I was sort of surprised that so many of you think that framing butterflies is a morbid practice. While I think it’s a great idea to only purchase vintage pieces or to buy from humane harvesters (there are lots of these sellers on eBay and etsy), framed butterflies don’t bother me at all and I love getting a chance to examine these beautiful creatures up close. The patterns and colors are completely amazing. Mother nature at her finest!
But if you’re still creeped out by the real butterflies, check out what one of my readers, Krista, shared on her blog Kiki’s List.
Krista purchased a few sets of these pretty plastic butterflies (meant for wedding cakes a la Martha!) on etsy and framed the sets arranged by color in shadow boxes from Michaels. Doesn’t this look great? Check out her entire post here.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful project, Krista!!
If you have a project to share on LGN email me: jenny (at) jennykomenda (dot) com. Thanks!
I love the arrangement on the wall with the monochromatic arrangements within each frame. Very lovely. And I'm also very smitten with that gorgeous flower arrangement on the piano!! xo
Looks great. Surly no one can have any problems with plastic butterflies!
I agree with you that real butterflies are beautiful framed, but isn't this such a clever alternative!
I think real butterflies framed are stunning, but this is a great alternative for those that don't agree. Nautral Curiosites has some beautiful framed butterflies :)
Kristy
http://www.idesignlove.com
Sometimes ideas are so brilliantly simple! Love it.
I wouldn't think it's creepy. Matter of fact, my dad used to collect butterflies just like that (real and all) but not so many. I guess in Peru everything is seemed ok? I love them.
What a great idea, Krista, that is perfectly humane! The results are beautiful.
Michaels has some butterflies made out of feathers, but they look so real. We have a collection on Maesyn's wall. Not framed, but eventually I might frame them.
Love the butterflies! its perfect…
Love this DIY – butterflies always make me feel happy!
I agree I cannot believe so many were creeped out. But to each his own. It's your house and you should decorate as you like. Nice alternative project.
Here's a cute alternative for your butterfly-loving readers! I stumbled upon this little treat the other day, so I hope you enjoy as I did :)
http://krystle-rose.blogspot.com/search/label/Etsy
I like the real thing… such beautiful creatures that reflect their Creator!
I don't mind the real deal either, but Nicole just posted about some adorable painted butterflies that are pretty darn cute as well…over at Me Oh My…
http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/2011/07/butterfly-painting-rachel-robbins.html
What a beautiful effect! I love the idea and how you can select the colors! great idea!
xo Allison
http://www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com
This arrangement by color looks great above that gorgeous piano!
What an absolutely fantastic idea.
Emily http://www.mywordsinterestslife.blogspot.com
I love framed butterflies and my kids have been finding perished ones – mostly in their grandparents' garage) and had been keeping them to frame but couldn't bear to stick ins in them – silly, I know!
Thanks for the alternatives! (…off to have a butterfly burial).
jenny… i must agree i love butterflies but i think a few movies over the years have made me think twice about viewing them behind glass..
i loved your interview with joanna…. you are so blessed… and i applaud all of your amazing efforts…
xo
I have never been a fan of having dead things around for decoration- leather/hides/taxidermy and even beautiful butterflies. I love the faux displays that evoke the same feel.
Have you ever seen these etsy butterflies? Similar idea! http://www.etsy.com/listing/50354110/nothing-ages-like-happiness-custom
Many years ago my husband found a framed arrangement of 10 butterflies at an antique shop and bought it for me for a Christmas gift. He knew that I loved butterflies. The arrangement is still lovely all these years later although the humidity of the deep south has caused some damage to the mounting. The arrangement has always been displayed in our living rooms in many homes across the world. A thoughtful gift from a special man.
The Butterfly Conservatory in Key West has amazing boxes. You can purchase them online from the gift shop. http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/shop.htm
They, like most arrangements, are completely humane as they use the remains from within the conservatory.
I couldn't agree more about framing (sustainably harvested) butterflies. One such seller on etsy does them with vintage maps… I'm getting some made for my dining room now, and couldn't be more excited. Details here: http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/08/geographic-paper-love/
LOVE this! Just created my own version: http://www.pepperdesignblog.com/2012/02/15/living-room-update-butterfly-shadow-box-art/
Thanks for sharing, Jenny :)!