Simple DIY Paper Butterfly Kids Craft

If you’re looking for a fun and easy butterfly craft for your kids, look no further than this beautiful paper butterfly! Made from any craft paper, it’s perfect for kids of all ages and easy to customize to their liking.

Whether you choose brightly colored paper or prefer something more somber, paper butterfly is a kids craft that is sure to put a smile on your child’s face. And with its simple construction, it’s a perfect activity for rainy days or lazy afternoons.

Paper Butterfly Kids Craft

This papercraft is perfect for young and old. It’s simple, easy, and most importantly, it’s really fun! All you need is some paper, a pair of scissors, and a few minutes of time. Kids love making these paper butterflies to decorate around the house or use as toys.

I love butterflies, and thankfully, so do my kids. Another fun idea is this framed colorful butterfly or even if it’s super cute and easy plastic butterfly spoon. Both of them are adorable and definitely kid-friendly!

What Paper Should I Use to Create This?

I always recommend using thicker paper. If you use thick paper, it will hold its shape and not tear easily. You can use construction paper, cardstock, or even Bristol board. I avoid using thin paper, like printer paper because it tends to tear and it doesn’t hold its shape and that keeps the butterfly from looking like a butterfly.

If you want to add more pizzazz to your butterflies, you can use metallic paper or even patterned scrapbook paper. Just make sure whatever paper you use is thick enough that it won’t tear. A good craft paper should be thick enough to hold the shape while not being so thick that you have trouble folding it into shape.

How Can I Seal It To Last?

Once you’ve created your butterfly, you can use Mod Podge or even hairspray to seal it. This helps the colors stay vibrant and prevents the paper from tearing. You can also use a spray sealer if you prefer.

To seal with Mod Podge, simply brush a thin layer over the entire surface of the butterfly. Let it dry completely before handling. To seal with hairspray, simply spray the butterfly with hairspray and let it dry.

Another way to seal this paper butterfly is to use laminate. You can laminate the paper with very thin lamination paper. This will allow you to still be able to maneuver the paper into place but it will also seal it. It may help to cut the circles and fold them before laminating, but this is an option that can be more difficult to work with than others.

Can I Decorate a Butterfly?

Yes! You can decorate the butterfly however you like. If you want to add more design and a pop of wow to your butterflies. Below are some ideas that I think would be great for this project.

• You can use metallic paper or even patterned scrapbook paper.
• Use markers, crayons, paint, or even glitter to decorate the wings or edges.
• Add foil, fabric, or ribbon to the ends of the antenna or around the edges.
• For an extra special touch, you can add some googly eyes for the butterfly or make them using felt or construction paper.
• Create wing designs with swirls of metallic paint or markers.

The possibilities are endless! Just use your imagination and see what you want. The best part is that it’s practically free, so it’s perfect for using up extra craft supplies from past projects.

What Can It Be Used For?

This butterfly can be used for anything! I love how versatile a craft like this is. Below are some ideas to think of that would be great for your paper butterfly.

• You can use it as a toy during pretend play with your children or even as an example to teach a lesson about caterpillars and butterflies.
• Use as a classroom decoration, child’s room, or birthday party. Just add a little fishing line and hang from the ceiling to make it look like they are floating in place.
• It can also be mounted on a wall with poster putty as part of a butterfly swarm for a unique look.
• If you make a bunch of them, you can tie them together to make a butterfly garland or mobile.
• You can also use it as part of a butterfly-themed birthday party or baby shower.

Be creative and have fun! Make each butterfly unique, or copy the exact designs of each one. No matter what you do, they are sure to be a lot of fun to do.

Supplies needed

How to Make a Paper Butterfly

On a lightweight piece of cardstock or your favorite craft paper, trace two circles about 6 inches wide. This is the base of your butterfly. On the same paper, you will also want to cut an additional strip of paper that is ¼’ wide. and 8″ tall. This is for the antenna.

Fold one of the circles in half, then in half again so it’s a slightly rounded triangle shape. This is just to roll up the paper and help divide it for your butterfly wings.

Unfold the circle so that it is only folded in half once then place it.

Fold the second paper circle in half, then cut about ½” of it to make it the same shape, but smaller.

Now, repeat the same process of folding and unfolding it that you did above for the first piece.

Stack the papers, with the smaller middle circle on top of the larger one, so that the flat edges are lined up.

Now, staple it in the middle so that the two pieces are together and each piece is folded in half to make four sides.

Now, fold the sides inward, so that they are rounded on the outside, but clearly make a set of wings. You will do this on all four sides until you get the look you want.

Now, using the extra strip of paper you cut earlier, fold it in half, and glue the folded half inside the butterfly center.

Then, carefully roll the ends down to form the rolled ends of the antenna until you are happy with the look.

More Easy Kids Crafts

I love projects like this for kids. They are simple but they also help practice motor skills. Do this, or one of the fun ideas below, with your kids this week! Make sure you bookmark the ideas you like, print out their tutorials, or pin them to Pinterest to make them right away.

Finished Project Gallery

Make several and hang them on a bedroom wall for a nature-inspired look!