Category: Butterflies

  • Butterfly Mixed Media Journal | By, Natasha Vacca

    Butterfly Mixed Media Journal | By, Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today on the blog! Today I am sharing a mixed media page in my journal! I love using dies in my journal! Today I am using 2 die sets from Birch Press Designs: Butterfly Basics and Rose Leaves Contour Layers die sets! Let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting the Butterfly using the Butterfly Basics die set. I die cut the background using a premade panel from my stash. Next I die cut the top layer using the Memory Box Rainbow Reflections paper pad. Once the top layer was die cut I added embossing ink to the top layer, then added embossing powder. Once the embossing powder was completely dry, I added a paper glaze to sections of the butterfly. I allowed this to dry a bit, then added foil to sections for added texture. I die cut the antennae for the butterfly using the same background panel. I then adhered the layers together using liquid glue.

    Next I created a background panel using a gelli print from my stash. On the gelli print I added a few pieces of handmade tissue in various sections. I applied this with glue. Once this was dry, I ran the gelli print background through my die cutting machine using the Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder. I then added dye ink to some sections of the dry embossed background. Next I die cut the panel using the Rose Leaves Contour Layers die set. Once the leaves were die cut, I distressed the edges using Distress Ink. I allowed this to dry, then added embossing powder to sections of the leaves. I then added additional texture using paper glaze and foil again.

    Next I started to work on my background in my journal. I used Lindy’s Magical Powders to create a colorful background. You can create a colorful background using inks, watercolors, distress inks, as well as pigment powders! I encourage you to look through your stash! I work in layers when creating a background. I allow each layer to dry (I also use my heat tool to speed up the process), spritz the panel with water, pick up color with a paper towel, then I repeat the process until I have the color and texture I am looking for.

    I completed my journal page by adhering the leaves with foam tape. I added a piece of cheesecloth, then adhered the butterfly with liquid glue. I added a sentiment from my stash, as well as gems from the Pastel Jewels collection.

    I had a lot of fun creating today’s project! I will be back soon with more inspiration!


    Supplies


    57403 Butterfly Basics
    57522 Rose Leaves Contour Layers

    Supplies


    fp1003 Rainbow Reflections Mirror Pad
    ef1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
    JWL002 Pastel Jewels
  • Hello Butterfly | by Crystal Komara

    Hello Butterfly | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends and happy April! I feel like the days are finally getting warmer and we’re seeing the sun more here in New England. Spring has officially arrived! This is DT member Crystal Komara and I’m sharing a card using multiple products from Birch Press Design to include the Eloquent Butterfly and Field of Blooms Layering Dies.

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. This is my go-to cardstock for e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. I use it in all aspects of card making from stamping, die cutting, ink blending and Copic coloring. To create the background of this card, I used the Field of Blooms Layering die set. I die cut Layer A (the top layer) from white cardstock, Layer B (the leaves layer) from mint green cardstock, Layer C (the tulip layer) from dark pink cardstock and then put a sheet of light pink cardstock behind the entire die to create a second layer of tulips. Then I cut the background down from a full sheet into one measuring 4 1/4″ x 3 1/2.

    I adhere the background to the lower 1/3 of the card leaving room for the “hello” at the top of the card. For the hello I used the Jumbo Lingo word die. I die cut the bottom shadow layer from dark pink cardstock and the top layer from white cardstock. I adhere both layers together with a fine tip liquid adhesive. I then adhered the sentiment to the top of the card.

    To create the butterfly I die cut Layer A (the top layer) from the Eloquent Butterfly layering dies. Then I took a pre-created piece of alcohol ink art and used Layer C to die cut the butterfly shape out. I adhered the alcohol ink background behind Layer A. I adhered the butterfly to the card using 3M foam for added dimension.

    I hope you have enjoyed today’s spring-y card! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57357 Field of Blooms Plate Layer Set

    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set

    57353 Jumbo Lingo Hello

  • Pink Petal Egg | by Crystal Komara

    Pink Petal Egg | by Crystal Komara

    Hello friends and happy Fri-YAY! I hope you have fun things planned for the weekend ahead. This is DT member Crystal Komara here with you sharing some Easter inspiration using the beautiful Petal Egg Layering set. This is one of my go-to dies for many spring themed cards. For other Easter inspiration using this same layering die set, please check out these ideas here and here. If you’re looking for more Easter inspiration using alcohol inks too (like today’s card) then you’ll love this pair of cards in purple too!

