Butterfly Bliss

Our summer art project

Tools needed

• Canvas (available at craft stores like JoAnn‘s and Michael’s)I used a 14×12 and a 16×20
• Paint brushes (depending on how big the canvas will determine the size you actually need)
• Paints (you can use watercolor, acrylic or tempera paint) I used Acrylic because I already owned some.
• White copy paper (you can also try colored copy paper to simplify process)
• Butterfly outline (I printing one from online and used it to make my butterflies) Feel free to use a butterfly hole puncher (it wasn’t in the budget for me, but it is a time saver).
• Additional Cup of water to water down the pain and clean off brush if desired. Newspaper to place over table.

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Painting pages soon to be butterflies

This process is pretty self explanatory. In the original instructions it says to paint horizontal lines with several colors, but I let my son paint  it however he wanted it with wich ever colors he wanted to use. His favorite color is Red so naturally everything needed to be red. I did work on one of the pieces myself so I did paint the white copy paper several colors as you will soon see. Again, do whatever you want, it’s your project.

 Painting the Canvas

Painting the canvas

While the copy paper dries (dries faster outside) you can start painting the canvas a solid color. Again, after the canvas is completely painted place it outside to dry (make sure it is free from debris falling on it).
Trace and cut butterflies

Tracing the butterflies

If you did not use a butterfly hole puncher (like me), it’s time to trace the butterflies. Depending on the age of your kids you can have them or you do the tracing and cutting of butterflies. Here’s a hint, find an outline that is simple and doesn’t have details on it to cut faster.

Glue butterflies to canvas

Now it’s time to glue the butterflies on to the canvas. You can use Tacky glue or a glue gun (works best). I suggest to fold and unfold each butterfly and place them precisely where you are planning to glue them. This will make it much easier as you make your way through each butterfly.

Final Results!!!

Done and ready to be hung in a very special place in your home (or given as a gift).  Above all, the end result isn’t nearly as important as the time spent with your kids creating something together so make it fun, make it your own…and make some memories.

Related articles

• Make a Stained Glass Butterfly (education.com)
• Butterfly (fluidbrisbane.com)

Tags: acrylic, art & craft, art project, Butterflies, Butterfly, Canvas, children, Hole punch, Michaels, Paint, parenting, summer fun, summer indoor activity, tempera paint, watercolors