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Monday 5 October 2020

Butterfly Specimen

 Hello Friends

Hope you are all well!  This is just a quickie post, I don't have any real steps to share because I just made this project for fun.

I absolutely adore butterflies and I was totally inspired by a project that the talented Ann Sullivan Barnes created HERE.  Isn't it gorgeous?

My project is an altogether simpler affair, I just wanted to create a piece that looked like it came from a collector's drawer.  

 It contains my two of my most favourite butterflies, the Monarch and the Swallowtail, the first found in North America and the second in the UK.  Both butterflies are from Tim Holtz stamp sets.  The Monarch is from Tim's new stamp set CMS410 - Specimen and the Swallowtail is from an older stamp set, CMS213 - Perspective.


I covered the outside of the vignette box with woodgrain cardstock coloured with Distress Ink in Antique Linen, Gathered Twigs and Walnut Stain.

For the inside, I used some beautiful handmade paper, spritzed with Distress Oxide in Antique Linen and then splattered with more Oxides to give an aged look.  I attached some Tim Holtz design tape around the edges.  I have yet to decide whether to add an acetate cover to the box....

The labels were typed on my new vintage typewriter, I love the type face!

 I added an Idea-ology knob to the top along with a number band, coloured with Distress Crayon.  

That's about it and the box/drawer now sits proudly on a shelf in my craft room and really brightens up my days.  I could never kill or mount a real butterfly this way, but Tim's stamps really do bring these glorious creatures to life!

Thanks so much for your visit, I really appreciate it and I hope to see you again soon.

Take care and keep safe and well.

Hugs, Anne xxx



10 comments:

  1. This is wonderful Anne. The outside of the drawer looks like real wood and the butterflies are gorgeous! I could never kill and mount real ones either so doing it in paper is the perfect alternative. Brilliant project!! Stay well and safe! hugs xx

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  2. What a lovely surprise to see this post today Anne you've made today a good day. Fantastic stamps displayed in a way to preserve their beauty without harm. I can sense the sheer joy you had creating this which will now be neverending as you glance every crafty day at this inspiring specimen.
    Now you need to create a whole collection of them.. A stunning piece of mixed media Anne now off to see what inspired you.
    Take care my friend and Thank you. Hugs Tracey xx

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  3. Beautiful project! Your butterflies look so real! Great job. I agree with you too...I could never mount a butterfly or keep dead ones around, so this is a great alternative. :) TFS!

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  4. Lovely butterflies in their specimin drawer. I too like using old typeface but I downloaded a font on my computer to use for these sorts of projects. Elaine xx

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  5. You took the words right out of my mouth, Annie! Only I would phrase it that Tim's butterflies were brought to life by YOU! What a fabulous idea to put them in a collector's drawer like this. The outside looks like real wood and the inside paper, labels, knob, and number all complete this very realistic Lepidopterist's handiwork!! Keep well! Hugs, Darnell xoxo

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  6. This is such a beauty Anne, the butterflies are stunning, and the drawer looks so realistic. I've taken a look at the inspiration piece too, and can see why you wanted to create yours. Take care and have a very happy week whatever you're doing, Sue xx

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  7. This looks amazing .... those butterflies look real! xx

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  8. awesome project! I love the bright colored butterflies!

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  9. We have monarchs everywhere here right now, so gorgeous. LOVE these Anne, the coloration is superb!

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  10. These really are stunning Anne! Beautifully done. The typewriter must be back from repair! You must have been thrilled to use it - the labels look truly fab! Nicola x

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