“To become a butterfly, metamorphosis is necessary. If the caterpillar never went through this process of change, it would never achieve its great destiny and become its most glorious self. We can reach our great destinies by changing what needs to be changed.” --Michelle “Chaella” Boddie

I am always looking for unique items on Ebay and in antique shops. I saw this vintage pin cushion doll at a local shop here in Arkansas. I didn’t buy her when I saw her, and when I got home I was kicking myself, as this was one of the unique items I had shopped for previously. I called the shop owner and asked her to hold it for me and went and picked it up the next day after work.

As you can see, she had been quite neglected. This did not stop me. In fact it did just the opposite. I could see her potential. I brought her home and started gently cleaning her with a baby wipe. I was absolutely PANICKED when she started going to pieces where she was previously cracked.

I knew our fearless leader, Sandra Evertson, had much experience with rebuilding and repairing vintage pieces using Apoxie Sculpt. I showed her pictures and she told me that this looked like a German-made chalk based piece, so the moisture was not good for the doll. I stopped what I was doing and grabbed myApoxie Sculpt and started repairing her.

I was nervous and excited because I had never done this type of work with the Apoxie Sculpt before. I wanted to repair her but I didn’t want her to be perfect. I wanted her to still have a vintage look.

The velveteen leaves brightened up the faded velvet fabric of the pin cushion. Yes.  I cut all of those butterflies by hand and they are double sided. I added the Relics & Artifacts flowers to fill spaces.

The beautiful Relics & Artifacts Papillon Butterfly, which I had cut in half, was perfect as her wings.

This project was definitely a journey, for myself and the vintage piece, and through this process of “Metamorphosis”, I believe she has become her most glorious self again and more.

I am so flippin' happy with how this came out and she is displayed in my home where everyone can see her.

Supply List
Relics & Artifacts® Papillon
Relics & Artifacts® Velveteen Flowers-Sweet Violets Festoon
Apoxie Sculpt
Vintage pin cushion doll
Velveteen leaves
Straight pins
Various butterfly printables
Acrylic paints