Paper Butterflies

Crafting together has mental health benefits for kids individually & benefits the parent/child relationship, as well. For a child, making a project like this one can be gratifying & build self-esteem. Working alongside their caregiver, they feel connected & appreciated, especially when they don’t feel pressured to do things exactly “right”. As they work together, they can have healthy conversations about anything – even those difficult topics that might otherwise be hard to discuss.
https://www.onoursleeves.org/mental-wellness-tools-guides/conversation-starters


SUPPLIES & TOOLS:

• Paper
• Crayons
• Chenille stems
• Scissors
• Stapler & staples
• Glue

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cut a 3" and a 3.5" circle.
2. Color both sides of circles.
3. Fold both circles in half.
4. Lay the smaller half circle on top of the bigger one, matching up the curved edge.
5. Staple at the curved edge, down the middle.
6. Fold the half circles in half, at the staple, away from each other.
7. Open pockets for wings.
8. Cut two 3" chenille stems.
9. Curl one end of each chenille stem to make antennas.
10. Glue antennae between top wings. Let dry.

JOANN HACKS:

• Adjust circle sizes for bigger or smaller butterflies.
• Use a clip or paperclip to hold wings together while antennas dry.
• Pliers can be helpful to curl ends of antenna.