Painting coffee filter butterflies is an easy and fun way to make colorful butterflies to hang around the house!
We’ve painted watercolor butterflies, symmetrical butterflies, and have even raised butterflies! But these coffee filter butterflies are simple and fun and make a lovely springtime decoration. All you need are coffee filters, watercolors, and a few easy supplies you probably already have at home.
Kids love watching the colors spread and blend, and the finished butterflies turn out so pretty. You can hang them in a window, clip them to a string for a mobile or garland, or let the kids fly them around the house.
They’re quick to make, low-mess, and great for a wide range of ages. Whether you’re crafting at home, in a classroom, or during a playdate, this activity is always a hit. And the best part? Each butterfly is completely unique just like the kids making them!
How to Make Coffee Filter Butterflies
MATERIALS
- White basket-type coffee filters
- Watercolor paint
- Wooden clothespins
- Pipe cleaners
- Glue
- Googly eyes (optional)
- Sharpie marker
- String or yarn
INSTRUCTIONS
- Paint coffee filters
First, paint your coffee filters with watercolor paint. Let dry completely.
- Gather materials
For each butterfly you will want two coffee filters for the butterfly wings, one clothespin, and half of a pipe cleaner.
- Add wings
Slide a coffee filter up the center of the clothespin, bunching it up as you go. Add a second coffee filter, and still bunching it up as you go to fit both of the painted coffee filters into the slit of the clothespin. If you’d like, use glue to hold the wings in place.
- Add eyes and antennae
You can draw eyes on your butterfly or add small googly eyes.
Wrap half of a pipe cleaner around the neck of your butterfly and twist it to hold it in place, and then stick each end straight up behind the head as antennae. - Hang your butterflies up!
Tie a piece of string, yarn or twine around your butterfly to hang it up. You can hang your butterfly up in the window by itself or in a mobile or garland.
These sweet butterflies are a fun way to welcome spring and let kids explore their creativity. Simple, colorful, and full of charm, they’re sure to brighten up any space!
More Butterfly Crafts for Kids
- How to Paint Butterflies for Kids
- Raising Butterflies with Kids
- How to Paint Butterflies with Watercolors
- Painting Butterfly Mobiles
- How to Make a Paper Plate Butterfly Craft
- 12 Spring Craft Ideas for Kids
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