Category Archives: Portrait of a Lady

Fun with Graphic 45: Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial

This is my 2nd post today.  Please scroll down to find the RRR Blog Hop Post.  

Fun with Graphic 45: Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial & First 2017-2018 Brand Ambassador Post

Hello, G-45’ers!  Welcome to my first official post as a Graphic 45 2017-2018 Brand Ambassador. I think all the card makers out there are really going to enjoy today’s post as it is all about cards! Today I have 3 different styles of fancy fold cards to share with you, all using fabulous papers from Graphic 45.  I’ve prepared a fun Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial for you, so you can follow along at home and learn how to make these clever interactive cards.

Graphic 45 has lots of exciting plans and big changes in store for the 2017-2018 term, and I’m just thrilled to bits to be designing for this wonderful company for a second year.  One of the changes made is that the design team is now called Graphic 45 Brand Ambassadors.    I have had a little preview of the fun things coming your way, and I can honestly say I think this is going to be the best year ever for lovers of the Graphic 45 Brand.

A Little Bit About Me

Before I dig into the fancy fold cards video tutorial, G45 asked that we share a few fun facts about ourselves to kick things off.  Many of you have been following me for a long time now, so feel free to skip on down to the “meat” of this post.  But for new followers, here are some things you might like to know about me.

I live in beautiful North Carolina, USA, with Dale, my darling husband of 40+ years. We had theprivilege of raising 5 fun and fabulous children. Now we have the immense pleasure of beinggrandparents to three precious girls whom we call “The Littles.”.

Most days you’ll find me in my sunny little studio making cards, dabbling in mixed media, designing mini albums, folios, paper pretties for my ETSY shop and enjoying all the many adventures that the fabulous world of creativity affords. I also love to bake, spendtime with “the Littles”, cook big meals for our family, walk on the beach, go junkin’ and read.

Although I have a passion for all kinds of crafty adventures, I have no formal art training.  Cards are my favorite thing to create.  I especially enjoy creating interactive cards and put as much work into the insides of my cards as I do the outside. Adding tags and pockets, sweet little treats like tea bags or chocolates and surprise panels in a card really gets me excited.

I like to stay up to date with what’s going on in the crafting world.  Color, pattern and design fascinate me, so I try to pay attention while reading magazines or even looking around in stores to see what colors and patterns seem to be trending.  Is there a new technique?  I want to learn it and I enjoy taking online classes when time permits.  

For our first Brand Ambassador Challenge, Graphic 45 asked us to research trends in paper crafting and find a technique or trend that interested us.  The next step was to prepare a project that represented that trend and share it with you.  And that, my friends, is how this Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial came into being.

Card Making Trend Alert: Fancy Fold Cards are Where It’s At

In preparing for this post, I learned that in the world of cards, there are several trends that excite me.  Fancy fold cards, shaker cards and pop up cards are getting a lot of attention right now. Adding buttons to cards is also making a comeback.  And metallic elements are hugely popular.   I decided to take some time to learn a few new fancy fold cards to share with you here today.  I’ve incorporated some of these other fun trends in the designs.  There are lots of photos, tips and information to follow, so you might want to go grab a cuppa and a snack to sustain you.

Fancy Fold Card  #1: Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card with Place in Time July Papers

Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card Tutorial, Place in Time, by Kathy Clement, Photo 1

One of the great things about fancy fold cards is that they really bring the WOW factor to any project.  The other great thing is that they really are fairly simple to make.  They look impressive and complicated, but I’ll show you in today’s video tutorial just how simple it is to add that WOW factor to your next card making session.

Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card Tutorial Place in Time by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2

This Double Gatefold Card started with 2 simple 5” x 7” side fold card bases.  I overlapped the cards, added a couple of extra score lines, and voila!  Double Gatefold card magic!

A belly band holds this Double Gatefold card shut, but you could also use ribbons to tie the gates closed.

Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card Tutorial Place in Time by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3

And when you’ve slipped the belly band off the card, it’s just like watching the curtain rise at the theater.

Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card Tutorial Place in Time by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

As each panel of the card opens, there are more and more goodies to look at.  Finally, the postcard pocket in the middle pane takes center stage.

Bathing Beauties Double Gatefold Card Tutorial Place in Time by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5

The July images and prints from A Place in Time work really well with By the Sea.  I’ve added some journal cards from that collection to finish the inside of my card.  The vintage postcard from A Place in Time makes a great pocket, too.

Tips and Tricks for Making Double Gatefold Cards

Tip:  Always remember to use your bone folder to burnish the score lines on a Fancy Fold card.  Crisp fold lines are essential when you are making a card with special folds.

Tip: To create a quick and easy pocket, use a postcard!  Just glue the sides and bottom edge to your card base and then slip in ephemera cards, journal cards, tags or other goodies. Everyone loves surprises!

 

Supply List for Bathing Beauties Card

Place in Time Deluxe Collector’s Edition/July pages

By the Sea 8×8 collection (retired)

Colorbox Decades Dark Cashmere Ink

Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles Die

Navy Canvas Stripe Ribbon

Fancy Fold Card #2:  By the Sea Beach Rules Step-Out Card

By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

Step-out cards are just loaded with dimension.  They also provide you with lots of nooks and crannies to decorate with pretty papers like the patterns and images in By the Sea.  

 

By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2

One great thing about Step-Out cards is the fact that they fold flat for mailing

By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3

Then you can pop it open for display.  How fun is that?

By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5

By the Sea Step Out Card Tutorial By the Sea by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 6
Tips and Tricks for making Step Out Cards

Tip:  Be careful when gluing images to your card front.  You don’t want to get glue on the back layers of the card, or it won’t open properly.  To prevent this from happening, turn your chipboard piece upside down on the card front and make pencil marks so you’ll know where to place the glue.

Tip: I used a craft knife and ruler to create the center slit that allows the step out mechanism to work. When using a craft knife, there are 2 important things to remember.  First, always test your blade to make sure it is sharp.  A dull blade will not cut cleanly.  Second, I find that if I cut my paper on a glass surface, the knife glides through the paper like a hot knife goes through butter.  You can use the glass from an old picture frame, or a glass cutting mat like the one I use in the video tutorial.

Tip: To add realistic beach effects to this card, I scribbled on the card base with Art Institute Dries Clear Adhesive then sprinkled with real beach sand.  Do this over a sheet of paper, so you can tap off the excess sand once the glue dries.  

Supply List for Beach Rules Step Out Card

8×8 By the Sea Paper Collection (retired)

By the Sea Decorative Chipboard

By the Sea Tags and Pockets

Colorbox Decades Dark Cashmere Ink

Fancy Fold Card #3: Portrait of a Lady Fanfare Card/Folio

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 1

This is probably my favorite fancy fold card design because it is part card, part folio, part pop-up.   It looks like a really complicated and fussy design, but the truth is, It’s all just straight lines!   Isn’t that a relief?

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 2

Begin with a standard 6” square top fol card base made from heavy cardstock.  Because of the weight of the fanfare fold, you need a really sturdy base to work with.

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 3

The front cover of the Fanfare Fold card opens to reveal a beautiful hidden folio.

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 4

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 5Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 6

I decorated this panel with a pretty pocket and tag combo, then topped it with this gorgeous chipboard element to add even more dimension to the design.

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 7

Tips and Tricks for Making Fanfare Fold Cards

Tip:  Cut sentiments from a collection’s text pages for picture perfect color matches.  I snipped the word “Beauty” from the 8×8 “Grace” paper then glued it behind the G45 Staples Ornate Label Holder.

Tip: Use a scallop corner punch to create the pretty shaped edges on this card.  

But Wait….there’s more!

Fanfare Card Tutorial Portrait of a Lady by Kathy Clement Product by Graphic 45 Photo 9

This lovely design also opens like a standard top fold card. Decorate the inside of your Fanfare Fancy Fold Card with decorative papers, journal cards and sticker elements. This is a great style of card to present for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers or birthdays, as photos from the event can be stored in the folio.  It’s like getting a card and a gift in one neat package.

