Butterfly and Wings

Remember I shared these butterflies while discussing reflective template patterns during  Delores Naskrents Affinity Designer MasterClass to learn more about the tools in Affinity Designer. This ogee patten is really fun to create, and I was able to change it up even more this week due to a Spoonflower Design Challenge: New Animal Prints.

I really struggled with the design challenge. LOL I started out for hours trying to create the fur on my tabby cat to no avail.

But, in playing around, I stumbled upon what surely must be fairy or butterfly wings. Lot’s of small curved scales with vertical threads for strength. I played with the blend modes on different layers, and yup. Butterfly wings in teals and pinks!

CloseUP Butterfly Shimmering Wings in Teals and Pinks

Imagine the butterfly, its wings still so you can peer closely into the scales, curved in pinks and teals, strengthened by translucent teal stripes, so delicate and shimmering, your eyes can barely focus. Mesmerizing. Luxurious.  

Don’t believe me?

Here are the butterfly wings…

And the revised ogee pattern with pinks and teals for a fun design:

As you can see, I took the butterfly wing design and added it as texture to the butterfly wings. And the pattern by itself is stunning– click the two left photos for a look on Spoonflower.

Using vector texture in Affinity and using reflective, or mirrored, motifs really help sophisticate the repeating patterns. I’ve written about these here:

• Texture
• Reflective Symmetry
• Reflective Birds, Butterflies, Florals

In the last link, you’ll find one of my favorite patterns — the garden floral drop pattern. I liked it so much, I ordered it as my shower curtain. The bathroom light doesn’t show how closely it matches the designed pattern. Read more about this pattern at Garden Floral Delight; this design is available on Red Bubble. I do love this pattern.

I’ve been busy this week with reflective, often symmetrical patterns. If you have any questions, just ask.