How to Make a Paper Plate Butterfly

How to Make a Paper Plate Butterfly: Fun for Everyone!

Want a super easy craft? This paper plate butterfly is perfect for kids and grown-ups alike! It’s fun, and you probably already have everything you need.

What You'll Need:

• Paper plates: One or more – depends how many butterflies you want!
• Scissors: Sharp ones work best.
• Markers, crayons, or paint: Get creative with the colors!
• Pipe cleaners (optional): For antennae. Choose colors that match your butterfly.
• Glue: A glue stick is fine. Hot glue is faster, but an adult needs to help.
• Glitter (optional): Because glitter makes everything better!
• Sequins, beads, etc. (optional): For extra sparkle.

Let's Make a Butterfly!

1. Fold the plate: Fold your paper plate in half. Make a nice crease.
2. Cut it out: Open the plate. Cut out a butterfly shape. Leave a little bit at the fold for the body. You can make it any shape you want!
3. Add details (optional): Cut out little shapes on the wings. Get fancy!
4. Decorate!: This is the fun part! Use markers, crayons, paint…go wild!
5. Add antennae (optional): Glue on pipe cleaners. Bend the ends to make them look like antennae.
6. Add more stuff (optional): Glue on sequins, beads, or anything else you like.
7. Let it dry: Wait for the glue to dry completely.

Tips & Tricks:

For little kids: Cut out the butterfly shape beforehand. Let them focus on the decorating.

For older kids & adults: Try more detailed cutting. Use lots of different things to decorate.

Theme it up! Make Halloween butterflies, Christmas butterflies…whatever you like!

Symmetrical or not? Symmetrical butterflies look neat. Asymmetrical ones are fun and quirky!

Different paper? Try construction paper or cardstock. They feel different!

Beyond the Basics:

Once you're a pro, try these:

• Layered wings: Make a 3D butterfly by layering wings.
• Mix it up: Use fabric scraps, yarn, or beads.
• Sculpt it: Shape the wings to make them really 3D.
• Nature-inspired: Use real leaves or petals.
• Group project: Make a whole bunch of butterflies with your friends!

Show Off Your Butterflies!

Here are some fun ways to display your awesome butterflies:

• Make a mobile: Hang them from a string.
• Garland: String them together for a fun garland.
• Wall art: Make a butterfly art display on your wall.
• Window decorations: Decorate your window with your butterflies.
• Gift toppers: Use them to decorate gifts.

Making paper plate butterflies is super fun and easy. I even made one with my niece last week – she loved it! So grab your supplies and get crafting! Remember, there's no wrong way to make a butterfly. Have fun and be creative!