beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

beautiful butterflies spotlight technique

I have always loved this technique it was one of the first techniques I learned over 23 years ago when I was brand new to stamping and it is just as simple and impressive today!

TO SPOTLIGHT:a projected spot of light used to illuminate brilliantly a person, object, or group on a stage. b. : public notice or attention.
While the dictionary definition helps the crafting term uses color instead of light to illuminate a small piece of the entire stamped image to create notice or draw attention!

What better stamp set to use this technique with than the Beautiful Butterflies!

Measurements:
BASE: Crushed Curry CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: (2) 4″ x 5 1/4″ and 2 3/4″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 3 3/4″ x 5″ and 2 1/2″ x 4″

Place the two Basic White layers of cardstock smaller one on top and evenly spaced in the center of the larger layer.
Place the uninked large butterfly image over the layers and decide where you would like to place two partial images of the butterfly.
Ink up the entire butterfly image with Memento ink and stamp over both layers of cardstock press VERY firmly as you are stamping on two separate pieces of cardstock and need to get the image on the bottom layer as well as the smaller top layer.
(Do not worry if the image does not stamp just to the outside of the smaller layer this will be covered by the smaller Basic Black layer)
Color the butterfly images on the smaller layer ONLY! This is your SPOTLIGHT area.

I used Daffodil Delight light first then dark then light Stampin’ Blends markers to blend.
Then I colored the rest of the butterfly images on the smaller layer with the Pumpkin Pie Stampin’ Blends in the same order as with the Daffodil Blends. I went over the entire image with the Dark Daffodil Delight Stampin’ Blends to finish the blending of the butterfly spotlighted image.
Adhere the smaller Basic White layer to the smaller Basic Black image.
Adhere the large Basic Black image to the Crushed Curry cardstock base and then adhere the larger Basic White layer to the card base over the Basic Black layer.

Adhere the smaller spotlighted layers to the larger Basic White layer matching up the images as best you can.
Stamp the sentiment in Tuxedo Black Memento ink in the center of the two spotlighted butterfly images.
Stamp two smaller butterflies in Tuxedo Black Memento ink on the top and bottom diagonally on the other large Basic White CS layer.
Adhere to the second 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic Black layer and after stamping the sentiment adhere to the inside of the card base.
Apply Wink of Stella to the colored wings.
Adhere embellishments to finish off this spotlighting technique card!

I just LOVE the way this turned out – this is just one way to spotlight – try stamping and spotlighting one of your stamped images and see what artwork of your own you can create – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

using basic white strip scraps

using basic white strip scraps

If you are an avid card maker like me than chances are you create a ton of paper scraps while creating! And if you are also like me you just KNOW that you can create something with those scraps, right?
I love this easy card because it uses a ton of the 1/4″ Basic White cardstock strips that I accumulate quickly when cutting my layers for my cards! I will also show you my method for organizing my paper and paper scraps using Stamp-n-Storage paper storage pockets
(you can use my affiliate link here to see the product) – http://www.stampnstorage.com/#a_aid=nataliestamps

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
strips of 1/4″ scraps
Basic Black CS: scraps for dies

This is how I organize my 8 1/2″ x 11″ cardstock.
Each cardstock color is labeled and has two different styles of pockets the 8 1/2″ x 11″ WHOLE cardstock is stored in 8.5×11 Landscape Paper Pockets (actual size: 11-5/8″ x 9-5/8″) so I can easily slip whole sheets of cardstock out the side.
Each Package contains 15 pockets and costs $21.75 making them an economical $1.45 each
When I cut sheets of cardstock and have scraps left over I put them in the
8.5×11 Portrait Paper Pockets (actual size: 9-1/4″ x 12-1/4″)
the opening for these pockets are located on the top and keep the scraps from falling out!
8.5×11 Landscape (actual size: 11-5/8″ x 9-5/8″)
which I turn on it’s side so the opening is facing outward and I put my whole sheets of 8 1/2″ x 11″ pieces of cardstock in these.
8.5×11 Portrait Paper Pocket (actual size: 9-1/4″ x 12-1/4″) which I use for my paper scraps.
So what do you do with all those scraps? Well we use them to make more cards of course!

