Difficulty: Intermediate
Materials Used:
- HTVRont Glitter Cardstock (arch frame)
- Watercolor paper + watercolor paints (gradient background)
- Metallic watercolor set (butterfly accents)
- Black cardstock (butterfly silhouettes)
- Green cardstock (layered greenery)
- Foam tape (arch + butterfly suspension)
- Glue stick (greenery stems + butterfly layering)
- Nail‑art paint brush (precision glue application)
- Handmade display stand
This freestanding dimensional display captures a moment of gentle motion, with hand‑painted butterflies appearing to float inside a glittering arched frame. The background is created on watercolor paper using soft blended washes, transitioning from green to warm yellow to cool blue for a natural, glowing gradient. Each butterfly is painted with a mix of traditional and metallic watercolors, then layered under black cardstock to create crisp outlines and depth.
The arch is cut from HTVRont glitter cardstock and raised on foam tape, giving the entire piece a sculpted, shadowed presence. The greenery is attached only at the stems using a glue stick, allowing the leaves to lift naturally and cast soft shadows for added dimension. The butterflies are also mounted with foam tape, giving them a suspended, mid‑flight appearance.
The finished piece is displayed on a custom stand originally created for my “Be Mine” and “I’m Yours” 3D Cows Display projects, making it easy to showcase as a decorative art piece.
