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Materials

  • 2 white coffee filters (size 8–12 cup)
  • Washable markers or watercolor paint
  • Spray bottle filled with water
  • Pipe cleaners (any color)
  • Photos of children (cut out, about 4–5 inches tall)
  • Glue stick or craft glue
  • Scissors
  • White cardstock or poster board for mounting

Instructions

  • Flatten the coffee filters and decorate them using markers or watercolor paints. Encourage using lots of color, it makes the wings pop.
  • Lightly spray the filters with water to let the colors blend naturally. Then allow them to dry completely.
  • Once dry, pinch the center of both filters together to form butterfly wings. Twist a pipe cleaner around the middle to hold them and curl the ends to make antennae.
  • Cut out each child’s photo, trimming closely around the outline of their body.
  • Glue the photo to the center of the butterfly wings so it looks like they have colorful wings of their own.
  • Mount the finished butterflies on a wall or bulletin board. It’s a fun, cheerful way to brighten any classroom or play area while showing off everyone’s creativity.