Portrait of a Lady Fanfare Fold Card Supply List

8×8 Portrait of a Lady Paper Collection

12 x 12 Portrait of a Lady Patterns and Solids

Portrait of a Lady Tags and Pockets

Portrait of a Lady Ephemera Cards

Portrait of a Lady Decorative Chipboard

Portrait of a Lady 12×12 Sticker Sheet.

G45 Staples Ornate Label Holder

1.5” Rose Silky Crush Ribbon

Petaloo Flowers

Colorbox Decades Dark Cashmere Ink

Fun With Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial on YouTube

 

Are you ready to get started making your own Fancy Fold Cards with Graphic 45?  Join me as I create all three of these card bases in this video tutorial.  I’ll also share tips and tricks for the finished cards you see here.

 

As you saw in the Fancy Fold Cards Video Tutorial, these cards are much easier to make than you might think. I hope I’ve shared some tips, tricks and techniques that you can use in your own crafty adventures.  If so, I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Generations Layout

Petaloo/Creative Embellishments Blog Hop: Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Generations Layout

Hello, Friends!  Are you ready to hop?  I’m participating in the Petaloo International/Creative Embellishments Blog Hop that is going on from April 1st-April 11th.  Be sure to pop over to the Petaloo  and Creative Embellishments Blogs and leave a comment during these dates, as there are some wonderful prize packages available,My contribution to the party is this Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady “Generations” Layout.

I used the Portrait of a Lady 12×12 Patterns and Solids paper along with some scraps, an ephemera card and a whole garden full of beautiful Petaloo flowers to make this layout.  As you can see from the photo, I  was in the mood to get messy. You’ll find lots of distressed edges, paint spatters, dry brushing and embossing in this mixed media layout.

Chips:  They’re addictive!

Just like potato chips, I find that chipboard elements are positively addictive!  For this layout, I decided to use the “generations” title from the Heritage Words Set and a Curly Flourish.  Chips are a great way to add texture, dimension and layers to any project!

 

To prepare my chips for the layout, I followed these steps:

  1. Paint the surface with Tattered Rose Distress Ink.  Dry
  2. Add fairly thick blobs of Picket Fence Distress Crackle Paint on top.  Let this dry naturally, or your paint won’t crackle well.
  3. Tap the chipboard with Versamark Embossing ink and sprinkle with Stampendous Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel.
  4. Heat set.

It’s really just that simple! Here’s a close-up of the “generations” title.

I also painted a little Prima garden sink with Tattered Rose Distress ink.  Don’t these Pink Darjeeling Petites look darling tucked into the sink with the Portrait of a Lady chipboard?

Ooh-la-la!  Flower Clusters!

Just look at these gorgeous flower clusters!  If you really want to create a visual impact, cluster several flowers together in little bouquets.  These showy mini bouquets are made with a combination of Darjeeling Cream Anemones with Darjeeling Pink Petites and Botanica Soft Pink Mini Blooms.

Here’s the view from the opposite side of the page.

To keep with the shabby chic vibe of this layout, I dry brushed Tattered Rose Distress Paint onto this Prima resin frame.  Next, while the paint was still wet, I sprinkled it with Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel and heat set it.

Do you use chipboard in your crafting? What’s your favorite way to alter it?  I’d love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Visit the Petaloo Blog all this week for more chippie inspiration and don’t forget to comment so you can win one of the wonderful prize packs.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

 

 

An Elegant Lady Layout : Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady

Remembering Mom with An Elegant Lady Layout: Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady

Hello, G-45’ers!  Today’s post is very dear to my heart, as it is all about my mom.  If you’ve followed my blog for a while, then you know that my mom was my personal hero.  The minute I laid eyes on Graphic 45’s Portrait of a Lady collection, I knew I would be creating this elegant lady layout using one of my favorite photos of her.

My Mom: An Elegant Lady

The minute I laid eyes on Portrait of a Lady, I knew I would be creating a project featuring this vintage photo of my mom.  This is her graduation portrait, taken in 1939, and I love to see the bright smile, compassionate eyes and hopeful expression that this photo captures.  

