DIY Larger Than Life Butterfly Garden Art

Add a pop of color and whimsical addition to any space with these larger-than-life butterflies! These hand-painted butterflies look intimidating, but in just a few steps and a quick trip to The Home Depot, you can turn a piece of wood into a stunning masterpiece that’s functional! Customize your butterflies by adding hooks to hang gardening tools so they’re always in arms' reach. This project is perfect for an outdoor garden or to add a bright and bold impact inside.

Sand the edges and the top of the butterfly with 150 grit sandpaper then switch to 220 grit sandpaper until they are smooth. Once done, wipe the sawdust off the wood.

Tip: When sanding on top always sand with the grain. If not you will leave a trail where you sanded and will be noticeable after applying paint.

Place the butterfly onto a crate, paint can, or something to keep it off the ground. This will make it easier to spray at all angles. Start with one color of spray paint at the top of the butterfly and spray it about halfway down. Keep the spray paint at least a foot away from the wood. Allow the first coat to dry then spray the next color from the bottom going up. As you meet in the middle with the next color, move the can further away to give it a gradient look. Add a light pop of white to the edges of the wings, and in the center of the butterfly. This little detail really takes it over the top! Allow the spray paint to fully dry.

Tip: Add a big pop of color by picking out some vibrant spray paint and picking colors that go together if they are mixed.

With a pencil, mark out the areas of the butterfly you want to highlight with black paint. Use images online as references when mapping them out. Begin to paint the body of the butterfly and then move on to outline the wings and sides of the wood. Once those areas are finished, begin to paint the lines inside the wings. Butterflies are known for being symmetrical however, it is very hard to paint perfectly symmetrical on both sides. Don’t allow any mistakes to deter you - the more you add on to the wings the less the imperfections show and there is something beautiful about a painted piece of art. Once done with all of the lines add dots to the wings. Dip a pencil eraser into the paint and stamp it right onto the wings. This technique will give you perfect dots.

Once the butterfly is completely dry add a light coating ofclear wood sealer spray following the directions on the sealant you choose. This step will help keep your butterfly looking new whether you are displaying them inside or out.

Make the butterfly functional by adding hooks or drawer knobs to it. This is a great way to hang your gardening tools in a beautiful way. Turn it over and mark out the spots of the hooks. Drill a hole slightly smaller than the screw, then add the hooks with the screws in the back. Drill the butterflies directly into a fence, a tree, or even your wall to keep it sturdy.