Painting stained glass butterflies allows you to explore the symmetry of butterflies while creating a beautiful and unique artwork.
These lovely stained glass butterflies combine several of our favorite painting activities into one fun project!
First, we use black glue to draw one side of a butterfly. Then, we fold the paper to smush the glue and make both sides match, creating a symmetrical design. Once the glue dries, we paint the butterfly wings with watercolors to make a beautiful stained glass effect.
Just like in real life, each stained glass butterfly is totally unique and so gorgeous. Your kids will want to make one and another!
You can also look at butterflies, whether real or in books, to get some ideas for butterfly designs and the shape of butterflies.
How to Paint Stained Glass Butterflies
MATERIALS
- Sturdy paper (such as watercolor paper)
- Squeeze bottle of glue, half empty
- Black paint (acrylic or tempera)
- Watercolor paint
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make black glue
First, add a tablespoon or more of black paint into a half-empty bottle of white glue. Shake to mix.
- Draw your butterfly
Fold your paper in half, creasing it at the fold.
Open your paper and use your bottle of black glue to “draw” half of a butterfly on half of the paper, with the butterfly’s body along the center fold. - Create a symmetrical design
Fold the other half of the paper over the black glue butterfly half. Press it with your hands to transfer the butterfly design, then open the folded paper to reveal your full butterfly.
Let dry completely.
- Paint your butterfly
Finally, paint in the sections with watercolor paint.
When you’re done, let your butterfly dry and add it to your art display. The bold shapes and beautiful colors make it a fun and eye-catching piece to show off!
More Butterfly Crafts for Kids
- Painting Butterfly Mobiles with Watercolors
- How to Make Coffee Filter Butterflies
- The Best Butterfly Art Projects for Kids
- How to Paint Butterflies for Kids
- How to Paint Watercolor Butterflies
- Raising Butterflies with Kids
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