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 1

She loved the roses in her flower gardens, and I can still see her coaxing them to grow and blossom in spite of the hard clay soil.  Pink was her favorite color, so she would have loved the beautiful images and patterns in this gorgeous collection.

You’ve Been Framed!

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 2

To make this photo of mom stand out, I framed it with the Tim Holtz Ornate Frame die.  You can create a dimensional frame like this one with ease:

  • Find an old shipping box.  Priority mail boxes are great!
  • Flatten the box and cut into smaller pieces.
  • Cut a piece of the corrugate material with your favorite frame die.
  • Die cut a piece of designer paper with the same die.
  • Ink the edges with Walnut Stain Distress ink.
  • Use the open center of the frame to trace around your photo.  Trim this out and place it behind the designer paper frame.
  • Glue the designer paper frame to the corrugate frame.  Voila! Dimensional designer frame!
Tear Some Paper!

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 3

To create interesting paper layers, I combined punched paper layers with torn paper layers.  Tear the paper away from you if you don’t want a white edge.  Tear it toward you if you do.  Either way, ink the individual layers so that they will stand out.

Sharpen Your Scissors

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 4

This collection lends itself to layers of fussy cut images and roses.  To save time, I did all my fussy cutting before I began this project. All the edges are inked with Walnut Stain Distress Ink.  I used bits of chipboard scraps or foam tabs to create lots of depth and dimension.

Don’t be afraid to use your own handwriting on journal cards, even if you don’t particularly care for the way it looks.  Not only does it personalize the project, but your children and grandchildren will cherish having something written in your own hand.

Custom Color and Paint Spatters

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 5

I adore these Petaloo Botanica Blossoms, but the color was not quite a perfect match for the pinks in this paper.  This is easily fixed!  Just spray with mist or glimmer in a shade that works.  I tested several sprays out on scrap paper, and settled on Tattered Angels Rich in Mocha.

Elegant Lady Layout by Kathy Clement with Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady Photo 6

To add a shabby, vintage feel to the layout, you can spatter it with white paint.  Thin acrylic paint with water, pick it up with your paint brush and tap the end.  I love the spatters on this Champagne Silky Crush Ribbon!  You can spatter metal embellishments just like I did on this ornate key hole.

I hope I’ve shared some ideas that inspire you in your creative time.  If  you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comment section below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

Please note:  I will provide links whenever possible, but some items have been in my personal stash for a long time, and are no longer available online.  Substitute when necessary.

Portrait of a Lady 12×12 Collection:

 

 

Decide to Be Yourself Easel Album with G45 Portrait of a Lady

Decide to Be Yourself Easel Album: Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady CHA Project

Hello, G45’ers!  I’m excited to be sharing another project that graced the Graphic 45 Booth at CHA/Creativation last month.  Portrait of a Lady is such an elegant collection filled with gorgeous colors and patterns.  But it’s also loaded with inspirational sentiments like the one that inspired me to make this Decide to Be Yourself Easel Album.  Go grab a drink and a snack as there are loads of photos, a video tour and some designer tips that I’d love to share with you today.

The easel album measures 8″ square and comes with 12 kraft pages in a spiral binding.  I used the signature image on the cover along with a row of pretty little banner flags, some fussy cut perfume bottles, Petaloo flowers, ribbon, twine and vintage buttons.  To age the papers, I spattered them with diluted white acrylic paint.

Are you swooning yet?  Oh, how I love these papers!

Highlight small elegant images by framing them.  Bring out the design in an ornate frame by tapping raised areas with Tattered Rose Distress Paint. Dig into your stash of vintage lace, trims and vintage style buttons because this collection fairly cries out for such additions!

Here is a side view so you can see the easel that allows the album to stand upright for display.

A Peek Inside

Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself.  That’s the quote that inspired this project.  Such wisdom!  The thought process behind the design was to create an inspirational decor piece that could be changed out as time passes.  And you knew there had to be a pocket somewhere, didn’t you?

Here are a few of my favorite interior pages.

