Eternal Butterflies

A few weeks ago, I was treated to the sight of two Giant Swallowtail butterflies flying together. One was just a few inches below the other, and it seemed like they were doing a synchronized dance. Though it might actually be very common butterfly behavior, I can’t recall ever seeing them fly together like that. I saw them from my kitchen window while making supper. It was a lovely way to end the day.

Since we live in world that seems increasingly bleak, it can be hard to notice the small blessings we are gifted with everyday. Sharing them with others is another matter altogether. Sometimes, you don’t immediately realize you have been given a blessing you need to share. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera in reach to make a video of my unexpected butterfly performance. I will always be fortunate to possess the memory. But how to share it with someone else?

You never know what you might be doing when a small voice tells you to reach out to another. I was actually cleaning my bunny cages. Due to the purchase of our Airstream trailer, I know of someone who is ill. While doing my chores, I kept getting the feeling I needed to reach out to her and let her know someone is thinking of her. However, I have never met her in person. Sending a card didn’t seem very meaningful. Then it occurred to me I did have a way to immortalize my butterfly blessing, by using a lifelong blessing I’ve been given. (And which provides the subjects for this blog.)

Making butterflies is actually one of my favorite small projects. For some strange reason, I don’t make them frequently. I also haven’t made any for myself.  The last time I made some was about two years ago. (See the Beautiful Butterflies post). They were a gift for a coworker who had just experienced a loss. So maybe there’s a trend here.

Top view of my Giant Swallowtails.

They are made with inkjet shrink film, then hand painted with metallic watercolors.

The bodies are made of black yarn.

If you want to make realistic butterflies, you can't ignore the underside of the wings.

For many butterfly species the underside is often very different from the top.

The Project Queen