Monarch Madness

We have some patches of milkweed spread around the property and the girls love checking for caterpillars.  We farm as organically as possible to support wildlife here in our area.  I hope to have my own bees in the future but for now I feed the wild honey bees.  We have spread our seeds for sunflowers and zinnias.  Both are frequented by the bees and butterflies.  We currently have a monarch cocoon nearing hatching stage and we check excitedly each day.  

Our ongoing fascination with butterflies ends up spilling over into my creative time and it just so happens I was commissioned to create my butterfly topped pencils in a monarch design.  I hand draw with glue the details.  Painstakingly comparing them to photos of real monarchs.  Each color is individually applied with fine glitter.  It takes time, patience and a steady hand but it is worth it.  When my oldest came into my studio she squealed with delight, "oh mommy! It's the same butterfly that visits my house!"  Yes, nailed it. I have a batch going out to a special event just for butterflies and I am super excited about it.  I also have some listing in my shop very soon.  Just waiting for the glue to dry.