Mixed Media Vintage Butterfly Cards with Guest Designer Karen

Hello Crafty Gals,
It's Karen here to share a step by step mixed media project.  But don't let that phrase "mixed media" scare you away.  I'm simply using multiple craft mediums beyond just paper on my project. 

Let me show you how I easily added a pop of color to some patterned paper to create a great focal point for the stamped image.  I enjoyed the result so much I just couldn't stop and I created a second variation on the first design with the same elements in different colors. 

Directions:

1. Select a sheet of patterned paper from 6x6" paper pad.  Carefully, tear along two edges to create a 4x6" strip.   Highlight the torn edges by gently applying grey ink with an ink blending tool.  

Adhere the pattern paper to a top folding square card base and cut off any excess overhanging paper.   

2. Select a coordinating color of acrylic paint.  Use a firm bristle brush to use the Drybrush technique to lightly swipe paint along a small section where you plan to stamp the image.  The goal is to add some color underneath the stamped image to provide contrast against the patterned paper.  

Drybrush is a painting technique in which relatively little paint is used on the paint brush.  The resulting brush strokes have a characteristic scratchy look with visible brush strokes that fades at the edges.  After loading the brush, wipe most of it off on a paper towel before applying it to your project.  Begin in the center of the area and apply paint using short horizontal swipes moving out towards the edges.  Another helpful thing to keep in mind is to use very little paint in order to not warp the paper from too much moisture.  

TIP: As with any new crafting technique, always practice on some scrap paper until you are happy with the result. 
 

3.  After the paint has thoroughly dried, plan the placement of your stamped design.  I suggest using the acetate sheet that comes with the rubber stamp image on it as a place holder to practice placement of the image.  This gives you the ability to try out various positions for the image and helps you make the decision about angles and the final placement.  I used the sheet with my chosen embellishments to see how the items would look together.  I could experiment how to place them for maximum effect before stamping.  Use black ink to stamp the image over the painted area.

TIP: Taking the extra time to practice potential arrangements can prevent a lot of disappointment and frustration. 

4.  Prepare the embellishments.  Cut out a butterfly from the ephemera sheet and adhere small gems to the body.  Die cut a floral spray from pearl card stock.  Select an epoxy button and branch sticker and arrange the cluster of overlapping elements.  

When you are satisfied with the arrangement, adhere all the elements.  When adhering the butterfly only apply adhesive to the body and gently bend the wings upward to create more realistic dimension.

I was so inspired by this process, that I could not help but make a second project with similar techniques.

I used the same process, but this time used a cream paint on a blue background instead of the colored paint on the neutral background.

I hope I've encouraged you to dig out your paints and incorporate them into your card making projects. 

Don't forget, there is still time to join the Sketch Challenge ending on June 30th and you just might just win a $15 WRC e-gift card. Pop on over to our to the Facebook Gallery and share what you are creating with us.  Create a card, a scrapbook layout, a tag, mix media project, or even a piece of altered art.  Just show us how us how you were inspired by the sketch.

Thanks for visiting!  Happy Crafting!

If you would like to see more of Karen's lovely projects, visit her blog Art & Soul.
https://karensessionsartandsoul.blogspot.com/
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WRC Supplies:
Early Bird Paper Pad 6x6" (BoBunny)
              
Timeless Butterfly Stamp (Kaisercraft)
    
Black Ink Pad (Momento)
        
It's a Beautiful Life Floral Spray Die (Couture Creations)
           
Pearl Card Stock
           
Pearl Garden Branches (Martha Stewart)

Rainbow Butterfly Ephemera Sheet

Gossamer Blue Epoxy Embellishments (Lemoncraft)
           
Pink Adhesive Pearl Embellishments
          
Faceted Black Gems

       
Other Supplies:

6x6" white card base
grey ink pad

ink blending tool
acrylic paint

paint brush
liquid adhesive
die cutting machine