How to Make a Simple Recycled Butterfly Project

In these days of recycling, crafters are looking for projects that incorporate this environmental consideration. Here is a way to recycle toilet tissue rolls, paper towel rolls and wrapping paper cardboard rolls. Size determines which one you choose.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Empty toilet tissue, paper towel or wrapping paper
• Cardboard rolls
• Glue
• Pipe cleaners
• Colored tissue paper cut in squares of any size desired
• Paint, markers or crayolas
• Stapler, scissors and pencil with eraser
• Scotch tape or clear cellophane tape
• White construction paper

1. After deciding if you want small, medium or large butterflies, cut the
   larger tubes to this size. The simplest is the toilet tissue roll, which is good for younger children to work with. Now, either paint the roll or use a dark marker or crayola to color it. If painting, let dry completely.

2. Cut various colors of tissue paper into 1-by-1-inch squares. If making one of the larger butterflies, increase to the size desired. Cut out the shape of a large figure 8 shape, leaving the center wide not narrow to form the wings.

3. Glue the tissue paper squares on each side of the figure 8, but not in the center. Colors can be used as patterns, specific designs or randomly placed. For a little more detail, wrap the tissue paper tightly around a pencil eraser first and then glue in place. For a 3-D effect, do several squares on top of each other of different sizes, or several stand up "flower" style with the eraser of different sizes, and glue inside of each other.

4. Take the painted tube and glue to the center of the figure 8 pattern for the body. Add eyes with marker or crayola. Take a regular sized pipe cleaner and bend in half. Staple the center inside the tissue roll above the eyes for an antennae. Curve the ends of the pipecleaner to look like feelers on each side. Cover staple with plastic tape to keep it flat. Put one large piece of tape over ends and stapled area to hold feelers securely. Hang with string from ceiling or staple to bulletin boards the body only for the dimensional look.

Tips & Warnings

• Assist with cutting for younger children. Flat tissue squares are best and easiest for younger children to glue.

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[presnick]

on 5/21/2008 This looks like a really cool project for kids, but it's hard without pictures.