There is something deeply magical about the tradition of entomology displays—the delicate, structured beauty of a butterfly permanently captured and preserved in a frame. But what if that butterfly wasn’t a specimen at all? What if its fragile, textured wings were actually forged from crushed glass and fire?
I am absolutely thrilled to announce the upcoming launch of my newest obsession: The Glass Butterfly Shadowbox Collection.
The Art of the Illusion
Each piece in this limited collection features a highly realistic, anatomically detailed butterfly cast entirely from glass. I pack custom-blended glass powders into specialized molds using the intricate pâte de verre technique, allowing me to build subtle color gradients, realistic wing patterns, and that signature, sugar-like matte finish that perfectly mimics the delicate, velvety texture of real butterfly wings.
Once cured, fired, and finished, each glass butterfly is float-mounted inside a minimalist, deep 5x5 shadowbox frame.
🦋 Look a Little Closer: At first glance, it looks exactly like a traditional, vintage taxidermy specimen. It’s only when the light shifts and catches the translucent, glowing properties of the glass that you realize it’s an original piece of kiln-formed fine art. It offers the organic elegance of a natural specimen, reimagined as a cruelty-free, light-reactive heirloom.
Joining the Tradition: Whyte Ave Art Walk
I have been working quietly behind the kiln for months to bring this series to life, and they are ready for their next big appearance. The Glass Butterfly Collection will be featured live at the Whyte Ave Art Walk this July!
If you want to experience the visual illusion in person, hold the frames up to the sunlight, and chat about the multi-day kiln-casting process, I would love for you to stop by the Gaia's Glasswear display.
- Event: Whyte Ave Art Walk
- When: July 10, 11, & 12
- Where: Old Strathcona, Edmonton, AB
- What to Expect: A curated display of our 5x5 butterfly shadowboxes, alongside our signature botanical and jewelry collections.
Because of the intense, multi-stage plaster mold process required for pâte de verre casting, this release features a limited number of pieces. Each one is completely unique in its color variegation and wing detail.
Can't Make It to Whyte Ave?
For our collectors across Canada and the globe, a select number of pieces from the butterfly collection will fly onto our website after the event wraps up. Keep an eye on our independent store at gaiasglasswear.ca or check in on our Etsy Storefront to secure your piece before they flutter away!
