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🦋 Spring Butterfly Magic with Mixed Media & Soft Ombre Color
If you love projects that mix natural textures with a little sparkle, this one is for you. Today’s DIY combines soft, blended stains, delicate butterfly rub-on transfers, and simple glass accents to create a spring-ready mixed media paddle that feels organic, elegant, and approachable.
This project was created by Amanda Dillon of Mettle Modern Design, an Essential Stencil ambassador known for her calming color palettes, layered finishes, and thoughtful use of texture.
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Mixed Media Butterfly & Glass Floral Paddle
Materials Used:
- Wooden paddle board (craft store surface)
- Water-based stains: white, beige (weathered oak), and soft green
- Sponges and water spritzer
- Thin wooden sticks or dried floral stems
- Wings of Wonder Butterfly Rub-on Transfer Set
- Essential Rub-On Transfer Tool
- Clear-drying craft glue (E6000, B7000, or clear tacky gel)
- Gold and blush reflective glass pieces
- Light-grit sandpaper
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the surface.
Start by making sure your wooden paddle board is clean, dry, and free of dust.
2. Apply the base stain.
Using a sponge, apply a water-based white stain over the entire paddle, including the edges.
3. Add the bottom blend.
With a separate sponge, apply beige stain to the bottom portion of the board. Lightly spritz with water to soften and blend.
4. Build the ombre.
Apply a soft pastel green stain to the top portion of the board. Spritz with water and gently blend where it meets the beige.
5. Refine the transition.
Add a small amount of white stain between the green and beige areas. Lightly spritz and blend until the transition is seamless.
6. Smooth the surface.
Once fully dry, lightly sand for an ultra-smooth finish.
7. Create the stems.
Cut thin wooden sticks or dried floral stems. Arrange them on the board and glue in place.
8. Apply butterfly transfers.
Cut out butterflies from the Wings of Wonder set and burnish them onto the board using the Essential Transfer Tool.
9. Add glass florals.
Form simple flowers along the stems using gold and blush glass pieces. Glue each piece securely.
Helpful Tips & Variations:
- Stains dry faster than paint and keep the wood grain visible.
- You can substitute glass with shells, pebbles, rhinestones, or ceramic bits.
- Half flowers and uneven clusters add a more organic look.
- Resin is optional — this project works beautifully with glue only.
Looking for more nature-inspired designs? Explore our full collection of rub-on transfers and bring layered texture to your next DIY.
Watch the Full Tutorial
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