Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Graphic 45 DesignTeam Audition 2015

Wow, I can't believe I am finally auditioning.  I've wanted to for years, but my young family took most of my time.  However, the time has finally come and my family is ready to support me ... yah! 
 
For my audition I want to take you 'back in time,' to a place of memories past and share with you projects from some of the older Graphic 45 collections.  I hope that fond memories will return to you as you look through my work and that you love what you see.  I am inspired by my family, my own experiences, my love for learning, my desire to teach, and a deep love for crafting.
 
Project #1
Since spring is upon us I want to share one of my favorite projects ... a Handcart with a mini album inside.  I have written a pattern for this project as well (link here).  My goal was to enhance and show off the beautiful paper, in a timeless way!  I use this as a home decor item in my home every spring as well as a place to hold and preserve precious memories.








 Secret Garden, Graphic 45
 
Project #2
This Shadow Box Foto Folio was inspired by one of the most fun holidays we celebrate as a family... Halloween!  I have also written a pattern for this (pattern link here) and have a video tutorial on how it is assembled (link here).  I love the vibrant colors and adorable graphics.  Here again, I set it out as a home decor item in my home.  It is very rewarding to see that my children have gotten it down to look at the pictures and memories inside each year.






 
 Happy Haunting and Hallowe'en in Wonderland, Graphic 45
 
Project #3
This project seemed appropriate as the ABC Primer collection is returning to print.  Here I have designed an Out of the Box Album, pencil box style (pattern link here).  When I was in 5th grade we had to write our 'history' to date.  It was quite a project that took several months to complete.  However, I will always be grateful for the teacher who had us write it.  It is fun to reread what I thought about in 5th grade and hear the language of my youth.  I want my children to look back and have a similar experience.  This album has LOTS of room for photos and journaling tags, prompts, etc. and is the start of my children's history.
 




 
 ABC Primer, Graphic 45
 
Project #4
This project I finished fairly recently and was extremely fun to create!  I had been waiting for the perfect project for this paper (because I love it so much).  When I decided it was time to audition I knew I had to create something stunning with this paper!  As I often do, I layed the paper on my table and left it there to inspire me.  I also looked through ideas online and then, went to bed.  As I slept this idea came to me.  I had to make a few notes and sketches in the middle of the night so I wouldn't forget by morning ... lol.  It was very fun to create through the months of the year, thinking about the celebrations and watching my design change as the seasons change.







 
Place in Time, Graphic 45
 
Project #5
Mixed media is fairly new way of creating for me ... and I am loving it!  As I was looking through left over papers from other projects, I came across this angel paper.  I have three sisters, one passed when I was nine years old and I always felt she became my guardian angel.  My other sister and I are very close and we enjoy crafting for hours when we get together.  These experiences, and this paper came together effortlessly.  I've found, that when we connect our craft to a strong emotion, it means so much more to us.  Likewise, other people (even ones we don't know) connect with it as well, because we share feelings and experiences on a deeper level.





Christmas Past, Graphic 45

Project #6
Here is another mixed media project, with a much more masculine feel.  My husband has always had his 'head in the clouds!'  Since he was young he has designed and flown RC planes.  Naturally, he has shared his love with our three boys.  This was created (mommy style) to encourage them to 'reach for their dreams!' and fly to 'new heights' in life. 

 
 
Transatlantic, Graphic 45

Project #7
This project took the combined effort of my husband and I.  I fell in love with the paper and the colors and decided to design an organizer for my craft room.  From my sketchy design (lol) my husband (a carpenter) created this organizer from hardboard.  From there I painted it and adhered the gorgeous paper to it.  Naturally, I left it very simple so could stuff it full of my favorite things.  I had quite a bit of paper left over so I created another mini album (pattern link here).  This pattern has been a popular one on my website and I credit that, in part, to this stunning paper.


 
 
 
 
 Steampunk, Graphic 45

Project #8
Finally, I want to share another favorite project of mine.  Again, this a fabulous home decor item with a mini album concealed inside (pattern link here).  Although this is not Graphic 45 paper it shows my style of crafting after years of experimenting, and trial and error.  Many of the projects on my website I have taught classes for at my local craft store.  However, it closed it's classroom doors last summer (so sad).  As that door closed, I found myself looking for another door that might be open to me.  Although I often create projects for my family, my purpose is to create so that I can share it with others.  I want to inspire others to "create because they love it!"  In their own style and their own way.






