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Five years ago….right around this time of year, my journey in the world of paper crafting began. At the time, I had no idea, or for that matter, the inclination, that it would become such an integral part of my life. I had a robust quilt pattern business and was teaching quilting classes around the country. Due to family circumstances, my quilting had to go on hold for a bit and I stumbled into paper crafting. It is a path that I began to follow and I have have never looked back. From the very beginning, I have specialized in mini albums. I approached paper choices much the way I selected fabric for a quilt…..I looked at color and pattern of individual sheets of paper, not at collections or manufacturers. My first complete mini album was a tribute album about my late father called A Life Well Lived. Several papers in that album were from Graphic 45. So I guess you could say, Graphic 45 has been a part of my paper crafting journey from the very beginning…..
In 2011, I nervously applied for, and  was honored to be selected, as part of the Graphic 45 Design Team. I have always been drawn to their paper and it seemed to be a perfect fit. I have always felt that their paper is unique and different from anything else out there. (I know now it is because every design shows a little bit of Diane’s heart). I had planned to stay on for just the year of my term. Some one very dear to me “encouraged” my to try out for a second year and I was again honored to be selected for the 2012 team. I can say from experience that Graphic 45 is a true standout in the industry. Not just because of their amazing and unique products, but because of the the people behind the scenes. They were/are not just industry colleagues, but they became good friends. They treat their DT like family, and once a member of the Graphic 45 family, you never really leave.
During my first year on the team, Graphic 45 implemented a new rule for their DT….you could only stay on the team for 2 years and after you were off for a year , you could reapply. Much like after that first year, I didn’t anticipate trying out again…..yet here I am. As many of my long term followers are aware, 2013 Â was a tumultuous year for myself and my family. The issues that brought me to paper crafting in the first place came to a crescendo and I struggled to get through a very difficult time. Thankfully, things have taken a huge leap in a positive direction and we are doing the best we have in years. Over the past few months I have been contemplating the direction I hope my paper path would go….one thing I do know is you can’t force the direction. Everything has a time and a place to become what it is suppose to be….
So, while I didn’t expect to be taking this step on my path, I know in my heart it is the right step to take. I am doing this for me, as a birthday present to myself. My journey with Graphic 45 is not yet complete. So it is with the same nervous anticipation that I felt in 2011 that I present my audition for the Graphic 45 2014 Design Team:
My Graphic 45 2014 Design Team Audition
While pulling just a few of the many images I have that feature Graphic 45 paper, I felt as if I was strolling down memory lane! Ahhh, it has been a delicious journey! It is ironic that I made the decision to do this while I worked on a recent project with Graphic 45 papers. I will also be starting a new project on Ustream tonight with….Graphic 45 papers…maybe it is a good sign…
Laura
I have a WOWZER project planned if I am fortunate enough to make the top 30….Charee, it is the one I told you about in Anaheim…the one that I just didn’t have enough time to complete for CHA…it is already under way regardless….
Laura, how exciting! I’m thinking this is a “no-brainer” . . . but one never knows until it happens. I’ve only been following you since August 2013 but you have opened up a whole new world for me and recharged my drained batteries (from years of sewing, quilting, and doll making). Thank you Thank you Thank you!
If you are doing this for yourself, hip hip horray and enjoy! You are amazing, creative, kind and generous. Thank you for sharing and inspiring me and others.
Laura, I am sure you will be picked, as your designs are amazing! I have only been Folling The Paper Trail for about 6 months. But I can tell you that the day I was searching UTube for projects and found 1 of yours, was my lucky day. I have learned so much and looking forward to making many more to amaze my kids and grandkids. Thank You, Thank You!
Good luck!! Can’t imagine that you won’t be chosen but I will keep good thoughts. Your designs are incredible and keep me challenged and inspired! Thank you for sharing your amazing talent.
Best of luck to you, Laura. They would be lucky to have you, as I’m sure they know. Your work is completely and utterly amazing and I’m just thankful you continue bringing us these beautiful projects. I so enjoy making these minis – what joy they bring. YOU bring joy to the masses, Laura. Blessings to you and your family. xoxo
Good luck Laura!! You are an amazing designer and teacher!! Thank you so much for sharing your amazing talent with us! You and Graphic 45 together is out of this world incredible!!
How wonderful – they are an amazing company and you are an amazing designer. Together you will be awesome. I always have a jaw dropping moment when you come out with new patterns as they are just fantastic. They would be nuts to not accept you. Good luck!
Good Luck Laura…I took your DARE and entered G45 Design Tear Application Rounds as well…don’t know what I’m thinking LOL… Oh well, if you don’t try you can’t more forward.