Portrait of a Lady Easel Album Video Tour On YouTube

If I sound a little “off” or tired in this video it’s due to a horrible virus that hit me during the Christmas holiday.  I was still recovering when this video was made.

Thanks so much for letting me share this album with you today.  I hope you are inspired to go and create something beautiful!

Cheerio,

kathy

Supply List

  • Portrait of a Lady 12×12 papers
    • Portrait of a Lady
    • Diana
    • Josephine
    • Catherine
    • Sophia
    • Grace
    • Isabella
    • Elizabeth
    • Blanche
    • Victoria
    • Maria
  • Graphic 45 Staples 8×8 Easel Album
  • Graphic 45 Staples Regular Black Policy Envelopes
  • Graphic 45 Staples ATC Black Policy Envelopes
  • Staples Kraft Alphabet Banner Tags
  • Cardstock (several sheets each for photo mats) pink, green, kraft, white
  • Petaloo Flowers
    • White Botanica Blooms x4
    • White Hydrangea Blossoms x24
    • DIY Ivory Burlap Picks

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Portrait of a Lady Easel Card: Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks Day 6

Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks: Portrait of a Lady Easel Card

Hello G45’ers!  Have you been following along with the Graphic 45 Sneak Peeks?  I’m so excited about all these new collections.  I’ve been busy behind the scenes creating loads of samples for CHA/Creativation and I finally get to share this Portrait of a Lady Easel Card with you today.   Hooray!

I tell you no lie: When I pulled Portrait of a Lady from my design team box, I literally gasped.  It is one of the most beautiful paper collections I have ever seen.

Details and Tips

Portrait of a Lady Easel Card, Portrait of a Lady, by Kathy Clement, Product by Graphic 45, Photo 2I die cut a doily from white cardstock, topped it with a die cut panel from the sentiment page and then wreathed it with trim from my stash.   Don’t you just love this sentiment?

Portrait of a Lady Easel Card, Portrait of a Lady, by Kathy Clement, Product by Graphic 45, Photo 3The neat thing about an easel card is that it will close flat for mailing.  This is what it looks like closed. I kept this design very simple and clean so that the beautiful papers and images could really shine.

To add layers of design to a card, use Staples tags!  The lovely shaped edge lends elegance and interest with very little work.  I just cut a strip of designer paper here, tucked my tags behind the focal image, trimmed the edges with lace and popped on some beautiful cream Petaloo flowers.  So simple, yet so elegant!

Portrait of a Lady Easel Card, Portrait of a Lady, by Kathy Clement, Product by Graphic 45, Photo 4For my custom dyed ribbon, I worked Tattered Rose Distress Ink through cream seam binding.  It’s a perfect color match and ties a beautiful shabby bow.  I love the way an easel card stands all on its own.

A Peek Inside

Portrait of a Lady Easel Card, Portrait of a Lady, by Kathy Clement, Product by Graphic 45, Photo 5Here’s a peek at the inside.  Because an easel card has to be able to “break” in the middle of the top half, you have to decorate the inside a little differently.  Simply cut your panel of paper as you normally would, then cut it in half.  Glue one half above the break, and the other below.  This way the pattern matches, and the card will still function as designed.

Portrait of a Lady Easel Card, Portrait of a Lady, by Kathy Clement, Product by Graphic 45, Photo 6To create the “stopper” for the easel, I layered several patterns of designer paper and matted with cardstock.  The stopper needs to sit a little bit high so that the edge of the card front will catch there and stay open.  I mounted the “Believe in Yourself” sentiment on waste chipboard for that purpose.

Want to see more?

So, what do you think of Portrait of a Lady?  Is it your cup of tea?  It certainly is mine!  This Portrait of a Lady Easel card is just one of the samples I’ve made with the collection.  I’ll be sharing more  in days to come.

If you’d like to see more of Portrait of a Lady, it’s being featured on the Graphic 45 BLOG today.  Be sure to pop over and take a look at all the elements in this glorious collection.  And be sure to leave a comment, as they are giving away a lovely prize package!

I just love sneak peeks!

Thanks for stopping by!

Cheerio,

kathy