make Spin Art Butterflies

This project uses centrifugal force to create beautiful butterflies!

you'll need 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:

Directions

For further photographic directions, click here: 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:

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.