    Card details:

    The base of this A2 sized card is made from 80 lb. Neenah Solar White Smooth cardstock. On a 5 1/4″ x 4″ piece of Yupo polysynthetic paper, I created the background using magenta alcohol ink. Once that background dried, I adhered it directly to the card base. To create the egg, I die cut Layer A (the top layer) from white cardstock. I die cut Layer B (the middle layer) from a light pink cardstock. I die cut Layer C (the bottom layer) from a darker pink cardstock. I adhered all three layers together with a fine-tip liquid adhesive. Then I adhered the entire egg to the card using 3M foam adhesive.

    I stamped the sentiment “peace” in Versamark ink on dark pink cardstock. I heat embossed the sentiment with white embossing powder and then fussy cut the sentiment out. This sentiment is from the Glad Tidings stamp set. I also added butterflies surrounding the egg. The butterflies are from the Simple Butterflies Contour Layering dies. I die cut the butterflies from the same dark pink and white cardstock. The bodies/antenna of the butterflies was die cut from black cardstock.

    Easter falls really early this year on March 31st. I’ll be back later this month with more Easter inspiration to share! Thanks for visiting and have a wonderfully creative day!

    Supplies

    57369 Petal Egg Layer Set

    57490 Simple Butterfly Contour Layers

    CL8164 Glad Tidings clear stamp set

  • Mixed Media Tag | by Rosemary Dennis

    Mixed Media Tag | by Rosemary Dennis

    Hello everyone! Rosemary here on the blog today. Hope everyone had a lovely Valentine’s day. I did as I got several things that I love! Today I’m sharing a tag that I created using several different techinques. I used the new Early Blossom Contour Layers dies, as well as the Simple Dragonfly Contour Layers dies and the layer A of the Herbarium layering die set. I had a lot of fun creating this tag!

    I started off by spraying my premade cream colored tag with the spray stains that you see in the photo: Speckled Egg, Antique Linen and Lost Shadow. I sprayed on each stain individually and then spritzed the tag with a little bit of water. I didn’t want too much movement of the colors. I did dry the tag a bit with my heat tool in between each layer of color. Once I had the background to my liking I set it aside to fully dry.

    As the tag dried I got to work on my flowers and dragonflies. I die cut them from white cardstock and used a grip mat to hold all the pieces in place while I blended on the inks in a color family that moves from the light pink to a more reddish color for the flowers and dragonflies. The leaves were inked in two shades of green. I used liquid glue to adhere all the pieces together. While they were drying I moved onto the next layer for the tag.

    I have a small jar of Solar Paste in the color Golden Hour and I thought it would look perfect with the background on the tag. I used the A plate from the Herbarium set to create a stencil and then added the embossing paste. I was right that the embossing paste would look nice with the background. I just love how it turned out. As the tag was drying I decided to custom color some chunky white twine I had using two of the spray stains. I used Speckled Egg and Antique Linen for the twine.

    Once the paste was dry I began adding all my elements to the tag. I must admit that I was a little worried that the pinks in the flowers wouldn’t play well with the background colors. But as I added the flowers to the tag I realized that the colors worked perfectly! I finished off the tag with the sentiment the Sugar Script Sentiments 1 set and the twine. I had previously hot foiled it on cream woodgrain cardstock and so it worked perfectly with the tag. The tag is large enough that in the future I can turn it into a card!

    I hope you enjoyed learning how I made my mixed media tag. Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful day!

