Help/advice needed - birthday prezzi

Its my friend Marys birthday on May 20th and I have figured out what to get (make) her. Shes been a really good friend to me and helped me though some stuff so I really want to get this right, so Im calling on the .org for wisdom as I dont have the time to make the mistakes myself.

The idea:

the line down the middle is a wire/string, the balls are butterflies.

I want to cut the butterflies out of wood or cardboard?? then attach them to the wire some how and paint them. (painting before attachment)

It would hang down the side of a door.

Hopfully that makes sence. I only have 20 days to make this, so ive got abit of a time limit!

I think it would be better to make it out of wood, but I dont have access to cutting tools. Painting and varnishing would be simple enough.

Help me please!!

Thanks

why not make the butterflies out of material, much easier. You can buy foam craft balls that are very light and get craft wire and thin organza material in different colours.

my friend always used to make me presents as she was arty and they mean so much. unless they are crap of course which is why I buy not make stuff

Originally Posted by kitkat

why not make the butterflies out of material

oh thats a nice idea

How would I be able to keep it ridgid though?

Originally Posted by pencil shavings

How would I be able to keep it ridgid though?

Think dirty thoughts

Seriously though.... starch spray?

hmmm, would that leave a residue?

(not thinking dirty thoughts lol)

What about that modelling clay stuff - Fimo, I think it's called? Think our kids have made butterflies and worms out of it and you can roll it out quite thinly. You might be able to find a biscuit cutter in the right shape to keep things ordered. BP seems to think that you can 'layer' it so you can decorate each butterfly individually. If you buy sparkly jewels you can really go for it!

HTH

What a lovely idea I should think she'll love it however it turns out, tis the thought that counts after all

Originally Posted by kitkat

why not make the butterflies out of material, much easier. You can buy foam craft balls that are very light and get craft wire and thin organza material in different colours.

or mesh in different colours, or is that what the organza is?

or how about thin wire that can be shaped into butterflies, with little beads threaded on the wire?

Originally Posted by pencil shavings

The idea:

the line down the middle is a wire/string, the balls are butterflies.

Butterflies might be a bit scratchy and not give the desired effect, I'd suggest you go for solid balls increasing in size, just like every other girl wants

you can make the butterfly wing shape using thin craft wire and cover with the organza (thin voil stuff) you get organza in lots of lovely colours and you wll only need a wee bit so it will be cheap. get a pack of the foam craft balls and use a couple for the body and a wee one for the head. the covered wire will be able to be pushed into the foam balls. that way when they are hanging from the door, any gusts of wind will make the butterflies dance - ooh I talk a good art project.

I want to make one now lol!