Zipline Butterfly

Create a symmetrical butterfly that will zip through the sky! My kids love using dot markers which are easy for younger children to create a colorful pattern. We hung the finished zipline on a tree, and had so much fun seeing it travel across the garden! This project can be enjoyed by one or two children for a fun-filled play date!

  1. Ages: 3 - 8

  2. <30 minutes

  3. Messy

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Materials you'll need

Step-by-step tutorial

  • Step 1

    Gather your materials!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 1

  • Step 2

    Cover your workspace. Fold the coffee filter in half and cut the top and bottom at an angle.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 2

  • Step 3

    Using dot markers, decorate the butterfly wings. 

    Photo reference of how to complete step 3

  • Tip

    Hold the marker down on the coffee filter for a couple of seconds to let the color bleed to the other wing.

  • Step 4

    Open up the butterfly to reveal a symmetrical design. Fold a pipe cleaner in half and twist it around the middle of the butterfly.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 4

  • Step 5

    Curl the ends of the pipe cleaner around a straw. Cut the straw to a length of about 3 inches (7.6 cm). Tape the pipe cleaner in place.

    Photo reference of how to complete step 5

  • Step 6

    Thread the straw through a piece of string. Hold each end of the string and move each one to make your butterfly flutter!

    Photo reference of how to complete step 6

  • Tip

    To make your butterfly move even farther, cut a long piece of string and find a friend to play with. Each of you can hold an end and move it up or down to make the butterfly move.

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