, ,

Dream Big Butterfly Window – Resin Craft

Phew, what a week. I’ve been working on about 5 different projects simultaneously. The biggest accomplishment this week was my screened porch makeover. I have been itching to make it an outdoor living and relaxing room for about 4 years now. Well, it is about 95% done. And to celebrate, Pretty Handsome Guy and I slept outside on the porch last night.

One of the projects I completed for the porch was an old curbside window that I turned into a unique piece of art using a product that ETI sent me. The product is called EnviroTex Lite and it is a high gloss resin polymer compound used for sealing and protecting arts, crafts, jewelry, countertops and more!

I am thrilled with my art project and it looks fabulous hanging up in our porch.

Big Butterfly Window
I have to admit, I was a little scared of the EnviroTex Lite. Especially when I read the part in the instructions about using a propane torch! I had visions of having to rent a welder’s helmet and lighting a big propane torch. YIKES!
Well, my fears were unfounded, and I ended up using a bic lighter like this one: Big Butterfly WindowThe utility lighter was more within my comfort level. And the prep and pouring steps were easier than I had envisioned. Won’t you come along to see how I made it?

My beautiful butterfly window started out looking like this:

Big Butterfly Window
Someone was throwing away these old windows. So, as usual, I slammed on the brakes (as my kids expressed their disgust at me) and saved them from the landfill. It took a lot of scraping, cleaning and painting to get them in a presentable state, but I’ll show you those steps in another tutorial. Let’s just fast forward to a clean shabby chic painted window for times sake.

Creating the Art:

Big Butterfly Window
Big Butterfly Window Materials:

(I’ve included affiliate links for your convenience. I earn a small percentage from a purchase using these links. There is no additional cost to you. You can read more about affiliate links here.)

Start by cutting out paper letters and punching out butterflies until your thumbs are sore. Then lay out the design on the window panes.

Big Butterfly Window
When you are happy with the design, anchor everything onto the window using mod podge. Paint a thin layer of mod podge on the back of each letter and paper butterfly. Then pressed them down onto the window panes. This step is important as it keeps everything in place while pouring the resin.

Big Butterfly Window
Use extreme caution with the butterfly wings so as not to break them or brush too much of the color off.

Big Butterfly Window
Gently press the wings onto the window. You may need to replace the butterfly’s body with a paper one so it doesn’t stick up above the resin. (My poor butterfly was bodiless. I think the cat ate it. I just hope my winged friend didn’t suffer.)

Big Butterfly Window
Before the mod podge can dry completely, carefully wipe any excess off the window. If you leave some mod podge exposed on the window, it will be immortalized in the resin forever!
Rub on transfers work perfectly for the butterfly’s missing antennae.

Big Butterfly Window
Pouring the Resin:

Big Butterfly Window
Big Butterfly Window Materials:

Included in the EnviroTex Lite kit:

  • Bottle of Resin
  • Bottle of Hardener
  • 2 Mixing Cups
  • Stir Sticks
  • Rubber gloves
  • Disposable brush

Not included in the kit:

Set the window on the protective plastic. Set the level on top of the window.  Check both directions and prop up your piece using shims under the window or under the table legs until the window is completely level. Skipping this step will result in the resin puddling in the corners of each pane and leaving an inconsistent depth.

Big Butterfly Window

Put on your protective gloves, dust mask and eye goggles. And don’t forget to turn on the exhaust fan. No need to fry your brain during this project.

Pour equal amounts of each bottle into the first cup.

Big Butterfly Window

Stir the resin and hardener mixture thoroughly with the wooden stick. Be sure to scrape the sides of the cup. Then pour the mixture into the second cup. And thoroughly mix the mixture again. Failure to follow these directions could result in a BAD CRAFT-FAIL! So, just follow those directions. Okay?

Big Butterfly Window

After your mixture is thoroughly mixed, begin by pouring small amounts into the center of each pane. (I only poured the resin into the four panes that had objects pasted on them.)

Big Butterfly Window

Use the brush to gently spread the resin mixture to the edges of each pane. The resin will level itself as it dries.

Big Butterfly Window

After the resin is spread evenly, sprinkle some glitter around the letters and butterflies.

Big Butterfly Window

After a few minutes little bubbles will rise to the top of the resin. Use the lighter several inches above the project to pop the air bubbles. (I think I had more fun popping bubbles than any other step!)

Big Butterfly Window

Check back after about 5-10 minutes and pop any newly formed bubbles. Let the resin dry overnight (at least 4-5 hours. Times may vary depending on temperature and humidity.)

