This project uses centrifugal force to create beautiful butterflies! 

Materials

  • Butterfly templates: butterfly 2-2 butterfly 2-4 (*Please note that there are variety of sizes for different makes of salad spinners or draw your own!)
  • Paint
  • Old salad spinner
  • Butter knife
  • Wooden bodies (or sticks)
  • Artificial stamen
  • Craft glue or glue gun
  • Cardstock
  • Pencil/eraser
  • Scissors
  • Tape
  • Drying rack

We always find these items helpful too:

SmockCraftTray

Directions

Spin Art Butterflies:  This art/craft project uses centrifugal force to create these beautiful painted butterflies!

For further photographic directions, click here:  http://make-it-your-own.com/nature-finds-butterflies/

  • Print and cut out the butterfly templates.
  • Trace them onto thicker paper such as cardstock (you could use a white pencil crayon if you use black paper like we did) and cut them out.
  • Tape your butterfly into your salad spinner basket.
  • Apply your paint onto your butterfly.
  • Close your lid tightly and spin away!  (You can always add more paint if you like during the process).
  • Gently remove your butterfly using a butter knife (you many need a bit of adult assistance for this part).
  • Allow your butterflies to dry overnight.
  • Glue your stamen onto the back of the head of your butterfly body.
  • Glue the body of your butterfly to the middle of your butterfly wings.
  • Create a wall hanging with your butterflies or attach a piece of magnetic tape to the back to attach them to your fridge!

*Here is an image using a twig for the body instead:

Spin Art Butterflies:  Use centrifugal force to create these beautiful butterflies!

Purpose

  • Learning about centrifugal force and how it moves the paint to the edges of the butterfly when the salad spinner is spun.

Safety Notes

  • We suggest that you use a tray and a smock to protect your clothing and surfaces.
  • Use scissors, a knife and a glue gun with care and direct, adult supervision.
  • Small craft pieces can be a choking hazard, therefore be sure to keep them out of the reach of children ages 0-3 years of age or those that tend to put things into their mouths.
  • We recommend that you use an old salad spinner that you reserve for crafts.
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7 Responses

    • Bonnie Scorer

      Thank you Rachel! That is lovely of you to say! Most sincerely, Bonnie & family-

      Reply
  1. Rebecca

    I love this butterfly making since makes children creative but also explore their sense

    Reply

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