It's spring and the paper butterflies are out and about. Today we have a fun, bright, and easy paper butterfly tutorial which I am certain you will love. You can pick and choose whatever colours you like. After all, Butterflies come in many different styles. I hope you love this project. Enjoy.
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💖 Why You'll Love This Craft
- So Colorful and Happy: Kids can use all their favorite colors to make bright, cheerful butterflies.
- Perfect for Spring: These butterflies are great decorations for windows, walls, or classrooms in springtime.
- Good Cutting Practice: Helps little hands practice using scissors in a fun way.
🖌️ How to Make Paper Butterflies
- Step 1: Use a pencil or marker to trace the 2 template patterns on the selected coloured craft paper. The template includes 2 patterns, upper wings and lower wings.
- Step 2: Make accordion folds on the wing patterns. Try to keep the folds small and even.
- Step 3: Take the lower wing pattern and apply a drop of glue on the top middle part of the wing pattern.
- Step 4: Take the upper wing pattern and attach it with the lower wing pattern by joining both patterns on the glued side. Squeeze the joint part to make sure that the wings are attached nicely.
- Step 5: Cut a small piece of yarn thread and 2 knots around the joint part of the wings. Keep in mind to tie 2 knots. After tying the knots keep enough yarn thread at both open ends for the antenna pattern and then cut off extra yarn if required.
- Step 6: Done tying the yarn? Now spread the folds of each wing carefully and nicely.
💡 Pro Tip: Lightly bend the wings outward after folding to give the butterfly a natural lift—this subtle shape change makes the final piece feel more dynamic.
🧑🎨 Expert Tips
- Wing Pairing: Stack two slightly different wing shapes before folding to create a layered effect that adds depth without complicating the structure.
- Top Fold Line: Place your first crease near the top of the wing set to keep the folds tight and centered, preventing the wings from slipping apart.
- Crease Sharpness: Press down firmly along each fold using a flat edge like a ruler—this keeps the accordion layers crisp and evenly spaced.
- Back Stability: Add a small paper strip behind the center fold for reinforcement—it supports the wings and helps hold shape during handling or display.
- Color Order: Arrange lighter colors on the outer wings and deeper shades closer to the body—it gives the butterfly more contrast and visual direction.
- Point Control: Trim the tips of the wings after folding if needed to keep the shape rounded or symmetrical, especially on smaller or pre-cut pieces.
💭 FAQs
Using slightly thicker paper or doubling layers helps wings hold shape. This prevents them from drooping or curling when displayed upright.
Yes, angling the wings outward slightly gives the butterfly a more open, lifelike look. Keeping them too flat can make the design seem static.
Adding a small fold at the wing base can lift them gently off the surface. This adds structure and prevents collapse during handling.
It can be especially problematic in humid areas. Storing butterflies flat or applying a light sealant can help maintain their shape over time.
🖌️ Related Crafts
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DIY Paper Butterflies Kids Spring Craft
Equipment
- Scissors
Materials
- Coloured craft paper
- Craft glue
- Pencil or marker – to trace template
- Template cut outs
- Yarn
Instructions
- Use a pencil or marker to trace the 2 template patterns on the selected coloured craft paper. The template includes 2 patterns, upper wings, and lower wings.
- Make accordion folds on the wing patterns. Try to keep the folds small and even.
- Take the lower wing pattern and apply a drop of glue on the top middle part of the wing pattern.
- Take the upper wing pattern and attach it with the lower wing pattern by joining both patterns on the glued side. Squeeze the joint part to make sure that the wings are attached nicely.
- Cut a small piece of yarn thread and 2 knots around the joint part of the wings. Keep in mind to tie 2 knots. After tying the knots keep enough yarn thread at both open ends for the antenna pattern and then cut off extra yarn if required.
- Done tying the yarn? Now spread the folds of each wing carefully and nicely.
- You can use 2 different coloured craft papers for the wings as well.
- Gather all the craft papers you have and get crafty!
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