Matrenitsas-butterflies from toothpicks

Butterflies made of white and red thread twined round two crossed toothpicks. That’s all, but the result is excellent.

When you cross the toothpicks, press the cross firm them firm with your fingers.

Start to twine the thread to make the wings of the butterfly. Choose those sides that will result in big wings, and not the opposite.

When you are ready with one of the wings, tie the thread round the top of the toothpick before you start with the next wing.

Pass the thread lengthwise to form well the two parts of each wing.

Use metal wire for the head and antennas of the butterfly:)

Stick a bead at the tips of the wings. Add different coloured thread to finish the butterfly.

What is ‘martenitsa’?

In Bulgarian folklore the month of March is often portrayed as a plump, cheerful old lady, “baba Marta”. The 1st day of her reign is celebrated with red and white ornaments in various designs – as bracelets, brooches, pom-poms… 
The origins of this ritual are lost in time, but the meaning is clear – they are luck charms you give away to wish good health (and good looks, too!) Friends, family, even pets and domestic animals get one.They are also a countdown to spring – you wear them every day until you see the first stork, or swallow, or blossoming tree. Then you take themartenitsa off and tie it to a branch.

See more ideas for Bulgarian martenitsa in KROKOTAK: