Butterflies and Blossoms Patio Dangler

Create a sparkly accent for your outdoor living spaces by making this fast and fun beaded "dangler." This accessory is as much fun to make as it will be to enjoy all summer long.

Supply List:

• Wooden Cut-Outs: Butterfly, flower, dragonfly and four heart cut-outs to fit on butterfly wings (available at craft stores)
• Gesso
• Acrylic Craft Paints: FolkArt® Coastal Blue, True Blue and Yellow Citron; Delta Ceramcoat® Mello Yellow
• Assorted Paint Brushes
• Fine Sandpaper
• Delta Ceramcoat® Exterior/Interior Varnish
• Tacky Glue (Must Dry Clear)
• Assorted Beads: Blues, greens, clear
• Very Fine Pastel Colored Glitter
• Glitter Glue (Must Dry Clear)
• Light Blue Leather Cording (.039 inches)
• Power Drill and Small Bit

Making the Dangler:

1. Apply Gesso to both sides of wooden cut-outs to prepare them for painting. Coat one side first, let dry, then coat the reverse side.
2. When Gesso is thoroughly dry, lightly sand wooden cut-outs and remove sanding residue.
3. Referring to photo, mark spots and drill holes just large enough to thread leather cording through.
4. Painting one side at a time and allowing paint to thoroughly dry between coats, paint butterfly Yellow Citron; dragonfly with Coastal Blue; flower with Mello Yellow; small hearts with Coastal Blue. Two or more coats of paint may be needed for good coverage.
5. Paint edges of butterfly with Coastal Blue. If desired, paint small flowers onto hearts using True Blue and Yellow Citron. Allow to dry. Glue hearts onto butterfly wings using tacky glue. Add glitter as desired. When glue is thoroughly dry, apply varnish to butterfly following manufacturer's directions. Glue on beads for body and head and as desired on wings.
6. For the flower, paint edges and flower outline with Coastal Blue. Because flower and dragonfly may flip over as they dangle, we chose to finish both sides of these two cut-outs. When paint is thoroughly dry, apply glitter as desired. Apply varnish to flower following manufacturer's directions. Glue a glass gem in the center of flower on both sides.
7. For the Dragonfly, paint body with True Blue and add glitter as desired. Apply varnish and allow to dry thoroughly. Glue on beads as desired
8. Using photo as a guide, string cut-outs and beads using leather cord.
9. Hang in a protected spot on patio or deck.

Website visitors have permission to print this project for personal use only. This project may not be copied or otherwise reproduced without the express written permission of Debbie Mumm®.