Whisper a wish to a butterfly...

The other morning, on what was a very cold and blustery day, I went for a walk. Although it was brief, it was nice to be out of the house and it definitely woke me up. I've been staying at Mother's, who has just been released from hospital, and have been helping her recover, and it was nice to be able get out and get some fresh air.

But, whilst on my walk, I found this gorgeous and delicate butterfly.

It had died (probably from the cold!), but it was just lying there on the path, and it was so perfect I just had to keep it. I carefully picked it up and put it in the safety of my pocket...I had at the back of my mind some little girls that would be completly in awe of this butterfly, and I wanted it to stay in one piece to show them.

I took this fragile surprise over to the 3 little girl's house and they "oohed" and "aahed" over the butterfly. They carefully inspected it, then decided that they had to draw it and then they thought that because it was so special and in such great condition that it needed a safe place to be kept. It now sits on the  dining room sideboard under a glass dome, and every now and again little eyes walk past and have to have another look.

I told them of an ancient legend I'd heard of... that if you desire a wish to come true, you must first capture a butterfly and whisper a wish to it. Since a butterfly cannot make a sound, it cannot tell your wish to anyone. Upon releasing your butterfly, as a thank you for giving it's freedom, it will fly up to the heavens and your wish will be granted. They loved the thought of whispering wishes to butterflies!

So, the girls got me thinking. They love to draw butterflies and I was thinking that you might too...well, stitch anyway. I thought that over the next week or 2, I might do a few sewing/paper/craft tutorials around the theme of butterflies. What do you think? Would you be interested in stitching butterflies?

Let me know.

I thought that I would leave you with a traditional Irish blessing...

Comments

[Says May Britt]

Oh yes please :) I love butterflies, and now having summer in Norway we see a lot of them, so many different colours and patterns on their wings. We have almost the same story about granting a wish,but it is to the ladybug who sits on your finger and when she flies up in the sky towards the sun you can wish for something

[Says Wivi]

What a great idea! I love butterflies.

[Says Kris Meares - Tag Along Teddies]

Hey Bronwyn! We must be on the same wavelength ... my latest design that I'm currently stitching the sample for also features butterflies! I think it's my way of introducing a little bit of summer into my cold icky winter's days ... BRRRRR!!!! Look forward to seeing your butterflies. :0) Bear Hugs! KRIS

[Says Anne-Lise]

I love butterflies! So fragile and beautiful and graceful!
But of course nothing compares to Brutus (in case he is listening to you reading your mail) :-)

[Says Jenny]

Butterflies were the theme in the oncology ward where my mother spent her last days... They symbolize hope and since her passing nearly 8 years ago every time I see one I think of her. I would love to stitch butterflies, lots of butterflies! :)

[Says celia]

I love butterflies too... I have one tattooed on my shoulder..

[Says Sunnybec]

A big yes please from me too! I am finding butterflies on our steps, I think they too are dying because of the cold here (in France). We have lived here 9 years and never known it as cold in the mornings in July.

[Says Jan Knight]

What a lovely story Bronwyn! And yes, a series of YOUR butterflies would be wonderful. I often include a butterfly in my designs when it's flowers etc and I think everyone relates to them. I have a dear friend in the US who just LOVES butterflies and I always think of her when I see one. Thanks for everything you do, Jan x

[Says Denise Barrett]

I would love to stitch some butterflies. I have two sisters who have passed away and when I see a butterfly I think it is them coming to say hello.

[Says M.Timperley]

Love the butterflies. I went to the Whitsunday island and they took us on a bush walk where we came to millions of blue butterflies fluttering around us. It was magical. Can we do blue butterflies too? It made our holiday so very special because of that. I would love to create something to remind me of that time.

[Says kaholly]

Poor little Monarch. Butterfly projects would be so much fun!

[Says Estelle]

Ooh, lots of lovely butterflies please and if they are pink I can stitch them for my mum too. Pink butterflies are just her favourite thing ever.

[Says Pam]

Lovely idea. I just wish we had some sunshine to bring them out. Haven't seen any this summer all we are getting is rain day after day, I'll soon be getting webbed feet :)

[Says Jan R]

I love butterflies too & Monarchs are the most common seen here in NZ.Yes please would love to have some butterfly projects:)

[Says Maria del Pilar Guerra]

I love the butterflies, is a flyer palette of God with beautiful colors

[Says Ann]

Oh I would love some butterfly projects. We call them pili-palas in Welsh. I think its the symmetry of butterflies that makes them so appealing for craft projects. It makes me happy to think of your butterfly safe under its dome. Its a terrible year for butterflies here in the UK - nothing but rain, wind and cold this summer (so far anyway). I've really missed them in the garden when we get the occasional sunny day.

[Says edyB]

Oh yes! Butterflies are such beautiful little things. I love watching them flit around the flowers in my garden! Please do draw them for all of us to enjoy.

[Says Le rat des fils]

C'est une très belle histoire.

[Says Tessa Townend]

Would love to stitch some of your butterflies Bronwyn, they are such delicate & fragile creatures, loved your story.

[Says Rosemary]

Yes please. I love butterfly stitching and appliqueing.

[Says Bronwyn]

Thank you for all your positive feedback and lovely comments. I didn't realise butterflies were so popular! Butterflies it is then!

Over the next few weeks I'll do some butterfly stitcheries and sewing projects. Starting with a butterfly stitchery this weekend which I'm madly stitching at the moment.

I enjoyed reading about your personal experiences and I really appreciate your help, hope you like the butterfly theme :-)

[Says Arlene White]

I've just finished two 3D butterflies, there both on my blog now. So we were both in the same brain frame on this one.
Mine are for two Crazy quilt Round robins.... looking forward to seeing yours for more ideas....
Arlene
http://arlenes-crafts.blogspot.com.au/

[Says Karan L]

That is a beautiful story Bronwyn, you are a truly special person.

[Says Heather]

I simply adore butterflies and what an inspirational story about them granting wishes in return for their release. I hope that your mum is recovering and that you have many more sunny episodes.

[Says Karen Watson]

Its rare to see a butterfly today. And when I do see one I stop and enjoy its presence. I would also LOVE to stitch butterflies. Butterfly kisses.