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Large Embroidered Insect Sculptures Show the Delicate Details of Beautiful Wings

by viralbandit August 10, 2017, 6:07 pm 1.8k Views

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It’s not uncommon for someone to dislike insects, but it’s hard to resist the charming allure of Yumi Okita’s textile moths and butterflies. Crafted from fabric, wire, embroidery thread, and faux fur, the bugs represent some of the latest work from the Raleigh-based artist, whose fabric sculptures we previously marveled at over three years ago.

Each of Okita’s pieces are small enough to fit within the palms of your hands. Depending on the creature’s anatomy, they range from five inches to over a foot wide. But regardless of the subject, the meticulous process remains the same. First, the wings are cut from fabric which is then painted and embroidered to add texture and “depth of color.” Afterwards, the body is fashioned out of fur and finalized with a hook so that you can hang the moth or butterfly on the wall—just like the real thing would.

Although many of Okita’s textiles are modeled after living bugs, she’s not afraid to put some of her creative self into it. “I try to capture the realism of nature,” she writes, “then manipulated into the world of imagination.” The results pay homage to these beautiful creatures while reimagining nature in a new way.

If you want to get your hands on one of these cute critters, Okita sells her textile moths and butterflies through her Etsy shop.