Papillon Canvas Project

I find myself always in search of butterflies. For me they hold a personal meaning and symbolism, not only for my uncle who passed away in 2011, but also because of the magnificent transformation they go through from caterpillar to their new being.

My favorite is watching them flitter across the yard — so carefree they look in that moment. For me, they are a great reminder to be open to change and the ebbs and flow of life, while at the same time having a more lighthearted attitude and approach toward it.

Papillon Canvas Project Instructions:

Collage an assortment of paper in geometric patterns onto the background of your substrate with gel medium. Let dry.

Dry brush gesso over the collaged papers to mute the colors.

Stencil the number “3” onto the bottom right corner with gesso, using a palette knife.

Attach a rustic heart with a good heaping of gel medium. Allow the entire canvas to dry. I used a heat gun to speed up the drying time.

Use the Stabilo All Marking Pencil to outline sections of the collage and add doodles.

Add a vintage postage stamp and the word “butterflies” with gel medium.

To finish, stamp text and butterflies with permanent black ink.