How do you make beautiful 3D dragonfly wall art that looks like it’s made of metal….without using metal? This easy step by step project tutorial shows you how.
While these dragonflies appear to be created from aged copper, antique bronze, and worn silver, they are actually made from something SO much easier to work with–
Would you guess——-paper clay?
That means you don’t need welding tools to make this 3D dragonfly wall art. Just a package of Creative Paperclay, a few craft supplies, and the FREE dragonfly patterns and instructions in this post.
Paper clay is an innovative soft clay product that is easy to roll, shape, and cut. Then it air dries to a tough durable finish. It’s just waiting for your creative heart to turn it into something amazing.
Keep reading to learn how easy it is to roll and cut out these dragonflies!
You can make additional styles of clay dragonfly art (like the ones in the photo below) by checking out this other metallic dragonfly project which also uses paper clay.
Mix and match different wing styles and bodies to create even more versions of original 3D dragonfly wall art.
gather these supplies for your dragonfly art
- 16 ounce package of Creative Paperclay or other good quality brand of paper clay (you can also substitute balsa wood if you are unable to find paper clay)
- cutting tool (such as a clay “clean up tool”**, craft knife or old X-acto knife)
- rolling pin or thick wood dowel for rolling out clay
- old towel, water dish and cotton swabs for smoothing
- sandpaper (220 grit)
- metallic paint
- glass beads or buttons for eyes & embellishment
- clear adhesive with a strong hold (or a fast drying, epoxy type glue such as like Gorilla Clear Epoxy or JB Weld Clear)
** A clay “clean up” tool can be found at most craft & hobby stores in the section with clay supplies, or find one online as part of an inexpensive clay tool set like this one.
If you want to create a dragonfly with resin wings, you will need these additional items:
- Epoxy resin
- transparent Peel N’ Stick Adhesive Shelf Liner
- measuring cups marked in ounces or mL
- gloves and stir stick
- heat gun or torch
step 1: download & cut out the dragonfly art templates
Click on the links below to download the free templates for your dragonfly wall art. Print on normal copy paper and then use scissors to cut out.
step 2: set up your work space
Cover your work space with a non-stick surface such as a silicone mat, parchment paper, slick sheet of plastic or vinyl.
Then arrange your supplies: a dish of water, cutting tool, rolling pin or large wood dowel, paper clay, dragonfly patterns, cotton swabs and a small towel. You will also need an airtight container to store leftover clay once you are finished cutting your dragonfly art.
step 3: create your clay dragonfly
Once your work space is set up, open the package of paper clay and follow the video steps to cut out your dragonfly.
step 4: dry
After cutting, let the clay dragonfly wings and body air dry on your work mat until you are able to pick them up without them losing their shape. Then either move them to a drying rack (like the type used for cooling cookies) to continue air drying, or speed up the process by placing them on a baking sheet in a low temperature oven (about 170 degrees F). If you oven dry, turn the clay shapes over every 30 minutes until the pieces are dry on front and back.
You can also sun dry the clay outside on a warm day or near an indoor heater during colder weather.
As moisture evaporates from the clay, the wings may begin to curve slightly.
If you are planning to pour resin into the wing shapes (like the “glass” wings on the copper dragonfly), the wings will need to be as level and un-curved as possible. If they start to curve during the drying stage, you can sandwich the clay wings between thin cardboard sheets and place a stack of books on top for a day or so. The weight of the books should be sufficient to press out the curve.
step 5: sand if needed
If there are any rough spots on the clay pieces after drying, use a 220 grit sandpaper to smooth over uneven areas.
step 6: paint and decorate your dragonfly
Now you can personalize your clay dragonfly with paint and some decorative add-ons.
Here are a couple of ideas–
idea 1: bronze and silver dragonfly wall art
To create an aged metallic bronze & silver dragonfly, start by applying dark brown paint to the clay pieces. Any craft paint will work.
When the brown paint layer is dry, use the tip of a soft cloth to rub bronze metallic paint over the surface.
Add a second metallic paint color to accent areas such as the wings or bands of clay on the dragonfly tail.
Add metal buttons for eyes and tail accents. Use a strong clear glue to attach the wings to the body.
You can also use metallic silver paint to give the wings some contrast.
idea 2: metallic copper dragonfly with resin wings
The process for painting this copper dragonfly is similar to the previous bronze one. Begin by painting the clay pieces with a dark brown water-based paint.
Next, use a soft cloth to rub metallic copper paint over the brown layer of paint. To get the look of aged metal, apply the copper color unevenly so that some of the brown layer shows through.
how to make resin filled wings
Use a pencil to trace around the outside edge of the clay wings onto transparent Peel N’ Stick Adhesive Shelf Liner.
Use scissors to cut out the 4 wings shapes from the peel n’ stick liner.
Then peel away the paper backing, and stick the transparent liner to the back of the clay wing.
Press along the edge of the film to make sure that it adheres to the clay and has a tight seal. You can even use a paintbrush to apply clear glue along the outside edge of the clear film to be extra sure that it is leak-proof before pouring the resin.
Mix approximately 2 ounces (60 mL) of resin (1 ounce hardener + 1 ounce resin). This is equivalent 1/4 cup total if you are using a kitchen measuring set.
ArtResin (a non-toxic, zero VOC and zero BPA resin product) was used for the wings below. You can find a complete guide to mixing and pouring resin in this tutorial.
One drop of Folk Art Rose Gold metallic paint was added and mixed into the resin cup below.
Stir for 3 minutes to ensure that resin & hardener are completely combined.
Place the dragonfly wings on a level surface.
Then carefully pour resin.
The transparent film that you added to the back will hold the resin intact.
Let the wings dry for 3 days (72 hours), covered, to keep dust particles from falling into the resin as it cures.
assemble your copper dragonfly art
Use a strong clear glue like Gorilla Clear Epoxy or J B Weld Clear Epoxy to attach all the pieces together.
The decorative scrollwork shapes should be attached so that they extend over the edge of the resin wings, giving you a rounded tip that can be connected to the body with glue.
Add gems if you like.
Use strong clear glue again to attach the wings to the body. It helps to elevate the outer tips of the wings until the glue completely dries. Positioning square dowels like the ones shown below (or using similar objects to raise and support the wings) works really well.
Most epoxy glues dry within 10 minutes, but for best results, allow 24 hours for the adhesive to fully cure before removing the supports.
For a little extra texture, coat the mid-section of the dragonfly body with clear glue and sprinkle with metallic beads.
step 7: display your dragonfly wall art
You can glue a simple hook to the back of your metallic dragonfly art so that it can be hung on a wall.
Or you can display it in a frame, like the one below made from painted birch wood panels.
By reducing or enlarging the patterns you can create small little ornament-sized dragonflies or gigantic oversized dragonfly wall art. So many possibilities!
You can find other 3D clay dragonfly art projects here as well as learn about other paper clay tutorials here.
You may also enjoy this butterfly wall art project—
Make something beautiful today!
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