DIY Butterfly Wall Art with Paper & Butterfly Punch
This is the project I almost always do on the first week with my crafters. Butterfly art is universally loved by all and this project allows artists to make custom designs that almost always come out beautiful! The key to this project is framing it at the end! Also, these make the best home decor or decor for kids' rooms.
Let's break down the steps for you to get started:
Materials Needed
Butterfly punch (any size/style): you can also use a variety of sizes
Colorful cardstock, patterned paper, scrapbook paper or gelli prints: Be sure that your paper is at least card stock thickness. Thin paper sometimes causes the punches to clog.
White cardstock, in the size of your frame or shadow box.
Scissors (optional, for trimming paper pieces): I rarely use scissors in my butterfly art, but they're always good to have on hand.
Adhesive squares: You can get these at the dollar store, but I find that the adhesive doesn't last. Purchase the high quality ones and this project will last forever!
Shadow box frame or plain wall for display: This is the key to making it look like a piece of luxury artwork.
Pencil and ruler (if planning out where you want to adhere the butterflies)
Gelli plate (optional - if you decide to make your own papers)
Embellishments: You can add glitter, rhinestones, or metallic marker to your butterflies
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Choose Your Favorite Papers
Choose the papers you'd like to use in your design. Choose a nice balance of colors that will work well together.
You are better off having too many choices rather than not enough choices, so start off with a wide variety of colors and designs.
Step 2: Punch Out the Butterflies
Using your hole punch, slide the paper into the punch. When teaching this lesson, I typically advise crafters to make sure they feel the paper hit the back of the punch.
Press down firmly to punch out the butterfly shape.
Step 3: Plan the Layout
There are several ways to organize the butterflies. You can do a cascade of butterflies or you can line them up into rows. Play around with the shapes and decide which method works best for you.
If you choose to do a grid, use a ruler to make sure they are evenly spaced out.
I printed a grid on my Cricut and this saved me so much time!
Step 4: Attach the Butterflies
Using foam squares, remove one side of the adhesive backing and attach to the back of the butterfly. Repeat for all of the butterflies that you plan to use in your artwork.
Once each butterfly has adhesive backing, peel off the other side.
Attach to a fresh, square piece of cardstock or bristol.
Step 5: Frame or Display
Place your finished artwork inside your shadow box, display, and enjoy!!
Variations and Creative Ideas to Try
Try using metallic papers or glitter papers. Just make sure that they are not too thick for the hole punch.
Add rhinestones or glitter to give it some sparkle.
Add metallic paint to the edges of the wings to make them stand out.
Try using other shapes like birds or hearts instead of butterflies.
Experiment and see what works best for you! If you are curious about gelli printing, feel free to use this beginner's guide to get started. Or, if you like making art with beautiful papers, try this post!
I’d love to see your butterfly art - please tag me in your projects! Can’t wait to see what you create!
