Hello Crafters.....
I thought this was the perfect time to share this mobile I created some time ago, when this Collection was initially released.
Wouldn't it look fantastic now with Jamie’s NEW Gemstones Glitter Texture Paste :-)
I included card to give it "flappy wings," however you can certainly attach them flat if that's your preference.
Step 1
Take the large JRC Butterfly Stencil and 6 different colours of Distress Oxide Inks.
Stencil out 12 butterflies - 2 of each colour onto JRC Polar White Elite Card.
Here I chose to use the following colours :-
▪️Milled Lavender
▪️Spun Sugar
▪️Salvaged Patina
▪️Twisted Citron (I did start with Shabby Shutters but felt this colour was best)
▪️Mustard Seed
▪️Dried Marigold
Use a Heat Tool to dry a little, before fussy cutting them out. (I did this whilst watching the TV lol).
Now do the same with the little butterflies, only this time, just do 8 - 2 of each colour.
Choose 4 of the colour you like out of the above selection.
After these are all done, use the same inks to work on the backs and then go over the fronts again to cover any white spots in the cut-out lines.
Set them aside.
Step 2
Use the components from the MDF Kit mentioned above.
Initially, I applied Lost Shadow Distress Oxide Ink to the 6 butterflies and the ring to lighten them, followed by heat drying. I then coloured them using the colours mentioned above, working on one side at a time. After heat drying, I left them on the radiator overnight each time.
The ring was colored in a lilac shade.
It required approximately three layers to achieve the desired shades.
Once these were completed, I chose a variety of Ranger Stickles in different colours and applied them around the edges of the butterflies and the ring.
I also took four individual MDF butterflies and embellished one side of each with Stickles in four different colours.
Step 3
Returning to the card butterflies, we can now embellish them.
As shown in Picture 3 📸, I used the Flower Stencil, positioned it where I wanted the small flower, and marked the center with a pencil. I did this on each of the 12 butterflies, placing 4 marks on each.
This method allows me to center the stencil without having to clean it every time, as the ink on the stencil makes it difficult to see where to place it next.
Here I used the following inks :-
▪️Dusty Concord
▪️Twisted Citron
▪️Carved Pumpkin
▪️Picked Raspberry
▪️Kitsch Flamingo
▪️Saltwater Taffy
You might want to pick your own colours, and put your own creative spin on the design....
Now gently heat dry and set aside for a while!
Step 4
Next, choose a stamp to place at the center of the stenciled flowers.
I selected the small flower from the JRC Lace Square Stamp set and used VersaFine Clair Ink Pads in Charming Pink, Summertime, Fallen Leaves, Fantasia, and Shady Lane.
✅ TOP TIP - It's advisable to use a stamp platform so you can restamp if needed.
I clean my stamps with a damp faux shammy leather before repositioning each time in case I drop them! Let's be honest, it happens lol.
Now, set these aside.
Step 5
Now stencil the leaves...
I used Peeled Paint Distress Oxide and the leaves from the flower stencil (as shown in Picture 5 📸).
Just go for it—use a very small blending brush and apply gently. You'll need to keep wiping the stencil as you turn it to achieve the desired directions.
Heat dry them, then add glitter to the little butterflies on one side with Stickles.
Once your stenciled butterflies are dry, outline the edges with contrasting Stickles.
I used my finger to apply the Stickles from a mat to avoid creating a thick line.
Step 6
Once you're satisfied that everything is dry—and I'll admit, I left mine on radiators and floors for a few days lol—you can begin assembling the butterflies.
Initially, I threaded a double length of string through each butterfly. I used regular string, but you can use whatever you have available, such as ribbon or clear thread.
Next, attach your butterflies on each side of the same colour.
📝 NOTE - Only adhere the bodies.
✅ TIP - Once they dried, I used foam pads, placing one under each wing, but kept the top side cover on to prevent the top butterfly from sticking!
This should help keep them from flattening, as shown in Picture 6 📸.
For the small MDF butterflies, I glued two together with string running through the centre and secured them with a bulldog clip until they were set. I repeated this process with the small card ones, but simply pegged them together.
Step 7
To assemble, I simply threaded my string through the holes on the ring and tied large knots to prevent them from slipping through, ensuring their security by gluing the knots as well.
I have some strings that are long and some that are short, but I measured them so that the long and short ones matched in length.
I attached the hanging strings through a ring and applied glue to those knots as well!
This is such a fun and easy kit to work with, and perfect for both gifts and home decor ideas.
Give it a go... and have a browse of the large MDF collection which is available... it really does bring another dimension to crafting!
Share your ideas and creations with me on our Facebook Group - Create With Craftmania.
Look forward to seeing you next time!
Keep crafting
Lynn x
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Great blog Lynn x