Simple Butterfly using Water Soluble Paper

We love making butterflies and this one was inspired by "Butterflies and Dragonflies", a previous theme from our monthly Makerss Box Subscription. We have used multi-coloured wool roving, you can also use wool batts. A fun part  is trying to get them symmetrical, but you don't have to. Working into water soluble paper is great to do with younger children as they are less likely to stab themselves when working using 2-dimensional techniques. Please note that since posting this free tutorial we have taken foam mats out of our product range and only use environmentally friendly felting mats now. 

To make Butterflies, you will need:

- Dyed roving tops or wool batts of your choice
- Water Soluble Paper
- Felting needle (#38 medium)
- Felting Mat 
- Pencil, scissors & water
- Optional for speedy felting: 7-Needle Multi Tool & Brush Mat

These butterflies are easily turned into brooches by using our No Sew Brooch Backs!

	Cut a workable piece of water soluble paper.
	Draw or trace an outline of a butterfly.
	Lay the piece on your felting mat.
	Pull off a pinch of wool and lay it so that it is overlapping the outline.
	Stab into the wool along the outline of the butterfly.
	Fold any excess fibres back in, and stab all over the rest of the wing.
	You can use a 7x needle tool and brush mat together to really felt the surface down firmly and quickly.
	Repeat the process for the other wing.
	You can let the excess fibres go onto the top wing.
	To get the wings symmetrical, you can split the roving down the middle.
	You now have one piece for each wing.
	Repeat for the top wing.
	You can keep the excess fibres in the area of the body this time so they don't go over your design.
	The main colours are done, now time to add some details if you like.
	Take a wisp of wool and split it in half. You can twist the fibres to make them stay together, ths will give a more defined line.
	Loop the lines around and lay them onto the butterfly.
	Felt them in.
	Add details on the top wings if you like.
	Take some of the fibres and lay them where the body will go.
	Felt them in leaving some loose at the top for the antennae.
	Twist the antennae fibres to give them definition.
	Cut around the water soluble paper to get rid of the excess.
	Dip the butterfly in water or hold it under the tap for a couple of seconds -the paper will magically dissolve! You will be left with a slightly sticky residue which helps to hold the butterfly in shape. Press out excess water on a towel. Now you can bend the butterflies wings as though it is about to fly away. Leave to dry in this position.

 

You have finished your butterfly! These make lovely mobiles, bunting, card decorations, and more...