How to Make a Kid’s Butterfly Costume for Halloween

Supplies Needed

Printable butterfly patternsCardboard Utility Knife Acrylic Paint in two complementary tones (like light salmon and orange-red)Paintbrushes 2 1/3 yards of 2-inch-wide ribbon (straps)Glitter glue12 inches of 1/4-inch-diameter dowel Hot-glue gun Glue sticks 30 inches of 2-inch-wide ribbon (wand) Crafts wire Headband Two small twine décor balls or plastic foam balls

Step-by-Step Directions

Simple and low cost, this butterfly costume is the perfect do-it-yourself project. Swap out the pink and orange for your child’s favorite color to make this creation extra special.

Step 1: Make the Wings

Enlarge and trace the wings pattern onto folded cardboard; cut out. Paint both sides of wings the lighter paint color; let dry. Paint the wing outline, segments, and spots using the darker paint color; let dry. Cut two horizontal slits in the center of wings (slits should be parallel and a few inches apart). Thread ribbon for straps through the top slit from back then through the bottom slit from the front, making an arm loop; continue threading ribbon for second arm loop. Tie ribbon into a bow on the back.

Step 2: Make the Wand

Trace the star pattern onto cardboard; cut out. Paint star with lighter color; let dry. Brush glitter glue onto star; let dry. Hot-glue the star to the end of the dowel. Tie wand ribbon to dowel at base of the star.

Step 3: Make the Antennae

Cut two 7-inch-long pieces of crafts wire. Wrap an end of each wire piece around the headband ($5 for 8, Target) until secure. Hot-glue twine balls to loose wire ends and you’re ready to go trick-or-treating!