DIY: Dancing Butterfly | Tinkerer Box Blog

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Dancing Butterfly

Stem Activities

Ages: 6-8

Less than 30 minutes

Grownup needed

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This fun craft project lets you create your own flying butterfly! Using simple materials and creativity, you can make a dynamic butterfly model that flaps its wings as you move the paper tube up and down, just like a real butterfly dancing in the air.

Materials Needed

Printable template paper
Coloured cellophane paper
White card
Coloured card
Double-sided tape
White glue
Scissors
Two split pins
Pencil
Ruler

An overhead flatlay image displays the materials for a craft project arranged on a light wood-grained surface. The materials include a sheet of pale yellow paper partially overlaid with a smaller sheet of white paper, a roll of clear tape, a white marker, a pencil, a pair of white-handled scissors, a pink straw, and a clear plastic ruler. These items are neatly laid out, suggesting preparation for a paper or DIY project.

Step-by-step tutorial

Step 1

Using a pencil, draw a 6cm x 4cm rectangle in the middle of the card paper - this will be the butterfly's body.

A pale yellow sheet of paper rests on a light wood-grained surface. A smaller rectangle is lightly drawn in the center of the paper, measuring 6cm by 4cm as indicated by lines and labels showing the dimensions. This image likely illustrates a step in a crafting tutorial, showing the planned size and placement of a cut or fold.

Step 2

Then use the marker pen to draw your favourite butterfly design.

A hand holding a black marker is coloring a butterfly drawing on a piece of pale yellow paper placed on a light wooden surface. The butterfly is drawn in black ink with details on its wings, and a rectangular section in the center of the butterfly's body is left uncolored. The hand is currently coloring the lower portion of the butterfly's right wing. Another hand is partially visible at the left edge, holding the paper steady. This image appears to be from a crafting tutorial or demonstration.

Step 3

Cut out the butterfly along the edges using scissors.

A pair of hands is cutting out a butterfly shape from pale yellow paper with white-handled scissors. The butterfly, drawn in black marker, is positioned centrally on the paper against a light wooden background. The left hand holds the paper while the right hand carefully cuts along the outline of the butterfly's right wing. A rectangular area in the center of the butterfly's body remains uncut. This image is likely part of a crafting tutorial.

Step 4

Fold the cut butterfly in half as shown.

Two hands manipulate a partially constructed paper butterfly against a light wooden background. The butterfly's wings are black with yellow markings and are being folded upward. The left hand holds the lower portion of the butterfly's body, while the right hand adjusts the top wing. The central rectangular section of the butterfly's body is yellow, serving as a hinge for the wings. This image appears to be a step in a paper craft tutorial.

Step 5

Fold the butterfly wings outward, hiding the body underneath the wings.

Two hands hold a completed paper butterfly craft against a light wood background. The butterfly, with black wings and yellow markings, is being held by its lower and upper wings. The wings are slightly raised, giving the butterfly a three-dimensional appearance. The image showcases the finished product of a simple paper craft project.

Step 6

Cut a 16cm length of drinking straw.

A pair of hands is shown cutting a light pink drinking straw with white-handled scissors. The straw is positioned diagonally across a light wood-grained surface. The left hand holds the straw while the right hand operates the scissors, in the process of cutting the straw. This image likely demonstrates a step in a crafting project.

Step 7

Next, cut a 3cm slit at one end of the straw.

Two hands are cutting a pale pink drinking straw with white-handled scissors on a light-colored wooden surface. The left hand holds the straw vertically while the right hand uses the scissors to make a cut a short distance from the top end. The focus is on the action of cutting the straw. This image likely depicts a step in a craft or DIY project.

Step 8

Roll the white paper into a tube and secure it with tape. Cut it to make a 10cm tube.

Two hands are beginning to fold a piece of blank white paper on a light wood-grained table. The hands are positioned at the bottom edge of the paper, starting to roll it upwards. The image suggests the first step in a paper folding activity or craft project.

Step 9

Cut a 4cm slit in one end of the paper tube.

Hands are using white-handled scissors to cut a white drinking straw against a light wood background. A black vertical line indicates a measurement of 4cm, showing the approximate length of the portion of the straw being cut. The left hand holds the straw, and the right hand operates the scissors. The image likely illustrates a step in a craft project where precise measurements are important.

Step 10

Now insert the butterfly body into the slit in the straw and secure the straw to the butterfly body with tape.

Two hands manipulate elements of a craft project on a light wood background. The left hand holds a short segment of a light pink drinking straw. The right hand holds a partially assembled paper butterfly; its wings are yellow and edged with black, and black antennae protrude upwards. The straw piece is being positioned near the butterfly's body, suggesting the next step in assembling the craft.

Step 11

Insert the paper tube with the slit into the straw, and attach the tube's slit to the butterfly wings as shown.

Two hands hold separate parts of a craft project over a light wood-grained surface. The left hand holds a white paper tube, flattened and slightly fanned at one end. The right hand holds a light pink drinking straw. The two items are positioned as if about to be joined together, likely the next step in assembling the craft.

Step 12

Now move the paper tube up and down, and watch your butterfly dance!

Two hands assemble a paper butterfly craft on a light wood background. The butterfly has yellow wings outlined in black, black antennae, and small black details on the wings. A flattened white paper tube, attached to a short pink straw, is being inserted through pre-cut slits in the butterfly's body. Clear tape secures the paper tube to the butterfly's wings. This image captures a stage in the construction of the butterfly, showing the process of attaching the body to the wings.

The Science Behind It:

The combination of the straw and paper tube works to support and drive the butterfly's wings. When you move the paper tube, the force from one end is transferred to the butterfly's wings, causing them to move up and down, making the butterfly appear to flutter and dance.

Who Are We?

We’re a passionate team of scientists, engineers, and educators dedicated to delivering hands-on fun. Our mission is to inspire creativity and confidence in the next generation of young innovators.