DIY Bowling Pin Butterfly Garden Art

Step 1

Enlarge to desired size and tile-print the free downloadable butterfly wing stencil available here. Don’t have a printer? Draw the butterfly wing freehand.

Step 2

Cut out the printed wing stencil, and, if desired, the inner detailing. Trace its outline and detailing onto the plywood with a pencil, then flip the stencil and repeat to create a pair of wings that are mirror images of each other.

Step 3

Using a jigsaw, cut out the butterfly wings. Lightly sand the wings until smooth.

Step 4

Prep bowling pin by drilling two holes for antennae on either side of the top using a drill bit slightly larger than the diameter of the wire to be used as antennae.

Step 5

Prime the bowling pin or use a spray paint with primer. Spray paint bowling pin in color of choice, then let dry.

For more creative ideas, make a bowling ball garden art ladybug.

Step 6

Paint your wing design using acrylic paint in colors of choice. Let dry.

Step 7

Drill holes into bowling pin for affixing wings. Screw wings to bowling pin using two L-brackets per wing and accompanying screws.

Step 8

Center and affix a screw to the back of the bowling pin for hanging. Wrap wire around the head of the screw and form a hanging loop using needle-nose pliers.

Step 9

Cut wire antennae to length desired, then use pliers to twist ends, forming a small decorative loop on each. Drop small amounts of super glue into antenna holes, then insert wire antennae. Leave butterfly standing upright until glue dries.

Heidi Hess

Step 10

Spray butterfly with several coats of exterior-grade spray varnish. Once dry, hang and properly secure butterfly to a gardening shed or tree.

Next, learn how to make a DIY license plate dragonfly project.