I'd like a printable version of Painted Butterflies >>

For more tips, or if you need more information or would like to talk to someone:

In Washington State: Call the Family Help Line at 1-800-932-HOPE (4673)

Outside of Washington State: contact your local Circle of Parents agency >>

 

Home > For Families > Parenting Advice > Family Fun Ideas > Painted Butterflies

Painted Butterflies

Materials:
  • Pre-cut construction paper butterflies
  • Tempera paints work best, but watercolors will do in a pinch
Preparation: Making the cutout shapes

  1. Take a piece of construction paper—white or light colors work best.
  2. Fold it in half. Press hard on the crease.
  3. Draw outline of half a butterfly
  4. Cut out butterfly. Make at least one per child.
Painting The Butterflies
  1. Keep the cutout butterfly folded when you give it to the children to paint.
  2. Paint the cutout, but on only one side. It works best when there is a good amount of white space left.
  3. Open the butterfly.
  4. Fold the butterfly in on itself, so the paint side is now on the inside.
  5. Press down on paper; you can rub from top to bottom too, but rub gently.
  6. Carefully open butterfly to see design.

You may reprint these tip sheets, free and without special permission, provided that you include the following copyright statement: © Parent Trust for Washington Children