Butterfly Sun Catcher
[30 Minutes]
The oldest known butterfly fossils dates back to about 48 million years ago. Some of the butterfly fossils closely resemble the butterflies of today. The butterfly is native to almost every part of the earth except the oceans and Antarctica. For example there are about 6000 species in tropical Peru, while there are only 6 species in arctic Greenland. Create a unique type of butterfly art with tissue paper and starch.
You'll need:
• waxed paper • liquid starch (ADULT SUPERVISION) • paintbrush • scissors • tape • colored tissue paper
What to do:
- If possible, print out these directions. Read them through together before you begin.
- Together, gather everything you’ll need and always remember art safety.
- Invite your child to tear up different colored pieces of tissue paper into one-inch pieces.
- Let him dip a brush into liquid starch and spread it on a piece of waxed paper.
- Pick up one of the pieces of tissue paper and put it on the waxed paper so that it sticks.
- Repeat with different tissue pieces letting the pieces overlap. When they overlap, discover that a new color has appeared.
- Every so often, apply more starch.
- When the paper is covered with tissue paper, set it aside to dry.
- When it is dry, let your child fold the waxed paper in half and cut it into the shape of half a butterfly.
- Open and tape to a sunny window. Watch the light stream through the picture.
How to use:
You may want to give these butterflies as gifts during the holiday season or any time of the year.
Useful information:
"My stepmom and I love butterflies. We made a bunch of these and taped them in the family room window. It looks great!" (Josh, age 11)
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