmas and a good, healthy 2014. I will still follow your blog. Greetings from the Netherlands Anneke.

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  3. You will be missed as a designer, but you have left behind some amazing work.

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  4. You will be missed, take care of your self

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  5. Yes, you will definitely be missed when I visit G45 however I will still see you here and I'm looking forward to seeing more of your stunning creations. I hope that your health issues will improve with more time to rest and that you can continue to create at your own pace. Sending you hugs and well wishes.....

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  6. Anonymous7:10 AM

    So sorry to hear you are leaving G45. I have enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful projects you have posted through the past several years. It's one of those "can you top this?" and that is hard to continue to do - especially when not feeling well. Best wishes on your future endeavors and hopes for better health.

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  7. Your projects are so beautiful... it´s very sad you have to leave this team!
    Hugs,
    Ardilla :)

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  8. You have been such an inspiration for me! I'll certainly miss your on G45, but I hope we'll still see your work on a regular basis. Merry Christmas!

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  9. You have been such an inspiration for me! I'll certainly miss your on G45, but I hope we'll still see your work on a regular basis. Merry Christmas!

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  10. I have so enjoyed visiting your blog. Thank you so much for the inspiration. Your projects are so beautiful. May your health issues be short-lived.

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  11. My dear friend, I am so sorry that you are leaving Graphic 45 but I know you will continue to create with their beautiful collections as you are able....I am so thankful that we have met and have become friends. I know that God has other plans for your life and creativity, stay focus and remember that He is in control. Love you girl.

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  12. My dear friend, I am so sorry that you are leaving Graphic 45 but I know you will continue to create with their beautiful collections as you are able....I am so thankful that we have met and have become friends. I know that God has other plans for your life and creativity, stay focus and remember that He is in control. Love you girl.

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  13. Beautiful projects, you are a very talented lady! xx

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  14. I am so glad that you have this blog Ms. Gloria otherwise it would be so much harder to hear that you are leaving Graphic 45. I have loved all of your creations and you have inspired me so much over the years. Graphic 45 is my number one choice for crafting and I know it is yours too so I know that you will continue to inspire! I hope you have a very merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

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  15. I "met" you through G45, so this is a poignant post for me as well. You should be so proud of all you created...each piece filled with detail, technique, excellence, inspiration and beauty. I think for many of us, the name "Gloria Stengel" is equated with G45. I don't know how they will get along without you. Thank you...just huge thank you....for all the beauty you have shared with us for all these years.
    Can't wait to see what unfolds in your very bright future. This is not the end...it's the beginning of the new thing. Hugs!

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  16. I'm glad you'll still be crafting with G45 just for your own pleasure. Your style works so perfectly with their lines!

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  17. Your projects over the years have amazed me, awed me, took my breath away and made me speechless. (not an easy thing to do) It is like you become one with the products and they just magically do your bidding! Everything seems to fall into just the right place and each little detail compliments the next one. Your fussy cutting is immaculate! It is because of you and your fussy cutting that I am able to use my fingers after an accident in April that severed 4 tendons and 3 nerves. The doctor told me that I would never use them for anything that was detail oriented. I told her that was not an option because of Gloria Stengel. As soon as the bandages came off I started to fussy cut simple items like shapes. I then branched out to large flowers and images. Once I mastered that I moved on to smaller images and flowers. Needless to say, I owe you (and my doctor) a huge thank you for being a part of my recovery. My doctor cannot believe how far I have come in such a short time. I can't feel the fingers or pick things up with them but I CAN fussy cut. THANK YOU for being such an inspiration to me!! Sorry this is so long!

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  18. Hi Gloria.
    It must have been so difficult to step down from G45. Us admirers can see the joy and creativity you have with your G45 projects.
    I do hope you will feel well again soon. Stay positive and keep us updated on your health improvements.
    Hugs,
    Kathy Jo

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  19. I am so sad that you have had to move on to the next phase of your life in this way, Gloria. I have always loved the projects that you have shared on the G45 team, and really appreciate all the work that is involved, not only in creating the projects, but in preparing and loading the project sheets. God bless, and all the best with your health.

