◷ 35 minutes◎ Ages 6–11✦ Crafts
Quick start

Fold paper to make matching butterfly wings, layer smaller coloured wings, add a body and antennae, then decorate and display.

Finished example for Make a colourful layered-paper butterfly
Inspiration image: one possible finished result. Your artwork should be your own.
Your creative mission

What you will learn

Folding and layering paper can create symmetry, pattern and dimension.

Skills: Folding, symmetry, colour harmony and paper composition

Jump to picture steps ↓

What you’ll need

  • Coloured craft paper
  • Pencil
  • Safety scissors with adult supervision
  • Glue stick
  • Scrap paper for small decorations

Get ready: Protect the table. Prepare safe scissors, a glue stick and larger paper shapes for younger children.

Six-frame visual journey for Make a colourful layered-paper butterfly, ending in a colourful creative variation
Visual journey: use the numbered guide below for complete instructions. The final inspiration image is one imaginative variation, not a required result.
Follow along

Make it, one picture at a time.

Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.

  1. Stage 1 of 6: Choose colours, fold one sheet in half and prepare a pencil, scissors and glue. Ask an adult to help with cutting.
    STEP 01

    Choose colours, fold one sheet in half and prepare a pencil, scissors and glue. Ask an adult to help with cutting.

  2. Stage 2 of 6: Draw half a butterfly wing against the fold. Cut around the outline and open the paper to reveal two matching wings.
    STEP 02

    Draw half a butterfly wing against the fold. Cut around the outline and open the paper to reveal two matching wings.

  3. Stage 3 of 6: Cut smaller wing shapes in two contrasting colours and lay them over the large wings. Check both sides before gluing.
    STEP 03

    Cut smaller wing shapes in two contrasting colours and lay them over the large wings. Check both sides before gluing.

  4. Stage 4 of 6: Cut an oval body and two curved antennae. Attach the wings behind the body to make one butterfly.
    STEP 04

    Cut an oval body and two curved antennae. Attach the wings behind the body to make one butterfly.

  5. Stage 5 of 6: Add dots, hearts or shapes as a personal pattern. Press glued pieces gently, then allow the butterfly to dry.
    STEP 05

    Add dots, hearts or shapes as a personal pattern. Press glued pieces gently, then allow the butterfly to dry.

  6. Stage 6 of 6: Lift the wings very slightly for depth and display the finished butterfly. Explain one design choice you made.
    STEP 06

    Lift the wings very slightly for depth and display the finished butterfly. Explain one design choice you made.

Make it your own

Children can choose different wing shapes, colours or patterns. Adults should handle tricky cuts and any small parts.

Talk about it: How did folding help you make two similar wings?

Help a young artist learn

These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.

For parents and carers — teach together

Start together

Protect the table. Prepare safe scissors, a glue stick and larger paper shapes for younger children.

During the activity

Help fold and cut, but let the child choose their own wing colours and decoration.

Afterwards

Ask: How did folding help you make two similar wings?

For teachers — classroom adaptation

Learning focus

Folding, symmetry, colour harmony and paper composition

Demonstrate and guide

Demonstrate a single fold and a half-wing cut. Provide pre-cut wings as an alternative.

Observe, do not grade the artwork

Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.

Make it easier or take it further

Make it easier

Use a single paper butterfly with crayons instead of layered shapes.

Extra challenge

Try three different symmetrical wing patterns or a hanging mobile.

Keep creating

Build a colourful paper-collage city

Use cut-out shapes to invent a street full of imaginative buildings.

Make a movable paper character

Create a simple character with arms and legs that can be moved for storytelling.

Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.