[grammadidi]

Didi, I have never heard of such! I love it. When the butterflies migrate, we can drive to Tulsa and they just come in droves. When I lived in California, a couple wanted us to go see where they gather on the trees and cover the trees but we were not able to go. I was sad to have missed that.

Had you heard of this type of centerpiece being done before? I had not. Great idea and you did a great job! Where did they get the butterflies? Special order?

Are the butterflies visible all the time until their release? Oh, I just reread your note. It was a centerpiece and they were released later so they were visible for all the guests to admire? That is fun!

The butterflies are ordered from a company that is registered with the International Butterfly Breeder's Association (IBBA). They breed and sell butterflies which are native to the release area. They ship the butterflies out overnight delivery to be received the day prior to the event. Each butterfly is packaged in a triangular shaped box. They are packed in a styrofoam box with a cold pack to keep them cool, thus sleepy. :) You unpack them and keep them in a cool place overnight (cellar or fridge). About an hour prior to the event you put them at room temperature.

Butterfly releases can be done for weddings, funerals, cancer events and memorials, etc. The concept is that according to an old Native legend, butterflies cannot talk, so you whisper your prayers and good wishes to them, then release them to carry them up to the Great Spirit.

Sometimes they are released directly from a butterfly cage, but they are not fancy at all, certainly not suitable for a wedding. I wanted to create a fairly stable, natural environment for them, yet pretty at the same time. I used a wooden base, covered with a silk material, then a nylon sheer with daisies on it. I attached a grapevine wreath on the bottom, and joined it to another on top with small bamboo plant stakes. On the day of the event, flowers from the bouquet were places inside, and some orange Gatorade which the butterflies love (only orange, though). Later that night the butterflies hid up in the spaces of the top grapevine wreath, or between the material and the wreaths to sleep.

The most common butterfly to be used here in Canada and in the eastern States are the Monarchs and Painted Ladies. In California they can use different ones. It is truly a glorious event. I really do think you would love to see one.
Hugs, Didi

[cal823]

Wow... you all such great artists!
Gramma, jrebel, its frustrating I been trying to rep u 2 but I got to spread it roun lolz
Everyone's art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyone's pencil sketchings are amazing!

[Clough]

Ah! I see that there has been some great dialogue going on here tonight!

I painted, today...

[cal823]

Show us show us clough! :) pleeeaaaassseeee :)

[Clough]

show us show us clough! :) pleeeaaaassseeee :)

Psst... I'm waiting for the others to respond, if they are still around, that is... ;)

[cal823]

Check to see if "user online" is under their name
That way you know if they around rite now :)
I'm sure your painting is awesomly fantastic :) can't wait to see it.

[jrebel7]

wow....you all such great artists!
gramma, jrebel, its frustrating i been trying to rep u 2 but i gotta spread it roun lolz
everyones art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyones pencil sketchings are amazing!

Cal, good to see you back on here. Post some more work soon please. :)

[grammadidi]

I painted, today...

OOOOHHHH!! What did you paint, Craig?? Let's see, let's see!! Pleeeease??

Waiting with anticipation...
Fingers tapping...

Didi

[jrebel7]

Ah! I see that there has been some great dialogue going on here tonight!

I painted, today...

Hi there! What did you paint?

[grammadidi]

wow....you all such great artists!
gramma, jrebel, its frustrating i been trying to rep u 2 but i gotta spread it roun lolz
everyones art here is so amazing, love the butterfly watchyamatcallit, and everyones pencil sketchings are amazing!

Thank you, Cal... now... what else do YOU have to show us??

Hugs, Didi

[Clough]

Well, it looks like you are all ready!! Please be patient!! You'll love it!! :)

[grammadidi]

psst... I'm waiting for the others to respond, if they are still around, that is... ;)

C'mon, c'mon... that's three!!

Toes tapping, feet dancing in anticipation...

[jrebel7]

Well, it looks like you are all ready!!! Please be patient!!! You'll love it!!!!:)

Ready and waiting!! :)

[cal823]

Lolz ill try to scrounge round through my art see if I got any other good stuff to show you guys.
Id upload pics now except I need to go unpack shopping and the pics I want to show you are on videophone and I want to use the digital camera to retake them :)

[Clough]

Here it goes..! :)

[grammadidi]

lolz ill try to scrounge round thru my art see if i got any other good stuff to show u guys.
id upload pics now except i need to go unpack shopping and the pics i wanna show u are on videophone and i wanna use the digital camera to retake em :)

Looking forward to it, Cal.

Hugs, Didi

[Clough]

C'mon, c'mon... that's three!!!!

Toes tapping, feet dancing in anticipation....

I know, I know! I love to watch you dance, Didi!! :)

[grammadidi]

Here it goes....!!!! :)

It must have been the fence... sigh...

[grammadidi]

*Didi is banging her head on the desk in frustration... *

[grammadidi]

ARGHHHHHHH!! *she clutches at chest as she has now aged 15 years waiting for the musician turned painter!*