Nature Finds: Butterflies

Spinner art reminds me of summer- it was something we always did at camp with stunning results and lots of fun!  We wanted to take this process art and turn it into something to keep to remind us of summer during our long winters!

This post was featured on The Crafty Crow!  Check it out for developmentally appropriate, engaging and creative ideas!

http://www.thecraftycrow.net/2014/09/spin-art-butterflies.html

It also appeared on Red Ted Art for their springtime collection of butterfly crafts, where you will find loads of thematic ideas!

http://www.redtedart.com/2015/04/04/35-butterfly-crafts/

Materials

• Construction paper or cardstock
• Re-use an old salad spinner (after the use with crafts it is not recommended that you use it with food products.  You can often find them at garage sales or re-use centres for quite inexpensive!)
• Paint (we used metallic and neon craft grade acrylics)
• Sticks
• Glue (glue gun or white glue)
• Old butter knife
• Artificial flower stamen (you can find these at craft stores, cooking stores- in the bakery section or online)
• Craft trays
• Smock
• Scissors

Option 1:

• Magnet buttons or tape
• Strong hold glue

Option 2:

• Larger stick
• Transparent fishing line or beading cord

Option 3:

• Ribbon

Directions

• Go out on a nature walk and get a pile of small sticks.

• Take the basket out of your salad spinner and trace around the bottom on pieces of paper, creating large circles.

• Place your salad spinner onto a craft tray (especially if yours is like ours and is meant for use in the sink and drains out the bottom!)

• Place the paper into your basket and put it into your spinner.

• Add blobs, dribbles etc. of paint of various colours.

• Secure the lid of your salad spinner and give it several spins.

• Open the lid and be amazed!

• Using a butter knife, slide it under the edge of your work to lift it carefully from the basket.

• Put it on a craft tray and allow it to dry overnight.

• Flip your work over (to the side without the paint) and draw your butterfly wings.  Cut out your butterfly shape.

• Glue a stick in the middle for the body of the butterfly.

• Create antennae using artificial floral stamen folded in half (gluing them onto one end of the body.)

• Allow to dry overnight.

Option 1

• With strong hold glue, attach magnets on the back of your butterflies to dress up a fridge, whiteboard, filing cabinet, metal door etc.

Option 2

• Hang your butterflies, using transparent fishing line or beading cord to a larger stick to create a mobile or wall hanging.

Option 3

• Secure your butterfly with ribbon to the top of a present for a personal touch.

Purpose

• Exploring different tools to use for painting.
• Getting out into nature.

Safety Notes

• As mentioned above, once you use your salad spinner with paints, it is recommended that you do not use it for food products.  You may want to label it, “For craft use only” following.
• Be sure to follow the directions on all products.
• Use non-toxic paint/glue.
• Use scissors with adult supervision.
• Magnets are a choking hazard and should not be accessible to children 0-3 or those that tend to put things into their mouths.  Seek medical attention immediately if they are accidentally consumed.