paper plates + paint + ziploc bags = butterflies

 Pretty Swirly Butterflies

all you need is:

paint

paper plates

ziploc bags

craft sticks

black construction paper

pick a few shades of paint

and put a dollop or so on the paper plate

then put the paper plate into a storage size ziploc bag

have the kids spread or "finger" paint the plate.

all the fun, without the huge mess.

for a bonus, kids can practice writing their letters in the paint as they mix the colors together.

try not to smear the colors all together - the paint will turn brown and not be as colorful.

take the plate out of the bag and set it aside to dry.

you should use a different bag per plate.

using black construction paper, trace and cut some bodies.

when the paint dries

cut the paper plates into cute butterfly shapes.

glue on the body

also glue a craft stick to the back of the butterfly

i recently made these with a pre - k class that i was subbing.

the kids loved them

and the butterflies came out super cute!

you can use this same method with a multitude of crafts.

it was so much fun

(i even made one)