Caterpillar Becomes A Butterfly

Caterpillar To Butterfly Craft

The arrival of spring and summer in the garden brings many exciting opportunities for learning and exploration.

What's more fun and educational for kids than to create a caterpillar that becomes a butterfly?

While children are making their caterpillars and butterflies, you could also share your butterfly knowledge or ask them questions about some basic facts including: the butterfly life cycle, metamorphosis, special caterpillar food plants, butterfly anatomy (upper and lower wings), camouflage (scale colors), and the function of antennae.

This three dimensional garden craft is easy and fun for all ages!

HERE'S HOW:

MATERIALS wooden pinch-type clothes pins wooden popsicle craft sticks (colored) craft glue (dollar store small quantities work best for large groups) pipe cleaners colored tissue paper (approx. 5 in x 6 in sheets - cut in advance) small pom-pom balls plastic googly eyes paper towels (for fingers/clean-up glue)
INSTRUCTIONS - for caterpillar Glue pom-poms onto one side of the popsicle stick (about 5 pom-poms). Cut a piece of pipe cleaner for antennae and bend flat at middle, add glue to the flat bottom and insert after the 1st pom-pom (head) and the 2nd pom-pom (body section), hold a few seconds. Add two drops of glue to the head pom-pom and place googly eyes there. Set the caterpillar aside to dry while starting the butterfly.
INSTRUCTIONS - for butterfly Choose two sheets of tissue paper (for upper and lower wings) Pinch together in the middle to make wings, fanning out upper and lower, then feed into pinch part of clothes-pin. Reposition, fluff wings as desired. Place drops of glue on one side of clothes-pin butterfly wings and place caterpillar craft on top of the glue - CATERPILLAR BECOMES BUTTERFLY! Let dry, setting glue.
This craft was a big success, enjoyed by many children and parents during the San Clemente Garden Club's annual GardenFest & Plant Sale - a gift to the community.