Something I like to do: get some clear vinyl or Glad press n seal, but I think the Glad might not be as easy to see through. Use an dry-erase marker, put the vinyl over your butterfly and use different color markers, to 'audition' your colors.
I like Terri's idea, and I like the idea of variegated too. Satin stitching on butterflies is puuurrrty! :wink: