Repurposed Butterfly Suncatchers

As technology and devices change, there are often parts or components that are no longer needed for their original use.  Inspired by Creative Exploration’s (https://www.instagram.com/creative_explorations/?hl=en)  use of acetate sheets on the light table, I dug some out for a repurposed project for the kids too!  If you are an educator, Michelle is a fabulous account to follow- so many well thought out invitations to create, play opportunities and investigations- all built on the children’s interests and ideas!

Materials

• Acetate sheets (or any other plastic type sheets- for example the “window” on toy boxes, page protectors etc.)
• Plastic folders
• Pegs
• Artificial stamen
• Glue glue OR tape
• Window writers or permanent markers
• Scissors
• Paper/pencil (optional)
• Sewing machine (optional)
• Acrylic paint (optional)
• Sickers (optional)
• Fishing line or clear beading line

We always find these items helpful too:

• Smock
• Craft tray

Directions

• Don your smock.  Place your acetate sheet in your craft tray.  Colour it with any patterns and shapes that you may like, using your markers.  If you want, add stickers or paint.  (The kids applied this with bottle caps.)

• Sketch out a butterfly shape and cut it out- this will be your pattern.  You can do this on paper so it is easier to see if you are making multiple butterflies.  If you would like each butterfly to be unique, then simply draw out your shape over your patterns.  We used the same idea for the plastic folders so the butterflies would be multi-layered.

• Sew or glue the layers of your butterfly together, simply making a line down the middle, where the butterfly will go over top of.  Fold the wings to the opposite sides- this will make them stand up a bit.

• Glue your antennae to your peg and then glue or tape your body onto your wings.

• Wrap a bit of fishing line around the “neck” of the butterfly and knot it.  Hang your butterflies in the window & enjoy!

Purpose

• Re-purposing items
• Exploring

Safety Notes

• We suggest that you wear a smock and use a craft tray to protect your clothing and surfaces.
• Use scissors and a glue gun with care and direct adult supervision.
• Cord, yarn etc. can be a strangulation hazard, therefore be sure to use with direct supervision and for its intended purpose.