Gwen
Team…
OOOoh, good luck to you as well, Gwen!
Oh Laura best of luck to you! I have taken the leap and applied myself. Woo hoo!
Laura,
I am sure that you will be chosen. You bring a unique and creative eye to your projects. You are like that perfect storm…..architect, quilter, a bit of a perfectionist and with an unerring eye. I know you have plenty on your plate but have you ever thought of designing your own line? I think you would be amazing at it!! I can’t wait to see the projects you will enter. Good luck, though you don’t need it.
Deborah Sorenson
Exciting news Laura, I have no doubt they are as thrilled about this decision to return as are we. I have always thought that you and G45 have made a perfect fit. Best of Luck, but I don’t think you will need it, you are a shoe in I am sure. Oh, and Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Marcie
Here we have fingers, toes, paws and tails crossed ……not that we think you need it but because we like the feeling of supporting a friend!
Can’t wait what magic you will work for G45 in the future 🙂
So glad you are trying out again. You make their papers shine. And you do the most unique projects. We paper doodles reap the benefit of your enthusiasm for great products and designs. thanks as always for sharing. Theresa aka Mountain Dreamer
Oh, Laura, good for you! You really have such amazing projects. I was so thrilled when I first found your videos and tutorials. They were exactly the kind of grown-up professional-looking projects I wanted to make. I have learned a lot from you and look forward to seeing what you create. I’ve said it before, but thanks forever for sharing your talents with us.
Laura, you are such a gifted and talented lady. I wish you the very best. You continually inspire and surprise me with your talent.Thanks for using the gifts you were given and sharing them with all of us!
What a great Birthday present to yourself, Laura! You thrive on challenges – your design skills and the G 45 paper speak to each other – so it promises to be another fantastic year for you! Thank you for letting us share in that!
I so wish you well with your Graphic 45 2014 Audition. I am a recent follower and avidly look at all your work (often with open mouthed amazement!!!) and then you show me that I can actually create the marvels included in your designs. The key thing going for me is the massive confidence you provide in helping me see the potential uses of design papers that I think are gorgeous but have no idea how to begin to use then – thank you. Graphic 45, I believe will Confirm what they already know …. that you’re brilliant!
Awesome news Laura! I just stumbled upon your post. Didn’t realize you were auditioning again. This is fantastic!! Just sit back and relax, girl, because you’re a shoe-in. Such crazy, mind-blowing talent you have. Hoping to be a teammate with you this year.
Incredible projects. I am always inspired by your beautiful pieces. Yes I too am in love with the papers.
DIANA
Laura, I loved going through your Graphic 45 Audition Slide Show. Filled with some old favorites and some new ones as well. What you do with Graphic 45 products is magic. Thanks for auditioning for the G45 Design Team. -Charee
Hi Laura! Wow, I was so excited to see your name on the list this morning! You’ve always been one of my favorite G45 DT members! I love your work and eagerly await your next creations. And thank you for sharing your heart with us. Our stories have some similarities. Due to my own family things going on, I could not reapply for the 2014-2015 year. Hopefully things will turn around so I can be in the same spot as you next year – reapplying to the most amazing company’s design team. Thank you again for all the beautiful work and inspiration!!
Congrats on becoming a G45 Ambassador!
Congratulations. I felt you were not done with Graphic 45 as well. I am so proud to be associate with you and the beautiful projects you create. Oh Happy Days. Hugs and Lots of love
Laura…It is because of you that I discovered my paper crafting talents, and my enjoyment in creating mini albums. I’ve moved into selling my books at craft shows…sheer joy! I learned how to make flowers from you, and things have really taken off. All my feminine minis feature handmade flowers. I so hope you get back on the G45 team! I’ll be following your postings wherever you are. Thanks you for inspiring us!
I wish you the very best with your submissions to Graphic 45, which by the way has the best papers of any company, which you use with your wonderful creations. I have your dress shope sitting on my booth tables, when I take my albums to craft shows. Everyone wants to know where they can find how to make it, I send them to your internet site.
Good luck, I love your work.
Marilyn (ladysilverwolf)
Dear Laura , you are an amazin person and i first discovered you on you tube a i was searching for mini albums how to make a cover and of voila i found you such inspirations and your tutorials are fantastic i wish you all the best . I only have been following you recently due to an operation and i just love it your a wow factor full of ideas and surprises all the best .. and thank you so much!!!
Georgina
I wish you the best for your new application. Thank you for sharing your talented work. I discovered you in the same time that Graphic 45 in 2011 and it was wonderful so I hope 2014 will bring gorgeous creations from you. Good luck. Nadine