    Supplies

    57520 Early Blossom Contour Layers

    BPF503 Sugar Script Sentiments 1 Hot Foil Plate and Die Sets

    57487 Simple Dragonfly Contour Layers

    57458 Herbarium Plate Layer Set

  • Eloquent Butterfly Layered tag | By Natasha Vacca

    Eloquent Butterfly Layered tag | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello crafty friends, It is Natasha and I am excited to be up on the blog with you today! Today’s project combines the beautiful Eloquent Butterfly layered set, paired with beautiful papers from Memory Box! So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting each layer (A and C) from the Eloquent Butterfly onto white cardstock. Once it was die cut, I added Distress Oxide Ink (Brushed Corduroy and Walnut Stain) to layer A and C. For layer B I die cut the butterfly using the Memory Box Glitzy Glitter pad using a piece of blue glitter paper. Then on layer B I added a couple colors of embossing powder. I do one color at a time, adding layers and not fully covering the butterfly with one color of powder. I also added a bit of embossing powder to layer A to add more interest and texture. I then adhered the butterfly together using liquid glue and set it aside.

    Next I started to work on my tag background using a pre-made tag from my stash. I then chose a few pieces of beautiful pattern paper from the Memory Box Magnolia Grove paper pad. I love these papers, they are so beautiful! I adhered the layers onto my tag, then dry embossed one of the papers using the Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder. Once this was dry embossed I tore the pattern paper to give a distressed look. I then added the same distress oxide inks to the paper. I added a bit more texture by applying an iridescent embossing powder to sections of the dry embossed paper. I then adhred the layer onto my tag,

    Next I added splatters to the tag panel using a brown spray from my stash. I allowed the panel to dry, then distressed the edges using my distress ink pad. I chose a sentiment from my stash and adhered this with foam tape, then adhered the butterfly to the tag using liquid glue.

    I completed the project with a twine at the top of the tag and a few gems from the Christmas Fairy Drops collection!

    Thank you so much for stopping by today! I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set

    Supplies


    pp1022 Magnolia Grove 6×6 pack
    gp1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad
    DDP101 Christmas Fairy Dewdrops
  • Butterfly Congratulations | By Natasha Vacca

    Butterfly Congratulations | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends! I am excited to be back up on the blog today sharing a card using the beautiful Eloquent Butterfly layering die set! So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting Layer A and C using white cardstock from the Eloquent Butterfly layering die set. I die cut Layer B using the Memory Box Glitzy Gltter Pad using a silver cardstock from the pad. I also die cut the antennae from the Butterfly Basics die set using the same silver cardstock. I wanted to distress the glitter cardstock a bit and added a distressed gold paper glaze to areas of silver glitter cardstock. I then adhered the layers of the butterfly together using liquid glue.

    Next I started to work on the background for my card using the Marvelous Magnolia 3D embossing folder from Memory Box. I dry embossed a gelli print from my stash. Once the florals were embossed I used some oil pastels on the flowers, leaves, and stems to add color to the embossed background.

    I also added the same paper glaze from the butterfly onto areas of the leaves. I allowed the panel to completely dry, then trimmed the panel using my paper trimmer. I then adhered the floral background onto an A2 card panel.

    Next I adhered the butterfly using liquid glue. I chose a sentiment from my stash to complete my card. I added a few purple gemstones from the Autumn Fairy Jewels collection. I had fun creating today’s card and I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set
    57403 Butterfly Basics

    Supplies


    ef1035 Marvelous Magnolia 3D Embossing Folder and Cutting Dies
    gp1007 Glitzy Glitter Pad
    jwl004 Autumn Fairy Jewels
  • Mixed Media ATC’s with Curved Leaf Branch | By, Natasha Vacca

    Mixed Media ATC’s with Curved Leaf Branch | By, Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, I am excited to be back on the blog today. I love creating with dies and today I am going to share some mixed media ATC’s (Artist Trading Cards) with you! For the focal image I will be using the Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers die set. So let’s get started!

    I started by die cutting 3 of the Curved Leaf Branch layers using white card stock, as well as a set using the Vibrant Violet paper pad. Once the leaves were die cut, I set the white leaf branches aside. I wanted to keep these one layer. On the violet leaf branch, I added oxide ink to the leaves, as well as to the top layer on the leaves. I used several shades of ink to add contrast to the leaves. I adhered on the 2nd layer of the leaves using liquid glue and then set these aside.

