Flights of fancy

After a couple of weeks of fun with framelits I want to take a look at one of the new dies from Mr Tim Holtz, I have been lucky enough to work with all of these dies in preparation for our recent round of trade shows.

The Butterfly Frenzy decorative strip is one of my favourite dies in what is a very strong collection from Tim with lots more yet to be released in the coming year.

This is one of those dies which are a 'must have' because it represents great value for money and it's something you will reach for all year round. The die in question cuts 58 separate butterfly shapes...... yes! 58, in a variety of styles and sizes too.

all you need to get started is an A4 sheet of Kraft card, a couple of Distress Ink Pads (I used Wild Honey and Vintage Photo) A small glass bottle (got mine from the craft section in 'The Works' if you are lucky enough to have one near you?) and some text patterned paper (I think I used one from a My Mind's Eye Lost & Found collection).

I started by cutting a rectangle of Kraft card measuring 18 x 9cm before cutting two slits about 4cm from the base (accuracy isn't that important), I also cut a thin strip of the same card to fit through the slits. Next, I inked around the edges before completing the distressed effect by scuffing said edges using the blade of my scissors or you could use a distressing tool designed specifically for this purpose.

I distressed the thin strip of card in the same way and wrapped it around my little glass vial before threading each end through the slits on the card and securing to the back with a glue gun or adhesive tape. 

I used my PC to print the legend 'WITH LOVE' onto a piece of Kraft card which I then trimmed to size and punched a hole through the end before attaching to my vial with thin parcel string. Next, I mounted the rectangle onto my base card measuring 11 x 20cm.

To make the butterflies, I took a strip of text patterned paper and placed it face down onto the die before passing through my machine. I selected the butterfly shapes I wanted to work with and went about inking the edges before placing my tweezers down the centre of each one and bending back the wings to add dimension. I then set about adding the butterflies to the card starting with the smallest and working upwards. I find the best way to attach them is with a good old fashioned glue gun, tweezers, a steady hand and a bit of patience.

And here is the finished card, I hope my patience paid off?