Butterfly Booklet with Sara Naumann Products {by Ann Barnes}

Hi everyone, nice to be back with you again. It is Ann (@aksbarchitect) here with you today.

This year on the blog, we have free reign to do a deep dive into a PaperArtsy product range of our choosing. For this post I have been exploring Sara Naumann's products. One of the things I love about the summer is watching the butterflies silently flutter through the air and alight upon the flowers. They always bring such a sense of peace. When I saw the Sara Naumann butterfly stencil and stamps, I wanted to create something that reflected this peacefulness that the butterflies bring.

Working with the beautiful PaperArtsy Infusions and various papers, I had an idea to use the stencil in a new (to me) way. I was hoping to achieve a dimensional page that would make you eager to look deeper. It took a few tries, but once I was able to make my vision become a reality, the remaining pages seemed to flow effortlessly.

I am looking forward to sharing my process for creating this with you.

For this booklet, I primarily used Sara Naumann Stamp Set 33 (ESN33) and PaperArtsy Sara Naumann Stencil 122 (PS122). I also used the gorgeous PaperArtsy Infusions Dye Stains Raspberry (CS24), Blackcurrant (CS09), and Violet  Storms (CS11).

Most often when I think of butterflies, my mind conjures visions of purples and pinks. The PaperArtsy Infusions created such gorgeous intense colored papers, I thought that using a yellowish base paper would complement it wonderfully. For this I chose PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylic in Heavy Cream (FF203) and Ranger Industries Distress Ink in Antique Linen.

Knowing that I would be incorporating hand dyed papers made with PaperArtsy Infusions dye stains, I decided that creating those papers would be the perfect place to begin. Watching the colors spread onto the paper with the addition of water is so much fun! I like to use 100% cotton rag vellum because it accepts the colors easily, withstands a lot of water and also dries flat. Spritz the vellum paper with water, sprinkle the infusions randomly over the page and add more water. Then, layer another page directly on top and repeat the process. This allows you to add color to both sides of the paper efficiently. Once you have completed as many pages as you want, allow them to dry overnight. If there are any remaining crystals that have not dissolved, these are easily brushed off once the papers are completely dry. I also dyed some Bristol cardstock and tracing paper that I would put to use later, both in the booklet as well as in some of my collage art. Having a stash of these gorgeous and vibrant papers is always nice.

My original idea was based on creating a dimensional paper using the butterflies stencil (PS122). I was hoping to use a translucent vellum topper that would allow color to show through butterfly shaped openings. I tried multiple variations of layering and could not get this idea to work out. Frustrated, I then decided that perhaps the colors would only be seen within the booklet... It was when I allowed my creativity to guide me, that things began to head in a direction much more to my liking!

 

To create the cover, I laid the stencil onto my handmade paper and lightly traced the butterflies with a pencil. I moved the stencil around to create a pattern that swept across the page. It is not necessary to use all of the stencil cutout openings in your design, and you can easily make the design your own by changing the angles and positions of the different sized butterfly openings.

Using an Exacto knife, I cut around each of the butterfly wings that I had traced and intentionally left the central "body" section intact. This allows the wings to be folded upward while remaining attached.

Once all of the wing shapes are cut, gently erase the remaining pencil marks. You can then adorn the wings in any way you desire; I added some gilding.

Using the piece of Infusions dyed Bristol, I die cut two ornate butterflies. Then I traced the edge of the butterfly onto one half of a folded piece of cardstock and cut it out with scissors. This created a folding card where the top flap was in the shape of the butterfly and the base remained untouched. Using the butterfly quote stamp from Sara Neumann Stamp Set 33 (ESN33) I stamped repeatedly to create a background.

Using a blending brush and Distress Ink, I added color to the patterned butterfly shape.

This piece was then sandwiched between the two die cut pieces.

I inked a piece of vellum with Distress ink in Antique Linen, then created some tone on tone pattern using the butterfly image stamps from the set. Using the same Antique Linen Distress ink, I inked up my stamps and randomly stamped onto the colored vellum.