    Once my leaves were die cut, I trimmed 3 different gelli prints into ATC size (2.5 x 3.5). On each of the ATC’s I added a variety of texture using texture paste and crackle paste. I added the paste using a spatula to the edges, as well as used the Gilded Grace Inside Stencil Set. I chose one of the stencils from the set and added the stencil to my backgrounds and applied texture paste through the stencil. I allowed the paste to dry completely before moving onto the next step.

    Once the paste was dry, I added a bit more texture by applying distress crayons and gold glitz to the paste areas. I continued to work on the areas until I was happy with the texture of my backgrounds. Once everything was dry, I added a strip of washi tape to each ATC, with a bit of white gesso for added distressing. I also added white splatters to a couple of the ATC’s as well.

    Next it was time to adhere the leaves onto the ATC panels. Under each leaf I used gold thread and adhered this to the panel with a glue dot. I then adhered the leaves onto each ATC on top of the gold thread. I added sentiments from my stash, as well as a stamped sentiment from the Gracious Floral Stamp and die set. I trimmed the sentiments and adhered them to my ATC’s.

    I added a butterfly die cut to two of the ATC panels. I die cut the Simple Butterfly Contour Layers die set using the Vibrant Violet paper pad. I added Distress Oxide ink to each layer of the butterfly and then adhered it together. I thought this was a sweet and simple addition!

    I hope you enjoyed stopping by today and learning how to create ATC’s, as well as how to use your layering stencils to add texture!

    Have a great day and I will be back soon!


    Supplies


    cl5280D Gracious Floral Clear Stamp and Die Set

    Supplies


    57513 Curved Leaf Branch Contour Layers
    57490 Simple Butterfly Contour Layers
    42036 Gilded Grace Inside Stencil Set

    Supplies


    sp1007 Vibrant Violet
  • Happy Birthday Butterfly | by Rosemary Dennis

    Happy Birthday Butterfly | by Rosemary Dennis

    Hello! Today I have a clean and simple mini slimline birthday card to share. I used the Star Flowers Contour Layers dies along with the Glimmer Butterfly layers dies and sentiments from two different stamp sets.

    For this card I decided to use the Memory Box white woodgrain cardstock. The only thing I didn’t use it for was the card base! I die cut the the A and C layers of the Glimmer Butterfly from the woodgrain cardstock. The middle (or B) layer was die cut from vellum. I then used to shades of coral ink to ink up the centers of the top and bottom layers. Darker coral on the bottom and light coral on the top. When I had the color to my liking I used liquid adhesive to adhere the butterfly only in the center.

    I then created the flowers. All the layers were die cut from the woodgrain cardstock and then I added the darker coral to the second layer. There is a flower center die, but I decided to not use it this time. I layered the flowers and then added a fairy gem to the center of each flower that had a peachy tint to it. To make sure that the gems stayed in place I added a drop of liquid adhesive to the center of each flower.

    A piece of the woodgrain cardstock was trimmed to fit the mini slimline cardbase and then adhered with double sided adhesive tape. The large flower was added to the center of the butterfly with a drop of liquid adhesive. Once everything was dry I adhered the elements to my card front using liquid adhesive. Now it was time to determine where to place the sentiment on the card front.

    The sentiment on the card front comes from the Contempo Greetings stamp set. I decided to keep it soft my stamping it in a light gray. I then die cut it with the label die from the matching die set. I played around a little with where to place the sentiment and finally settled on the top. I added thin foam squares to the back and then nestled it into the wings of the butterfly. I don’t generally create a sentiment for the inside of the card, but for this card I did.

    The reverse side of the woodgrain cardstock is smooth and perfect for stamping on. I trimmed down a piece to fit the inside of the card and then stamped the sentiment from the Kind Hearts stamp set using the light gray ink. This piece was then added with double sided adhesive.

    I hope you enjoyed today’s project. Have a wonderful day!

    Supplies

    D2

    57505 Star Flowers Contour Layers

    CL8160 Contempo Greetings clear stamp set

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

    57429 Glimmer Butterfly Layer Set

  • A Colorful Celebration | By Natasha Vacca

    Hello Birch Press friends, it is Natasha here today and I am sharing a colorful celebration card using the beautiful Eloquent Butterfly layer dies! I had a lot of fun creating today’s card, so let’s get started!

