Let nature create the patterns. You give them wings.

In this hands-on workshop, transform a small piece of seemingly ordinary wood into a beautiful, delicate, three-dimensional butterfly. We’ll start by choosing from a collection of hardwood offcuts, including pieces with unusual grain, color, figure, or spalting. Students will learn how deciding where to cut can completely change the finished design.

Starting with wood roughly 1/2 inch thick, we’ll square one end, split the piece lengthwise, and open it like a book to reveal mirrored grain patterns. We’ll secure the matching halves, lay out the wing pattern, and cut the wings with a scroll saw. Next, we’ll use sanding to shape the butterfly wings to approximately 1/16 inch thick, leaving closer to 1/4 inch at the center for gluing a strong joint. Beveling the joined edges creates the angle of the wings before gluing the two halves together and finishing the wood.

We’ll also explore using small magnets for display and incorporating these butterflies into larger artistic pieces, such as bowls, vessels, keepsake boxes, and urns. Each student will create a unique butterfly that celebrates the beauty already present in the wood. No two butterflies will be alike.