It’s summer, which means kids are home from day care more often than usual, and they’re looking to their at-home caregivers to entertain them. When it’s a sunny day, you can send them outside to play. But when it’s raining, you have to come up with activities to do indoors. Arts and crafts are a popular go-to for rainy days. They keep kids entertained, engage their fine motor skills, and provide a sense of accomplishment when they complete a craft project.
What to do when your kids are home from day care on a rainy day? Make this stained glass butterfly craft to enjoy when the sun comes out!
How to Make Paper Stained Glass Butterflies
What You’ll Need:
- White glue (tacky glue works best)
- A pencil, crayon, or marker that will show up on black paper
- Black construction paper or cardstock
- Another piece of construction paper to make the butterfly pattern
- Wax or parchment paper (needs to be semi-transparent)
- Paintbrush
- Small cup
- Water
- Tissue paper cut into small pieces, multiple colors
What to Do:
- Make your butterfly pattern with the additional piece of construction paper. Fold it in half and draw one half of the butterfly shape. Cut it in half and unfold so you have a symmetrical butterfly shape to trace.
- Trace your butterfly shape onto the black construction paper or cardstock and cut it out.
- Inside your black butterfly shape, draw wing outlines, leaving a border around the edge and in the middle (where the butterfly’s body would be). Cut out the inside of the wings to create the frames for your stained glass windows. Set them aside for later.
- Take your butterfly pattern again and trace it onto the wax or parchment paper. Cut out the shape to make the “panes” of your windows.
- Mix 1 part water to 4 parts glue in a small cup and use the paintbrush to apply it to the wax or parchment paper. Stick pieces of tissue paper to the wax paper until it is completely covered. You can paint the edges of the tissue paper with glue to ensure they’re securely stuck.
- Stick the black butterfly frame on top of the stained glass butterfly wings. Apply extra glue if necessary.
- Let your butterfly dry and then hang it in a window that receives direct sunlight. Watch the colors get bright when the sun hits it!
Day Care in Bangor, Maine | Watch Me Shine
Whether your kids are at home with you this summer or in day care with us, the team at Watch Me Shine is here to support you! Contact us today to learn more about our programs and services.
