How to Create a Butterfly Card - Freebie and Challenge!

Challenge and Freebie Below...

It's me again... Can you believe it?  I've actually got another fun project to share with you today woot woot!!!  Not only will I share how I made this beautiful card, but I'm also giving you a FREEBIE *insert another woot!!!*

Although it took me a little while to figure out how to get the butterfly die cut into my computer so I could create a shaped card using THIS butterfly die, the rest was a breeze!

I've been trying to incorporate my Cameo into my card making more often.  I forgot to mention in my previous post HERE that I used the beach ball template I downloaded from Paper Crafts magazine to create the shaped card with my Cameo.  It probably would have been much faster if I just used scissors for this one, but I wanted to use my Cameo so the cut would be even.  Know what I mean?  Scissors and I aren't that compatible hee hee.

On to today's shaped card. Shown here from top to bottom:  Finn Butterfly die cut; butterfly cut file layer 1 (colored with Primary Elements Mica Powder); butterfly cut file layer 2 (embossed); butterfly cut file card base.

The top layer is the GORGEOUS butterfly die cut by Memory Box.  It is approximately 3.5" x 5"  This was my inspiration : D  I LOVE butterflies!!!

Here's a better shot of the beautiful shimmer and color of the mica powder (sorry for the ugly hand and background : (  I've also given the die cut a couple coats of Ice Silks Acrylic Glaze which made it lift up naturally - yay!

Here are the materials I used to create this card:

• Finn Butterfly Memory Box Die (30% off!)
• Luminarte Mica Powder:  African Jade, Kiwi, Wild Blueberry
• VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad
• Dots Embossing Folder
• ScraPerfect Best Glue Ever
• Ice Silks Acrylic Glaze
• Rhinestones
• Soft paint brushes
• Krylon Workable Fixatif
• Heavyweight white cardstock for card base
• WHITE layering weight cardstock for embossed layer (same size as front of card base) and die cut
• BLACK layering weight cardstock for mica colored background (this cut will be the closest size to the butterfly die cut).
• Butterfly cut file (see below)

Step 1:  Open cut file with your cutting machine (adjust size as needed) and make all cuts.  Note which piece should be BLACK.

Step 2:  Using BLACK cut out (closest size to the die cut), 'stamp' entire surface with VersaMark pad.

Step 3:  Using mica powders and a soft brush, tap the mica powder over the VersaMark covered cardstock.  I simply dip my brush into the powder and gently tap the handle to create a splattered effect.  It's not a problem to use the same brush with each mica color if you are tapping it off each time...

Step 4:  Using a larger brush (only because it's easier) gently brush away excess powder to reveal your beautiful design!  You can rework, adding more colors until you are happy with the result.

Step 5:  Spray the mica colored card stock with Fixatif and lay aside to dry.

Step 6:  Die cut Finn Butterfly.  Since this is a large, intricate die, you may need to pass through your machine more than once (depending on your machine).  NOTE:  I've finally ordered the Vagabond!  I can NOT wait!!!!!  I am anxious to see how this die cuts with the powerhouse : D

Step 7:  Using Ice Silks Acrylic Glaze, cover the die cut with one or two coats and lay aside to dry.

Step 8:  You will now have one layer and the card base left.  Emboss the layer using More Dots embossing folder and score and fold card base.

Step 9:  Assemble layers using Best Glue Ever!  You only need small dots of this glue...  It's glue on steroids lol!

Step 10:  Embellish with rhinestones and sit back and enjoy your beautiful creation!

What colors or embellishments would you like to use on your butterfly card or project?  I would love to see what you come up with!  So... how about a...

***CHALLENGE ***

Using the Butterfly Shaped Card template/cut file (see below) with an additional entry if you also use Finn Butterfly... Let's see your creations!

Challenge will begin July 15 and end August 15.  This will give you LOTS of time to prepare and even order Finn Butterfly : )

What can you win?  Well... for starters, let's just say if you are a Magnolia or Tim Holtz fan, you'll be jumping up and down!!!

• First Prize:  Ten new or very gently used Magnolia stamps (list to come)
• Second Prize:  Tim Holtz tiny attacher with staples and assorted accessories
• Third Prize:  Four Embossing folders and two stencils

So what do ya say?  Wanna play?  Enter your butterfly creation with Mr. Froggy below.  Please enter a direct link to your blog post, not your blog.  Please also link this blog in your challenge post.

Thanks... and have fun!

*Edited:  Some of you have mentioned that you don't have an electronic cutting machine.  Never fear!  If you download the PDF file, you will be able to print out and cut by hand :D
Here's your FREEBIE!!!
Download Cut File Here:

• Butterfly Shaped Card

Available files are:  svg, pdf, mtc, studio, png.  After clicking on the above link, click on the file extension you want and then click download.  That's it!

If you have any questions, I'd be happy to help!  My email is listed on my sidebar.

Thanks for hanging in there with me : )  I know this was a long post!

May God bless you, keep you and comfort your soul~