ENJOY THESE OPPORTUNITIES TO WELCOME MONARCHS AND SUPPORT POLLINATORS –

  1. Plant native species of Milkweed and pollinator plants in your garden, schools, workplaces, or community spaces
  2. Opt for organic practices whenever possible and avoid the use of insecticides or pesticides.
  3. Share your concern for pollinators with local decision-makers and ask to establish no-mow zones for pollinators and create designated native plant areas.
  4. Spread your support for pollinator will friends and family with inspired art, stories, and celebrations. – Artisan jewelry maker, Gracy, of @artbuttercup has done just that!

ARTISAN JEWELRY MAKER, GRACY, OF @ARTBUTTERCUP

Buttercup is an Artisan Jewelry business focused on the preservation of natural elements such as fresh flowers and butterfly wings. Her art often sparks conversations around the collection and preservation of butterflies, and her inspiration behind the craft. In celebrating of the annual Monarch Migration, we’re excited to share Gracy’s story with you:

“I started my jewelry business on a foundation of pressed flowers, but ventured into butterfly wing jewelry when I started collecting deceased monarchs from my garden. After years of experimenting with the process, I was able to perfect a butterfly wing earring that stands the test of time & allows us to appreciate their beauty, cultural significance, and importance.

I still use forged monarchs in my art, but most are sourced from non-profit conservatories out of the United States and Canada, purchasing naturally deceased monarch butterflies from their atriums. These conservatories are so important in educating us on the importance of butterflies in our natural world. As well as our role to protect them by planting Texas native flora to encourage the growth of this beautiful species.

The goal of these conservatories is butterfly population management and research, meaning raising and releasing butterflies to combat species endangerment. The dead butterflies I use are a by-product of this amazing process.”

You can see and learn more about Gracy’s art form every weekend in The Shed at the Dallas Farmers Market, on her Instagram @artbuttercup, or on her website here.