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Butterfly 1. This butterfly can be used as a suncatcher or as a standup piece on a tabletop. Six legs (not visible in the photos) support it about 3/4 inch above the surface, or away from the window glass if used as a suncatcher. The wings are attached to a 3-1/2 inch long lead-cast body, and are open at an angle of about 120 degrees. Each wing is 5-1/4 inches tall and 3 inches across at the center. The antennae are of no. 14 wire. I used foil for the wings and applied black patina throughout. The project uses four colors of glass — orange, light blue, deep purple and black. All but the black are translucent. I'd never used black glass and was wondering how it would turn out. Now that the project is finished, I like it — the black creates a striking effect. (Click the pictures for larger views.) |
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| Photograph. The colors for the project were inspired by this photograph of a real butterfly that I found in a library book (no indication of a copyright, so I include it here for your enjoyment). Unfortunately the book didn't mention the name of the species or tell where in the world it might be found. My guess is southern Asia or Africa where, according to the book, there are many very colorful species. |  |
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Butterfly 2, of the same basic design but with a slight change of
color for the wing tips. Sunlight shining through the glass creates some interesting color
variations in the shadow of the wing. (Click the picture for a larger view.)
Another interesting effect regarding sunlight and the angle at which it strikes the glass — all six pieces of glass adjacent to the body are from the same sheet, but in this photo they appear to be of slightly different color. |
| Butterfly 3. Their little sister ... my design of a smaller butterfly. Each wing is 3 inches tall and 1-1/2 inches across at the center. The body of this little one is of black glass and lead came. Foil is used on the wings. Black patina was used throughout and then polished to a luster. (Click the picture for a larger view.) | 
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