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:

 

 

9 thoughts on “An Elegant Lady Layout : Graphic 45 Portrait of a Lady

  1. Sara Emily Barker

    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!

  2. Carol

    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

  3. Helene Huber

    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.

  4. Gina

    Hey Kathy,
    What a onner for your mom WoW respect!!
    Evewry time you surprise me with your creations
    Mvg Gina Belgium

  5. soozyb2013

    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.

  6. Janet Saieva

    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!

  7. Helen

    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!

  8. Rosemary

    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!

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