This is a very simple tutorial on how to make a butterfly. Some reminders and hints: Vectors add their own layer so you don't need to add a layer first. If you do it's ok though, you can delete the empty layer. I did not mention it as I wrote this to speed it up and save repetition, but you should name your layers. Because vectors add their own layer you will have to go up to the layers window, click on the layer, then properties and name it. Don't limit yourself to just the shapes I used for this tutorial. You can get lots of neat effects with other shapes and other node settings. Have fun!

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1. Start with a 400x400 canvas with a transparent background and flood fill with black so you can see better what you are doing. 2. Choose white as your foreground color. Using the vector ellipse for the body, making a narrow oval shape. Right click and select quit node edit. 3. Go to Layers/convert to raster. 4. Choose a vector shape for the wings. I used a vector triangle here. Left click on the vector object selection and then right click just below your image and click on node edit. These are the settings I used. Grab the little handles and move them around till you have a shape you like. Right click and select quit node edit. 5. Then go to Layers/convert to raster, then go to edit/copy and then edit paste as a new layer, then Image/mirror and place the other wing.

6. Make the bottom wings the same way, then copy and paste as a new layer then mirror and place the wing on the other side of the butterfly's body.

7. For the antenna use the line tool set to bezier curve, make a short line for the antenna. Edit/copy and Edit/paste for the other one.

Your butterfly shape is done. Now have fun using gradients, fills, textures or whatever to make it beautiful! The possibilities are endless.:) PS... Make these into tubes so you can use them again! :) Email me if you have any problems. Tutorials Homepage   Main Homepage Tutorial, graphics and screenshots © by Jan Lewis Purrcat Designs 2001