How to Make Beaded Butterfly Designs

Make a decorative butterfly craft using beads.

Beaded butterfly designs make charming spring and summer home or party decorations. When planning a garden- or bug-themed birthday party for your child, use sparkling, beaded butterfly crafts as enchanting celebration space decor. You can hang the designs from strings and display them in windows or any other place where the beads will catch light and create a dazzling prism. The colorful crafts also make thoughtful party favors and gifts for butterfly lovers.

Things You'll Need

• 18-gauge craft wire
• Wire cutters
• 6mm and 8mm (optional) faceted glass beads
• Needle-nose pliers

Instructions

1. Cut a piece of 18-gauge craft wire using wire cutters; the length will depend on the size butterfly you want to create.

2. Slide 6mm, or mix of 6mm and 8mm, glass beads onto the craft wire, allowing a 1/2-inch space at both ends. Choose beads featuring a variety of vibrant colors, such as yellow, orange and red. Pick faceted beads to make the craft more light-reflective.

3. Use needle-nose pliers to make small loops in both sides of the wire to secure the beads.

4. Bend the beaded wire into a butterfly shape, creating a center body and two equal-size wings on either side.

5. Connect the two end wire loops to hold the design together.

References

• Activity Village: Beaded Butterfly Craft
• Disney Family Fun: Dazzling Dragonfly