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  20. Gloria, I too am sad to hear you are leaving G45, but I can certainly sympathize with health issues myself. Your creations are always gorgeous and I always look forward to seeing them. I pray that things go well for you in the future! Blessings! Kathy

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  21. Oh Gloria, you will be missed! I love all your creations and always look forward to seeing what you have created. I follow your blog, so I am glad that I will continue to see your projects. Wishing you good health, and Merry Christmas!

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  22. Sad that we will miss out on your great makes with G45! I´ve your blog on my favorites and will come back for more inspiration... Wish you the best with your health and hope you can go on and surprise us with your makes! Inky greetings, Gerrina

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  23. I've followed you on G45 blog for a long time and you and your creativity will be so missed. I wish you the best with your health issues and hope that you will be able to come back and awe us!

    Take care and Happy Holidays!

    *gina*

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  24. Oh, Gloria. I am so sad, but I know that this is what you have to do. Your health comes first, always. Just so hard to believe that there will be no Gloria with G45 - after all, you're synonymous.
    I am a faithful reader of your fabulous blog, and can't wait to see what the future holds. After all, an ending is really a new beginning.

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  25. Anonymous5:44 PM

    Love your work and hope that you rise above the and concur your health issue.

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  26. To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven. . .praying the Lord's blessings for you during this season of change. You are so very talented. I know how much serving as part of Graphic 45 as meant to you. . .as if it were part of you since the style of their products is well, vintage-Gloria! I also know that the Lord only uproots us for our eternal good and His glory, and He is entirely trustworthy. Sending hugs to you as you gently close the door on this chapter, and move on to the next trusting Him!

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  27. Beautiful collection
    of work you have made.
    Wonderful!
    Carla from Utah

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  28. Gloria, thank you for sharing all of these years. I will be praying for you.

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  29. Can't believe you won't be designing for Graphic 45 anymore but wishing you luck going forward. Beautiful beautiful projects that always inspire me!

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  30. I am new to scrap booking and crafts, but one glance at your work totally took my breath away.. I am from Sri Lanka, and we don't have all those wonderful paper and stuff here and I have never at least touched a G45 paper, but I have always been in love with them since the day I got to know about them... I feel so sad that such an inspiring lady is bidding farewell to G45... I will definitely follow you to see your creations. I wish you the best with your health.. Merry Christmas Gloria..

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  31. Oh Gloria, I'm so sad you are leaving G45 as I know you have enjoyed the journey as much as we have who have followed you have enjoyed watching you travel. I will continue to watch you as your journey changes into something new as it will I'm sure. Your health is important and you have done right to change things to accommodate it. I wish you well for you future with your health and your pleasure of crafting. Happiness for 2014...
    Love ~ Lady Anne xx

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  32. Gloria, I would like to thank you for giving so much of your talent . You will be missed on the G45 team. Best of luck and good health.

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  33. I became acquainted with your fabulous work through Graphic45 or I became acquainted with Graphic 45 thru your work- I'm not sure which came first. You have never ceased to amaze or inspire me. I, too, am praying for your complete recovery. Until then, I will cherish your new designs as well as those I have archived.

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  34. The best of the best-so many of your G45 creations are in my things to do folders. I love the card from curtain call-it inspired me to make a birthday card for my youngest son-a movie buff.He took it to work to show it off-a first me.You will be sorely missed.I hope a miracle is somewhere in your near future.

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  35. Gloria, I'm so sad to hear it but totally understand! I will continue to pray for your health and healing. You inspire me every time I look at one of your lovely creations!!

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  36. Sorry to hear you are having to leave Graphic 45. I hope that your health problems get better soon. Your work is really super!

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  37. Another fabulous showing of your work - love them all

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  38. Gloria, it's so sad that it's time for you to leave the G45 family. But your health is so important and I'm glad you chose that instead of G45 (that must have been so hard :-( to leave such a great family).....You will be missed but then again I will be stalking you on Facebook and your blog grin.....as you are now in my fav scrappers list!
    Your giveaway is very generous WOW SUCH AWESOME PRETTYNESS it so needs to be mine drooling LOL
    Thank you so much for leaving me such a sweet comment on my G45 DT CALL post....I really appreciate it coming from you...
    Hugs Amy :-)

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  39. P.S....Loved seeing your earlier G45 designs they are all very pretty xox

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  40. You have created a lot of lovely thigs. Thank you so much for sharing :)

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  41. Mahalo for your inspiration, and blessings to you.

