purposeful play
Coffee Filter Butterflies
craft for kids
Coffee Filter Butterflies are a classic craft for kids that frankly never gets old!
What’s wonderful about creating these DIY butterflies is that each one is as unique as the next! No two butterflies your child makes will be the same.
These beautiful butterflies are easy to make and fun for kids of all ages! Here you will find the step by step directions on how to make coffee filter butterflies with markers, clothespins and pipe cleaners.
This hands on art project for kids is a perfect activity for Spring and Summer. Coffee Filter Butterflies also make really sweet and thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts!
purpose
Express creativity
Explore color mixing
Experiment with cause and effect
Strengthen fine motor skills
Celebrate uniqueness (no two butterflies will be exactly the same)
Can be given as gifts!
Use as an extension activity for spring themed books
Shop this project
directions
How To Make Coffee Filter Butterflies
Get two coffee filters
Stack one on top of the other
Using markers, color the top coffee filter
Use bright, fresh markers
Encourage your child to color most of the coffee filter BUT be sure to leave a little white space in-between the colors to allow the colors to blend properly.
Using a spray bottle or pipettes-mist or drop water onto the coffee filter
The markers should bleed through-coloring the coffee filter underneath
Be sure to just dampen the coffee filters- not soak them or the colors will run too much
Carefully pull the coffee filters apart.
Lay them out to dry.
This may take a few hours-depending on how wet they are.
You may let them dry outside in the sun if it’s warm enough.
After the coffee filters are completely dry, fold each coffee filter back and forth-accordion style.
Pinch the middle of the folded coffee filters.
Clip the clothespin on the pinched middle of the coffee filters.
Carefully unfold the coffee filters into wings.
Cut a pipe cleaner in half and fold in the middle.
Slide the pipe cleaner into the top of the clothespins and clasp together.
Add googly eyes for added fun!
