Butterfly Crafts

Butterfly crafts are popular with kids of all ages. Why not try a bright, folded butterfly picture with your youngsters or a delicate jewellery project for older kids ?
Toddlers will love the bright colours and vivid patterns, whilst pre-schoolers are always fascinated by the change from caterpillars to butterflies. School-aged children might be inspired by the delicacy of a butterflies wings and their intricate, symmetrical patterns. Whatever your child loves about butterflies there should be a craft below to suit.

Whilst you are chatting with your kids about their butterfly crafts you can also help to teach them about lots of other topics. For instance, when you talk about butterflies you can mention nature and the seasons, and explain how in England they come out in spring and summer, whereas in hotter countries they are seen the whole year round.

You could also introduce the concept of metamorphosis and describe how a caterpillar changes into a butterfly. This is often a sure fire winner with the boys that I look after. They might want to bypass the pretty colours and patterns, but as soon as you introduce the caterpillar side of things they are away! Perhaps you could give your children a sleeping bag to shuffle around in so they can pretend to be a wriggling caterpillar and really bring the topic to life! Eric Carle’s classic tale of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” is a very lively, fun book to share with younger children if you want a simple explanation of how caterpillars change into butterflies.

Looking at butterflies in books or on the internet can help young children with basic colour recognition. It can also introduce older children to interesting, subtle colours like turquoise, lilac or scarlet. Plus, looking at pictures of actual butterflies would be a really good opportunity for your kids to use their observation skills. Noticing the variety of shapes and colours will then allow them to think beyond the stereotypical images that might come to mind first. The "Butterfly and Moth" book in the Eyewitness series from Dorling Kindersley is packed with fabulous images and amazing close-ups of all sorts of butterflies, and a simple image search on the internet would also provide a wealth of pictures and inspiration for your butterfly crafts.

Browse through the craft ideas below with your kids to find a project that they like the sound of. Pick something easy if you want quick results, or go for something more in-depth if you have the time and your kids have the concentration span!

Butterfly Finger Puppet

go to butterfly finger puppet instructions

A simple craft suitable for children from the age of about 3 and upwards.

A little adult preperation is needed before the kids get stuck in, but they will quickly have a usable, fun finger puppet as there is no wet glue involved.