Friday, February 12, 2010

An Artful Card Tutorial

I have Butterflies on the brain!

These winged jewels are the perfect
bit of Nature to grace a Valentine or
any sentiment for that special someone.

I invite you to create along with me,
as I demonstrate how to make your
own delicate hand-painted, collage
art card.


1. Using a copyright free image or photograph
of a butterfly, transfer the image to a piece
of typing/copy paper via your computer
and printer or a copier.


2. Cut a small piece of 200-thread count
bleach muslin fabric slightly larger than
the butterfly, and lay the fabric over the
image.


3. Using a mechanical pencil, trace the
outline of the butterfly onto the fabric.


4. Be sure to capture any important
details shown, such as the body or
large wing markings.


5. Using your favorite acrylic paints,
select colors that match the butterfly
image. Apply paint to the fabric,
remembering to wash your brush
thoroughly when changing to a new
color.


6. Once you finish painting your image,
take a pair of sharp, small scissors and
carefully cut the butterfly out.


7. Be sure to trim close enough to
remove all traces of the unpainted
bleached muslin fabric around the
outside of the wings and body.


8. Now gather a blank greeting card,
envelope, and miscellaneous collage
materials such as vintage papers,
lace, other fabrics.


9. Arrange the various collage materials
and attach to the front of the blank
greeting card using paste or double
stick tape.


10. Stitch your painted butterfly to
the collaged greeting card using
a needle and thread. One or two
stitches is enough to hold the
butterfly securely in place.


Congratulations!.
You now have a lovely artful card.


For additional tips and techniques,
check out pages 32-46 of my new book,
Nature Inspired.


19 comments:

Jane LaFazio said...

sooo lovely!!

Dianne said...

Love it! What a beautiful card! Thanks for the tutorial!

Unknown said...

Yep, butterflies on the brain. How could you not with that wonderful box of butterflies that you got. That is a wonderful tutorial. I think I may have to make one just for my Art Journal. Gotta start putting something in there.
Happy Valentines Day Traci

Janee said...

Ooohh that's lovely Tracy! Thank you!

Lee Weber said...

sweet! I should have lots of monarchs thsi year- half the property is covered in milkweed!

*jean* said...

beeeeeautiful!!!

*jean* said...

oo your cards are gorgeous! thank you for sharing!

Debby said...

Hi Tracie, your cards is gorgeous and congrats on your interview. How awesome is that!
debby

Kathleen said...

Stunning. I just can't wait to try this.
Happy Valentine's Day.

Cynthia said...

Just stunning....gorgeous.

Fran said...

Such a lovely tutorial! Thanks for sharing it. I hope you're doing well! xo, Fran

Anonymous said...

This card is so lovely....one to enjoy on my part making, and I know the person who receives it will love it just as much. I wanted you to know that I believe of all the books I have purchased concerning vintage-looking artwork, NONE has given my such ongoing pleasure as yours has. It sits close at hand, just so when I have a moment I can lose myself in it. Thank you for such inspiration!
Fondly,
Rita
The Texas Redhead

iHanna said...

As I've got postcards and cards on my mind I just had to click over to see your tutorial and wow - it's great. Your wee painting is super sweet, and the lace thing... mmm! Thanks for sharing!

Weathered & Worn said...

Very nice! Thanks for sharing the project.

Liesel Lund said...

I've seen those beautiful Ulysses butterflies in person in Australia. They are so deep blue & shimmery. I quite like your lovely piece here with the background of lace. So sweet!

Anonymous said...

How wonderful--the rich color of the butterfly makes the piece come alive!

Anonymous said...

As beautiful as are all your projects in Nature Inspired; I just love that book, and all the projects therein.

Birgit said...

Hi there,

I just ordered your book at amazon.de! :) I had it on my wish list for the longest time and today was the right day to order it. It will be an Easter gift for myself. :) Anyway, I am excited to have found your blog -- thanks for sharing this tutorial.

Greetings from Munich
and happy creating,
Birgit

peggy aplSEEDS said...

thanks for this tutorial of such a lovely card!