I’ve always loved the look of specimen type art within a curated collection, but a part of me thought it was also a little creepy to have framed dead things on my wall. Even if you’re not creeped out, artwork made with once-live butterflies can run you a few hundred dollars.
I compromised with myself the other day after seeing some faux butterflies in my local craft store and decided to make my own butterfly ‘specimen’ art.
With a gluegun and a steady hand, this pretty and nature inspired art can be customized in so many ways. Keep reading for more details on the making of this piece.
and don’t forget – the West Elm GIVE-A-WAY ends tonight at midnight!
Materials:
- Shadow box $6 (mine was actually a 13×13 ‘T-shirt’ display from Michael’s)
- Glue gun and glue sticks
- Ruler
- Faux Butterflies $8 (near the faux fruit at Michael’s)
- White cardstock $1
After gluing the white cardstock to the frame backing, I measured out the exact middle of the frame backing and made a small pencil mark (that could later be erased). I laid out all of the butterflies to determine position and spacing first. Then, I glued each butterfly down individually using a big heap of glue, and holding it in place until it dried (otherwise it will tip to the side).
After gluing down each butterfly, I put my frame back together and it was as easy as that!
Let me know if you try this – I’d love to see what you guys come up with!
Have a SUPER Monday!
All images and layouts are intended for House of Earnest
and designed by Erin Souder. If you wish to share, all you
have to do is provide a link back to the blog! Easy, right?
Thanks for sharing!
Branding & Site Development by
adorable….i am so making one of these for a friend who has a serious butterfly collection.
i think i will do an all white one and paint them neon.
pve
That is a great idea! Come back and show us – or share via FB!
Love, love, love! I think I need to make one for my baby girl’s room. =)
I think you do too! with all of your beautiful inspiration photos, I’m sure this would work well!
Very cute project. Butterfly specimens I can handle. It’s the beetles that really freak me out.
I love this idea. Looks beautiful and only the imagination sets the limits for what to put into the shadowbox. I think a beach theme would be really cool too.
Have a great day.
Annika
So pretty! And it sounds like an easy DIY!
I agree with you on being creeped out by the once-living butterflies. My grandparents actually have a butterfly display that is like 50 years old and some of the butterflies have cracked and fallen off. Yick. I would DEFINITELY stick with paper and plastic ones!
I just found your blog and love it! i’ve been wanting to make one of these. this post is perfect timing, thanks for the inspiration!
i’ve always though the same thing about it! beautiful yet odd & creepy. plus, to think those poor creatures we’re killed (i’m guessing) just to look pretty on a wall. love this idea.
xo!
I just stumbled upon your blog and I think I’m in love! This is such a great idea! Also — I hope you don’t mind I posted a photo from this article + a link to this page on my blog!