A Butterfly Decorated Seed Caddy

This  project was inspired by my love of gardening and that I needed a practical yet attractive holder for all my seeds!

I started with this small plastic art caddy that my son had out grown.
I first wiped it clean with a wet then dry cloth.

 I used a few paper plates, a foam brush and Gloss luster Mod Podge.

I sorted through my collection of printed paper napkins. I get the majority of my napkins at a discount store called Tuesday Morning.  The rest in specialty shops when the design catches my eye.

 I tore up copies of vintage music sheet paper and cut out parts of the napkin that I knew I would use.

I applied the torn music sheet paper to the inside of the caddy with the Mod Podge and foam brush.
 I also added some of the music sheet paper to the out side of the caddy, just under the lip.
Next I applied the napkin cut outs with Mod Podge to the entire outside of the caddy.
I filled in exposed areas with assorted purple tissue.

 I roughly trimmed out 2 of each butterfly images and applied them to sturdy white cardstock with Mod Podge. When dry, I carefully trimmed them out.
I used Tombo glue to adhere the first of each butterfly securely to the outside of the caddy. Then I placed a bit of glue to the center of each butterfly...let that set up a bit and placed the center butterfly onto the first, folding up the wings a little.

 For the inside border, I used a scalloped border punch on some aquamarine cardstock.
Then I inked them with teal ink before gluing them in place.  Lastly I filled in space on the caddy with an assortment of rhinestones other embellishments.

 I measured my seed packets, and created some divider cards with some pretty papers and a tab punch.

Here are my seed packets.

 I reused old prescription bottles and spice containers for my bulk seeds. I combined all my miscellaneous flower seeds so I'd be surprised as they bloom! Some of seeds were harvested myself and some were given to me.

 I adorned the butterfly's with the dew drops.
I just LOVE butterfly's!

 Thank you for coming by!
 I hope you have enjoyed my creation and are inspired to make something like this for yourself or even  friends. :)

Click here for more idea's and inspiration.

Butterfly Card

I like to create beyond normal paper and glue. I love working with my hands, getting paint under my nails and imagining the impossible.
This is my creation.
Enjoy :)

I started with a 3x3 label die. I use a Big Shot which is compatible with any manufactured die and embossing folders, but sometimes I have to improvise.
To make the die-cut, I used the multipurpose platform with all the flaps closed, die- cutting side up, paper on top and 2 acrylic plates.

Then to emboss the shape, I left the piece in the die. Placed it on the platform with all the tabs closed, a Sizzix impression pad, and (3) 8x11 cardstocks folded in half. - Trust me...this works like a charm!

 I stamped my sentiment onto the die cut and inked the edges for a distressed look.

Then I began work on the card. I wanted something stiff, so I used watercolor paper trimmed to 5½ x 3½.  This I covered with 2 strips of foil tape, then trimmed off the excess.
I ran this through the embossing folder, Work Shop by Couture Creations.

 I drizzled a few patina inks on the embossed card and blended with a makeup sponge. When this was dry, I gently used a sanding block to remove some of the color from the raised design and around the card.

 

Whenever I create something new that involves an assortment of mediums,  I always make a practice piece...just in case I mess up.
Below on the practice piece I played around with where I could add some red accents.

 What I ended up doing was adding red to the edges with my fingers, followed by some gold to soften it up.

 Now most of my projects start with a base plan and end with something way better than I envisioned. My mind is in constant creating motion. :)

Butterfly's are a favorite of mine and always seem to "flutter" into most of my creations.
I keep a color variety of punched butterfly's in little bags, these are punched from paper scraps and are always ready for last minute inspiration. 

 I ran one of the butterfly's through the Work Shop embossing folder.
Next I added just a touch of gold to the plain butterfly then more color to the other butterfly, highlighting the embossed design.

 A butterfly cannot be a butterfly with out it's faerie antenna! To get the perfect length every time, cut a piece of wire to be double the center width of your  butterfly. Fold in half, pinch at the bottom and loop the ends with jewelry pliers. Glue in place as shown with quick setting adhesive.

 Place another dot of glue onto the wire then add the top butterfly, folding up it's wings. Let set completely. Glue your foil card onto a 6 ¼ x 4½ card stock.  Line the edges of the stamped die with some gold and add to the card with foam tape.
Accent the butterfly with some patina, red color and rhinestones if desired.

Supplies used:
Work Shop Embossing Folder by Couture Creations
Labels by Spellbinders
Boundless Flight cling stamp by Tim Holtz
Black stamping ink
Jade, Moss and Verdigris Patina ink by Ranger
Gold and Lavared Inka Gold
Tombo glue
Foam tape
Foil Tape (plumbing section of any hardware store)
Sanding block
Colored floral wire
Rhinestones
Butterfly punchies
Paper trimmer, scissors, jewelry pliers,big shot and accessories.