There’s a reason why butterflies and childhood are often seen as synonymous. The metamorphosis from baby into child is much akin to that of caterpillar into butterfly; it’s a wildly drastic yet an utterly beautiful experience.

What could be more inspiring to a child than floating around the backyard while donning a pair of handmade butterfly wings?

The answer: the Butterfly Garden Pavilion!

Featuring nature prints and a ventilated part-mesh roof, your child will feel like they are frolicking in a mystical forest, surrounded by beautiful butterflies and lush plant life. It’s every childhood fantasy rolled into one attractive tent.

That being said, the best accoutrement to the Butterfly Garden Pavilion would be DIY butterfly wings, of course! They are not only budget friendly (hello, cardboard box!) but they’re super easy to construct as well. They make for the perfect summer activity for kids looking to get crafty (with minor assistance from an adult). Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

SUPPLIES:

  • Large cardboard sheet
  • Pencil
  • X-Acto knife
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • 1 Yard of Ribbon (at least 1″ wide)

Draw the outline of butterfly wings with a pencil and then trim out with an X-Acto knife (this is where adult supervision comes into play). Once the wings are cut out, begin painting.

Once the paint is dry, slice two 1″ vertical lines through the center of the wings. Take the ribbon and thread it from the back of the wings to the center and then tie off to create straps for the wings to stay on a child’s shoulders.

Finally, take the wings for a spin!

There are so many fun ways to decorate wings besides paint; your child could use markers, rhinestones, glitter, feathers, colored paper…the options are endless!

Just as no two butterflies are alike, there’s no limit to the design possibilities that your child can dream up for their very own wings!

May these butterfly wings inspire hours of magical play time!