This technique uses similarly cut strip scraps.
When I cut my 4″ x 5 1/4″ Basic White layers I end up with 1/4″ left over strips!

If you take and glue these strips together you get a sturdy dimensional strip – I used three strips glued together to give the strip enough dimension to add depth and shadow to these cards!

Glue multiple strips together after you have a bunch of strips 3 high glued together – make a pattern on a Basic White cardstock BASE.

I used a 4 1/4″ x 11″ card base scored at 5 1/2″
I started gluing one of the strips on a diagonal.

I followed the diagonal of the first strip and glued more on base card.
Die cut some of your detailed dies in Basic Black cardstock and glue the die over the diagonal strips.
For this card I used the Memorable Blooms bundle – for the die and the sentiment.
You can place the strips in different directions and glue different dies on for a totally different look!
This card uses the foliage stem die from the Memorable Blooms die set.
This card uses the Beautiful Butterflies bundle for a stunning birthday card also in black and white!
You can also add a colored cardstock die cut atop the strip scraps for a different look.

This card uses 1/8″ strips 3 deep and attached straight across the card instead of diagonal.
I added leftovers from previous cards that were on my desk to add a pop of colors from Everyday Arches dies and Beautiful Butterflies bundle!

What a great way to use up scraps and add simple dimension to your cards – try this great technique with your scraps and see what artwork you can create of your very own – one stamp at a time – one scrap at a time!!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

january swap cards

january swap cards

January’s Demonstrator Swap was a choice between something from the Sale-a-bration 2025 mini catalog or the 2025 January to April mini catalog so I have a smattering of cards to show off today!

My first swap card features the beautiful work of our swap organizer, Denise W and features the Sale-a-bration DSP Fruit Salad, the Labeled with Love Punch and the Saying Hey sentiment stamp set.

The next Sale-a-bration offering is from Marie W and uses the Heart Shaped Level Two Reward Bundle plus the Distressed Tile 3D embossing folder and the Everyday Arches dies in a combination of Moody Mauve and Summer Splash hues.
The last Sale-a-bration card I have received so far is from Vickie G and uses the popular Bloom Impressions DSP in a M fold fun fold sympathy card! The circle die is also embossed with the Starstruck Sale-a-bration Level One embossing folder reward!
Lori V’s swap card this month used the One More Year stamp set in a peek through fun fold design that also embossed the glass and bottle in clear embossing powder to make the “glass” shiny! So Clever!
This swap card from Veronica S used the Dotted Circle 3D embossing folder in Basic White for the background layer and a foreground of Marbled Elegance DSP from the Online Exclusives collection. The sentiment and punch are from the Hugs For Love bundle from the 2025 Jan to April mini catalog.
Andrea U’s swap card features the Beautful Bokeh suite of products with the Beautiful Bokeh DSP as the background for the Beautiful Butterflies bundle for the foreground and the hybrid embossing folder behind it all in Fresh Freesia cardstock!
This swap card from Michelle L. used the For the Books bundle to create a bookmark card.
This is a card and a gift in one!
Lyn L’s swap card features a sweet and simple card made with the Darling Dinos bundle perfect for a child’s birthday card!
Cheryl H’s swap card uses the Forever Plaid 3D embossing folder in Old Olive cardstock for the background and layering die cuts for the focal piece. Love the coordination this suite brings to the project!
My last swap card received so far is fromKathi D who embraced the motto send out no naked envelopes – her envelope is as sweet as her card! The Mixed Media Suite pairs well with the Beautiful Bokeh DSP for an elegant swap card!
Product List
Paper Snips
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more color mondays azure afternoon, coastal cabana, and lemon lime twist

more color mondays azure afternoon, coastal cabana, and lemon lime twist

Today’s blog post card is another card using the card layouts on page 22 from the current 2024-2025 Annual Catalog. These colors pop off the page for this More Color Monday color challenge of Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana and Lemon Lime Twist.

