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.
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!
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!
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
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
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.
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:
- Signature page from Portrait of a Lady
- Josephine
- Victoria
- Grace
- Isabella
- Alexandra
- Maria
- Blanche
- Alexandra
- Petaloo Pink Botanica Blooms x4
- May Arts 1.5” Crushed Champagne Ribbon
- Vintage Lace from my stash
- ½” Pink Velvet Ribbon from my stash
- Olive Green Frog Trim from my stash
- Tattered Angels Rich in Mocha Glimmer Mist
- Vintage Photo Distress Ink
- Diluted White Acrylic Paint and paint brush for spatter effect
- Martha Stewart Decorative Edge Punch
- Sizzix Tim Holtz Ornate Frame
- Spellbinder Nestabilities Grand Labels Four Die
- Corrugated Cardboard
- Peach, Pale Pink and Olive Green Cardstock for matting
PS I love that you used that strip of lace with the ribbon from your Mom’s stash! Perfect!
Holy Schmoley, Kathy! This has got to be my newest favorite piece of yours! First off, I love that you’ve taken that gorgeous photo of your Mom, and given it a place of honor! The papers you’ve chosen are lovely and you have worked your magic to make sure every piece has a perfect place to really give tribute to that lovely framed portrait. In no way does it detract from the photo, but only enhances it and draws your eye even more so. All that fussy cutting! Whoa! But, of so worth it in the end! This is an amazing work of art! Your Mom is smiling down at you and loves knowing she was such a wonderful influence in your life! Sending hugs!
Hi Kathy changing my email address seems so complicated!!!. Anyway I’ve found this gorgeous post of yours and Portrait of a Lady. Your mum sounds such a wonderful lady and i know from past occasions how much this lovely lady means to you and influences your life today. This is a beautiful tribute to her memory. Love how you always manage to bring everything together to make a masterpiece. Thank for all the details making this inspiring work. Hugs x
another beauty, with your mom’s photo as a charming addition. I love using my family’s vintage photos in my work. It makes everything so much more personal.
Hey Kathy,
What a onner for your mom WoW respect!!
Evewry time you surprise me with your creations
Mvg Gina Belgium
Lovely papers are they Kathy. I was just talking to a gal in the UK about our Mum’s as it was their special day yesterday. Both of our mums have been gone 12 years and it just seems like last month sometimes. I miss her every day, and my Dad too.
Really lovely papers and great work as usual my friend.
Oh Kathy…what a wonderful tribute to your beautiful Mom! This layout is absolutely gorgeous and thank you so much for sharing all of your tips. You are AMAZING!
Kathy, what a lovely idea for using these papers. I recently purchased them at the SSAT knowing that they would be used for the lovely ladies in my family. You’ve given me a great idea for using them. Thanks so much!
Beautiful, Kathy–I miss my wonderful mom, too. That’s a great idea for a dimensional frame…I’ve been using pop-up dots. Love your tricks of the trade!