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Create a Stunning Layered Butterfly with Autumn Florals & Rub-On Transfers

Create a Stunning Layered Butterfly with Autumn Florals & Rub-On Transfers

Hey friends!

Melissa Bradshaw from Junk and Craft Treasures recently shared a beautiful butterfly project featuring the Autumn Flower Rub-On Transfer Set, and it’s the perfect way to create a colorful piece of seasonal dΓ©cor. By combining painted wood, rich stained details, and layered floral transfers, you can transform a simple wood cutout into a stunning decorative accent.

The contrast between the bright white wings and the stained wood body allows the floral details to truly shine. Follow along below to create your own layered butterfly!


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Layered Butterfly with Autumn Flower Transfers

This charming butterfly combines vibrant florals with natural wood tones for a dimensional, handcrafted look that's perfect for seasonal decorating.

Materials Needed:
Wood butterfly cutout before painting

Step 1: Prepare the Butterfly Pieces

Begin with your layered butterfly wood cutout, which includes a base wing piece and a separate body piece. Make sure both pieces are clean and dry. Lightly sand the surfaces if needed to create a smooth finish.

Staining butterfly body piece

Step 2: Stain the Butterfly Body

Apply a walnut-colored water-based stain to the separate body piece. Wipe away any excess stain with a clean cloth to achieve a rustic wood look. Allow the piece to dry completely before assembly.

Painting butterfly wings white

Step 3: Paint the Wings

Paint the butterfly wing piece with white paint. Allow the first coat to dry completely before applying a second coat if needed for full coverage.

The white background creates the perfect surface for colorful transfers and helps every floral detail stand out.

Sanding painted butterfly wings

Step 4: Prepare for Transfers

Once the paint has fully dried, lightly sand the surface and wipe away any dust or residue.

Transfers adhere best to surfaces that are smooth, clean, and completely dry.

Applying Autumn Flower transfers

Step 5: Apply the Autumn Flower Transfers

Cut apart your favorite floral designs from the Autumn Flower Rub-On Transfer Set. Arrange the pieces across the butterfly wings until you're happy with the layout.

Using the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool, burnish each transfer onto the surface until fully adhered.

One of the best features of rub-on transfers is the ability to mix, match, layer, and save leftover pieces for future projects. Have fun creating a unique arrangement!

Assembling butterfly layers

Step 6: Assemble the Butterfly

Apply adhesive to the back of the stained body piece. Position it in the center of the floral wing piece and press firmly into place.

If desired, add decorative wire antennae for an extra finishing touch.

Finished layered butterfly project

Finished Butterfly Reveal

The combination of colorful autumn florals, crisp white wings, and warm stained wood creates a beautiful dimensional design that works in any season. Display it on a shelf, gallery wall, wreath, or tabletop arrangement for a handmade touch of nature-inspired charm.

Helpful Tips:
  • Always allow paint and stain to dry completely before applying transfers.
  • Light sanding helps create the smoothest transfer application.
  • Arrange transfer pieces before removing backing to plan your design.
  • Save leftover transfer fragments for future DIY projects.
  • Burnish carefully around edges for a seamless finish.

Featured Creator

This project was created by Melissa Bradshaw of Junk and Craft Treasures. Melissa is known for transforming unfinished surfaces into beautiful handmade dΓ©cor using creative painting and transfer techniques.


πŸŽ₯ Watch the Full Tutorial

Want to see the entire butterfly project come together step by step? Watch Melissa Bradshaw from Junk and Craft Treasures create this beautiful layered butterfly using the Autumn Flower Rub-On Transfer Set.

✨ Follow along with Melissa's tips and techniques to create your own colorful butterfly décor piece using paint, stain, and layered floral transfers.

Ready to Create Your Own?

Grab the Autumn Flower Rub-On Transfer Set and the Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool to recreate this colorful butterfly project and add a handmade touch to your seasonal dΓ©cor.

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