How to Make Miniature Butterfly Wings

Create the beautiful wings of a butterfly.

Butterflies are fragile and beautiful creatures that are adored by many people. You can recreate their wings using wire and wax paper, making them lightweight and delicate just like the real thing. Just as there are many types of butterflies, there are many shapes and colors that you can give the wings. Your wings can be based on those of a real butterfly, or you can create a new species from your imagination.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Wax paper
• Masking tape
• Wire
• Wire cutters
• Gel glue and brush
• Scissors
• Acrylic or tempera paint

Instructions

1. Draw the wings on a piece of paper, working from photographs of butterflies. Include the outline and any veining that you want to include.

2. Tape a sheet of wax paper over the drawing with masking tape.

3. Cut long pieces of wire with a wire cutter, then bend them to match the wing outlines. The wire can be anywhere from 14 to 24 gauge depending on the size of the wings that you are making.

4. Place the outline wires onto the wax paper.

5. Cut and bend additional wires for the veining, then set the wires aside.

6. Brush a coat of clear gel glue onto the wax paper within the drawn wings, then set the wires in place.

7. Place another piece of wax paper on top, encapsulating the wire. Smooth it down and allow the glue to dry.

8. Trim the excess wax paper from the edges of the wings with a sharp pair of scissors.

9. Paint the wings with acrylic or tempera paint in the colors of your choice.

Tips & Warnings

• Replace the wax paper with tissue, silk organza or panty hose if desired.

References

• Lady of the One Ring: Fairy Wings from Tissue Paper
• Faery Wings: Wing Creation