DIY Project
About

Paper

Coffee filter butterflies

Tie-dyed paper butterflies made with markers and a spray of water, bright enough to fill a whole window.

Coffee filter butterflies
LevelBeginner
AgesWith grandkids ages 3 and up
Time30 minutes plus drying
Cost$2 to $6
SpringSummerDollar storeRainy dayGroups

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

How to make it

  1. Step 1: Scribble color on
    1

    Scribble color on

    Draw loops, dots and stripes all over a flat coffee filter with washable markers.

  2. Step 2: Spray it lightly
    2

    Spray it lightly

    Set it on a tray and mist it 3 or 4 times. Watch the colors spread and blend.

  3. Step 3: Let it dry
    3

    Let it dry

    Leave it about 20 minutes, or speed it up on a sunny sill.

  4. Step 4: Pinch the middle
    4

    Pinch the middle

    Gather the filter in the center like a bow tie.

  5. Step 5: Twist on the body
    5

    Twist on the body

    Wrap a pipe cleaner around the middle. Twist the ends up as antennae.

Edie's tip

Chunky markers are easier to grip than thin ones for both little hands and stiff ones.

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