I have a suggestion for a great date. Take someone to the Tropical Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center. Dan and I were both downtown on Sunday for events and when we met up afterwards, I suggested that we stay downtown and visit the Tropical Butterfly House at the Pacific Science Center.
I had seen a spotlight on the butterfly exhibit in Seattle Magazine last year and had told myself that it would be a great way to spend a rainy winter day.
I was right! It was warm, humid, quiet and inspiring. The number of people allowed in the 4,000 sq ft greenhouse at any one time is closely monitored. I enjoyed hearing the children whisper and react in awe of these delicate flying wonders.
We found it to be very relaxing to sit on a wall and watch the flurry of activity in the air. The yellow bloom is a hibiscus and the cluster of coral is Crown of Thorns. The butterfly looks to be a Scarlet Peacock.
The room is warm, humid and well lit. An environment we could all benefit from in January.
I can't determine the name of this one from the butterfly chart, but look at that beautiful wingspan.
This monarch shows off wings that look like stained glass.
I believe this is a Paper Kite butterfly on a Jungle Flame blossom. See if you agree by reviewing this botanical chart.
There is a window displaying chrysalis as they develop. It gives both children and adults a glimpse at the wonder of development. When they are ready, those same butterflies are released into the Butterfly House each week. It is a lovely lesson about patience and metamorphosis.
We spent about 45 minutes looking around and soaking it up. No rush. No music. It was the kind of educational vacation I needed. I highly recommend it. The Pacific Science Center itself looked wonderful. We were drawn to the replica of Puget Sound, complete with water levels and ink-highlighting currents. Time well spent, I say. Give yourself the gift of wandering a museum; taking time to think and consider will always be well spent.
I have started making things again, so get ready to see some fun new projects! This idea came to me, clear as a bell, while I was watching TV late one night. Embellishing soap.
I know that this was a popular craft project back in the 1970's, but I couldn't find any reference to it online. So I am bringing it back! Attaching paper images (scrap or scrap art) to small hotel soaps using clear nail polish (a strong top coat). It is super easy and when the right shade and size of soap is paired with the right image, the look is not crafty, just fabulous.
You will need a collection of really thin paper images - something you would decoupage with (see some here). I used the butterfly page from a value pack called "Romantic Scrap Art Paper" by Artifacts Inc (click the link to see their entire collection for sale online). My value pack was from Micheal's Craft a few years ago - check their decoupage section in store.
I also think that a lot of the charm is in the small size soap. It becomes just a touch of botanical by the sink. And I think everyone has a few extra hotel soaps tucked away.
I chose a moth/butterfly that I thought looked pretty against the pale mustard soap, brushed a little clear nail polish on the back of the moth like glue, and then placed it on the soap. Then I gently brushed the entire top surface of the moth and soap with clear top coat nail polish to seal it. Be sure to leave the sides and bottom of the soap uncoated so that they will still suds.
These are the ones I have made so far. I think John Derian would be proud, don't you?
