How to Make Butterflies for Your Garden Themed Wedding

Garden themes are an exciting choice for Summertime weddings. A loving couple may exchange vows in a public green space. They may whisper "I do" in Aunt Hannah's country garden or share a first dance on a wooded mountain top. Whatever outdoor location a bride chooses, butterflies are destined to make a surprise appearance. If those whimsical creatures don't arrive on cue, these handcrafted substitutes will add a hint of butterfly style.

These crafty versions of nature's most elegant insects are playful and sparkly. They are the perfect accent for a bouquet, a gift box or just about anything else. They are easy to craft, as well. Just follow these simple step by step instructions.

Materials

-A spool of wired metallic ribbon at least 2 inches wide. Wired ribbon is available at a craft or floral supply store. For a non metallic look look, wired ribbon comes in a bright colors like yellow or blue.

-A coil of silver or gold craft wire

-Tacky glue or a hot glue gun

Tools

-Scissors

-Round nosed pliers (the kind jewelry makers use)

Create butterfly wings

-Cut a 16 inch piece of wired ribbon for each butterfly

-Lay the ribbon on a flat surface.

-Fold a 6 inch portion of ribbon over and downward so it forms an angle. (see illustration)

-Do the same on the other side.

-The center section should measure about 4 inches across the top.

-Where the left section crosses over the right section gather the ribbon like you were making a bow.

-The wire will help it stay in place.

-Turn your piece over.

-Fold the two raw ribbon ends up one at a time.

-Gather them at the center of the piece.

-Add a bit of tacky glue or hot glue to hold the pieces in place.

-Cut a 6 inch piece of craft wire, fold it in half.

-Slip it over the center of your "butterfly"from the bottom up. .

-Twist the wire tightly into place. This will hold the ribbon in place. You will also have two wire "antenna" extensions approximately 1 & 1/2 inches long.

-Use round nosed pliers to curl the "antennae" ends.

Create a butterfly body

-Cut a 1 & 1/ 2 inch piece of ribbon.

-Roll it tightly beginning from one wired edge. If you find it difficult to roll, add a bit of glue.

-Glue the body into place between the butterfly wings.

-Fold the top and bottom ends to the back of the butterfly.

-Glue loose ends in place at the back.

How to use your butterflies

-Wire butterflies to wooden picks and add them to a wedding cake.

-Glue a butterfly on a bridesmaid's gift box.

-Add one to a thin dowel rod to use as a decorative pick in a flower arrangement.

-Add one to a bridesmaid's bouquet.

-Glue a butterfly onto a piece of ribbon and add it to the cake cutter.

-Pin one to the flower girl's hair.

-Add one to a wedding favor bag.

Source:

My craft projects

Garden Weddings info:
http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-resource-guide/garden-weddings.aspx
http://www.bridalpeople.com/butterfly-wedding/Page2