Butterflies are one of the purest forms of beauty in nature, I just can’t help but smile and stare at them as they flutter around in the summer breeze from flower to flower. It doesn’t matter what species it is, I will always home in on it to get as close a look as I can.

This piece has handmade paper, wire and clay Striped Albatross butterflies within it, posed as if dancing around the light bulb within their glass dome. Each butterfly is also hand painted to the highest level of detail and realism, creating the look and feel of a real butterfly whilst leaving the beauty of live ones to forever play in the summer air.

All butterflies are made by sandwiching wire veins between two sheets of 180gsm pastel paper, before a little body of clay and wire is constructed around them to create what you see in the photos. Then using acrylic paints and a tiny paint brush, all of the tiny dusty details and patterns of the wings are lovingly recreated. Each butterfly takes around 20 hours to make.

There are three options for the bell jar, please note you must select the correct one:

• One Butterfly in a bell jar measuring 38cm tall - £395

• Two Butterflies in a bell jar measuring 38cm tall - £495

• Three Butterflies in a bell jar measuring 49cm tall - £625

The light bulb has been chosen for its warm glow and low wattage, so the butterflies never get too hot. The bell jar is wired through the base with a fabric cord which has an inline switch installed for ease of use.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for order to be created and shipped.

This is a fully customisable piece, so please do get in touch if you would like a different species of butterfly - zack@paperandwood.co.uk