Aglais Io - Blog Posts
Some work acquaintances asked me to make them a butterfly hair clip after they helped me with an open day.
The first requested one based on a large emerald moth and the second asked for a peacock butterfly.
I am quite pleased with them so I thought I would share how they are made on the off chance that someone else wants to give it a go.
What you need:
- Denim or other suitably thick fabric from unwearable old clothes
- PVA glue
- acrylic paint
- embroidery hoop (optional but helps keep fabric flat)
- paper + tracing paper + pencil + scissors
- hot glue
- French barrette hair clip (alternatively you could stick it to a fridge magnet or something else)
How to make:
1. Prep the fabric by cutting a section, securing it in the hoop, then painting it first with PVA then with two layers of white acrylic paint (letting it dry between each application)
2. Find reference photos of desired species, preferably with wide open wings and taken from above.
3. Sketch half of the moth or butterfly onto a piece of paper.
4. Trace each wing separately on to the tracing paper and transfer to the fabric. Then flip and do this again so the wings are mirrored. Also do this for the body
5. Paint with acrylic paint.
6. Cut out and assemble with hot glue.
7. Stick it on to the hair clip (or other item) with hot glue
If you do make one, I would love to see them.