Handmade Haitian Sculpture, Butterfly Fluttering in the Garden, Home Decor Fall Plaques, Eco-Friendly 11 x10 Inches

In the village of Croix-des-Bouquets, Haiti, the air rings with the sound of metal banging against metal. Workshops line the streets of the village and outside each are stacks of discarded 55-gallon drums awaiting transformation. To begin the process, the tops of the barrels are removed and the open barrel is stuffed with straw and dried banana leaves and then set ablaze. This burns out the residue and old paint and strengthens the metal. After the barrels have cooled, they are slit down the side, pried open, pounded flat and sanded down, giving the artist a smooth flat surface, much like a painter’s canvas. The artist chalks his design onto the metal and then, using a hammer and chisel, begins the work of cutting the sculpture and giving it form, detail and dimension. When he is satisfied with his results, he pounds his signature onto the sculpture and seals it with a protective, weather-proof finish.

• As you go to hang these little beauties, you can use the attached hanger on the back. To secure them further, if they are outside in a windy spot, for instance, you can bang in a nail between the upper and lower wings to hold them firmly. The nail heads will "disappear" into the sculptures once they are hung.
• These butterflies come with a weather-proof coating that will wear off over time. Rusting can occur, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don't care for that look, simply spray them with an enamel clear coat. Once a year should do it. Pretty simple.
• Natural color variations from dark silver to brown rustic tones.
• Fair trade isn't just a good idea - it's the only way we do business.