Frilly tissue paper butterflies are a beautiful decoration for summer and spring! In this quick paper craft DIY, we show an easy technique to create colorful and elegant butterflies using tissue paper and pipe cleaner. This project is great to do with kids, and, combined with paper flowers, you can create gorgeous wall arrangements.
More Paper Craft Tutorials
If you’re feeling crafty, please also check out these creative projects:
- DIY Tissue Paper Pom-Poms
- How to make a Gift Bag
- Giant Paper Dahlias
- Honeycomb Pom-Poms
- Swarm of Bats Wall Decoration
- Giant Paper Roses
- DIY Tassel Garland
- Paper Rosettes
More from the Belton Butterfly series
This tutorial is part of our Belton Butterfly series, which we created to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We’re incredibly grateful for all the support we have received and we invite you to take a look at these fun posts and tutorials:
Tissue Paper Butterflies Instructions
Frilly tissue paper butterflies are a beautiful decoration for summer and spring! In this quick paper craft DIY, we show an easy technique to create colorful and elegant butterflies using tissue paper and pipe cleaner.
Materials
- tissue paper
- thin wire
- pipe cleaner
Tools
- craft scissors
- pliers
- pencil
Instructions
- Cut and fold the paper. To make the wings, cut out 8 squares of tissue paper. You can make the square in various sizes, a size guide is listed below the video. Use different colors to create gradient effects. Neatly stack the paper squares so that all edges align and accordion fold the sheets in 1 1/2 cm increments (1/2 in).
Tip: To save time, cut multiple squares all at once. - Size guide for the paper squares
Small: 18 cm x 18 cm / 7 in x 7 in
Medium: 25 cm x 25 cm / 10 in x 10 in
Large: 35 cm x 35 cm / 14 in x 14 in - Customize the wings. Fold in half and use thin wire or thread to secure the butterfly in the middle. Customize the wings by cutting the edges of the folds into fringes, rounded or pointed shapes.
- Open the wings. Open the butterfly by gently separating the different sheets. Arrange and fluff the wings to your liking.
- Make the butterfly body. Fold a piece of pipe cleaner into a V-shape, and curl the ends around a pencil to form feelers. Twist the bottom of the body once. Then place the paper wings in the middle and twist the pipe cleaner one more time to secure the butterfly’s body in place. Use tape or ribbon to hang the tissue paper butterflies.
