Flutter into DIY: Decoupaged Butterflies with Napkins & Style
There’s something about butterflies that instantly brings a little joy and whimsy to any space. I recently made a handful of DIY decoupaged butterflies, and I couldn't be more in love with how they turned out! They’re sweet, simple, and totally customizable—plus, they gave me a chance to mix and match some of the napkins from our online shop in a fun new way.
The Base: Wooden Butterflies from Walmart
It all started with a set of laser-cut wooden butterflies I found at Walmart. They had a nice flat surface, which made them perfect for decoupage. These little beauties were just begging for a makeover—and napkins were the answer!
Want to Try It Yourself?
🦋 Supplies You'll Need:
- Flat wooden butterflies (mine were laser-cut and found at Walmart)
- White acrylic paint
- Napkins (I used some from our shop in patriotic, lemon, and leafy green prints!)
- Mod Podge (or similar decoupage glue)
- Iron & parchment paper
- Scissors
- Small paintbrush
- Wooden skewers (optional, for display)
- Hot glue (optional for assembly)
🖌️ Step-by-Step: How to Make Decoupaged Napkin Butterflies
1. Paint your butterflies.
Start by giving each wooden butterfly a coat of white paint. This helps the napkin designs pop with vibrant color once they’re applied. Let them dry completely. 
2. Apply a layer of Mod Podge—then let it dry.
Yes, dry! This is key for the next step. Apply a smooth layer of Mod Podge over the painted butterfly and allow it to dry fully. This prepares the surface for the iron-on decoupage technique.
3. Cut your napkin to fit.
Separate the top printed layer of the napkin from the backing layers, then trim it to the general shape and size of your butterfly. 
4. Iron it on!
Lay the trimmed napkin over the dry, Mod Podge-coated butterfly. Then, place a piece of parchment paper on top and gently iron over it on medium heat (no steam).
The heat reactivates the glue, causing the napkin to adhere perfectly—no bubbles or wrinkles! The best part? You can move the napkin around beforehand to get it just right.
5. Trim & seal.
Once the napkin is adhered, use fine scissors or sandpaper to trim the edges as needed. You can seal it with a final layer of Mod Podge on top if desired (optional, especially if they'll be indoors). 
6. Style and display!
I attached my patriotic butterflies to white distressed wooden plaques I also found at Walmart—perfect for summer porch or entryway decor. 
For the lemon and leafy ones, I hot-glued wooden skewers to the back and tucked them into a DIY wall bucket that’s currently hanging on the mirror in our screened porch. Instant charm!
💡 Ideas for Using Your Butterflies:
- Add them to wreaths
- Style in tiered trays
- Place in potted plants or outdoor arrangements
- Gift as part of seasonal decor
- Mix into a gallery wall
This is such a fun way to use up scrap napkins and give small wood pieces a big personality. And if you need some fresh designs, you can always shop our latest napkin bundles at shopmyhomematters.com!
Have you tried the iron-on napkin method? If not, this is the perfect project to give it a go. I’d love to see your creations—tag me if you post them!
#CreateInspireBeWell