Coffee Filter Butterflies

Butterflies and springtime go hand in hand, as the emergence of these colorful creatures signals the arrival of warmer weather and blooming flowers. Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and butterflies are a perfect representation of this theme. As the weather warms up, butterflies emerge from their cocoons and begin to flutter around gardens and parks, spreading their wings and adding a touch of magic to the scenery. Butterflies and springtime bring joy and wonder to people of all ages, and their presence is a welcome sight after a long, cold winter. What better way to get ready for spring than to make coffee filter butterflies!

Coffee Filter Butterflies

Supplies

  • Coffee Filters

  • Washable Markers

  • Pipe Cleaners

  • Pony Beads

  • Gallon Size Ziplock Bag

  • Spray bottle filled with water

Directions

  • Flatten out a coffee filter on top of a gallon size zippered bag.  Draw random designs on the coffee filter with a variety of colors. Remember that color combinations next to each other on the color wheel will become muddy once blended – red and green; blue and orange; yellow and purple.

  • Remember that color combinations next to each other on the color wheel will become muddy once blended – red and green; blue and orange; yellow and purple.

  • Create two tie-dyed coffee filters for each butterfly. Stack fan folded coffee filters on top of each other, as pictured. Fan fold two coffee filters to create each butterfly.
  • Fold chenille stem in half and place coffee filters one-third from base.  Twist the bottom loop of the chenille stem. Twist once above the folded coffee filters, creating a tight section.

  • Leave a ½” loop and twist again to create the butterfly head.  Leave the antennae straight. Open and fluff out the wings of the butterfly.  Pinch at the ends to retain the folds. Thread a pony bead on the end of each antenna and curl into a swirl.

A special thanks to our friends at ‘Organized Island‘ for this easy and fun craft!