Butterflies that sparkle? Yes, please! How to make your own hand-glittered paper ~

Butterflies cut from Handmade Glitter Paper

I just finished crafting 800 (yes, I said 8 HUNDRED!) of these darling little Butterflies in sparkly, rich gold. I can't wait to see how the lovely lady who purchased them intends to put them to use. 

What makes these little guys so especially gorgeous? I make my own glitter paper and you can, too! Here's how: 

• Clear a large work surface because this can get messy! 

• Start with a thin, white cardstock or flexible NON-glossy photo paper.

• Using a large soft paintbrush, apply a VERY THIN coat of non-toxic glue over the entire sheet of paper (white school glue works perfectly). 

• While the glue is still wet, sprinkle your favorite extra-fine glitter over the entire surface of glue-coated paper.

• Gently - with a very light touch - rub the glitter into the wet glue using circular motions. This is why you want the layer of glue to be very thin: thick glue + glitter = gloppy glittery porridge.

• After the entire sheet is covered with glitter, carefully shake off loose glitter, then quickly rub in a second layer of glitter.

• Place the wet, glittered sheet of cardstock/paper between two pieces of wax paper (cut larger than your paper) and press under a large book or heavy object overnight.

• When you are certain that your glitter paper is completely dry, have fun using it any place you want a boost of sparkly goodness. I've used paper punches as tiny as 1/2" on this paper with no problem. 

Lots of work? Yes! But worth the effort? Absolutely!! I am yet to find a 'glittered card stock' in craft stores or online that brings this much sparkle, giving each little cut-out a genuine hand-glittered look.

Go ahead ... try it! We both know you can do this ♥
~windypoo