In the Garden - Swallowtail Butterfly

My idea for this series was to create sets of flora and fauna that can be hung separately or hung together, creating 3 different looks - the floral wreath alone, the Swallowtail Butterfly alone, and then the two together. Together they create an image of each creature in its natural habitat.

Each creature is shown with flowers that they feed on in the wild. For the Swallowtail the flowers I chose are Bee's Balm and Coneflower. Two stems of green leaves reach into the wreath, all flora creating an empty space for the butterfly to fill when hung together. A copper loop is attached at the top of the wreath for hanging.

The Swallowtail is cut from yellow stained glass, then hand-painted in black and fired to an enamel finish. Care was taken to replicate the butterfly's wing patterns as faithfully as possible, including the veining of the wings and the coloring of the lower wings.Two discreet copper loops are attached to the top of the wings and then connected by a thin copper chain for hanging.

I have included images of the wreath and creature shown separately and together so you can get a feel of the adaptability of the pieces.

Measurements of the butterfly (not including chain)
Width: 6.5"
Height: 4.75"

Measurements of the wreath
Width: 10"
Height: 10"

Handmade by ABJ Glassworks in Philadelphia using stained glass, silver-alloy solder and eco-friendly techniques.