Butterfly Friends

This is a lovely card for any occasion.  The main focal panel is created using co-ordinations card in a butterfly frame embossing folder.  The card and folder are put through an embossing/cutting machine so that the pattern becomes raised on the card.  Co-ordinations card is designed to allow you to sand the card revealing the core of the cardstock.  The pattern is sanded back, then th edges of the card are tinted with distress ink, catching some of the pattern which adds to the distressed, textured look.  The central square panel is cut out, then the panel is matted onto card of a contrasting colour which has been gutted (middle section removed leaving a frame).  The base card has been stamped with two colours of distress ink using a swirl image.  The outer front edge is given a scalloped edge using a Crafters Companion scoring plate.  The edges of the front of the card are tinted with both colours of distress ink.  The outer edge of the back of the card is then decorated to match the front.  Use copier paper or masking tape to protect the inside of the card, placing it about an inch or so from the edge before stamping.  Place the focal panel onto the base card but don't stick it down, mark with pencil where the corners of the aperture are.  A greeting is then stamped into the space, and the pencil marks removed.  The main panel can then be attached to the base card.  Two butterfly images are stamped and heat embossed in black onto co-ordinating coloured card, cut out and attached with dimentional glue to add more texture and movement.  The flowers are created from two pieces of card, one light one dark, which have been die cut.  The lighter card has text stamped on it.  The floral dies are of various sizes and are layered together to create a 3D flower.  A couple of die cut leaves finish the embellishment off.