Folded Butterfly Painting

[30 Minutes]

Share the joy of your child's discovery when she opens this folded painting to see the beautiful butterfly she has created.

You'll need:

• paintbrush • tempera paint • square piece of construction paper

What to do:

1. Fold a piece of paper in half and cut it into the shape of half a butterfly.
2. Open the paper (butterfly) and invite your child to paint on one side of the fold.
3. While the paint is still wet, refold the paper.
4. Encourage her to rub the folded paper with her fist.
5. Again open up the paper and let the paint dry. Both sides will have an identical design. This is called "blot printing".
6. Ask your child to tell you something about her butterfly.
7. Decide where to hang the picture. She may want to hang it above a window so it can "fly".

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Tell me how you made your picture with two sides.
• What does it look like to you?
• What other shapes would you like to cut and do this same activity?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps introduce your child to a variety of artistic tools, mediums and techniques.