Caterpillars and Butterflies

For these cards I used 2 images and a sentiment found on Sweet Pea plate #18.
I had created some background paper using white card stock, sponges, and various colors of Adirondack dye inks. I stamped the butterfly image onto the background, trimmed it, and then matted onto dark blue card stock. I then layered that onto a larger piece of the handmade background, and another piece of dark blue card stock. Before attaching the piece to the front of a yellow card, I punched holes and inserted a yellow brad in each of the corners. I stamped the sentiment below the matted image and ran a blue marker around the edges of the yellow card. Then I thought the perfect way to finish this card would be to cut and emboss a butterfly using my Cuttlebug and attach him in the bottom right corner.




I thought these images would be just the right size for an easel card. I've provided the basic instructions and dimensions for an easel card below, and you can view another of my easel cards on a posting from Dec 22, 2009.
I stamped the caterpillar image onto glossy card stock that was colored with alcohol inks. After trimming it I matted it onto a piece of green card stock (same green card stock that the front panel and base were cut from). I had some beautiful background paper that I attached to the front panel before attaching the matted caterpillar.

On the base of the easel card I cut a small piece of the same background used on the front panel and placed it at the bottom of the base as a matting for the green card stock that I used when stamping the sentiment. I used the same green card stock when stamping the sentiment that I used for the base and the front panel of the card. Before attaching the sentiment I trimmed using a decorative edge scissor.



Here the easel card is displayed. Two gold flower-shaped brads were placed in the base of the card so that the front panel would rest up against them. When you place these brads it is best to not secure them tightly against the card stock. Doing this will allow the brads to stick up a bit off the base so that the front panel more easily rests against them.





I created another easel card with the butterfly stamp and the same sentiment used above. I cut the front panel of the card from a dark blue card stock, along with a smaller piece which I used to mat the butterfly image. Each of those pieces was edged with a silver Krylon pen. I stamped the butterfly image onto a piece of glossy card stock that was colored with alcohol inks. Using the same light blue card stock that was used for the base of this card I cut a piece slightly smaller than the front panel and ran it through the Cuttlebug with the diamonds embossing plate. I also edged this piece with the silver Krylon pen. I layered all pieces onto the front panel and attached to the base of the easel card.
With the card opened fully you can see I've left a portion of the inside empty. A special message can be written there or another image or sentiment stamped.
I used a Cuttlebug embossing border on the bottom edge of the card. I stamped the sentiment onto a small piece of silver-blue card stock, trimmed with decorative edge scissors, and attached just above the the border with double-sided tape.

This picture shows the card displayed like an easel. The two silver flower-shaped brads are placed such that the bottom edge of the front panel of the card rests against them.
These images and sentiment are great to use for many different occasions. Check out these and all the other great stamps at Sweet Pea Stamps.
Chrissy


There are basically 2 pieces to the easel card:
- 8 1/2 x 4"... this piece is scored and folded in half and then the top half is scored and folded in half again. This is the base of the card
- 4 1/2 x 4"... this piece is the front of the card. The bottom half of this piece is what is attached to the top 2 1/8 x 4" section of the base of the card.
A brad, or a couple of brads, are placed anywhere from 1 to 2" up from the bottom of the base. Where you place the brad(s) will depend on how large the sentiment or stamped image or decoration is that you place at the bottom of the card.
To set the card up as an easel... when you open the card, flip/turn the front of the card so that the front bottom edge is resting up against the brad(s).
I hope this helps, but if it isn't clear just Google easel cards and you'll find other samples that may help you to design this type of card.