I have such a cute project for you today friends! These adorable 3D book page butterflies were inspired by a post from A Magical Mess on Pinterest. I shared her picture with you and everyone LOVED them! So I had to do a video tutorial to show you how I made my take on her butterflies.
If you’re a book lover looking for a creative way to repurpose old falling apart books, or simply seeking a whimsical craft project with a vintage feel, then making 3D book page butterflies is the perfect project!
These delicate and charming 3D book page butterflies add a touch of enchantment to any space. Whether displayed in a shadow box, incorporated into a wall art arrangement, or used as unique gift toppers, they make a beautiful addition. In the video below, I show you how to bring these delightful book page butterflies to life!
How to Make 3D Book Page Butterflies
I love finding crafting inspiration from allll over the place. There are so many talented people out there coming up with amazing ideas every day. So, when I see something that I know you will love too, I just have to share it.
I want to thank A Magical Mess for showing us her beautiful butterflies and giving me the inspiration to make my own. I hope you love them as much as I do!
Design Variations
There are so many ways that you can make these book page butterflies your own. I didn’t see how A Magical Mess made her butterflies. I just studied her picture and came up with my own process. You can do the same thing, take my process and do your own twist on it!
You may want to use a thicker paper than I did to help your winged friends stand up a little better. Maybe attach your book pages to cardstock to add strength. Or use different kinds of decorative paper all together. Music pages, pretty scrap booking paper…anything you like!
You could also add little bits of vintage bling to your butterflies. Tiny buttons or jewels would be cute. Or add a skeleton key down the back of the butterfly. Or perch your friend on the key. These are just a few of the many things you could add to your butterflies!
How to Display your 3D Book Page Butterflies
When I posted about these beautiful butterflies on my page, people were saying how much they loved them! But also asking what the heck to do with them. So I sat down and came up with a bunch of ideas for you to try.
- You can attach them to a wire or skewer in groups of three to make a plant decoration. Alternate your butterflies on either side of the wire. Then stick it down into a plant (real or artificial) to give it some added fun.
- Use hot glue to attach a magnet to the back of your butterfly and stick them on the fridge.
- Attach them to the front of a scrapbook or photo album.
- Use hot glue to attach them to a clip and add them into any spot in your home.
- Display them in a small dough bowl.
- Set them on top of any vintage treasure or book stack.
- Put a grouping of them on a bulletin board or your wall.
- Plus so many other ideas that you have that I haven’t thought of yet!
How to Make 3D Book Page Butterflies Supply List
- Old book pages
- Butterfly stamp (about 2 inches tall by 3 inches wide)
- Black ink pad
- Scissors
- Hot glue gun
- Beige paper wire (or any kind of wire that you have on hand)
How to Make 3D Book Page Butterflies Instructions
- Start by laying out the book pages you’ve selected in a stack.
- Apply ink to your butterfly stamp either by pressing it onto the stamp pad. Or by rolling the ink onto the stamp with a brayer. Then stamp your top book page. Let your ink dry before moving on to the next step.
- Then cut out your butterfly, cutting all the pages in your stack. That way your are cutting all the butterflies you need at one time. You can cut off the antennae because we are going to make our own.
- Next lay your first butterfly down on your table. Apply a line of glue up its center. Then place the next butterfly down on top of that, pressing it into the glue. Now bend the wings of the second butterfly up a bit.
- Now cut two antennae from your paper wire and wrap them around something small to get a curly cue. Then use the hot glue to attach them in place.
- Next take your stamped butterfly and attach it like you did the second one. Bend your wings up a little and you’re done!
Once all the butterflies are assembled and any added decorations are secured, allow them to dry completely. Then, let your creativity take flight! Display them in various ways – arrange them in a shadow box, pin them onto a bulletin board, or attach them to string for a whimsical garland.
But Wait…There’s More!
In the video above, I show you how to make these adorable creatures. I also show you how to make 2 bonus projects! Our friend Cindy perched her handmade butterflies on a beautiful paper flower ball. So I explain two different ways that you can make your own paper flower balls if you want to. They sure are cute!
I also show you how to make handmade spools of vintage lace. This was another project I saw and shared with you. And I wanted to explain how you can make your own. It’s a simple craft project that packs a lot of pretty punch!
So, come for the butterflies and stay for the bonus crafts!
The Wrap Up
Creating these 3D book page butterflies is a great way to bring new life to forgotten books. And a touch of enchantment to your home decor or craft projects. So, dust off those old books and let your imagination soar as you transform their pages into beautiful butterflies!
I would love to see how you use these 3D Book Page Butterflies in your own home. So if you post any pictures of them on social media, tag me so I can check them out! As always, I hope you love this project as much as I do. Happy crafting, friends!
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