Cute paper butterflies that you can use to decorate your home or as photography props. Learn how to make paper butterflies with our step-by-step tutorial and free printable template.
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Hello Craftaholics!
It’s been a while—did you miss us? We’ve missed you too! Today, we’re back with a light and joyful project: paper butterflies. These little wings of beauty are sure to brighten your day and spark your creativity.
But they’re not just pretty to look at. These paper butterflies are incredibly versatile! Whether you’re decorating your workspace, jazzing up a gift, or adding a whimsical touch to your walls, they fit right in. Plus, they’re perfect for seasonal décor—think springtime cheer or a touch of summer magic.
This tutorial is beginner-friendly, so anyone can join in on the fun, even kids! It’s a great way to teach them simple crafting skills while making something beautiful together.
The best part? You can create a set of two or three butterflies for less than a dollar! The cost will vary slightly depending on the type of paper you use, but it’s a wonderfully affordable craft.
Grab your supplies and our free template, and let’s bring these lovely butterflies to life! 🦋
How to Make Paper Butterflies
List of Supplies
Tools
- A pair of scissors
- Pencil
- X-acto knife
Materials
- Colored craft paper
- Colored cardstock paper
- Golden cardstock paper
- Craft glue
Free Paper Butterfly Template (Printable)
Here’s the free Butterfly Template; simply download, print and cut out the patterns to use them.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Patterns
Select colored craft papers or cardstock papers for the butterfly pattern. Try to use 3 different colored papers for each layer to give the butterfly pattern a vibrant look. Trace the template patterns on the selected papers and cut them out nicely.
Step 2: Apply Glue on Bottom Layer
Take the bottom layer (the large pattern) and apply a small amount of glue in the middle of the pattern. Take the middle layer (the medium pattern) and fold it in half to leave a crease.
Step 3: Attach the Middle Layer
Place the crease line of the middle layer on the glued part of the bottom layer. Make sure that they are attached nicely.
Step 4: Prepare the Top Layer
Take the top layer (the small pattern) and fold it half to leave a crease. Apply a small amount of glue in the middle of the medium (middle) layer.
Step 5: Attach the Small Pattern
Place the crease part of the small layer on the glued part of the middle pattern. Attach the patterns nicely.
Step 6: Attach the Body Part
Now, simply attach the body pattern in the middle of the top layer (small pattern) to complete the paper butterfly craft.
Tips for Beginners on Making Paper Butterflies
If you’re a beginner in paper craft, here are some tips you can follow to craft these paper butterflies.
- Try to use cardstock papers or thick craft papers for this craft.
- Keep the colors and patterns of each layer different and vibrant to give the butterfly a nice look.
- If you’re not handy with cutting neat paper patterns, you can convert the provided PDF file to SVG file to cut the patterns via Cricut.
- Use a regular white glue or craft glue to attach the layers.
We really hope that you liked our tutorial on how to make paper butterflies just as much as we likes crafting them. We absolutely loved how these paper butterflies turned out and tried to keep the tutorial as simple as possible. If you enjoy papercraft projects, here are some paper craft tutorials from our blog you might also like.
- DIY Frida Kahlo Doll
- How to Make Paper Beads
- How to Make a Beautiful Aster Flower Wreath
- How to Make Paper Basket
- How to Make Paper Roses
We would love to know your feedback, don’t forget to share it in the comments below. Share pictures of your version of the paper butterflies if you do give the tutorial a try. You can share your picture with the hashtag #craftaholicwitch on Instagram or Facebook or just DM your picture to us on our Instagram or Facebook page.
Happy Crafting!
