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Dive into the vibrant world of watercolors and create a charming paper plate butterfly craft that’s perfect for kids to enjoy all summer long.
Paper Plate Butterfly
We absolutely LOVE a simple paper plate craft! Paper plates are one of our go-to craft supplies—they’re affordable, versatile, and perfect for little hands and young children while still being fun for elementary-age kids. Every year, my kindergarten students create this adorable paper plate butterfly as part of their art projects, and they always do an amazing job!
This easy and colorful butterfly craft turns a simple paper plate into a vibrant work of art—perfect for adding a touch of spring to your activities! Whether you’re looking for a cheerful summer project, a fun group craft, or a hands-on way to teach symmetry and fine motor skills, this paper plate butterfly is sure to bring joy. Let’s get crafting and let your creativity take flight!
HOW TO VIDEO:
How To Make This Paper Plate Butterfly
Step 1: Paint The Plate
- Start by setting up your painting area with the large paper plate. Using watercolors, begin painting from center of your paper plate to the outward rim. Choose bright, summery colors to give your butterfly a joyful and vibrant look.
- Allow the plate to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
TEACHER TIP: This is the perfect opportunity to explain to your kids or students about the idea of Symmetry – when something is the same on both sides!
Step 2: Prepare The Butterfly
- Once the paint has dried, fold your paper plate in half to create a crease. This marks where you will cut to shape your butterfly.
- Cut the plate so that you have two pieces, and with both halves aligned, cut a triangle shape from the straight edge (the side you just cut) to form the wings.
Step 3: Assemble The Wings
- Place the two cut pieces with their rounded edges touching each other to resemble butterfly wings. Use a stapler to staple the pieces at the center where they meet, ensuring they are well attached. You may need two staples.
Step 4: Attach The Popsicle Sticks
- Apply hot glue (adults only) along the center where the wings meet and press the jumbo popsicle stick into place. This will serve as the body of the butterfly and provide a handle for holding or hanging.
Step 5: Add The Details
- Using a black marker , draw two wide upside ‘U’ shaped eyes on the top of the popsicle stick. Sketch a smiling mouth below the eyes. With the pink colored pencil, gently add rosy cheeks to give your butterfly a friendly expression.
- Add two antennae above the eyes by cutting out two small pieces of black cardstock and glue behind head.
Crafty Tips & Swaps:
- Watercolor Techniques: Encourage kids to experiment with different watercolor techniques, such as wet-on-wet or adding salt when wet for texture, to make each butterfly unique.
- Customize Your Butterfly: Use different colors or add patterns like dots, stripes, or swirls to the wings to make your own unique butterfly.
- Add Silly Eyes– for our Kindergarten class we find it easier to teach kids to use an upside down “U” for this eyes but feel free to add silly self adhesive googly eyes!
- Pom Poms and Pipe Cleaners– want to add another level of texture to your butterfly? Add pom poms dots to your wings or swap the black paper antennas for two cut pipe cleaners.
- Educational Twist: Teach children about the life cycle of butterflies while crafting. Discuss how caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies, linking the craft to a valuable learning experience.
This paper plate butterfly craft is a fantastic way to encourage fine motor development while exploring creativity with simple materials. It’s the perfect addition to your Spring Activities, whether in the classroom, at summer camp, or for a fun day at home. Once completed, these colorful creations can brighten up a room, serve as props in a play, or inspire endless imaginative play!
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