Magical Watercolor Paper Roll Butterfly Craft (So Easy!)
If your little one loves butterflies, colors, and getting their hands a little paint-y, this toilet paper roll butterfly craft is an absolute must-try! It’s easy, adorable, and uses stuff you probably already have at home. Bonus? It’s a fun way to upcycle those empty toilet paper rolls instead of tossing them in the trash.
My daughter Lily is currently in her butterfly era (everything she sees with wings = instant excitement), so we had the best time making these together.
The wings? Hand-painted with watercolors! Every drawing looks fun and colorful, but watercolors give it that dreamy, soft look that makes these butterflies extra magical.
And let’s be real—giving kids a paintbrush and free rein is always a good time (for them, at least).
Ready to make your own? Here’s everything you need!
Materials
- Toilet paper roll (or a paper towel roll cut in half)
- Watercolor paper (or regular paper—we used normal printer paper, and it worked just fine! It might wrinkle a bit, but honestly, that just adds to the charm.)
- Watercolors + brush
- Colored cardstock or construction paper (for the butterfly’s body)
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners (for the antennae)
- Pom-poms (optional, but they make the cutest antennae tips)
- Glue (hot glue or regular glue)
- Scissors
- Markers (for the little smile and rosy cheeks)
- Rhinestones or stickers (optional, for extra sparkle)
How to Make This Paper Roll Butterfly Craft
Step 1: Paint the Wings
Give your little artist a sheet of watercolor paper and let them paint away! We went for soft pastels, but you can go bold, do rainbow swirls, or even add some glitter paint. Let it dry completely.
Pro tip: If patience isn’t a strong suit in your house (relatable), a hairdryer speeds up drying!
Step 2: Fold and Fan the Wings
Once dry, fold the paper accordion-style (back and forth like a fan). Then, pinch it in the middle and glue or staple the center to keep it together. Boom—instant butterfly wings!
Step 3: Make the Butterfly’s Body
Wrap a piece of colored cardstock around your toilet paper roll and glue it down. Now, stick on those googly eyes and use a marker to draw a tiny smile. If you’re feeling extra, add some pink blush to the cheeks with a little dot of paint or crayon.
Step 4: Attach the Antennae
Take a pipe cleaner, fold it into a soft ‘M’ shape, and glue it inside the top of the toilet paper roll. For extra cuteness, stick tiny pom-poms on the ends.
Step 5: Attach the Wings
Glue the wings to the back of the toilet paper roll. Make sure they’re centered so your butterfly doesn’t look like it’s flying sideways (unless that’s the look you’re going for).
Step 6: Add Some Sparkle!
This is totally optional, but a little bling never hurts! We added tiny rhinestones to the wings for that extra magical touch. Stickers, glitter, or even sequins work great too.
Why This Craft is Amazing
✔ Easy to make – even for little hands
✔ Great for fine motor skills (folding, painting, gluing)
✔ Encourages creativity – every butterfly turns out unique
✔ Eco-friendly – upcycles toilet paper rolls!
✔ Makes a cute DIY decoration (hang them up as a mobile or tape them to a window)
FAQ: Butterfly Craft Questions Answered!
1. What if I don’t have watercolor paper?
No worries! Regular paper works too. We actually used normal printer paper, and it worked perfectly! It might wrinkle a little, but that just adds texture.
2. Can I use markers or crayons instead of watercolors?
Absolutely! Watercolors create that soft, dreamy effect, but if your little one prefers crayons, colored pencils, or even stickers, go for it!
3. How do I make the wings stay open and not fold back in?
Try gently fluffing them out after gluing them down. If they still fold back, add a tiny dab of glue between the folds to keep them spread out.
4. Can I hang these up?
Yes! Just punch a hole in the top and thread some string through it. They look super cute hanging from a window or ceiling.
5. What’s a good age range for this craft?
Toddlers might need help with cutting and gluing, but kids ages 3+ can pretty much do this on their own!
Final Thoughts
This toilet paper roll butterfly craft is so simple, so pretty, and SO much fun to make with kids. Whether you’re doing a nature unit, a butterfly-themed birthday party, or just need a quick craft on a rainy day—this one’s a winner.
If you make these, I’d LOVE to see them! Tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment below. Let’s spread some crafty butterfly joy!
Like this post? Pin it to save for later!