Since the images are stamped in the same color, they appear as a deeper shade of the background. I love the look of this, especially on the translucent vellum.

The sentiments that were intended to stand out, were stamped onto the vellum with Archival Ink.

When the butterfly flap sits atop the vellum pages, it creates an interesting and beautiful backdrop.

I wanted to create a similar sweep of the butterflies on the back page. To do this, first lightly sponge PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Acrylic paint in Heavy Cream onto the Bristol cardstock and allow to dry. Then using an ink blending brush, ink up a few of the butterfly shapes in the stencil creating the desired pattern.

Once the ink is dry, replace the stencil over the page and add metal leaf adhesive to random areas of the inked shapes. Gold leaf is then placed onto the adhesive and the excess is brushed off.

The final step is to assemble the pages and secure them together with a piece of sari silk to create a butterfly booklet.

I love the way this butterfly booklet turned out. As I turn the pages I am transported to the peaceful flight of the butterfly. Drifting amongst the flowers carefree.

Blog: aksbarchitectCREATES

Facebook: Ann Sullivan Barnes

Instagram: @aksbarchitect

July 2025 - With 3 Things - Altered Vintage Bobbin {by Mi Mii}

 

Grande bobine vintage altérée / Altered Vintage Bobbin

Bonjour à tous, c'est Mi Mii (@themy32) ici avec vous pour un nouveau challenge "With 3 Things".

Je vous rappelle le principe de cet article du blog PaperArtsy : trois produits identiques sont envoyés à trois membres de l'équipe du blog de PaperArtsy. Nous recevons généralement un set de tampons, un pochoir et quelques peintures ou infusions PaperArtsy.  Nous n'avons aucune idée de ce que le siège de PaperArtsy va nous envoyer. L'idée de ce défi est de réaliser un projet créatif à notre image avec ces trois articles.

Voyons donc ce que j'ai reçu cette fois-ci...

Hello everyone, it’s Mi Mii (@themy32) here with you for a new “With 3 Things” challenge!

Let me just remind you how this works – it’s a fun feature over on the PaperArtsy blog where three of us from the blog team are sent the exact same trio of products. Usually it’s a stamp set, a stencil, and a couple of PaperArtsy paints or Infusions. We have no idea what they’re going to send us – it’s a complete surprise. The aim is to create something that reflects our own style, using just those three items.
So, let’s see what I received this time...

Il s'agit de la planche (ESN52) de Sara Naumann (j'adore son univers), magnifique set de tampons au design vintage qui m'inspire déjà beaucoup ! Il y a également, le pochoir coordonné au set de tampons, le (PS090)  avec de jolis motifs graphiques, et pour terminer une peinture PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Nougat (FF39), une couleur opaque tirant sur les beiges rosés ainsi qu'une infusion PaperArtsy Black Night (CS12) . Trop contente de cette sélection, elle colle parfaitement à un projet que j'avais envie de réaliser depuis un petit moment.

I got the Sara Naumann stamp set ESN52 (I love her creative world!), which is absolutely gorgeous – vintagey and full of character, and already buzzing with inspiration. Alongside that, there’s the matching stencil PS090, full of lovely graphic elements, and then two colour products: PaperArtsy Fresco Finish paint in Nougat (FF39), a beautifully opaque soft pinky-beige, and a PaperArtsy Infusion in Black Night (CS12). I couldn’t be happier – this combo is absolutely perfect for a project I’ve been wanting to make for ages.

Voici un petit aperçu de ce que j'ai réalisé:

Il faut savoir que je suis une chineuse compulsive ! lol ! Si, si, je vous assure, j'adore fouiner et dénicher des pépites sur les vide-greniers, dans des ressourceries ou sites de seconde main ! Dernièrement, j'ai chiné un lot de 6 anciennes grandes bobines en bois... Achat inutile me direz-vous ? Eh bien, non ! Je savais bien qu'elles me serviraient un jour ! hahaha !

