Ages preschooler
Using craft sticks and fabric scraps, kids can create this fun and pretty flower garden activity with recycled materials – perfect for Earth Day.
by Amanda Formaro
What you'll need
- ½ black chenille stem
- Paper coffee filter
- Water color paints
- Paint brush
- Water
Helpful Tip:
For a more vibrant butterfly, be sure to paint all white areas with paint. Tie a piece of fishing line around the "neck" and suspend from the ceiling. They will look like they are flying! Instead of using all the colors on one filter, make some with warm colors (red, yellow, orange) and some with cool colors (blue, green, purple).
How to make it
- Flatten the coffee filter and place it on a plate or newspaper, the paint and water will soak through. Set aside on paper towels to dry.
- Fold the chenille stem in half. Remember, you are only using half of a chenille stem to begin with.
- Fold the coffee filter accordion style, in about ½" pleats.
- Twist the chenille stem around the filter to secure it in place.
- Twist the chenille stem around the filter to secure it in place.
- Bend the tips of the chenille stems over about ¼" to create the antennae.
- Fan out the butterfly wings.
- If desired, hang with yarn or fishing line.
