Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
how to make clothespin butterflies
Print

Clothespin Butterflies

Learn how to make the coolest butterflies from clothespins! Easy to do with paint and just a few other supplies.
Course Kids Crafts
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 2 butterflies
Cost $5

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • You’re going to use the clothespins without the springs – so the first thing you need to do is remove them! Begin by twisting the two halves and removing one side. Then you’ll easily be able to remove the clip from the other half. Do this with 15 clothespins (per butterfly).
    Disassembling a clothespin and removing the spring
  • Before you start gluing, lay the clothespins out on the work surface so that you know how you want to glue them.
    Clothespins laid out in a butterfly shape
  • Once the butterfly is laid out, you'll use the craft glue to begin adhering the pins together. Start with the body in the center. Hold them together for a moment to make sure they are secure, then let them dry.
    Gluing two clothespin halves together to form a butterfly body
  • Once the body is glued, begin gluing the wings. Again, place the glue down, hold the pins together, and then let them dry.
    Gluing halves of clothespins together to form butterfly wings
  • Glue them two at a time, and then glue the pairs together as shown. Your butterfly is coming together!
    Gluing two clothespins together to form a portion of a butterfly wing
  • Continue assembling the wings until you have a wing on each side. Don't glue the wings to the body yet.
    Forming a butterfly wing out of clothespins
  • Select paint colors for the wings, bodies, and accents. I chose four colors total for each butterfly. Paint the body with one of the acrylic paint colors.
    Painting clothespins with black acrylic paint
  • Use a complimentary color to paint both of the wings. Let dry.
    Painting clothespin wings with pink acrylic paint
  • Add accent colors to the ends of both of the wings with smaller brushes. Let dry.
    Butterfly wing made out of clothespins and painted pink
  • Have you ever made dots with the end of a paintbrush? It's so easy! You'll dip in the paint and press down onto the surface. Then repeat (practice if you've never done it before). Add dots to the bodies as well (you can see what I did in the photos).
    Using the end of a paint brush to put dots on the wing
  • Glue the wings to the bodies using craft glue. Let dry.
  • To finish, cut pipe cleaners into halves and turn them into antennae. Use craft glue to adhere them to the side of the body at the head.

Video

Notes

You have a few options for finishing - you can paint with glitter Mod Podge or add wiggly eyes. I added those to the supply list just in case you were interested in using those supplies. It's up to you!