NOTE: You may want to paint the embroidery hoops in a complementing color before constructing the cage.
This process is best done with 2 people. First separate the hoops. Dislodge the outside hoop from the inside one by loosening the brass thumb screw lightly. Lay the material flat and find the centerline of the fabric. Approximately 10" from each edge of the material along the centerline, stand an inner hoop so it is perpendicular to the laying material. The hoops will now be 26" apart with the hole facing each other ready to form a cylinder. Bring one side of the material up and over the two standing hoops. Hold in place with one hand while bringing the other side (which is still laying flat) up over the first side. You should have a loose cylinder looking arrangement. The material should now overlap by about 3". The 10" of material that is extending beyond the hoops should be tucked through the holes of the hoops. This is just to keep it out of the way for now. Next, place the outside hoops over the material and onto the inner hoops. Then tighten slightly to hold the material in place. Pull the 10" of tucked fabric from inside the cylinder so it will extend past the locked hoops once again. Gather one end together and tie with twine or ribbon. Repeat at the other end. You will now have a long cylinder that is closed at both ends. Slide the paper plate through the overlapping material. This is your door. Place the plate on the bottom of the cage for a landing platform. You can decorate the cage with ribbon around the top and bottom hoop and you can attach dried or silk flowers with a hot glue gun around it also. The color and style can be customized to your taste. Be as creative as you want. You will need to hang the cage from something. A black iron free-standing plant stand looks very nice. You can purchase these at your local garden center. If you decide to keep your butterflies for a few days, you will need to feed them fresh nectar every other day. Put the nectar in a small tub or dish with nylon scrubbies (or chore boys). They represent a flower. Do NOT cover the scrubbies with nectar. Fill only until you see the nectar almost come through the top of the scrubbie. These give the butterflies something to land on while feeding. Cotton balls will also work but we like the scrubbies best.