Crafting with the girls often feels overwhelming to me.  Sometimes it can get really messy, and well, maybe a little stressful.  I want to do more of it with them, though, and I'm always happy when I find a way to do it that feels fun and enjoyable for all of us with minimal cleanup.  I was happy to work with ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers on these little butterflies that are a fun, quick, and simple project that can really bring a lot of color to your dining space (or hang them in a bedroom over a dresser for a fun punch of happy!) and is perfect for summer.

What you will need:

Astrobrights papers in assorted colors (I used Pulsar Pink, Plasma Pink, Lunar Blue, Terrestrial Teal, and Gravity Grape) | glue gun | googley eyes (this is a fun kit to have on hand!  It has a lot of different sizes) | scissors | clothespins | pipe cleaners | baker's twine | crayons (or markers, if you are feeling lucky) | washi tape (the mt brand is by far the best)

To assemble these guys, fold the paper in half, and cut out a butterfly wing shape and then unfold.  I just freehanded these, and you don't have to be too precise about it!  Let your little ones color designs on the wings if they wish, or color the clothespins.  I used hot glue to glue on the googley eyes, and then let them decide which wings go with which butterflies, and choose the "antennas."  Cut the pipe cleaners in half, and wrap the pipe cleaner antennas around the clothespin "neck" and twist in the back.  Then, hot glue the wings to the back of the butterfly.

To hang them, simply tie the baker's twine around the butterfly's "neck" and then attach to the ceiling with washi tape.  They look best when you have them hanging at varied lengths.  We have had these up for a couple of weeks, and they have held up great (you may just have to use a few pieces for the heavier clothespins)!

The girls love admiring their handiwork, and talking about the butterflies and naming them!

It's such an easy way to COLORIZE your summer using bright and happy Astrobrights papers!

Thank you so much to Astrobrights Papers, a line of vibrant color paper, for sponsoring this post.  I love working with sponsors who inspire and cultivate creativity!