STEVE NIELSEN

Monarch Butterfly Step by Step

Steve has designed, built and painted well over 1,000 metal butterflies for clients all over the world, looking at each one as a new opportunity to grow and learn something new. So, when he was asked by a fellow metal artist to build a huge monarch butterfly sculpture, he knew he had to take it to the next level of metal and paint detail. Steve’s always been driven to exceed all expectations, so he looks at each new commission as a challenge to do his personal best. It doesn’t always happen overnight, but once Steve completes a vision of the finished project in his mind he will not stop until it’s as good or better than he envisions. The goal is to “bring metal to life.”

Part 1 – METAL SHAPING

STEP 1

Using 18 gauge sheet metal, Steve cuts out the monarch butterfly shape and sands out any flaws or scratches with 180 grit on a DA sander. Once cleaned, the veins are drawn.

STEP 2

Steve uses the design that’s drawn out as a guide to bead roll impressions that not only look better cosmetically, but will also add strength to the sheet metal.

STEP 3

Different combinations of dies are used to create different profiles, some of which Steve had specifically made to help replicate the look and feel of a butterfly’s wings. Once painted, all of these details in the metal shaping process will help it visually come to life.

STEP 4