Anthem, BoBunny

 I hope you have enjoyed a trip down memory lane.  Looking back I see how far I have come.  Looking forward I see a bright future filled with wonderful experiences and fantastic memories.  Thank you for considering me for the Graphic 45 2015-2016 Design Team.  Good luck to all the other applicants, it is a pleasure to craft along side you all!

Sharina Shack

33 comments:

ReNae Allen said...

Sharina, I certainly hope that you are selected to become a design team member for Graphic 45! Your work is absolutely beautiful, and it's so different than anything I've seen out there! Your ideas are very fresh and new! I'll be cheering for you, so go get 'em girl!

Maggi said...

Beautiful projects! Best of luck to you!

jklswife said...

Absolutely lovely...every last bit of it. Very inspiring!

jklswife said...

Absolutely lovely...every last bit of it. Very inspiring!

Linda Pekrul said...

Fabulous work! The Secret Garden set is just gorgeous!. Best of luck.

Francine Perri said...

Hi nice work I'm trying out as well is this your first audition? I know the second has to be a video and I'm nervous I never made a video before

Shona said...

these are all so amazing...good luck :)

Sharina said...

Thank you all ladies! Your encouragement is very appreciated!!

Maneesha said...

Awesome
I loved all your projects

Gretchen Wilson said...

I just found your blog from Facebook and I am so glad that I came over to see. My gosh girl you have been busy, I'm lucky to get a scrapbook page done. Your work is truly amazing and beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Absolutely beautiful!

Unknown said...

Sharina, you have a very unique style that I haven't seen before. Good luck!

Laura de Garza said...

Beautiful proyects. Congratulations.

Unknown said...

The feedback here on my blog and on facebook has been astounding! I am amazed at the wonderful support there is out there...thank you all!

Waddy Room 3 said...

Your work is astoundingly beautiful. What a talent!

Lizzyc said...

Wow if you dont get on the team then they are really missing out.. what incredible creations, so much detail, so beautifully crafted.. well done.. these are exquisite..

Paula Calvanico said...

Sharina you have created some gorgeous pieces for sure! Much luck to you :) Yor place in time piece has inspired me to create something similar to mark precious memories with each passing month.

Paula

Gretchen Wilson said...

Very impressed with your designs, I really love A Place in Time, have been wondering what I can do with that special paper besides a scrapbook page or a regular calendar. I have been hoarding a lot of it. Great job and Good Luck!

Anonymous said...

Hello Sharina. Loving the large range of projects, and all the passion and heart you put into your amazing projects. Thank you for auditioning for the G45 DT. Happy Papercrafting! -Charee & Joanna

Unknown said...

Th Handcart is amazing, love it so much, and congratulations to be one of the finalists!

Unknown said...

Th Handcart is amazing, love it so much, and congratulations to be one of the finalists!

SherryBee said...

Good Morning!!! I just saw your name posted as one of the Graphic 45 finalists!!! AWESOME! I am so happy for you! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that you get in! You are an awesome crafter!!! GOOD LUCK!

Erica said...

Oh my, these are STUNNING!! Congrats on making the TOP 25 and good luck!

traci said...

Love it all especially the garden cart-everything is amazing-Good luck!!

Sandi said...

I just adore your style. I want so much to get into mixed media and I have never wanted to make a mini album but you inspire me to look at the idea of making a little bit harder. Love the details and images on your projects. Don't ever stop making these wonderful things. I will make something like this one day....... can't say enough nice things about your work. Love it!!!

Sandi said...

Forgot......CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You deserve it!!!
There's a lot of hard work there!!!
Again... congrats!!!

Sharina said...

Wow, I am so honored and excited to have made it here! Whoooohoooo! I am equally excited for the video because I love to teach and share ;) someday I'll write about this journey for me ... It has been a truly fantastic ride ;)

Sharina said...

Oh and thanks everyone for your encouragement! It made all the difference ;)

Unknown said...

Hi Sharina, what amazing projects! All of these are just exceptional! I'll definitely be looking forward to seeing more of your work!

Diane said...

Wow! Your projects are so creative, beautiful, and inventive. I am so Amazed by your talent. I sure hope you make the Graphic 45 Design Team. I think you would do so great. I am looking forward to your next project to inspire me. Thanks for sharing your designs.

Hugs
Diane

Lori said...

Your work is amazing. So much detail, just eye catching. Congrats on making the top 25 and best of luck.

Nadya Tana Lifa said...

Breathtaking!!! Amazing projects!!!

Mary said...

Your projects are so unique and absolutely beautiful. I love the variety of your designs as well. Best of luck to you and I sure hope graphic45 chooses you for their team!