This butterfly paper craft idea is a fun way to move towards a more advanced origami style project. It requires a lot of careful folding, and manipulating of paper, but is light on the materials required.
Which allows for a lot of trial and error while they improve their skills.
We have provided full written instructions with pictures, plus a full video walkthrough of the project. It is a challenging craft idea at first attempt, but you are likely to whizz through the second in no time.
Prepare your Materials
The beauty of this butterfly craft project is in its simplicity. All you need is paper, ribbon, and a pair of scissors to make your butterfly creation.
The majority of the work will come from how you shape and fold the paper. Ensure you have a clear flat space for you and your kids to be able to crease the paper properly and you are ready to get started.
Butterfly Paper Craft Video Demonstration
The written instructions may sound a bit complicated at first so we recommend you watch the video below before getting started.
It will help you to be able to see how this comes together from start to finish.
How to Make a Paper Butterfly Origami Craft
This is a fun and colorful butterfly papercraft to start getting your kids involved in origami projects that teach finer motor skills and the importance of precision to your kids.
While it looks complicated at first, the process is relatively simple to create these beautiful butterfly shapes. Your children may surprise themselves as their creations come together using nothing more than paper, and some ribbon.
Materials
Tools
Instructions
Stage 1: Cut and Fold Your First Butterfly Wing Set
- Step 1 - Select the colored paper of choice for your butterfly, fold in half, and cut down the middle.
- Step 2 - Take one of your pieces of paper, fold in half again to create a crease in the middle, and fold the corners at one end to the center crease - just like a dog ear.
- Step 3 - Repeat at the opposite end of the paper so all four corners are folded in.
- Step 4 - Fold in half again creating a long trapezium shape, and crease the center of the paper. This line will be your guide for the next step.
- Step 5 - Un-do your last fold, and place the paper with the dog ear folds facing down, so you can only see the smooth surface.
- Step 6 - We will now fold the long edge of the paper three times over itself until it reaches the centerline. Your first fold will go 1/3 of the way, and should be folded upwards towards flat edge of the paper, the second fold the opposite way and back under the paper, your third fold back towards the flat side and this should now align with the centerline created in Step 4.
- Step 7 - Repeat on the opposite side of the paper.
- Step 8 - You should now have a narrow strip of paper with multiple zig-zag folds. Ensure the folds are well creased and then fold the long narrow strip over on itself and crease in the middle.
- Step 9 - Relax the fold you just made and you will see your paper fan-out. Make any adjustments you see as necessary to ensure even distribution of the fan and set aside.
Stage 2: Cut and Fold Your Second Butterfly Wing Set
- Step 10 - Take the other half of your colored paper and fold it the whole way along the short edge. The fold should be about the same size as your folds that created the fan effect in Stage 1.
- Step 11 - Continue to repeat the same folding pattern al the way along the paper until you create a similar narrow strip of paper, but this time it will be a long rectangular shape.
- Step 12 - Again we will fold the narrow strip of paper in half, creating a crease in the middle.
- Step 13 - Relax the fold and fan out the creases to create that wing-like pattern again.
Stage 3: Tie Your Butterfly Wings Together
- Step 14 - Cut a piece of ribbon about 4" long.
- Step 15 - Align the center fold of your two butterfly wings and tie them together using ribbon at this center point.
- Step 16 - Take your scissors and run them along the loose ends of the ribbon to create a curling effect imitating the antennae of the butterfly.
- Step 17 - Adjust the ribbon so it is centered on both pieces, and fan out each corner of your wings.
- Step 18 - Your butterfly paper craft is now complete. Repeat the above steps using different colored paper for a colorful kaleidoscope of butterflies.
For More Butterfly Craft Ideas
You can check out our full list of butterfly craft ideas here.
Every project idea comes complete with written instructions, and a video demonstration including:
Final Word
Now you have a colorful selection of butterfly crafts to decorate the house with. Depending on how successful you were the finished product can actually look quite sophisticated.
They are lightweight and easy to stick to the fridge, and can be a nice decoration for a playroom or around the house.
