An Alternative to Butterfly Taxidermy

I was sort of surprised that so many of you think that framing butterflies is a morbid practice. While I think it's a great idea to only purchase vintage pieces or to buy from humane harvesters (there are lots of these sellers on eBay and etsy), framed butterflies don't bother me at all and I love getting a chance to examine these beautiful creatures up close. The patterns and colors are completely amazing. Mother nature at her finest!


But if you're still creeped out by the real butterflies, check out what one of my readers, Krista, shared on her blog Kiki's List.


Krista purchased a few sets of these pretty plastic butterflies (meant for wedding cakes a la Martha!) on etsy and framed the sets arranged by color in shadow boxes from Michaels. Doesn't this look great? Check out her entire post here.


Thanks for sharing your beautiful project, Krista!!




If you have a project to share on LGN email me: jenny (at) jennykomenda (dot) com. Thanks!
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25 comments:

  1. LindseyJuly 11, 2011 at 6:14 AM

    I love the arrangement on the wall with the monochromatic arrangements within each frame. Very lovely. And I'm also very smitten with that gorgeous flower arrangement on the piano!! xo

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  2. Anne@ Baby shoesJuly 11, 2011 at 8:16 AM

    Looks great. Surly no one can have any problems with plastic butterflies!

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  3. JulesJuly 11, 2011 at 9:04 AM

    I agree with you that real butterflies are beautiful framed, but isn't this such a clever alternative!

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  4. Kristy @ I Design LoveJuly 11, 2011 at 9:28 AM

    I think real butterflies framed are stunning, but this is a great alternative for those that don't agree. Nautral Curiosites has some beautiful framed butterflies :)

    Kristy
    www.idesignlove.com

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  5. ReneeJuly 11, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    Sometimes ideas are so brilliantly simple! Love it.

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  6. Caterine July 11, 2011 at 11:36 AM

    I wouldn't think it's creepy. Matter of fact, my dad used to collect butterflies just like that (real and all) but not so many. I guess in Peru everything is seemed ok? I love them.

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  7. AshleyJuly 11, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    What a great idea, Krista, that is perfectly humane! The results are beautiful.

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  8. HeidiJuly 11, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Michaels has some butterflies made out of feathers, but they look so real. We have a collection on Maesyn's wall. Not framed, but eventually I might frame them.

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  9. Avery @ Ornamental HabitJuly 11, 2011 at 1:38 PM

    Love the butterflies! its perfect...

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  10. Hello Lover...July 11, 2011 at 7:22 PM

    Love this DIY - butterflies always make me feel happy!

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  11. Elizabeth@ Pine Cones and AcornsJuly 11, 2011 at 11:00 PM

    I agree I cannot believe so many were creeped out. But to each his own. It's your house and you should decorate as you like. Nice alternative project.

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  12. kat-and-museJuly 12, 2011 at 4:39 AM

    Here's a cute alternative for your butterfly-loving readers! I stumbled upon this little treat the other day, so I hope you enjoy as I did :)

    http://krystle-rose.blogspot.com/search/label/Etsy

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  13. JuliaJuly 12, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    I like the real thing... such beautiful creatures that reflect their Creator!

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  14. BarbieJuly 12, 2011 at 2:30 PM

    I don't mind the real deal either, but Nicole just posted about some adorable painted butterflies that are pretty darn cute as well...over at Me Oh My...
    http://meohmymama.blogspot.com/2011/07/butterfly-painting-rachel-robbins.html

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  15. Allison EganJuly 12, 2011 at 10:33 PM

    What a beautiful effect! I love the idea and how you can select the colors! great idea!
    xo Allison

    www.spicerandbank.blogspot.com

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  16. UnknownJuly 13, 2011 at 2:20 AM

    This arrangement by color looks great above that gorgeous piano!

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  17. EmilyJuly 13, 2011 at 8:59 AM

    What an absolutely fantastic idea.

    Emily http://www.mywordsinterestslife.blogspot.com

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  18. AngieJuly 13, 2011 at 10:02 AM

    I love framed butterflies and my kids have been finding perished ones - mostly in their grandparents' garage) and had been keeping them to frame but couldn't bear to stick ins in them - silly, I know!
    Thanks for the alternatives! (...off to have a butterfly burial).

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  19. red tickingJuly 13, 2011 at 10:55 AM

    jenny... i must agree i love butterflies but i think a few movies over the years have made me think twice about viewing them behind glass..

    i loved your interview with joanna.... you are so blessed... and i applaud all of your amazing efforts...
    xo

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  20. Capella Kincheloe Interior DesignJuly 13, 2011 at 12:49 PM

    I have never been a fan of having dead things around for decoration- leather/hides/taxidermy and even beautiful butterflies. I love the faux displays that evoke the same feel.

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  21. Marie BuckJuly 13, 2011 at 2:59 PM

    Have you ever seen these etsy butterflies? Similar idea! http://www.etsy.com/listing/50354110/nothing-ages-like-happiness-custom

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  22. LisaLJuly 13, 2011 at 11:50 PM

    Many years ago my husband found a framed arrangement of 10 butterflies at an antique shop and bought it for me for a Christmas gift. He knew that I loved butterflies. The arrangement is still lovely all these years later although the humidity of the deep south has caused some damage to the mounting. The arrangement has always been displayed in our living rooms in many homes across the world. A thoughtful gift from a special man.

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  23. Rachael AnneJuly 14, 2011 at 12:29 AM

    The Butterfly Conservatory in Key West has amazing boxes. You can purchase them online from the gift shop. http://www.keywestbutterfly.com/shop.htm

    They, like most arrangements, are completely humane as they use the remains from within the conservatory.

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  24. MaggieAugust 9, 2011 at 11:18 AM

    I couldn't agree more about framing (sustainably harvested) butterflies. One such seller on etsy does them with vintage maps... I'm getting some made for my dining room now, and couldn't be more excited. Details here: http://ohsobeautifulpaper.com/2011/08/geographic-paper-love/

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  25. MorganFebruary 23, 2012 at 1:17 PM

    LOVE this! Just created my own version: http://www.pepperdesignblog.com/2012/02/15/living-room-update-butterfly-shadow-box-art/

    Thanks for sharing, Jenny :)!

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)