Stumpwork Butterfly by Michele Roberts

A life-size, realistic three-dimensional stumpwork Monarch Butterfly done in lace is the focus of this piece. Beautiful butterflies can be quite dramatic, and this one is made of silk lace and metal. The wired wings rise more than an inch into the air so the butterfly appears to be flitting across the landscape. A simple azure sky and green foliage complete the illusion. Techniques used in this piece include invisible attachment of gold bullion, lacemaking on hand-held muslin lacemakers’ pad, and simple needlepoint stitches for sky and grass.

The sky and ground are overdyed silk floss in irregular Brick stitch. The grasses are very long Split Stitches. The stem is wire wrapped with metallic braid and the metallic milkweed balls are Straight Stitches and French Knots. The body of the butterfly is gold bullion Black Check Purl, over padding. The bright wings of the butterfly are the focal point. They are constructed of painted fabric-covered wires and silk 100/3 twist with Wired Single-Corded Brussels Lace and other stitches.