Paper Plate Butterfly Craft for Kids
Transform simple paper plates into this beautiful watercolor paper plate Butterfly Craft for kids!
Perfect for kids of all ages, this activity encourages creativity and fine motor skills while making a colorful decoration.
Be sure to check out our other fun family-friendly kid activities and crafts!
Have fun with these other Butterfly Activities for Kids, too!
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Butterfly Books for Kids
When you’re done playing, have fun learning with these Butterfly Books for Children.
Pop-Up Butterflies (Pop-Ups)
The Very Hungry CaterpillarNational Geographic Readers: Caterpillar to ButterflyExplore My World Butterflies
Ten Magic ButterfliesButterfly ParkSeñorita MariposaMy, Oh My–A Butterfly! All About Butterflies
Can Butterflies See Color
Yes, butterflies can see colors, including ultraviolet light, which humans cannot see.
Why Butterflies Have Different Colors
Butterflies have different colors to attract mates, camouflage from predators and warn enemies that they may be toxic.
Insect Lore Butterfly Garden
Butterfly Craze Girls’ Butterfly WingsD.Q.Z Kids Fairy Butterfly Wings CostumeCrayola Paper Butterfly Science Kit
Their colors come from tiny scales on their wings that reflect and absorb light in unique ways.
Can Butterflies See Their Wings
Butterflies cannot directly see their own wings the way humans see themselves in a mirror, but they can perceive colors and movement around them.
Their large, compound eyes help them detect light and colors, allowing them to recognize other butterflies and their surroundings.
Materials Needed for Paper Plate Butterfly Craft
Gather these simple materials to create a beautiful butterfly craft with kids!
- Large paper plates (non-coated)
- Bubble tea straws (or large popsicle sticks)
- Watercolors
- Paintbrush
- Stapler
- Hot glue gun
- Black marker or Sharpie
- Scissors
How to Make Watercolor Butterfly Craft
Paint the Wings: Use watercolors to paint a paper plate in any colors you like. Let it dry completely.
Cut the Wings: Once dry, fold the plate in half to make a crease, then cut along the crease to create two half-moon shapes.
Overlap them slightly and cut a small “V” out of the center.
Shape and Secure: Place the “V” on the outside and overlap the rounded edges to form butterfly wings.
Use 1-2 staples to hold them together.
Create the Body: Cut a bubble tea straw to the length of the butterfly’s center. Cut a small “V” at the top for antennas.
Attach the Body: Apply a line of hot glue over the staples, then press the bubble tea straw onto the glue.
Hold for a few seconds to secure.
Butterfly Bubbles Wand BlowerMudpuppy Butterflies Shaped Memory MatchSquishmallows Green Butterfly with Flower CrownMelissa & Doug Sunny Patch Cutie Pie Butterfly Binoculars
Add the Finishing Touches: Use a black marker or Sharpie to draw a face on the butterfly.
Decorate with glitter or stickers for extra sparkle.
Enjoy! Display your butterflies or use them for imaginative play.
This craft is simple, colorful, and fun — perfect for an afternoon of creativity.
Try experimenting with different watercolor blends to make each butterfly unique!
More Butterfly Activities for Kids
Explore more butterfly activities that inspire creativity and learning!
- Free Butterfly Coloring Page
- Caterpillar to Butterfly Science Activity with Balloons
- Life Cycle of a Butterfly Paper Plate Craft
- Easy Butterfly Feeder
- Butterfly Life Cycle Sensory Bin
- DIY Felt Monarch Butterfly Wings
Printable Butterfly Activities for Kids
Discover a world of colorful fun with these printable butterfly activities designed to engage and delight kids!