Exploring materials: Pop up elements with vellum by Natalie Ballard

 

We can use different materials as a way to highlight elements within a design. Here, I used vellum to create a 3D element from out of the stamp. You will need the Folk Art Garden stamp set for this card.

To do this, stamp your design twice; once onto vellum and once onto watercolour card. I used the same watercolours on both the watercolour card and the vellum. You could also use pearlescent paints to add an extra touch of sparkle. On the vellum piece, colour only the butterflies and colour the full design on the watercolour card. When painting on vellum, limit how much water you use to avoid the paper cockling too much.

Set both pieces to one side to dry and resist the urge to heat the vellum to dry it quicker.

Use an oval die to cut the central panel from your watercolour card panel. Nesting dies are great for this project, or you can use an electronic cutter if you have one. Cut a slightly larger oval from some plain coloured card to match the floral elements of your design. Adhere these two pieces together using double-sided adhesive or glue.

Choose a white card blank that fits your oval. Use glitter tape to create a central border for your oval panel to sit on; choose colours from your central design. The oval panel can then be adhered using double-sided adhesive, or use foam for a more dimensional look.

Fussy cut the butterflies from the vellum piece, vellum is quite forgiving when fussy cutting. Fold either side of the butterfly's body on the main butterfly, and down the join in the sideways one. Apply glue all over the body section to adhere it to the card. I wouldn't recommend using tape for this part of the process. I placed a small weight on the body while it was setting in place. Once dried, the wings can then be lifted up away from the card.

Onto a spare piece of white card, stamp your sentiment and mount onto a slightly larger piece in the same colour as the oval border.

Decorate with sequins, pearls or gems.