When the resin is completely hardened, use a drill bit to drill holes in the top of the window.

Big Butterfly Window

Then insert eye bolts on each side.

Big Butterfly Window

Thread some rope through the eye bolts and hang your new piece of art!

Big Butterfly Window

Big Butterfly Window
Big Butterfly Window
Big Butterfly Window

I just love how the beauty of the butterfly is preserved in the resin forever! 

Big Butterfly Window

This project was a lot of fun, and the results truly exceeded my expectations. I did not pour any resin in the top two window panes. The panes that do have the resin are completely transparent and look exactly as clear as the naked panes.

Big Butterfly Window
What do you think? Would you try a resin art project yourself?

Big Butterfly Window

Disclaimer: ETI sent me EnviroTex Lite to try out. I was not paid or compensated for this post. My opinions and critique of the product are honest, truthful and my own.

You won’t believe all that you can do with this product.  Envirotex Lite was created by Environmental Technologies Inc. (ETI), which is the home for many resin and mold making products.

The use of resin in jewelry making, mixed media and paper arts continues to grow in popularity. Today, artists are using ETI’s products in many crafty ways and they will be showcasing these works of art on their new blog “Resin Crafts”.

Check out ETI on:
Resin Crafts Blog | ETI on Facebook | ETI on Twitter

105 replies
« Older CommentsNewer Comments »
  1. Tammy
    Tammy says:

    Holey Smoke!!!!! I absolutely love this…I’ve been looking for something to do with the window frame I purchased years ago…I had something in mind and of course after all these years I forgot what it was….but what you have done here is just beautiful…I love it…thanks for sharing

    Reply
  2. jannie pie
    jannie pie says:

    I’ve been trying to rack my brain for a cool piece of interesting art above the quest bed. I think this is just the thing, even the saying is a winner. So glad I stumbled onto your site. I’m thinking a mirror behind and some type of soft hidden lighting source for illumination….. hmmm. Will be a lot of fun to play with and will match the french door design. Wow your brilliant. Thanks!

    Reply
  3. Lisa Williams
    Lisa Williams says:

    I love this! I was just given a large window and was trying to decide what to make with it. I have a few questions: Will the elements of your design fade? Does the resin prevent that from happening? I attempted to use pressed clovers on a project and even though they were already dried, they turned brown and look gross before I could finish and I ended up sanding them off. My other question: Can the resin be removed later if you decide to change the design (or the design fades!)? 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  4. Stu
    Stu says:

    Hey I’m trying to recreate this but I’m having trouble finding the supplies. Where did you get the card stock letters and that cool card stock paper? Also any ideas on what to do if you cant find a real butterfly to use? I’ve been looking into butterfly stickers and decals but haven’t had much luck…

    Reply
    • Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl)
      Brittany (aka Pretty Handy Girl) says:

      Stu, I bought the cardstock letters in the scrapbook section at Michaels or ACMoore. They are all on one sheet and had to be cut apart. I bet you could print out a Google Image of a butterfly and use it on your window. As long as you aren’t re-selling it I think you’d be okay.

      Reply
  5. Anne
    Anne says:

    I agree that resin is great for all of its uses; however, keep in mind that it is in no way good for the environment. Resin does not degrade, and cannot be recycled. For that reason alone, I try not to use it when I can find an alternative (perhaps sandwiching the glitter/words between two layers of glass?).

    Reply
  6. April
    April says:

    When are you going to post about the perfectly shabby window? I have one that I’m going to make into a dry erase board and put paper behind the glass to make it more interesting. If I wanted white, it would be perfect the way it is, but I want it blue. I experimented with the easy way, and I don’t think I love it. I’m assuming this is going to require sanding, priming and repainting. I’m going to need better weather for sanding, which is why I experimented with the easy way.

    Reply
  7. car insurance
    car insurance says:

    My Firefox stopped working saying the server wasn’t found but Internet Explorers still works. I used to use firefox all the time but only recently it stopped working. I already checked the firewall and it allows firefox so i don’t know what’s wrong..

    Reply

Trackbacks & Pingbacks

  1. […] into glazed necklaces with Envirotex. Resin Glazed Washer Necklace. . Dream Big Butterfly Resin Craft Window. Revamp an old window with paint, vinyl and glitter. Use envirotex for finishing. Beautiful home […]

  2. […] If you want more detailed directions for working with Envirotex Lite, you can read my detailed tutorial for making a butterfly window. […]

  3. […] Dream Big Butterfly Window – Resin Craft Then insert eye bolts on each side. […]

« Older CommentsNewer Comments »

Leave a Reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to contribute!

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.