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Saturday, July 31, 2010

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:


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12 comments:

  1. We hung the butterfly collage up last night and it looks great in Joslin's room! Thanks again!

    Jill

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  2. That is SO beautiful! I just LOVE that idea!

    Melanie
    ~ melscoffeebreak.blogspot.com ~

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  3. That is very cute. Would look cute with different shapes as well. Thanks for the comment on my closet!
    Ronda

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  4. I love these butterflies. I think I'm going to put some on the chalkboard I just made. It needs a little something. Thank for the tutorial.

    BTW, thanks for noticing the Ball jar lamp. I actually made it myself. You can check it out here.

    http://3sunkissedboys.blogspot.com/2010/06/unique-pendant-lamp-ive-had-this.html

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  5. Yours turned out great! Aren't they so easy but adorable? What a fun a idea for a shower gift! Thanks for the link! I really appreciate it!

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  6. Beautiful work, i love the colours you've used.
    Found you on Get your craft on!

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  7. LOVE it!!!

    Something like this would be perfect in my daughter's room.

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  8. That is so cute and delicately beautiful.

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  9. So simple, so cute, and perfect for a nursery. I love this idea. Great instructions, I think even I could do it. Thank so much for sharing.

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  10. Hopping by, by way of Black Kats Design blog party. Your project was a real stand-out! Simple, sweet and beautiful! I'm inspired. Consider me your newest follower and fan! Jenn/Rook No. 17

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  11. I did end up doing something like this for my daughter's room. Thought you'd like to see it:

    http://generallycreative.blogspot.com/2010/08/butterfly-project.html

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I love to read each and every comment! Thank you for stopping by!