Spring Butterfly Crafts

by Laura Torres | More from this Blogger

25 Apr 2006 09:27 PM

Here are two springtime butterfly crafts for your preschool or young elementary-school age kids that will welcome in spring and also add a little decoration to your home. Butterflies are a sure sign of sunny weather, so set your kids to work and bring a little sunshine in!

Clip-on Spring Butterflies

Clip these butterflies on window shades, potted plants, or wherever you want a little color.

You will need:

Coffee filters

Old newspaper or other absorbent scrap paper

Watercolor paints

Paintbrush

Container with water

Twist ties or pipe cleaners

Glue

1. Spread the coffee filter out on the newspaper or scrap paper.

2. Wet the filter with the water and paintbrush.

3. Paint the filter with the watercolors. Let the colors blend together.

4. Let dry completely.

5. Accordion fold the filter just in the middle, and pinch the folds together. Have your child hold on to the filter this way while you open a clothespin and spread glue along the inside on one side. Snap the coffee filter inside the clothespin so it's held in place by the glue.

6. Twist pipe cleaners or twist ties on to the end of the clothespin to form antennae.

Window Butterflies

Welcome guests to your home with painted window butterflies.

You will need:

Tempera paints (powdered or premixed)

Clear dishwashing liquid

Newspaper

Masking tape

Large paintbrush

Black or brown construction paper

Scissors

1. Line the window seal and all around the window with newspaper. Tape off the edges of the window to prevent seep onto the frame or wall.

2. Cut a butterfly body out of the construction paper. Tape it to the window.

3. Mix powdered paint with dish soap until it resembles house paint. Or mix just a little dish soap into premixed paints.

4. Paint colorful wings on the butterflies.

You can clean up mistakes or drips with paper towels. Paper towels and water will remove the window paint when you want to take down the butterflies.

Learn more about Laura Torres

Laura Torres is the best-selling author of many books for kids and teens, and a party planner. Check out her website at lauratorres.com.

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