There’s something magical about butterflies—the way they flutter effortlessly, their delicate patterns, and how they seem to capture the essence of summer. Every time I spot one, I feel a childlike excitement, a connection to nature’s quiet beauty.
Lackford Lakes is where I captured the photographs that inspired my first collection—and Wild Minder itself. (Read the origin of Wild Minder here.) These snapshots of butterfly encounters not only serve as artistic reference points but also remind me of the small wonders that often go unnoticed. Most of the time, they aren’t far away—we just need to slow down and look.
Let me introduce you to the three butterflies at Lackford Lakes that left a lasting impression on me—and on my designs.
The brimstone butterfly is a bright yellow beauty, one of the first to appear in spring. Legend has it that this species inspired the very word “butterfly,” perhaps due to its butter-like hue.
I captured this brimstone perched delicately on a blooming thistle. With its leaf-shaped wings and graceful flight, this butterfly is an early sign that warmer days are coming. Yet, despite its striking color, its ability to blend seamlessly into foliage makes it surprisingly tricky to spot. Seeing one feels like a fleeting gift—a reminder to slow down and take in the details.
Its golden tones and effortless elegance inspired Wild Minder itself. In both watercolor and thread. I aimed to capture the quiet beauty of the brimstone butterfly—an embodiment of nature’s artistry.
If you’ve ever mistaken a butterfly for a crumpled autumn leaf, you may have been looking at a comma butterfly. The second species in my Lackford Lakes collection. It gets its name from the tiny, white comma-shaped marking on the underside of its wings.
This butterfly is a camouflage expert. When its wings are closed, it mimics a dried leaf, blending perfectly into tree bark and foliage to avoid predators. But when it opens its wings, it reveals a stunning burnt-orange pattern, with ragged edges that add to its unique charm.
This contrast—hidden vs. revealed, delicate yet resilient—inspired my embroidered comma butterfly jacket. The interplay of darker browns and bright oranges reflects nature’s disguises and its bursts of vibrancy. It’s this balance that makes the comma butterfly so fascinating to me.
The last butterfly I photographed that day appeared as we were heading back to the visitor center—right as I was thinking about a well-earned cup of tea. It was perched on a purple Buddleia, also known as the “butterfly bush.” If you haven’t noticed this before, try paying attention next time—where there’s a blooming Buddleia, there’s almost always a butterfly or two.
The peacock butterfly is a showstopper. It’s my favorite of the three I captured, and probably the most well-known. Its deep red wings, adorned with bold, iridescent “eye spots,” serve a dual purpose: they are both strikingly beautiful and an effective defense mechanism. These markings mimic the eyes of a predator, startling birds that might otherwise see the butterfly as an easy meal.
I love the boldness of the peacock butterfly—how it stands out, how it commands attention. It reminds me that nature isn’t just about blending in; sometimes, it’s about embracing individuality. Its vibrant colors and striking contrasts have influenced my watercolor and embroidery work, inspiring me to create unique, nature-infused pieces that feel both bold and organic.
Each of these butterflies carries its own story—of adaptation, transformation, and resilience. By incorporating them into my Wild Minder collection, I hope to capture these fleeting moments of beauty and bring them to life in a way that people can carry with them. More than that, I want to encourage others to pause, notice, and appreciate the often-overlooked wonders of nature.
Butterflies remind us that change is a natural part of life, that small things can have a great impact, and that the world is full of artistry—if only we take the time to look.
Have you ever had a memorable butterfly encounter? I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts in the comments or tag me on Instagram @wildminderclub with your butterfly moments.