Measurements:
BASE: Basic White CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 5 1/2″
Basic Black CS: 4″ x 5 1/4″
Fluid 100 paper

Using the Fluid 100 Paper, I picked three colors: Azure Afternoon, Coastal Cabana, and Lemon Lime Twist.
Color the entire surface of the Fluid 100 paper with Blending Brushes in the three ink colors.
Using a Stampin’ Spritzer filled with water and a large Water Painter and spray the surface with water splatter and drop water from the water painter. Allow the paper to dry.
Emboss the Basic Black layer with the Beattiful Butterflies hybrid embossing folder.
Adhere the embossed layer to the card front.
Die cut the large butterfly from the Fluid 100 paper and adhere the top half of the card.
Color the Basic Rhinestones Jewels with the Azure Afternoon Stampin’ Blends.
Stamp the Happy Birthday sentiment from the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set on the Fluid 100 paper and die cut the sentiment piece.
Pop up the sentiment piece with Stampin’ Dimensionals and adhere to the bottom of the card on the right hand side.
Adhere five Rhinestones to the card front around the butterflies and sentiment piece.
I love this card – the colors pop off the Basic Black embossed layer.

Try to make a card with Basic Black and pops of color! Now go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie

bloom impressions double panel z-fold card

bloom impressions double panel z-fold card

Today’s card is an easy variation on a simple Z fold fun fold card just by adding two layered panels you get an added look and lots of space to decorate and embellish!

Measurements:
BASE: Shy Shamrock CS: 4 1/4″ x 11″
scored at 2 3/4″ and 5 1/2″
DSP: 4″ x 5 1/4″ for inside BASE panel
and (2) 2 1/2″ x 4″ two left BASE panels
Melon Mambo CS: (2) 3 1/4″ x 4 1/2″
Peach Pie CS: (2) 3″ x 4 1/4″
Basic White CS: (2) 2 3/4″ x 4″
scrap for large butterfly die

I grabbed a 4″ x 5 1/4″ scrap of Basic White and stamped the largest butterfly image from the new Beautiful Butterflies bundle in Memento Black ink.
I colored the butterfly with the Peach Pie and Melon Mambo Stampin’ Blends markers and then die cut the image.
PAPER SAVING TIP: Whenever you have multiple layers that will be adhered to a surface you can die cut from the middle and reduce the weight of the card and get extra embellishments and dies from the paper that would have been covered!
I die cut four detailed smaller butterflies from the Beautiful Butterflies die set from the middle of the Melon Mambo layers.
(HAPPY ACCIDENT: forgot that the front layer would only be half adhered! See the results at the end LOL!)
Adhere the panel layers together and decorate as you wish.

I die cut one of the Basic White layers with the lattice die from the new Linked Together bundle.

Then I adhered and stamped and decorated with the Beautiful Butterflies bundle!

I adhered the 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP to the inside BASE panel then I adhered the two smaller DSP panels to the two smaller left BASE panels.
I adhered the inside colored cardstock layered panels to the center of the back BASE panel over the 4″ x 5 1/4″ DSP layer.
I adhered three Sunny Day Iridescent Dots Embellishments to the front layered panel and adhered it so that it covers the panel on the inside so it is a little surprise when you open up the card!
Make sure that you only place adhesive on the left side of the panel as half the panel will be hanging off the first Z fold panel!
I adhered one last detailed small butterfly die back into the area I die cut that I forgot would not be covered OOPS! but here is my HAPPY ACCIDENT – think it looks like I meant to do it!

Hoping you can turn all of your accidents into happy ones!

Sale-a-bration is in full swing and you can earn FREE merchandise or get an awesome deal on the Starter kit!

My Open House will be moved to next Friday as I am still settling back in from vacation I realized that I did not schedule the e-mail invitation correctly and it did not send to you all! Another OOPS! In my defense my brain is still on island time!

Now go and try this fun fold whenever you get a chance – it is snowing here so that is always a good time to create! Go and create some artwork of your very own – one stamp at a time!

Happy Stampin’
Natalie