Here’s a little preview of what I ended up creating:
Confession time: I’m a total vintage junkie! LOL! Honestly, I can’t resist a good rummage through brocantes, charity shops, or second-hand treasure troves. My latest find? A set of six old, oversized wooden bobbins / spools. Useless, you might think? Not at all! I knew I’d find a use for them someday – ha!

Pour ce projet j'ai utilisé des chutes de tissu, qui forment la base et le support de ma créa.

For this project, I worked with scraps of fabric – they’re the base and the structure for the whole piece.

J'ai déchiré des bandes, dans ma chute de coton blanc, aux dimensions de ma bobine.

I tore strips from a leftover piece of white cotton, cut to fit the size of my spool.

J'ai oublié de vous préciser qu'avant toute chose, j'ai testé tout un tas de combinaisons avec la peinture Fresco Finish Nougat de PaperArtsy (FF39) et l'infusion PaperArtsy Black Night (CS12). J'ai obtenu un joli nuancier avec une bonne gamme de couleur adaptée à mon projet. Je reproduis également ce nuancier sur une bande de coton blanc que je viendrai intégrer dans ma création.

Oh – and I forgot to mention: before diving in, I did a bit of colour play with the PaperArtsy Fresco Finish Nougat Paint (FF39) and the Black Night Infusion (CS12). I came up with a gorgeous colour chart – loads of tones that work really well together and fit perfectly with my idea. I also reproduced that palette on a strip of cotton fabric, which I then integrated into the project.

J'ai commencé par étaler au pinceau, ma peinture Fresco Finish nougat de PaperArtsy (FF39) sur ma bande de tissus, j'y ai ensuite ajouté des touches de gris, avec les différents mélanges que j'ai obtenus avec l'infusion PaperArtsy Black Night (CS12). Je rajoute également directement de l'infusion sur la base. Cela crée  des fusions dans mon tissu que j'aime beaucoup.

To begin, I brushed the Nougat paint onto the fabric strip, then added hints of grey using various mixes I’d created with the Black Night Infusion. I even sprinkled a bit of Infusion directly onto the fabric – it created these lovely bleeding effects that I just adore.

Je procède ensuite au tamponnage de mon fond. Pour cette étape je ne vais pas utiliser de pad d'encre mais je vais me servir de la peinture Fresco Finish nougat de PaperArtsy (FF39) et de l'infusion PaperArtsy Black Night (CS12). Pour se faire, je viens étaler, à l'aide d'un rouleau, un peu de peinture sur ma palette, que je mélange à mon infusion afin d'obtenir une nuance de gris.

Next up: stamping the background. Instead of using a regular ink pad, I went for the paint and Infusion combo again. I spread a little Nougat paint onto my palette using a brayer, added some of the Infusion, and mixed it up to get a nice muted grey.

  

Je répète l'opération avec les différents tampons PaperArtsy de la planche de Sara Naumann.  J'aime beaucoup le fait que les tamponnages ne soient pas nets et bien définis, cela donne un l'effet grunge que j'affectionne particulièrement.

I repeated this technique with the different stamps from Sara Naumann’s set. I love how the prints come out a bit imperfect and smudgy – it gives that grungy effect I’m always drawn to.

Mon fond commence à prendre forme, mais il est loin du résultat que j'ai en tête. Je décide d'apporter des impressions avec le pochoir de Sara Naumann (PS090), coordonné au set de tampons (ESN52). J'obtiens une superposition de matières et de motifs qui enrichissent mon fond.

The background was coming along, but I wasn’t quite there yet. Time to bring in the stencil – Sara Naumann’s PS090, the one that matches the stamp set. I layered it over the background and started adding pattern and texture – all those layers really start to build up something interesting.

Je rajoute quelques "splash" de peinture Nougat diluée... Petit à petit les choses se mettent en place et la base de mon projet prend forme et je dois avouer que cela me plait !

A few splashes of diluted Nougat paint later... and it’s all coming together. The base is finally starting to look the way I’d imagined – and I have to say, I’m loving it!

