HI, I’M LOU…
…I CREATE REALISTIC BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS FROM THREAD AND WIRE
THE PROCESS
Each piece takes 15 hours+ using a freehand embroidery technique. The wings are made to an accurate size according to the species so that the final outcome is as realistic as possible. Scroll down for more detail on the process…
THE WINGS
I start by sculpting a thin wire frame for each individual wing, which I then embroider with a single strand of cotton thread. Working from several photographs as reference, I use a free hand sewing technique with multiple colours to capture the stunning detail of the species.
THE BODY
Once the wings are finished, I begin to sculpt the body using felt and couching methods which I then cover with cotton thread, again observing photographs to get the detail as close to the real thing as possible.
THE FINAL PIECE
Once the wings have been secured around the body I mount the butterfly onto a foam board backing and secure using traditional upholstery techniques. The mounted piece is then framed in a deep box frame ready for its new home!