I love when a card is not only beautiful but also serves a practical purpose! This latest creation was such a joy to make, and I can’t wait to share all the details with you.
It all began with a Crumb Cake card base, setting the perfect neutral foundation for what was to come. I then took a piece of Poppy Parade cardstock and scored it in an accordion fashion. The center section of the accordion fold was carefully taped to create a secure pocket for a gift card, while the back portion was adhered tightly to keep the fold in place. Once this piece was ready, I attached it to the base, forming the interactive element of the design.
For the front of the card, I layered a piece of Basic White, framing another panel of Crumb Cake. In the bottom right-hand corner, I stamped “Celebrate” from the Beautiful Butterflies stamp set using Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The butterfly embellishment is the true showstopper. I used the Beautiful Butterflies dies with my Cut & Emboss Machine to create a stunning layered effect. The base butterfly was die cut from Basic White cardstock, while the detailed wings were cut from Bloom Impressions DSP, adding a lovely pop of color and pattern. To complete the butterfly, I die cut the body and antennae from Basic Black and adhered all the pieces together with liquid glue before using dimensionals to attach it above the sentiment for extra dimension.
Inside the card, I added a panel of Basic White cardstock with a coordinating strip of Bloom Impressions Designer Series Paper (DSP) along the right side for a cohesive touch. I stamped two small butterflies in Azure Afternoon ink, one in full strength and the other stamped off for a softer effect. To add some extra detail, I used the splatter stamp from the set, stamping in stamped-off Crumb Cake ink around the butterflies.
A little surprise awaited the gift card in the gift card slot! I discovered some die-cut butterflies in Azure Afternoon from a previous project on my desk and adhered one to the gift card using a glue dot, making it an extra fun reveal. To complete the card, I added five Adhesive-Backed Sparkle Gems in white to the front, giving just the right amount of shimmer and elegance.
This card was such a delight to create, and I know the recipient will be thrilled with it! I also filmed a video of the process so you can see how it all came together. To add even more excitement, I entered this card into three challenges: The TicTacToe Challenge #264 (using the Kraft Cardstock, Die Cut, and Colored Ink line), the A Cut Above Challenge for February (where anything goes as long as you use a die cut), and the AAA Colorful Challenge Colourboard #13.
Here’s a step-by-step video for you from my YouTube channel:
I hope this card inspires you to try making your own fun and functional designs. Let me know what you think, and happy crafting!
Measurements (in inches):
- Card Base (Crumb Cake) – 5-1/2 x 4-1/4
- Gift Card Holder Portion (Poppy Parade) – 5-1/4 x 11, scored along the 11 side at 4, 5, 5-1/2, 6, and 7; folded accordion-fold
- 1st Layer on card front (Basic White) – 3-3/4 x 5
- 2nd Layer on card front (Crumb Cake) – 3-1/2 x 4-3/4
- scrap for die cuts: Basic White (large butterfly base), Basic Black (butterfly body), Azure Afternoon (small butterfly), Bloom Impressions DSP (wing pattern inside large butterfly base)
- Inside card – Basic White 3-3/4 x 5 with 1/2 x 5 strip of DSP
Supplies Used:
This is great! What an awesome gift card holder. I love the you die cut the butterfly from patterned paper. So pretty with the kraft background color. Thanks so much for sharing with A Cut Above’s February, “Anything Goes With A Die Cut” Challenge.
That’s so kind of you, Vicki! 😊 I had so much fun creating this card, and I’m thrilled to share it in the challenge. I love how the patterned paper added that extra bit of charm to the butterfly! 🦋 Thanks so much for your sweet comment and for hosting such a fun challenge—I always enjoy playing along! 💕