I was scrolling through Instagram the other day when I saw a reel that made me stop in my tracks. A girl was carefully fixing a butterfly’s wing, making a tiny prosthetic with just glue and the delicate wing of a deceased butterfly. It made me emotional. Butterflies live such short lives, sometimes only a couple of weeks, yet their brief existence is so full of beauty and purpose. They deserve to be happy, to fly high, and to be admired - and that thought melted my heart.
I’ve always loved butterflies. Since I was a child, their delicate wings and vibrant colors have fascinated me. There’s something magical about their presence, a fleeting beauty that is impossible to ignore. As I grew older, my connection to them deepened, especially after my mum passed away. The day after her funeral, butterflies surrounded me and my grieving sister. I had never experienced anything like it - an almost spiritual moment that felt like a gentle sign from her, a reminder of the cycle of life and the presence of love even in sorrow.
Butterflies have long been symbols of rebirth, transformation, and the fleeting nature of life. Their short lifespan - just a few weeks for most species - is a poignant reminder that life is delicate, beautiful, and worth cherishing. While some people believe butterflies in the home bring bad luck or symbolize death, for me they represent the opposite: beauty, hope, and the continuation of life in new forms.
I’ve expressed this love in many ways. My jewelry collection is sprinkled with butterfly-themed pieces, and I enjoy decorating my home with them, adding a sense of lightness and whimsy to my surroundings. Some people even choose to preserve butterflies behind glass, framing their delicate wings to capture their ethereal beauty forever. When purchasing preserved butterflies, it's essential to ensure that the specimens are ethically sourced and legally obtained. Reputable suppliers will provide information on the sourcing of their specimens and adhere to legal and ethical standards. Butterfly Box stands out for its commitment to sustainable sourcing, ensuring that all specimens are ethically obtained. DeadSet Co. is known for its award-winning craftsmanship, offering beautifully framed butterflies and insects. Wilderhouse provides naturally beautiful preserved butterfly specimens, all ethically sourced from global sanctuaries. The Butterfly Company offers a wide range of preserved butterflies and insects, with custom framing services available. TaxidermyArtistry specializes in handcrafted collections, including ethically sourced butterflies. Ladybug Exotics offers a wide range of specimens, suitable for various decorative purposes. Lastly, Etsy UK features a variety of sellers offering preserved butterfly specimens, allowing for a diverse selection.
Butterflies are a reminder to embrace life’s fleeting moments, to celebrate transformation, and to find joy even in the smallest, most fragile things. For me, they are deeply personal symbols of love, memory, and hope. Every flutter reminds me that life, though short, can be astonishingly beautiful - and that those we have loved never truly leave us 🦋
Our picks:
Real Butterfly Framed Handmade, Taxidermy Butterfly Shadow Box Collection
The Achilles Morpho Butterfly (Morpho achilles) | Mounted and Framed
Chandelier - Bedroom Light Modern Personality Living Room Butterfly
When we talk about butterflies, we can’t not mention the amazing film The Butterfly Effect. It changed me when I watched it as a teenager. This was the first time I thought of Ashton Kutcher as a serious actor (and, honestly, probably the last time). The movie explores how even the smallest actions can have huge, unpredictable consequences, how one seemingly insignificant choice can ripple through time and completely alter the future. Watching it made me reflect on cause and effect, fate, and how fragile yet powerful life can be. Much like a butterfly, delicate and fleeting, these moments leave a lasting impression that stays with you forever.
The Butterfly Effect (2004)
Directed by Eric Bress, J. Mackye Gruber
Starring: Ashton Kutcher, Melora Walters, Amy Smart, Elden Henson
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