Baby Shower Week: Butterfly Collage

If you're just tuning in, it's baby shower week around here. Four of my friends are adding another bundle of joy to their lives and I wanted to make something special for each of them. This yellow and pink butterfly collage will be the centerpiece at a baby shower I'm throwing in two weeks. I also recently made a pink and brown version for one of my sweet friends and her BEAUTIFUL baby girl (Hi, Jill!).

I started with an average matted 11x14 frame I found on sale. I had plans to paint the wooden backing of the frame to create the backdrop, line it with card stock or even fabric, but I kid you not, all I did was flip over the paper that came with the frame. The backside ended up being a beautiful glossy white paper that looked prettier than anything I had on hand. Plus, it made adjusting the butterflies a little easier since it was glossy...it didn't tear every time I moved one.

Do remember to tape down the edges of your paper to the wooden backing. It will slide all over the place on you, and it gives it a little more reinforcement to handle the weight of the butterflies.

To hold the butterflies in place, I used foam squares that I cut into fourths. Their thickness added a lot of "oomph" to the project.

Using my butterfly punch (The Martha Stewart brand punch made this a cinch!) I cut out coordinating scrapbook paper we had on hand. This collage will go to a friend whose nursery is pastel yellows, pinks and creams so that was my main focus when choosing papers. I threw in two or three that included a light green as well to give the overall look a little extra punch.

Fold the wings out, using your fingernail to create a crease.

Then place a quartered foam square, sticky-side down onto the butterfly. Once you decide on positioning, peel off the backing and lightly set it in place. I recommend not pressing down until you're completely finished. I was surprised how many times I had to readjust my lines.

See the difference the foam and wing creases make?!

Finished product!

Have you seen Amy's butterfly collage yet? It's stunning!!


**I've had a lot of questions (including one text message, haha!) asking if the butterflies were under glass. Nope, no glass. The butterflies are too "3D" and will not fit. But now I have a free sheet of glass set aside for another project someday! :) **


Check out the rest of my Baby Shower Week projects:

Ruffle Baby Blanket

Ruffle Baby Burp Cloth

Linking to:

Sumo's Sweet Stuff