Il est temps de rajouter du contraste avec des tamponnages à l'encre noire. J'utilise notamment ce magnifique grand motif oiseau de la planche (ESN52) de Sara Naumann. Je superpose, j'enrichis, de-ci, de-là, au gré de mes envies jusqu'à obtenir un résultat qui me convienne. bref je m'amuse ! lol !

Time to add some contrast with crisp black stamping. I couldn’t resist using that beautiful large bird image from the ESN52 set. I added bits here and there, layering and playing until I was happy with the balance. Basically, I was having so much fun!

Il est temps de passer à la mise en place de tous les éléments décoratifs que j'ai préparé à côté, à savoir, des bandes de tissus tamponnées avec les textes de la planche de tampons de Sara Naumann (ESN52), des étiquettes papiers, le nuanciers sur tissu...etc.

Now for the finishing touches – I pulled out all the decorative elements I’d prepped on the side: stamped fabric strips with the text stamps from the ESN52 set, some little paper labels, the colour palette on fabric, and so on.

Et comme sur chacun de mes projets, de la couture ! main et machine. J'ai rajouté des coutures avec un fil épais rouge. cela souligne quelques détails que je voulais mettre en évidence.

And of course, no project of mine is complete without stitching – both hand and machine! I used thick red thread in places to highlight certain details I wanted to draw attention to.

J'ai préparé une petite série de tags sur papier 'Craft' qui viennent se glisser dans les pochettes que j'ai cousues sur la bande de tissus de fond. J'ai utilisé différentes techniques pour les décorer... ici peinture Fresco Finish nougat de PaperArtsy (FF39) appliquée sur tout le tag, j'ai ensuite appliqué le pochoir de Sara Naumann (PS090), et avec une lingette j'ai retiré la peinture pour révéler le motif du pochoir.

I also created a little series of craft paper tags, which tuck into pockets I’d sewn onto the fabric strip background. I used a few different techniques to decorate them – on one, I applied the Nougat paint all over, then laid the stencil (PS090) on top and wiped away some of the paint with a baby wipe to reveal the pattern underneath.

Là,  pochoir de Sara Naumann (PS090) et infusion PaperArtsy Black Night (CS12).

Another one was done with the stencil and the Black Night Infusion – really dramatic and moody!

Et pour terminer j'ai estampé certains d'entre eux.

And to finish them off, I stamped a few as well.

Et tadam !! voilà le résultat ! j'avoue adorer ce projet ! un Art Journal sur bobine !

And ta-da!! Here’s the final result! I have to say – I love this project! A spool-based art journal – how fun is that?

Je vous le fais découvrir plus en détail avec quelques photos ...

Let me give you a closer look with some photos...

Des personnages de Tim Holtz, des mots, citations et autres... afin de créer et raconter une histoire.

I added some of Tim Holtz’s paper dolls, quotes, and other bits and bobs to build up a little story.

avec les petits tags craft dans les pochettes....

The craft tags are tucked into the pockets...

Une vue de la bobine avec la bande de tissu enroulée autour.

And a view of the spool itself, with the fabric strip all wrapped around.

J'espère sincèrement que tout autant que moi vous apprécierez ce projet. Sachez que pour ma part, j'ai pris beaucoup de plaisir et mis énormément de cœur à le réaliser. Il foisonne de détails et a ce rendu vintage que j'aime ! la sélection de produits envoyée  par PaperAtrsy ne pouvaient pas mieux coller à mon projet. Merci encore !

Merci à vous d'être passé par ici et d'avoir lu cet article. Je vous souhaite plein d'aventures créatives et de plaisir à les réaliser !

A bientôt !

Mi Mii xx

I really hope you’ll love this project as much as I do. I poured a lot of heart and joy into it – it’s full of tiny details and that vintage feel I adore! The selection from PaperArtsy couldn’t have suited my vision any better – thank you again!

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. Wishing you lots of creative adventures and loads of joy as you make!

See you soon,
Mi Mii xx

Facebook :  Mi Mii

Instagram : @themy32