It’s only July 9th, so why did it already feel like autumn this morning? Thankfully the forecast is improving and it should brighten up later. I’m certainly not ready for the cooler weather just yet. I love being outside when the sky is blue and there’s a gentle breeze coming in off the water. Once I’m settled on the deck it never takes long for the birds and butterflies to return. It’s so relaxing just sitting there watching them come and go.
So with the butterflies as my inspiration I decided to revisit an older, but still available stamp set; Butterfly Gala.
BEAUTIFUL BUTTERFLIES
I began with a 2″ x 5-1/2″ strip of Thick Very Vanilla Card, shaped at the top with the Delightful Tag Topper Punch. Then using pieces of Stampin’ Sponge I added random patches of So Saffron and Just Jade ink.
Next I chose one of the butterflies images from the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set. Using VersaMark ink I carefully stamped the larger butterfly twice. I sprinkled the sticky ink with Clear Stampin’ Emboss Powder and then removed a few stray specks. Once I was happy I melted the rest of the embossing powder using my Heat Tool set on 2 (high).
With the embossing done I stamped three matching small butterflies and all the antennae using Bermuda Bay ink.
Then going back to my pieces of Stampin’ Sponge I added more colour to the surface of the bookmark. This time I added areas of Bermuda Bay and Gorgeous Grape ink. Once I’d finished sponging I wiped the embossing with a paper tissue to remove any loose ink.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Now the stamping, embossing and sponging was done just I needed to add a few final details.
First I flicked some clean water onto the bookmark. This created some lighter spots in the inked surface. Then I fixed some Very Vanilla 3/8″ Scalloped Lace Trim along the bottom edge using Tear & Tape Adhesive.
Finally I threaded some metallic copper grosgrain ribbon through the hole at the top and tied it in a simple knot. With that my colourful butterflies bookmark was done.
I must admit that when I began this project I had no intention of including a sneak peek from the new August to December Mini Catalogue. However the copper just seemed the perfect touch. You’ll be able to get this new ribbon in a pack with a soft 1/2″ Mint Macaron ribbon. Lookout for the pack – it’s called Basketweave & Metallic Ribbon Combo, and I love it!
It’s been quite a while since I’ve played with the Butterfly Gala Stamp Set, so here are some of my previous blog posts.
UPDATE 2021: Sadly the Basket Weave & Metallic Ribbon has retired and is no longer available from Stampin’ Up! The Butterfly Gala Stamp Set is retiring and now only available while stocks last.
What a lovely bookmark, Tracy! I love watching your videos and reading your daily or almost daily blog! This stamp set is a favorite of mine too.
Thank you Lynn. My blog is daily, although sometimes posted a little later than usual. It’s nice to revisit some older stamp sets and even though it’s still available to buy, I’m sorry to say Butterfly Gala has been gathering dust here.