    I started by cutting out each layer of the Eloquent Butterfly die set. I started with layer C using a piece of card stock from my scrap bin. Once the layer was die cut, I added a pink spray to the butterflies for added texture. Then I die cut layer B using the Memory Box Fresh Aqua paper pad. I chose an aqua shade of card stock from the pack. I added a blue and pink dye ink to each butterfly, spritzed with water, then added gold metallic watercolor splatters. I then die cut layer A using white card stock. I then added distress oxide ink, embossing powder, glaze, and foil to the top layer for added texture and interest.

    I then adhered each layer together using liquid glue. I then die cut the antennae for the butterfly using the Butterfly Basics die set. I die cut 2 antennae using the Memory Box Vintage Pastel Mirror pad. I then adhered these using liquid glue. I set my butterflies aside to create my background.

    For the background I chose a colorful gelli print from my background stash. I then ran this through my die cutting machine with the Memory Box Ringadings embossing folder. I added some gray dye ink to the folder as well to add texture to the dry embossed background. Next I trimmed the panel with my deckle edge trimmer, distressed the edges of the panel, and then added distress ink around the edges for more interest. I then adhered this panel to an A2 card base.

    To complete my card I adhered the butterflies to the card front, then chose a sentiment strip from my stash to complete my card. I had a lot of fun creating this colorful celebration! I hope you enjoyed it too! I will be back soon with more crafty inspiration!


    Supplies


    57426 Eloquent Butterfly Layer Set
    57403 Butterfly Basics

    Supplies


    EF1015 Ringadings 3D Embossing Folder
    sp1004 Fresh Aqua
    fp1002
  • Creative Use of White Space | by Colleen Balija

    Creative Use of White Space | by Colleen Balija

    Hi friends! Ya know, every once in awhile I love a good card with lots of white space and a small pop of color! But, I admit, it’s hard to know how to make white space not look boring! Well, I found a surefire way to add interest to white space!!! It works like a charm every single time for me! Let me share how it’s done!

    For my card today, I’ll be using Butterfly Basics die, Pinpoint Contour Plate, Splendor Bevel Layered Plates, Kind Hearts stamp (sentiment only), and Memory Box Fairy Crystals.

    The first step is to create interest to a white background, and the best way to do this is by adding texture and layers with die cuts I die cut the Splendor Bevel Layered Plates, all on white cardstock, and adhered the layers together. These dies are made to be smaller than an A2 sized card, which is perfect for layering! Next, I die cut the Pinpoint Contour Plate onto a piece of 5.5×4.25 white cardstock. This added even more interest and texture to the background! I adhered the Splendor Bevel Layers over the Pinpoint Contour Plate and then adhered both onto a white 5.5×4.25 white card base. If you look at the photo above, you can see all the details in that background!

    TIP: Consider mixing vintage elements with modern geo elements! They work beautifully together!

    Next step was to work on a colorful focal point – the Butterfly! Using the larger of the 2 butterflies that comes with this set, I die cut the base layer with gold vellum and the top layer with an alcohol card panel that I had on hand. I only glued the center of the top layer of the butterfly and fluffed the wings out a bit to give it some movement.

    The final step was to add a sentiment from Kind Hearts stamp and adhere the butterfly and sentiment to the white card panel. I kept the butterfly in the lower corner of the card panel so that you can still see lots of that luxurious white detail!

    TIP: You could also die cut the butterfly in white and have the entire card be white. It works beautifully! Consider embossing the butterfly with clear powder to add glossy shine!

    To summarize, create interest to a white background by:

    1. Adding texture with die cuts
    2. Adding layers with die cuts
    3. Use clear embossing powder to create a clear glossy shine onto one of the layers
    4. Limit the size of the focal point so the background is the star of the show!

    I’m so glad you stopped by today!

     

    Supplies:

     

     

    57403 Butterfly Basics

     

     

    57511 Pinpoint Contour Plate

     

     

    CL8163 Kind Hearts clear stamp set

     

     

    56111 Splendor Bevel Plate Layer Set

     

     

     

    CRY101 Autumn Fairy Crystals