Wednesday, 13 August 2025

August 2025 - With 3 Things - Artist Trading Cards {by Riikka Kovasin}


Moikka again, it's Riikka from Paperiliitin with you today for another 'With 3 Things' challenge post. For this feature on the PaperArtsy Blog 3 identical items are sent to 3 members of the PaperArtsy Blogging team. Typically we will receive a stamp, a stencil and a couple of Fresco Paints.

We have no clue what PaperArtsy HQ is going to send as the whole idea of this challenge is to do something crafty in our personal style with these 3 items. We can incorporate other PA products into the mix if we feel it is necessary.

This time PaperArtsy headquarters send me a parcel with Kate Crane supplies! My 3 things included a flower stencil (PS441), a butterfly stamp set (KC014) and two Fresco Finish bottles, one color, Beach Hut (FF43) and one glaze, Metallic Glaze (FF24).


I added a set of watercolors to the mix and made some vibrant summer ATCs! Let's take a closer look, how the cards came into being. Oh, and please let me know if you would like to have one! The instructions are at the bottom of the post.


When I was pondering what to do, I thought about a CAS card, an art journal spread or tags, but I kept returning to my first idea of ATCs. The minute I set my eyes on the stamp set (KC014), I saw those butterflies decorating ATCs! So, I followed my own advice of going with your gut and went with the first idea.


I began the cards by making layering material using the stencil (PS441). I patterned a sheet using the Metallic Glaze (FF24) and also created four flowers using the same stencil and Beach Hut (FF43). 

The glaze sheet in this stage looked almost like white on white, but I knew the glaze would resist watercolor I was planning to spread on top and thus get a great patterned paper! I used a sponge to add the paint mediums.


Before reaching to my watercolors, I made more layering elements - this time the focal points. I used a black ink and stamped four butterflies and four sentiment strips to my cardstock. These elements are from the stamp set (KC014).


Then it was coloring time! I used the watercolor set to add some color to my resist patterned bloom paper. I chose a contrasting color to the turquoise shade of Beach Hut (FF43) to make the colors very vibrant. I also used the watercolors to add some touches inside the stenciled turquoise blooms and colored the butterflies with colors of the rainbow.


More paint touches were needed! I used the Metallic Glaze (FF23) to add some shimmer to the butterflies. I was careful not to paint over the lines so the watercolors would bleed onto each other. Instead I picked areas on each creature to accentuate. 

I also cut a bit smaller than ATC sized bits (2 1/4" x 3 1/4") out of cardstock and painted those turquoise using Beach Hut (FF43). On top I swiped some Metallic Glaze (FF23) here and there using the left over on my palette from painting the butterflies. 


Assembly time! I cut ATC sized pieces (2½" x 3½") from black cardstock and mounted the smaller, painted pieces on top. To add more contrast, than just the framing black, I then grabbed my trusty paint marker and traced the edges of the cards with a faux stitch line. I also added hand drawn details to the flowers, because without it, they felt overpowered by the butterflies.


Next I added a piece of the resist paper on top. I used a ruler to tear the edges to give the pieces a bit more personality. I also cut a couple into little banners. I attached the layers using double sided tape. 

I really loved how the teal and the orange tones worked together at this stage! The combo transferred me to somewhere tropical. 


Now that I had the bigger layers put, I turned my attention to the focal points. I paired each card with a bloom and a butterfly. I used craft glue to adhere those in place.


Just one more layering element to add! Having added the butterfly and bloom, I then added the sentiment piece to each card. I took this photo before deciding the final pairing, so if you look closely, you can see some sentiments swapped in next step.


As the final step I added some white doodles to the cards to multiply the white areas, so the sentiments wouldn't be the only ones. I added some dots to the flowers and bubbles here and there around the cards.


And there they are - a set of small flutters! The cards have tropical flair to them and shiny details, which you can maybe see better in the detail photos underneath. 


I promised some details, if you would like to get one of these cards to yourself. Please know that it is first come, first served -kind of deal and I will send the cards anywhere in the world using regular mail. 

So, if you wish to receive a card, please send me a message over at the Instagram and let me know your mailing address! My account on Instagram is @paperiliitin.


Thank you for your visit today! Have a great week everyone!

Xoxo, Riikka

Instagram: Paperiliitin



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