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  42. I am new to the G45 blog and to your blog... sad you are leaving but I will DEFINITELY follow your own blog as your designs and creations are gorgeous. Sorry for any health issues and hope they will resolve with some rest and de-stressing.. and lightening the work load.

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  43. Anonymous1:34 AM

    You are going to be missed so much! Absolutely love all of your work! Take care of yourself!

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  44. Such a sad day Gloria. You've been such a fabulous designer on the team. I've adored and loved all you 've designed over the past few years and send you all my love and warm wishes for the festive season. xx

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  45. I am hoping this is only temporary. I'm trusting God to heal you and get you back to 100%!!
    Please keep us updated on your health. I'll continue to pray for you.

    I know G45 is very sad to lose such a valuable artist!

    Hugs to you my cyber friend!

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  46. This was a bittersweet post to read indeed - I didn't realize your circumstances and wish you best wishes on whatever creative endeavors you pursue.

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  47. You will be missed, but we will follow wherever you go. You have inspired me to reach much further in my paper crafting . In fact five of my Christmas gifts this year were inspired by you. May the coming years bless you with better health and happier times , so you can continue to amaze us !!

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  48. Go well! You have been so inspiring with the amazing projects and cards made. Look forward to seeing more of your work.

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  49. Thank you for sharing your amazing talent with the world. Wishing you joy and good health in the new year.

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  50. Gloria I have always enjoyed your posts. You are such an inspiration. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  51. Gloria,

    Sad to see you leaving G45. Your projects are always so amazing!! Loved seeing this review of some of your faves. Wonderful pieces.

    Don't enter me in your giveaway, since I won one of your G45 hauls already...(grin) But wanted to give you my best wishes for health and joy in the coming year. Have a beautiful Christmas!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com

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  52. Gloria, You are a very creative lady. You will be missed on a regular basis, but looking forward to your occasional posts. It can be seen in these last projects, that you have a lot of creativity still going on. God Bless and keep you.

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  53. I will miss seeing all your beautiful projects and they always made Graphic 45 shine. Wishing you the best in the future. Merry Christmas.

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  54. Gloria your projects are so gorgeous I am going to miss you on G45 blog but I am happy you are still continuing on your blog. I love G45 and have every paper, embellishment, etc. that they have made and I hoard most of it as it is no longer available. I love seeing projects using the older lines. Thanks for all your posts and may God bless you with good health. Merry Christmas!

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  55. I love each and every one of these projects! You will be greatly missed! May God Bless You with Health, Peace and Love!

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  56. I remember how excited you were when you joined G45! I'm sure they will miss you dearly!
    Health first right?!

    Take Care
    Michele V

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  57. I just love the boxes. Thank you for your inspirations!

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  58. wow--so beautiful! I am in awe! And those 'orphans'?? Beautiful!

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  59. Gloria, its ok to take a vacation from your passion and feel the breeze on your cheeks. Your leadership in the industry and flare for design will always be found on many pages of the web. Your presence will always be found around the playground.... smile
    a

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  60. Graphic 45 won't be the same without you but you owe it to yourself to put yourself and family first. Hoping you renew your energy and find joy in whatever you do

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  61. My goodness, this is stunning! Love, love, love it! Hugs! xx

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  62. I love the male card....I always find them so difficult.

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  63. I know the G45 folks and followers will miss your extraordinarily detailed and designed projects, but family and health always take precedence over everything. I'm sure we'll be seeing you now and then. Continued good thoughts as you concentrate on yourself and your family.

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  64. You will be greatly missed Gloria, I hope that you are able to continue crafting???at least a little. You are an amazingly talented Lady!!

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  65. So sad your leaving Graphic 45, you were my go to designer for ideas on how to use this wonderful paper wisely and beautifully. I know you said you have health issues and they come first, but we sure are going to miss you.

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