Butterfly wand

Step #1 get your stick bodies ready

Find some sticks and cut to length using a saw or secateurs.

• Use an anvil blade if cutting dead wood
• A finger width diameter and adult hand length makes a good size for a wand
• Larger diameter sticks will work better if you are planning to use nails/screws to add antennae or legs
• Choose shorter sticks if you want the body to be in proportion to the wings

Step #2 Mark out the butterfly wings shape

Create your butterfly shape freehand or make a card template to draw round.

Draw onto plain material/paper if you want to decorate the butterfly with your own design. Fabric works well as it will 'flow' like a butterfly's wings.

Prepare some marked out shapes ready to decorate for younger children.

Step #3 decorate the wings

Make a Brimstone Yellow and use a dandelion as a natural dye.

Or find other natural colours or fabric pens to colour your butterflies.

Step #4 cut out the butterfly wings

You can cut out the shape first or decorate first - whatever your preference - we did a bit of both!

Fabric scissors will make cutting through the fabric easier.

Step #5 hapa zome flower decorating (optional)

Take it further by using a hammer to create a lovely flower pattern (see our hapa zome flowers activity).

Step #6 adding antennae (optional)

More advance skills are needed for this optional step.

Use a hammer and nails or screw in screws to create antennae.

This is where a larger diameter body will help as when placed on it's end it will be more stable. A workbench and vice could be useful (see our guide to clamps & vices).

Step #7 Attach the wings to the body

We used a glue stick but you could use a nail/screw - making sure that the screw/nail won't poke out the other side!

Again, a large diameter body is needed if you want to try this method of attaching the wings.

Step #8 Take your butterfly for a tour of your setting!