Children will love exploring this fun painting process! This easy butterfly craft is a simple way for preschoolers and kindergarteners to explore symmetry and printmaking while creating colorful painted butterflies.

two painted paper butterfly crafts on a table.

Why You Will Love This Craft

AGE-APPROPRIATE – Perfect for toddlers, preschoolers, and young elementary students.
UNIQUE DESIGNS – Kids will love creating one-of-a-kind butterfly patterns and shapes.
FUN PRINTMAKING PROCESS – Even young children can create cool symmetrical butterfly wings.

I have loved doing this butterfly art project with kindergartners over the years! The example in this post was even done by a 3 1/2-year-old. This easy printmaking and painting activity is perfect for younger children, just like our straw painting, raised salt painting, and easy toddler watercolor idea.

Supplies you’ll need

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paint, white paper and paintbrush on a table.

12 x 18 Heavy Drawing Paper or Tagboard
Black Construction Paper
Tempera or Acrylic Craft Paint
Optional: Googly Eyes, White Oil Pastel, or Colored Pencil
Scissors, Glue Stick, and Paintbrush

How To Create An Easy Butterfly Craft

BEFORE YOU BEGIN – Fold your paper in half.

Step 1: Add Paint To One Side

Paint the lighter color on one side. There is no need to wash your brush if you work light to dark.

child and adult hand rubbing the folded white paper.

Step 2: Fold And Print

After about 30 seconds, fold the paper and rub all around to transfer the paint to the other side.

child hand holding a foam brush and adding paint to white paper.

Step 3: Repeat

Repeat this process with other colors until you’re happy with your symmetrical painted design.

folded painted paper with a black paper with a smile on it.

Step 4: Create A Body, Anntenae and A Face

Create a body from black paper, add antennae and a face.

two images showing how to make butterfly wings.

Step 5: Cut Wings And Put Together

Refold with the painting inside. Draw a butterfly outline on one fold side and cut out.

Step 6: Glue Together

Glue butterfly body in the middle and add extra details.

Tips

KEEP PAPER UNFOLDED WHILE DRYING – If you fold it while the paint is drying, it may stick and tear the paper.
BE CAREFUL WITH COLOR CHOICES – Use colors that mix well together to avoid a muddy result.
ADD EXTRA DETAILS – You can decorate your butterfly with googly eyes or pipe cleaners for extra fun!
ACCOMMODATIONS – Depending on the child’s age, adults can help by cutting and drawing butterfly shapes as needed.

two painted paper butterfly crafts displayed on a wall.

Our Favorite

Related Easy Crafts

Kids of all ages are always amazed at the symmetrical butterfly wings they can create with a simple monoprint process. This is such a fun way to showcase kids’ creativity and introduce them to a simple printmaking process! Whether at home or school, kids will love making these simple butterfly crafts.

Prep:2

Creating:13

Dry Time:15

Total Time:30

Equipment

Scissors
Glue Stick
Paintbrush

Supplies

1 piece 12" x 18" Heavy Drawing Paper or Tagboard
Black Construction Paper
Tempera or Acrylic Craft Paint
White Oil Pastel or Colored Pencil
Googly Eyes optional

Instructions

Paint a lighter color on one side of the fold.
After about 30 seconds, fold the paper and rub it so the paint transfers to the other side.
Repeat with other colors until you have a symmetrical design. Let it dry fully.
Refold with the painting inside. Draw a butterfly outline on one fold side and cut out.
Create a body from black paper, add antennae and a face, then glue the body onto the wings.

Notes

KEEP PAPER UNFOLDED WHILE DRYING – If you fold it while the paint is drying, it may stick and tear the paper.
BE CAREFUL WITH COLOR CHOICES – Use colors that mix well together to avoid a muddy result.
ADD EXTRA DETAILS – You can decorate your butterfly with googly eyes or pipe cleaners for extra fun!

Author: Erin Nutter

Cost: under $5